Mar 1993

Ifl . K o a> t}> X O cc 4 S I I F 1.'' '3 I esigner Wear By Xerxes -j Bhathenal fs EDITOR Jehangir R. Patel MANAGING EDITOR Arnavaz S. Mama EXECUTIVE EDITOR Parinaz M. Gandhi ASSISTANT EDITOR Roxana A. Mirza DESIGN Kranti M. Shilotri, Varghese Fernandez MARKETING DIRECTOR Veera Patel ADVERTISING MANAGER Zarin Mistry ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVE Hormazd N. Dastur ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE Cheryl Sequeira CHIEF EXECUTIVE Rustom Thanavala FINANCE B. L. Arora EDP Rohinton E. Daroga DTP Bakhtavar R. Batliwalla, U. Raghunathan SUBSCRIPTION/CIRCULATION Behram Umrigar, Khurshid Panthaki, Bindu Pillai MANAGEMENT Jasmine Driver March 1993 Volume 15 Number 9 2 Readers’ Forum 19 Events and Personalities 27 Zoroastrians Abroad 34 Federation goes to MP by Parinaz Gandhi 51 “Trustees have to be dynamic” by Gustasp Irani 55 A firm yet gentle lady trustee 58 Remarkable records 61 Dadabhai Naoroji: The guarded fighter by Ava Khullar 69 Captain Sisters: in the tradition of Dadabhai Naoroji 74 Armaity Desai: In her parents ’ footsteps by Arnavaz Mama x 3. i 1 I' OFFICE Nowzer Batliwala 87 In vogue with Xerxes Bhathena OFFICE ASSISTANTS Umesh Poojary, Selvan Mark, Sunil Sakhare, Pramod Patil 92 Dairyland Plantations: The green blue chip by Homi Rogers 98 Danai: booking profits 104 Books I 111 Milestones 115 In Memoriam Cover: Outfit created by Xerxes Bhathena. Model: Mehr Jesia Photo: Gautam Rajadhyaksha Parsiana is published by Jehangir R. Patel for Parsiana Publications Pvt Ltd, at C/o H.L.Rochat, Navsari Chambers, ground floor, 39 A.K.Nayak Marg, Fort, Bombay 400001 and printed by him at Kaiser-E-Hind Pvt Lto, 300 Perin Nariman Street, Bombay 400001. Color processing. Comart Litho-graphers; and black and white processing, Samir Scantech Pvt Ltd. All rights reserved. Phone: 2048730 Fax: 2042922 For editorial enquiries: 2048183 For subscription enquiries: 2665661,2662709 Telex 11-85710 RABO IN. Annual inland subscription Rs 125 for one year (12 issues); Rs 225 for two years (24 issues). Foreign subscription rates: Sea mail Rs 350/US $ 12/UK £ 7 for one year, Rs 550/US $ 20/UK £ 12 for two years (please allow six months or more from the time of publication); Air mail Rs 600/US $ 25/UK £ 15 (for Pakistan, Indian Rs 320) for one year, Rs 1,100/ US $ 48/UK £ 28 (for Pakistan, Indian Rs 600) for two years. For Indian upcountty cheques add Rs 5 tor 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. I L *READERS' FORUM i I I»»** ‘ ‘’ I M » » I# it i < » . It * » * t 'f I > . . i , \ , t n o »»»? *. > > t «?t »t »* * * *» t.tl t I i ¦» t I1 »? U'«* I >>»»#»**» .1J J h I»»H h M ’. '¦* IM‘ 1 »111 t'l > 4»I»M r- • MM” » » t » M* > * t » ....... *1'1 Fm bs i»*« t Ki-^4 ’ * » I#* # g dr?' Parsi, can become a Parsi. But, if any one believes in the divinity of Zoroaster, and wants to become a Zoroastrian, no one has the right to stop him. God can never be the private preserve of a group of heaven-borne people. 1992). This is what I call bigotry. The There were no Zoroastrians before dasturs know that the Shehenshahi calen- Zoroaster, and so He did convert. The dar is wrong with the Parsi New Year Achaemenians, despite their excellent VF VVIIItOfc *•* w- - ——J — — - years; yet they don ’t want to correct a Il mistake of their forefathers who forgot to H add the Kabisa (intercalation of one I month every 120 years). I The least the newly elected Bombay nian subjects. it* * ; all the three calendars. And yet Dastur Mirza is of the opinion that this unifica ­ tion can be effected only five centuries from now when not only Hormazd roj but also Fravardin mah fall on March 21 {Jam-e-Jamshed Weekly, April 12, wni ' coming in different seasons every 360 record of tolerance, betrayed the original I religious instinct of proselytizing, as did Darius with the Elamites, Xerxes with the Greeks, and the other Achaemenian monarchs with their non-Zoroastrian Ira- The Sasanian kings Parsi Punchayet trustees can do is to openly persecuted and converted the undo the past mistakes by effecting a ’ “ common Parsi New Year on March 21. The change has to come. Zoroastrians in North America led by FEZANA (Federaion of Zoroastrian Associations of North America) are already moving in that direction. It would be better if the Parsis of Bombay be the leaders rather than followers of the change. Dr P. D. SUNAVALA Jews and the Christians. The devout Khosrow converted the Turks, and Behram converted his Indian bride to Zo ­ roastrianism. The above, is a statement of historical facts. No Parsi, however bigoted, can rewrite history. A non-Parsi Zoroastrian can, there ­ fore, be denied flhe use and advantage of funds and benefits reserved for Parsis. But such a one should not, under any law, be denied entrance to a temple, built Last week, I met a distinguished Parsi' for the worship of God according to the “ . I, as a Zoroastrian, have walked into temples, churches and mosques, and marvelled on occasions at Readers' views are welcome on any subject of interest to the community and should ----------------- - . -7 , •__ be sent to the Editor, Readers' Forum, gentleman on his way to Israel through Zoroastrian jailti. Parsiana, G.P.O. Box 892, Bombay 400001. ' " Letters are subject to editing for reasons of space and clarity. Unsigned letters or those without an address will not be published. London. After explaining to him the ne ­ cessity of having a unified Zoroastrian , . calendar to bring the diverse diminishing the sanctity and atmosphere of some of community together, he scratched his fat these beautiful places of worship. Need- belly and made this flippant remark; “Some say if you have more than one birthday, you receive more than one present. ” Yes, in this tiny disintegrating brethren the right to enter our agiaries. community we have three dates tor every of the andhyarus churned out by religious event and not less than three Parsi calendar reform In his letter “Moving with the times ” {Parsiana, December 1992), Mr N. S. Mobedji has talked about the fanatical nature (_________, the M. F. Cama Athornan Institute birthdays for our prophet Zarathushtra. (MFCAI), Andheri. To, ascertain credibility for our children. Nowhere is this fanaticism more evi- perhaps we should seek guidance from dent than in the adherence of many mobeds and high priests to a wrong Parsi calendar and their resistance to its re ­ form. A unification of all the three Parsi rlncpd to Darius” Shehenshahi, Kacmi and Fasli calendars UOOrS CIOSCO 10 uariUS would enable their New Year days to converge on the vernal equinox, March 21, when the length of day and night is the same within the tropics. I have al ­ ready elaborated on this topic earlier (“Shall we unite in 1992?” Parsiana, No ­ vember 1991). The years 1992, 1993, 1994 and 1995 are very propitious for effecting this change because on Jamshedi Navroze on March 21, it is Hormazd roj according to the Old Testament as well. SHAHROKH VAFADARI Surrey, England Referring to the views expressed in the Readers ’ Forum by Cowasji Aden walla, J. F. Shroff and Rustom Disawalla under “Doors closed to Darius, ” {Parsiana, No ­ vember 1992), it is time that this commu ­ nity did some clear and logical thinking. We Parsis are an ethnic group. Zoroastrianism is our religion. One is not synonymous with the other. We have a right, if we so desire, to preserve our ethnic identity; no one, who is not born a 4' * 2 Parsiana March 1993 less to say that I have been a little ashamed and guilty that we deny our Hindu, Mohammedan and Christian It is said that a child bom of a Parsi father and a non-Parsi mother can be ­ come a Parsi, and a Zoroastrian, but a child bom of a Parsi mother and a non- Parsi father cannot ever be a Parsi or a Zoroastrian. Did our divine Prophet make this rule, or was it made by our priests and our punchayets? If so, who gave them the right to create, in the eyes of the just, this absurd act of discrimina ­ tion? A child is much more a mother ’s than a father ’s. The identity of a child s mother is beyond dispute; one cannot say the same of its father. Brave men like Ervad Burjor Pavri should be commended for performing the navjote ceremony of Darius Puz-Surti, and if Darius and the likes of such are de ­ nied entry into our consecrated places of worship, every just and right thinking Parsi should refrain from entering theseWith Best Compliments From White Cloud Filter Pads Pvt Ltd places, remembering always that God ex ­ ists where there is love and harmony and kindness, and not where there is hate and bigotry and discrimination. If our community dies and with it our beautiful religion, I for one would lay the onus at the door of these sanctimonious diehards who are driving our children and our grandchildren away from our fold instead of welcoming them with open arms. I am afraid that we, as a community, are getting very sick about all this, and that many of us are no better than the fa ­ natics and religious vandals who have precipitated so much human suffering in this world in the name of religion. Is it possible that some people may not be able to understand me when I say that sometimes God is very far from reli ­ gion, and that very often those who pro ­ fess to protect the so-called tenets of their faith, are not always speaking for God? Dr HIRJI SORAB ADENWALLA Trichur Pioneer Manufacturers of Finest Quality Machine Made Filter Pads In the Country. 412 Gultekdi Road, Pune 411037 Phone: 448942 Gram: Filter Pads I have been following the debate on pu-. rity, ritual, desecration of our holy fire, etc. It seems that a certain section of our community often exhort another section to build their own fire-temples as has been done by the Jewish people. However, if we look at the whole is­ sue with impartiality and clarity, it would seem that the existing fire-temples, ac ­ cording to the very high standards of pu ­ rity of the former, are already desecrated by the presence of the offspring of Parsi men married to non-Parsi women. Hence, it would be much more logical and reasonable to leave these existing fire-temples for the worship of those who are not too rigid in their idea of purity and build new fire-temples for the worship of those who maintain that they are equally against the entry in our fire-temples of offspring of Parsi men married to non- Parsi women. Ms D. MULLA-FEROZE “The reenthroning of...” This refers to the reply of the (then) man ­ aging trustee Ervad Burjor Antia of the C. B. Banaji Atash Behram to the rejoin ­ der of Mr Adi Doctor (“The reenthroning of the Banaji fires, ” Parsiana, Novem ­ ber, 1992). Before the holy fire was shifted for the first time, the work of cleaning and painting of the building as also repairs such as replacing decayed rafters, cor ­ roded gutters and broken window panes. 4 Parsiana March 1993 APPOINTED VALUERS OF JEWELLERY TO THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA GAZDAR Private Limited Taj Mahal Hotel Bombay Tel: 2023666, 2023366 Ext 3204 Telegrams; "MANUSCRIPT" *plastering and many other jobs must * • 1 _ 1___ UJArVAtC I and insist upon them is regarded as a non-issue while the judgement of the charity commissioner is considered his ­ toric. It indicates that we have lost all sense of priorities. Unless and unti^we t---------------------" * to the extent possible even under the pre ­ vailing circumstances t---------- Sheth Cowasji D. Adenwala, who pre ­ sided over the function organized to cele- the 143rd anniversary of installa- of the Banaji Atash Behram, had stated in his presidential address that the of the Atash Behram Sheth revert to have been carried out by Parsi workers and artisans alone. Some two years , . the prayer hall, having fairly high ceil ­ ing, adjoining the sanctum sanctorum o ganaii had taken immense W r to n., « . /ifl/izi in one c — Z Nav ‘;;;?'Au.sh B-ehran., The f“ Ae pu^se ramkamdin (a Gujarati translation of the record in Persian of the installation of this fire under the leadership of Dastur Jamshedji Edulji JamaspAsa by his brother Dastur Minocheherji), it has been stated, “...this place is...for drawing the We have totally neglected the vision ing, adjoining brate back, oil painting of tion _ _ ___J t„:-- the sanctum sanctorum of founder trouble for consecration of the holy fire: out by Mr Homi Acidwala and his men. carried out by them at about the s^e time at t---------- work turned out was of professional stan ­ dards. But the trustees of the C. B. Banaji Atash Behram, without giving these men a fair and complete trial, drew the con ­ clusion that their work was not of profes ­ sional standards. No sincere efforts are being made to formulate a workforce of Parsi workers and artisans who could undertake such iobs at our agiaries and atash behrams. ------ - r ¦ ¦ ” ¦ ¦ being discouraged and bounties of the yazatas... X'bTdirooms constructed problems facing and change into clothes non-issue while the judgement of the charity commissioner is considered his ­ toric. It indicates that we have lost all the religion and do eve^thing \_ ::3 to adhere strictly shall not be able to solve the SOHRAB NAVALSHAW PATWA “In defence of the...” does not get much support from the story of the Chichgars (“You have to leave! ) r^orted under Events and Personalities ElpS ”: and quality of work are -.... may be cleaned and painted so that walls I do not turn black with soot. ____________ of the Chichgars (“You have to leave! ”) ttDder Events and Personalities in the same issue of Parsiana. They were expelled from Saudi Arabia on ac ­ count of their religion. This is surprising considering that among those who fought for the Saudis during Operation Desert Storm were Zoroastrians, including women. As Dr Mary Boyce observes in her lat ­ est book, Zoroastrianism, published in 1992, “It may have been from among their (ZoroaSlrian ‘scholar-priests ’) ranks claimed by Coorlawala) that a a utsk of preserving Ae (and ‘herrfore no. from *e donTtaX «“mp.\7'Svmee"X “gge'ion came of a way » snengthen Xa “ "e oS cS~d pracdces teS community's viud but d.spumd tion as In Service of the Suffering MAZDA MEDICAL ELECTRONICS BURJIS N. KHURSEDJI & CO 104 Amit Industrial Estate, 61 Dr S. S. Rao Road Parel, Bombay 400012 Tlx; 11 71233 MAZD IN Fax; 91 22 4130148 Tel: 4135468 6 Parsiana March 1993Frye describes how Qutaiba thrice prose ­ lytized Zoroastrians after conquering Bukhara and how thrice they reneged on claim to be a people of the book and perhaps more than any other people m hence exempt from the choice of conver ­ sion or death: that during the Vendidad service the text of the Vendidad should be read from a manuscript instead of be ­ ing recited by heart. The intention may partly have been to take off this extra burden on priests ’ memories, relatively recently imposed; but it would also have justified a declaration by the Zoroastri ­ ans that they, like the Jews and Chris- uv - y., tians, read from a holy book at a regular lamic toleration and the rescripts ot Mo- act of worship. The usage maintained to hammed and Ali as ‘late and inauthen- this day, represented a striking break tic. ’” And yet, in sharp contrast to this, this innovation before leaving Iran. the lifetime of the Prophet Mohamnied Boyce provides many references from i , . the Rivayats to support her thesis (pg followed... (it) vvas rarely performed 160). On page 155, Boyce refers to an .LCcr.'.; 't--:- '-C early Moslem ruler ’s order “that wher- the indisputable Moslem trail of iailh- ever in his territories any book of Magian fully following their doctrines, if such authorship might be discovered it should be destroyed ” because, per Boyce, “he considered such books accursed. ” One wonders about the veracity and genuineness of ’Ahd-nameh, for, if it ever reaiiv existed, the Moslems would asscu uui w. -- --------------- y-------------- have governed themselves by it as they Fierce proselytizing is well documented expert on this topic, describes him as e- *• ’ —.L —. u., Uiif puted to have been among many other things a Persian Jewish convert to Islam ” the world and the Saudis perhaps would be glad to do so if one can only prove the Bukhara and how thrice they renegea on 'Ahd-nameh to be a true and genuine tra- it. “The grand mosque was rais^ ^where dition. Nevertheless, Coorlawala summa- a Zoroastrian temple had stood. For rily disregards it as “a separate issue ” further information, see Narshakhi,His- and misses the uuth in so doing. tory of translated by FL N. Coorlawala seems to agree '------ James Russell that the 'Ahd-nameh rep ­ resents “later attempts by the conquerors themselves to create a tradition of Is- hammed and Ali as ‘late and inauthen- she asserts: “they held only for the times with Prof Frye, Cambridge, Mass, 1954, pp 20-21, 47-48. Sir Jivanji Modi has long ago dis ­ mantled G. K. Nariman ’s assertion that there was no force used by the early Arab conquerors to spread their new faith in Iranian territories. Even though Zoroas ­ trianism gained a legal status as a “book tive genius of our dasturs to perform the Vendidad by reading from a book instead of reciting by rote, “it was unequivocally the lifetime of the Prophet Mohammed and the early Caliphs. In the years that which seems hard to believe ’^in view of condemned as a fake religion, ” per the indisputable Moslem trail of failh- really existed, the Moslems would existed. Moreover as Prof Richard Frye and Boyce point out, the earliest of Arab con ­ querors were regarded by us as Ahrimans and Devs (satans) and “other Arabs har ­ assed Zoroastrians out of religious zeal. Wilfred Madelung of Oxford University (see his “Religious Trends in Early Is­ lamic Iran, ” Bibliotheca Persica). Coorlawala says Salman explored Manichaeism and Christianity, which may be true, but he is also known to have experiment^ with Judaism. As a matter of fact, Vera Basch Moreen, who is an have the undisputed reputation to live by for the north-east -- by the deyout^but the dictates of their religious farmans, 1 ’’ ? ' ' 7 ruthless Quiaiba (Boyce, p. 151).” Prof ,r Elevators with latest & The most Reliable MICROPROCESSOR technology for Single Speed, Two Speed, A.C. VVVF (Variable speed) Drive, Collective, Selective, Simplex/Duplex/Group Controls, Auto Doors, Elegant Fixtures with Self Luminating Touch/Push Buttons. NEW ELEVATORS MODERNISATION of ANY TYPE Elevator MAINTENANCE of ALL Types of Elevators ZAINA ELECTRIC & MECHANIC WORKS PROSPECT CHAMBERS ANNEXE, 2ND FL, DR D. N. ROAD, BOMBAY 400001 TEL 2047460 • 2041830 CABLE: NIRUPAMA. UNWALA BLDG, GR FL, 813/14 BHAWANI PETH, PADAMJI COMPOUND, PUNE 411042 PUNE OFFICE TEL: 654655 8 Parsiana March 1993 CON CORD ELEVATORr With Best Compliments From (Irano-Judaic.a^].]., 1990^^. 146). I fail to understand the analogy Co- orlawala draws about the Dead Sea Scrolls which were not “so long sup ­ pressed ” as she claims but lay hidden in caves until discovered accidentally just as the Achaemenian inscriptions. I end with the hope that she will look at her own “petulant disregard for the facts of history ” before accusing a savant like Dr Ali Jafarey. I for one have never known a scholar like him who knows Avestan, Pahlavi, Persian as well as Ara ­ bic texts where so much knowledge about our past still lies hidden. At best one has a right to state one ’s case and support one ’s thesis by providing reliable references and let the reader discern the truth of the matter. c I TRIKA AGENCIES Dr KERSEY H. ANTIA Ulinois, USA With best compliments from Quality Printers & Suppliers of All Kinds of Stationery Items Tel Off: 2613953/ 2612734 Res:3675375 Address: 41, Manek Abad 5, Setalwad Road Off Nepean Sea Road Bombay 400036 “AIMZ: for rightful...” Congratulations to Mr Berjis Desai and the founding members of AIMZ (Asso ­ ciation of Inter-Married Zoroastrians). At last, it is a step in the right direction (“AIMZ; For rightful justice, ” Parsiana, August 1992). There are many Zarthushtis who, sur ­ prisingly, like their religion, actually fol ­ low its doctrines and principles faithfully and are still proud to call themselves “Mazdayasni Zarthushtis! ” As long as there are followers, and as long as these followers obey their religion, there is no reason for the religious doctrines to change. On the other hand, if some do not want to obey and follow their religion, they should move out graciously and leaving the obedient followers in peace, start a new offshoot of any religion they please. They can make it as “progres ­ sive ” as they choose, maybe even chang ­ ing it every decade or century as the so ­ cial and economic changes of the times deem fit. We Zarthushtis, the followers of the Mazdayasni religion as taught by Asho Zarathushtra are practising a living reli ­ gion. If we were not, would it have sur ­ vived for these past thousands of years? Mr Farrokh Vajifdar (who criticizes Ervad Jal Birdy ’s beliefs on conversion) and the AIMZ founders and followers must know that in every school, in every classroom, there are some students who are disobedient. If they are disruptive, they leave the classroom and/or the school. Similarly, in every religion, there are some maverick, disobedient individu ­ als. Religions based on Truth, do not NARIMAN NALLASETH Pvt Ltd ENGINEERS & % CONSULTANTS 27, Tamarind Lane Rajabahadur Compound Apollo Street Bombay 400023 Phone Nos: 270066 & 272986 10 Parsiana March 1993t 1 wise parent will see to it that the evening meetings are such that the children look forward to them. Besides, when the par ­ ents are involved with their own profes ­ sions, and yet share their day with their children, the children condone their ab- _________ ____ - sence and, in fact, are unconsciously Javid Soli Canteenwala (“Attitudes of proud of their achievements. There is, in such cases, an unspoken pressure on the children to make good of themselves. Parents ’ way of life is the best example for a child. Being on the subject of child-raising (which should be on the ptriority list of all wise parents, because it is the next gen ­ eration we are grooming to face the rig ­ ors of an ever-changing world), it might Berjis Desai and AIMZ must know more about Asha and S penta than Asho Zarathushtra. Ms pervin mistry Ontario, Canada have to be compromised and changed to suit society and its trends. Truth, if it changes, is no Truth! The very first pre ­ cept the Gathas teach is obedience — obedience to the will of Asha and to the dictate of the immortal, omniscient soul. “ If AIMZ would like to disobey, they are free to leave and set up their own reli ­ gion distinct from the Mazdayasni Parsi boys? ” Readers ’ Forum, Parsiana, Javid is quite correct when he says that if a child is laid back and compla ­ cent, some part of the blame has to be at ­ tributed to his elders. Having been a mother for 19 years now, I do agree with him. Parents can certainly influence their children if they take the right action _ _ at the right time. It is sometimes pathetic not be out of place to share here^what my _ _______________________ to see young lives being wasted because ' ‘ of druj. Yasna 19 does teach that of lack of parental ability — mind you, I ¦ - say lack of parental ability, and not ‘time. ’ When a child grows up into an Attitudes of Parsi boys?” I entirely endorse the views of young Zarthushti deen. They must come up October 1992). with a different suitable name for their new progressive doctrine. AIMZ mistakenly believes that Asho Zarathushtra converted people from reli ­ gion to religion. The only conversion mentioned and taught in the Gathas is from angre mainyu to spenta, from evil to good. The other great religions and their followers are not dravand or follow ­ ers ( there are Pancha Ratus and Pancha Takaesha and they all manifested accord ­ ing to the will of Ahunavar. All religions aimless, uninterested adolescent, parents teach the same truth. * * ’ If Mr Berjis Desai does not realize that by changing the name of a religion, one does not become spiritually more en ­ lightened but by changing the evil men ­ tality to obedience and enlightenment, one truly converts the evil from within, becoming a follower of Spenta (by fol ­ lowing the religion of birth), then Mr spent together is fruitfully spent — and a mother-in-law had taught me when I was a new and young mother. She believed it was imperative to inculcate values in a child during the first seven years of his life — because those are the most tender almost always bemoan the fact that they and impressionable years, when the best had no time — because in most tamilies today both parents are working. When _ . parents have the ability, they automati- having takeq^the pains — especially dur- cally make the time. ing the early years — to make time for It is however, natural that when both our boys (now 19 and 11), talking to parents are working, they have less time them, reading to them, telling them about with their children. But the time that is the innumerable episodes sad, happy which have occurred -T H (or the worst) things take root in a child ’s mind. Having followed her advice, and ing the early years — to make time for our boys (now 19 and 11), talking to them, reading to them, telling them about and wise Tata Housing. Building magnificent new ideas in housing comfort. 'Ji I® Ui Ka [//<: O ^-.‘3 Cl 12 Parsiana March 1993 y-^Bcy:' y In keeping with their spirit of innovation, Tata Housing has designed a wholly different concept in living — a cdhcept that represents comfort at its rnost luxurious, spacious apartments, splendid views, 04'^ *».-».^****A >1 irrzM hfhH most luxurious, spacious cnlonrtiH vif peaceful surroundings and • .••S« excellent amenities, Beautifying and enhancing the quality of living — the guiding philosophy of Tata Housing. 8 X I o Tata Housing Development Co. Ltd. D-20, Dhanraj Mahal 2nd Floor Ch. Shivaji Marg Apollo Bunder Bombay 400039 Tel: 2026607 2026427 2026556 Tlx: 011-3234 TAIN IN ... .1. .1.^. 1 - 5^i Elders do play an important role in problem is that Russian educators do not grooming a child to adolescence and know how — or what — to teach about -2 - J „ • religion. Nor do they have the proper | reer and a way of life for himself When books and materials. To remedy these | a child goes astray, it is not because “he deficiencies, Aleksandr Asmolov, deputy | was bom that way, ” but because he did minister of education, has invited a rain- Elders do play an important role in through our day, always forwarding an honest view-point to every query — we _ have, I think, built a sound and lasting adulthood and finally to choosing a ca- system of communication. One other necessary criterion is to --------„------- , give freedom to children — with some was bom that way, ” but because he did minister of education, has invited a rain- j VveaioTO. fox vha chM is wattecevve the u'gjxt. guidance at the bow of reU^tous groups — Muslims, ( what green foliage is to the bird. . - .............. When the child gets a whiff of the ex ­ terior, which can be his when he so de ­ sires, his need for safety also increases. He learns to make decisions — and even if he errs, he is cautious not to repeat his mistake, because he knows he is on his countability, own at that moment. The main point is that freedom is invariably coupled with responsibility — and the child emerges an independent, balanced and caring hu ­ man being, appreciative of his parents ’ attitude towards him. It is important that a child ’s viewpoint the great challenge of life, need not necessarily be our own. A Ms thrtty e. bharucha child ’s thinking should always be ac ­ cepted with due respect, because he is The right tO ChOOSC developing into an independent individ- ’ ~ ual (not a xerox or mouthpiece of either parent, as many parents dearly want their children to be), and he should, in fact, be encouraged to have his own views. In such a case a child will mature well, and his respect for others ’ views will deepen. time: because his elders did not have the Jews and Buddhists, as well as Roman know-how of dealing with him; because Catholics, Russian Orthodox and as- they could not say ‘no ’ to him when they sorted Protestants — to instruct his should have; and they abandoned him teachers and public-school administra- when they should not have; because they tors. ” never taught him the meaning of ac- Nowhere does the above report in Newsweek (January 4,1993) mention the Zoroastrians. Perhaps this is because we There is much potential in every child. It is for us to make him aware of are still living in our own world. As far his capacity, to open up this great magi- as I am concerned, Zarathushtra, not only cal world before his thirsty eyes, to guide proselytized but carried out conversion, him along the road, to help him to lead He promoted his belief system. People — not to lean, to enthuse him in rising to have a tendency to mix up the meaning of the above two words due to the fact that Islam and Christianity used vari ­ ous means to achieve those ends. My dic ­ tionary defines proselytize as meaning to talk enthusiastically about a belief. An interesting fact you may like to “Now there is a religious revival in Rus ­ sia, and educators... are searching for ways to give students an ethic to live know is that the American Evangelicals by... to provide Russian students with are printing one million copies of the enough information about ‘the history of Bible into Russian for distribution in spiritual culture ’ to allow them ‘to freely Russia. choose any religion they want. ’ The / ' . . At the Interfaith Council, I put forth, a V 1 With best compliments from UNIPHARMA GLASS PRIVATE LIMITED AMPOULES CONTAINERS Manufacturers of Machine-Made Precision Neutral Glass Ampoules, Freeze Dried Ampoules, Vials, Phials, Tablet Tubes, Test Tubes, Suture Tubes, Droppers, etc. Victoria Building, S. A. Brclvi Road Fort, Bombay 40()()() 1 Cable; UNIGLASAMP Telex: 11-84739 DFCO IN Phones: 2860069/2860130 14 Parsiana March 1993fe question on conver- sion to a rabi. He said, “The three main groups of Judaism which are orthodox, conservative and re- formist accept new converts. ’’ He further said that the orthodox would turn down an aspirant three times but the time around they will ac- cept him. After the conversion, the new initiate is considered better than a born Jew. other religions as Christianity, ^^^BH Hinduism, Islam and Buddhism, a follower has a choice to join another denomination if he does not agree with the present one. We, in a similar manner, need a couple of groups to go to when there is a disagreement or when we prefer to have an alternate choice. The type of unity we haps help restore it to a viable condition are talking about is not really unity but disintegration of our community. BEHRAM DEBOO Everett, Wa, USA ¦ '* <¦ r gt St I?'