Jan 1992

January 1992 rs 12 y- is. ; : ^s.TS January 1992 Volume 14 Number 7 EDITOR Jehangir R. P<*et MANAGING EDITOR Amavaz S. Mama EXECUTIVE EDITOR Parinaz M. Gandhi ASSISTANT EDITOR Roxana A. Mirza 3 Readers' Forum 12 Events and Personalities T I DESIGN Kranti Shilotri, Varghese Fernandez 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 16 Zoroastrians Abroad 20 Thus spake Parsis by Dr Bharati Modi 23 A new Anjuman Committee by August? by Arnavaz Mama 25 AIMZ: “Safeguarding the rights, privileges, benefit^..*' 29 Coomi Wadia: Voices in harmony by Gustasp Irani OFFICE Rajendra P. Nayak, Khurshid Panthaki, Patricia D'Silva, Bakhtavar Batliwalla, Nowzer Batliwala, Bindu Pillai, Sugatha S. Kurup 32 In the Company of Shiamak Davar by Jeroo Irani 35 Milestones I 39 In Memoriam I Cover: Illustration by Mickey Patel 1 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, ^mbay 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-E 7 for one year, Rs 475/US $ 20/UK £ 12 for two years (please allow six months or more from the time of publication); Air mail Rs 550ZUS $ 24/UK £ 14 (for Pakistan, Indian Rs 290) for one year, Rs 1,050/US $ 45/UK £ 26 (for Pakistan, Indian Rs 560) for two years. For Indian upcountry cheques add Rs 5 for bank charges; for US cheques add $ 5; for UK cheques add £ 3. Cheques and drafts are to be drawn in favor of Parsiana and posted to GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 or C/o H.L.Rochat, Navsari Chambers, ground floor, 39 A.K.Nayak Marg, Fort, Bombay 400001 f i- j I I •1 I I1 READERS’ FORUM «t > F t • • i- * i t ? » »»»'? is not based on any information or brief- “Women venerated and. ing of the Press by any source of the Dr Jafarey ’s article “Women venerated Bombay Muncipal Corporation; further and victimized ” (Parsiana, April 1991) is char dated November 3, 1991: “Accord- that they have examined the position and indeed very scholarly. In the same re- have found that these Eve agiaries lo- spect I would like to point out a very sig- cated in south Bombay are in existence nificant way the women were treated in group under the title ‘The Assembly of over the last 50 years and more and the the period after the fall of the Sassanian Friends of Zarathushtra ’ has been formed Corporation has neither the plans ncff the Zoroastrian Empire during sixth to 10th and has received considerable support intention to take any action of removal or century AD when there was a surge of from the Anti-Revolutionary Iranian es- demolition of such existing old structures Zoroastrian awakening. During this pe- capees (non-Zarathushtis) residing in as in this case. DtASPif.golwalla riod Rivayet-i-Hemit-i-Asawahistan was America. A Moslem by the name of ‘Dr ing to a report from the Central Bureau of Information in northern California, a Chainnin, Bnnbay Paiai Punchay^ riod Rivayet-i-Hemit-i-Asawahistan was written in the Pahlavi language in about Ali Akbar Jafarey ’ who has a doctorate the 10th century AD. The right granted to women as written in this Pahlavi Rivayet is quite unique as regime has assumed the responsibility of degree in literature and history from India and had an administrative job in the past Minority grievances The Indian Institute of Public Administra ­ tion (IIPA), Indraprastha Estate, Ring can be seen from the following questions this group. ” (This paragraph from T/ie 3 Parsiana January 1992 I ij 1 J s I II thy speech will be powerful to smite him The choice given is only between two who is not so...; thy deed will be powerful Bombay Samachar is part of a verbatim which of the ‘two paths* to tread. ” translation of the Bulletin of the Islamic ~ _ Parliament of Iran, as noted in The Sama- paths — the good path and the evil path, to smite him...* I leave the interpretation char report — Ed.) It has nothing to do with foresaking one*s The first thing to note from the above own religion just because one prefers to information is that this Moslem Ali follow another religion. Like one cannot from the Vishtasp Yasht, first brought to Akbar Jafarey has a doctorate from India choose one*s parents, one cannot choose the readers* attention by Ervad Darius in literature and history — and not in one*s religion — one is bom into it by the Sethna*s statement: “Let it be known that Avesta or Zoroastrian religion as we all master plan of the cosmos as per the de- the Avesta phrase geushmana (urine of are made to believe. (Parsiana, October sign of one*s destiny. the bull) is used as a means of purification 1991, pg 28 notes that Jafarey “obtained - - - -- - his doctorate in Persian literature from adulterates the wder of nature, by fore- ers*Forum, Parsiana, April 1991)-Ed.] Karachi ” — Ed.) saking his/her religion of birth — by in- Once again, what is amazing is that a publication like Parsiana which is sup- to Ervad Sethna. ” [The translation, as noted by Jafarey is One who pollutes, contaminates and in Vishtasp Yasht, paragraph 31” (Read- saking his/her religion of birth — by in- The second thing that becomes bla- termarriage or by conversion as propa- tantly obvious is that this self-proclaimed gated by Ali Jafarey — commits the para- posed to be a Parsi Zoroastrian magazine Muslim scholar is involved in a highly mount crime of creating disorder in the hopefully published in the interest of the dangerous pol^cal operation and using functions of nature, which reflects today Zbroastrian religion and the Zoroastrian the Zoroastrian religion to achieve his po- in our so-called modem ways of life. community, highlights without verifica- litical objectives. Now let us examine the jugglery of tion — “In his rejoinder to his critics the half-truths and untruths that Jafarey is author (Ali Jafarey) notes that in the only the Zoroastrian religion to achieve his po- Thirdly, his motive is to disttxl, ma­ nipulate, misinterpret and convert the capable of conjuring against our most reference to the use of gaomez (bull*s Zoroastrian teachings to suit his Muslim noble Zoroastrian faith. He states: “I give urine) outside the Vemtidad, Zarathushtra Iranian ‘Assembly of Friends of Zara- the translation by James Darmesteter in advises King Vishtaspa against its use. ” thushtra* and make it acceptable for them the Sacred Books of the East, Volume What a shame! OThe quotation from ‘to swallow the pill* when he illicitly con- XXIII: Darmesteter*s rendition of the Vishtasp verts them — possibly at substantial pe­ cuniary gain. Vishtaspa!... wash thy hands with water. When Dastur (Dr) Firoze M. Kolwal Dr Ali Akbar Jafarey refers to Yasna not with gomez and let thy son who will was consulted on this matter, he has given 30.2 where Asho Zarathushtra clearly be bom of thy wife, do the same. Thus the following explanation for Ali Akbar states... “and with illuminated minds thy thoughts will be powerful to smite Jafarey to ponder over — and the misled weigh them with care before you ‘choose* him who is not so (friendly to the law); Parsi Zoroastrian community to take note: XXIII: ‘Zarathushtra said: O young King Yasht is accurate -- Ed.) Vishtaspa!... wash thy hands with water. Steamship agents — master stevedores dubashes — lighterage contractors Darabshaw B. Cursetjee ’s Sons (Bombay) Pvt Ltd Oarabshaw House, Ballard Road, Bombay 4CX3O38 Grams: DEADWEIGHT Telex: 5824 DBCB IN Phone: 2610021 (4 lines) (Dock Office: 2612230) Also associates at Calcutta, Vishakhapatnam, Kakinada, Mangalore, Bhavnagar, B^i-port, Navlakhi, Veraval, Porbunder & Kandla Also sole Government Landing contractors at Jamnagar, (Bedi) Bhovnagar ( I 4 Parsiana January 1992e: “The Avestan sentence apo noit mass- cated to our religion. After all even tice is administered on the principle mana geush zasta (‘Wash thy hands with Zarthushtra himself held a discourse in (Yasna 43.5): Bad unto the doers of ted, water, not with gomez’} as translated by the court of King Vistaspa and did not good blessing unto the doers of good. Prof J. Darmesteter is a quote from the shout his opponents down. If I read my religion right, good larger and more comprehensive text con- Unless we are blinded by orthodoxy, thoughts, words and deeds are the hall- tained in Vendidad, ch 8, para 39. In order we have to agree that only the Gathas are mark of a good Zarthosti and anybody to comprehend properly the purport of the the direct message of Ztuathushtra. The who does not practise these is not a true above quote, one has to consider the prayers and ceremonials were evolved Zarthosti, even though he is bom to the whole matter beginning with para 37 to later. And the message of the Gathas religion and says his prayers daily. Con- 39, and not just a sentence in para 39. clearly states that it is your actions and vCTsely anyone who practises these pre- The three passages (37 to 39) allude to the actions alone that will earn you your due cepts is a good Zarthosti even though he method of purifying an unclean man in reward in the next world. is not bom to the religion and does not say three stages of purification after he has “That Path, O Ahura, of Vohu Mano, any prayers. By this test I would say that come in contact with a corpse on which which Thou hast pointed out to me — the Dr Jafarey is a better Zarthosti than the the ritual of sagdid (“gaze by the dog ”) teaching of the Saviws — namely that Ervad. has not been cerformed. The unclean (every) good deed (inspired) by Asha Finally I fully agree with Dr Jafarey ’s man has to un^rgo the cleansing process alone reaches afar, which (teaching is) advice in the last para. We Parsis are very in three stages: he should be purified with designed for the clear-sight^, (leading) i^orant about our religion and past gomez only for the first and second time, to the Reward, O Mazda, of which Thou history. While discussing the topic of “ ¦ ¦ ¦ conversion, two elderly Parsi women at different times made the same query. We have a symbolic pocket in the front “Did not Zarathushtra convert somebody in the beginning? The Muslims? ” I won- _________ _ der how many other Parsis think simi- 5 to his translation when the emdite Arda VirerfNameh (original Pahlavi text, larly. And I don ’t blame them. Nobody scholar states that ‘this is an allusion to translated into Gujarati by Dastur K. J. ever told them. homibagwala the Barashnum Purification (Vendidad, JamaspAsa — Bombay 1902), in chapter ch 8, para 39). The unclean man washes 32 we read, “I saw the soul of a man (in I want to protest against the action and himself with gomez first and with water hell) whose entire body was being bitten writings of Dr Ali A. Jafarey (‘/The Puri- last. ’ This foomote has been deliberately by noxious creatures, with the exception fying Prescriptions, ” Parsiana, October suppressed by Dr Jafarey whose interpre- of his right leg. I inquired as to the nature 1991) who I understand is a Pakistani tarin n of the Avestan text of the Vishtasp of his sins to which Holy Sarosh and An- Muslim having little knowledge of our Yasht is both unscholarly and mischie- gel Adar replied that on earth, he never Mazdayasni religion. vous. Its Pahlavi translation and commen- did any go^ deeds, but once with his I have also to inform you that this ** tary by the learned Dasturs of Iran do not right leg he had pushed a bundle of hay Muslim has taken upon himself to convert substantiate Dr Jafarey ’s baseless conten- towards a bull (ti^ to a stake). ” others into our M^dayasni 2^roastrian tion (see B. N. Dhabhar ’s Translation of Khordeh Avesta, pg 372-74).” Since now we are all aware of the real on pg 138, “Among these spiritual ele- motives and purpose of Dr Ali Akbar ments, Avesta urvan, Pahelvi ruvan, promote the actions and the blasphemous Jafarey, we must leave him to carry on with his own political pursuits — but not at the cost of abusing the Zoroastrian reli ­ gion and endangering innocent Zoroas ­ trian lives. Ervid DAKIUS N. SETHNA cated to our religion. After all even geush zasta (‘Wash thy hands with Zarthushtra himself held a discourse in reward in the next world. “That Path, O Ahura, of Vohu Mano, I J cei laen srformed. The unclean (every) good deed (inspired) by Asha ~ , to the Reward, O Mazda, of which Thou history. While discussing the topic of and not with water. For the third time, he art the destined Goal ” (Yasna 34.13, Tar- should be cleaned with water only and not aporewala). with gomez, to which the quote from Vishtasp Yasht alludes. Prof Darmesteter top of our sudreh to remind us that we has made this abundantly clear in footnote have to collect our good deeds in that. In suppressed by Dr Jafarey whose interpre- of his right leg. I inquired as to the nature tation of the Avestan text of the Vishtasp of his sins to which Holy Sarosh and An- ever told them. towards a bull (tied to a stake).' Dastur Hormazdyar Kayoji Mirza in religion. Ahura Mazda will punish him his book The Zoroastrian Religion says for this action. I am surprised that Parsiana seems to ‘soul, ’ is the spiritual self of man, and it writings of this Muslim. is, therefore, responsible for the action bahadurshahk.dalal done by man in this life. After a man passes away, the soul remains in this Although serious religious education or world fOT three days and nights pondering comment has unfortunately never really and brooding over the actions done during been Parsiana's area of expertise, the Kudos to Dr Ali Jafarey for his dignified its lifetime in this world. The soul experi- saving grace used to be a by-and-large and scholarly refutation of Ervad Darius ences joyfulness for good deeds done, and impartial stance when this newsmagazine Sethna ’s criticism of his item on the use misery for bad deeds. At the dawn of the ventured to dive into religious waters. For of gaomez (“The Purifying Prescrip- fourth day, the soul travels to the spiritual some time past, however, one regretfully tions, ” Parsiana, October 1991). Anyone world. The daena ‘religious conscience ’ observes a steady shift away from that who has read about our religion and its or kerdar, ‘representation of action (in sensible editorial policy, with a distinct history will agree with most of what Dr life), ’ conf^ronts the soul in the form of a tilt in coverage and patronage towards the Jafarey has said. The Ervad cannot just maiden. If the soul ’s actions in life were heterodox (miscalled “refOTmist ”) lobby, dismiss Dr Jafarey as a meddler. The fact good, pious and benevolent, the daena The probable turning point was symbol- is that it is non-Parsis who have made appears blissful and cheerful, and the soul ized by the very title “An injustice at deep scholarly studies into our religion experieiKes heavenly bliss. On the other doongerwadi ” which Parsiana (August and its history and revealed to the world hand, if the soul ’s actions were wicked, 1990) used for its reporting of the Roxan its grandeur - research which few Parsi the daena ai^)ears frightful and scolding, Darshan Shah tragedy. That title plainly scholars can boast of. It behoves the Er- and the soul experiences misery and dis- inferred a “full stop ” and was therefore a vad to be dignified and restrained and not malign or vilify a scholar who is so dedi- and the soul experiences misery and dis ­ tress as never before. The soul appears judgement pronouncement, instead of before a heavenly tribunal, and divine jus- cwrectly ending in a “question mark ” to 6 Parsiana January 1992•The succeeding verse (i.e. Yasna 3Q3) states: “The first created were the Spirits w Can it be any clearer that the “choice ” tread — deciding man by man, each one between the “Two Paths ” is placed wholly and solely within the context of We must indeed weigh with illumined the “two ^irits ” or “twin mainyus? minds the true letter and spirit of our Spenta Mainyu is the good qririt, force or »** duly recognize the reality of community that his “religious preference ” (i.e. his its Mazda did create... ’ opinion being sharply divided on what apparent “conversion ” from Moham- was certainly a controversial subject, medanism to Zoroastrianism) was made Whither the objective attitude and bal- “so easy ” for him, thanks to “the divine Twain... in each thought