/! f + - n I Rtf ¦ *<*"¦ The languishing fire-temple in Uran post office would also take objection as we g. can only combine two issues into one and that too only once or twice in a calendar year. We are trying hard to get back on sched­ ule. But due to our , limited resources and personnel it remains I an uphill task. 4 j- ...... Zoroastrian relief In the midst of the general melee our less fortunate Zoroastrian brethren cannot be . overlooked. Our lower and middle-class Parsis are finding it very difficult to meet their daily needs and unexpected expenses. Due to your patronage and financial ¦y*. for Bombay Parsis, deserves a belter fate. Parsis from Bombay could once again help for the last eight years we ’ve been take notice of it, visit the place and per- able to meet^heir demands for necessi ­ ties like blankets, linen, sudrehs, kustis, pyjamas and gowns, new and old apparel in very good condition and financial aid before it is too late! I was told by Mr Sui that donations for firewood for this dadgah may be for weddings, navjotes, educational and made directly to H. Sidhwa and Son, Firewood Merchants, Ness Baug Com ­ pound, Nana Chowk, Bombay 400007, who supply the firewood. Mr Sui can be reached by letter c/o Umrigar Fire- Temple, Mora Bunder, Uran, District permitting, we desire to distribute Raigad, Post N-A-D, Koranja, 400704. Drl^ARIMAN B. MISTRY Ithaca, NY, USA medicinal purposes. Last year we util- ized over Rs 50,000 for these purposes. There is a sudden explosion in the price of all articles, especially the kusti. So we ’ve started a kusti drive and funds Help save the Uran dadgah I have been reading with interest the ar ­ ticles in Parsiana on some of the lesser known agiaries in remote places. Re ­ cently, on a day trip to Uran from Bom- Raigad, Post N-A-D, Koranja, 400704. sudrehs also, bay, we visited the Umrigar Fire-Temple Dt I^arimanb. mistry Cheques drawn in favor of Zoroas- in Mora Bunder (the ferry landing for ithaca, ny, usa Winter Relief Fund, cash and Uran). This little dadgah has fallen on , , money orders may be forwarded to Ms hard times, as the once flourishing Parsi Whither Pcirsicincil Kumi J. Daroowala at 16/1, Rustom population of Uran has gradually moved The publishers and all the readers are Baug, Sant Savta Marg, Bombay 400027 away. The holy fire is still being main- aware that the issues of Parsiana are or Ms Shirin N. Manekshana/Dr (Ms) tained by a lone family living on the grounds of the fire-temple. But hardly some lime. Very concerted and honest Falia, Navsari 396445. anyone visits there any more, even attempts of course must be being made ms kumij. daroowala. Ms shirinn . though once not loo long ago parties of but I can understand it must be difficult. manekshana . Dr (Ms) amy gustadji Parsis came to Uran and spent the night The practical and simple idea is to at the quiet ‘sanatorium ’ on the temple print the next issue as November-March Greeting CardS available grounds. ...... ’ .............. - -- Now the buildings have fallen in dis ­ repair. The roof of the fire-temple leaks badly and the pictures of Zarathushtra and other portraits are cracking and peel ­ ing because of the rain damage though young Kersi Behramsha Sui and his fam ­ ily work hard to keep the fire going and the buildings and grounds from decaying technique, but it created a lot of prob- away. I think this peaceful little fire-temple, so close to Bombay, once a favorite spot aware that the issues of Parsiana are three to four months behind for quite Amy Gustadji, 8/526, Bamji Wad, Mota attempts of course must be being made but I can understand it must be difficult. The practical and simple idea is to 1993. Price it al Rs 12. For all practical Prayer alone does not help in life. Your purposes it is only one issue namely for work and deed should be proper to your all subscribers, advertisers, etc. But make sure your advertisers and subscribers are informed accordingly. daily life. Only then will your prayers be useful. I am a middle-class person. If you can buy my Parsi new year greeting cards they will be delivered at your residence on any Sunday. Please contact me at Room 40, Mehta Block, New Khareghat Icms with the subscription list as well as Colony, Hughes Road, Bombay 400007. the advertisers. We then decided to re- k. s. patel frain from following this procedure. The JIMMY F. KHAN The Editor replies Many years ago we had resorted to this Ediled by Amavaz S. Mama 16 Parsiana March 1993 %Events and Personalities The logic of the seasons “It is a pity that a religion based on the worship of the divine immutable laws of days, anniversaries, etc), nature — asha vahishta — continues to f observe its high festivals in total variance Zoroastrian calendar from the Acheme- with the laws of nature. ” Ervad (Dr) nians onwards. Their 360-day lunar cal- Jehan Bagli was addressing community endar used to be intercalated by an addi- members gathered at the K. R. Cama tional month every six years to enable Navroze to coincide with the spring equi- religious year started to slip backward by nox, informed Bagli. The practice con- a quarter day every year. ” Since the solar after year (perhaps a sore point with By doing so the hitherto one-night cere- those who enjoy celebrating two birth- mony of muktad, Rozan Fravardigan, was suddenly turned into a five-day ob- Bagli traced the inception of the servance, causing much confusion and distress to the devotional pastoral com ­ munity, says Bagli. “Adding to... the confusion was the fact that ... no provi ­ sion was made for intercalation and the Oriental Institute on January 28,1993 on a rationale for unification of calendars. A pharmaceutical research scientist _ by profession and a community activist — he was founder president of the Zoroastrian Association of Quebec and founder editor of its prestigious quar ­ terly fravashni as also ol the Journal — Bagli has been researching the Zoroastrian calendars for the past many years. The convergence of the i THE WORLD ZOROASTRIAN ORGANISATION Hormazd roj on March 21 according to the Shehenshahi, Kadmi and Fasli cal ­ endars during the four years 1992- 1995, lends urgency to arguments for calendar reform. Today the festivals of harvest and returning home — Paitishahya and Ayathrima - are celebrated in February and March instead of September and October. The mid-winter celebration of Maidyarem is celebrated in June and the muktad, a commemoration of the dead just prior to the onset of spring and the New Year, is observed instead in August according to the Shehenshahi calendar. The Rapithwan gah, to be prayed during spring and summer when the sun is at its height in the northern hemisphere, is instead ritualized during autumn and winter and not prayed at all during the rest of the year. Apart from its convergence with the Bagli: in harmony with nature seasons, the Fasli calendar harmonizes Left: Calendar published by the World with the movement of the constellations, Zoroastrian Organisation (above) and as Bagli ’s slides demonstrate. It has an the Cowasjee Foundation inbuilt intercalation system — one day every four years — that is easy to adopt tinued until Tansar, the Sasanian high as it does not involve the life span of sev ­ eral generations. This enables the Zoroastrian rojs and mahs to consistently calendar circa 226 AD. The five addi- overlap with the Gregorian calendar year tional days were named after the Gathas. FASLI, SHAHANSHAHI & KADMI CALENDARS FOR 1993-94. priest, broke with the 1,800-year-old tra ­ dition to switch over to a 365-day solar 19 Parsiana March 1993 ac- year con ­ sists of 365% days, the quarter day has to be counted for by an addi- tional day every four years, one month every 120 years or three months in 360 years. By 510 AD the day of the spring equinox coincided wiA the first day of Adar instead of Fravardin and it was apparent to the people that some ­ thing was wrong: all the ghambar fes ­ tivals were out of tune with nature and King Kavad I announced an inter­ calation of one month every 120 years. “This rather impractical mode of intercalation, as expected, never workea, ” notes Bagy,. Only once, around 1150 AD, In ­ dian Zoroastrians had intercalated one month — an additional Spendarmad — to bring Navroze back to the ver ­ nal equinox. This adjustment was not performed by the Zoroastrians of Iran. The discrepancy between the calendars of the two communities came to light when Dastur Jamasp Vilayati visited In ­ dia in 1720. The resulting controversy led to a portion of the community in In ­ dia striking off the month of Adar in 1114 YZ to follow the Iranian reckoning, and they came to be known as the Kadmis. The “status-quoists ” were called the Shehenshahis. “As no intercalation has been inserted in either of these since (1 % ¦¦ \ I I 'J1 i 1 dren, the boys sent from the BVS Parsi ? School and Zoroaslrian teachers, to a j question and answer morning. Since then the KZBM has dislnbiiled The Zarthushirian Calendar 1362 published _ informs KZBM honorary secretary Ms Toxi Cowasjee; “Everybody more or less wants to adopt the unified calendar but the stumbling block are the mobeds. ” ,eaXXVS''X'w^; “o:lL%ay; by dre Co»-Ke P— » ev^ Of the Zoroaslrian calendar, produced Zoroastrian family in Karachi and like and directed by Ms Farishta Dmshaw, who helps her mother and sister run The Friday School lor Little Zarlhoslis, writes Ms Sunnu Golwalla from Karachi. “As each child, dressed up as a day of the calendar in befitting cos- as that time, we have now two wandering calendars in time instead of one, notes Bagli wryly. The Fasli calendar was the brainchild of K. R. Cama who in 1906 established the Zoroastrian Fasli Sal Society. While most local Zoroastrians were unable to overcome their emotional bias, emerging intellectuals in Iran like Kaykhsrov Shahroukh, Soroush Sorushian and Sohrab Kyanian were able to convince their brethren of the need to adopt a cal- progression and hence in harmony wkh Zoroaslrian rituals. In 1939 the majority . rcnresenled of the recipients responu to ii, u wu. of Iranian Zoroaslrians adopted the Fasli pandloiJazalPp^rishia ’s give some idea of how people think re ­ calendar, calling it the Bastam or ancient larding the one-time change, ” writes one, says Bagli. . . S'convincing nrcsenialion Cowasjee. In the meantime the Informal Bagli had presented his paper origi- the sAbject a d ,|c unificd cal- Religious Meetings is urging its leaders nally at the Eighth North American made most ol us led that the uninea ca cooenne ” and hiiv their Zoroaslrian Congress at Vancouver in 1992. Through an i.......... - — end of the presentation the 400-strong audience voted overwhelmingly (ap ­ proximately 10 individuals dissented) wise in Lahore, Islamabad and Quetta, informs Cowasjee in a subsequent letter dated March 16. Accompanying the cal ­ endar is a simple questionnaire which re ­ quires a Yes/No response on “Do we need a unified Zarathushlrian calendar? know the number of endar which was in keeping with natural Zoroastrian . ................. - , t , eppVc to and hence in harmony with tuine, walked past center s 50 of the recipients respond to it, it “will gave a brief explanation on 1992. Through an “follow the seasons ” and buy their Karachi Fasal Sal Diary. A similar session in Calcutta was well attended and gauging by the substantial --.... . in the anjuman ’s newsletter to di vauvwu.^. ... endar can be a gift we could give to our 'informal vote at the posterity... (However) the I^.----- mobeds do not have the authority to make the changeover, but need to seek TXal or an cleccdcommiuce headed coverage in ihe “jaman 7 .;boXeop"e^:erD; “n “-o- erS^ no. tSlHnSa'u; ^og a -Tire frsr rhlng I did after l.s.ening to D, solution to please all concerned. “Unfor- visited the Mama Parsi Girls School where he treated the Zoroaslrian chil- audience voted overwhelmingly (ap ­ proximately 10 individuals dissented) that the community switch to a united Fasli calendar in North America. The interest generated by the North American experience prompled^^lhe 1 * W'-' • • * ——-- - - to invite Bagli to speak on the subject and 1,000 persons braved the January cold and unseasonal rain to applaud him, and 1,000 persons braved the January dewW machined •' 1923-1993 Seventy years of clean service! DIANA-ECLIPSE For all your carpet and upholstery cleaning ? “Parag ” 27, Peddar Road, Bombay Tel: 4941987, 4945302 was achieved; Bagli ’s lecture was to check out the sen timents of my very traditional mother-in law. Her spontaneous agreement to righ a wrong means she is prepared to sacri fice sentiment for logic at her advancei * THE PARSIANA BOOK OF IRANIAN NAMES The Iranian names of boys and girls along with their meanings which originally appeared in Parsiana have now been reprinted in an attractive 24-page booklet. The book, which is priced at Rs 15, is available on sale at : Kaiser-E-Hind, 300 Perin Nariman Street, Behind Reserve Bank of India, Fort, Bombay 400001 Faredoon and Burjor Sandalwood Shop, Princess Street Union Press, 13, Homji Street, Bombay 400001age so that the youth may benefit. ” The Calcutta Gavashni also published suggestions on how the change can be ef ­ fected in easy stages starting March 1993: all new events like births, deaths, marriages be recognized according to the Fasli calendar; ditto for the ghambars and the Rapithwan gah jashan; old events like past deaths, etc be ritualized according to the Shehenshahi/Kadmi calendars “until such time as they natu ­ rally disappear from the re ­ membrance of the new gen ­ erations. ” A questionnaire has also been circulated to elicit the community ’s opinion. On his way back to the US, Bagli was to speak on the subject to audiences in London. Though Parsiana has received husband Minocher. no feedback on his talk there, Shahrokh Vafadari has forwarded a copy of the multilingual pocket diary based on the Fasli calendar published by the Zoroas ­ trian Welfare Foundation of London. The permitting they will also distribute London-based World Zoroastrian Organ ­ isation has published, on the other hand, a combined Fasli/Shehenshahi/Kadmi calendar for 1993-94. In both, the distributed to the poor Zoroastrians liv- jashans and ghambars have been clearly ing in abject poverty in rural areas, delineated. Though the conservatives in Bombay may continue to resist change at least un ­ til the high priests give a clear signal, the Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) is ready and toiletries, to accept the rational Fasli calender as then BPP chairman Dr Aspi Golwalla Beneficiaries in rural areas helped by noted at the function. Bagli, who had had the Young Rathestars (above). a discussion with Dastur (Dr) Hor- mazdyar Mirza earlier, noted that the high priest recognizes that something needs to be done and had said that ‘“the community in North America could go ahead with the change because the cli ­ mate there was comparable to Iran ’s.’” Amaviz S. Mama and Funds and utility items for such programs they gather through door-to-door collec ­ tion drives. Among the asso ­ ciation ’s other activities “to eliminate to some extent the poverty that faces so many of our community ” is the organi ­ zation of an exhibition cum sale where, by providing a market, Zoroastrians are en ­ couraged to set up small busi ­ nesses, states a press release. Blood donation drives are also a regular feature. On the social front, cama ­ raderie is promoted among the members through enter ­ tainment programs, excur ­ sions, bonny baby contests and Christmas parties. 20,000, was reportedly borne by Ms Dhunmai Mistry in memory of her late DttWn breaks fOF Gary On MTV’s prime slot reserved for the rare rockers, Rohinton Rustom Lawyer, Young Rathestars past 50 Over 600 deserving Parsis in Bombay were treated to a ghambar luncheon or ­ ganized by the Young Rathestars (YR) in March 1993. “The idea behind this ghambar (was) to enable the less fortu ­ nate members of the community to cele ­ brate Navroze with their family, ” in ­ forms Ms Silloo Mahava who serves on the association ’s managing committee. The sponsorship cost of this luncheon, Rs The next welfare project to be under ­ taken by the 50-year-old YR movement better known to his fans as Gary Lawyer, is the distribution of foodgrains to around features regularly with his Nights On ~ 'i Fire. “India ’s answer to Jim Morrison seems to have ‘broken out ’ all over Asia, ” it was mentioned in the Eye- Catchers column of India Today, refer ­ ring to his appearances on Star TV’s mu ­ sic channel. Soon after the MTV break, his latest Along with officials from the World album. The Other Side of Dawn, “hit the Zoroastrian Organisation they visited stands with a bang, ” according to a " ' " write-up in the Blitz of January 30, 1993 which pronounced him as “a star in the wings. ” Working on this album for nearly two years Lawyer is said to have finally collaborated with American musi ­ cians to get the album recorded and mixed in New York. It is on the prodding of his American producer who wanted Lawyer to discover hisjown voice in this album that the singer hopes to dissociate himself from the Morrison tag that had stuck to him after his earlier two albums. This Cannot Wait and High Standards. Even when recording for jingles and other small gigs Lawyer says that a dream that kept him going was his belief that he could make it to the international scene. 400 families during the monsoons. Funds sudrehs and kustis to the poor members of the community. Sudrehs and kustis the YR had also nearly eight villages in Gujarat last Sep ­ tember where they distributed provisions Lawyer: discovers his own voice ¦ The power of Dahm I A message addressed to “those who wish I to increase goodness and happiness in the I world ”: pray Dahm Yazad Ni Nirang “ daily. So advocates the introduction to the eight-page transliteration of the h Nirang. While some copies of this publi- 23 Parsiana March 1993 ft i^’cation have been brought out in English others have been printed in Gujarati. The Nirang is taken from the Ijashm prayer in which the Yazata Dahm is pro pitiated. A very powerful Yazata and th< upholder of righteousness, Dahm count ers evil forces, according to a press re lease sent by Ms Siloo Limboowalla Such an invocation to restore peace anc tranquility in the world would be benefi ­ cial not only to the person who recites it regularly, but to the community and to humanity at large, the booklet promises. “The efficacy of the Nirang improves when it is recited in the midst of beauty and natural surroundings, ” the reader is informed. Towards the end of the booklet is a plea to all coreligionists to collec ­ tively “mobilize the spiritual energies in the cosmos ” by reciting five || Yatha Ahu Vairy os and W three Ashem Vohus every morning at 9. “Negative || and chaotic conditions in the world ” would thereby be dispelled. . This booklet in memory of Ms Soonu Ganesh lodged ^ithiiMt Jimmy Hodivala is available free of cost. Zoroastrian Studies, which helped in the compilation of the information, will dis ­ tribute copies from the Cama Oriental In- SSsSsS “i »=?« - bay 400001. company officials like sought refuge in a tree atJardw le Rana’s liberating art “Doing a painting is then an act of libera ­ tion, ” declares Behram Rana referring to — _ the effort that he gladly puts in at the end role of industry in promouon of a full day ’s work at Larsen and Toubro to create new paintings for each successive exhibition. The 21 exhibits on display at the Taj Art Gallery from Feb ­ ruary 9-15, 1993 took him nearly three years to complete, he informs. Landscapes, figures and abstracts mark Rana ’s array of canvases in water and oil colors. His “most praiseworthy effort this time, ” as noted a review in the Mid-Day of February 10, “is a group of abstracts. They have very subtle color or ­ chestration and are full of an admirable vibrancy. ” But equally popular among the view ­ ers were Rana ’s landscapes, particularly. Tomorrow, same place, same time that conveys a sense of anticipation with a 24 Parsiana March 1993 I vacant bench making its Rana with his painting in acrylic Home presence felt among rows of Sweet Home trees in the background. The artist ’s personal favorite though is Temple magnifi­ cent which shows a forma ­ tion of rocks symbolizing a making its already started work for his next sho\ which will be held after three or fou years. H^ would then like to book tw galleries such that his abstracts are o roadside temple with a statue of Lord display at one gallery and his landscape .............. and still lifes in the adjoining one. In addidon to corporate houses like ___ also adorn the walls of A hearse was sent for from Bombay Towers of Silence. But it was not i I dead Parsi to his final restir place but to transport a live vulture and still lifes in the adjoining one. - Toub^r voius R^he, Vagrant vulture Rana ’s paintings ;---------------- airline offices, banks and a hotel. Besides India, Rana ’s work can be seen in Bangla carry a port from his company ------- Holck-Larsen and N. M. Desai. In fact to mark the inauguration of the current show was organized a discussion on the The sixth exhibition over, Rana has ving for an unknown destination eve morning and returning with the offi goers every evening, ” as reported in T Times of India of February 15, 19S Keeping a tab on the bird was the Go'a dia family whose experience with t bird was related to The Times' correspc dent. When it first alighted on the Gowai doorstep the family tried offering it v ter. But instead of accepting the hospi lity the suspicious bird flew at the compelling them to beat a hasty retrc as per the report. Maintaining a long-c tance vigil over it for a week thereaf the family finally sought the assistai of the doongerwadi staff who lured vulture with the help of a long sti wrapped it in a white sheet and ewer niously carried it back with them. Compiled by Parinaz Gandhi *I ZOROASTRIANS ABROAD The case for acceptance Zoroastrian scholar U Dr Ali Jafarey has co-founded The Zarathushtrian Assembly to propagate the Prophet ’s message Arnavaz S. Mama I 5 S s 3 z £ s z bers, says Jafarey. He numbers such re ­ puted names in North America as Dr Farhang Mehr, Prof Kaikhosrov Irani, Adi Davar and Ms Dina McIntyre among its founder members. When The Assembly held the navjote ceremonies of an engineer in telecommu ­ nications and another, a doctorate in aviation management and education, “the audience, more non-Zarthoshtis than Zarthoshtis, was simply overjoyed to see the ceremonies... We have a group of old and young dedicated persons, all well- educated, understanding and of good standing. We envisage a bright future for the Good Religion, ” Jafarey had written in a letter. The Assembly has defined nine com ­ mittees — membership, education, cul ­ tural, youth, publications, public rela ­ tions, program, finance and supplies — under which it would function, as Jafarey had informed Pal^siana in a letter. The Assembly ’s first anniversary function was attended by more than 4(>4 individu ­ als in place of the 200 who had been ex ­ pected, he said. “We have no intention at all to affili ­ ate ourselves with or interfere in the ethno-ethical affairs of the ‘traditional ’ Zoroastrians, particularly the Parsis. Ours is a completely separate movement aimed at the restoration of the Gathic “We are carrying on the work of K. R. Cama, Dastur (Maneckji) Dhalla, Dastur (Khurshed) Dabu and Dastur (Framroze) Bode. We are not innovators. We ’re do ­ ing what they started. ” Dr Ali Jafarey was referring to the work of The Zarathushtrian Assembly (ZA), a body dedicated to the propagation of Zarathushtra ’s message, which he co ­ founded in Los Angeles in March 1991. The polyglot scholar was visiting In ­ dia in December 1992, on the invitation of the Delhi Parsi Anjuman and the Gathas Society of Pune, after more than a decade. He has been in the eye of the establishing an organization ready to “ac- storm for much of that time. With first ­ hand knowledge of Avesta, Pahlavi, Per ­ sian, Arabic and a variety of European languages, Jafarey has been professing ence. The Assembly “does not ‘convert ’ the Zoroastrian faith in the teeth of his detractors who have used his very name against him. To the dismay of his ortho- Gathas) and discernment, choose the ment of their own. In North America, the dox critics he has challenged the “time- Good Religion by their (own) free will, two (communities) are drawing closer de ­ tested ” ritualist formulas of the perform the navjote, profess themselves spite the somewhat exaggerated reports Vendidad, arguing against its authentic- as Zarathushtrians and apply for mem- of cultural differences, differences which ity as the embodiment of the Zoroastrian faith, pointing out with seemingly end ­ less patience how it differs in form and 1991). spirit from the Gathas, the enunciation of Zarathushtra himself. On the evidence of the Gathas Jafarey maintains that Zarathushtra “founded an entirely new religion and did away with cultic beliefs and practices. ” This clear view, which is echoed in an increasing teachings and that ... has nothing to do number of independently thinking Zoro ­ astrian minds, runs counter to the tradi ­ tional concept, zealously preached by the clergy, that Zarathushtra was a reformer within the prevailing Mazdayasni faith. And, in adherence to his interpreta ­ tion of the Gaihas Jafarey has committed, in orthodox minds, the final “horror ” of larly by making it open to those who want to join it. The reformation move ­ ment was started by ‘bom ’ Zoroastrians almost a century ago and it is in progress. It is gaining speed among the Parsis in North America and Europe. The Iranis, whether in Iran or North America are al- cept ” anyone, irrespective of lineage, who finds in Zarathushtra ’s teachings an answer to the problems of human exist- 27 Parsiana March 1993 formulas ft with the later institutionalized form of the religion... “Ours is not a reform movement. It is a restorative movement. Let me make my ­ self clear. The Assembly does not want to introduce a reform inside the present ‘ethnic ’ Zoroastrian community, particu- anyone but only ‘accepts ’ as members those adults who, after due study (of the ready the followers of a reformist move- Gathas) and discernment, choose the Good Religion by their (own) free will. as Zarathushtrians and apply for mem ­ bership, ” Jafarey had clarified (“Spread- are being smoothened by the dominant ing the Good Word, ” Parsiana, June The Assembly has about 200 mem- American culture... “The restoration automatically means modernization and keeping in (tune) withthe progressing world. We have all Gathic __ nnvinte. marriage, memorial rites — navjote, marriage, service, honoring, ghambars, congrega ­ tional prayers, and others of course, shorn of their irrelevant additions and ar ­ chaic modes, freed from die priesdy mo- English or Persian rendering. — Gothic simplicity has made the ceremo ­ nies more meaningful and fully intelli ­ gible. We do not have any hereditary priest system but knowledgeable minis ­ ters, males or females, who take Gatha classes and perform, or help in perform ­ ing, ceremonies. A minister is generally needed at congregational rites, especially in temple halls. But the minister is not a ‘must ’ at every rite. It may be performed by any person who has learned and knows what to do... “The Assembly has taken another step. It has restored the Gathic form of leadership — the ratu. “Of all the titles for a religious leader. The Assembly chose ratu, because it is the only one used in the Gathas of Zarathushtra. The term ratu has been used five times in the Gathas and ap ­ proximately 40 times in the later Avesta. Derived from eret, meaning ‘to do right, ’ it means the righteous leader, a Jafarey informs that he has been ap ­ proached by a publisher to supervise a two or three- volume encyclopedia on the Zoroastrian religion to be written largely According to Jafarey, The Assembly s overriding concern is religious education __elementary classes for adults and chil ­ dren, 5 "secondary and tertiary classes to imbibe the Gathas stanza by slanz , Jafarev hopes to approach all Zo- ------------- --------------- -- . . Xlperin" EngM for roastrian scholars in India and elsewhere S"reide^:r Ti'.c d—don in Jwns onUide U>s An- ....... Gathic simplicity has made the ceremo ­ nies more meaningful and fully intelli ­ gible. We do not have any heredita^ priest system but knowledgeable minis ­ ters, males or females, who take Gatha classes and perform, or help in perform ­ ing, ceremonies. A minister is generally needed at congregational rites, especially in temple halls. But the minister is not a who has learned and of course, Derived from eret, meaning geles is on the anvil. “Differences exist in all religious tra- as well as a few western scholars close to the Zoroastrian spirit like Alan Williams, Shaul Shaked and others. Hitherto a regular on the North Restoration means modernization keeping in tune vdth the progres^ng world' ditions. But in other communities the standard book is prescribed and accepted. Zoroastrians suffer through their own lit ­ eracy, ” muses Jafarey, adding, “Most of the available literature on Zoroastrianism does not truly portray the good Gathic re ­ ligion. They are therefore misleading. ” And when there are more than 20 translations of the Gathas, the result can Gathas in Persian as also a history of the Zoroastrian religion to provide a chrono ­ logical perspective. A recording^ of^ the prlesTof Delhi , tapes record^ by Iranian well be mobeds, recordings cf Hird"? the Vedas are used as source material tor American Zoroastrian lecture circuit, Jafarey spent Xmas eve 1992 in Delhi speaking at the India International Cen ­ tre on what atash symbolizes in the Avesta and the Gathas. Perhaps in defer ­ ence to the hostile and vocal minority no organization in Bombay invited Jafarey to speak, being even “ignored by the K. R. Cama Oriental Institute, ” he noted. Despite the vituperations hurled against him, Jafarey ’s responses have been sin ­ gularly free of malice. Earlier, in an open letter of September 1991 Ms Pervin Mistry of Mississauga, Canada had noted, “In the Time magazine (September 23, 1991), concern is expressed for the sur ­ vival of knowledge and tribes who have survived for millenniums only to be lost and annihilated due to the injection of foreign cultures. “The National < _ . 1991) comments on the tribe of Birales ... Africa who face extinction as the Birale men marry outside women to increase their numbers. In fact, due to this prac ­ tice of inter-marriage, the resulting chil- _ ________ _____ dren retain neither the culture nor the of Hindus chanting language of their fathers. , , , “Our Zoroastnan religion has sur 1992 in Delhi ff Geographic (Ji^ le tribe of Birales in good guide, worthy of being chosen to teacher {daeno-sach) whose actions pro ­ mote the living world... Age and sex did not matter. Righteous record of compe- with the exception of aethrapaiti (Gujarati ervad) which may, translated into ‘school master (and not the notion given to it in India), titles such as athravan, magopai, mobed, dastavar intorms "^nfori^^^ books. By ‘acceptance ’ or by ‘convei and dastur lie outside the Gathic period, mus/is working on sion ’ why are-we committing a religion and therefore. The Assembly will not and cultural suicide? have any institutionalized/hereditary “The only conversion mentioned i ’“f the reasons lo create pcs- ftX’s words inti Pers« songs ,he ,n„er conversion. U. lion was to meet the Slate law require- which could “"8 ‘‘’®“*'™’'Xadon men! of a religious head (priesiyminister) 8~„„"on “ of The Assembly as a religious organiza ­ tion... The ratu will be more of a teacher and guide, and less of an officiant. I was u chosen the first ratu. Others, men and women, will be trained and installed in accordance with the growing demand. ” Determined to spread the knowledge of Zarathushtra ’s teachings worldwide, Jafarey has been seeking to establish the pation to about 50 individuals. a Assembly s chapters in London ano , Paris, Toronto and Denver, Bombay and people is a priority on The Assemb y Pune. agenda. The congregauonal prayers, vived for ^tenniums informs Jafarey. But the Gathas are es- Prophet ’s words into Persian songs which could be sung together by the con- ¦ ¦ ” ¦¦--1 — soothing, miraculous, ’’ he observes. Direct participation is encouraged and a basic ideal of The Zarathushtrian Assem- to ensure that each member is trained to speak on the reli ­ gion. Cunently the space that The Assem ­ bly has been able to rent restricts partici- ----------... .J TT---------------- .J larger hall accommodating up to 250 agenda. 28 Parsiana March 1993 and the destruction of its sacred, valuabh the Gat/ia5 is the inner conversion, th conversion within of Anghre Mainyu int Spenta Mainyu. There is no spiritui conversion in converting the name ( one ’s religion. “The only individuals Zarathushc converted, according to the Gat has, ai the Turanis into Iranis and we know th the Turanis were the evil sorcerei Zarathushtra enlightened them about tl white side of Nature and taught the about Spenta, Asha and Ashoi. “Without an insight into esoteric pl losophy or astronomy, propagation falsehoods regarding ‘demographyi ‘conversion, ’ and ‘acceptance ’ will prove bring them together. ” The language bar- fQtal to our religion. “I sincerely hope you realize the con ­ sequences you and other ZA supporters in English (and tend to) make their own are responsible for by preaching conver ­ sion and acceptance. This dissemination of falsehood on the part of the ZA is tan ­ tamount to a spiritual suicide for our community and religion. ” Iranian born Jafarey who received his education in Karachi, learning Avesta- Pahlavi under Dr Manek Pithawalla and religious interpretation under Dastur Maneckji Dhalla, is fond of both Iranian and Parsi communities and happy that re ­ lations between the two are improving, especially among the youth. Thanks to a common language — English — and the pervasive American environment, the two are “getting closer and closer, ” he notes with satisfaction. One of the main divisive forces between the two commu ­ nities has been the calendar with the two communities celebrating the same festi ­ vals on different days. “If the calendar because they lived outside the empire, becomes one — the chances of the adop- tion (of the Fasli calendar) are great. I they are. ” As an example of the impact think both mobed councils (in North America) are in favor — it will help to fuzzy hair who had even forgotten their rier however may persist for middle aged Hebrew. “Israel has brought them in and and older Iranians. They are “not fluent is educating them, ” he informs. “We had Chinese, Turkish and even Jaf)anese Zoroastrians. l,20,(XX) Yazidis of,Zoroastrian origin in Iran, Syria, Turkey... They want Zbroas- trians to reeducate them into being Zoro ­ astrians, ” says Jafarey on the strength of his conversations with four Yazidis in high positions about 30 years ago in Tehran, though he “never saw them again, never saw the proposed transla ­ tion ” of his book on the Gathas into Kurdish. Intent on bringing the small, far- flung, bridling Zoroastrian community Persian speaking groups, ” notes Jafarey. There are “Zarathushtra ’s religion... did away with cultic beliefs and practices ” According to this swarthy Iranian together, Jafarey would like the World there is “hardly any difference between Zoroastrian Organisation to concentrate Iranians and Tajiks whose inclination to- on being a world body, educating and wards their ancient Iranian roots is bringing the community closer. In his strong. ” The Kurds, on the other hand, were a Zoroastrian sect “cut off from the mainstream during the Sasanian period cameral system of functioning. Above all, Jafarey wants to avoid The years have changed them into what wasting energy in fighting controversies, t “My conscience doesn ’t say ‘Play up of environmental forces Jafarey cites the dirty ’... I wapt my mission to succeed, case of the Ethiopian Jews with black not myself... ” opinion this could best be effected by a kind of universal federation with a bi- i * ' Wishing You A Happy Jamshedi Navroze (AMA) PROTECTION & INTELLIGENCE SERVICES (Manpower Consultants) DETECTION AND PRIVATE INVESTIGATION Federal Travels, Federal Trade Agencies H. P. Enterprises 250, Perin Nariman Street, Fort, Bombay 400001 2501/1, Bazar Gate Street Tel: 2611296, 2611281,2617178, 2617331 Fort, Bombay 400001 B. P. Consultancy Services Federal Detectives, Pune 411001, Tel: 61966 i j 30 Parsiana March 1993 bSingh are some of the other names men ­ tioned by Ibanez as likely to attend. Though all participants are expected to honor the provisos of supporting the general aim of understanding, dialogue and civilized discourse, the organizers are aware that they may have some very passionate people to deal with. Workshops, presentations, seminars on more than 180 topics is what the Council ’s volunteer labor force has planned. There will be 30 to 40 things • ¦ J simultaneously, informs Ibanez, and it’s all organized on dona ­ tions. Anticipating that the world media will be focussing on the Parliament, Ibanez hopes that everyone will endorse a This legacy led some Chicagoans of declaration of global ethics and agree on iciciii laiL.a Lw 1?23 action to cooperate beyond 1993. It is ................................... _____________ pT^’the CCTitennial of the Parliament the fundamental beliefs of Zoroas^^^^s gress Ibanez was hosted in Bombay by and the Council was incorporated as a unite the enlightened people of the whole earth in a general cooperation for the at ­ tainment of the great ends for which hu ­ manity is organized, ” as notes the press release. That 17-day Parliament in 1893 had --------- , - - • - y 41 denominations and religious tradi ­ tions, its sessions attended by audiences ¦ — . The historic event marked the first formal meeting be ­ tween representatives of the major reli- Parliament of religions If there is any single theme that needs to be addressed by the Parliament of the World ’s Religions 1993, it is the role of the religious conscience of the world face-to-face with the critical issues of brought together 400 people representing poverty, violence and environment dam- " . .. — age, says Dr Daniel Gomez-Ibanez, ex ­ ecutive director of the Council for the numbering 4,000 or niorc. Parliament of the World ’s Religions. <—----- -------- Ibanez was explaining the issues that tween i-,----------- . , - would be explored by the Parliament at gions of the world and the inception of happening its centenary celebrations, due to convene in Chicago August 8 to September 5, 1993, to a group c. Z. together at the invitation of the K. R. Cama Oriental Institute at its library hall on February 9, 1993. Here to invite out ­ standing Indian participation at the Con- interfaith dialogue. It was the occasion 'USL O lu whcu Swami Vivekananda had first pro ­ of Zoroastrians gathered pounded the philosophy of the Vedas to a spellbound western audience. different faiths to come together in 1988 to action to cooperate beyond 1993. non-profit organization dedicated to cel ­ ebrating the event. The Council ’s objec ­ tives included the promotion of under ­ standing and cooperation among Chicago ’s religious communities and in ­ stitutions, an <____________ the role of religions of the world in rela ­ tion to personal growth and global chal ­ lenges, the encouragement of programs to carry the spirit of the Parliament into the 21st century. Ibanez thanks Rohinton Rivetna, president of the Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America (FEZANA) for the Zoroastrian commit ­ ment to the Parliament. Under Rivetna ’s leadership the Zoroastrian Association of Chicago is preparing to host the Zoroas ­ trian representatives to the Parliament. Daslur (Dr) Hormazdyar Mirza, Dastur (Dr) Kaikhusroo JamaspAsa and that covered subjects Dastur (Dr) Firoze Kotwal head the list of 31 Zoroastrian participants at the Par- ' . Mother Teresa, the Dalai Lama and Dr Karan the Zoroastrians, in Delhi by the Sikhs and in Calcutta by the Ramakrishna Mis­ sion. More than 200 organizations are ex ­ pected to contribute to the Parliament ’s success. The participants will include not only the representatives of different religious missions but also leaders of in ­ stitutions such as UNESCO, Amnesty, Planned Parenthood, Greenpeace and others. Though these organizations had earlier felt that “religion was irrelevant or a part of the problem, they have since realized that they can ’t do much unless solutions are rooted in ethics, ” notes Ibanez. The Parliament of the World ’s Reli ­ gions had been initially hosted by Chi ­ cago in 1893 as part of the World ’s Columbian Exposition. It was the center ­ piece and the most remarkable of the many congresses f ... . ’ ’ such as government, jurisprudence, fi­ nance, science and literature “to bring liament announced so far. about a real fraternity of nations and ?