and word and anced journalism we had come to expect? choice given by Asho Zarathushtra ” in deed these two are ne ’er agreed; — one ’s The partisan tilt is coming to a head Yasna 30.2 of the holy Gathas. To try to Good, the other Bad [here. Dr Tarapore- with Parsiana’s visibly enthusiastic justify his notion, he then proceeds to pro- wala provides the following footnote; “adoption ” of Dr Ali Akbar Jafarey as vide us its excellent translation by the late ‘Known in Zoroastrian Theology as some kind of in-house religious mentor. Dr Irach Taraporewala; “Hear with your Spento Mainyu and Angro Mainyu (or strikingly evidenced by granting him the ears the Highest Truths I preach, and with Ahriman) ’] arid of these Two the Wise do signal and dispropotionate luxury of illumined minds weigh them with care, choose aright..' nothing less than a full-fledged article before you choose which of Two Paths to (“The Purifying Prescriptions, ” Parsiana, October 1991), conspicuously aided with for each... ” (italics mine). Parsiana's own annotations, to defend himself against criticism that had ap­ peared in the form of just a letter (Read- Prophet ’s sublime words if we are to mentality, while Angro Mainyu is its evil ers ’ Forum, f^rsiana, April 1991). avoid spiritual howlers, and the first step opposite. Accordingly, the corresponding It is necessary to remind readers that in this direction is to accurately place “two paths ” are the path of good and the Dr Jafarey is quite a controversial figure Yasna 30.2 and its famed declaration of path of evil, and Asho Zarathushtra asks here and overseas, and that his persuasive human free will (freedom of choice) into us to choose between these two. He ex­ style and professorial tone should not be- the context specified by Asho Zarathush- horts us to exercise our powers of dis- guile us into taking for gospel all he has to tra alone. A lode at just two verses on ei- crimination, through our own freewill, to say. A glaring example that must ur ­ gently be set straight is his persistent at ­ tempt to twist the meaning of Yasna 30.2 text (translation by Dr Taraporewala; ital- unrighteousness. Man ’s freedom of out of context and woo the unwary into ics mine): choice is thus an ethical decision between swallowing the story that Asho •The preceding verse (i.e. Yasna 30.1, the forces of light and darkness, a moral Zarathushtra himself advocates a choice which is the first verse of chapter 30 and choice between the right and the wrong, of religion. indicates its scope) states: “Now unto ea- By what mental jugglery, leap of imagi- In his article. Dr Jafarey informs us ger listeners will I speak of the Two Spir- nation or contorted argument can so sub- tra alone. A lode at just two verses on ei ­ ther side of Yasna 30.2 should be more make the wise choice between good and than sufficient to establish its correct con- bad, truth and untruth, righteousness and For Pure Diamonds JEWELLERS 324, Grant Road, Bombay 400007. Telephone 371483 Fax 3099648 APPOINTED VALUERS BY THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA 8 Parsiana January 19921 limely simple a matter be tom out of its religion and form their own new religion sonally feel). But my daughter was bcm specified and exclusive context of the to suit themselves. a Parsi Ztvoastrian, remains and contin- twin mainyus and dished up as a “choice of religion ” to suit persontd convenience Cult ’ (so-called reformists) and with the pret dogma to take her birthright away, or pet preconceptions? help of self-proclaimed prophets like Ali And with tongue even more firmly in The attempt to transpose the freedom Jafarey, Kersey Anda and Ms McIntyre cheek, may I hope it will not take the of moral choice between good and evil create a new Ckder of Reformist Zoroas- many years of my two instances for prac- into a license for religious flow-crossing trians — with their own places of wor- is sanctioned neither by Yasna 30.2 ship, resting places fw their dead and nor by elementary spiritual common rules and regulations to suit their needs, sense. Those who persist in spreading the The WZO may provide a perfect platform misconception that the divine choice to launch such an enlightened faith, given by Asho Zarathushtra is intended j.colah for religious preference should realize that this is tantamount to saying that all The relevance of religion religions besides Zoroastrianism are I follow avidly your reader correspon- is a Parsi, I wish to learn everything about treading the path of evil in the clutches of dence and your own articles on ‘reform. ’ the people, the culture, the worldwide Angro Mainy^. I am not a ^eologian but time is the great community and the religion which will be In the final analysis, it is not what reformer. I am 58 now but let me, tongue my children ’s inhwitance. Jafarey or Khan or anybody else says that firmly in cheek, mention two memories of “ matters — all that counts is what Asho 45 years ago in Bombay. Zarathushtra himself has to say, and this we should find out by and for our own selves, “man by man, each one for each. ” To this end, I am providing at my own ther hovered with a shout and checked be the greatest and loftiest religion the expense 10 xeroxed sets to Parsiana of that we did our kusti prayers. There were Dr Irach Taraporewala ’s excellent trans- no nights; just nightmares. The old man lation (out of print, I believe) of all 11 slept lightly. And was automatically came convinced of the truth and exciting verses of Yasna 30, in full confidence that awake at any hour to insist a toilet visit possibilities of the teachings of Parsiana's office will kindly co-operale meant lights on, hands washed and kusti Zarathushtra. * in this small but valuable public service done (loud enough for him to hear). The Prophet gave us all the-foundation by passing on one set each to the first 10 readers requesting a copy. I suggest that Brig Grant join the'Cama ues so. I do not think any one can inter ­ help of self-proclaimed prophets like Ali tical ‘reform ’ to become natural. MANEKDAVER Tokyo, Japan Parsiana is an interesting, funny, illumi ­ nating and sad window to the community into which I have married. I am a ctmveit to Zoroastrianism and since my husband Far from wishing to dilute rituals, tra ­ ditions and prayers as some intolerant I spent summer holidays ‘up country ’ bigots think incomers like myself want to with a cousin and his grandfather. Each do, I want to see, know and help to re ­ time any one went to the toilet, grandfa- kindle the foundations of what I believe to world has ever known. I would like it if half the people in the world or more be- RONI K. KHAN Natik The other memory was on visits to find for a better way of living and any fool can one of the ladies on a separate bed, read- see that the world needs that. What has ing but without touching a newspaper and happened to make Parsis so selfish and. , so on. Scheduling a wedding date could blind to the virtues of their own religion have used a computer, the ‘dates ’ of so that they want it to die with the communi- I wish to refer to Brig N. B. Grant ’s letter have used a computer, the ‘dates ’ of so that they want it to die with the communi- “The Purifying... ” (Parsiana, September many ladies had to be checked, plotted, ties of India and Pakistan? How sad it is 1991). forecast so many months in advance, with to read how these self-proclaimed Zoroas- One would safely assume that Brig allowances for irregularities. And yet trians fight over the moribund body of Grant, being an army officer, must be each wedding ‘missed ’ some of the key their own religion! fully aware of the fact that there are cer- ladies. Converts like myself don ’t dilute the tain rules, regulations, traditions and dis ­ ciplines which have to be followed and at — that exceptions or deviations would thusiasm, like fresh fuel on a sinking fire, observed by one who is in the army — lose any Zoroastrian his/her Zoroastrian When the ashes cool they are mingled and regardless of how he feels, approves or birtbright Today, I wonder what htqj- indistinguishable, the old wood and the disapproves of the same. pened to these strong ‘practices ’ of our new. MiTeeoolvala Similarly, one who claims to belong to faith. Weaker bladders, smaller homes, - London,uk a particular religion or sect, also has to more working women, the good fortune follow and observe certain rules, regula- to get a ‘baug ’ for any day at all — what It saddens me to hear about the internal tions, traditions and ,prescriptions as per else!!! ' bickering and arguments about religion the practices of that particular faith — re ­ gardless of whether one approves or dis ­ approves the fundamental tenets or any passing and the foolish theological argu- concerned. part of it. ments of what comprises a continuing The Zoroastrians involved get so fed Surely Brig N. B. Grant could not have Zoroastrian. My daughter — coinciden- up with arguing with the mobeds that they walked about in a naval uniform being in tally also named Roxana — is most hap- just say “to hell with you and your reli- the army — no matter how strongly he pily married. Her husband brings great gion. ” No wonder the number of Zoroas- felt about wearing a nice clean white na- joy, hairiness and credit not just to trians is diminishing. You cannot have val uniform. Roxana but to both families. That he is of your cake and eat it. Thus, it is obvious that people like a different faith makes no difference to ucd(Dr)BEHROoziRANi Brig Grant, who disapprove of their own the couple or to the families. We realize Nonhumberiuid.UK religious customs, traditions and rituals their children will not be accepted as Par- should leave that particular order of their sis in Bombay (this too will change, I per- ladies. I was solemnly told — rather shouted religion but txing a new zeal, a new en- new. So please imagine the sadness with and those marrying out of the religion and which 1 read of Roxan Darshan Shah ’s the resultant ostracism of the Zoroastrians Edited by Anuvaz S. Mama 10 Parsiana January 1992Events and Personalities Youth Federation born Fifteen youth wings are the founding who continues to profess the Zoroastrian members of the newly formed Federation religion. ” of the ZoToastrian Youth Associations (FOZYA), informs its first president duly constituted Zoroastrian youth asso- session and choreography. The interest- Jehangir Bisney from Secunderabad, ciations and duly formed youth wings of ing topics taken up for debate were ‘All Conceived at the youth festival in Secun ­ derabad in 1990, the all-India body finally 50. Zoroastrian youth associations regis- took birth at the Fifth All India Zoroas ­ trian Youth Conference in Nagpur on Novembers, 1991. ‘‘To encourage and promote increas ­ ing contact, cooperation, cordiality, unity council consists of president Bisney, vice fluency of their delivery and their use of and solidarity amongst the Zoroastrians president Poms K^*anjawalla of Ahme- the cmcial one minute. Color vibrancy in general and Zoroastrian youth in par- dabad, honorary secretary Ms Mehema- and movement were provided in the cho- ticular, ” is the first aim spelt out in vaz Parakh of Hyderabad, honorary treas- reography event when the teams had to . FOZYA’s memorandum. FOZYA’s 11 aims and objectives are modified ver ­ sions of the 23 enshrined in the memo ­ randum of the Federation of Parsi Gandhi of Delhi. The council is empow- advance. Zoroastrian Anjumans of India (FPZAI). ered to coopt five members at the most. In addition to promoting fratamity. In addition to the six bodies represented pate in all the three events or two of them. FOZYA will focus on solving youth prob- on the council, the other groups enrolled On the basis of their overall performance, lems, safeguarding executive and legisla- with FOZYA are from Ahmednagar, the Shiavax Nargolwala Rolling Troirfiy live privileges, spreading knowledge of Bhqial, Calicut, Jabalpur, Jamshedpur, went to Spring Dales School Dhaula Zoroastrian religion and culture, and im- Jhansi, Madras, Surat and Thana. FTes- Kuan, The Army Public School came sec ­ proving the general welfare and fabric of ently FOZYA’s registered office is care ond and St Columba ’s School, third, the community. FOZYA will not how- of Bisney, 46, Shama Apartments, 138/1, Prizes in the fonll of dinner coupons ever “engage in agitational activities to Prenderghast Road, Secunderabad gifted by Holiday Inn, Ashoka Hotels and ventilate their grievances, ” it has been 5(XXX)3. Nirulas were ^sented by Ms Nergish certified in the memorandum. , Nargolwala, widow of the late stalwart. The autonomy to member anjumans. Memorable competition The panel of judges included TV person- the membership criteria clauses and the The competition proved to be a chai- ality Bhaskar Bhattacharjee, stage actor zonal constitution of the executive coun- lenge not only to the 138 participants but Amir Raza Hussain, ballet teacher of the cil make FOZYA ccmceptually akin to also to the 16 members of the organizing Delhi School of Music Ms Gillean Ryan, the FPZAI though the modalities may team who conducted the first Shiavax and social scientist Ms Ava Khullar, the differ. However, unlike the FPZAI which Nargolwala Inter-School Cultural Com- release informs, encompasses Parsi Zoroastrian anjumans petition. It was the youth committee of performance of the navjote ceremony and notes a press release from the Anjuman. The six teams that participated were judged on their performance in three Membership to FOZYA is open to events — debate, JAM (Just a Minute) anjumans on an annual subscription of Rs women want women ’s liberation until the waiter brings the bill ’and ‘To cure tered outside India will be admitted as a headache, cut the head. Is it the best al- liaison members on annual payment of temative? ’ In t^e JAM session, the com- US $ 20, according to their rules. petitors were judged on the humcffous The seven-member first executive content of their extempore speeches, the urer Sarosh Palkhiwala of Poona, and dance to the music provided and coordi- members at large Rukshad Bhagwagar of nate their steps to epitomize a student ’s Nagpur, Poms Debara of Agra and Homi school life — the theme intimated in The schools were permitted to partici- Road, “ ~ J ¦¦ ’ " Under chairperson Ms Sanaya Nari- of India, thereby including both the race the Delhi Parsi Anjuman (DPA) which man and chief organizers Homi Gandhi and the religious connotations, FOZYA shouldered the responsibility of the eve- and Rohin Marker, the enterprising has drqiped the racial connotation from ning ’s events on September 20 last year youths organizing the show pooled in its title. FOZYA’s definition of a Zoroas- to keep alive the memory of the late Shi- their efforts to raise Rs 23,800, largely by trian is “a person who has been initiated avax Nargolwala, the erstwhile dynamic way of advertisements in the souvenir into the Zoroastrian religion through the president of the DPA for oyer 25 years, brought out on the occasion. The coopera- 12 Parsiana January 1992E •1 tion from the senior members of the Judicial elCVatlOn gave a remarkable performance at the Anjuman has also been acknowledged. At 44 years of age, Sarosh Homi Kapadia Fifth World Under-21 Snooker Champi- The surplus of nearly Rs 4,000 will be has already been appointed judge of the onships in Bangalore, last July and be- used to set up a youth fund under the con- Bombay High Court, and that too without came fourth seed fw the knock-out stage, trol of the DPA Youth Committee, adds any prior judicial posting in the lower The junior and senior Bihar state cham- the release. courts. His earlier law practice fw 16 pion. Registrar was among the 28 mem- years in the Bombay City Civil Court, bers of the Indian team who got a chance Luncheon donation Bombay Small Causes Court, Motor Ac- to test their skiUs with world profession- First they ate. Then it was time to donate, cidotts Tribunal, Bombay High Court and als at the 14-day event, according to a At a luncheon co-hosted by Ms Perin and also the Supreme