----- , that make them very open to such sugges ­ tions, ” he adds. Representatives are expected to ex ­ plain how their religious tradition has re ­ sponded to the unfolding of science and technology; what wisdom it offers to alle- assessment and renewal of viate poverty and injustice; what answers are available to enable peoples of differ ­ ent faiths, cultures, race or gender to re ­ late to each other in the face of tension and violence; what alternatives can it provide for peaceful coexistence between peoples and between human beings ai*al the forces of nature. The Council ’s earliest members were “all representatives of minority groups — Buddhists, Bahai ’s, Zoroastrians... Ro man Catholics formed the largest singU group of Christians. Since then a largt number of gatherings have brought to gether representatives of many communi ties, ” says Ibanez. The status of Asiai religions in North America is rising no only because of increased immigratio but also becaqse they ’re becoming bette organized, adds Ibanez. A.s.^ and s SP®--— BOW^L Root) ., Always remember TRTR pBONt 400 ^2Hi SflTfi KHAMBATfl Ketayun & Bomi 22/A. Wellington Terrace, Wellington Street, Bombay-400002. Tel. No. 2069636. *POLITICS AND POLICY FEDERATION Goes to M.P. s Nearly 100 Zoroastrians of Madhya Pradesh interacted with a similar number of Zoroastrians from the rest of India at the Federation meeting in Ratlam Parinaz Gandhi The Federation ’s membership count is up by one with the recent addition of the Borivli and Suburban Zoroastrian Asso- not present at Ratlam. Hence the onus of ciaUon. _ chairing the meeting fell on Dr Sam Bhacca, president of the Surat Parsi with the other Madhya Pradesh (MP) Panchayat (SPP) and the lone VP in at- anjumans of Mhow, Indore and Neemuch to play hosts to the executive council meeting of the Federation of Parsi Zoro ­ astrian Anjumans of India on January 30 and 31, 1993. For the host anjumans, Ratlam was also a convenient meeting point to convene their inter-city or ‘mini Federation ’ meet during these two days. Nearly 15 anjumans were in atten ­ dance at Ratlam with the twin occasions providing an opportunity for around 100 Zoroastrians from different corners of In ­ dia to acquaint themselves with the 100- odd Zoroastrians from MP. Such get- togethers can be very enriching, believed Anklesaria who reinforced his message by stating that if two persons have one rupee each which they exchange, both will continue to have one rupee. But at such meets, an exchange of ideas be ­ tween two persons will result in both having two ideas eventually. After Dastur Hormazdyar Mirza lit the inaugural lamp and delivered an edu ­ cative discourse on religious fundamen ­ tals, the audience was invited to interact with the Federation ’s council members. Starting the Federation meeting with an open session was thus a substantial de ­ parture from the usual format as the self ­ introductions and matters arising from the minutes were taken up for discussion shortly. “This is the first time in the history of only in the post-lunch session. this Hall that so many Parsis have gath ­ ered here. ” Ratlam Anjuman president vice presidents of the Federation were Tehmton Anklesaria ’s observation re ­ flected the happiness of his small anjuman of 64 members to join hands The president as also four of the five The next meeting of the Federation will be held in Bombay on June 5 and 6, 1993. However it was the announce ­ ment of the hosts of the subsequent emulate the example of those political meeting that met with jubilant cries, leaders and social workers whose “Baroda says yes, Baroda says yes. ” Baroda will be hosting a Federation meeting for the first time on December 18 and 19,1993. “The Federation is the collective wis- tendance, who urged the gathering to leaders and social workers whose photoframes adorned the walls of the G. D. Anklesaria Rotary Hall. To promote trade within the commu ­ nity in India, the Federation will be launching a wing akin to a chamber of dom of the cominunity. It is a forum commerce. Professionals, businessmen, ' * " etc will be roped in for this project which will start with the publication of a Zoro ­ astrian business directory that can pro ­ vide the necessary data base. The task duction to the all-India body s workings. I _ ---- . 1 ’ - - -1- I Federation are the. strengths and weak-1 nesses of its constituent members, ” he re-1 minded, adding, “Our community has | very good advisors. Put yourselves in the | shoes of the trustees and office bearers of 1 the Federation and let us know what you ! would do if you were in a position to do I Surendranagar and Nadiad have finally sorn^ething. ” ? earned rewards. The Federation ’s coffers will be richer by Rs 4,51,000, announced Bhacca, which they can channelize for other community-use programs. The best youth and a large happy fam ­ ily are two new dimensions to be added to the Federation ’s list of awards for ex ­ cellence, having recently found sponsors. Norms for these awards will be finalized where representatives of different loca ­ tions come and exchange views and problems, ” the Federation ’s honorary secretary Keki Gandhi gave a brief intro- has been entrusted to Bombay Parsi “ The strengths and weaknesses of the Punchayet (BPP) trustee and Fede ­ ration ’s joint honorary treasurer Jamshed Guzder, and the anjumans have been asked to do the necessary spadework. The relentless efforts of the Federa ­ tion workers to salvage the defunct com ­ munity properties in Cambay, Junagadh, Barring a couple of concrete sugges-| tions to the effect that babul trees should| be planted on lands available with thel punchayet, and school education/crechesi should be financed for the convenience^ of young couples, the rest chose to usej the open session to get clarifications! from Mirza on religious issues: Whyl can ’t there be one final authority on reli-l gious matters? Why can ’t the priests ad- 34 Parsiana March 1993FOR BUSINESS FOR STUDIES FOR HOLIDAYS FOR A DOZEN EXCITING REASONS 11 Your Travel Plans for India and Abroad cannot be in safer hands than with THE HOUSE OF TRAVEL ASIATIC TRAVEL SERVICE BOMBAY PUNE 12 Murzban Road Bombay 400 001. Tel: 2048151 (8 lines) Grams: AIRASIA Telex: 011-83151 AIRA IN Fox: 91-22-2873355 G-3 Konork Apts., 175 Dhole Patil Road, Pune 411 001. Tel: 666431/668493/663816 Tlx: 145 472 AIRA IN Fax: 91-212-667934 ZF1®A»'©®' ' ( ¦^nymHUK APM/ATS/93-1 36 Parsiana March 1993 vice the laity with one voice? What kind of inducements do priests need? How can they be made to serve smaller anjumans? Why can ’t the community adopt one calendar? Can an aramgah and dokhma coexist in light of the narrow dokhma at Indore which seems to trap many vultures who are unable to take flight once they descend therein? According to Mirza: “In our religion the high priest is not the judge. Ahura is the sole decider... Each anjuman is faced with circumstances peculiar to it. Let the anjuman members sit together and decide... Everything depends on faith... Looking to present conditions ceremo ­ nies must be as simple as pos ­ sible. Pray whatever you know. The usui belief that priests behst ma po hoc bars e (will reach you to heaven) is not true. Behst maa tau khud javanu (It is through self-effort that one goes to heaven). ” In his speech Mirza had said, “Life, according to our re ­ ligion, is a blessing, duty and struggle. ” He then advocated turning to the Gathas for ad ­ vice on upliftment of the soul. “Our aim is to develop powers and utilize them in the service of God... We have three types of duties — to Ahura Mazda, to self and to others... Work is also worship. Zoroastrianism teaches us that this world is im ­ perfect, our understanding is imperfect; but we have been taught optimism too. Faith in God, hard work and character are the three factors that have helped us progress. ” i ’ ‘‘'4< Youth valuation ‘ W| “Registration increases year af- '. . \' W ter year at the seminars but the , attendance at proceedings is Tehmton Anklesaria decreasing, ” pointed out Porus (top) and Masani Karanjawalla, vice president of the Federation of Zoroastrian Youth Asgpciations (FOZYA),ffl highlight the fact that the annual all-India Zoroastrian meea may need to be organized differently. To justify the finance costs, Karanjawalla advocated a reappraisal: Should the fin quency be reduced? Should the activities planned be more 1 the nature of a festival than a seminar? Should the criteria n enrolling participants be amended? 1 The knowledge gained by the youth at such meets shoifl benefit the anjumans they represent, reiterated Gandhi. FurthS it was up to the organizers to ensure that factionalism did nil nual youth meets. At the time of the 1992 Federation meeting in Bombay youths from 16 locations ‘ indicating “that there is complete harmony between tl^ anjuman and the youth in those areas. ” j Surat ’s newly formed youth wing had conveyed their win ingness to host the 1994 youth meet provided they get the su| arise, he clarified when referring to a letter critical of the were present, he added 8 ¦< ¦¦¦ m ¦ ¦ ¦ BH Federation delegates outside Ratlam's Anklesaria Rotary Hall port of the SPP trustees. Said Bhacca, “We will surely support. But the trustees haven ’t even been informed yet. I hope they won ’t communicate to us in 1995!” In the absence of any other youth wing com ­ ing forward to host the 1993 meet, Delhi was cho ­ sen as the next venue though Dadi Mistry clari- fied that his offer was sub- Reaping rewards ject to his board ’s ap- HP.J... ‘ Distinct from the comfort- proval. . able and closeted existence Gandhi was keen that - • < known to city dwellers is the Federation ’s awards for excellence Nargolwala, has in his personal capacity the isolated life-style of some Zoroastri- be distributed at the next youth meet forwarded the monies to start an award ans in villages like Sadadevi, near so that the youths can be inspired to for a “large happy family. ” Vansda. Cut off from modem modes of put up a similar performance. Guzder .... _ offered to finance a new award to be in- youths who consider themselves the pio- lies at a walking distance of almost five stituted for “the best youth ” and an addi- neers in the hosting of youth meets were km. Seven such families were helped to tional award for sports. Another award recently active at the Dadabhai Naoroji shift to other areas as part of the for “professional competence ” will be centenary celebrations where they Federation ’s rural welfare project jointly contributed by G. K. Panthaki of Air manned the bookstalls and exhibits on undertaken by the BPP, the SPP and the Command India Limited, himself a past display. Prior to that they had arranged a World Zoroastrian Organisation (WZO), recipient of a Federation award. For the youth award, FOZYA has been delegated had gone to Delhi to widen their social the task of suggesting norms and guide- contacts. The Baroda youths are active lines. In the meanwhile joint honorary with their blood donation camps and reli- treasurer of the Federation, Peshotan o i i f’ ¦¦ representative Percy Ta- diwala. Indore Anjuman sought to involve the youth by appointing one of the youngsters, Ms Shanoor Irani, as the anjuman secre ­ tary. forwarded the monies to start an award for a “large happy family. ” The Delhi Parsi Anjuman (DPA) transport, the bus-stop nearest to them youths who consider themselves the pio ­ neers in the hosting of youth meets were recently active at the Dadabhai Naoroji centenary celebrations where I manned the bookstalls and exhibits on program for some Bombay youths who reported Bhacca. Despite their po^^erty, the rural Parsis show an implicit faith in their religion with honesty being their hallmark', ob- With improved gious lectures as reported their youth served Dadi Mistry. % For Pure Diamonds JEWELLERS 324, Grant Road, Bombay 400007. Telephone 3073483 Fax 3099648 APPOINTED VALUERS BY THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA 38 Parsiana March 1993At a Federation session in Ratlam knowhow. exist. ¦ to exist. As conveyed ¦ Mhow ’s Dr Behram Masani, ¦ “To ensure the future safety of ¦ community properties, Mhow ¦ has decided to co-opt the Fed- H eration as joint custodian of ¦ Mhow anjuman properties. ” H The other anjumans were called upon by Masani to ' emulate Mhow ’s example rather than to leave the Fed- eration to handle a fail **11 accompli. The Federation ’s attention was drawn to regions of technological their productivity has in ­ creased. From the surplus generated they show a keenness to repay the loans extended to them as was evinced recently when three recipients came for ­ ward with small instal ­ ments of Rs 1,100, Rs 500 and Rs 65. There is a certain amount of self-help being generated by this rural wel ­ fare project and Rs 30,00,000 expended in aid so far, is considered well-spent. As 70-80 percent of a farmer ’s costs are borne on weeding, Phiroz Illavia of Mhow recommended that the community community assets in Junagadh, Nadiad, should avail of the natural farming meth ­ ods being imparted by one gentleman named Saveh who does not charge any tuition fees for his advice but in fact of ­ fers a free meal to those who approach mously refused to seek reimbursement Disparate legal ramifications him. Many youngsters are benefitling from the Federation. The maximum fee payable to obtain a from the training at The Tata Marginal — - - Farm Management Institute and the lu ­ crative yield has already lured some to return to the villages. a Sohagpur, Hoshangabad, Har- da where in the absence of Assets lost and found any living Parsis, encroachers were mak- The Federation would see a burgeoning ing an ingress. As for the Khandwa of its funds by Rs 4,51,000 following property the Federation ’s legal proceed- years of tireles.s efforts to prevent loss of ings were stalled when the person in whose name the case was filed backed Cambay and Surendranagar. Even though off. Tehmton Anklesaria and the Federa- thc expenses incurred on retrieving this income was borne by the BPP and the SPP, both the punchayets magnani- tion are now awaiting recognition as bonafide impleaders in this case. from the Federation. The Mhow anjuman has voluntarily probate in a meljropolitan city is Rs decided to entrust the Federation with the necessary authority to take charge of its maximum probate duty. affairs if the anjuman should ever cease 15,000. “In Madhya Pradesh, there is no It could be lakhs of rupees, ” pointed out Masani to Why business people like to stay with us. I Q III s 1 Seo Green South Hotel has the Ideal location for the Executive traveller, in the heart of Bombay’s commercial district. Our hotel's special atmosphere which comes trom being in the centre of events for 40 years remains unaffected, it is the right place in Bombay in every sense. We certainly know how to cater for the discerning traveller offering the best comforts for guests with the highest standards — but never unduly expensive. VZe have the Location, You have the Choice. SEA GREEN SOUTH HOTEL 145/A, Marine Drive, Bombay 400 020. Tel.: 22 1613, 22 1662, 22 1765, I ?With best compliments of M/s D. H. Bilimoria &Sons BURNPUR HOTEL Wine and General Merchants Adra Dist Purulia West Bengal 723121 MATRIMONIAL Wanted a suitable girl aged 25-28 years for a businessman, SSC passed, aged 32 years, based in Adra, from good family background. Reply to: Ms M. C. Bilimoria M/s D. H. Bilimoria & Sons Adra Dist Purulia West Bengal 723121 42 Parsiana March 1993 For a Comfortable Stay when in BU RNPU R-ASANSOL-KU LTI- DISHERGARH Quiet, Congenial Atmosphere Excellent Accommodation for “Baratis ” at Special rates Personalised Service A. C./Non-A.C. Rooms Attached Baths Indian and Western cuisine Fully Licensed Address BURNPUR HOTEL 20, The Crescent Burnpur 713325 Phone: BURNPUR 280 indicate the need for a parity to eliminate the time and money that is wasted on ob ­ taining this document. But before seek ­ ing any change BPP trustee and Federation ’s joint honorary secretary Eruch Desai advised that the history and motive of the legislation be ascertained. Another inconsistency in the workings of state machineries is that some of them have no provisions for registering a mar ­ riage under the Parsi Marriage and Di­ vorce Act (PMDA). This has resulted in certain Zoroastrians being denied the progressive provisions of the PMDA and the Indian Succession Act as applicable to Parsis. Such a lapse not only makes the priest performing the ceremony liable to imposition of fine or imprisonment for non-registration of marriage, but it also means additional injustice when for in ­ stance the parent is not permitted to claim a share in the estate of his/her de ­ ceased child. Desai recommended that the BPP should approach the High Courts of these states and convince them to authorize the BPP to register such marriages and issue certificates whereby the parties couldp be governed by the PMDA. Parsis contracting a marriage under the Special Marriage Act should enjoy the benefits of the succession laws gov­ erning Parsis. It was agreed that a peti ­ tion be made to the government to this effect. However, it is still to be decided as to what stand to adopt if the married partner is a non-Zoroastrian. Would the applicability of the Parsi laws prove det ­ rimental to the interests of the non-Zoro ­ astrian spouse and the children? Would it tantamount to encouraging intercommu ­ nity marriages? A recommendation would be made after studying the per ­ sonal laws of different communities. Boost by the BPP With two students from the 1991-92 batch having secured admission to medi­ cal studies, two into paramedical courses, and seven into the engineering stream, the BPP is happy with the out ­ come of the educational scholarships ex ­ tended by them whereby students who have scored more than 75 percent marks in their school leaving examinations are extended aid in the form of fees for spe ­ cialized coaching classes, as outlined the BPP’s chief executive Rustom A^kle- saria. He then went on to add in his per ­ sonal capacity ” that instead of spending three and a half crores on Bharucha Bang ’s housing project, “if the funds had been diverted as loans for self-employ- ’4'HOTEL SAI BABA Deheri-Davier Only 5 km from Umbergam station near the sea. Airy rooms, 24 hours water. Rs 180 per day per head — with food PasI Patel 026354/2067 In loving memory of our dear grandfather late Cowasji B Bajan and dear grandmother late Nergish D Variava From Jeroo and Firoza ment and education, would it not have reaped better returns? One of the curses is that we have become a service people instead of a business community, ” he added. Since the time he has joined the Punchayet, and even after 1,100 new flats have been allotted in the last 10 years, there continue to be 3,500 names on the waiting list for BPP flats, has been Rustom Anklesaria ’s observation. De ­ spite all efforts by the BPP, complaints are unceasing. He was particularly wary of uncooperative tenants who refuse to voluntarily accept a marginal hike in the pittance rent they pay for the luxurious flats they occupy and yet would have no reservation for subscribing to cable ser ­ vice and incurring similar expenditure. Some had even purportedly threatened that if pestered for increas^ rent, they would henceforth delay payment of the prevailing rent! Housing as a priority with the BPP has also been questioned in light of the re ­ cent research findings by Dr Sandhya Rani which once again reinforce that housing is not correlated to fertility. The sample constituted 100 allottees of BPP flats and 500 non-allottees, all in the child bearing age-group. It emerges that under 25 percent of the allottees cited lack of independent accommodation as their major reason for postponing mar ­ riage. Further 79 percent of the allottees report that there has been no increase in the number of children following the al ­ location of a house. While the concept of an ideal family included two or three children, actual statistics showed 1.07 live conceptions. The first child was usually conceived within the first two years of marriage. couples postponed having a second child. Clearly emerging is a need for day-care centers, yet not many avail of the BPP’s day-care scheme — initiated on the rec ­ ommendation of the Federation which has contributed Rs 17,000 towards its progress — under which costs incurred by a deserving family on a day-care fa ­ cility are partially borne by the BPP. Ahmedabad ’s Hafez Dalal recom ­ mended that the BPP should consider giving loans for housing such that there is a rotation of funds. Added Farokh Rustomji of Delhi, “Give priority in housing loans to Parsis living outside Bombay ” to induce Parsis to move out of the megapolis. One Parsi benefactor overseas has al ­ ready contributed Rs 88 lakhs for the BPP’s building activities. He has offered MATRIMONIAL Parents of well-educated Parsi girl, aged 24, invite details and photograph (returnable) from Parsi boys willing to settle in Australia. Write to: The Advertiser Parsiana Matrimonial (Mar/6-93) GPO Box 892 Bombay 400001 J*' 45 Parsiana March 1993 Thereafter the JERROZ HOTEL Prop D. J. Kalyaniwala Near Municipal Garden Panchagani 412805 STD 02168 Ph. 40238 *From left: Guzder, Shroff and Noshir Jal to further give Rs 1,75,00,000 to ­ wards purchase of land now that the BPP has exhausted the vacant lands in its possession. This large- hearted donor who prefers ano ­ nymity, himself living a frugal life, would on his trips to Bombay be found walking or using the BEST bus service in preference to any other mode of transport, re ­ ported Rusiom Anklesaria. — As summed up Desai, among the various activities that the BPP un ­ dertakes for the community — , from the cradle to the grave — “housing he was) of others ’ inefficiencies^and remains our greatest activity irrespective of the criticism we receive. ” pare thee well For steering the Federation ship for over 10 years Dr Aspi Golwalla was bid a fond farewell in absentia on the eve of his retirement as BPP trustee and chair ­ man. Credited with being a great be ­ liever in giving others the initiative to work, ” Gandhi appreciated “his gentle, unobtrusive, almost unnoticcable way ol functioning. He was always unwilling to impose his views on others. Tolerant (as W- mvcm > f » I «¦» Shroff I au ­ dacities, I would not have been able to do anything (for the Federation) had it not been for Dr Golwalla. ” Co-trustee Minoo Shroff was prompted to add, “As a management man I have found him never to be late for a meeting, never to be absent, never to excuse himself due to another pressing engagement... An autocrat he was not. Referring to his leadership that, evoked cooperation rather than dissension, Desai acknowledged, “Today Jimmy (Guzder) and 1 are friends here and outside. But that was not the case betore Golwalla munily. was chairman. ” The earlier decision to appoint Golwalla as a permanent invitee to the Federation was re-endorsed by the body. At a lime when communal antago- a liiiic wiicn vvuiiituiioi nism is incited at the slightest in iLf —----- -ttrkrtrtiniT nf ! stance, the mis-reporting of a statement purportedly made by Rohintan Daviervala, president of the Sanjan Memorial Column Lo ­ cal Committee al the Sanjan day celebrations in November last, roused the ire of the Muslims. The agitated Muslims convened a protest meeting to refute the in ­ ference that they had attacked a fire ­ temple in India in the early part of this century. To ensure that no resentment is harbored by the Muslims, following Daviervala ’s denial of the statement the BPP corroborated that Daviervala could not have made such an irresponsible re ­ mark. Their clarification noted that the Parsis and Muslims have enjoyed a har ­ monious stay in Sanjan for several years and that it was never their intention to of ­ fend any Muslifhs. The Federation body endorsed the contents of this letter as re ­ flecting the sentiments of the entire com ­ i With Best Compliments From BHARUCHA & CO Engineers And Builders ‘Kutika ’ 31/1, Pune Solapur Road Pune 411013 46 Parsiana March 1993HL Ik On the basis of another Press ¦ report that a Parsi couple was n summarily asked to leave Saudi Arabia on grounds of professing the Zoroastrian reli- gion, the BPP had taken up the ’• matter with the concerned con- | sulate office in Bombay, men- J tioned Rustom Anklesaria. J The BPP has been assured that “ further enquiries will be made into this case to enable the con- gpb sulate to offer a reason for the couple ’s deportation. Accord ­ ing to the consul, religion alone \ i could not have been the decid- J ing factor. jl Sponsorship commitments for 1 one or more issues of the Fed Newsletter for the coming year have come in from the BPP, SPP, DPA, Mhow, WZO, Guzder, Shroff and Desai. H #11 n Dr 1^; Pestonjee, Dr Behram Anklesaria and Ervad Pervez Mithaiwala. represented by The Press was ' I Parsiana. Since this meeting coincided with the inter-city meet of the MP anjumans, there were large delegations from these areas. Also present were youth con ­ tingents from Ahmedabad, Baroda, Indore, Mhow, Ratlam and Surat. JI Guest speakers _________ Look beyond the nose “We need to have a scientific outlook about ourselves; a searching outlook; a critical outlook... to look at the reali ­ ties facing the community, ” ad ­ vocated Prof Dinyar Pestonjee, professor of organizational be ­ havior at the Indian Institute of Msfiagement, Ahmedabad. Enquire into the social forces that acted upon us, the consequent be ­ havioral changes, the assimilation, the decline in numbers. “These are all simple Representing the Zoroastrians of India at the Parliament of World Religions to be held in Chicago in August-September 1993 will Above: Bhacca (left) and Gandhi " Below: Desai (left), Rustom Anklesaria gratitude conveyed to the hosts was reci- questions, nothing emotional. The only nrocated by Tehmton Anklesaria who problem is that we don ’t want to look be ­ yond the nose, ” he remarked to the Zoro ­ astrians assembled in Ratlam. “We like to gloat over stories of kings and queens. These myths and dreams constitute a part of the community psyche. We keep thinking we are great but there is nothing to show for our greatness. We keep thinking our forefa ­ thers ruled the world. But we have noth ­ ing to rule over and are in fact being be Bombay scholar Dr Homi Dhalla. Nearly Rs 35,000, i.e. 50 percent of the costs of his trip will be contributed by the BPP and the Federation. Sixty-nine-year-old Dady Patell ’s adven ­ turous drives on his moped across the length and breadth of India has earned the admiration of the Federation which has promised to pay him Rs 2,000 to- procated by Tehmton Anklesaria who said, “After every five years the Federa ­ tion can bank upon us to host a meeting. ” ft Those attending the Federation meeting were; Dr Hafez Dalal and Porus ..... ..................______ Karanjawalla from Ahmedabad; Dr A. E. ward7the cost of his 4,500 km goodwill Contractor from Ajmer; Pervez Mehta mission from Jamnagar to Pang Sau. Guzder promised another Rs 2,000. For holding “one of the most enjoyable Jamshed Guzder, Eruch Desai, Minoo ruled over. You don t become great by and fruitful meetings of the Federation Shroff and Rustom Anklesaria from thinking you are great. It is for others to that we have attended ” Desai lauded the Bombav; Dadi Mistry, Farokh Rustomji, think that you are greatHow did this ¦ ; vanish? That s what we don ’t like to look into because it is a dis- from Bardoli; Savak Patel, Baman Cama and Percy Tadiwala from Baroda; Minochaher Bharucha from Bhavnagar; ________ ~___ ¦ ¦ I Shroff and Rustom Anklesaria from that we have attended ” Desai lauded the Bombay; Dadi Mistry, Farokh Rustomji, MP anjumans. He was particularly ap ­ preciative of “the toils, tears and sweat that went into the holding of this meet ­ ing. ” To Mistry, “This meeting would be unique one in the annals of history where for the first time the youngsters Noshir Captain, Ms Nergish Nargolwala great empire and Keki Gandhi from Delhi; Edulji ts Dumasia from Dumas; Ms Dinoo Illavia comforting idea, and Ms Shanoor Irani from Indore; - ------ - ; 2 ; “We don ’t know what ’s happened to a unique one in tne annais oi nisiory Ronny Dick from Jhansi; Phiroze Majra us for quite a long time. In fact our com- where for the first time the youngsters from Matheran; Dr Behram Masani and munity has taken the utmost liberty with and elders were shoulder to shoulder Phiroz Illavia from Mhow; Hoshang history. No one seems to know anything dancing with each other. (When the local orchestra was invited to entertain the Nargol; Ms Dolat Bhamgara frorn gathering with an hour of pre-dinner mu ­ sic on January 30, the camaraderie estab ­ lished during the day resulted in the venue <____ converted into a dance floor at night.) and Dr Sam Bhacca from Surat. This is a sure sign that we are a growing community and not a dying (one). ” The Hormazdyar Wania and Farroakh Govadia from munity has taken the utmost liberty with with any precision. How old are we is a question that remains shrouded in mys- Navsar ’i; Noshir Jal and Ms Nilofar Jal tery. ” We shouW not be confusing Ws- from Neemuch; Tehmton Anklesaria from ‘ *¦" Ratlam; Nariman Balsara from Saronda; of the Federation meeting being Ms Mani Clubwala from the South Zone; The guest speakers were; Dastur Mirza, Prof Dinyar Prof tory, which is a chronicle account in the form of a story, with historicity which is a scientific study of history, he cau ­ tioned. “We see the mythical golden past and the reality based difficult continued on page 82 48 Parsiana March 1993POLITICS AND POLICY // Trustees have to be dynamic zz As he starts his second term as BPP trustee Jamsheed Kanga discusses past achievements and future plans Gustasp Irani ¦s “If I win, I lose; and if I lose, I win, ” joked Jamsheed Kanga about his pros ­ pects of being re-elected during the Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) trustee moting their personal elections held on March 13 and 24, 1993. “Being a trustee is a big responsibility. It means you have to put in a lot of time and effort and no matter what you do, •there will always be people who will Parsi community, ” says damn you, ” he explained the apparent Kanga, adding that when F paradox in his earlier statement. Yet people seek the office ? when the results of the contest were an- for personal gain they I are more susceptible to using means that compromise its dignity. Dignity of office aside, Kanga be ­ lieves that the Parsi community today needs trustees “who are more than do- gooders. They ’ve got to get the job done. is viewed by some as a means of elevating their social standing or pro- careers. To others it is a very effective position from which they can work for the good of the L I 9 ’ 1 nounced it was apparent in the celebra ­ tions that followed that many Parsis did appreciate Kanga ’s contributions to the community and the BPP, and that Kanga himself quite savored his victory. Kanga ’s scepticism and joy are under ­ standable for during the election run he They ’ve got to be dynamic. In the good was the victim of a malicious slur cam ­ paign, a character assassination attempt. “This was a particularly dirty election. Certain people used methods I never imagined were possible. There have been day and a trustee must play a more direct other trustee elections that were heated, like the (Homi) Ranina-(Fali) Poncha contest; a battle fought on issues. But positions he held in government service this time..., ” Kanga shakes his head in dismay. Personal hurt aside, Kanga believes equipped him with the skills and contacts Godrej Baug. And on his earlTer offer to that the unwitting victim of the slur cam- i ............................. / paign was the office of the BPP trustee administering the vast properties of the itself. “What really frightens me is that it BPP, as well as the expertise to tackle will deter good people, who can really problems faced by the community. “I help the community, from standing for was able to assist the BPP in a positive trustee elections, ” Kanga observes. To and substantial manner, resulting in the forestall such a possibility the trustees completion of the largest construction decided to hand over the case to the po- program in the history of the BPP,” says old days, when the community was afflu ­ ent, a BPP trustee did not get too in ­ volved in the problems of the commu ­ nity. But the average Parsi needs help to- role in his affairs. ” Kanga believes that the various senior Jams heed Kanga with wife Firoza Photo: Gustasp Irani Baug, to protecting individual Parsi houses and assets during the recent com ­ munal riots in Bombay through his con ­ tacts with local leaders, he has been able to assist the community at all levels. “The fact that I got the highest number of votes shows that the community recog ­ nizes and appreciates what I have done and can do for it,” says-Kanga. Similarly, he has won the appreciation of his co-trustees who thought it fitting to put down in writing their recognition of for 35 years, including a stint as the Mu ­ nicipal Commissioner of Bombay, have his contributions to the housing project at required to deal with the complexities of resign when he was the Municipal Com ­ missioner of Bombay, because he found he did not have much time to spare for BPP affairs, he was advised against do ­ ing so by his colleagues. His offer to resign, Kanga points out, is proof enough that the belief that trust- decided to hand over the case to the po- program in the history of the BPP,” says ees are loathe to vacate their posts is lice so that people would think twice be- Kanga. more myth than reality. “I shall be retir- fore resorting to such tactics again. From getting government clearances ing soon and will have more time to de- The office of the BPP trustee, accord- and permits for BPP’s massive housing vote to the BPP. I believe that I can still ing to Kanga, is a very powerful one. “It projects, including the one at Godrej contribute significantly, but it does not From getting government clearances and permits for BPP’s massive housing 51 Parsiana March 1993 Igious issue came up before the trustees. ” Not surprisingly, then, the focus of the trustee elections was largely on property matters. “Wherever we went we were confronted with local problems that con- the BPP sends out a representative to verify that the facts given are correct; and a public notice in the Press invites important task of the BPP is to provide Parsis to lodge their protest, if any, housing for the community and in this against any of the proposed allotments, field the apex body has done outstanding Kanga agrees that the merit rating system cerned the people of that area and that work in the last 10 years. “During this may not be perfect, but believes it is far colony, ” says Kanga. An offshoot of the new election system, according to him, is that with constituency-wise representa ­ tion in the elected body of the Anjuman Committee, trustees will have to take lo- plicant is finally allotted a flat in Godrej cal problems and issues more seriously. 