Court, qualified him for write-up in the Jam-t-Jamshed of July 21, Eruch Munshi and Ms Mehroo and Lovji this appointment made by the President of 1991. The other Zmoastrian to partici- Cama in New York, members of the com- India R. Venkataraman in October ’91. pate, in this mee^ w^ former ^-Parsi munity were treated to a hearty repast af- L. ________ . ' generously. From the proceeds collected, nicipal corporation, the Bombay Electric Udwada ’Anjuman, gratefully acknowl- ters as diverse as labor, constitution, rent, on the national snooker front, ” writes Ms edges Dastur Kaikobad Dastoor. The taxation and land revenue, funds will be used for the jviests, the Kapadia has benefitted nas^ssalars and the laity in Udwada, he from the tutelage of the informs. late advocate Firoze The other anjumans to benefit from the Damania who had played largesse of the North American Zoroastri- a significant role in mold- ans were Surat and Navsari. The generosity of certain groups like the Zoroastrian associations of Greater New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Greater Boston Area and the Iranian 2toroastrian Anjuman have in particular been recorded by Dastoor. Congi*ess compendium “The fruitful and happy bridges between Indian and international scholars ” that were erected at the International Con ­ gress of Iranologists in early ’89 were sought to be restrengthened with the pub- Kapadia (left): Bombay High Court lication of the proceedings by the organiz- appointment ers, the K. R, Cama Oriental Institute Registrar (right): Bihar snooker champ (KRCOI), last year. The contents will serve to refresh the memories of those ing Kapadia ’s career, reads his curricu- present at the meet; and the others could lum vitae. Prior to that it was the legal lu- benefit from reading about the insights minary Rustom Gagrat who had encour- shared at the Congress. aged him to join the legal profession and Titled International Congress Pro- whose advice he sought when confronted After completing his schooling from St Mary ’s, Kapadia had joined Jai Hind Col- ______________ lege. Wliile in his first year he had also Eight pages of coltx photographs recap- taken up a job to ease the family ’s finan- ture the highlights of the deliberations, cial burden. Working as a clerk with B. J. Additionally some black and white photo- Private Limited, his employers, particu- India R. Venkataraman in (October *91. He has appeared on behalf of public champion Merzi Kalianiwalla of Bom- ter which they wore requested to donate sector corporations like banks, the mu- bay. ____ ; 7__J ____ 2___Registrar looks “even youngw than his one-third,^Rs 1,263? was donated to the and Supply Transport (BEST) and in mat- almost 21 years and yet he has made it big late shared at the Congress. ceedings, the 282-page book features the with the intricate nuances of law. 24 papers present^ at the four-day pro ­ ceedings in their entirety, from the inau ­ gural address to the valedictory session. ture the "highlights of the deliberations, cial burden. Working as a clerk with B. J. Additionally some black and white photo- Private Limited, his employers, particu- graphs and illustrations serve lo visualize larly the managing director Nanabhoy the contents to the mid 1950s! It was then, when I was tion, leading to death.) surrounded by all the Manis and Mandcs, 1 . _ Pilloos and /doos, and 2^arecns and Jhan- minority groups of India. They migrated correct grammar, all through its history, gus of St Xavier ’s College of Bombay, to India from Iran in 7(X)-8(X) AD to es- that my interest in Parsi Gujarati (PG) c^ Arab persecution and to preserve Sound system was aroused. I wondered what it was that their Zoroastrian faith. When they ar- The most conspicuous aspect Middle Gujarati search for the reasons for such a sound for them! —> New Gujarati. Today Gujarat has system one must look back into history. I was vCTy curious to know about the three non-Hindu ethnic groups: Parsis, When Patsis came to Gujarat, they mfUn peculiarities of PG. Unfortunately, 30 Bohris and Christians. The Bohris and have spoken Pahlavi. History bc^ red-, years passed by before I could seriously Christians are the late converts and had ord tW Parsis were given permission to work on this language. There are two all along spoken Gujarati prior to their stay in Gujarat by king Jadi Rana on two reasons why I did commence research in conversion. But Parsis love to talk and conditkms, (me (rf which was that they this area: One is totally non-academic, they have created a wonderfully lively give up their language and take the local bom out of natural human curiosity and dialect of Gujarati. language. But, in any case, even wtfhout the second is purely academic. Being a For this non-technical p^r I have not this condition, the consequences would Gujarati and in the field of linguistics, it compared the grammars of PG and SG. have been the same because no commu ­ nity can settle in a foreign land without establishing linguistic affinity, although the shift from their own hngcu^ to the other must have taken a long time. We don ’t have any’written record of that pe­ riod. The available Parsi records which are all religious were done in a later pe­ riod and are written nt CHd Gujarati (OG). This tangi|ige ws similar to the language used by Hindu writers of that period. But there are some indications which show that sounds were changed. It is obvious that these wrtoen records were thewoik of scholarly priests who must have taken care to write is important for me to study this dialect before it becomes extinct — to catch the | bus before it is too late. [Here the PG Of i Bombay Parsis is considered to be the i representative dialect of Parsis. Else- | where (the largest number next to Bom- I bay is mainly in Gujarat), being in a neg- I ligible minority, their dialect shows the | signs of ‘dilution* of its main features.] | Most Parsis may not like the word ex- | tinct but scholars and writers of Gujarati | who have given some thought to this as- | pect will agree with my observations. | For this paper I have discussed only | two issues of common interest: What are | the characteristics of PG that make it so | different from Standard Gujarati (SG) and why is it different? What makes me p conclude that it is ‘dying? ’ (Here the term I *- 7 W£I2EU£$ PAR^£N6U^H With a grief '5EM0WP * •! lUIVC UUWll V«U«^ »V WlltV in OG. The sound in these w(Mta in ^^icaie that they had not acquit- J^ed Gujarati sounds as yet. 20 Parsiana January 1992 9i: S; k There are a lot of sound similarities between Parsi Gujarati and Dubla Gujarati Highly creative Parsis are highly creative at a linguistic level. The speakers have a tremendous capacity to make PG lively, by using wonderful analogies, by constantly redu ­ plicating the words, by using abuses and out of the ‘h ’ sound. Parsis have interest- Abuses -- in modem writings ~ dukkar ingly acquired this feature and they even muvo, muvo andhro bariyo chi — besha- indicate this by writing *h’when the into- ram margho‘ , ' Abuses - in old writings - hetanni jani. One very conspicuous feature of spo- kali kutarni vandri‘ . These are just a few examples, out of “Persianization ” Parsis are highly expressive and use Now I would like to pinpoint the reasons Linguists, sociologists and biologists amount of simplification in the structure curses, and by using unusual idioms. For have put forth a thewy of sectxid Ian- of language. A very large Sanskritic vo- example: guage acquisition which says that the sec- cabulary, having specific sound se- Analogies - Sukda swan jevu nak, ond language is acquired fully by children quences, was also deleted from PG. majeni lily darakh jevi; who are below 12 years i.e. before brain Gujarati dialects of south Gujarat are RedupIicativeZRqrctitives- levaili lutaili, maturation; and children who are fully marked by a ‘breathy voice ’ which results kaasta karajta', exposed to the'native qreakm by full so ­ cialization. It is easy to imagine that the orthodox Hindu vegetarian upper class might have nation is breathy, disallowed foil socudization. Parsis were very enterprising and had gradually es- ken PG is (evident mainly in women ’s Idioms - bardani rd bewar kari naklu, tablished big fanning complexes where speech) spasmodic breathing which adds varas vachiya. the lower class Gujarati spiers (Dubla a very nice rhythm to the speech. This is J ' community) waked as laboos. They connected with the sharp variations in my very large data. also worked in their homes. As a result pitch levels, making the spoken sequence Parsis might have had a great deal of lin- musical. guistic interaction and exposure to these P _____________ ___ _ ______________________________ people. Interestingly enough there are a various gimmicks. One of such devices is for the decline of PG. I have attempted to lot of sound similarities between PG and doubling of medial consonants in order to focus on a stage of PG “dating from the Dubla Gujarati (DG). lay emphasis e.g. taru, kappal, ghannij last 150-200 years. The main data avail- All the retrofiexed sounds (sounds moti,majjanu,eic. able to me is ISO years oldi.e^ after Parsis spoken with tongue curling) of SG were Uptil now I have described oily the began printing and publishing: they were totally new for Parsis. Normally, second sounds of PG. For a common man it is the first to start a Gujarati printing press language learners try to substitute the new these substituted sounds that make PG. and newspaper, the first to publish a sounds with the sounds similar to their No doubt the substitutions are extremely Gujarati encyclopaedia; the first to write native ones. Parsis have adapted the amusing and enjoyable. Non-Parsi Guj- bodes on various fields of knowledge, tongue position which is neither arads have thoroughly enjoyed PG ever They wrote on every single subject pos- retroflexed nor dental but ded-alveolar since the media made it possible for sible in PG. A stage came in the history (i.e. between the two positions). them to listen to PG: it may be Bombay of PG when in all likelihood it would Shifting the sound position in the vocal radio ’s Buddhi dhwasak mandal or it have developed into a ’fully equqqied ’ cavity and removing six retroflexed may be Firoze Anda ’s plays or Adi dialect, sounds totaUy from the main language has Marzban ’s plays. But for a researcher At this time Parsis as a group domi- given this dialect a totally different shape, there are many more factors which make nated all professions which required Moreover there was an enormous PG attractive. knowledge of English (Hinnells: 1981). * cavity and removing six retroflexed may be Firoze Antia ’s plays or Adi dialect, sounds totaUy from the main language has Marzban ’s plays. But for a researcher At this time Parsis as a group domi- IThis created a lot of interaction with Eng- they had begun writing and publishing the skeleton of the sentence structure re ­ lish amongst the Parsi writers. They bor- started subsiding after 1900. With the mains Gujarati. Children below 15 years rowed literary forms from English and forceful infiltration of the dominant Ian- of age don ’t want to team to read/write wrote in PG. But while writing they real- guage, English, their scholarly interest in Gujarati and compared to their parents ized the dirth of vocabulary in PG and re- Persian began to dwindle. No aspect of and grandparents, they are just the ‘semi- sourcefully they drew upon their Persian their life remained untouch^ by ^)eakers.* scholarship borrowing more and more westernization — from material culture to The PG of the younger generation, Persian vocabulary. Thus they were the culture of mind (from Wedgewood of the semi-speakers or ‘Parsenglish ’ (I slowly shaping the dialect which would crockery, carved and BerUwood furniture, have called their Gujarati as ‘Parsen- westernization — from material culture to F have flowered into a very good va ­ riety of SG. TTie question to be asked is why did this development of Parsi writ ­ ings and Persianization of the dia ­ lect stop? Without going into tech ­ nicalities the main reasons for this could be: the unusual formation of the dialect; the general apathy of Parsis towards SG; the infiltration of English; the dwindling numbers. The formation has to be under ­ stood as a process of simplification of SG. Scholars have been re ­ searching such formation of new dialects/languages all over the glish ’), is considered normal amongst Parsis. The Gujarati spo ­ ken by one of my informants (55 years of age) is more fluent than that of many of her age. Yet she could not recall Gujarati equiva ­ lents for simple words such as: try, boring, quiet, family, love, follow, silence, laughter, decision, shock, regular, successful. For many se ­ mantically distinct words PG speakers use the same word e.g. clever, smart, overwise — hoshiyar, hear, listen, understand — samajh. Such “semantic collapse ” and to Shakespeare, Beethoven and pianos), the inability to produce stylistic variations By 1930, Parsis were less and less in ­ clined to read PG. This was discouraging ceptual world of the speakers. PG is used world. From amongst the various de ­ scriptions none seems to adequately de- By 1930, Parsis were less and less in- may go deeper into the non-verbal con- scribe PG. I have proposed a term ‘ere- dined to read PG. This was discouraging ceptual world of the speakers. PG is used oloid, ’meaning a form which has resulted for PG writers. English had become their in fewer and fewer life situations. So from the natural evolutionary processes of language of prestige, power and status. So much life has been drained out of PG that a socio-cultural group. The PG speech PG writers confined their writings to if they do not use Parscnglish,'they would cease to communicate in PG! Soon all young Parsis will cease to By 1940 the community had reached speak PG and even their Par^nglish will its apex in every field. No other commu- “ form developed its own expressions and newspapers and humorous plays or write- patterns. It displayed tremendous amount ups. of life by the constant use of intensifiers (repetitive forms, gemination of conso ­ nants, etc); abuse words used freely nity in the country held a position compa- (showing their open, frank temperament); rable to that of the Parsis. However, this number of attempts have been made to abundant references to food and drink period affected the source of their cultural publish religious writings in English, (showing their love of the good life); con- roots — their Parsi-Gujaratiness (which. This then is the surest, definite and un- tinuous creation of analogies and idioms to a great extent, was the spirit of mistakable sign of shift — when a lan- (showing their lightheartedness). The Gujaratiness. If Zoroastrians had settled gauge ceases to be used in everyday situ- speech style took a dimension which gave in any other part of India, they would not aticxis, it ceases to live. Nature alone an important clue to their social group have been the same.) cannot survive without culture, membership, thus helping them to retain After 1940 the Parsi family started to Theoretically, the death of PG can be their identity. shrink and consanguinity, which had sur- foreseen. Gujarati will lose one of her There is a tragic paradox in the situ ­ ation of this dialect: the very factors that started to increase. Today the community nic dialects enridhes a language. Gujarat helped to preserve their identity and for appears to be dissipating itself. will surely be the poorer without it Ev- which they formed such a specific dialect / style became detrimental to the life of close to death. Its attrition is also dis- move towards English. This shift is more evident in the last 10 years where a After 1940 the Parsi family started to shrink and consanguinity, which had sur ­ faced in the form of genetic disorders, most beautiful dialeets. A variety of eth- After 1970 it can be said that PG is ery aware Gujarati will grieve the disap- • pearance of PG for PG is (was) like a the dialect. The community ’s general tinctly different in nature compared to the valuable pedigree to Gujarat apathy towards the fountainhead i.e. SG; other language/dialect deaths. The ob- the conspicuous lack of grammar con- served death can be proved with some sciousness in their writings; the fact that valid observations from my data, they never had any borrowing-lending re- — - lation with SG; and their typical ethno- guistic competence amongst the speakers, centric tendency barred them from be- The competence was tested from their in ­ coming a part and parcel of the Gujarati adequate Gujarati vocabulary. Parsis torate. With phonoh^y Hindu ethos. above 65 years of age have a larger vo- '' spedali- zation, she has pre­ sented papers, including one on Parsi phonology. such a large English vocabulary that only at international meets. The data shows extremely reduced lin- Dr Bharati Mod is head of the department of lin­ guistics at the Mahars^a Sayajirao University of Baroda from where she has also earned her doc- X above 65 years of age have a larger vo- The year 1860 onwards a new spirit of cabulary than those below 40 years of anglicization was added to the basic apa- age. Speakers below 25 years of age have thy towards SG. The gusto with which I 22 Parsiana ^nuary 1992I POLITICS AND POLICY A new Anjuman Committee by August? Arnavaz S. Mama Jhe Bombay Parsi Punchayet has accepted the Bombay High Court verdict requiring the election of a new Anjuman Committee this year ( After being overdue ftw four years, the trustee. It was this trend, just pior to the (BPP) Anjuman Committee are to be tially led to litigation wherein die BPP bench of Justice Starant and Josti»'Ms held this year. Constituency-wise elec- trustees had committed themselves to a Sujata Manohar on^tober 13,1988 and tions for 800 plus elected members of the suitable revision of the scheme. been duly advmised. However whan the BPP’s Anjuman Committee must be The donor register will include those appeal came up for orders as scheduled completed on or before August 31, 1992 who had donated Rs 5,000 and above to on December 2,1988, doubts were raised according to a decree of the Bombay BPP charities under the old scheme as about the status of those who had do- High Court. Within two months thereaf- well as those who donated Rs 7,500 and nated Rs 7,500 under the scheme framed ter the Punchayet is committed to organ- more between February 6,1987 and De- by Justice Hosbet Suresh in 1987 by izing the trusteeship elections as the cember 17,1991 when the latest order which they had earned wily an indirect terms of chairman Dr Aspi Golwalla and became effective. These donors are right to vote at trusteeship elections, trustee Jamsheed Kanga have expired now also subject to the 180-day limit (Suresh ’s scheme, under the umbrella of since October 1988 and October 1991 for registration and the five-year morato- clause 98 of the original scheme, had respectively. Until such time they will rium. radirally d^arted from the amendments continue at the post The new scheme The number of elected members will suggested by the BIT. In their s tea d he trims the trusteeship tenure from 10 to be determined by the total number of envisaged a curtailment of the Anjuman seven years. donors on the donor register on Novem- Committee to a total of 200 members of The protracted litigation (since March ber 30 preceding each general election, which 100 were members directly 1985) regarding the amendments to the The election will be held evoy seven elected by the community and 100 rcpre- scheme originally framed in 1910 seems years as before. sented donors including ah those who to have ended with the ruling by Judges The present trustees will be entitled to had gifted Rs 50.000 and above plus the Ms Sujata Manohar and Dr Bhagwati complete the unexpired residue of their rqjresentatives of those who had donated Saraf on December 17, 1991. Hence- 10-year terms. In the event of a differ- between Rs 5,000 and Rs 50,000 to forth donors of Rs 15,000 and above will ence of opinion among the trustees, the Punchayet charities. Though the BPP be entitled to register as donor members decision of the majority “will bind the initially accepted Suresh ’s verdict, die of the Anjuman Committee if they apply rest and shall be adopted and acted aggrieved donors challoiged the scheme for registration within 180 days of effect- upon. ” ------*--------— **--- -----------• - ing the donation. However, they will be • able to vote for trustees as members of the new scheme assumes a male or fe- the Anjuman Committee only after a pe- i riod of five years or , after the next Zoroastrian faith “who shall, if so re- ___ _____________ ________ Anjuman Committee election following quired by the trustees, have filed in the the fact that many of the Rs 7^00 donore the donation, whichever is later. The office of the BPP an affidavit dial he/she had failed to register within the 180-day “hoid ” clause h^ been incorporated to has not renounced the Zoroastrian faith by time frame prescribed by Suresh. It was partisans just prior to the election of a or otherwise. ” After bemg overdue for four years, the trustee. It was this trend, just jffior to the The essentials of the disputed points elections to the Bombay Parsi Punchayet trusteeship election of 1984, that had ini- had been worked out before die iqipeal /TtTT,T>\ A n ... , tially led to litigatwn wherein die BPP bench of Justice Sto/ant and Justice Ms trustees had committed themselves to a Sujata Manohar cm October 13,1988 and The number of elected members will suggest^ by the BIT. In their stead he The present trustees will be entitled to had gifted Rs 50,000 and above plus the 10-year terms. In the event of a differ- between Rs 5,000 and Rs 50,000 to be entitled to register as donor members decision of the majority “will bind the initially accepted Suresh ’s verdict, die for registration within 180 days of effect- upon. ” as abrogating their vested right When The definition of “Parsi ” accwding to the appeal was accepted for hearing, the ---------- — ‘---------------------- —1- — 3-- BIT trustees, by a majority decision, male over 21 years of age professing the joined the appelltmts.) ............... The issue was further compounded by the donation, whichever is later. The office of the BPP an affidavit dial he/she had failed to register within 180-day avoid packing of the donor register by reason of a marriage to a non-2Loroastrian now argued that while they may not have .... _ .. . .. n . . ., interested in an indirect vote, they 23 Parsiana January 1992 *•»» were entitled to know that their direct “What is in appeal is the scheme sane- Ions of constituency-wise^elections, right to vote had been restored. The Court tioned by Justice Suresh...** Sethna ’s case But the court voiced its reservations: has acc(xdingly allowed a further month was that the disgruntled donors had not “However good y()ur (Stthna ’s) case may for them to register after the ^pearance responded to the BPP’s original advertise- be, if the community is not belund you... ” of a single public notice in two Gujarati ments wherein it had been stated that the and again, “The trustees have tried to newspapers. scheme “will be settled according to the carry the community with them as far as Determined to complete the hearing decision (rf die court** “The appellants possible...** As Manohar ’s order notes, and pass the order before the court re- decided not lo appear. Had they been “These modifications are supported by a cessed for the Xmas break as per the di- keen, they would have inspected the pa- majemty of trustees who have put the recdons (rf the Chief Justice, Ktoohar re- pers... Your Lt^dships have die right to mcidifications before us as also by odier fused to be drawn into the history of the say ’Appeal not sustainable, ”* pleatted parties who are eifter appearing before us scheme or of a reassessment of points Sethna. But the judge noted, “We’d or are allowed to intervene... except.. Mr where the majtx parties involved seemed rather decide the appeal cm moit** (Rusi) Sethna... (who) has (xmtended that to have reached agreement: “Either we In answer to Edina ’s persistence on we should not accept these modifications (accept) the scheme as proposed or let the the “degree of sanctity of the order (rf the which are limited in nature... He (has) a ¦ 1 . .tt . _ _ _ _ _ __ * _J aS.. A. * a j envisaged in clause 98 by die drafters of cally altered by us in Ireqiing with mod ­ em dmes. “We do not jmipose to accept the invi ­ tation extended to us by Mr Sethna to Sethna sought an upward revision of radically alter die scheme for the electiem the donation earning the right of vote at (rf the trustees (rf the Parsi Punchayet of trustee^ip deedtms to over Rs 50,000 to Bombay... In om view clause 98 (of the Mani Dalal (rf the C^ (^ known as rupee since the Rs 5,000 limit of 1910; a thisCourtacompl^ly ^h^tofrs^ nri ginal peddoner of 1984 who was an bers on the Anjuman Committee and this would not be a correct interpretation to have reached agreement: “Either we existing scheme continue. I’m not going judge in chambers (Suresh's decree)** as submitted that the scheme should be radi- to frame a scheme for you. ” ( _ ' . The Bn**s lawyer Murzban Bharucha the scheme in 1910, Manduir asked, was anxious to complete the nitty-gritty “Tell us why you don ’t want us to sanc- of converting the donors (rf Rs 7,500 tion (the currently reamended scheme).** ^m indirect to direct voters. He asked f the judges to Mtend the five-year mevato- rium to these cases. . Riisi Sethna who r^'esmted Ms allow for the decline in the value of the original scheme of 1910) does not give to 1 , . “ ............. \ * the Committee for Electoral Rights), (he four to one weightage for dected mem- a fresh scheme altogether... In our vi^ L- - i ...............................* intervenor in the present case, argued, enumerated the difficulties and prob- of clause 98...*' I SERSON Electrolytic Capadtors For All Electronic Applications Fram 12 VDC To 350 VDC MmuftKimn: Serson Industries Pvt. Ltd. pimpri pyy.a, PMM-it. CMe: EtcMoSPooMhlt. PImm: <2379 1 24 Paniant Januvy 19S2i 1 •4 INSTITUTIONS cc Safeguarding the rights, privileges, benefits Arnavaz S. Mama 99 The Association of Inter-Married Zoroastrians has been formed to protect the social and religious rights of tne Zoroastrian partner .2 Since that date the issue of the rights of tee will be elected from among them. Zoroastrians married to members of other Since that date the issue of the rights of tee will be elected from among them, communities are banding together under Zoroastrian women married outside the Associate members all those who, the banner of the Association of Intermar- community have been endlessly debated regardless of religion, sympathize With ried Zoroastrians (AIMZ) in an effort to and in April 1991 the Punchayet, by a the AIMZ’s aims and objectives. They safeguard their rights and privileges as majority decision, agreed to earmark one are debarred the right to stand for office Zoroastrians. The AIMZ aims “to assert, establish, agitate for, protect and safe- disuse, for the interment of such cases. Membership of the Association im- guard the rights, privileges, benefits of However, an affidavit needs to be filed plies a onetime life membership fee of Rs and available to Parsi Zoroastrians mar- that the lady in question continued to pro- ried to any person who is not a Parsi fess Zoroastrianism to the end. The reso- Zoroastrian including to take all steps and lution has been faulted by the liberals for 500 per couple. There is no annual fee. proceedings for speedy and effective im- categorizing such cases separately from piementation and enforcement of all such the rest and by the conservatives for going bers are conscious of “the need to avoid, rights, privileges and benefits, ” as notes too far and thereby undermining the sane- to the farthest extent possible, any bitter- their letter of appeal. Its cosignatories are tity of Zoroastrian religious customs. ness or rancor in a small and dying com- Ms Meher P. Amarsey (n6e Tata), Ms Smita V. Crishna (n6e Godrej), Adi B. there are currently about 25 members of “when to remain silent amounts to a lack Godrej, Berjis M. Desai, Ms Vera A. the Association. The target number, ac- of moral courage and the erosion of a Mahajan (n6e Sidhva), Ms Meher D. cording to Desai, is 1,000 members, sense of justice and fair ptoy.' Rafaat (n6e Cursetji), Ardeshir B. K. Membership forms are being circulated Dubash, Ms Khursheed M. Narang (nde in Bombay and in other Zoroastrian asso- generated a lot of sympathetic public Sidhva), Gayo Redder and Kavas Peti- ciations around the world. opinirai towards these ladies, some of gara. Desai speaks of a two-pronged action them are discovering that the recent pub- The AIMZ’s approach will be com- plan: to generate favorable public opin- licity they have received has, cm occasion, pletely secular: Its objective is to ensure ion through articles, seminars, talks, etc worked against them. A case in point “the rights of a modem, democratic, for ­ ward looking community to its mem- Punchayet and the fire-temples. “If any bers, ” says Desai, a solicitor by profes- legal right is denied, we ’ll contemplate member, Ms Roshni Anand, who was re- sion. legal action, ” he notes. cently stopped from going to the agiary The Association is a direct result of the controversy that arose following the membership — ordinary members and time. The current legal position is that entry to fire-temples, etc depends on their trust of the dokhmas in Bombay, currently in or to vote, disuse, for the interment of such cases. 1,000 for ordinary members. Associate members pay Rs 300 per individual or Rs In their letter and in person, the mem- too far and thereby undermining the sanc- According to Crishna and Narang, munity. ” But there are times, they say. Though the Roxan ShiA controvorsy ion through articles, seminars, talks, etc and to correspond with the trustees of the which Desai cites though he considers it an isolated incident is the experience of a legal action, ” he notes. The Association has two classes of which she had been visiting for a long death of Ms Roxan Darshan Shah (n6e associate members. Ordinary members Nazir) when the Bombay Parsi Pun- include all those who are married to non- chayet refused to allow her body to be Zoroastrians and their children over the deeds. Nearly 70 to 80 percent of these consigned to the dokhma in July 1990. age of 18 years. The managing commit- state that the use of the precincts is lim- age of 18 years. The managing commit- 25 Parsiana January 1992 A3 ited to ‘Parsi Zoroastrians. ’ Some how- A. Gagrat who “has been consistently (and wouldn ’t) have to change her habits, ever only use the term ‘Zoroastrians. ’ But all those involved in the controversy The ladies emphasize, “We are Zoroas- are bom of Parsi Zoroastrian parents and trians; we haven ’t renounced our reli- have had their navjotes performed and gion.' are therefore entitled to the use of all such boat. ” They maintain that the stand they Referring to her own marriage and that facilities. As Desai says, “It ’s a basic le- will take will be based on moral and legal of her sister Vera, Narang says, “We gal principle that marriage does not amount to apostasy (renunciation of the religion). ” He notes that 99.9 percent, of such unions undergo a civil marriage. Nor, says he, does it matter whether the Zoroastrian partner is a man or a woman. Though some members of the orthodox lobby have been suggesting that men with non-Zoroastrian wives should be treated on par with Ztvoastrian women who have married out, Desai points out that would amount to retro- ground and not on the basis of religion curity among the conservatives? Religion grading on 80 years of practice. (The because there are so many conflicting is supposed to teach us how to lead a good judgement in the Parsi Punchayet Case opinionsAnterpretations regarding reli- life. Our religion respects all living of 1910 had decreed that Parsi men mar- gious injunctions. things. How then can some human beings ried to women of other communities and How do their non-Zoroastrian hus- their progeny continued to be Parsis.) bands feel about the issue? “My husband The law of the land treats both men and is always very open. He feels as we Desai, Beijis and Chinoy, advocates and women equally, so “there is no way they feel, ” says Crishna. Narang refers to the solicitors, Bombay Mutual Building, sec ­ can discriminate. ” agreement she had with her husband be- ond floor (above Citibank), 143 Sir P. M. One outstanding associate member of fore they were married — that she Road, Bombay 400001 during normal the AIMZ is the liberal solicitor Rustom “wouldn ’t be the traditional Indian bahu working hours. guiding us, ” say Crishna and Narang. living conditions or food. ” Not all girls make this clear from the start and some Parsi girls married to men of other com- Nor do they want to “rock the munities do have problems, she adds. “Sometimes, to remain silent amounts to a lack of moral courage ” gious injunctions. How do their non-Zoroastrian hus- weren ’t rebelling or making a point; we believe in principles and human beings. Religion is not the deciding factor. I wouldn't accq)t the attitude of some Zoroastrian men towards their Zoroas ­ trian wives. ” Crishna endorsed the senti ­ ment: “It ’s your way of thinking rather than the religion ” that matters. In Narang ’s words, there is “need for change. Every single living religion changes and adapts. Then why this inse- be considered impure? ” AIMZ forms are available from M/s Best 'Wishes From RUSY & PURVIZ SHROFF ? ? 