1-* - _ — *Li.. r>.r, 1 Ofth TUn if cnmonnA onnmarhaH q tnictAA question often being asked is: Can a poor mean that I will not do other work too, ” he clarifies. According to Kanga, the single most against any of the proposed allotments. may not be perfect, but believes it is far colony, ” says Kanga. An offshoot of the period we have built about 870 to 890 more objective and rational than the sub ­ flats, of which 700 are ready. We have jective allotment system that existed ear- reached a stage where we do not have any land left to build upon, ” says Kanga. The job ahead is to purchase more land in the suburbs for future housing Bang at a monthly rent of Rs 1,200. The projects and towards this end the BPP q ------------- has established the Housing and Land Parsi afford such a high rent? Probably was: What was his mandate? Now when Committee where experts in the field dis- . a group of people, who are the elected cuss problems and submit recommenda- , , , representatives of an area approach a tions for the trustees to act upon. “This is No matter what you trustee, the solution he offers will have to another thing we have initiated: we have thoro \A/ill al\A/CJ\/Q (pertinent to the constituency). The brought together experts from various OOj iriorc WIII dlWctyo ^ew systemhasitsproblems,butlbe- fields to work for the benefit of the com- hg DGODI© WhO Will lieve that (constituency-wise) representa- munity, and not just in matters of hous- „ tion is a positive development. Its full ing, ” says Kanga. 03030 yOU impact has still to sink in. Commenting on the controversy re- ---- Kanga regrets the BPP decision to call garding the merits and demerits of the u halt to the annual meeting between the - ... 'T., — 1---- trustees and the Anjuman Committee, but explains that after the seven-year term of the oldrelected body expired, the exercise had become irrelevant. If there was one area in which the trustees failed, it was in their public relations depart ­ ment, Kanga states. For despite all the J good that the BPP has done for the com- munity, it appears to receive more brick- . bats than bouquets. “We started to bring out our own bi-monthly newsletter but _ ____________ , the community does not seem to take it of the community get the housing they seriously. We definitely need to do need without being burdened with rents something to improve our image, ” says they cannot afford to pay. “About 70 per- Kanga. cent of all flats allotted in Godrej Baug are exchanged, ” says Kanga. lier. And so, after years of waiting, an ap- ¦‘Earlier, if someone approached a trustee with a problem, the question asked him “No matter what you do, there will always be people who will damn you” i . { ;i '¦J J I Spenta ownership flats project of the not, agrees Kanga. The problem, how- BPP, Kanga observes: “It is easy to be wise by hindsight. But you must realize that at that time the BPP had the land but not the money. If we had not used these lands we might have lost them to the government. The profit from Spenta was the seed money for other extensive hous- . ing projects. ” While Kanga concedes exchange thair allotted flats with tenants that only rich Parsis could afford to buy of flats in other older BPP colonies the Spenta flats, the profits from that where the rents are lower. This flat ex ­ project were ploughed back to build change mechanism ensures that the poor ever, is that Godrej Bang stands on a prime location where the municipal taxes are pegged at a high level. Rs 800 of the Rs 1,200 the BPP receives in rent go in taxes. The solution? Exchange. That is, according to Kanga, the trustees allow persons who cannot afford high rents to housing for the poorer segments of the community on land that was lying idle and in danger of being lost. “It was like selling a piece of jewelry to raise money for a pressing need. If the resulting ben ­ efit outweighs the loss of your jewel, you know that your decision was the right campaign, according to Kanga, wasjhat one, ” says Kanga. ? - references to the dokhmas, were dis- need without being burdened with rents The new housing units present their own problem: who gets a flat and who doesn ’t? Enter the merit rating system. Kanga explains its concept: “In the past single reference was made to Roxan . Shah and we had thought that it would be one of the major issues of the election, ” their personal perception of these says Kanga. ¦ Clarifying the matter, Kanga states: ____________________ “The Roxan Shah case was never a reli- parison was possible. ” Some of the needs gious issue. It was not a question of whether it is right for a Parsi to marry a non-Parsi; it was a question of whether trustees had no way of rating the differ ­ ent needs and they based their decisions on . needs. Wliat we did was to identify the different needs so that some kind of com- identified are: congestion in present liv ing quarters, medical grounds, the need tot waiting for a flat, etc. Points are given for each category and totalled up. The higher the points the better the chance an applicant has of getting the nod. But first The BPP image aside, Kanga sees in his re-election a vindication of the fact One unexpected facet of this election that Parsis do appreciate the good work ,______________________’I the BPP in general, and he in particular, no ideological issues, apart from brief have done. More needs to be done and _ :; ¦¦ - Kanga pledges to get on with the task cussed. “No questions were asked about ahead, scars of the dirty election cam ­ paign notwithstanding. Kanga ’s wife Firoza (he has two daughters, Shireen and Farida) informs us that during the heat of the campaign they would receive a number of anonymous phone calls — threatening and abusive. Mercifully, after the contest was over these calls stopped. Now when the phone rings, often enough it is a Parsi in distress and Kanga, in his capacity as a BPP trustee, a retired IAS officer, a former Municipal Com ­ missioner of Bombay and with his con ­ tacts in state and local government de ­ partments, is ready to help in whatever way he can. religious matters. Surprisingly, not a get married and bear children, years of such a person could use the dokhmas. It was a legal matter relating to property administered by the BPP, and not a reli ­ gious issue. ” He goes on to add: “In my 11 years with the BPP, not a single reli- 52 Parsiana March 1993POLITICS AND POLICY I At first glance one might assume that 76- year-old Ms Silloo Kavarana, frail and grey-haired, fits the stereotype of an eld ­ erly Parsi lady in a white sari, happily absorbed in her devotions before an agiary fire. But Kavarana, the newly elected trustee of the Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP), breaks the mold. Her spirituality radiates outwards: it reaches out sympathetically to aid the less fortu ­ nate in whatever way she can. If her elfin smile is charming, her gentle eyes wear a steely gleam of determination. It was this quiet determination that gave her the courage to plunge into the murky waters of Parsi politics and stand for trusteeship. Not that she did not have her reservations at first (“They were pressing me to stand for so many years ”), but once committed she met the task with dignity. When the election game turned malicious and slanderous charges were hurled at her, she refused to turn the other cheek. But she also refused to al ­ low her supporters to fight dirty. For in ­ stance, when one of them got carried away in his allegations against a rival, Kavarana corrected him: “No. That ’s not right, ” she said, denying him ___ the indulgence of portraying mi the foe as a devil, and setting the record straight. “I made it very clear: the election must be H fought on what we have done and what we can do. If there H was any personal attack on any m candidate, I would step down. And I meant it,” she observed. Probably the most difficult part of Kavarana ’s campaign trail was the problem she had projecting her own virtues. At 11 the volatile Dadar Parsi Colony meeting (see “Kudos for Kanga and Kavarana, ” Parsiana, January 1993) ^^^m Kavarana was t’le only partici- pant who did not extend the five-minute limit each candi- HlH date was given to speak. She miml spoke for a minute and a half: a long speech was not neces- mHI January A firm yet entle lady trustee Gustasp Irani sary because her actions spoke loud and clear. For several years she has championed deserving causes, both Parsi and non- communal. She is a member of the man ­ aging committee of the F. D. Petit Parsi Sanatorium, The Sir Ratan Tata Indus ­ trial Institute, Stri Zarthosti Mandal and the Red Cross Society. She has been ac ­ tively involved in transforming the Parsi Ward at the J. J. Hospital from a ne ­ glected unit into a caring one. She has helped raise funds both locally and from abroad for a number of deserving causes like, for instance, the construction of 16 flats for mobeds at Godrej Bang. She has helped find gainful employment for those in need. The stream of young Parsis who seek her assistance and guid ­ ance, be it to secure a job or to finance higher education, soon discover that her gentleness is tempered with firm decisive action. Few, if arty, were surprised at Kavarana ’s victory in the trustee elec ­ tions. In the celebrations that followed the announcement one could feel the genuine warmth in the people who con ­ verged to congratulate her; goodwill emanated even from candidates who had stood against her. The cheering over, Kavarana is all set to pursue her priorities. “The reason I eventually decided to stand for the trustee elections was be ­ cause I felt I could help the poorest of the poor in the Parsi community. By being in the BPP I feeLI will be able to do something for them, ” says Kavarana. But she stops short of detailing her program for the simple reason that she still docs not know how the BPP cheering _ functions, or what it has to of- § fer. Her first and immediate I task, as she sees it, is to study I and understand the operations o of the BPP and only then does I she believe she will be able to Shortage of housing is not the main problem of the community; low tolerance is, maintains the new BPP trustee Silloo Kavarana 55 Parsiana March 1993 Ifunction effectively. “I will give it what ­ ever time is necessary and I will keep on doing my other work, ” she says. According to Kavarana there appears to be a communication gap between the BPP and the poor of the community: the trustees do not truly understand the ___________ trauma of deprivation, and the deprived sonal matter and she upholds it as^ a*de- do not know what benefits they may le ­ gitimately claim. “I am not talking of doles. I don ’t like them, but I know they are necessary. What I’m referring to is proud to be Zoroastrians, and we all want to preserve our community and religion no matter what some people might say, ” she clarifies. If the rebel myth persists it is only because it is the one straw the op ­ ponents have to whip CER with. Religion to Kavarana is a very per ­ « A trustee has nothing to do with religion. The priests must decide ” vout practising Zoroastrian. What hap ­ pens when religion becomes a commu ­ nity issue, and she as a BPP trustee must deal with it? “A trustee has nothing to do with religion. The priests must decide and we must do what they tell us to do, ” Kavarana answers. What does concern Kavarana though is the fact that Parsi girls are increasingly marrying outside the community. She be ­ lieves that many of these girls, given the choice, would have rather married Parsi boys but often enough they did not meet the right one to match their expectations. Not that she is finding fault with the young males in the community; she knows of many who are settled and doing well in their careers. Kavarana hopes that opportunity, ” says Kavarana. Her per ­ ception of opportunity is wide and em ­ braces education, medical aid, employ ­ ment and more. Her task as a trustee, as she sees it, will be to bridge the commu ­ nication gap between the BPP and the through the BPP she might be able to poor Parsi; that is, to bring opportunity and need together. “And I am not a rubber stamp of the CfcR (Committee for Economic Re ­ vival), ” she asserts. “I will do what I think is right and not what others want me to do. ” Kavarana ’s association with housing is not the problem. The real ' problem today is that Parsis have no tol ­ erance. Earlier there were many more correct this imbalance by creating a greater awareness among Parsi youth about education and career opportunities. And accommodation? “Everyone seems to blame all the problems of the community on housing. According to me the CER has been close right from its in ­ ception. “Before joining the CER I at ­ tended their meetings and saw that they Parsis, they had large families, but they were good people trying to do good for managed to live together. Now our num- the community, ” says Kavarana. Once bers are fewer, the families are smaller committed, she almost immediately and still everyone wants his own inde ­ found herself among the group ’s core pendent household, ” says Kavarana. ---------------- Tolerance, or rather the family unit. figures and functioned as its conscience. ¦ ¦ - ¦ “Tell me what wrong has the CER according to Kavarana, is the foundation done? ” Kavarana asks. According to her, the group was instrumental in raising funds for the mobed building at Godrej Baug; its volunteers had worked to re ­ store dignity to the Parsi Ward at the J. J. Hospital; members of its youth wing visit the doongerwadi regularly and help the Kaikhushru died and her two children khaiTdhias and nassessalars there without had grown up and settled — her son compromising their dignity; and group Farokh is the vice president of Tata Inter ­ members have always stepped forward to national in Zug, Switzerland, daughter help raise funcs at home and abroad for Guloo Austin (the son-in-law is a Parsi deserving causes. “One thing we also do despite the foreign-sounding name) is a is keep quiet, ” laughs Kavarana, a speech therapist in Canada — that twinkle in her eye. The CER’s greatest millstone is that in its early days, 11 years ago, it got joined the Red Cross. Little did she real- stuck with the label of being a breakaway reformist group, a reputation which Kavarana believes does not reflect real ­ ity. “We are all proud to be Parsis and of a good life; all other things follow. She deems herself fortunate that this was an integral part of her life both before and after marriage. Her family came first, social work followed. She explains that it was only after her husband Kavarana decided to devote time to help ­ ing others. That was in 1969 when she ize at the time that the road she had em ­ barked on would lead her to becoming the custodian of the interests of poor Parsis. 57 Parsiana March 1993 BOYS’ TOWN Public School Nasik 2 Recognised as a Public School by the Department of Educa ­ tion for Indian Merit Scholars. Excellent Climate — All­ round Education: All Academic Subjects — Technical Subjects: Work ­ shop Technology, Mechanical & Electrical Maintenance, Carpentry & Farming. Train ­ ing in Self-Government through Elected Boys ’ Office bearers. Games — Physical Training — Daily Assembly with Congregational Prayers — Weekly intensive Zoroas ­ trian —Geeta —Koran classes —Excellent Modern Kitchen and Dining Room facilities — Airy Dormitories. Moderate Fees. Concessions to Deserv ­ ing Students. Apply to THE MANAGING TRUSTEE P. N. MEHTA EDUCATION TRUST Cooks Building 324, Dr D. N. Road Bombay 400001ON RECORD A compendium of exclusive Indian records... the Limca Book of Records (LBR) has become a national data base, a single source reference book for any In ­ dian subject, ” claims the foreword to the 1992 pocketbook edition. Of the 4,000 plus entries in this twice revised compen ­ dium, more than 80 relate to accomplish ­ ments by Zoroastrians. While a majority of entries feature in the earlier editions too (see Parsiana, March 1991), 24 of the new entries concern records held by Zoroastrians. It is in the cinema section that six feats are mentioned. Elphinstone Picture Pal ­ ace in Calcutta was the first cinema hall started by J. F. Madan in 1905. Further the Elphinstone Bioscope Company of Madan and his sons was the first estab ­ lished banner whichwcontrolled produc ­ tion, distribution and import of films, in addition to their chain of theaters all over India and Burma. Harishchandra made by J. F. F. Madan and released in 1917 was the first full- length silent film made in Bengal. Zar­ ina, starring Jal Merchant and Zubeida, had the maximum screen kisses before the kiss came under an unwritten ban. The Wadia Brothers bought over the rights of the Indian talkie version of Thief of Baghdad and presented it as Sulemani Shetran making it the first Indian adapta ­ tion of a Hollywood film. The first crime film based on a true life story of a crimi ­ nal was Homi Master ’s Kaala Naag made for Bombay ’s Kohinoor Company in 1924. Making their mark in the armed forces arena were Air Chief Marshal Aspi Engi ­ neer who served as chief of the air force from December 1, 1960 to July 31,1964. The late Admiral Jal Cursetji was the na ­ val chief from March 1,1976 to February 28, 1979. Another entry in the navy cat ­ egory concerns Capt M. N. Mulla who was on the only Indian naval ship lost in battle. While on a submarine hunt, INS Khukri was struck by three torpedoes causing it to sink with 18 officers and 176 men. Mulla is credited for refusing to abandon the ship when he had every chance to escape. The earliest mi ’itary invasion has been traced to the hordes of Cyrus (558-530 BC), the founder of the Achaemenian empire who is said to have destroyed the famous city of Kapisa, near the junction of the Ghorband and Panjshir rivers north-east of Kabul. Satyawadi Raja 58 Parsiana March 1993 1 f remarkable RECORDS Of the nearly 4,000 entries in the Limca Book of Records, more than 80 pertain to accomplishments by Zoroastrians ?¦ I i 3 4Of the three new entries under the sports head, two concern boxing. In 1984 Aspy Adajania became the first Indian to 98 percent - as also for its 74 percent for- officiate on the jury of the Olympic Games at Los Angeles while Khurshed P. Kuka was the first international referee/ judge to serve at five Olympics since 1955. The first regular cricket tournament Transfer) technology used by Dr Faram was played between the Parsis and the I ......................... " Europeans. It started as an annual series through the adoption of the combined of two matches in 1892. The next team to technique of IVF (In-vitro Fertilization) ond in the list of companies in terms of logical Society. He was also the first ge- bonus declared as percentage of equity - ologist to be elected fellow of the Royal Society in 1957. The parliament section begins with the mention of Dadabhai Naoroji, the eign holding of equity capital. In the medicine section, accomplish ­ ments by two Zoroastrian gynecologists first non-white to become a member of are referred to. The birth of twin boys the British House of Commons. He was through the GIFT (Gamete Intra Fallopian also the first Indian to be elected as a 1 Liberal MP in London from Central Irani in 1990. And the birth of twin girls Finsbury in July 1892 by a bare majority 1 of three votes. Naoroji is also credited . ) for being the first Indian entrepreneur in join was of the Hindus, followed by the and GIFT by Dr (MS) Firuza Parikh, head England to take on the partnership of a Mohammedans, and eventually ‘the rest. ’ of the department of infertility manage- British firm. Ultimately the tournament was aban- ment and assisted reproduction at The first woman to set foot on the icy doned when Mahatma Gandhi objected to Bombay ’s Jaslok Hospital. continent of Antarctica in January 1977 Its communal nature. Besides gaining fame for his geologi- was Ms Meher Moos who has merited a On the industrial front Cowasjee cal studies of the Himalayas, Darashaw mention in the adventure as well as Nanabhoy has been mentioned for estab- lishing the first textile mill in 1853 in Bombay. Listed as the largest seller of the Lyell Medal of the Geological Soci- soap is Godrej Soaps ’ Cinthol which ety of London, the Back Award of the holds 18 percent of the market. Ingersoll Royal Geographical Society, the Leopald Rand managed by Jamshed Setna is sec- von Plakette Medal of the German Geo- of the department of infertility manage ­ ment and assisted reproduction at I I /i - I ¦; Bls I i f: Rand managed by Jamshed Setna is sec- ¦ .t; $ 6 X ifi ‘3^ Besides gaining fame for his geologi ­ cal studies of the Himalayas, Darashaw N. Wadia is mentioned in the awards oceanography section. She was part of r- , American tourist group on an expedi ­ tion from Cape Town to Cape Horn. Under the posts and telegraph head there is reference to Darabshaw Mistry for his largest collection of stamps (over category for being the first Indian to win 100 I r 7 nr I> s L w ' 111 Sjr’T'f*' ii!> * s ¦ 1. Z F, Madan. 2. Seina 3 & 4. rtvfrti delivered by Irani 5 & 6. Mistry exhibits his stamps 7, D. IVadia 8. Adajania 9. Curseiji ¦rlt > 20,000) on wildlife, some of them dating back to the 19th century. He was also the first to hold an exhibition of wildlife stamps in 1961. In the photography section the J. J. School of Art shares the distinction with the Madras School of Art for being the first to offer courses in photography. The remarkable distinction of never absenting herself or taking even a single day ’s leave during her entire teaching ca ­ reer in 34 years goes to Ms Porochist Savak Patel, belter known as Pretty Patel. As a school teacher at Loyola School, Jamshedpur, she has seen a change of 11 principals, the last two being her ex-stu- dcnts, as notes the record in the education category.V- HISTORY The gnaT'dedfighter At the centenary function in Delhi in honor of Dadabhai Naoroji, speakers recalled the deeds of the man who dedicated his life to Indian nationalism cmity formalities were entrusted to the erstwhile Maharaja of Kashmir, philoso- DPA youth. Thick tuberose and red rose pher/poet Dr Karan Singh; and others. torans festooned the hallway and the The Delhi meeting differed from other day s proceedings began to the tune of commemorative functions honoring monayaJ invocation songs — sung by Dadabhai in that it went beyond merely I lelhi C YAiinn Cornkni-n h’rrkl* Kf’ k’ U’ highlighung his achievements. Pams were Lt Gen Adi Sethna, the indefatigable taken to give us a well-rounded portrait of Delhi ’s Young Farohars. president of the DPA, had roped in some of our best historians, journalists and in ­ tellectuals (conversant with the period on commemorative a truly remarkable man. Food for thought was balanced with a feast for the eyes, provided by a small but ' Dadi of the Jawaharlal Nehru University; Prof of a Parsi home of that era" On^ show were Centre and Prof B. R. Nanda, historian and former director of the Nehru Centre; Prof S. R. Mchrotra of the Maharishi Dayanand University of Rohtak whose re ­ search on Dadabhai made him claim that which Dadabhai has left his mark) to elegant exhibition arranged by Dadi speak on the occasion: Dr Bipin Chandra Pudumjee which captured the ambience of the Jawaharlal Nehru University; Prof of a Parsi home of that era. On show were Ravinder Kumar, director of the Nehru panels rclating^fCvcnts and sayings from Dadabhai ’s life, copies of soijie of his correspondence with eminent persons, some rare books dealing with that period, and a TV documentary on Dadabhai The ^aciousness of the backdrop — the while “India was Dadabhai ’s daily room. DadabhS^f«rson^effects,*^his tasteful stone ^chitecture, the wekoming thought, Dadabhai has been my daily glasses, inkwell, visiting cards etc did not awns and gardens of Ddhf s India Inter- thought for the last 30 years; ” journalist arrive in time from Bombay due to some national Centre (IIC) — befitted the occa- M. V. Kamath; industrialist Sohrab problems, and the eSS S S SSe Sion, a function organized to honor Godrej; N. R. Pai, secretary of the Dadabhai Naoroji, political activist and social reformer, who was tireless in the cause of Indian nationalism a hundred years ago. The old warrior had been firmly against honors and titles. Once, getting wind of a rumor that his name had been suggested for knighthood, he immedi ­ ately wrote to the Governor of Bombay: r “My work has been for duty and not for titular honor. I would regret it if the sug ­ gestion is considered. ” The only title he valued was the one that the people of In ­ dia affectionately gave him: the Grand Old Man (GOM) of India. One was pleased that the function on December 20, 1992, jointly organized by the Delhi Parsi Anjuman (DPA) and the lie, offered more than the usual tributes to Dadabhai. Ladies in priceless garas stood in the reception line awaiting the Vice President of India, K. R. Narayanan and the VVIPs that only Delhi can pro ­ vide in such abundance. The tasks of ush ­ ering in the guests and observing the se- Ava Khullar ** 61 Parsiana March 1993 , secretary of the Dadabhai Naoroji Trust; veteran Con- Fdfokh Rustomji, Narayanan, Dadi gressman Vasant Sathe who loves his Mistry (partly covered). Sethna and dhansakh like an old friend of the Parsis; Singh viewing the exhibits I s I r IGujarat at a time when the British were. The drain of wealth bit by bit, conquering and establishing As industrialization spread in western In- themselves in Western India and Bombay dia, the perception of the nature of British was growing into an important commer- do with substitutes. A special commemo ­ rative issue of Dipanjali, dedicated to Dadabhai, was released by Narayanan. Unusual insights on the GOM arc in- _ eluded in this publication, assiduously cial and political center. In contrast to saw how wealth generated by the compiled by Brig Adi Sahukar. And this Calcutta, which was the seat of British hardworking peasantry in the countryside occasion, like the earlier ones organized by the DPA at the lie, included a . con­ tributory Parsi lunch, served in the relative seclusion of the Rose Garden. While it was the Cordon Bleu chef Ms Bhicoo Manekshaw who was involved with the cater ­ ing of the meal, it was Ms Dhun Bagli, manageress of Delhi ’s Mengusi Dharam- shala who carted the snacks from Bombay. control over India changed. Dadabhai saw ‘ B * [41 was drained away in the form of oppressive taxes. He also perceived the British bureaucratic author ­ ity, through which colonial rule in India operated, as un ­ responsive to the aspirations of the people. Dadabhai, who had started as a social activist in his college days, turned to the political scene and espoused the national cause. He not only saw that indigenous industry had to develop for India ’s wealth to grow, but also that it had to be distributed equitably in order to enable her people to live with dignity. The an ­ swer was self-government, within the paramountcy of British rule. The main concern of Dadabhai ’s en ­ deavors was the country ’s economy. The heart of colonialism, as he saw it, was the subordination of the Indian economy to British interests. Dadabhai had been ¦ A rewarding experience I As the inaugural session ’ gave way to working ses ­ sions, one before and one af ­ ter lunch, the experience proved rewarding. An early discourse Sethna, Narayanan and Singh.releasing provided a historical perspective on the the Dipanjali special on Naoroji era in which Dadabhai had lived and worked, then went on to his ceaseless crusades to improve the social and until 1911, Bombay developed indig- economic situation in the country. His writings, speeches and letters, his asso ­ ciation with various organizations and the colonial modernization was not domi- causes he championed, all had one objec ­ tive: to lighten the burden of the poverty- stricken masses and to bring some mea- Parsi community, though the smallest, India exported 1,634,000 pieces of cotton sure of dignity into their lives. And was in the forefront, the other communi- goods, earning for India £ 1,630,000 and though all standards today are being ties being the Gujarati Bhatias, the Khojas imported goods worth only £ 16,000, by eroded and we live in a moral wasteland, Dadabhai ’s example cannot fail to enterprising breakthroughs in industrial- ported a mere 367,000 pieces and im- inspireus. ization were visible with the establish- ported goods worth £ l,0(X),000. It was The year 1992 marked the centenary of ment of the textile industry. From that this need to find markets for mass-pro- Dadabhai ’s entry into the House of Com- base sprang other entrepreneurial activi- duced British goods in the colonies that mons in England as the first Member of ties such as light consumer and chemical sounded the death knell of indigenous in ­ Parliament from India. It was a signifi­ cant event because Dadabhai pleaded forcefully, in the Mother of Parliaments, the highest forum of those days, for fair ­ ness and justice towards his fellow Indi­ ans from a British administration which, establishment of liberal institutions of cumstances, he understood poverty and he claimed, ruled from a basic ignorance learning in Bombay, the Elphinstone and empathized with the peasantry in the about India. Dadabhai had faith in the Wilson Colleges. Dadabhai was among countryside. inherent fairness of the English and the first batch of students at the Thus Dadabhai came out with his believed that if the truth about the disas ­ trous British policies in India was exposed, they would acknowledge their formed literary and other societies con- mistakes and change. “When once an cerned with reforms of their own commu- Englishman sees his mistake, he has the nities, the civic problems of Bombay city who grasped the significant fact that the moral courage to rectify it,” he once said. Bom in 1825, Dadabhai passed his established by the British. Dadabhai took formative years in Maharashtra and part in all these activities. political power and its commercial hub enous skills. Trade, entrepreneurship and the liberal professions flowered here, and acutely aware of the change in the condi ­ tion of sweat weavers (employed for long nated by British power. In this powerful hours at low wages in unhealthy condi- indigenous thrust towards modernity, the tions) from 1801 to 1822. While in 1801 Parsi community, though the smallest, was in the forefront, the other communi- and the Marwaris. By 1850, the first 1822 the situation was reversed. India ex ­ enterprising breakthroughs in industrial ­ ization were visible with the establish- base sprang other entrepreneurial activi ­ ties such as light consumer and chemical industries and later the heavy industrial dustries in India. This4mpoverishment of sector of iron and steel ventured by the Tatas. Another important development in the Having been brought up from childhood modernizing process at this time was the by his widowed mother in strained cir- establishment of liberal institutions of sweat weavers along