26 Parsiana January 1992 iGovernor General Ramon John Hnaty- shyn in Toronto, beating four other nomi ­ nees. wx U.V UWB., Mistry, described by Val Ross in The Marchand had referred to Mistry ’s style Globe and Mail (December 4, 1991) as as “spare, workmanlike, homely prose, ” “grave and soft-spoken ” was one of 14 his main purpose “the telling of a tale of essary, ” notes Magol and proceeds to give winners of the Governor General ’s liter- moral conflict, ” the tone of the novel as the gist of each of the kusti prayers before ary awards — an annual presentation “documentary realism laced with humor. ” further elaborating rai a “contemplation ” launched in 1937 covering seven catego- In its review Time (April 8,1991) had al of the main ideas. For example, the 12 ries including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, luded to Graham Greene, Chekhov, words of Ashem Vohu are expanded into a drama, translation, children ’s literature Arthur Miller, Nadine Gordimer in dis ­ cussing “the exceptionally vivid and often heartbreaking ” novel. “Mistry draws his Riilip Marchand described the evening people with such care and understanding J” - ---------- ---------- • that their trials become our tragedies, ” mony itself, held in Toronto ’s Winter noted Time’s Pico Iyer. “By the end of i- and doer of good deeds. Canadian literature, or attitudes toward dangerous — may seem a microcosm of _ Canadian literature. the nation, but in both. Mistry compel- MlStry S JOUmcy “The set on the stage, for example, in- lingly shows you, stoicism and integrity Canadian and US newspapers lavished eluded Queen Anne chairs, theatrical sturdily hold on, ” commented The Sunday I h.gi. poijv V/II ixvniiiiuvjii iTxioiTy a UHuri uiap^l^ aiiu UUl, llCU-viiUiSlViU willUUW a Long Journey and, when he was frames surrounded by... house plants. It awarded the Governor General ’s award suggested that Canadian literature is a i p r ZOROASTRIANS ABROAD continued frontpage 18 inspired while reciting the sudreh kusti prayer, an intelligent, rational and devo ­ tional appreciation of its contents is nec- every time a winner went up on stage to receive an award. ” In an earlier review of the book, ries including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, luded to Graham Greene, Chekhov, contemplation of the happiness that fol- and children ’s literary illustration in Eng- lows the divine law of Asha, the need to lish and French, aspire to what is right for its own sake, the p-- • -- urge to understand and obey the will of in The Toronto Star: “The awards cere- that their trials become our tragedies, ” Ahura Mazda and thereby remain virtu- , •'• ••'• ~ .......... - 7; 3 7 ______ 2. ous and chaste, puret)f thought and word Garden Theatre, was a statement about the novel, Bombay — filthy, ramshakle. Canadian literature. “The set on the stage, for example, in- lingly shows you, stoicism and integrity high praise on Rohinton Mistry ’s Such drapery and tall, neo-classical window Times of March 16,1991. So it was no surprise to the literary world of North America that Mistry ’s for fiction on December 3, 1991, The highly decorous, genteel affair, suitable Journey was shortlisted for Britain ’s Toronto Star announced the news above for consumption in conservatories. Booker Prize — £ 20,(XX) sterling and in- its masthead. Mistry received the ________ J _____ _ $ 10,(XX) award plus a specially bound tility was reinforced by the strains of literary prestige — •• ~ ” I renown only to the Nobel Prize for litcra- copy of his work at the hands of Canadian Bach ’s Brandenburg Concertos sounded “The impression of decorum and gen- creased sales for the winning twk plus - which “is second in MATRIMONIAL A Upper middle-class parents of a Parsi boy (30) residing in good locality want a good looking, cultured, domestically trained girl, working or non ­ working, for their son working on ship. The boy is 5'7' tall, good looking, technically qualified, with simple sober habits, fond of music and sports, and comes from a good family background. Separate accommodation. Photos returnable. Parents of girls from Bombay and outstation please contact early: The Advertiser Paniana Matrimonial (Jan/3-92) GPO Box No 892, Bombay 400001 Brown-hairedz slender, attractive girl from cultured, vastly-landed family, studied in Europe, interested in travelling, theater, painting, antiques and aspects of Asiatic culture, loves animals and children, seeks life partner between 40 and 50 years with a sense of humor and similar background, preferably a businessman or a professional (lawyer, doctor, architect). EHvorcees/ widowers with children welcome. Write immediately with detailed resume and photograph to: The Advertiser Parsiana Matrimonial (Jan/4-92) GPOBox892 Bombay 400001 27 Parsiana January 1992 A well-placed Parsi girl, coming from a very respectable family, seeks matrimonial alliance with a Parsi gentleman having professional/business background, aged between 35 and 40. Please reply to: The Advertiser. Parsiana Matrimonial (Jan/5-92) GPO Box No 892 Bombay 400001 IThe virtuous king eventually fell prey THE PARSI MEDICAL AMATEURS PRESENT DOCTORS ON PARADE (a hilarious variety review) in aid of the B. D. Petit Parsee G^eral Hospital Directed by: Mr Sam Kerawalla on Sat 14th March 1992 at the Patkar Hall at 1 p.m. Tickets: Rs 150,100,75,50,25 Booking opens at Parsee General Hosp. from 1st March 1992 (9.30 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily) THERE WILL BE ONLY ONE SHOW FOR THE PUBLIC. ESTD 1850 JEWELLERY Well-reputed firm for buying guaranteed gold ornaments & jewellery. We pay highest price for old gold & jewellery ornaments. (Approved Valuers by Govt of India for Jewellery) ture in the English speaking world, ” as notes Marchand. Mistry lost out on the to human pride and was undone by that Booker to Nigerian novelist Ben Okri. single great vice. Reduced to beggary Hence The Toronto Sun titled the Cover- and flight, Jamshid was killed by Zohak nor General ’s award “Long Journey ’s happy ending. ” Mozart and a Zoroastrian Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart ’s first serious shakle Zohak and ascend the throne of opera features a Zoroastrian, according to Iran. Dorab Patel, ex justice of the Supreme ~ - — - Court of Pakistan, writing in the newslet ­ ter of Karachi ’s Informal Religious Meet- accompanied by a backstage choir of 11 ings (November/December 1991). The young voices, writes Golwalla. Zavare opera, titled* Mithridates, is based on the Tengra, Adil Tarapore, Ms Narges Kaka- life of Mithridates II (123-87 BC) of the lia and Ms Roohshan Divecha were the Arsacid dynasty of Paithia whose rule ex- characters Jamshid, Zdiak, Princess Sam- tended from the frontiers of India to the naz (Jamshid ’s friendly neighbor) and western border of Mesopotamia, inftxms Kaveh accompanied by a cast of 46 Little Patel. The Arsacids had defeated the Zarathushtris. Ms Mahrukh Bhiladwalla Greek rulers of the Selucid dynasty which related the major episodes in Firdausi ’s had succeeded to the former Achaeme- career. nian Empire on the death of Alexander of Macedonia. The article commemorates the 200th Meetings, a literary body of quiet, schol- death anniversary of Mozart, the child arly people, writes Golwalla. Ms Anita prodigy who created 41 symphonies, 21 and Ms Lyla Bamjee directed the pageant, piano concert!, 18 piano sonatas and sev- “The costumes woe craftly created from eral comic operas like The Marriage of colored paper* and everyday clothes ” by Figaro, The Magic Flute and others, be- Bai Virbaiji School Montessori teacher loved of generations of music lovers, in Ms Proachi Bharucha; the stage settings the course of 36 short, penurious years of were by Ms Phiroza and Khurshed Birdie, life. Tenor Nadeer Contractor filled in as- Jamshid ’s ‘voice. ’ < Rise and fall of Jamshid The Friday school has been held at the An enactment in six scenes depicted the house of Ms Amawaz Marazban Dinshaw rise and fall of King Jamshid of the Pish- over the past 13 years, with her daughters dadian dynasty famed for the peace, hap- Farishta and Diana writing and illustrat- piness and longevity of his golden age in ing short stories on the religion for the use primordial Iran. The pageant was pre- of the children — a community service in sented by the Friday School for Little which the Dinshaw family participates Zarathushtris at the Hotel Metropole, fully, informs Golwalla. Karachi, last September, informs Ms Sunnu Golwalla. who then held Iran in a grip of tyranny until Kaveh the blacksmith raised his apron as the rallying flag of revolt and helped Jamshid ’s great grandson Faridun The episodes from Firdausi ’s Shah Na- mah were preceded by a commentary and The lyrics had been composed by Vi- rasp Mehta of the Informal Religious ¦« « Compiled by Amavaz S. Mama MJs Fraiqji Rustainji Choksey 253 Sheikh Memon Street Bombay 400002 Tel 325422/342639, Resi 251118 28 Parsiana January 1992MUSIC he baton and tie hands wave their that sheet of paper mean just as an actor T he baton ana tue nanas wave ineir inai sneei oi paper mcaii ju»i as on avi^i magic, plucking notes from the must know what the words mean, and singers ’ throats. The eyes, intense accwdingly direct the tempo, the dynam- tuation marks, the nuances. Wadia tells us of a competition in and large, follow the proceedings, almost ics, where to put the commas and punc- pleading, imploring with the singers not ’ to mar the musical enchantment that is being woven. Then, from somewhere Spain in which the Paranjoti Chorus had tucked away from our untrained cars, participated. In all there were 16 troops rises a note of discord. The batrm slices from all over the world and all were re- through the air and brings the exercise to quired to perform two compulsory an abrupt halt. “Why do you evaporate, pieces. One was a 16th century composi- Sing the full note, ” she reprimands the tion in Spanish and here, according to offending voice. The baton is raised and Wadia, the conductors had something to the voices surge and mingle to fill the hall fall back upon — “the interpretation of with harmony again. The enchantress is the period. ” The second composition, Ms Coomi Wadia, currently celebrating however, was more demanding as it was her 25 years aS conductor of the Paranjoti modem and no one had a clue about how Academy Chorus and we are watching the composer intended it to be per- her rehearsals at the hall of the J. B. Petit formed. “You saw 16 different interpre- High School for Girls in Bombay. tations of the same piece by 16 different "Ema su. Aagal oobhi rahi haat hi- choirs, ” says Wadia. And yes, her ver- lavia karech (What ’s so great! All she sion was one of the few that were cor- does is stand in front and move her hands rect. It was a fruitful experience in other about). ” This comment, passed by one ways too for the Paranjoti Chorus won of Wadia ’s own relatives, made her clar- the overall silver medal at the competi- ify the misconceptions surrounding the tion. role of a conductor: “A conductor is not just standing there and moving hCT hands about. ” According to her, the composer it “The conductor breathes soul into the an intuition that, according to Wadia, music. The same piece, and two conduc- The award aside, Wadia specifies in ­ tuition as a necessary quality in a con- _ ductor. It is an intuition that goes be- writes the music, the conductor interprets yond seeing notes and recognizing them, it “The conductor breathes soul into the an intuition that, according to Wadia, music. The same piece, and two conduc- cannot be learned. “It is a gift you tors may interpret it in two different are bom with, ” and Wadia acknowledges ways, ” says Wadia, an accomplished pi- her divine gift by invoking the names anist who won the Palamkote Awards in of Ahura Mazda and Behram Yazad be- both her exams — the Associate, and fore the start of every rehearsal or Licenciate of Trinity College, London performance. (ATCL and LTCL). “No matter how often you perform a She illustrates her point by comparing piece, there is a difference every time... the task of a conductor to that of a pro- And no performance, no matter how fessional actor. Take one passage from much you rehearse, is perfect, ” says Shakespeare, “ask him to read the lines Wadia. Only a recording with editing and then ask someone who has just learnt and re-recording can be perfect but then English to read it and you will see the the listener knows what to expect, which, difference. That ’s what a conductor must and Wadia ’s eyes lose their luster, is its do, he must know what those notes on greatest defect. Live performances, by Coomi ^adia competes 2d years as conductor of the intemationaUy accCaimcd (Paranjoti Academy Chorus Gustasp Irani I i I i i <4 29 Parsiana January 1992 Icomparison, with all their blemishes are more dynamic, more stirring. “You (the conductor) see how the audience is reacting, the acoustics of the hall, and change things on the spot For example when you sing in a European cathedral... over 10 storeys high, you have to allow for the echo. You slow down the tempo or you will end up with a jumble of notes, ” says Wadia. Wadia prefers to establish a strong rap ­ port between herself and her singers when she is up front on die podium and for this reason she insists that they learn the notes and words by heart It assures that they do not have sheets of music between them. “This way I have 100 percent of their at ­ tention. I doi^t need grand gestures. I communicate with my face, my eyes. For instance if someone strays I can get him in line with a slight movement of my fin ­ ger which the audi- ^||||||||||||||^^ ence may not see, ’ says Wadia. Tech ­ nically, according to Wadia, there is little or no differ ­ ence between con ­ ducting an orches ­ tra or a choir except that, since the for ­ mer must perform with their music before them, the conductor's ges ­ tures are more pro ­ nounced so as to get their attention. In India there is the added challenge of dealing with mu ­ sicians who are pri ­ marily amateurs — at least a large num ­ ber of the Paranjoti choir membo's arc. “Alffoad most mu- sicians are professionals and the conduc- tor does not have to teach them the notes. Here my first task is to see that they get Stuttgart in 1981 the notes right, ” says Wadia. Then there is the task of teaching them the meaning % 1 » I you sing in a T,uropcan CuthcdraC over 10 storeys dig ft, you nave to alQnv for