with other peasants and craftsmen touched Dadabhai deeply. the first batch of students at the Elphinstone. These young men, under the Drain Theory which showed how the sur- influence of liberal western education, plus created by the hardworking peasant, the craftsman and the trader in India was syphoned off to Britain. He was a thinker and with scrutinizing the political order heart of any developmental structure is the creation of surplus. He continually fought against the expropriation of this 63 Parsiana March 1993 4' * Ii surplus by the British. He saw this as a contrast to India ’s earlier foreign rulers — the Afghans and the Mughals. These ear ­ lier rulers came as foreigners, but once they started to rule, they ruled as Indians and for Indians, and not as foreigners who took away India ’s wealth to a foreign economy in Central Asia or wherever. The British, by contrast, remained “for ­ eign ” rulers throughout. In the period that Dadabhai lived, the extremist feature of nationalism had not as yet raised its head, and the moderates believed in fighting for self-government within British paramountcy. So in this re ­ spect Dadabhai was classified a moderate, but he was anything but moderate in his economic critique of the colonial regime. And the British feared his ideas, for they undermined Indian faith in British rule. A presided for three terms. In both these fo- distinguished British civil servant once wrote that Dadabhai ’s profession of loy- ____ __ ________ alty to the British was like the man in people. Again his main thrust here was against the drain of economic surplus and he was instrumental in setting up the Welby Commission to go into the expenditure in India and how the drain could be checked. Dadabhai ’s mind could grasp the most charge of the French guillotine who said: “Monsieur, will you be kind enough to put your head under the guillotine. ” British rulers and the Indian people into a India as the sone ki chiria (the golden true understanding of the situation and goose) which the British were bleeding to into seeking remedies to cure it. It led death, the concept was easy for even a him to stand for election to the British simple Indian peasant to grasp. When he ; tex- India as the sone ki chiria (the golden death, the concept was easy for even House of Commons, which he entered argued that the interest of Lancashire tile workers and the interest of Indians was the same, that if India was impover ­ ished, the market for British goods would shrink and thus impoverish British work ­ ers, the point was carried home. In his critique of British colonialism therefore, he went to the heart of the matter and united the people on a common platform, namely to fight against exploitation. In his political stand, he guided the Congress to fight for one goal — that of self-government, and insisted that they should take up only those issues that united Indians vis a vis the British, and not issues of spiritual and social reform which divided Indians. with a margin of only three votes. It led him to be a founding member of the In- He dipped his pen in ink and wrote 20 letters each day of his working life dian National Congress, over which he rums he spoke and wrote and fought tire ­ lessly for the cause of India and its The political aspect It was this overwhelming concern about the impoverishment of his homeland that complex realities, and his political in ­ made Dadabhai turn to the political plat- stinct was to place them in simple terms form as a means of educating both the before the people. When he talked about Employment wanted as Priest/Caretaker for a Dar-e-Meher in Canada/USA Madressa trained, forward looking Navar-Maratab desires to serve the spiritual needs of Zoroastrians on a full-time basis.The advertiser is middle aged, holding Canadian citizenship. Interested Trust/Association may write to: The Advertiser Parsiana Employment Wanted (Mar/1-93) GPO Box 892 Bombay 400001 Dadabhai the man The day-long proceedings at the IIC brought out many facets of Dadabhai ’s career and, as a footnote to the more seri ­ ous deliberations, some touching inci ­ dents from his even^ul life. His sense of adventure, his capacity for hard work, his meticulous presentation of data to support his beliefs, his voracious reading and phenomenal memory in stor- J MATRIMONIAL Alliance invited without any bar from girls, between 33 to 39 years, under 5’4", by a slim SSC bachelor, 43 years, income Rs 6,500 p.m. and of a respectable very well-to-do family. Reply to: The Advertiser Parsiana, Matrimonial (Mar/7-93) GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 bachelor, 43 years, income MATRIMONIAL Matrimonial correspondence invited by Zoroastrian parents for their son, 33 years, well educated, settled with own accommodation at Pune and working in Merchant Navy, from educated and domestically trained Zoroastrian/ Irani girls up to 28 years. Write with details and photograph (returnable) to: The Advertiser Parsiana, Matrimonial (Mar/8-93) GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001I Diwan of Baroda, 13 months which aged him 13 years, as one speaker commented, tingly uttered an unkind word about when he fought, on matters of principle, someone! both the Maharaja of Baroda and the Brit- _ ___ Dadabhai was hero-worshipped by ish resident, two of the most powerful all fondly" related. But* the kingpin that thousands even though the greater part of held all these sterling qualities together his life was spent in London, and he did was his ethical rectitude. The indomitable strength of the man came from his impeccable moral creden ­ tials. So highly respected was he that ------ even radical youths who moved towards who devoted himself entirely to further- The daylong deliberations at the IIC extremism in the nationalist struggle, lis- ing the secular interests of his mother- would not have been conclusive without tened to his advice with respect, as they land, to the total exclusion of all thoughts establishing some kind of a permanent did to no other leader of that age. Dadabhai was married at the age of 11 to a girl of seven, and though his wife was no match for his towering stature, he re ­ mained ever considerate and faithful to her. One story tells how rumors spread while he was working in England with Cama and Company that he was having an affair with another woman. So dis ­ turbed was he that without a word to any ­ one, he caught the earliest available ship to India, a journey which we may recall took two months in those days, round the Cape of Good Hope. Reaching his home at night, he knocked on the door to the surprise of his family. His reason for this visit? Concern for his wife ’s feelings and to reassure her that the rumors were false. The act may appear idiosyncratic today, but one cannot but admire the acuteness of his feelings for others. His relish for facts made him go through voluminous reports and files in the little six feet by eight feet room in sionate enthusiasm bordering almost on .The institute, with small study centers in which he worked, without a secretary, or hero worship. ” other cities, should develop respect for a typewriter or even a pen with free-flow- M. V. Kamath related an incident in facts through a journal in which issues ing ink —these were later inventions. He Calcutta, where people took the dust off could be discussed objectively, dipped his pen in ink and wrote in long- the ground on which Dadabhai had hand, as many as what has been computed walked and sprinkled it on their heads, to be 20 letters each day of his working because they looked up to him as a man life! In fact these letters read like a who ’s ................................. who of those times. He wrote to gover ­ nors, politicians, leaders (British and In ­ dian), to his eminent contemporaries, to private individuals, newspapers and their modem gadgets of microphones and loud- editors, educating, goading, encouraging speakers, they could not possibly have poused and the battles he fought were, as them to fight for the causes he believed in. heard; indeed, they only came for his an Indian, for the betterment of India. But we are, after all, creatures of our upbring ­ ing and the moral and ethical values im- ness. bibed in our homes and the cultural and This was the man then, kind and hu- religious influences of our group. That mane to a fault, but unbending and firm in ing and recounting facts at appropriate times, his humaneness and utter absence of rancor — he never said or wrote an un ­ kind word about anyone — which is a rare quality in a man in political life, were Dadabhai did notAvish to make the corre ­ spondence public, in case he had unwit- men in the state. And when he revisited Baroda some years later, people lined the streets to show him their affection; nay their adoration. not mix with the populace. How did this happen? The answer is given in the obitu ­ ary appearing in The Times of India, July 3, 1917: “Dadabhai was the first Indian A permanent memorial who devoted himself entirely to further ­ ing the secular interests of his mother- memorial to the man. Dadabhai ’s admir ­ ers in Bombay had started the ball rolling with the concept of a Dadabhai Naoroji Institute for Languages, and a bungalow in Bandra was likely to be donated to house the institute. Delhi gave more shape and body to the concept. Sugges­ tions were invited from the floor, but pau ­ city of time brought forth only a few ideas: •Dadabhai was a parliamentarian in the Mother of Parliaments. Considering the poor quality of ,ythe present crop of people ’s representatives at all levels, it was suggested that the institute' could of a personal career. The people of India have as one of its objectives the education have always held in high honor the of these representatives on how to be- ideal of renunciation. Because Dadabhai Naoroji lived a life of complete renuncia ­ tion in order to carry on the work of se­ curing political justice for his country ­ men, the millions who had never seen him losophy that underlined Dadabhai ’s con- felt for the Grand Old Man of India a pas- cept of unity in diversity. sionate enthusiasm bordering almost on People took the dust off the ground on which Dadabhai had walked and sprinkled it on their heads M. V. Kamath related an incident in >1 come responsible leaders. •Recording the history of Dadabhai ’s times should also be an objective of this institute, and the application of the phi- I' More ideas would have been forth ­ coming from the intelligent and enthusi ­ astic audience, but a cultural program was who had given their life a meaning. And due to commence. when he addressed the Lahore Congress, 12,000 people sat patiently through his day, the continuous refrain that Dadabhai speeches which, in the absence of the Looking back on all that was said that was “above all an Indian ” seems to be overdone. Admitted that the causes he es- heard; indeed, they only came for his In fact, he damned the British with darshan. Just by being with him, they be- facts and figures, and not with threats and lieved they absorbed some of his great ­ abuses. When he related that the British had spent 21 million pounds to fight the Afghan war when the -per capita income of an Indian was Rs 20 per year, his point the face of a wrong. It was not for noth- about economic exploitation could not be ing that his full name was Dadabhai more convincing. His obsession with not Naoroji Dordi. ‘Dordi ’ means a twisted wounding anyone ’s feelings was irratio ­ nal enough to make him destroy a trunkload of letters written to a friend. Dadabhai was what he was, a man of im ­ mense integrity and uprightness, humane and charitable, was a result of his Zoroas ­ trian background at a time when Zoroas ­ trian values were a matter of faith with the rope, which even if burnt, will not give up its twist. This aspect of his personality old Parsis. Because Dadabhai was above came through in his 13 months as the all a Zoroastrian, he was a true Indian. ¦ 66 Parsiana March 1993HISTORY In the tradition of Dadabhai Naoroji Despite their Western upbringing four of Dadabhai Naoroji ’s grandchildren strove to free India from the British yoke Parinaz Gandhi “The best roses I have ever grown were during the term I served in jail. ” Ms Khorshed Naoroji ’s associates remember this forthright remark she would uninhib ­ itedly make when recalling her eventful some remember the spinster excelling at ment the workers would keep the ma- life. And accompanying this statement would be a certain measure of sat ­ isfaction, not only for trans ­ forming the sewerage land ­ scape but more impor- / tantly being sentenced to / imprisonment for the / cause of national free- / dom. / Such singleminded / determination to fight the British yoke Khorshed with her three elder f' sisters Goshi, Perin 1 and Nergish. These I four grandchildren of t Dadabhai Naoroji, \ now deceased, were \ fired with the same \ brand of nationalism \ that was so characteristic of the Grand Old Man. Their education abroad, their mannerisms, their life-style made them more akin to the British. Yet it was the Indian ideals they upheld. “You could see nationalism oozing (left) and Per in Photo: oandhiSevaSona from her eyes, ” says long-standing asso ­ ciate Ms Ushaben Mehta, president of Western vocal music. More often than Gandhi Smarak Nidhi, remembering the not the elitist Khorshed would be found of India ’s freedom, reminisces Ms Sita months she had spent with Khorshed as reading and writing. She was most at- Poovaiah. She had shared with Perin and detenus at the Yerawda Jail during the tuned to the stalwart Gandhian freedom the dynamic social worker Ms Quit India struggle of 1942. With her so- fighter Abdul Gaffar Khan having fought Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay the travails phisticated upbringing Khorshed occa- by his side on the North West Frontier of participating in the salt satyagrah sionally faced language problems when spreading Gandhiji ’s message of peace movement at Chowpatty; the Khadi interacting with other inmates, and could and non-violence among the Pathans. Prachar drive when they would go from not identify with their sitting and eating Shortly before her arrest she was actively habits. Even then she harbored “a deep propagating civil disobedience among love for the country and its people. ” the workers of Tata Steel at Jamshedpur. She had musical talent too. While To sympathize with the national move- shared 69 Parsiana March 1993 the piano, others associate her with chines running but no steel would be pro- __ _ duced, informs Dr (Ms) Aloo Dastur? honorary director of Mani Bhuvan Research In ­ stitute. “Khorshed was the most aggressive in na- L tionalism ” among the B four sisters, is the H common verdict. But B while she tended to keep aloof. Perin was a favorite with |H the masses despite her reputation for a J hot temper. I Hindustani Prachar / Sabha which is pres- / ently in its 50th year / was- started by Perin along the lines sug- gested by Gandhiji. They Jf 7 whnted to promote a lan- guage that could be under- stood by the common folk —nei ­ ther Sanskritized Hindi, nor The patriotic 'Captain sisters’ Goshi Persianized Urdu. Before coming under Gandhi ’s influ ­ ence Perin is said to have had no qualms about resorting to violence for the cause - ¦¦I Bl / Hindi, * The IviSiX 4 I j CHARNI ROAD. GRANT ROAD JUNCTION, WSS BOMBAY-400 004 W/ jMWPVWVwvwm Howft r coXfFOff rs |AC. NON-AC. ROOMS Bt F R PARI OIIR PFRIVFITROOM Sri Sai Baba Temple Davier-Deheri Donations invited. Money used for poor patients of the Bharucha dispensary-lying-in hospital and for poor deserving students of school Balvadi. Serving full lunch to the disabled on Thursdays. Send money by MO, cheque or draft in the name of; Pasi Patel Hotel Sai,Baba Davier-Deheri, Station Umbergam Dist Bulsar, Gujarat 396170 Phone: STD 026354-2067 house to house promoting khadi, often having the door slammed in their face; and picketing at the commercial markets in Bombay where some shopkeepers would be sympathetic and others openly hostile. Whether as president of the Bombay Pradesh Congress Committee or an ac ­ tive member of the Rashtriya Stree Sabha (RSS) of Bombay where sister Goshi was president, Perin ’s fiery tem ­ perament could not be curbed. Not only had she earned the confidence of revolu ­ tionaries like Madame Bhikhaiji Cama and Veer Savarkar but of several other workers too whom she had known during her frequent sojourns in jail as a political prisoner. “Stern and unbending ” are the memo ­ ries associated with Goshi though she has also been credited with being “lovable and easily approachable. ” She was par ­ ticularly known for her “humane admin ­ istration. ” Goshi was one of the founder members of RSS whose first president was Ms Sarojini Naidu. Later Goshi took over as president. When RSS came to be declared illegal, they changed the name I to Desh Sevika Sangh (DSS). When DSS I too was banned they called themselves I Gandhi Seva Sena. A school, a work ­ shop for women and a provision store were among the activities undertaken by them. The irony of the situation was that while Perin and Goshi were considered to be working against the law, their hus ­ bands, as solicitors, were supposed to be fighting for the taw. The three sisters, Goshi, Perin and Nergish were married to three brothers from the Captain family because of which they would often be re ­ ferred to as the Captain sisters. Nergish ’s participation in the freedom struggle was limited as tuberculosis is said to have substantially emaciated her. While in her case it was not a conscious decision to stay away from political activity, their spouses however deliberately opted to maintain a distance. As happy as the Captain sisters and Khorshed were to answer the call of pa ­ triotism, their other siblings — Mehera, Jal, Kish and Sarosh — were committed to other vocations. The eldest, Mehera, was a doctor running the state hospital for women in Kutch. In the same region Sarosh served as attache to the police commissioner. They were held in great esteem by the royal family of Kutch with Mehera being fondly called “maasi J (aunt) ” and Sarosh being the favorite PRUDENTIAL SHIPPING AGENCIES PRIVATE UMITED Shipping Agents and Brokers 77, Mint Road, Fort, Bombay 400001 Phones: 2622566/2620154/2622787 Cable: "SHIPMENT” Telex: 011-82307 'PSAB' IN Fax: 91-22-2870139 PROFESSIONAL PROGRESSIVE, PRUDENT Agents for: ANTWERP — BELGIUM A Parsi film producer having already produced three films seeks finance on reasonable terms. Co-producers welcome. Write to: The-Advertiser (Finance) Parsiana GPO Box 892 Bombay 400001 70 Parsiana March 1993 ¦b¥ i s I w I I [ 1 companion for the ladies from the royal household on their outings when the Sunday mornings, zenana code (which prohibited interac ­ tion between males and females) was in but given a job he would get it done, ” suits that preoccupied them bespoke the force. and “a superb public relations man. ” Western influence. In fact the entire fam- The Naoroji family practically grew Knowing his fondness for golf JRD once ily is said to have kept themselves apart up with the royal family, informs Ms wrote to him: “Do you find that the in- from the Parsi community too. They Dossibai Bhujwala, providing an insight would not let communal boundaries re- into their early days: Dadabhai Naoroji ’s ' “————— strict their vision. son Ardeshir was the chief medical offi- Th©V WGT© f iTGCl WltH reason for this could partly be at- cer at Mandvi in Kutch. His sudden death , , - tributed to their heritage from Dadabhai at a young age left his widow Virbaiji IN© SSID© DrSITO Ot Naoroji, the man whose ideology gov- with seven children — and an eighth on ‘ ¦ * ---- -- the way — to look after. In the interests of his bereaved daughter-in-law, Dadabhai used his contacts to get her ap ­ pointed as companion to the royal fam ­ ily. With the passage of years, the bonds between the families grew stronger, so much so that some of Dadabhai ’s per ­ sonal effects and caskets were ultimately coupled with an equal inability to bend entrusted to the royal family. from the waist, interferes with your Jal and Kish were both employed with game? If so may I suggest a portable mir- "" ” ' ror on wheels? ” Kish ’s repartee was, “I am asking the Corning Glass Works, who, I believe, made the 200-inch mirror _________ _________ _____ for the world ’s largest observatory at finally there was the awakening of na- Tr,r^ iz- u . - - . -- -1 tional consciousness that had altered so JKD. Kish has been variously described the lines laid down by you! ” many lives. as a “believer in horizontal worship on an amazing charac- For the national cause Kish and Jal are known to have extended monetary sup- tcr not bothered about files or procedures port. But otherwise the interests and pur- but given a job he would get it done, ” and “a superb public relations man. ” wrote to him: '‘Do you find that the in- They were fired with the same brand of nationalism that was so characteristic of their grandfather ability to see the ball past your waistline, the Tatas. While not much is known about Jal, Kish was a good friend of J. R. D. Tata and some of the amusing corre ­ spondence exchanged between the two is __ carried in R. M. Lala ’s biography of Palomar, to make a portable mirror on of caste or creed. Poovaiah narrates her father ’s reverence towards the imposing photo frame hanging in their family homestead — of the old man with a flowing white beard and a purple cap — which had never failed to intrigue them as children. When the Poovaiah sisters came in contact with the Captain sisters it was as though shared ideals had brought together even the next genera ­ tions in these families. Common loyal ­ ties was one drawing factor, the other was their association with Gandhiji, and I FIRSTS BY THE PARSEE COMMUNITY (1) Commerce Education was started by Davar’s College in 1900 by Late Prof Sohrab R Davar. (2) The first institution to recognise and provide for Management Training was Davar’s Coiiege — Dr Rustom S. Davar is considered a pioneer in Management Education (e.g. having secured the Escorts Award for three of his books for contribution to management thinking) — and several courses in different fields of Management such as Marketing, Personnel, Administrative, have been introduced. (3) The first course in Travel, Transportation and Tourism was introduced by Davar ’*s Colleae as Marketing, Personnel, Administrative, have been introduced. (4) Even Computer Education was introduced way back in 1970s at Davar ’s College and Its Computer Courses are extremely popular. Davar ’s Believe: “ONE SATISFIED STUDENT BRINGS TEN OTHERS ’ Enquire Today At: ?AVAR’S COLLEGE OF COMMERCE MANAGEMENT AND COMPUTERS (Principal: Dr Rustom S. Davar) find Counter, 51, Mahatma Gandhi Road Flora Fountain. Bombay 400023 Tel: 2041634, 2875818 72 Parsiana March 1993WELFARE I s I I ! In her parents footsteps Arnavaz S. Mama Coming from a family of social workers Armaity Desai is the first recipient of the Katherine A. Kendall Award of the International Association of Schools of Social Work “You are going to Deonar? To meet the goswallas (butchers)?! ” an incredulous friend exclaimed. Most Bombay Parsis know the source of the community ’s meat supply; few Bombay Parsis know that the abattoir shares the unhallowed suburb — one of the last to have the cur ­ few lifted after the January riots — with a secluded neighbor, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS). It was only after some persuasion by phone and mail that Parsiana was granted an interview by the self-effacing director of India s premier social science institute. The lady ’s many commitments — as vice chancellor and president of the Association of Indian Univer ­ sities for the year 1992, as council mem ­ ber of the Association of Commonwealth Universities, as founder and president of the Asian Regional Association for So- Desai (inset) and the Tata Institute of Social Sciences niustration: Mario Miranda, The Creation of Wealth 74 Parsiana March 1993 'I '"h„ 5^" V. .,.**i5Av A\VI I “My father tried hard to build the BPP into a real development trust, but the perception is not there ” him or her an entry. God is nobody ’s per ­ sonal property. If you don ’t want to share the wealdi, keep it (the charities) sepa- cial Work Education, et al — absorb her modation in Godrej Baug by a donor totally. Add to that her involvement in ameliorating the plight of the riot vic ­ tims. Dr (Ms) Armaity Desai ’s spacious, atmosphere, ” she explains, preferring to up religion with the material things of functional office is at one end of the hold on to a flat in a propped-up old sprawling TISS campus — a series of building repaired by the Government of low slung structures designed to blend Maharashtra Housing Board, into the environment. Its rough hewn walls and huge picture window absorb the outdoors. A wall plaque speaks of the tower of silence, just as the BJP (Bhara- ing out have equal rights. Why deny immanence of trees and women to hu ­ man existence. “What I am is what my parents were. They had a very liberal world view and they created it in me. ” Desai ’s warm, af ­ fectionate recollections of her father Sapur, one of the most dedicated secre ­ taries of the Bombay Parsi Punchayet able to think independently... (but) the needs to be passed on down the genera- (BPP), and her mother Tehmina, world is going through a spell of revival- tions is the value system and the value one time principal of the Tata Girls ’ School in Navsari, color her thoughts and highlight many of her responses in the course of the interview on February 26, 1993. Barely a few months earlier Desai had Prince Karim, the present Aga Khan, received the foremost international award in her chosen field of social ser ­ vice education, the Katherine A. Kendall Distinguished Service Award conferred “I think our leaders think one thing but by the International Association of are afraid to speak out. At the (World feels. Schools of Social Work (lASSW) at their Zoroastrian) Congress they are not ready 26th International Congres.s in Washing ­ ton DC. The signal honor of being the very first recipient of the award from among a list of social work educators that will produce change — not other- throughout the world sits lightly on the smiling, middle-aged lady. The bun, bindi and cotton sari are the outer ac ­ coutrements of the apostle of integrated of thought, Desai believes that the BPP living in a multi-communal urban envi ­ ronment. “Any kind of over-concentration is bad, whether it is economic, religious, governmental or any other, ” notes Desai who is worried that the most likely result of the Bombay riots will be a tendency to greater ghcttoization in the city. The baugs have been detrimental to the Parsi ethos, believes Desai. Parsis who live in the baugs have no conscience left, she says: “Rich people continue to live (in residences created for the poor). Let better appreciation of our religion... If a them at least pay higher rent! ” Desai in ­ forms that she has been offered accom- from his quota with her retirement years in view. She has politely but firmly de ­ clined. “I don ’t want to live in a ghetto rate, though I’m not for it. But why mix “Our priorities are all wrong, ” says Desai “We are more worried about the life? ” she questions. “Religion is passed on by the mother to her children. If our religion is going to be preserved, it will be the women who ’ll do it, not the men. Women marry- tiya Janta Party) is more worried about them? ” By doing so we are committing mosque and temple, than about living suicide as a community, she feels, add ­ conditions. Unfortunately, ” she con ­ cedes, “education doesn ’t things, ” citing the example of BJP leader L. K. Advani and our community with 100 percent literacy. “(We) should be source of unhappiness to Desai. What ing, acerbically, “If we are doing it by change choice it’s alright. ” That childless Parsi couples are de ­ nied the right to adopt a child is a major world is going through a spell of revival ­ ism. Maybe that ’s what ’s happening. It’s system is passed ’son by nurture, not na- a throw back rather than a movement for ­ ward. ” Emphasizing the value of enlightened difficult. People say ‘You are so modern leadership, Desai cites the example of 75 Parsiana March 1993 i I ture, emphasizes the social scientist. | “Even to explain to a non-Parsi becomes | { in other ways, why are you so backward in this respect? ”’ Desai concedes that ini- who has liberalized the Ismailies to a tially, keeping the community to itself large extent, removing the barriers that other Moslem communities suffer from. was a social need, “but in the global vil ­ lage is this the attitude? ” We do not con ­ vey true Zoroastrian values that way, she I I “On the other hand, others have a high to talk about controversial issues. But it perception of our integrity, the sincerity is only through conflict that progress comes. From conflict comes crisis and with which we work. We still have a key role in the professions. These are our strengths. They won ’t change by girls marrying out and it’s the same whether the girl or the boy marries out, ” declares wise. ” Considering the Punchayet as an “enabling body ” to help the development Desai. Recalling the value system in their own home, Desai notes how her father should permit the growth of ideas, opin ­ ions and eventual change, “not consider believed religion was mainly service to themselves the bastion of ancient others. “He was not an agiary goer... He ~ ' didn ’t believe in rituals at all. Even Zarathushtra ’s picture was not in our thought. ” Nor should the Punchayet trus ­ tees be afraid to promote new thought. “Our mandate to them is to lead us, not house for years... He believed only in the block us. The leadership role is a creative role — not standing in one place. If they do that, other things will follow. ” Nor is Desai in favor of conservative Parsi attitudes on marriage, adoption or conversion. “Other people have a much essential values; held on and perpetuated them. I am grateful that he nurtured those values in us, ” she says, noting that her fa ­ ther had no objection to the inter-com ­ munal marriage of his son (managing di ­ rector Xerxes Desai of Titan Watches). “The children may decide on their reli- person wants to embrace the religion, gion when they grow up. But they have neither you nor I have the right to deny the value system, ” she adds. neither you nor I have the right to deny (5 J ¥j I I Referring to the community ’s nega ­ tive demographic trend Desai notes that there is a chance that it could be reversed if the community ’s policies are reversed. “Housing is not our problem. Enormous ________ _ numbers of Parsis are marring out of the helping hand t community; otherwise there are childless willing to step couples. There is too much inbreeding leading to sterility, mental retardation... ___ _ ________ We need fresh blood. ” According to and hardly any in the IAS. The tendency Desai the community needs to accept the “to retire into undemanding jobs (away) offspring of Parsi girls with husbands of from the mainstream of life in the coun- other communities as also non-Parsi chil ­ dren adopted by Parsis and brought up as of India. Desai suggests greater publicity o uuy^; i„cy ot individuals who have established always were - from my time ’” she themselves outside the mainstream so laughs. She found the Jewish families in that their achievements can inspire others ‘ -- as also the creation of a network to lend a I to a young man or woman ? out. Parsis in the police have become a rarity, there are less and less in the army, “to retire into undemanding jobs (away) try, ” is not new, according to Desai. She Zo/oastrians there is no other way “I whfn'dSing^'w^Sh'appHcanl ’s^fo° fhe goarorie^udonTo the materia"neZof ¦**> Bfe.. “ “-e neglect of spiritual and aes- munity) deny me access to my religious place? These are patriarchal attitudes which must be changed. / ' change) will lead to increased numbers," she assures. Reminiscing about the old Parsi spirit of adventure, Desai says, “When they came to Bombay, they didn ’t come to a bed of roses. ” But now the community wants employment located in this me ­ tropolis or has its sights set on migration to the west. To encourage young people to get out and try their luck in other parts Are Parsi boys mama ’s boys? “They _ -------------------- m the United States very compatible be ­ cause they have the same problem: the women are aggressive, the boys not so. “They lack the desire to make life through their own creative efforts. ” An ­ other community sharing this problem are the Sindhis says Desai: “Sindhi women are not finding compatible part ­ ners. ” According to Desai the fault lies with the one-track Parsi parents with a strong Parsi ladies take short, non-academic, ca ­ reer-oriented courses. Most applicants wanted to go in for typing and stenogra- And (the phy. No one wanted to go in for teaching Qj. sqq Jqj work. “There are very few Parsi vice chancellors because they haven ’t made a name for themselves as profes ­ sors — they say they make more money in business management. We ’re still strong in medicine and law. But how many male social workers are there? Rare. ” The Parsi presence is concen ­ trated, limited to a few professions, she says. life, to the neglect of spiritual and thetic requirements. She recalls a family where the young man had a strong musi ­ cal inclination but the family was intent on making him into a chartered account ­ ant, counting success only in terms of money, ignoring the nonmaterial aspects of human fulfilment. Desai argues that a change in attitudes is called for. And to do so we need to reach the young when they are really young. Since the children are spread over so many diffeifcnt schools the only way is to organize summer camps as they do in the US, she advises. There the ZORO GARMENTS PVT LTD (An BigiUe Export House Recognised by the Govt, of India) Manufacturers and Exporters of Readymade Garments, Made-Ups & Fabrics Address: C-3, Industrial Estate, Ambattur, Madras 600058 Phone: 652416/652497 Telex: 4122059 ZORO IN Fax: (91) 44-6257789 76 Parsiana March 1993 Ichildren learn to work with their hands, appreciate values other than what they get at home. Seven, eight, nine-year- olds learn to be rough and tough, with college students as group leaders with approximately seven children per group. “Make it into a two-week program. Ex­ pose children to other things (like) paint ­ ing, modelling (for which) individual classes may not be affordable. I would even say, make it (a mix of) 50 percent Parsis and 50 percent non-Parsis, ” she suggests. To counteract the old regressive atti ­ tudes Desai believes that the publication of thought provoking literature will eventually lead to a change in ideas as people begin to perceive more than their immediate environment: “Writing and speaking all the time about the same thing finally has an impact. ” As an ex ­ ample of the kind of thinking that needs change Desai refers to the popular super ­ stition that still shrouds the menstruating woman. On one occasion when she spoke of taking her family ’s muktad vase for normal use she was solemnly advised against the idea: it would lose its purity if a menstruating woman touches it. Unde ­ terred, Desai stopped to explain how mcnstrualion, far from being a defile ­ ment, was the source of fertility, children and community growth. At the end of it her advisor ’s hitherto staunch belief had been shaken, if not overcome. “These attitudes create barriers. We miss the wood for the trees. They must be van ­ quished. There are two groups (of Zoroastrians). One leaves because they can ’t bear all this, the other remains and perpetuates these myths. Then we can ’t change! ” Grieved at the deaths and murders of lonely, aged Parsis, Desai advocates the provision of adequate services for the aged whose absolute numbers, and as percentage of the community, are grow ­ ing. Such services should be sensitive to the old peoples ’ need for independence, she cautions. Eschewing large homes which “take away the sights and sounds of the outside world, ” Desai advises the creation of clusters of individual units where the aged incumbent can cook or eat out. Accepting the fact that such places are expensive to create and main ­ tain, Desai suggests that organizations can be created'for the purpose to which lonely aged people could entrust their savings in return for a judicious mixture of independence and institutional care. Another void which needs to be ad ­ dressed, according to Desai, is the crea ­ tion of a bureau to train domestic help which working couples would be happy to pay for. The prototype Desai has in mind is the Guild of Service established by the late Ms Mary Clubvala Jadhav in Madras. “Then Parsi women may want to have more than one child. It means a qualitative improvement. The images a working woman creates are very good... When I was very young domestic help was easy to find. My mother could con ­ tribute a lot outside the home, which is very important. We have started a Day Care Centre (on this campus). We call it the ‘working parents ’ center. ’ Young fa ­ thers come with babies in their arms — I believe in equality and I must practice what I believe. Their mind is on the job because (they know that) the child will be well taken care of. ” Also, the growing post-retirement pe ­ riod, an offshoot of increased longevity, can be more productively utilized, says Desai. TISS has courses for volunteers which retired people can take. “We then link them up with welfare organizations looking for retired professionals. Why % THE ZOROASTRIAN CO-OPERATIVE BANK LTD Estd: 1927 Head Office: Zoroastrian Association Bldg, 16, Horniman Circle, Fort, Bombay 400023 Branch Office: Gamadia Colony, Tardeo, Bombay 400007 What would you gain from banking with us? The following facts speak for themselves: - Certified ‘A’ Class Bank under Audit classification. - Membership and Banking facilities of all types open to all communities. True to its constitution, the bank encourages thrift and accepts deposits from all classes of people. No matter how small a beginning you make we will help you make your money grow fast with the higher interest rates we offer. You can open a Savings Bank Account or a Current Account and earn Interest on both types of accounts. - Deposits accepted at attractive rates of interest — ’/2% more than that paid by nationalised banks under various Term Deposit Schemes and 1% more on Savings Bank Accounts. Financial assistance to SSI Units, Professionals and Self-employed such as Doctors, Architects Chartered Accountants, Engineers & Transport Operators We offer easy liquidity on all types of deposits and also loan facility up to 85% of the face value. • Loans and advances viz Overdraft/Cash Credit, Loans against Gold Ornaments, Term Deposits, National Savings Certificates, L.I.C. Policies, etc granted on reasonable terms and conditions. • Safe Deposit Vault facility available. Head Office: 2665617 * 2665937 Tardeo Branch 4927173 f \ 78 Parsiana March 1993 4can ’t they help to tutor children in the activities of the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust. Cowasjee Jehangir or BJPC schools? My The project was proposed and brought to father tried hard to build the BPP into a real development trust, but the percep ­ tion is not there. There is a tendency to be one-tracked. ” A TISS alumnus, Desai spent the first study of the social problems of the coun- president till 1979. Ms Katherine Kendall was the lASSW ’s first full-time secretary general. The Association de- fruition by Dr Clifford Manshardt, who became its first director. The Institute cided to honor her by establishing the acquired its present name in 1944, re ­ flecting the thrust towards an ongoing award and inviting her to present it. An 83-year-old American, Kendall “walks faster than I do, hops off buses and 25 years of her working life with the then try. The contribution of TISS faculty trains, is sharp in her thinking, ” describes newly established College of Social and students to the refugee camps of the Work at Nirmala Niketan (NN) — and blistering post-Partition years was recog- enjoyed the pathbreaking early years in building up social work education and in contributing to new areas of social work practice. Seven of those years were spent obtaining her masters and doctoral versity ” primarily funded by the Univer ­ degrees in social work at the University sity Grants Commission, of Chicago. At TISS besides furthering the development of social work educa ­ tion the accent also shifted towards Rural Campus, 65 km away from Sho- working on higher education at the na ­ tional level. While both institutions train social workers, NN’s accent is on basic integra ­ tion of social work skills while TISS pro ­ vides for specialization. There is some difference in curricular patterns, though core courses are the same and out in the field both institutions are doing the same type of work. TISS also has a substantial accent on research, contracting for 60 to 70 research projects annually with vari ­ ous organizations, government ministries and international organizations like the opment work in Tuljapur Taluka vil- World Bank (WB), UNICEF, WHO and lages. There are socioeconomic pro- many others. (TISS is the WB’s eyes grams for women and also watershed de- and ears at the Maharashtra end of the velopment, soil conservation, training in Narbada project.) TISS curricula sensi ­ tize Government of India forestry officers to the life and behavior of tribals. The Institute provides refresher courses for their 30 percent quota in the punchayets IAS and IPS officers. more effectively. “If women ’s leader- “With our ethos of social work, social ship develops, it will have a lot of effect development, social change, we should have our feet on the ground, ” says Desai, her gentle tones belying her trenchant Currently there are six social workers, a comments and unorthodox vision. Her rural engineer and a horticulturist on a professional social work staff in field ac ­ tion projects are involved in various pro ­ grams. For instance, in the Special Cell ably, a community health background, for Women in Distress at the office of the ‘ Commissioner of Police, they sort out problems of harassment and violence Governing Board leaves us free to grow, against women. Men at the inspector/ Universities normally constrict growth subinspector level are more responsive with their senates and executive coun- when given opportunity in seminars/ cils. We don ’t have those hassles here, ” workshops to discuss and bring out their point of view. “We set standards for oth ­ ers, ” Desai notes matter-of-factly. The establishment of the Sir Dorabji Tata Graduate School of Social Work at Nagpada in 1936, with 20 students, marked the first of the nation building Desai who initially came to know her in the course of her doctoral studies in the US. Desai is looking forward to hosting Kendall when the latte ’’ anives in No ­ vember to attend the meeting of the Asia and Pacific Association for Social Work Education as the organization completes 20 years of work. In the west women are predominant at the grassroots level, men predominate in teaching and administra ­ tion. This is true in India too - TISS ex- lapur. TISS asked for an area of poverty, cepted. low rainfall, drought-prone area which is not close to an industrial growth pole, follow the beaten path but to be creative, says Desai, and the Government of Ma ­ harashtra was happy to provide 100 acres of barren plateau in Tuljapur Taluka, Osmanabad District, where TISS staff some ways I enjoy all three professions... have planted trees to develop the quality a combination of them all in the roles I of the degraded land, and are trying to play. ” raise funds to construct the buildings. What they do not want is an “island of --------------------------------------------------- prosperity in the midst of poverty. ” Hence, the focus is on community devel- nized by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru when he inaugurated the new De ­ onar campus. Since 1964 the Institute has been recognized as a “Deemed Uni ­ TISS’ Golden Jubilee in 1986 was celebrated with the establishment of a local self-government to the elected women in the zilla parishad samiti and gram panchayat to equip them to fill on the community at the grassroots level, ” notes Desai with satisfaction. permanent basis. The team is on the lookout for a woman doctor with, prefer- informs Desai. “TISS is a good place to work. The says Desai. Desai ’s involvement with the lASSW, a body which began in the 1920s, dates back to the 1960s. With others in the re ­ gion, she was involved in forming the Asian Regional Association for Social Work Education in 1974, remaining its 81 Parsiana March 1993 Desai ’s parents had taught her not to “I owe a great deal to them. My father was an administrator; my mother was a teacher; both were social workers. In * * * * ? * Sawn Timber Doors & Windows Kiln Seasoning Chemical Preservative Treatment Packing Cases & Pallets Furniture Components B. F. Wadia & Sons 142, Reay Road Bombay 400010 Tel: 3721934,3720235 Fax: 3758873 Tlx: 11-74571 BFW IN 1 i i I I I I I I IFEDERATION GOES TO MP stream of Parsis have to establish that continued from page 48 they arc like the others and yet unlike the present. Philosophically there is nothing others which is a very challenging task in like the present because, the moment I the absence of emotional and psycho ­ speak, it goes into the past and I move logical cushioning from their commu- into the future. ” nity. He then cited the case of his three It is natural for minority communities brothers and himself who all wear the that feel threatened to regard certain sudreh but two of whom don ’t wear the things as their personal possession and kusti. “Are they less of a Parsi? ” he ques- The strength of the Parsi community ward off any intrusion. But what often tioned. Referring to his own experience in India has reduced by half in the same happens is that even when there is no when twice he was called upon to offer number of years that the dominant popu- perceivable threat, such an attitude con- death prayers in Varanasi even though he lation has doubled, he pointed out. tinues, he lamented. is not an ordained priest, he reasoned. There are three “treatments ” available: “Is there enough justification to feel “When you are in very small numbers back to the ghettos: back on doles; back alarmed at what is happening to the com- you do your duty as a fellow human be- to Zarathushtra. While the first option munity? I always find concern voiced ing whether you are qualified or not. ” implied Hving an isolated existence, the about numbers. I’ve never been bothered Seeing around him the amount of en- secona .lowed an undue dependence on about numbers because numbers alone ergy and mental powers the Parsis waste others. To him, it was the third option don ’t determine what will be the contri- on petty disputes prompted him to ask, that mattered. “For our community, only button of the community. Our demogra- “Is there no social scientist who would two words are important: “youth ” and phers should have concern for the mental like to look at this aspect?... Is the com- “Zarathushtra, ” he believed. health of the community. We refuse to munity a worthy social group of which “Zarathushtra would have been the look at things which are more signifi- we can be proud? ” ideal prophet in this twentieth century... cant... Our food habits have contributed We seem to have locked away Zoroastri- to a lot of health related problems among j ., ., • anism in inaccessible fire-temples. There us. ” Eeave me youm in is something very wrong in this thinking. How much cultural assimilation have 7cit*Qfli1ldlfT*fl llfirirlc time we change the (Parsi) Zoroas- Parsis been subject to? When the minor- auluaiiu d 3 IldllUa tradition ” which accepts children of ity group lives shoulder to shoulder with When addressing the members of “the men married outside the community as the majority, the food and dress habits of world ’s largest family, ” Dr Behram (Parsi) Zoroastrians blit refuses offspring the majority group take over. And espe- Anklesaria stressed that Parsis should of women married out. “The only way to cially those distanced from the main- view themselves as “one large undivided revive the community is to expose the the absence of emotional and psycho ­ logical cushioning from their commu ­ nity. He then cited the case of his three brothers and himself who all wear the sudreh but two of whom don ’t wear the kusti. “Are they less of a Parsi? ’’ he ques ­ tioned. Referring to his own experience when twice he was called upon to offer death prayers in Varanasi even though he is not an ordained priest, he reasoned, “When you are in very small numbers you do your duty as a fellow human be ­ ing whether you are qualified or not. ” Seeing around him the amount of en- family ” rather than as “the smallest com ­ munity. ” But then, quarrelling would not be allowed! He was speaking to the gath ­ ering in Ratlam not in his capacity as a reputed gynecologist of Ahmedabad but “as a Parsi... sometimes bewildered, sometimes confused, but always happy to be a Parsi. ” on petty disputes prompted him to ask, “Is there no social scientist who would like to look at this aspect?... Is the com ­ munity a worthy social group of which we can be proud? ” Leave the youth in Zarathushtra ’s hands When addressing the members of “the Anklesaria stressed that Parsis should view themselves as “one large undivided MATRIMONIAL Matrimonial alliance invited from Parsi gentleman between 45-55 years, well settled in the U.S.A., either single, divorced or widowed, for an educated Parsi lady 45 years of age, separated. With two children. Kindly send particulars with a recent inotograph (returnable) to: The Advertiser Parsiana, Matrimonial (Mar/9-93) GPO Box 892 Bombay 400001 In Your Noble Efforts We Extend Our Support pl A MATRIMONIAL Correspondence invited from Mangali men for fair, very attractive, cultured, medium built Parsi lady, Mangali, age 35, 5'4", honours graduate. High executive. Please reply with photograph (returnable) to: The Advertiser Parsiana, Matrimonial (Mar/10-93) GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 STATE-Or-THE-ART, WORLD-REMOWMED TECHMOLOGY IM AIR FOLLUTIOM COMTROL Mazda now brings to India, genuine technology from Croll- Reynolds Co. Inc., U.SA- the pioneers of the field. A company 75 years old, CR has pioneered Jet-type Venturi Scrubbers and (patented special tiOx Scrubbers giving 90%+ efficiency for all oxides of nitrogen. CR has reputation of a company which "handles the gases others won't even touch". To their credit Is world's largest combination of vacuum and air pollution control system for HASA's Space Research Programme. Tor more details on Wet Scrubbers and dry Dedusting Systems, contact ; Designed in USA by : Manufacturad tn India by : ITIazda CONTROLS LTD. CROLL-REYMOLD5 Patel Chambers, Mr. U.K. House, Ashram Road, Ahmedabad-9. Phone : 408967, 408014, 408654 Pax: 0272-427394 Telex: 6620. II *4 Under the auspices of the MAZDAYASNIE MONASTERIE and the ALL INDIA SHAH BEHRAM BAUG SOCIETY (for Scientific and Educational Research) The one and only in the world SOROASTRIAN SoLLEGE Correspondence address: Mustafa Building, (2nd floor), Sir Pherozeshah Mehta Road, Bombay 400001, India. Tel: 2660214/2662950 after hours: 3674737 Fax: Bombay India 022-2662735-A/c 121 OR 91-22-3633509-011 YZ 1363 NOWROOZE MUBARAK 1993 REVIVAL OF ZOROASTRIANISM IN ITS ANCIENT IRANIAN HOMELAND OF TAJIKISTAN & CENTRAL ASIA Upper: Group Photo ot Tajik Delegation with Bombay Hosts at Z. C. Lecture Meeting (March 1992). Lower: Tajik Prime Minister Abdumalik Abdullajanov with Prof. Dr. Meher Master-Moos & Mrs Shirin G. Framarzi (al Indian Merchant's Chambers meeting 17-Feb-1 993 Bombay) It all began with the historical charm of the Shahnamah of Firdausi, the national poet of Tajikistan, in 1991; when the Tajik Friendship Society President MADAME MAISARA KOLONOVA invited the Zoroastrian College President, PROF. DR. MEHER MASTER­ MOOS to visit Dushanbe as their otficial Guest of Honour. And this led to the blossoming of the ties between the Iranian origin Persian speaking people of Zoroastrian ancestry in Tajikistan, and their Parsee counterparts in India; through the Zoroastrian College inviting a delegation of Tajik Scholars to celebrate NOWROOZE in the traditional manner, with the Parsi/lrani/Zoroastrian Community in India, in March, 1992, a year ago. The first otficial delegation to come to India to revive these ancient ties consisted of a specially selected group of 7 persons, the finest of Tajik Scholarship - Prof. Dr. DODfKHODU MAESTfPISH, Avesta Professor and Vice President of the Iranian Zoroasirian Anjuman of Tajikistan, Dr. RAHMON ULMASOV, Vice President of the Tajik Friendship Society, Dr. ALEX ANDERSUBBOTIN, Member of Parliament, Dr. PULAT PULATOV, Director of the Tajik Technical Institute; Dr. ISUF JAKOBOV, Archeologist, Dr. AKHROR MUKHTAROV, Historian andthe Intourist InterpreterMs, LATOFAT ZAGUROVA. The Zoroastrian Community throughout India rose magnificently to the occasion to welcome these honoured guests who were feted and well received by the host organisations in all places. The DELHI PARSI ANJUMAN. under the able Chairmanship of GENERAL ADI SETHNA and Mr. DADI MISTRY, Mrs DHUN BAGLI and others hosted the delegation atthe Delhi Parsi Anjuman Dharamshala and arranged for anjuman cum public reception in the Dharamshala Hall, a visit to Delhi University and special city tour thanks to the courtesy of Mr. BEHRAM DUMASIA of T.C.I. Delhi in Office. In Poona, Mr. & Mrs. ROHINTON AND ANU AGA of Thermax, BEHROZE, CYRUS & Z A V A R POONAWALA brothers, Mr. RUSTOM ANKLESARIA of P.Y.Z A., Mr. JAMSHED BOKDEWALLA, Mr. B. IRANI, Brig. NOSHIR GRANT & oth­ ers arranged hospitality —a special Pars! dress and Parsi wedding dinner menu, a visit to the Vedic Insti­ tute and a meet- ingwiththe com ­ munity. The best reception was arranged NAVSARI hosted by Mr. DARA DEBOO. Chairman Vita Mazda where the Delegation members met the Parsis of Navsari at the Tata chaired V A D A DASTURJI MEHERJIRANA who was presented with the Tajik style Sudreh and cummerband by Archeologist Isuf Jakubov; and the Scholars spent much time in the Meherjirana Library and otherplacesof historical interest. In BARODA Mr. & Mrs. SHAVAK and GOOL PATEL generously hosted the delegation to a visit to the Gaekwad's Museum and lunch meeting with the Baroda Parsi Anjuman Members. The Delegation members were very happy with the reception of the DAHANU IRANIAN ZOROAS­ TRIAN ANJUMAN and D.Y.Z. ASSOCIATION members organised by Mrs MANI B.IRANI, Mr BEHRUZ IRANI, POLAN andGULBANU IRANI, Mrs PHEROZATAFTI, Mr KEYOMARZIRANI and others; and were delighted by the beautiful beaches, the warm hearted hospitality and the charming play enacted by school children on the life of Prophet Zarathushtra, The Defegation visited the ZOROASTRIAN COLLEGE near Sanjan and presented books for its Research Library. At UDVADA they were specially pleased to meet the Zoroastrian priests and see the old traditional way of life; and many books of ceremonies. The main events of the visit were centered in Bombay where homestay and hospitality was graciously arranged by Mrs. SHIRIN GUSTADJI FRAMARZI; Mrs. GOOL and LATE AIR MARSHALL ENGINEER; Mr. 8. Mrs. ZAL AND ROSHAN CONTRACTOR; & M rs. AMY. K. MASTER; and a tightly packed progra mme of activities was hosted and co-ordinated by Dr. MEHER MASTER MOOS; together with Mr. YAZDAN BONSHOI, the members ot the Iranian Zoroastrian Anjuman, Mrs. HOMAI FARAMARZIAN, of Mocambo Cafe, Mrs. NAWAS & HOMI MARKER & DADAR Parsi Anjuman Committee, Mr. EDIL KATRAK of the People to People I nternational Bombay Chapter; Mr. SORABJI GODREJ and the Godrej Company &family: INDIAN MERCHANT'SCHAMBER.thanksto Padmashree Hall, by HOMI J. H. TALEYARKHAN, the RUSSIAN CULTURAL CENTRE through Consul FYODOR ROZOVSKY, the Iran League through Mrs. MERA SHROFF, the IRANI family members of Leopold Cafe, Mrs. HUTOKSHIY. DUDHWALLA&theTurel Family; Mr. & Mrs. DINIAR & SHIRAZ MEHTA of Dini Travels, Ervad NOSHIRWAN KANO A, Panthaky Saheb of ManekjiSeth Agiary, Ervad RUSTOMJI PANTHAKY, Ervad RAMIYIAR KARANJIA & Dadar Athornan Madressa, Prof. SAM DOCTOR, Mr. RUSTOM DEGAMWALA,Mrs. SHIRIN M. COOPER, Mrs. JERRY KUMANA, Mr. ASPI IRANI, Prof. MEHER PAVRI, Mr. NS RAO, BYRAM AV ARI andfamilyof Karachi and specially, Ms. SYLLA MOTIWALLA, & the ASIATIC TRAVEL SERVICE, who ably undertook all the arduous task of the travel arrangements. The TIME ANDTALENTSCLUBhadkindly organised a Tajik Music Ensemble program, which could not take place. The FEDERATION OF ZOROASTRIAN ANJUMANS, chaired by Dr AspiGolwaila, invitedthe Delegationtoattend its Federationmeeting; and Bombay Doordarshan covered the Delegation visit to India,—an event which took place for the first time after the downfall of the Sassanian Empire, and the independence of the erstwhile U.S.S.R. The Tajik people (unlike their Parsee brothers and sisters in India, who have mostly forgotten both their Persian language and culture) are proud of their Iranian ancestry; and Persian is still both their mother tongue and official language. Homage to Firdausi and otherTajik-Persianpoets is part of lheirculture, and every schoolchild learns Shahnamah history. Whilst Parsees, thanks Io the tolerant Hindu environment in Sanjan/Gujarat succeeded in preserving the Zoroastrian Religion and especially its sacred ceremonies & estab ­ lished Fire Temples in India, in its original homeland the followers of the faith of Prophet Asho Spilama Zarathushtra were hard pressed to survive; and the faith was preserved in remote mountain villages in the Penjikant, Zarafshon, Badhakhshan and Pamir regions under very difficult conditions after the downfall of the Sassanian Empire These lands of trans-Oxania, situate betweenthe Syr Darya and Amu Darya Rivers in the mountain regions of Central Asia known as the "Taj"or ”Crown ” of the World historicallyformedpanof the Zoroastrian Empires of the Sogdian and other periods; and till today some of the people have preserved the Sogdian form of the Zoroastrian faith; wearing long-sleeved cotton sudreh garment (with "boyu"button, and proper gussets for girdeau and gireban); and woolen kusti, without fringed ends, knotted in front, tied thrice around the waist. In Persian the word used for priest is "Magupat" “Magu”, “Magav" and this terminology is still in use in the Penjikant region, where “Padan" "Baresam", sudreh andkushti, and Homa ceremony torextracting the Homa juice {& use of PersUn script Khordeh Avesta) are still evident among the village population. THE FIRST WORLD AVESTA CONFERENCES DUSHANBE In October 1992, an historic event took place in Dushanbe, the modern Tajik capital , alter a thousand years. This historic conference wasorganised by Madame GOLROKHSHOR, PresidentoftheTajik Cultural Foundation. The Zoroastrian College delegation from India/ Pakistan, consisting of Dr. MEHER MASTER-MOOS; Mrs. SHIRIN G. FRAMARZI Mrs. HOMAI BILIMORIA, Mrs. JERRY KUMANA, Mr HOMI D. SETHNA and Mr RUSTOM DEG AMWALA, 2 Zoroas ­ trians of London, Mr. SHAHROKH SHAHROKH & Mr. JAL AMROLIA, AND 2 Zoroastrians of Iran, attended this Conference which was officially opened by the Vice-President of Tajikistan on 1 Sth October 1992. TheZ, C, delegation was accorded a right royal reception by the Mayors of Khujand, Penjikant, Ura Tyube and other places in Tajikistan; and taken by Madame MAISARA KOLONOVA & Dr. PULATOV to visit the ancient historical & archeological excavations sites as well as the Varoh village in the Penjikant/Zarovshon moun­ tains area; where one of the villagers obliged the Delegates, by opening up his shirt to display his full length long sleeved old style sudreh and kusti to the delegates; and other villagers informed the delegates that their grandfathers were “Magupat"'and discussed on the performance of the Homa-juice extraction ceremony method still in use by them. Though cutoff from the rest of the world, the villagers were highly enlightened,and some spoke French and English, When asked what they would like from India, they indicated they would be most pleased with books on Zocoastrian religion/Avesta prayers preferably in Persian script. The Tajik people are seeking to revive their ancient faith of their forefathers; and they are looking to the support of their Zoroastrian brethren in India and other countries in their endeavours. In February 1993 the new present TAJIK PRIME MINISTER ABDUMALIK ABDULLAJANOV, and an official Govt. Cabinet Ministers Delegation of 49 persons visited India — Delhi & Bombay. They met some of the Z.C. Tajik Friendship Group Members, at a function specially organised at the Indian Merchants Chamber, thanks to Padmashri HOMI J. H. TALEYARKHAN. The ZOROASTRIAN COLLEGE entered into a Collaboration Protocol with the TAJIK TECHNOLOGY UNIVERSITY; and the Tajik students are now enabled to study tor their research degrees in Zoroastrian religious education. Are you interested? Wouldyou liketo help sponsor aZoroastrian or a Tajik or a Central Asia/Iranian Student at the Z. C.? Would you like to visit Tajiksta non the next Delegation visit? II so, please write to the Z. College at the Mustafa Building address. ______________ I am interested in the Z. C. Tajik Program. Please send me information. I wishtosponsorastudentattheZ.C. andprovide aScholarship/ Student sponsorship. I enclose Donation ot £/$/Rs...............(Cash or Cheques in favour of SHAH BEHRAM BAUG SOCIETY—TAJIK A/C) My Name & Address Mustafa Building Address) .........(Please send to ADVERTISEMENT I i I I I I I I I I I * Kstay Close to Downtown & the Sea! youth. Put them in Zarathushtra ’s hands and leave them alone... love them but do not oppress, guide them but do not dictate... ” Bombay Pasi Punchayet trustee Eruch Desai had a query: “Our population was at its peak when there were no intercommunity marriages. Do you think our community will grow if we spread out and accept children of mixed mar ­ riages? ” Responded Behram Anklesaria: “Times have changed. Are we going to stick to old values? Can we expect our chil ­ dren to be nuclear physicists on the one hand and on the other to be lectured by the Punchayet as to who they should marry? Darwin ’s theory on the survival of the fittest also applies to our community. We did not need to open up then. Today we do. ” Stay at SEA GREEN HOTEL An idea! base for business, holiday, sight-seeing or shopping with Entertainment par excellence round the corner. And the Sea is so dose!! Outside your room window!! Air conditioned and Non-airconditioned rooms with attached baths. Piped music, and telephone in every room. And service that Is personalised yet impeccable. All this at the most affordable price. Sea Green Hotel 145, Marine Drive, Bombay 400 020. Tel; NO. 22 22 94. we are in the heart of it aiii! APM/SGH87 One man -- one religion Parents are concerned about their child ’s school education but unfortunately they do not show the same anxiety for their child ’s religious education, regretted Ervad Pervez Mithaiwala of Bombay. “Did you go to the principal of the school seeking admission for your child or did the principal approach you? ” Mithaiwala questioned the assembly on the morning of January 31. “Similarly should you be endeavoring to seek religious edu ­ cation or should knowledge be expected to come to you? ” he continued in Gujarati. It is the children who will be the future torchbearers of the Zoroastrian religion. Inculcate in the children the habit to visit the fire-temple daily and impress upon the children the need to stick to their own religion as one man cannot follow two reli ­ gions. “Whatever you wish can be fulfilled with faith In your religion, ” he continued. While there is a certain element of re ­ ligious awareness, the athornans, he felt, were not showing the same religious fervor as the bchdins. Explaining certain key concepts of the Zoroastrian faith Mithaiwala noted that Ahura Mazda, Zarathushtra and the atash padshah constituted the trinity in Zoroastrianism. “If you don ’t go to the Udvada Atash Bchram even once in your life ­ time your jeevan phera (this incarnation) is futile, ” he believed. To continue with the practice of wearing the sudreh-kusti he sought to explain its potency: If armed with spiritual garments “you go out on an amaas (when no moon can be sighted) night, no evil force will touch you. ” Finally he cautioned, “If you leave your land, property, wealth, you can always get it back again. But once you leave your religion you won ’t ever get it again. ” Should the Zoroastrians in India focus "on preserving the “Parsi caste ” or the “Zoroastrian religion? ” questioned Mhow ’s Dr Behram Masani. He then quoted the famous Urdu poet Iqbal who sought that each should uplift his own soul such that in ­ stead of an individual beseeching favors from the Almighty, God asks him what he would like to be: "Khudi ko kar buland iina Ki har laqdir se pehle Khuda bande se khud puchhe, ‘Bala teri razaa kya hai?’” The talk had prompted Federation ’s joint honorary secretary Keki Gandhi to frame a questionnaire of 10 teasers requiring the use of one ’s rational mind for the answers: “Do I belong to Zarathushtra or does Zarathushtra belong to me? Am I Zarathushtra ’s follower or will I act as his jailor...? ” Though he clarified that he was speaking not as secretary of the Federa ­ tion, but in his personal capacity, the audience wanted him to carry this questionnaire in the Fed Newsletter. 