tfic ecfu) ” 11 Since the Paranjoti Chorus is primarily an amateur outfit anyone may join its ranks. “Peqple come as young as 16 or 17 and some as old as 40. Occasionally I have even had young lads of eight join (her son being one), ” says Wadia. The only test an aspirant is put through is to see if he or she is tone deaf. The test is simple: Wadia plays a tune on the piano and the aspirant must sing it back for her. The real test, however, is the rehearsals. “If he is able to get interested in choir music he will stay; if not he will drift away ” says Wadia. Rehearsals are held twice a week on Tuesday and Thursday evenings between 6.30 and 8.30 at the hall of the J. B. Petit High School for Girls. The late hours are to accommodate the singers who come from all walks of life, including account ­ ants, journalists, doctors, lawyers, stu ­ dents and the occa ­ sional unemployed. One thing dtey all have in common is a love for music and the desire to sing; they look for ­ ward to the rehears ­ als rather than view them as .Uiieves of their time. “I do not de ­ mand 100 percent^ ii I attendance and I do I not expect it, ” says I Wadia who is I aware of the fact I that her singers I have other commit- I ments to keep. “There have been people who have had babies and re ­ turned to me after J years of absence. ” C Wadia may be a The Paranjoti Chorus with Wadia (taking perfectionist but she is also a realist “If I a bow) at the Sister Cities Festival in am going to give one performance in Bombay I can ’t expect the same level of commitment as before a concert tour _ _________________ _______________ harmony; it has only a melody line.West- when we may have to give 30 to 40 per- and the right pronounciation of the words em music is based on harmony. In a choir formances, ” she states. Before embarking they are singing. “We perform songs in you have different people singing differ- on a tour, and the Paranjoti Chorus has all languages, from English to Sanskrit to ent notes which together make harmony. ” been on many, including international ones, the rehearsals are held five times a week and since the incentives are gcsater, 4 ¦ -k’ I ¦ I you have different people singing differ- all languages, from English to Sanskrit, to ent notes which together make harmony. ” Kanada, to Hungarian, to Spanish... ” says Yet she stresses that though the music Wadia. may be written with western musical no ­ tations its essence is Indian. Raga, shlokas the attendance is proportionately higher, and poetry in the Indian languages — Yet not all the singers get to go — only West blend of music with songs specifi- Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Sindhi, Malay- l _ _ The Paranjoti choir has, in its own way, added new dimensions to the East- . _ _ _ ___ _______ ___ _____-r . - ” J " the best are selected. But be it a single cally written for it in the Indian languages alam — are used to create this East-West performance in Bombay or a world tour, ¦ ’ there is a bottom line that Wadia will not compromise on: “I will not perform with and set to music which is essentially blend which is true in its form and not a Western. “Indian classical music has no ‘mishmash ’of cultures. 30 Parsiana January 1992I ! I The growing success of the Paranjoti tour "of 1966. These two tours were under Chaus can also be gauged by the fact a choir that I feel is not prepared. ” it repeated its success in the subsequent To reach an acceptable level of pre- t ----------------- ------------------------ . _ paredness, nothing short of the right note the baton of Dr Victor Paranjoti who had that tickets to performances even in is allowed to slip by at the rehearsals. “I conceived and founded the choir group in India are hard to get. The composition of can ’t let wrong notes pass. And don ’t say I am making you conscious. Of course, I have to make you conscious of it if you sing a wrong note, ” she reprimands one singer and a little later we find her sharing Paranjoti ’s death in 1967, Wadia carried choir too. a joke with the same person. Then they on his tradition of excellence in the inter- Wadia looks back on her years of are singing once more; the sqpranos, the national arena. In 1974, its third European singing and she is unable to single out any one performance as the highlight. “Each performance has its moments, ” is allowed to slip by at the rehearsals. “I conceived and founded the choir group in 1956 under the auspices of the Bombay the audience too has changed, from pre ­ Madrigal Singers ’ Organisation from dominanitly Parsi and Christian to a more which he broke away in 1958 and thereaf- cosmopolitian one; a change that is ter renamed the choir after himself. After reflected in the composition of her a joke with the same person. Then they on his tradition of excellence in the inter- altos, the tenors, the basses knitted by the tour, the choir won the first prize for over ­ baton into a beautiful tapestry of music, all musical excellence at the IX Intema- Often she sings along, and at one stage tional Choral Song Festival in Poland. At she states. What about the time when blows a kiss to her choir. “That was a similar international festival in Spain in she was selected to conduct the finale of good, ” Wadia declares as the last note 1977, it won two second prizes: one, for the 1981 Choral Festival of Stuttgart fades. “This choir needs gravity, ” Wadia folk music and the other for classical mu- when all the 13 choirs sang together declares. Then will a hint of a smile adds: sic. Then in 1981 the Choir was invited and nearly 7(X) musicians performed un- “What goes up, must come down. ” A to the First Choral Festival of the sister der her baton? “No. It was no different little later she is dead serious. “You can ’t cities of Stuttgart ‘Partnersingen, ’ when from any other performance, ” she ob- just sit there and wait for inspiration. You ’ve got to work for it. ” The opportunity to perform on stage is probably the greatest reward for a per ­ former. “The pay off is to see the appre ­ ciation of the audience; to see them re- ____ ____ spond to your singing. ” Clipping is the Brazil. That year the choir embarked them in their homes and not in hotels, ’ obvious way that this appreciation is on f _ . manifest but often it is the silent teardrop around the world that took them through a German and Polish choir group met at that makes it all worthwhile. “Often we Japan, the USA, Germany, Austria and her home in Bombay. This meeting led to see tears in the eyes of our audience and Holland. an exchange of choir groups and then we know that we have really ' . _ _ touched them, ” says Wadia. She refers performing abroad; we have carried a dif- blows a kiss to her choir. “That was good, ” Wadia declares as the last note seven choirs from all over the world and serves, six from the host city participated. In 1989 Wadia toOc part in the First Sympo- light of Paranjoti. “When we go abroad sium of Choral Music and was on the we don ’t go as professionals a through committee of judges at the XIV Interna- agents. We have direct contact with choir tional Choir Festival at Porto Alegre, groups in the host city and we stay with International harmony was the guiding n their greatest undertaking: a tour says Wadia. She tells us how members of “It is more than merely singing and then, when Poland was going through ‘ ' ..............• difficult times, each member of the to a moving concert when a critic had ferent image of India abroad, ” says Wa- German choir group adopted a member written that they had transplanted him dia. “It is one thing to go abroad and do of the Polish group and would send them out of his ordinary environment to some- an Indian dance. We are talking here weekly food parcels. “International har- thing sensationally different. That, ac- about Indian musicians singing their mony through international music, that coding to Wadia, is the final goal of any performance. For the Paranjoti Chorus, this reward feet... There we stand in saris and Nehru is all the more significant for all the sing- jackets and in walks a five-foot nothing ers are honorary members who are not lady and performs their music. It amazes paid in monetary terms for their efforts, them. Then we perform our Indian music Receipts for concert performances are and it thrills them. ” used to meet the outfit ’s operational costs, like hall hire charges, rentals for the re- Jalakamaladala, has been particularly hearsal hall, buying music scores and the well received all over the world. What other administrative inputs that go into makes the song more significant is that running the choir. it is written by Wadia ’s husband Nariman Often the choir performs free to who, along with their son Sorab, an acom- finance a cause. On October 31, 1991 plished pianist, sings in the choir, they performed at the President Hotel for an international gathering deliberating from its early days as a soprano and later on housing for the terminally ill cancer officially wielded the baton in Paranjoti ’s patients. Prior to that, on August 4, the absence, look over as conductor after Paranjoti Chorus performed at the Afghan his death, there was a brief moment of Church io Bombay to raise funds for Ijie domestic discord. Members of the choir restoration and repair of the grand old left in protest. Wadia dismisses the event monument as na worthy of mention. Her task was Often, the Paranjoti Chorus is the mu- to build up the talent around and her sical ambassador of the country. In 1961 success today is probably the best answer it went on its first Eurqiean tour which she could give to her detractors of years was received with great enthusiasm, and gone by. (Western) music and singing it well and has been our motto, ” says Wadia. on par with them. It has a tremendous ef- One of the Indian compositions, When Wadia, who joined the choir 31 Parsiana January 1992 For rare books, pictures, paintings, picture cards, old pens, toys, icons, netsukes, etc, avail free advice from * * * JIMMY OLLIA 292, Koregaon Park, Pune 411001 Tel (Res): 668800, preferably mornings. Strictly by appointment only. i i IDANCE In The Company Of Shiamak Davar Jeroo Irani As it gains in popularity , the dance troupe is invited to entertain city, national and international audiences exercise and generally fine-tune God ’s gift. Davar, who studied at the Pineapple Dance Center, London, and took courses at the LondorkContemporary Dance The ­ atre, and the Guilford School of Acting ______________ and Dance, London, scoffs at the aero- dng his puppets. He ^ms to pull die discussion, he frequently uncoils himself bics instructors who have mushroomed The school hall crackles with youthful energy as nubile young girls in snug leo ­ tards and bronzed young men in trendy tights twirl and whirl, seemingly on a collective high. A young man in T-shirt and shorts puts the group through its paces like a master puppeteer manipula- U-„ — r-rr — _________ - ... strings with a special pizzazz, all the from the sofa to leap up with a panther- in Bombay: “Very few ” have any body while rasping commands... backward, like grace to demonstrate the difference awareness. ” forward, backward, forward... between classical ballet and jazz dancing. Best known to his role as Emcee in **. We are watching the six-foot tall Shiamak Davar conduct one of his jazz dance and exercise classes for the young breaks ail the rules of ballet while jazz and not so young. “My exercises have dancing is a style developed by jazz musi- been designed to relax every part of the cians. It also has elements of the Broad ­ body; what I teach is a mixture of yoga, ' ‘ J ' „ * " _ _ jazz and modem dancing, ” he says, his from Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire and more the opening and closing day events of the ------ .......................... 8th Asian Track and Field Event, Delhi, with 1,000 school children and 100 danc ­ ers from his own dance classes; and, in 1990 when he directed, choreographed between classical ballet and jazz dancing. “Ballet is more defined, leg oriented and the musical Kabaret, Davar has choreo- the arms move perfectly. Modem dance graphed and participated in three na ­ tional events of significance in the last two years: the French Festival in India, in Bombay in 1989 when he was the as- way style and through the ages has drawn sistant show choreographer and dancer; every movement marked by the fluid recently, Michael Jackson... grace of a dancer. While members of his “Indians are not used to western potential candidates for the chorus line of a child is five, he or she starts to learn bal- a ] for the side skips, hip sways and arm circles is unmistakable. Their inspiration is doubtless Davar 70 kgs, Davar demonstrates how western himself, an ebullient performer who loves to sing, act, dance and choreo- 1___ „ . . . graph his own shows. Davar has per- spine, lower back. While some of his stu- of dancing but later confessed that he had formed in India, the Far East and the dents do come with the intention of losing enjoyed watching the gyrations of the Middle East and most recently. Impact weight, “I am not running a gym, ” he cau- whirling dervishes immensely, reports ’91 showcased the talents of Davar and tions. “The idea is to train the body. ” Davar. his troupe. The Company. The lithe To spread the fitness gospel, 31-year- Who are Daver ’s role models and from _ ____________ 7 *5 where does he derive his inspiration? The to be charged with unstoppable. College (which was started by his grand- dance exponents (ballet, modern andjazz Kelly, Eleanor Powell, actors like Robert de Niro, Al Pacino, gospel and jazz sing- ' ------- ¦ "¦'! “Indians are not used to western troupe do not seem like they would be dance, ” says Davar. “Abroad, by the time Broadway musical, their enthusiasm let. Here training is more likely to start at and performed with 60 of his dancers on .............................. — 18 or 20 when the body has become stiff. ” one of the five stages for Nana With his toned up frame weighing a mere Chudasama ’s I Love Bombay Festival. I The occasion was graced by the then dance makes every part of the anatomy Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar who flexible — from the legs to stomach, initially disapproved of the western style spine, lower back. While some of his stu- < ~ ~ ¦¦ ¦ ; To spread the fitness gospel, 31-year ­ young dancer exudes a healthy glow and old Davar conducts classes at Davar ’s seems L,------1—o-- -------rr — > " w bottled up energy when we interview him father Sohrab Davar) in personality and dancing) Mikhail Baryshnikov, Gene later in his ground floor office at Beau- grooming, providing tips on body Ian- " ” lieu, Harkness Road. In the course of the guage, how to use the body, how to walk. 32 Parsiana January 1992k ers like Aretha Franklin, Barbara Streis- sand, Ela Fitzgerald, etc. But dancing is not Davar ’s sole passion. He likes to sing and write his own songs as well. “I have written a song on Mother Theresa, ” he in ­ forms us and has been approached by HMV and Magna Sound to make an al ­ bum. ’ “My aim is to go international, win a Grammy award and ultimately set up a musical theater school for acting, dance and singing in Bombay. The performing arts is everything for me,” he gushes. Davar, who has a distinctly non-MBA ap­ proach to his budding dance-for-fitness “empire, ” muses, “It ’s great to be paid for doing what is one ’« passion. ” The young performer who bears a faint resemblance to actor Sylvester Stallone has modelled for several print media and Dflvor (below) and with his team of performers: spreading the fitness gospel I ¦ OS ¦ 'Ifs great to be paid for doing what is one’s passion” I cal Tommy was the biggest flop. ” It was I believe in all the prophets. I don ’t be- I followed by Grease Lightning, Bottoms lieve in chauvinistic statements like ‘Par- I Up, They're Playing our Song, all in sis/Hindus are the greatest. ’” Davar talks I which he sang, acted and danced. By the of his faith in his guru Sai Baba of Shitdi I mid 80s, he had started