84 Parsiana March 1993PROFESSIONS I 1 i I I COVER STORY ! I During “You can be a fisherwoman and still be an elegant fisherwoman. ” The statement sums up the fashion philosophy of de ­ signer Xerxes Bhathena, a name familiar to the leading ladies of the Indian screen; Parveen Babi, Dimple Kapadia, Sridevi, Madhuri Dixit... Xerxes also spells terror — initially — to aspiring socialites who go through their paces at the six-year-old Orchids (billed as India ’s first fin ­ ishing school) where he begins as a stem dictator and concludes as everyone ’s dream lover. and after the course however he continues to reign as their final ar ­ biter on fashion. “In the beginning I just hit them. Then I soften quite a bit. ” A roguish smile lights up the fair, high-domed face and frequently alternates with the vehemence of strong opinions; the substantial, stocky presence fills the cozy mezzanine office atop a choice little showroom called Xerxes off Bandra ’s Carter Road. But Bhathena ’s prized creations are not on view. His mother likes to run the shop and the garments that line the walls below are for her to sell, he says. One who claims to love interact ­ ing with women, Bhathena believes “making a woman a doormat is wrong. Why not women be al ­ lowed three husbands? ” he asks with a straight face. At Orchids “we are definitely trying to make women aware of what is happening in their lives. ” The school began as a grooming class largely patronized by upper middle-class Gujarati/ Marwari families. There are very few Parsis because middle-class Parsi upbringing includes the social graces, says Bhathena. In the course of the intensive interaction family problems often surface. “Some of them are disas ­ ters, ” says Bhathena. The school staff have found themselves faced with stories of marital rape and emotional maladjust ­ ments which they have tried to help by appropriate contacts with psychologists or lawyers. Being better educated, the Zoroastrians do not seem to need such aid, he adds. Though he makes no claim to be a social worker, Bhathena says he gives more attention to those who are In vogue WITH Xerxes From costume designer for films to prized exporter, Xerxes Bhathena has placed his stamp on the Indian fashion scene Arnavaz S. Mama I backward in the language or who don ’t look so well. “It gives me a lot of pleas ­ ure when a girl says (the course) helped, ” beams Bhathena. The course is now in ­ creasingly being sought by hotels and clubs for the benefit of their staff, he in ­ forms. A leading costume designer in Indian films for 10 years, Bhathena ’s creations graced the stars of Namak. Halal, Sagar, Mr India and innumerable others. Unfortunately in those days (the 1980s) the Indian film industry had no award for costume design ­ ing, he rues. The Puf outfit for Godrej refrigerators ’ model was also designed by Bhathena — his only advertising oriented creation, he says. The careening lifestyle led to a heart attack after which Bhathena abandoned films to pay more atten ­ tion to his ^port lines — mainly salwar kameez outfits and full length gararas, fanning out from London to Durban, to California and Vancouver. Each market has its idiosyncracies, he says, Durban and Vancouver being more selec ­ tive. Bhathena, whose favorites are silk and chiffon fabrics in black and white creations, has nonetheless to bow to commercial considerations and use the synthetic fabrics and colors in demand. The Indian de ­ signer has to pocket his professional (pride if he hopes to survive com- mercially, says Bhathena. Unlike J Ghivency or Channel or St Laurent I who experiment “with actual fabrics I before arriving at the seasonal pres- I entations, the Indian designer needs to be satisfied with sketch pad and pencil. Trials have to be implemented with cheap substitutes where the end result can be a gamble. But it keeps the costs down and the price range competitive. His first bridal sari was a recent affair — an off-white creation of self-embroidered silk with three slashed insertions of se ­ quined lace in the pallav for a tall, wil ­ lowy Parsi bride with a budget to match. Bhathena ’s farflung buyers need fre ­ quent visiting and, while abroad, he uses his time to take up short courses in hair­ styling, beauty and makeup techniques to remain in touch with the total intema- I I I I * 87 Parsiana March 1993 f biiitional fashion picture. An alumnus of Boys ’ Town, Nasik, who graduated in history and English from the National College in Bandra be ­ cause he couldn ’t make the grade for Sir J. J. School of Art ’s precious 80 seats, Bhathena considers himself largely self- taught. Biographies and autobiographies of famous artists and designers line the rear wall of his office, providing the leavening to his own creativity. Oppor ­ tunity knocked in the form of a sales job in Burlington ’s, the well-known boutique in Bombay ’s Taj Mahal Hotel. Burling ­ ton ’s Andre Kapoor has a prominent place in the collage that covers part of the wall beside Bhathena ’s desk. “I was grasping... I would sit with the cutter when there were no customers. I had even got admission into the Miami School of Fashion. Clothes seeped into my life, ” he recalls. While Bhathena had risen up the Burlington ladder, designing its exhibits for Pret a-Porte — the pres ­ tigious intemadaaal aiWhv tion held twice a year in France — he could not avail of the Miami admission for lack of funds. A consolation prize came his way in the form of a job as fashion editor in Time Out in Bombay, but that magazine folded after three is­ sues in 1979, reminisces the designer. By then he had met Parveen Babi and she had inducted him into films. The Indian designer must pocket his professional pride to survive commercially As a designer Bhathena says he works to his own dictates and that of his client. In Aims, however, the director has the overriding say, the clothes reflecting the social milieu and historical period as well as the idiosyncracies of the charac ­ ter. On the modelling ramp ’s upper singles out three Parsis females today — Sheree Meheromji, Colleen Khan and. Mehr lesia whom he eulogizes as “definitely the greatest model in recent years, a dream on the ramp, a photographer ’s dream... ” photographer ’s Bhathena had designed for Jesia when she had represented India at the Miss Universe contest in 1986. According to Bhathena, a good model needs a gait that is charismatic, a face that can be inno ­ cent, sophisticated or vampish. Like Jesia, a model should be able to emote with the designer, he adds. Unlike its outstanding fashion models, Bhathena shudders at the dress sense of average middle-class Parsi women, com ­ paring them to the erstwhile Yugoslavi ­ ans of a couple of years ago “with a very nice watch and extremely synthetic fab ­ rics. ” While Parsi women can be “fin- nicky in the house to the point of irrita ­ tion, ” Bhathena believes they tend to ne ­ glect their own attire, their “interest in fashion being restricted to being tremely conscious of what is happening at Marks and Spencer! The Parsis have somehow become very lethargic, ” says Bhathena, blaming the malaise on the community ’s fondness for watching TV and video. An evident result is economic decline. BhavhtTia s caa^er and ideas present an enigma. His middle class upbringing could hardly have predicted his'subse ­ quent fashion career. Nor does his suc- ex- I 1 i I I I I I I I ? Computer Executive Location BOMBAY A well establish^ Consultancy Company wishes to engage on AssignmenVFull time basis a Computer Systems Manager for their operations in BOMBAY. The incumbent should have j *____ ;___ understand the accounting and financial aspects of the Computer an Accounting/Costing academic background with adequate experience to oood exposur tup systems for introducing management information programmes. EDP systems for introducing management information Age IS not a bar and in fact retired/near retirement persons with the necessary experience and background would be preferred. The person should possess good communication skills and be capable of dealing with all persons panicularlv non computer based persons, with tact and understand^. Paniculany - Equity participation could also be considered for the right person. Emoluments will depend on experience and qualifications. Persons considering them suitable may apply with photograph within 15 days to: The Advertiser (Computer Exec) Parsiana, GPO Box No 892, Bombay 400001 89 Parsiana March 1993 ¦b From well wisher 90 Parsiana March 1993 cessful, cosmopolitan image prepare one for his emergence in middle age as “a staunch Parsi ” who claims he “will not let the children of Parsi women married out enter the agiary. ” (He admits how ­ ever that within his own circle he has seen more peace and amity in these fami ­ lies than in the normal Parsi marriages.) The surprise is greater when he reveals that his grandparents had chosen to be cremated, his grandfather even dis ­ pensing with after-death ceremonies. He is perturbed because “now my parents want to be cremated (but) I want to go to the Tower of Silence. ” Tliough he theo ­ retically approves of people choosing to bequeath their bodies for medical re ­ search, he adds, “I’m a little too vain to have my body cut up. ” Bhathena says he had wanted to be a film critic at one time “though I couldn ’t write for nuts. At the age of 19 I was a bayela, spineless. Even then I knew about camera angles and what ’s wrong (with a particular frame)... “Parsi boys are mama ’s boys because they ’re dependent... Somehow we ’re pushed back in the arts faculty. There are no appreciation classes which we can attend (to learn the finer points of art or music)... Perhaps I’m a go-getter. I want to know everything. Reading about Coco Channel and her life was unbelievable. ” Bhathena is distressed that Parsi trusts do not offer scholarships to fashion de ­ signers, artists or potters to study their craft abroad. He has had several non- Parsi assistants who got financial support from their communities to seek profes ­ sional training abroad and haven ’t looked back. However Bhathena notes dourly, “Not one Parsi boy has come wanting to be my assistant. ” But he cites Mickey Contractor ’s wizardry as a ma ­ keup artist and recalls how “Mani Rabadi had created a great stir in the costuming field. But the spirit of being a fighter wasn ’t in her. If someone owes me money I will get it out by hook or by crook. ” Bhathena ’s advice to the fashion con ­ scious female is “Don ’t ape anybody. A woman should have a great capacity to criticize herself. By trial and error de ­ velop your own style. There ’s a designer within yourself. ” Bombay remains Bhathena ’s favorite city. The recent riots were a source of despondency: “If only three out of 22 workers come, you can ’t work. If I have to leave this city what am I going to do? ” But as he himself notes, “I’m a gypsy. I have to be doing 10 things at a time! ” Burjor Framji & Company ’T Licensed Plumbers Sanitary & Drainage Contractors Marine Mansion 1st Marine Street Bombay 400002 Tel: 2083207 4 %BUSINESS The green blue chip The Parsi Dairy Farm ’s teakwood scheme promises over 300 percent appreciation at the end of 20 years Homi Rogers Money does grow on trees. Literally. At least, that ’s what Parsi Dairy Farm (PDF), Bombay ’s most reputed milk- and-dairy products outlet, would like in ­ vestors in their new teak trees project to by the Narimans to attract investors. “Mother Nature wants Rs 1,000 (in actu ­ ality, though, she is asking for Rs 5,000) from you, ” proclaims their ad brochure. “In return, ” it continues, “she ’ll give you cleaner air, a healthier environment, a more balanced ecology. ” And the clincher; “And Rs 50,0Cb as a special thank you. ” “It was environmental consciousness that prompted us to set up a teak planta ­ tion, ” claims Nariman. “The scheme happened later. ” What is left unsaid is that besides the financial aspect, the PDF may have also felt it a safe way to secure their vast lands: over 250 acres which, judging by the security guards present in the area, could be threatened by the adi- vasis in the neighboring countryside. The Narimans have instituted many so ­ cial service schemes for these Warli As at about Rs 600 to Rs 650 per cubic foot and the increasing rate over the past few years, this translates to an income of Rs 50,000 upwards after 20 years, on a mod- tribals, including feeding them every est one-time investment of Rs 1,000 per day, hut cannot wish away the possibility alone), of the tribals being averse to their exten- this, tree: an annual average return of sive landholding, between 300 and 400 percent. “And mind you, is a very modest esti ­ mate, ” Nariman informs us, sink ­ ing into a chair, while rain clouds play hide-and- seek outside the believe. would over 150 odd companies that have sprung up over the country (86 have been reg ­ istered in Ma ­ dras proliferating faster than the timber trees are pected to yield after 20 years. It is a business fraught with risks, at brothers near Talasari, on the least for the investor, but the mood at Maharashtra-Gujarat border in Thane most of the promoting companies is up- district. The district has long been con- beat.' And Dairyland Plantations (I) Ltd sidered one of the best spots in the coun- (DPIL), a company promoted by the 75- year-old PDF, is no exception. Naval Development Nariman breezes around his farmhouse at Maharashtra (FDCM) has teak planta- Varwada, 26 kms away from Vapi on the Bombay-Ahmedabad National Highway, where 300 acres have been set aside for teak plantations. With typical Parsi bon ­ homie he confidently predicts that the land on which he grew and prospered (“look at my size, ” he guffaws) would making their investors iakhpatis after 20 surely yield wood far exceeding his own girth. But since the yield is not measured by the girth of trees, Nariman converts the output to 20 to 25 cubic feet of executive director of DPIL which has teakwood from each mature tree after a floated the Green Gold Scheme puts it, using the latest techniques of irrigation, period of 20 years. In financial terms, “for environmental gains too. ” This is periodic fertilization and fumigation, going by the current market value of teak the benefit stressed and the platform used His statement is backed by opinions held their Investing in “Mother Nature” ex ­ However, with the proposed tree cover of approximately 2,000 trees to ev ­ ery hectare, the younger Nariman ’s dream of increasing forestation and con ­ tributing to environmental preservation is laudable. And to make it financially feasible (read profitable) what can be better than an ecologically friendly teakwood scheme — “projects of the like having shown a success rate of 97 per ­ cent. ” The PDF had all the factors going restaurant-cum-dairy-farm set up by the for it: a solid reputation which would at- near Talasari, on the tract investors from all communities, a location in the best teak-growing area of Maharashtra and, like its milk, an honest- to-goodness approa.ch where “we don ’t try for growing teak trees, and the Forest promise you the sky and deliver the Corporation of earth. ” The Green Gold Scheme investor, succinctly described as a Grinvestor, is one who pays a minimum of Rs 5,(X)0 for a unit of five teak trees at Rs 1,000 per “It is costlier than other schemes where a tree is offered at prices tions here dating back to 1974. The commercial growing and market ­ ing of teak, however, has never before been exploited by private bodies on the sapling, same scale as during the last year. While most companies hold out the promise of around Rs 600 or Rs 700, but then people are assured of our quality, ” argues Nari ­ man. He assures us that only premium grade teak saplings will be planted and nurtured under the careful scrutiny, con ­ trol and supervision of forestry experts. years, and visualize phenomenal returns, DPIL has gone in for not just the finan ­ cial benefits but, as Urvaksh Nariman, “for environmental gains too. ” This is the benefit stressed and the platform used 92 Parsiana March 1993 kby investors. Mayur Shah (45), a stock ­ broker, has already invested in the Scheme, and plans to expand his portfo ­ lio after a site visit because he is confi ­ dent that “Parsis won ’t cheat us. ’’ Some other teak plantation companies offer incredible returns ranging from 50 to 70 cubic feet of teakwood. But the moot question is, would the tree yield that much? Agricultural experts opine that the chances of a teak tree yielding 50 cubic feet of timber after 20 years is al ­ most nil. D. N. Tiwari, director general of the Indian Council of Forestry Re ­ search, Dehradun, claims that “in natural forests, 20-year-old teaks yield only im ­ mature wood which has almost no com ­ mercial value. ” According to K. Subrha- maniyam, regional manager of FDCM (who have 1.25 lakh hectares of teak plantations across the state, milking it one of the major teak-growing state cor ­ porations in India), “the annual average growth a teak tree may attain is two centimeters in girth, and around 70 centi ­ meters in height. That means a 20-year- old tree may attain a girth of 40-60 centi ­ meters. ” FDCM is hence projecting only around three cubic feet of timber in 20 years — one-seventh of what DPIL is Executive directors of Dairyland: Urvaksh Nariman (left) and Meher Patel deliver the same to the Grinvestor either as trees, or its realized sales proceeds. The definition of a tree is vague and i Nariman, too, is not specific about it to- I day. He probably wishes to play it by ear I when the time comes, in a way that best I suits the interests of all concerned. Ra- j wat, a potential Grinvestor, joins forces I with the elder Nariman in assuring fel- I low investors that “bawaji has his name to uphold, and will definitely give us a fair deal. ” It is the current spiel, and prospective investors themselves mouth it for DPIL, : which helps the Scheme in inching its projecting to its investors. The DPIL is willing to give credence to this argument way to its proposed target of planting maintaining that it has, for this very rea- " -.i- - i c -c. son, projected a figure — 20 to 25 cubic feet after 20 years — half that cited by Panchai, an accountant with PDF, that other companies. Many other doubts remain in the minds of investors. F. T. Khorakiwala quizzes the promoters on how they will divide the spoils after 20 years — that is assuming that the trees grow to a com ­ mercially viable girth. The application us, NRIs are not allowed to invest in ag- form (surprisingly, it doesn ’t state any- riculture, real estate or plantation where the names of the directors) indi ­ cates that DPIL shall cut the trees 30 ems above ground level after 20 years, and 30,000 trees. Within two months of the Scheme ’s opening we are informed by over 2,000 units (i.e. 10,000 trees) have been sold to the public. The figure speaks creditably for people ’s faith in the Narimans, more so because the Scheme has been launched only in Maharashtra and Gujarat. Further, as Panchai informs riculture, schemes and thus^while many a commu ­ nity member settled abroad may have be ­ come a Grinvestor, the opportunity to I SERSON I f I I I Electrolytic Capacitors For All Electronic Applications From 12 VDC To 350 VDC Manu facture rs: Serson Industries Pvt. Ltd. Pimpri P.F.P.O., Poona-18. Cable: Etchfoil Poona-18. Phone: 82379 94 Parsiana March 1993t L With best compliments of * Starlite Electrical Works * Electrical Engineers & Contractors * 104, Shree Hanuman Ind Estate 42 B. G D Ambekar Marg Bombay 400031 hold such a share is restricted. Many other factors are also limiting the investments. Contrary to the note in the DPIL prospectus that the Scheme will be insured by the General Insurance Corporation (GIC) under their Crop In ­ surance Scheme, the GIC refutes the claim, and has even issued a notice that neither it nor its subsidiaries are in any way liable for losses to investors. Then, assuming that things go as planned over the magical 20-year period laid down by all schemes, what will be the real price of teak in 2012 AD when the markets will be flooded with teak from all the plantations? Today, the price of teak is high, because demand outstrips supply. But will teak remain, 20 years hence, all that hot a property for furniture making? There could also be changes in gov ­ ernment policy, which may include a blanket ban on the cutting down of all trees. The Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Commission (MRTPC) is also investigating whether the offers of teak plantation companies fall under the purview of unfair trade practice as de ­ fined by the MRTP Act, and may pro ­ pose to stop investments in these issues. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is similarly thinking of issu ­ ing guidelines to prevent investments in te^ plantations. The teak being grown at Varwada, ad ­ mits Kalsi, the on-site expert in charge of the project, is no special genus of teak: certainly not the legendary Burma teak, or even its poorer country cousin, the Assam teak variety. “You could call it Varwada teak, ” he concedes after con ­ stant prodding on its pedigree. It re ­ mains questionable how Varwada teak would stand against Raka teak from Jal- gaon, or Sterling teak from Tirunelveli. Again, will the teak tree really give as grand an yield as its flattering botanical name, teclona grandis? Twenty years is a long way to go, and, as they proverbially say, time alone will tell. Till such time then, there are many more gentlemen farmers “investing in Mother Nature, ” and depending on prayers instead of ploughs. One Parsi wag, suitably impressed by the DPIL plantation yet confused by the many ‘cons ’ (as in pros and cons, that is) in this business, remarked, “lage tau tikko,... (praise be the windfall, if it clicks)! ” His bi-lingual pun represents the feeling of most investors. And, probably, of even the promotors. To which we can only add a cautious note: Touch wood. I 96 Parsiana March 1993 WITH BEST COMPLIMENTS FROM PETROSIL OIL COMPANY LIMITED Apeejay House 3, Dinsha Wacha Road Bombay 400020 Tel: 220818 Tlx: 011 83520 Fax: 91 22 2042521 ’f RATAN SURVEYOR & COMPANY Engineers, Contractors & RCC Specialists Engineers of Repute for Construction Work of Good Quality Piramal Mansion Dr Dadabhoy Naoroji Road Fort, Bombay 400001 Phone 2619670 hf. BUSINESS f. BOOKING PROFITS 5PICV/ 7 1 » 8 ¦ ¥ 1 B For Jeroo, the inculcation was early. Born in Bijapur, the South Indian town famed for its W|?ispering Gallery in the Gol Gumbaz monument (whose enor ­ mous dome is second in the world only to St Peters in the Vatican), books were part of her life. At different phases, the Ukrougf. her chain of sewn i)anai hoohshops JcmoiMango intends to texdw an interest in reading Homi Rogers I Ms Jeroo Mango is keen on spreading culcated at an early stage. ” And in her I danai. That ’s the Persian word for latest shop she has set aside a large sec- H knowledge. Yes, it is also the name of tion for children ’s books, “a most ne- I the chain of bookshops set up by Jeroo, glected area otherwise. ” ¦ the seventh of which opened in Bom- ¦ bay ’s up-market suburb of Khar on Octo- I ber 18,1992. H It is Jeroo ’s first venture into the open market and a brave one, considering the competitive element in a trade with low profit margins and a clientele continu ­ ously wooed away by satellite and cable choice of authors and subjects changed, television. But then, the shrinking read- As did the places... Bombay, where her ership is exactly what Jeroo is addressing father was the first Indian police com- herself to. “I am sure Indians will be ­ come ardent readers if exposed to the fascinating world of books. ” Jeroo has had this exposure all her with her retired grandfather, Rai Bahadur life. At her spacious house on Bombay ’s Dhunjishaw at his farm; later Belgaum, Juhu beach, tomes of books lie cheek by Pune and even Jaipur. On hindsight, jowl with beautiful artefacts and litho- Jeroo gathers that it was this constant graphs on her wall unit. Andre Malraux travel necessitated by her father ’s job rubs shoulders with J. K. Galbraith, that broadened her vision and exposed while a well-thumbed Age of Voltaire her to the customs and festivals of her land. “Perhaps I imbibed its cultural heri ­ tage more deeply than the average Parsi whose exposure to the country is limited to Bombay and Pune, ” avers Jeroo. And this may well account for her success as missioner of the city after Independence; Rajkot, where her brother Rusi was bpm; Valsad, where Jeroo spent quiet summers snuggles against a copy of James Joyce ’s Ulysses. “Books were my best friends right from childhood, ” says Jeroo, mouthing a time-worn cliche, but mean ­ ing every word of it. Her father, Kekashru Dhunjishaw the first — and probably only — person Bilimoria was an avid reader and, as Jeroo recalls with pride, the family at ­ mosphere encouraged her and her two brothers and sister to devour books. “We would turn to them with the same fre ­ quency — and intensity — with which late Navroze Vakil who was a senior children today switch on the video, ” laughs Jeroo. “It really does not matter what you read as a child, provided you love to read. It is impossible to start the reading habit later in life. It must be in- in India to own and manage a chain of bookshops in hotels around the country. But, as Jeroo retells it, the break came about fortuitously in 1970 when the Kir- loskars, clients of her first husband the partner in the legal firm of Little and Company, were setting up a hotel at their home base of Pune. Her four children had grown up and Jeroo had free time on her hands. So, when a friend suggested 98 Parsiana March 1993 I iI hotel bookshops where the staple fare is travel guides and coffee table books. In the new spacious (900 sq ft) Danai, Jeroo that she combine her ongoing love for tennis (she was the all-India tennis books with a little business, it was champ in 1964), is all game and set to settled. Jeroo, through her husband, got a small hole in the wall bit of shop (barely 120 sq ft) at Kirloskar ’s Blue Diamond Hotel “at a nominal rent and without paying any deposit. ” Ai)d the first in a chain of Danai bookshops was on, with sales of just around Rs 100 per day. Today, some 20 years later, “our annual turn- over is well above the crore mark, ” informs Jeroo with justifiable pride. The name Danai for a bookshop is most apt. “Actu- ally, ” recalls Jeroo, “it was ¦|||||||||||PH suggested by Shiavax Zi* Kothavala, a friend in Pune. ” V However, for long — despite * the dipthongs and logo letterings reminiscent of Per ­ sian calligraphy (a la Parsiana} — Danai's seventh outlet Journey, his first novel set in a Parsi mi- people remained ignorant of the meaning lieu. “Firdaus Kanga promised much of the name. “They mispronounced it as sons Jeroo, who has invested “considera- with Trying to Grow, his first novel, only Diana, and some even thought I was Ma- bly ” (insiders place the figure at round to disappoint with his second work, ” dame Danai, hence the name, ” laughs Rs 90 lakhs) in her new venture. She is continues a well-rSad Jeroo. “And it is a Jeroo. Actually, as Jeroo herself was to already poring over catalogs to select the long time since we have read something discover after her second marriage to A. ' " " ............... ----- D. (Tony) Mango, the consul-general for over; and her son Ardeshir, who is settled Greece in Bombay, there is a nymph in Greek mythology by that name. Two years later, she duplicated her Pune outlet with a bookshop at Bom- penings and supplied with hefty publish- bay ’s Air India building. It, however, had ers ’ manuals. Jeroo has also visited strands, we query. “No, ” says Jeroo, many antiquarian bookshops and adding that his ethnicity cannot be held Nobel Laureate by 3* deliver another ace: a split level book- and-music shop outside the confines of a promises to keep on display the works of hotel. “I wanted to venture into the open market, which is more challenging, ” rea- (1 sons Jeroo, who has invested “considera ­ bly ” (insiders place the figure at round Rs 90 lakhs) in her new venture. She is a host of new writers, including some of her own current favorites like Umberto Eco, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Haruki Murakanu. “My son Ardeshir has introduced me to a new set of writers... The plot now has ceased to matter. What keeps me entranced is the sheer beauty of the lan- . Rushdie ’s work, for instance. ” “Rushdie has spawned quite a few clones among the new breed of writers from within the community, ” com ­ ments Jeroo, while praising Rohinton Mistry, who has been picking up a fair amount of awards for his Such a Long guage. best of literature published the world by Adil Jussawala, ” she muses, munch ­ ing on her diet biscuits with sugar-free cups of coffee. Does she see anything wrong in writ ­ ers born of the Zoroastrian faith basing their novels on semi-autobiographical strands, we query. in England and writes for publications there on literary — and culinary — mat ­ ters, keeps her posted on the latest hap- bay ’s Air India building. It, however, had to be closed down by 1974, for the con- many antiquarian 1 ’ ' ' ’ ' ’ cept of the building changed from the scrounged around to pick up rare and against a writer. Mahfouz based most of his works on the Egyptian community, and Marquez drew upon the mystique of Latin America. “Of course, it does assume a different proportion when one ridicules one ’s community throughout the work; but then the self-lampoonmg, if done with a proposed terminal to a set of offices. But by then the lady had learnt to book prof ­ its. So, while the Bombay Danai downed shutters, her most prestigious shop at Taj Coromandel in Madras opened. “It is the best shop in my chain... a veritable goldmine, ” insists Jeroo. At 400 sq ft it (by Uday Joshi, who has worked with is also along with the next shop to be Charles Correa) web. “More people will fairly catchy style, can set the turnstiles commissioned at Bombay ’s Centaur < " ' ' ~ (Airport) Hotel — her largest hotel book- with the books, I hope. ” shop. With alternatin^frequency, Jeroo reams may not yield huge profits, not as much as a boutique or a beauty parlour, but if Jeroo has one more passion besides out-of-print books, including a well-il ­ lustrated work which she claims is sell ­ ing briskly at all her shops. The Parsees and Muslims of Gujarat. The music, confesses Jeroo, is to lure non-readers into her fancifully designed come for the music. But stray to and stay working, ” Jeroo remarks, referring to with the books, I hope. ” Ragas and Ms Bapsy Sidhwa ’s seminal work. The Crow Eaters. While Jeroo is not apologetic about the position of the community in modern literature, she is so about the present state of the community. “I feel very strongly about the practice whereby the children of a Parsi father and a non-Parsi mother are allowed into the faith, but de ­ barred in the case of the reverse relation- Both her married sons, Behram and Ardeshir have wed with the books, I hope. ” opened the next few Danais at Madras (in the Park Sheraton in 1983), and Bom ­ bay (Juhu Centaur, 1986), and once books and tennis, it is music. “I love op- again at Madras in the ITC-managed Ho- eras. I spend hours watching them on tel Sindhoori. Six jewels in the Danai diadem, discounting the stillborn or short-lived attempts at the Centaurs at Delhi and Srinagar. And Jeroo ‘Danai ’ Mango could well claim to be the un ­ crowned empress of the travellers ’ book ­ shop trade. But not content to rest on her laurels Jeroo, who still enjoys a good game of eras. video, ” she reveals. Then, with market ­ ing savvy, she adds, “I shall concentrate on CDs, more popular than tapes and rec ­ ords. ” Not that Jeroo is sold on bestsellers in ship, ” states Jeroo. either music or books. On the contrary, “ ' her avowed aim is to introduce people to girls from outside the faith (a third, serious literature, something she could Noshirwan, a sports journalist with the not achieve through the confines of her Times of India group is yet unmarried). 101 Parsiana March 1993I I i ! i i ! With best compliments of ADI B. SAGAR & COMPANY ELECTRICAL CONSULTANTS ENGINEERS AND CONTRACTORS BOMBAY 102 Parsiana March 1993 Her daughter Shireen recently wed Sam Miller of BBC, “a starred first — some ­ thing very rare — from Cambridge Uni ­ versity in history, ” gushes Jeroo about her son-in-law. She also claims to have strong views on Zoroastrian females married outside the community being de ­ nied funeral rites as per Zoroastrian cus ­ toms. “Given some time, ” Jeroo adds when considerably prodded, “I do pro ­ “What keeps me entranced is die sheer beauty of the language 99 pose to address myself to this crisis con ­ fronting the community, ” and find com ­ mon cause with the recently founded As­ sociation of Inter-Married ^roastrians to which Ardeshir B. Dubash has invited her. Jeroo does not attribute the problem of mixed marriages to the paucity of tal ­ ented or intelligent boys within the com ­ munity. Or vice versa. “It’sjusfthatasa very small community, tbe chances of finding a like-minded partner from within is greatly reduced, ” she argues. Jeroo asserts that she is proud to be a Zo ­ roastrian, and would like to be reborn as one, though, she concedes, “in a more open atmosphere. ” Even now, if there is one forthcoming project dear to Jeroo, it is her proposal, which she lays before us, to publish an up-to-date English translation of Madem ­ oiselle Delphine Menant ’s book on the Parsis. The two-volume tome had been republished by M. M. Marzban in 1917 as The Parsis in India, and a copy of this enlarged, copiously 'annotated work fas ­ cinates Jeroo. As one fond of art and serving on the Prince of Wales Museum Committee and a director on the board of Vakil and Sons, the printers, and Vakils, Feffer and Si­ mons Ltd, the publishing company, Jeroo would have the right credentials to pres ­ ent the community with a new and well- illustrated version of a book which was a classic of its time and the suggestive force for the construction of the memo ­ rial at Sanjan. “Do you think I could at least break even on this project, and sell around 1,000 copies? ” Jeroo queries, in ­ viting Parsiana readers to respond to her at Danai, Khar Danda, 14th Road, Khar, Bombay 400052.i BOOKS I Of a man and an era Burjor K, Karanjia Dadabhai Naoroji, Britain’s First Asian MP by Zerbanoo Gifford. Published in 1992 by Mantra Publishing Limited, 5 Alexandra Grove, London N12 8NU. Pp; 48. Price: Not mentioned. First in the lively Makers of History se ­ ries by Mantra, Dadabhai Naoroji — Britain’s First Asian MP was published thority on Indian economics, there is to pay fitting tribute to the Grand Old Man of India on the centenary of his be ­ coming the first Asian MP in Britain, It is also appropriate that the book is writ ­ ten by Ms Zerbanoo Gifford who, as an advisor to the leader of the Liberal Democrats in the UK, was not only deeply concerned with ethnic minority involvement in British life, but played a leading role in organizing the successful centenary celebrations in London. Very early in life, Naoroji realized that if things were to change in British- ruled India, and the drain of Indian wealth to Britain was to be halted, he had to deal with the British political system fused to attend the second meeting in which Eve, who had stood second, emerged victorious. A long drawn out dispute lasting over three years followed, with Naoroji spending as much time to get his original nomination validated as in meeting voters in what he still ex ­ pected would be his constituency. Ulti ­ mately, the matter was settled when Eve decided to fight from another constitu ­ ency and Naoroji was confirmed as the candidate from Finsbury Central. This incident revealed an outstanding trait of Naoroji ’s character. His father ’s old family name, subsequently dropped, was Dordi, which means a rope made of coir. Naoroji once remarked: “You may bum a dordi, but you can never take the twist out of it. So it is with me. When I form a decision, nothing will dislodge me from it.” In the meantime a sensational devel ­ opment meant^ to discredit Naoroji, turned the tide in his favor. Tbis was a remark by Lord Salisbury, formerly Sec ­ retary of State for India, deriding Naoroji ’s candidature with the words: “However far we have advanced in over ­ coming prejudice, I doubt if we have yet got to that point of view where a British constituency would elect a black man. ” This remark outraged everyone, in ­ cluding Queen Victoria herself who with its heart in London. The effective promptly reprimanded her Prime Minis ­ way to do this was to stand for election to the Mother of Parliaments. This move of Naoroji ’s was widely bed. The well-known social worker Jo- welcomed in India. In fact, on April 13, 1886 The Hindu announced: “As an au- ter. Florence Nightingale wrote encour ­ aging letters to Naoroji from her sick sephine Butler lent him her support for his “uncompromising friendship of wom ­ anhood. ” One of the fbunders of the trade union movement, Keir Hardie, helped Naoroji get the support of working class voters. M. A. Jinnah, then in London, wrote to his sister, “If Dadabhai was wished him “pronounced ” success, wryly black, I was blacker. And if this was the adding, “although his name is difficult to pronounce. ” Naoroji ’s first attempt to be elected to the House of Commons, however, failed. At the subsequent nomination for his sec ­ ond attempt Naoroji won 4S votes as against R. Eve with 45, and F. Ford with none equal in India. ” In