to choreograph and his belief in life after death. In this I pop/rock shows for Doordarshan, and connection he mentions Khorshed and I later for the Dynasty Culture Club. In Rumi Bhavnagri as his spiritual guides. I January ’89 he formed The Company, (Since the loss of their two sons in a car R with a nucleus of 12 dancers. “Now we accident in 1984, the Bhavnagris have re- are 20 strong and still growing, aspiring sorted to ‘automatic writing ’ to communi- and performing as a team. ” While Davar seems to take each day as it comes, in his blueprint or master plan talks of his belief in UFOs (unidentified he accords importance to “being good and flying objects). “I saw one when I was 17 doing good. ” In his scheme of things, years old. I cdled several people and told putting up shows for charitable causes is them about the sighting; I was dubbed as / very important — for instance causes like the *ghelo (mad) idiot, ’ someone who is H / AIDS awareness. Helpline (an organiza- always theatricd and eccentric. Subse ­ tion which helps people in crisis situ- quently, the sighting was confirmed by television commercials, choreographed ations), anti drugs, for the terminally ill others and reported in The Times of In- and participated in numerous fashion and for animals. “I love animals, ” con- dia." No, Davar has not spied any more shows as well. He has had the good for- fesses Davar who is passionately fond of space ships recently, but he firmly be- tune of converting early childhood his pet Elsa who is half Alsatian and half lieves in them. Suddenly he discontinues, amusements into a profession. Davar Labrador. With his Company, Davar had looking embarrassed. “Interviews are so studied the piano, but briefly. He aban- even performed at the Fifth World doned the keyboard when his piano Zoroastrian Congress in Bombay in early teacher rapped him sharply on the knuck ­ les for misbehavior. “It was an excuse. She was a sweet old lady and I wish fer- have anything to do with his being a the Bhavnagris, his grand aunt Mary Wa- vently that I had continued the lessons. Parsi? “All religions and ethnic groups dia... He breaks off to grin impishly, " " " “ ----- - sounds like my Grammy award acceptance speech, doesn ’t it? ” ¦ cate with the dead.) On an even more esoteric plane, Davar narcissistic. One only talks about one ­ self. ” He reels off the names of the people 1990. he is indebted to — his supportive parents Do his strong charitable inclinations Furan and Nanabhoy, his guru Sai Baba, Today, I play by ear, ” he says, adding are the same for me. When I feel like it I with candid good humor, “My first musi- pray at a church, a fire-temple, a mosque. 33 Parsiana January 1992 I iMILESTONES The age of Zoroastrian brides — as listed in this issue — ranged between 19 and 70 years, the arithmetic mean (the total num­ ber of individual ages divided by the total number of brides) being 26 years. The corresponding fig­ ures for the grooms were 22 and 72 years, averaging at 29 years. As per the data available to Parsiana from four hospitals, there were 28 births in compari­ son to 89 deaths in Bombay in December last year. The major killer last month was heart dis­ ease claiming 31 victims of whom 11 were above 80 years of age. Old age/general debility was the next killer taking IS lives. Nine patients fell prey to cancer, six to pneumonia/lung disease and four each to liver dis­ ease and hypertension. Three patients succumbed to diabetes and two each to kidney failure and brain disease. Bed sores, py­ rexia (high fever), gastroenteritis, nervous disorder, anemia, epi­ lepsy, asthma, bums, bronchitis, multi organ failure, tachucardia (excessively rapid action of the heart), and blood poisoning were BOMBAY Born A girl, Delna, to Tanaz and Kersi Vaghaiwala on October 3, 1991 A girl to Hufrish and Behram Nagporwala; November 30 A boy to Zenobia and Yazdi Marolia', December 1 A girl to Ava and Kersasp Bhot; December 2 A boy to Nergish and Ratansha Gilder, December 2 A boy to Firoza and Kaiwan Dadrewalla; December 3 A boy to Rati and Farhad Forbes; December 4 A boy to Poorruma and Rohinton Inspector; December 5 A boy to Ruxana and Themton Kalyaniwalla; December 6 A girl to Khusmde and Moneek Patel; December 6 A boy to Avaan and Jamshed Vakharia; December 1 A boy to Amy and Homi Boga; December 8 A girl to Parizad and Adil some of the isolated cases regis­ tered last month. A 30-year-old woman perished in an accident and an 18-year-old boy hung himself to death. A seven-month baby boy and a 38-year-old man were also lost to the community. The oldest to die was a 97-year- old lady. The data on births, marriages and deaths has been compiled from information supplied by various newsletters and anju­ mans in India and abroad, courts and hospitals. This information is not always complete or con­ sistent. For example, the birth figures for Bombay are supplied by four hospitals; births in subur­ ban hospitals and private nursing homes are not included unless individuals send us information together with a copy of the birth certificate. If readers have any births/ iriarriages/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, December 8 A girl to Shernaz and Kersi Vaid', December 8 A girl to Jasnune and Iqbal Singh', December 9 A girl, Friyana, to Ereen and Mehernooz Pithawalla', December 9 A girl to Kashmira and Kaikobad Writer; December 10 A boy to Dilshad and Firdaus Irani; December 13 A boy to Rukshana and Jimmy Colabewala; December 17 A boy to Jasmine and Dinyar Bhagat; December 18 A boy to Shireen and Dinshaw Kavarana; December 18 A boy to Jiloo and Kaiyoze Billimoria; December 19 A girl to Kashmira and Soli Lentin; December 21 A boy to NHoofer and George Taylor', December 21 A boy to Hutokshi and Kurush Elavia', December 22 A girl to Manizeheh and Firdosh Felahati; December 22 A girl to Dinaz and Hormaxdiar Santoke; December 24 A boy to Freny and Behruz Cardmaster, December 27 A boy to Binaif er and Rutnagar-, December 27 A girl to Jeroo and Rusi Forbes', December 28 Married Sima Dinyar Khosraviaru and Kersas Sherry Irani; November 1 Navaz Soli Katki and Rohinton Behramshah Dadina; November 2 Prochi Rusi Mistry and Firdaus Kersasp Khambata', November 14 Zenobia Noshir Vajifdar and Shahrookh Bomi Davor; November 18 Persis Cavas Bilimoria and Danesh Aspandiar Irani; November 19 Faranak Dali Paowwalla and Sohrab Shaporji Irani; November 24 Hut oxi Piroze Khan and Darayas Ratansa Panthaki; November 25 Khurshid Tehmurasp Patel and Farzin Rotan Karma; November 26 Veera Keki Wadia and Aspi Ardeshir Patel; November 26 Rukshana Eruch Bhathena of Kalyan and Burzin Faredoon Pant hold; November 28 Armin Dali Vandrewala and Cyrus Rusi Wadia; November 28 Hutoxi Kersi Irani (Sumondy) and Yazdi Minoo Captain', November 29 Havovi Keki Pastakia aixl Khushroo Behram Bharda; November 30 Navaz Pesi Shreffol Bangalore and Sarosh Rusi Gotla; November 30 Benaifer Minoo Mehta and Zarir Behram Kerawalla; November 30 Maharukh Jimmy Jamadar and Vistasp Noshir Chhapgar; December 1 Najoo Rustom Mehta and Behram Phiroze Dhabhar; December 1 Hutoxi Minoo Engineer and Percy Minoo Fitter; December 1 Mahnaz Eruch Bokdawala and Cyrus Rusi Kharadi; December 1 Carmelle Pervaz Poonawalla and Malcolm Kersi Patel', December 1 Arrua Parvez Hakim and Phiroze Fardoon SoonoMalla', December 1 Tanaz Jamshedji Patel and Freddy Jal Sopariwala; December 1 Hutoxi Dinshaw Amrolia and Jimmy Firoze Vaz^dar; December 1 Nilufer Jed Sethna and Honuar Percy Dadrewala; December 2 Veh^iti Cawas Amroliwala and Neville. Firoze Gheewala; December 2 Dilshad Aspi Cooper and Jamshed Noshirwan Kershaw, December 2 Fhoza Homi Khambatta and Kerman Dhunfishaw Marker; December 2 Maharukh Noshir Devgetdkwala and Ruzbeh Nauroze Sutaria', December 2^ Vahbiz Kersasp Kanga and Kersi Jehangir Bharucha; December 3 Maharukh Pervez Daruwalla and Vispi Hoshang Marshedl; December 3 Meher Dorab Choksey and Hormuze Phiroz Tata; December 3 Jasmine Rustom Cooper and Pesi Dadi Wadia; December 3 Maheen Serosh Irani and Merzban Nadirsha Commissariat; December 4 Ghaver Keki Kodia and Gave Eruch Palkhivala', December 5 Niloirfer Minoo Shroff and Noslur Jamshed Mistry; December 8 Sharmin Erach Damania of Daman and Sheriar Khushroo Shelangi of Florida; December 8 Meherrua Jimmy Wadia and Rayomand Fall Tavadia; December 8 Gulshan Kaikhushroo Rana and Abad Ardaevire^ Wadia; December 8 Shiraz Hoshang Daruwala and Kersi Fet O'ze Patel; December 9 Kashmira SoU Bharucha and Ruzbeh Nariman Bharucha; December 10 Sharon Sorab Khajotia and Homi Behram Khajotia; December 10 'J I 35 Parsiana January 1992Naval Maneck l^ulsara and Sarosh Nariman Palkhiwala; December 10 Sorab Chhor and Adale Mahyar Patel; December 11 Zarirte Nari Patel and Khushroo Sorab Darukhautwalla; December 12 Anzia/iira Meherwanji Irani and Rohinton Borm Ke^adia; December 12 Parizad Jimmy Billimoria and Astad Minoo Sethna; December 12 Khurshid Minocher Karadia of Navsari and Farshid Dinyar Fatalda; December 13 Gitaiyali Sarosh Mody and Sorab Jimmy Si^fiva; December 13 Sheroo Sorabji Kapadia and Yezdi Pesi Poonawalla; December 14 Behroze Dinshaw Billimoria and Mehernosh Dara Billimoria; December 15 Havovi Nariman Daruvala and Zarir Nariman Chhor; December 15 Samanaz Jehangir Irani and Mickey Keki Mehta-, December 15 Shahnaaz Noshirwan Mavji and Khurshed Behr am Patel\ December 15 Fir Uli Pesie Billimoria and Jamshed Jal Rao-, December IS Farida Pervaz Mistry and Zarir Soli Bharucha-, December 16 Nilufer Hoshang Vesuna and Freddy Dinyar Tukina; December 16 Dilber Kersi Iraiu and Percy Sovak Bhathena-, December VI Armaity Sam Bastawalla and Rofunton Pirojshaw Chiniwala-, December 17 Kashmira Sorab Irani and Cyrus Meherwan Irani-, December 17 Dilnavai Meherwan Irani and Jehanbux San Irani; December 17 Tanaz Darayash Mehta and Freddy Jimmy Karbhari; December 17 Amy Jehangir Jussawalla and Sh^ur Nowroji Adajania; December 18 Kamal Firoz Kotwal and Firoze Jamshed Darbary oi Poona; December 19 Veera Rusi Ke^pawalla and Dicky Dara Karbhari; December 19 Daisy Kersi Powvalla and Noshir Jamshed Lala; December 19 Beheroze Adi Elavia and Yezdi Sam Cooper; December 20 Dilnavaz Boman Bakhurdari of Thana and Mehraboon Jamshed Irani, December 20 Rati Dorab Nazer and Bhiku Eruch Sethna-, December 20 * Havovi Nadir show Katila and Kaizad Maneck Bharucha; December 21 Aban Dinshaw Mistry and Neville Rusi Darbari; December 21 Shirin Keki Chinoy and Mehernosh Jehangir Palia; December 21 Khurshid Minu Pardiwalla of Pardi and Navroz Godrej Jadashapurna; December 22 Manek Rutton Tata and Khushrav Erach Nariman; December 22 Navaz Bejonji Bhandari and Farhad Sorab Patel; December 22 T^enobia Honu Homavazir and Dinshaw Kersi Billimoria; December 23 Zeena Dara Void and Kurush Dhaiyisha Cooper, December 23 Tanaaz Sam Hilloo and Jimmy Jehangir Irani of Karachi; December 24 Dolly Piroj Dhabhar and Farrokh Kersi Patel; December 24 Mahtab Sam Irani of Poona and Burzin Rumi Daruwalla; December 25 Anahita Farokh Irani of Secunderabad and Jehangir Behram Bhanja; December 2b Meher Horru Palsetia and Kurush Patanji Dastoor; December 2h Jasmine Dhanjisha Elavia and Jamshed Themuras Dubash-, December 27 Hilla Hosang Bhesania and Khushveer Bomi Engineer; December 27 Armin Jal Patel and Hoshang Soli Buhariwala; December 28 Niloirfer Noshir Dubash and Noshir Rustom Dastur; December 28 Niloirfer Noslur Sidhwa and Marzban Burjorji Hodiwala; December 29 Khursheed Rusi Bhumgara and Navzer Adar Dumasia; December 30 Roxy Dara Patel and Rustom Keti Jokhi of Hong Kong; With the compliments of P. S. KUKA Chairman ? ? ? GOODWILL THEATRES PVT LTD BOMBAY OWNERS: "NOVELTY CINEMA" THEATRE MAGNIFICENT BOMBAY luxuriously oir-conditioned with latest 70MM Projection, Stereophonic and 4 Track Sound Equipment. J 36 Parsiana January 1992December 30 Nargis D/utnjishah Guard of Thana and Tehmton Rustomji Mistry, December 30 Firooza Jimmy Fitter and Hamavand Rayomand Shroff; December 30 Sanober Keki Dastur and Cavas Jamshedji Bomanji; December 31 f Died Rattonsha Ardeshir Achhadwala (80) residing at B-8, Shams Palace, 98, Hill Rd, Bandra, 400050; December 2 Rusi Eruchsha Patel (15), 3-B/}.1, Tata Clny, Tfrdeo, 400034; December 2 J er Kaikhusroo Shroff (69), Shirin Mans, Tardeo Rd, 400034; December 2 Beraonji Shahporji Velati (92), F/41, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039; December 2 Dadiba Bapuji Daruwalla (10), Kharade Bldg, Taluka Karjat, Dist Raigad, Neral, 410101; December 3 Mithan Hoshang Daruwalla (78), C/6, Ness Baug, Nana Chowk, 400007; December 3 Goolbai Bejonji Engineer (86), India Hse No 3, Kemp’s Comer, 400036; December 3 Dinyar Adi Umrigar (38), 1, Phoolwadi, Lalubhai Park Rd, Andheri (W), 400058; December 3 Bapsy Soli Buhariwalla (61), Vispi Villa, 85, Hill Rd, Baiidra, 400050; December 4 Pirojshaw Dosabhoy Sukhesh- wala (79), 187, Abdealy Chmbs, Lamington Rd, 400007; December 4 Fakirji Dinshawji Daruwalla (15), 17-E/45, Rustom Baug, Victoria Rd, Byculla, 400027; December 5 Shahpur Boman Iraru (63), Talati Bldg, Khetwadi Back Rd, 400004; December 5 Frenie Shavaksha Major (84), Mehta Bldg, M. Pasta Rd, Dadar, 400014; December 5 Meherbai Hormusji Mistry (81), 7, Khareghat Clny, Hughes Rd, 400007; December 5 Motamai Tehmuras Randelia (SI), 5, Cawas Turner Bldg, Gamadia Clny, Tardeo, 400007; December 5 Noshir Jehangirji Dubash (88), Dubash Est, Nepean Sea Rd, 400006; December 6 Kavas Kekobad Elavia (58), 20, Khareghat Clny, Hughes Rd, 400007; December 6 Sheryar Framroze Jehani (Irani) (IS), Pheroza Mans, Gunbow St, Fort, 400001; December 6 Keki Jamshedji Kodia (62), C/o M. B. Bajina, 20, Wadia St, Tardeo, 400034; December 7 Coomi Dinshaw Baria (68), Chaturbuj Bldg, Princess St, 400002; December 8 Baba Rumi Homi Gae (seven months), 635, Mistry Bldg, Dhobitalao, 400002; December 8 Roshon Khodadad Irani (62), 4/A, New Dubash Bldg, Gamadia Clny, Tardeo, 400007; December 8 Fflli Cawasji AnJclesorla Khambatta Hse, Khambatu Lane, Byculla, 400027; December 9 Mehroo Fall Rabadi (82), Jaiji Ter, 9, Sleater Rd, 400007; December 9 Mani Jamshed Mirza (65), A, Shirin Manzil, Balaram St, Grant Rd, 400007; December 10 Put la Jehangirsha Commissa­ riat (IS), 2/10, Kashinath Bldg, Tardeo, 400034; December 11 Tehmina Pirojsha Elavia (93), F/15, Nowroz Baug, Lalbaug, 400012; December 11 Jalejar Ratansha Engineer (85), 6, Rustom Baug, Victoria Rd, Byculla, 400027; December 11 Tefunina Edulji Jokhi (IS), ^121, Nowroz Baug, Lalbaug, 400012; December 11 Minoo Pirojsha Kovar ana (73), Banaji Bldg, Forjett St Cross Lane, 400036; December 11 Nargish Dhunjishaw Vania (2S), Hendre Bldg, Sleater Rd, 400007; December 11 Adi Burjorji Mistry (73), 21510, Oomrigar Bldg, Zoroastrian Clny, Tardeo Rd, 400007; December 12 Rustom Jamshedji Vakharia (76), Vellard View, Pedder Rd, 400026; December 12 Sorabji Bhikhaji Bharda (77), C/o Mehroo Mody, B, Ness Baug, Nana Chowk, 400007; December 13 Eruch Jehangir Kotwal (83), SI, Shirin Manzil, Chandanwadi Cross Lane, 400002; December 13 Naju Burjor Madan (11), 101, Baktawar, 163, Colaba Rd, 400005; DecembCT 13 Nari Jamshedji Patel (83), KJd, G/3, Meherwanji Cama Park, Cama Rd, Andheri (W), 400058; December 13 Sheran Pestonji Patel (83), Fatma Villa, Pandya Lane No 2, Santacruz (W), 400054; December 13 Dhanmai Darabshaw Bha- roocha (89), Wilson Bldg, Next to Chitra Cinema, Dadar, 4(XX)14; December 14 Bachamai Pallonji Marolia (91), Petit Widows’ Chawl, Mody St, Fort, 400001; December 14 Rolunton Sam Dover (18), Crown Mans, Forjett St, Gowalia Tank, 400036; December 15 Piroja Jamshed Kotwal (79), 403, Silver C-KSikei, Mount Mary Rd, Bandra, 400050; Dwember 15 Freny Shapurji Mehta (87), Sanghrajka Hse, 558, Adenwala Rd, Matunga, 400019; December 15 Jaloo Homi Dubash (80), 220, The Reward, Tardeo, 400007; December 16 Hilla Rotan Gai (65), 627, Dubash Bldg, Homavazir Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; December 16 Gulbai Kaikhashru Gutta (91), B, Wassiamull Bldg, Grant Rd, 400007; December 16 Addi Khodadad Irani (50), 1/14, Ravi Soc, Lam Rd, Deolali, 422401; December 16 Coomi Jal Avari (82), Contrac­ tor Bldg, Kashinath Rd, Tardeo, 400034; December 17 Percy Minoo Avari; December 17 (cremated) Framroze Merwanji Billimoria (72), Sai Sadan Soc, Khopat, Thane, 400601; December 17 Dossan Eruch Daruwalla (77), Oomergaon Bldg, Dr Ambedkar Rd, Parel, 400012; December 17 Pesi Nadershah Comnussariat (67), 3, Baria Bldg, Gamadia Clny. 'Tardeo, 400007; December 18 Mehru Framroz Working- boxwalla (89), 5, Vijay Nivas, Sleater Rd, Grant Rd, 40OOO7; December 18 Firoj Sorabji Balsara (80), Hendre Hse, Sleater Rd, 400007; December 19 Tinaz Farokh Balaporia (30), Haji Habib Bldg, Dr Ambedkar Rd, Dadar, 400014; December 20 Minoo Shov(dcsha Dalal (70), Readymoney Bldg, Sir Ratan Tata St, Tardeo, 400034; December 20 Minu Jehanbux Dastur (81), 31, Paul Rd, Bandra, 400050; December 20 Jerbai Sorabji Pithawala (89), P. N. Godiwala’s Widows’ Chawl, Gunpowder Rd, Mazagaon, 400010; December 20 Sam Nariman Billimoria (56), Flat 22/23, 41/43, PoUce Court Lane, Fort, 400001; December 21 Aimay Jamshedji Dtvukha- nawalla (97), 11, Mody Bldg, Gamadia Clny, Tardeo, 400007; December 21 Fredoon Gustadji Patell (12), HsiiihiMsKak Ter, Forjett St, 400036; December 21 Dinyar Bomanshaw Aibara (64X 4/32, Tau Mills Co-op Hsg Soc Bldg, Parel, 400012; December 22 Shirirduu Jamshedji Bhatporia (76), 36, Mistry Bldg, Sun MiU Rd, Lower Parel, 400012; December 22 Pestonji Ardeshir Gtdwalla (74), 9, Kay Ter, 7, Sleater Rd, 400007; December 22 Dhunjishaw Manecigi Mehta (79), Botawalla Bldg, Tardeo Rd, 400007; Deconber 22 Nariman Burjorji Singporewala (87), M/15, Bharucha Baug, S. V. Rd, Andheri (W), 400058; December 23 Khorshed Jamshed Bharucha (62), CZ9OQ/18OO, Kurla Camp Rd, Ulhasnagar, 421005; December 24 Merwanji Dinshaji Dumasia (95), F. S. Parukh Dharam- shalla, Hughes Rd, 400007; December 24 Perin Behramshaw J. Patel (87), 706, Pirojshaw Bldg (Soonamai Hse), Gowalia Tank Rd, 400036; Deconber 24 Homi Nusserwaryi Vakharia (84), Alpaiwalla Bldg, Stn Rd, Mahim, 400016; December 25 Noshir Kaikhushroo Bisni (77), A/4, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039; Decemba 26 Jeroo SoU Daruwalla (50), 18/A, Yasmin Apts, Petry Rd, Bandra (W), 400050; December 26 Khurshed Dinshaw Dastoor- (82), Empress Bldg, Nusser- wanji Petit St, Grant Rd, 400007; December 26 Jahangir Allayar Irani (45), Batliwalla Agiary Comp, Tardeo, 400034; December 26 J )! 37 Parsiana January 1992 4Bhikhaji Hormasji Kamakhan (87), Godrej Clny, Pirojshanagar, Vikhroli, 40(X)79; December 26 Tehmi Rusi Medhora {69), 2/28, A. H. Wadia Baug, G. D. Ambedkar Marg, 400033; December 26 Maneck Dadabhoy Pastakia {i3), 611, Pateti Block, Jame Jamshed Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; December 26 Framroze Dinshaji Gorimar (81), 11, Railway Hotel, Raja Ram Mohan Roy Rd, 400007, C/o Ami B. Tantra, Mancharam Bldg, 394, Grant Rd, 400007; December 27 Dhunmai Dhunfishaw Mehta (85), 115, Gamadia Clny, Tardeo, 400(X)7; December 11 Baimai Dharyisha Turner (72), Banajee Bldg, Forjett St Cross Lane, Gowalia Tank, 400026; December 27 Burjor Jehangir Dalal {11), 801, Beach Apts, J. P. Rd, Versova, 40(X)61; December 28 Behram Jamshedji Dhabhar {6i), Village Khorchi, Dist Pune, December 28 Shapurji Ardeshir Nariebvala (87), Dharbhanga Mans, 11, Carmichael Rd, 400026; December 28 Perviz Jehangir Pestonjamasp (76), B/51, Meherzin, Colaba, 40()005; Decemba 28 Viloo Hormasji Wadia (57), C/o Banoo F. Rustomji, 54, Vijay Chmb, Tribhavan Rd, 40(X)04; December 28 Tehmina Naoroji Mobedjina (Mobedji) (91), Jyoti Est, Proctor Rd, Grant Rd, 4(X)()07; December 29 Jehanbux Edulji Randelia (81), B/2, Avabai Petit Lane, Balaram St, Grant Rd, 400007; December 29 Dinamai Kaikhshroo Dholoo (76). 2/15, Sir C. J. Clny, Tardeo, 400034; December 30 Keki Pirojsha Patel (54), B/7, Kerawalla Bldg, Tata Clny, Bandra, 400050; Decemba 30 Boman Rustomji Shroff (46), Hormuz Bldg, Dadoji Kondeo Marg, 4(XX)27; December 30 CALCUTTA Died Meheramai Manchershaw Medhora-, November 19 Najoo Kt^adia, wife of Jal and mother of Rohinton, Hoshang and Firoze; November 21 POONA Died Sovak Nadir Chenoy (73), 5, Bund Garden Rd, 411001; December 5 Peshoton N. Driver (81), 9, Grace Ter Soc, 600, Sachapir St, 411<X)1; December 12 Sheriyar Khushru Irani (86), 4/4 Ardeshir Baug, Ma-Perviz Rd, 411002; December 14 Feroza Ardeshir Irani (28), 908, Synagogue St, 411001; December 26 Erach Sorabji Narielevala (72), Shangril Apts, 31, Bund Garden Rd, 411001; December 29 SURAT Died Cooverbai Nariman Kelawala (80), Athugar St, Nanpura, 395001; December 5 Burjorji Ratanji Nalawala (73), Juna Gam, Songadh, 394250; December 7 Darabsha Dinshawji Variava (68), Variava Hse, Lal Gate, 395003; December 9 Bachamai Khodabux Engineer (80), Baharkote, Vejalpur, Parsi Wad, Bharuch, 392001; December 14 Vispi Firoze Elavia (18), Gam Rajpipla, Dist Bharuch, 393145; December 18 Noshirwan Nariman Contractor (73), Gulshan, Parsi Wad, Sai- yedpura, 395003; December 20 Khodabux Sorabji Engineer (83), Baharkote, Vejalpur, Parsi Wad, Bharuch, 392001; December 20 c AAA ATLANTA, Georgia Born A boy, Sohrab, to Niloufer and Zerksis Boga-, November 11 CALIFORNIA Bom A boy. Grant Cyrus, to Ann and Farouk Arjani; August 29 ! OTTAWA Died Rustomji Dinshaw BatUwalla, husband of Khorshed and father of Benifer and Dinshaw; September 15 I TOTALS (for this issue) Born; Boys 19, Girls 13 Married: 91 Died:^04 Compiled by Roxani A. Miiza A MTMLONI & CO PRIMWe LIMITED- Industrial Painting, Coating,Anti-corrosion Water-proofing,Construction, Diving & Offshore Contractors. 87, Abdul Rehman Street, Bombay 400003 Tel -.324150/336607 Tlx : 011 75871 MPEL IN, Fax : 022-2152998 5 38 Parsiana January 19921/ 1 k IN MEMORIAM Merwanji's penchant for pictures Parinaz Gandhi His love for cinema was total. While in Film Festival, and the purchase of this school, he is said to have bunked classes film by Channel Four Television, Lon- if a particular film interested him. Be­ fore he could complete his degree course in sociology and anthropology, he opted there was “a sense of vacuum ” in Mer- out of college to pursue a career in films, wanji ’s life, noticed his compeers. In par- When the Film and Television Institute ticular, the indifferent treatment that he members of die community could appre- of India refused him admission to their reportedly received at the hands of the course in direction, he studied for a dip- National Film Development Corporation, loma in editing. Even subsequent to his the co-producers of this film, is said to “Religion was very personal to him. ” recognition as a director of a landmark have upset him immensely. “You have to There was one phase in his life when Ti- feature film in Gujarati, Percy, he would be very thick-skinned in this business betan Buddhism Fascinated him. He assist other directors with sound and (films) and Pervez was not; he was very spent one summer in a Tibetan monas- camera work. And before 42-year-old sensitive, ” noted Patwardhan in an ar- t^ in Sikkim studying their religion Pervez Merwanji could com- there, plete his envisioned cinematic His concern for the envi- projects, on September 8, ronment was evident in his 1991, when holidaying in the documentary features and sci- UK, he succumbed to jaun- ence films where he worked dice that had gradually af- as script writer, director and flicted the other systems in cameraman during his years the body. as accredited correspondent Under the banner of Vajra of Television News Features, Films that he fcamed in 1980, a television news agency. His he had worked on short film subjects tanged from rodents assignments for some busi- and reptiles, to sandalwood ness houses before bringing and spices, from farming to out The Way of the Malabar fireworks, civics and politics. Warrior. This 35-minute “Pervez had a vast fund of color documentary on kalari knowledge, arcane infcrma- payat, the ancient martial art tion on nature based on per ­ form of Kerala, was the offi- sonal, not bookish know cial Indian short film entry at ledge, ” said Mistry. He had the Ninth International Film recollections of Merwanji Festival. Then came collaboration for Merwanji (right) explaining a scene from guiding him through long country walks some other ventures like Anand Percy to Deboo. Photo: Jaggi Gupta when he was invited to Merwanji ’s coun- Patwardhan ’s Harnara Shaher and the TV try house in Mount Abu where the dia- serial Rakshak before undertaking Percy tide in The Independent of September 28, logues for Percy started taking shape, with which he made his debut as director 1991. Bombay-born Merwanji ’s school of a feature film. “Avant garde, experimental, eccen- years were spent at St Mary ’s, Mount The story line of Percy had gripped trie ” were the terms used by freelance Abu, Cathedral High School, Bombay Merwanji. His persistence with Cyrus journalist, and his friend from their days and the Doon School in Dehra Dun. A Mistry, the author of Percy, to submit a at the Doon School, Yogi Aggarwal, to couple of feats that he had recorded in screenplay was rewarded after two years, describe the cinematographer. “Pervez his curriculum vitae were his inclusion Thereafter for 18 months he was com- would help a lot of people without expect- on the school expedition that scaled the mitted to projecting the relationship be ­ tween a dominating mother and a re ­ pressed son in a Parsi milieu. “I knew he stranger who had collapsed on the street was serious about the film. Whatever he did, he was totally committed to, ” com ­ mented Mistry. The proof of this dedica- on behalf of an unknown casualty, as re- tion was the national award it won for the calls Kurush Deboo who had played the best feature film in Gujarati, for its selec- title role in Percy, ‘Tervez was a man tion as the curtain raiser to the Indian who knew his mind. ” A hot-tempered Panorama section at the Calcutta Interna- perfectionist he was believed to be, yet he tional Film . Festival, for winning the In- was also viewed as one who “relied on his tercultural Dialogue prize, the second conscience rather than on society for highest recognition at the Mannheim value judgement. ” - With a kara round one wrist, cigarette in the other hand, attired in a loose kurta, don. Merwanji did not lode an archetypal Following the acclaim for Percy, Parsi. However his remarkable dqriction of the idiosyncratic ways of the Parsis in his film Percy was a view which not all ing anything in return, ” added Aggarwal. Whether it be giving cardiac massage to a or rushing an accident victim to a hospital and sorting out formalities with the police »* ciate. “He did not believe in institution ­ alized religion, ” states his wife Suzanne. “Avant garde, experimental, eccen- 39 Parsiana January 1992 I i ¦i! IJ center, is said to have produced some chosen by the government to establish eminent physiotherapists of India, the first regional teachers ’ training pro- ~ ¦‘To him every blind person was an in- knowledge to the visually handicapped, dividual (whose)... human dignity and believed Jussawala, himself a graduate in arts and teaching from the Bombay Uni ­ versity. He thus founded the National Association for Instructors of the Blind of which he was the first president and addi ­ tionally served as honorary secretary (education) of the National Association for the Blind for several years. At national and international confer ­ ences on education for the sightless, Jus- sawala ’s was a familiar face, presenting papers and even chairing important ses ­ sions. An additional distinction bestowed on Jussawala was the United Nations Fellowship to study for a six-month pe­ riod the special education of the blind. Even after his retirement, from his base in Jalna, Jussawala continued to re ­ tain his interest in welfare work, espe- Jussawala: respect for human rights cially the training of instructors for the Died: Khurshed N. K. Jussawala, 86, edu- blind. Three years ago he was conferred canonist for the blind, in Jalna on Sep- human rights had to be respected, ” noted an award by the All India Confederation tember 11,1991. social worker Hormazdiar J. M. Desai in of the Blind, v Subsequently he was also The Victoria Memorial School for the his write-up detailing Jussawala ’s mission nominated for the Rustom M,^anji Al- Blind, where Jussawala was principal for in life. Committed as he was to develo- pmwalla Memorial Award which he de- over 30 years and instrumental in build- ping the potential of the visually impair^ dined to accept believing it should, in- ing its renown, was the first high school students, Jussawala took a keen interest in stead, inspire a younger social worker. Jussawala is survived by his daughter Aban and sons Dinyar, Fredoon and* P.G. unclimbed peak of Jaonli, 21,670 feet rable to the best in the world, and the one high in the Garhwal Himalayas, and dur ­ ing his college days at St Xavier ’s, Bom ­ bay, spending one summer hitch-hiking gram in western India, from England to Afghanistan, starting out with Rs 5 in his pocket Photography and western music were Merwanji ’s prime interests. His sensiti ­ vity extended to providing relief not only to humans but to all creatures. One of his pet fantasies as related by his friends was to see a baby crow he had rescued and nurtured grow up to recognize and hover round him... Merwanji is survived by his wife Suzanne and^n Punya. There was a need to systematically train teachers who in turn could impart I Uplif tment of the blind ing its renown, was the first high school students, Jussawala took a keen interest in cially the school ’s massage section, which was upgraded to a physiotherapy Sheri. for the blind in India. It was the same the school ’s vocational training. Espe- institution that the internationally re ­ nowned Helen Keller viewed as compa- EVENTS AND PERSONALITIES continued from page 15 Private Limited as their structural engi ­ neering consultants, Paktron Systems Pri- _ vate Limited as their electrical consultants run for boys under 20, Hoshedar ber 15,’91. After their debut album Ma- and Associated Industrial Consultants Neemuchwalla who stood sectxid in the dras Cafe, the band has toured Denmark, (India) Private Limited as their public 1,200 m run for boys under 20, Farhad Poland and the USSR. health consultants, further informs the Munshi who came first in the 300 m run brochure. and third in the 1,000 m run for boys un- Kavas J. Bharucha has been appointed der 17, Vaspan Kavasmaneck who stood director (finance) of Colour-Chem Lim- Double wins second in both the 300 m and the 1,000 m ited, reports The Daily of Sqjtember 1, The only participant to record a double run for boys under 17 and Yohan Wadia 1991. win at the athletic meet organized by the who was the first to cross the finishing Bombay City District Amateur Athletic line in the 2(X) m run for boys under 14. Association on October 13,1991 was Ms f *" , ’ .. .... _ Delna Avari of St Mary ’s Gymkhana, easy on the first morning... as both the Harbour Junior Chamber Inter-School reported The Times of India the next day. She completed her 300 m run in 47.24 seconds and the 8(X) m run in two min ­ utes, 54.5 seconds in the girls under 17 age-group. The other Zoroastrians who d^-|-i un ­ made their mark at this meet at the Pri- SPOTLIGHT yadarshini Park were: Homeyar Mistry The jazz band Divya with key board cine. ” and Firdosh Mehta who came first and maestro Dinshah Sanjana and his wife, -------- second respectively in the 300 m run for vocalist Sandhya, was slated to perform at Compiled by Roxana a. Mim men, Hanoz Maneckshaw who came first the John Coltrane Festival in Los Ange- in the 1,200 m run and third in the 300 m les, according to India Today of Septem- Facing competition from students of 27 St Mary ’s Gymkhana athletes “had it schools who participated in the Bombay prominent athletic clubs, the Bombay Elocution Competition, 12-year-old Ms Young Men ’s Christian Association and Dilshad Khushru Patel of Avabai F. Tracktrotters ’ athletes failed to show up Petit Girls High School won the first for the meet, ” The Times adds. prize, notes the Jam-e-Jamshed of Sqj- tember 29,1991. The subject of her pres ­ entation was “Laughter, the best medi- T 40 Parsiana January 1992