Britain, the re ­ sponse was mixed. One newspaper re ­ porting on Naoroji ’s unanimous selection by the local Liberal Party in Holborn mentality of the British politicians, then we would never get a fair deal from them. ” More confusion followed when an ­ other of the four original contenders. Ford, announced that he would be stand ­ ing as the Liberal candidate. Rather than 23 votes. But then, an objection being give up, Naoroji was prepared to have raised that the vote had not been taken properly, another meeting was called for a second vote. Naoroji protested and re- two Liberal candidates contest even if that meant losing the seat to a Conserva ­ tive. Ultimately, Ford withdrew and with I I I 104 Parsiana March 1993 Itypical British sportsmanship agreed, his belief in the drain theory, saying that record number of 1,500 delegates. In his along with Eve, to support Naoroji ’s can- ’ ' ' ' ’ ' didature to prove that their earlier oppo- if Britain took less wealth and expertise speech Naoroji changed his call from out of India, both countries would bene- sition to him had been neither personal fit. One of his longest campaigns was to nor racial. get more Indians admitted into the Indian Among others who helped Naoroji Civil Service. Eventually, as a result of the British Liberal Prime Minister, Sir ......................... • - • ¦ • • ' J ---------”---------------- r- -----K.,11 - ------------- “Good eral picked nine Indians annually to join government could never be a substitute the 60 people for entry into this most for government by the people them- coveted service which forms the back ­ bone of Indian administration even to- Home Rule to Swaraj but insisted that only peaceful methods should be used to end British rule in India. He also quoted win, which he did over the Conservative his tireless campaign, the Governor Gen- Henry Campbell-Bannerman: candidate by just three votes, were Ma ­ hatma Gandhi, and Jinnah, who was then working as Naoroji ’s secretary, Manch- coveted service which forms the back- selves. ’’ erjee Bhownagree who was to become bone of Indian administration even to- The classic work on Dadabhai Naoroji the second Indian MP in 1895 and the day. remains Sir Rustom Masani ’s monumen- Maharaja of Baroda who lent 20 of his Among Naoroji ’s other achievements tai biography entitled The Grand Old horse-drawn carriages for electioneering which Gifford faithfully recounts (even Man of India, running to over 500 pages, purposes. The Cama family, who had after he lost his seat in Parliament), was It rebounds to Gifford ’s credit that in the first enabled Naoroji to come to London, sent 100 guineas to the Lord Mayor of in 1900 to investigate the drain of Indian London ’s charity for the poor. On hear ­ ing of this gift one newspaper wrote: “There are some things among the Parsis that we should do well to follow. ” In his maiden speech Naoroji said, “My election (from) an English constitu ­ ency is a unique event. For the first time during more than a century of settled works with Indian backing. British rule, an Indian is admitted to this House as a member. ” He went on to de- for women ’s education. Along with deeds... ” dare: “So long as India is satisfied with friends, he actually went to Parsi homes Gifford ’s Dadabhai Naoroji... has the justice and honor of Britain, so long in the Fort area and pleaded with parents forewords by the British Prime Minister, will her Indian empire last... I hope that to allow their daughters to be educated. John Major, by Labor leadej Neil Kin- the connection between England and In ­ dia — which forms five-sixths of the British empire — may continue with be turned out of the house unceremoni- benefit to both countries. ” Even at the venerable age of 67, Naoroji was an active Parliamentarian, being present for 90 percent of the divi ­ sions of the House of Commons. Da ­ dabhai often spoke frankly and forcefully Indian National Congress for its22nd ses- on matters relating to India. He repeated sion held in Calcutta and attended by a Among Naoroji ’s other achievements after he lost his seat in Parliament), was to have a Royal Commission appointed short space of just 50 pages she vividly presents his many-sided activities and conveys the essence of the man. At his death on June 30, 1917, Sir Na- rayenraa Chandavarkar summarized his life with this eloquent tribute: “In his ca- wealth to Britain on the occasion of the worst Indian famine in 25 years. He told his audience that he was not looking for famine relief but for the future preven ­ tion of famine. It was Naoroji again who reer, in all he did, in all he suffered, and first encouraged a Parsi family, the Ta- tas, to launch the Tata Iron and Steel in all he taught, he was the prophet Zoroaster ’s religion personified. Because he was the man more than anyone else of Naoroji was also a pioneer in agitating pure thoughts, pure words and pure for women ’s education. Along with friends, he actually went to Parsi homes to allow their daughters to be educated. John Major, by Labor leader Neil Kin- Their response was very disappointing nock and Liberal leader Pad(^ Ashdown, hnd even frustrating. Naoroji would often The book is beautifully produced and embellished with innovative and often ously and bluntly told that Parsis did nostalgic illustrations by Petra Rohr- not want their daughters to be Rouendaal. In fact, the book is so well produced that it becomes a prized pos ­ session. And one looks forward to the next book in the Makers of History se ­ ries, on another heroic figure. Nelson Mandela. be want memsahibs ! As the climax to his resplendent ca ­ reer, Naoroji was made president of the 4* i 106 Parsiana March 1993The estrangement of Nariman Veer Nariman — A Profile by Hormazdyar Mahatma s spiritual methods: “I believe plained away. Nariman came to believe S’'paS ‘^,S,aye.'®FuU'' ™ unanimous opin- that Sardar Patel had indeed intervened Properties, 209, D. N. Road, Fort, Bombay 400001. Pp: 33. Price: Not mentioned. It is a sad commentary on our sense of millions will be found to agree with the history that, as H. S. Dalal says in the preface to his Veer Nariman—A Profile, there is not to this day “a single complete work on this silent dedicated figure ” who played a vital role in India ’s freedom struggle. It therefore fell to Dalal to at ­ tempt “to capture the image of a bold, honest and selfless man within this small canvas. ” Indeed, the canvas is too small to do justice to a remarkable personality who ^ew from being a fighter for students ’ rights into a leader of men. The trustees of the Parsi Punchayet, Bombay, deserve I to be congratulated for having under ­ taken to publish brief but informative bi ­ ographies of illustrious men and women of the community, some of whom like Khurshed Framji Nariman have been al ­ most forgotten. Dalal ’s biography, while being informative, raises certain ques ­ tions that will have to be answered when a serious, unpoliticized history of the Nariman: bold and outspoken freedom movement is written. Nariman achieved national standing enemies. Perhaps it also cost him the when he fought and won the long drawn leadership of the Congress Legislative out case pertaining to the reclamation of Party, which went to a lesser known a portion of the Back Bay and the pro ­ posal to build chawls for the poor under the Industrial Housing Scheme. “With ­ out any reserve, with all the responsibil ­ ity that I can command, ” declared Nari ­ man, “I openly make a charge that there ignore Nariman ’s claim, has been serious wasting of public funds... which I can go to the length of meeting of citizens was held at Chow ­ calling frauds. ” Not surprisingly, with patty. A petition signed by more than Patil ’s resignation, he was made leader corruption even then beginning to be a 20,000 people was sent to Pandit of the Municipal Congress Party. This way of life, although the practice of dei- Jawaharlal Nehru calling upon him to set may have been by way of amends, but it fying the corrupt had not yet started, in- aside the election. Workers, trade un- was in the nature of a consolation prize, stead of answering his charges, a defa- ions, the minority communities, all sup- an anti-climax to a brilliant and almost mation suit was filed against Nariman, ported Nariman. dazzling political career. But, fighting his own case, Nariman won Nariman, who at the start had behaved Dalal has done his research well, and vindicated his stand. Later, as president of the Bombay of the Congress, confessed in a dignified with some editing. A few photographs Provincial Congress Committee, Nari- press statement that he had been “hurt ” and a more generous regard to the book ­ man organized the salt movement in the by the decision. At the same time he let ’s production values could have added city, winning praise from all, including said that he would not allow his personal to the worth of this belated tribute to a Mahatma Gandhi. This did not deter feeKngs to affect the national work. But great and gravely wronged man. Nariman from vehemently criticizing the the telegrams could not be easily ex- Burjor K. Karanjia I am voicing the almost unanimous opin- __________________ ion and sentiments of the whole political against him for reasons best known to India when I challenge this position and him, and he said as much to the Ma- unequivocally declare that not one in the hatma. A subsequent “enquiry ” held at the suggestion of Gandhi and with Nari ­ man ’s tacit acceptance, came to the con- »»» ‘Mahatmic view. Such outspokenness was characteris ­ tic of the man, but it made him several elusion that “the charge against Nariman yw , in respect of the election in 1934 is * proved and that made by Nariman against the Sardar is not proved. ” Gandhi in his concurring note said: “My analysis of the situation is that Mr Nari ­ man overestimated his hold on legisla ­ tors and felt the keenest disappointment over his defeat... His advisors and the newspaper propaganda kept up the illu ­ sion. ” Was it really an illusion? Studying the events leading to the dispute and go ­ ing through the entire correspondence between Nariman and Gandhi, one gets the uncomfortable fee ’ing that yvhile the truth has no doubt been revealed, it is by no means the whole truth which, as indicated earlier, must be left to the his ­ torian of the future to unravel. The vindictiveness with which Nari ­ man was punished lends support to this doubt. He was stripped of all offices and made to give an abject apology. His im ­ mense services to the country and his Congress legislator, B. G. Kher. The sacrifices in the cause of freedom were situation took an ugly turn with the reve- forgotten. For Nariman had dared to do lation that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel had the unforgivable — criticize the Ma- sent out two telegrams calling upon the hatma ’s spiritual methods which, ironi- Karnataka and Maharashtra members to cally, are being grossly violated today by those who swear by the Congress! True, after Gandhi ’s death Nariman was taken into the fofd again. After S. K, Mi MSB M I H If ¦ I The entire city rose in protest. A mass Jawaharlal Nehru calling upon him to set aside the election. Workers, trade un ­ ions, the minority communities, all sup ­ ported Nariman. Nariman, who at the start had behaved with exemplary discipline as a member though the manuscript could have done I I ¦J J 106 Parsiana March 1993 II Dispassionate scholarship Faribourz Nariman lowed by 11 sections dealing with differ ­ ent facets of the system of disposal of the dead. In the last section, the author briefly touches upon ‘changes in all ages. ’ A few sentences illustrate his bal ­ anced stance: “Whether we like it or not, changes have taken place... in all ages, but that has not shattered our faith. Changes will continue to take place in a ____ similar manner and with similar results. Zoroastrian ideas of ristakhiz ‘rising of Faith is shattered by misdeeds and false the dead ’ and frashgird ‘renovation, ’ but the same are without any feigned spiri- prayers and ceremonies, theology in Sas- anian times (including some misunder ­ standing on the part of the Sasanians), heaven and hell, eschatology and divine Sasanian Zoroastrianism by Hormazdyar K. Mirza. Published in 1992 by the Delhi Parsi Anjuman, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi 110002. Pp: 16. Price: Not mentioned. Though it is true that the number of justice. Here we find observations on Iranists has rapidly declined over the ~ years, it is equally true that there is no dearth of Parsi interpreters of Zoroastrian tradition and Iranian history. Such inter ­ preters belong to two groups: the hetero ­ dox and the pseudo orthodox. The heterodox group maintains that for ‘true religion ’ we must look to the Gathic times, anything or everything be ­ longing to later times may be rejected if the same is found to be incompatible with the fond beliefs of the higher eche ­ lons of the group. Members of the pseudo orthodox group have their own fond beliefs which they read into the scriptures and Iranian history like their counterparts in the first group. The extremism of the assertions of members of both the groups is the cause of confusion, for extremism is Ahrima- nian (demoniac). Zoroastrianism em ­ braces the mean (Pahlavi patmari} which is synonymous with wisdom. The texts divide wisdom into two types: asn-khrat (innate wisdom) and goshosrut-khrat (ac ­ quired wisdom). Members of the first group seem to be lacking in both. The scholars in the second group can lay Mirza: faith is shattered by misdeeds claim to acquired wisdom but, in the ab ­ sence of innate wisdom, the same re ­ mains ineffectual. Such a state of affairs would lead any normal person to inquire as to who can be regarded as well-equipped to be an interpreter of tradition and history. A provides education for many present day short answer would be, an orthodox who is in possession of both innate wisdom and acquired wisdom. And in this sense, no better person than Hormazdyar Mirza can be found in our community to fit the bill. In about 16 pages Mirza has managed some pseudo orthodox who maintain that to say a few words about Alexander ’s bigamy was not ever practised by conquest of Iran followed by the spread Zoroastrian males. Similarly the hetero- of Greek religious, literary and cultural dox advocates of mixed marriages would ideas, the receding of the latter in the first century, the signs of revival thereaf ­ ter, the rise of Buddhism, Zurvanism, Manichaeism and the prevalence of her ­ esy and scepticism in Iran. While deal ­ ing with these themes, the author informs us about the Avesta in Sasanian times, the Pahlavi translation of the Avesta tual travail as is usual with some Parsi theosophists. In fact the latter would be disappointed to find no mention of rein ­ carnation. A short note on the sudreh and kusti show in the name of religion. ” The re ­ marks aptly recapitulate what has been said elsewhere in the booklet. The author has paid consistent atten ­ tion to traditional texts and documentary 1 evidence and has methodically assessed the significance of every facet of the sub ­ ject matter. And the result is the booklet which gives us useful insights into vari­ ous aspects connected with Sasanian Iran. A booklet which highlights both continuities and changes with dispassion ­ ate scholarship. The Delhi Parsi Anjuman deserves to be congratulated for bringing out this work. Since the president of the Anjuman Lt Gen A. M. Sethna has thought it fit to say “a word about Dastur Mirza ” in his foreword, one wishes he would have added that fdr some time Mirza was a professor in S. B. Garda College, Navsari (Gujarat University) and that, for over three decades, he ren ­ dered yeoman service to our madressas in Bombay, first as a professor and later as the principal of the J. J. Madressa and as fellow of the Bombay University, A few printing errors which have crept in could have been easily avoided. All the same, there can be no doubt that the booklet will prove to be highly edu ­ cative for laymen in India and abroad. Zoroastrians and the same remarks apply to another short note on Sasanian family life. “Generally, ” says Mirza, “monog ­ amy prevailed in Sasanian society, but there are instances of males marrying more than one wife. ” This may distress More rhyme than reason Homi Rogers Life and other Poems by Nadir Godrej. Pub­ lished in 1992 by Maneck Davar tor Sterling Newspapers Ltd, 920, Tulsiani Chambers, Nari ­ man Point, Bombay 400021. Pp: 51 + vi.. Price: Rs 50. be pained to learn that such marriages “were vehemently condemned. ” Kartir, who saved Zoroastrianism from heresy and sectarianism, finds his rightful place in the section entitled “Nadir Godrej would possibly have been ‘moral and ethical principles. ’ The topic of changes in ceremonies is ably dealt with in the next section which is fol ­ the first Indian writer to go into reprint without selling a single copy of his book of poems, ” jests Shridhar Raghavan, an 108 Parsiana March 1993 ? ! < * ?0 assistant editor at Gentleman magazine, includes a poem on Saddam, a farewell also published by Sterling Newspapers poem to his Russian teacher Lyudmila Ltd which released Godrej ’s book last Sergeevna, on divided Europe, a few at- year. Raghavan is referring to the fire tempts at love poems, and a couple of that broke out in the building where the National Geographic-basQd poems on publishing office is lo- “gerenuk ” (an antelope cated and the books are that browses on leaves) stocked. It is a sparkling and Maui (an island in apology for a slightly the Pacific). There is soggy and bent copy of even a seven-page disser- Life and other Poems. tation on The Influence of In a way, the book ’s Pushkin on Vikram Seth physical manifestations followed by notes run- charmingly reflect its ori- ning into five pages. At entations and genesis. one place Godrej informs The fire and water treat- us: ment meted out to the 30 “For often I prefer to read published poems (which . . include five in French) seem an apt continuation Godrej: traditional rhyme of the metaphoric fire and water that Godrej seems to have un ­ dergone on the matter of fundamental re ­ ligion. “I had many arguments about re ­ ligion, ” confesses Godrej in his acknowledgements, penned not in verse but in prose, as his role model Vikram Seth has done for his works. Some of these arguments with friend Claire Smith, a “fundamental mission ­ ary ” (whatever that is) reflect Godrej ’s couragement to him: ” keen and analytical mind. Sample his “Roxan you were our daily dream query in My Friends and God: “Isn ’t it odd I don ’t see God Here by my side Where does he hide? ” and an impassioned poser in Christmas: “Do we really need God above Our fellow man to truly love? ” But despite the questioning approach and a plea for a religion based on love poems, and Godrej compounds their me- and understanding, Godrej ’s work seems diocrity by including in this collection passe, a fact which even the contempo ­ rariness of the 16-line composition on Ayodhya cannot disguise: “It seems that now a mosque does stand Where once a temple stood And for this little piece of land We lose our brotherhood. ” For though the thoughts expressed are consigned to college bulletins, well-intentioned, they mouth the same “ platitudes that philosophers and preach ­ ers have been repeating over the centu ­ ries. And Godrej rarely, if ever, breaks new poetic ground, or charts out an evocative or memorable language to ex ­ press these thoughts. The book is hence a cornucopia - not bouquet - of Godrej ’s ruminations on “many things — but not of cabbages and kings, ” all written in traditional rhyme. It plain verse! ” includes a poem on Saddam, a farewell ¦ O Than watch TV and go to •'.'S seed. ” ’ With all its diversity, Godrej ’s Life... strikes one as a collection of personal statements. Consider his two poems on Ms Roxan Shah, of interest to Parsi readers, who may recall how the denial of Zoroastrian funeral rites to her became a cause cele- bre in the community. And this is how Godrej starts his Elegy to Roxan, who, as per his acknowledgements, he counts among his friends for her “constant en- Your light a powerful, steady beam. ...And now we have all lost the light And Darshan ’s in a sorry plight. ” As for Godrej ’s criticism of the denial: “Alas! you were denied last rites By stupid men and petty fights. Their resolutions banning towers The tragedy ’s not yours but ours. ” It is difficult to find poetry among the two poems delivered by him by way of introduction at business conferences, and one a vote of thanks! Yes, it could be fun (or even funny) to hear a vote of thanks delivered in rhyme, but lines like “And thanks to Renu Seetharam For her efficiency and charm ” are best The author of Life... has a poetic sen ­ sibility, a fine ear for meter and a good sense of rhyme. But, unless Godrej de ­ cides to broaden his canvas, deepen his vision, work on his imagery, he will re ­ main to us aapro Godrej seth, but not an ­ other Vikram Seth. “Pardon us, dear Nadir; the indictment is terse: 'Life...' is no ‘crowning glory ’ - it’s 109 Parsiana March 1993 With best wishes from Farah & Tanya FMILESTONES This month Parsiana publishes intercommunity marriages regis ­ tered both at the Old Customs House and at the MHADA office in Bandra (East) for the six- month period September 1992 to February 1993. Civil marriages between Zoroastrians have also been listed. However, names that could not be confirmed as Zoroastrian have been omitted from the list. There were 10 intercommu ­ nity marriages registered at the MHADA office and 25 at the Old Customs House plus three civil marriages between Parsis. The age of Zoroastrian brides — as listed in this issue — ranged between 19 and 41 years, the arithmetic mean (the total number of individual ages di ­ vided by the total number of brides) being 27 years. The cor ­ responding figures for the grooms were 21 and 60 years, averaging at 30 years. There were 28 births in Bombay in February as com ­ pared to 73 deaths. Twenty-four Zoroastrians fell prey to heart disease, whereas old age and general debility claimed 12 pa ­ tients. The other killers were pneumonia and lung disease (eight), cancer (seven) and brain disease (four). Three victims succumbed to kidney failure and I BOMBAY Born A boy, Yohaan, to Dilnaz and Farhad Khatao on January 22, 1993 A boy to Dilnavaz and Kersi Engineer, January 27 A boy to Almitra and Neville Billimoria-, February 1 A boy to Shiraz and Pervez Contractor, February 2 Twins (girls) to Thrity and Bomi Patel-, February 4 A boy to Zahida and Darayes Appoo-, February 6 A girl to Goolrookh and Rustom Mehta-, February 6 A boy to Freny and Karl Muns hi-, February 6 A girl to Sobeen and Piroj Eichidana; February 7 A girl to Khurshid and Viraf Siganporia-, February 7 A boy to Roshan and Phiroze two each to septicemia and hy ­ pertension. Isolated cases of uri ­ nary tract infection, brain stem herniation, bronchitis, diabetes, asthma, ulcer, tuberculosis, en ­ larged prostrate, nervous disor ­ der, hypotension and anemia were also registered. A still bom baby girl was also lost to the community; a centenarian brea ­ thed his last. 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 sub ­ urban hospitals and private nurs ­ ing homes are not included un ­ less individuals send us informa ­ tion together with a copy of the birth certificate. In the breakup of deaths according to illnesses, especially of the elderly, death is often due to a combination of several diseases. If readers have any births/ marriages/deaths they would like published, some proof to en ­ sure the veracity of the report would be required. We are sure our readers would appreciate this requirement and cooperate with us. Contractor, February 8 A boy to Nilufer and Freddy Tukina-, February 9 A boy to Feroza and Maneck Unwala; February 10 A boy to Jasmine and Jamshed Dubash-, February 12 A girl to Parveen and Phiroze Engineer; February 14 A boy to Dinaz and Nozer Kanga; February 16 A boy to Hut oxi and Pali Avan; February 17 A boy to Khurshid and Aspi Kotwal-, February 17 A girl, Khushnuma, to Hutoxi and Bomi Randelia-, February 18 A girl to Dilnavaz amd Rohinton Karai-, February 19 A boy to Thritty and Farokh Bhanja-, February 20 A girl to Vanessa and Kershaw Colabawalla-, February 20 A boy to Farida and Rohinlon Daruwalla-, February 20 A boy to Dinaz and Maneck Sahiar, February 22 A boy to Tenaz and Navzer Langrana-, February 23 A boy to Sunita and Percy Balsara; February 24 A girl to Daisy and Minoo Gandhi-, February 25 A girl, Cherizeh, to Rashna and Adil Ghadiali-, February 25 A girl to Havovi and Hoshedar Vachha-, February 26 Married Cuckoo Minoo Gandhi and Ajit Sharma-, September 11, 1992 Monalisa Joy Mathew and Rohinton Behram Irani; September 14 Persis Hoshang Bilimoria and Bharat Jaykumar Udeshi-, September 29 Aimee Cavas Pavri and William James Anthony Rego; October 6 Anindita Dhan and Parsius R. Karma-, October 20 Manashni T. Mistry and Rajendrakumar Ramdayal Patva-, October 22 Susan Lin and Hormuz Firoze Siganporia; October 29 Jeroo Farrokh Mulla and Mahendra Sinh Rathore-, October 31 Varsha Vishwas Dhumal and Pharok Soli Lala-, November 6 Reshma Ramesh Trivedi and Ashad Tehemton Udwadia-, November 10 Goolshan Darayas Bhiwandiwalla and Tehmursp Neriosang Panthaki-, November 19 Rohini Jeewan Shewale and Rustom Homi Tarapore-, November 21 Myra Menzie and Burjor Dhunjishah Shroff-, December 6 Anahita Dara Khajotia and Azjz Abbas Lookman-, December 11 Sifra Nissim Samuel and Jamshed Bakhtavar Leniin-, December 15 Padmdja Savithri Bandaru and Minoo Boyce-, December 19 Vispi Russy Lal and Vikram Oberoi-, December 19 Laila Pesi Wadia and Tullio Nicolo Valente-, December 20 Soonoo Phiroze Talati and Minoo Darabsha Contractor; December 21 Joy Ruzbeh Mehta and Dan Steinbrocker, December 22 Anita Romolo Francorsi and Anosh Keki Shroff; December 25 Pramila Daryani and Naval J. Mullan-, December 28 Niloirfer Ghasvala and Ashok Chandrakant Shah-, December 29 Marukh Burjorji Mistry and Minoo Hormusji Balsara-, January 1, 1993 Roshna Homi Dastur and Parminder Singh Thapar; January 2 Sheela Eva Hegde and Zubin Sam Batliwala-, January 3 Freny Homi Mukadam and Homi Jamshed Patel; January 3 Nina Rajanikant Chav da and Darius Dinshaw Engineer, January 4 Cheryl Ann Pereira and Jal Homi Daruwalla-, January 5 Nandita I^argaret Paul and Percy Homi Pavri-, January 7 Gulshan Darabshaw AspaPoI Kalyan and Keki Sorabji Patel-, January 9 Anaita Darius Udwadia and Hemanth Hegde-, January 10 Ruby Homi Ghandhy and Zubeen Dara Nallaseth-, January 10 Anjarut Hariram and Farhad Jamsheed Taraporvala-, January 16 Rukshana Khodu Shelangi and Feroze Cavas Titina; January 17 Jasmin Eruch Kharas and Rayomand Behram Gazdar; January 18 Jennifer Fernandes and Monzam Phiroze Murzban-, January 18 Kashmira Manchershaw Mistry and Darius Maneck Patel-, January 19 Ruby Amrolia and Anand Malshe-, January 21 Anahita Xerxes Desai and Hari Rajpal Singh Bhinder, January 22 Nina Adi Doctor and Percy Minoo Daruwala-, January 24 Maharukh Dinshaw Irani and Ratan Rustom Daruwalla-, January 24 Behzad Viraf Dhalla and Histas Homi Randeria-, January 24 Geeta S. Londhe and Adil Firoze Mistry-, January 28 Roshni Dadiba Tata and Adil Dinshaw Siganporia-, January 28 I j 111 Parsiana March 1993 ¦ *i f Cyrus Hoshang Sarkari; February 25 Benaifer Soli Ke.rawalla and Yazdi Jal Sopariwalw, February 25 Ros han Bahadur Bulsara and Kersi flormusjee Toddy^alla', February -21 Gulanar Dinshaw Irani and Kayowarze Behmard Felfeli; February 28 Farida Noshir Elavia and lloshang llomi Vandriwala; February 28 Feruza Nosh 'ir Andhyarujina and Fredy Kek.i Vapiwalla\ February 28 Vinifer Miruyo Daji and Aspi Tehmuras Wadia; February 28 and Yazdi Jal Bhof, Febniary 11 Jasmine Burjor Dalal and Kali Dinshaw Cawasji', February 11 Marjusha Manodhar Raut and Sharookh Bomansha Daruwalla’ , February 11 Thrity Cawas Kabir and Faredoon Murzban Umriger ', February 11 Sillu Jimmy Bhagwagar and Kurush Behram Sanjana; February 12 Shirin Behram Contractor and Rohinton Rashid Wadia; February 12 Sunnu Dali Jasoomoney and Kersi llomi Patel; February 13 Farida Bamansha Daruwalla and Kurush Aspandiar Irani; February 14 Nilufer Soli Mistry and Kurush Nader Shroff; February' 14 Anita Bell Dhalla and Mehernosh Ardeshir lalati; Febniary 14 Aban Tehmurasp Bhumgara and Sharookh Godrej Appoo; Pebruary )5 Arwciity Ratanshaw Kapadia and Cyrus Eruchshaw Katrak; February 15 Bakhtavar Freddy Daruwalla and llomi Bomi Mislry; February 15 Roxana Murzban Umrigar and Rohinton Phiroze Bhadha; February' 16 Avan Ratan Bhathena ;md Cyrus Naval Mistry; February' 16 Jeroo llomi Jalnawalla and Kaizad Beji Bhaya of Ahmedabad; February 18 Khurshid Adi Sanjana and Jamshed Burjor Jussawalla; February 18 Shirin Nariman Chaina and Sarosh Earokh Tarapore; February 18 Meher llomi Minocher and Firoz Jal Bardi; February 19 Ruby Adi Balivalla and llomi Sorabji Pastakia; February 19 Delna Mahiyar Jamaji and Jimmy Rusi Mistry; February 20 Sima Asfandiar Azarmehcr of Tehran and Bijan Khodabandeh ; Yazdani-Buicki of California; February 22 Arzan Keki Irani and Farhad Esfandiar Ostavari; February 23 Nina Dara Zaiwalla and Edul Pali Dhondy; February 23 Yasmin Pervez Bhalhenc^ and Gev Bezon Aga; February 25 Shernaz Behram Bhagwagar and Aspi Noshir Bulsara; February 25 Shernaz Rustom Sutaria and Daisy Fall Vachha and Percy i Rustom Naterwalla; January 29 Jasmine Jamshed Irani and ' Farokh Rumi Tatary; January 29 Rushna Bomi Mistry and Khusharoo Rohinton Forbes; January 30 Sunnu Darabsha Mahuvawalla and Mehernosh Vafadar Irani; January 30 Nilufer Bilimoria and Puneet Bhabiagar; January 31 Tanaz Edul Sethna and Meherwan Rusi Daruvala; January 31 Zenobia Adi Vakil of Dahanu and llomyar Behli Naterwala; January 31 Nilufer Mehali Kavarana and Yazad Pervez Damania; February 1 Perces Sohrab Meherhomji and Hormuz Aspy Bulsara; February 2 Kashmira Bomi Daroga and Aspi Loveji Dadina of Thane; February 2 Khushnood Lovejoy Meher- vanjee and Adil Eruch Vakil; February 4 Lanavaz ShapurSubedarand Ratan Jehangir Cooper; February 5 Hilloo Rustom Pavri and Burjor Fall Mehta; February 5 Kashmira Shapur Irani and Neville Kersi Patel; February 5 Mahazarin Darabsha Kapadia and Zen Tehemtom Bharucha; February 6 Tanaz Dorab Tata and Rohinton Jamshed Contractor; February 7 Parinaz Naval Cooper and Zareer Noshir Gandhi; February 7 Dinaz Dara Engineer of Poona and Burzin Dolly Navsariwalla; February 8 Khushnutn Dinshaw Nater^alla and Cyrus Edulji Raimalwala; February 8 Rozana Jal Rivetna and Nozer Edulji Raimalwala; February 8 Meher Jangoo Mandroina and Cyrus Fall Tarapore; February 8 Azma Tahir and Minoo Dastoor; February 9 Hutoxi Rusi Medhora and Farrokh Rusi Powvalla; February 9 Parizad Meherji Makati and lloshang Jamshed Randelia; February 9 Eileen Phiroze Murzban and Rasheed Sorab Ardeshir; February 11 Mehernaz Minoo Khambatta Died Eiroze Nauzer Kanga ('ll). Beau Rivage, Warden Road, 400026; September 24, 1992 (cremated) Cavas Eramroze Khar as (JX), Alimohamed Mans, Grant Road, 400007; December 20 Rustomji Khurshedji Aibara (93), residing at 18, Surti Chmbs, 2nd Dhobitalao Lane, 400002; January 31 Boman Pallonji Lalkaka (84), 6-A, Readymoncy Bldg, 786, Lady Jehangir Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; February 1 Najoo Sorahji Mehta (KI), 655, Firdausi Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; February 2 'Tehmina Sorabji Bharucha (84), Contractor Bldg, Kashinath St, 400034; February 3 Mehera Meherji Bhathena (82), 4/23, A. H. Wadia Baug, Parel Tank Rd, 400033; February 3 Roshan llomi Dastur (60), 4, Dhunjishaw Daruwala Bldg, Tata Blocks, Turner Rd, Bandra, 400050; February 3 Dara Eurdoonji Dhondy (83), 8, Jairaj Peerbhoy Bldg, 28, Forjett St, 400036; February 3 ManeckJal Dubash (74), E-35, Jer Baug, Dr Ambedkar Rd, Byculla, 4()0027; February 3 Shera Caw as Karkaria (83), Contractor Bldg, Kashinath St, Tardeo, 400034; February 3 Jivanji Edulji Mistry (82), Jivanji Mistry Hse, 162, Khetwadi Baek Rd, 4(X)004; February 3 Dhun Manchersha Sidhwa (19), C/o M. D. Dastur, 625/1, Nariman Bldg, Dhobitalao, 400002; February 3 Shahjehan Shavakshah Kolsawala (81), Wimbridge Hse, 16, Sleater Rd, 400007; February 4 Keki Phirozsha Lali (79), 10/A, Tata Clny, Sir Ratan Tata Rd, 400034; February 4 Amy Bapuji Mulia-feroze (69), 10, Zaveri Bldg, Opp Albless Baug, Girgaum, 400004; February 4 Vicaji Jehangirji Seervai (82), A, Pipewalla Bldg, S. B, Singh Rd, 400005; February 4 Baby girl of Khurshid Mehemosh Avasia (stillborn), E/32, Jer Baug. Dr Ambedkar Rd, Byculla, 400027; February 5 Minocher Manekji Dhaila (93), Panday Sanatorium, Wodehouse Rd, Colaba, 400005; February 5 Cyrus Adarji Fouzdar (60), D/14, Nowroz Baug, Lalbaug, 400012; February 6 Minoo Meherwanfi Khambatta (84), 203/A, Lokhandwalla Complex, Off Link Rd, Andheri (W), 400058; February 6 Behramji Sorabji Motiwalla (70^0-25(003, Yo^i Krishna Soc, Yogi Ngr, Exar Rd, Borivli 400091; February 6 Nafiman Ardeshir Aria (80), 15/A, Shellim Hse, 12th Khetwadi Cross Lane, 400004; February 7 Jal Pirojshaw Deboo (82), Baj Bldg, 171, Khetwadi Back Rd, 400004; Februaiy' 7 Najoo Homi Soonawalla (64), D-18, Nowroz Baug, Lalbaug, 400012; February 7 Rustom Sorabji Wadia (78), Meher Homes, Opp Rly Sm, Jogeshwari (W), 400102; February 7 Banoo Ardeshir Driver (93), 10 Station Ter, Sleater Rd, 400007; February 8 Pirojshaw Dorabji Italia (79), 530, Kanchwalla Bldg, Chira Bazar, 400002; February 8 Behram Nusserwanji Taraporewala (67), 443, Ajay Niwas, Chira Bazar, 400002; February 8 Cover Faredoon Patel (Irani) (85), New Mistry Bldg, Bala- ram St, Foras Rd, 400007; February 9 Minoo (Minocher) Rustomji Patel (70), C/o F. K. Bhathena, A/14, A. S. Mistry Bldg, Dr Shirodkar Rd, Parel, 400012; February 9 Nariman Hirjibhoy Divecha (100), Coover Cottage, Malcolm Baug, Jogeshwari (W), 400102; February 11 Piroja Dinshaw Irani (65), % j 112 Parsiana March 1993 *» 10/13, Tata Clny, Tardeo, 400034; February 12 Pestonji (Bapoo) Dhanjibhai Kapadia (88), B, Bhatia Co-op Soc, Princess St, 400002; February 12 Aloo Limji Batliboi (76), Gilder Villa, 17, Perry Cross Rd, Bandra, 400050; February 13 Kaikhasro Jamshedji Commis­ sariat (93), 291, Bawla Bldg, Tardeo Rd, 400007; February 13 Pheroze Jal Malegam (66), Edwin No 1, Perry Rd, Bandra, 400050; February 13 Jamsheed Dorab Nagarwalla (78), La Citadelle, Queens Rd, 400020; February 13 Pervez Jal Soonawala (59), 16/A, Belle-View, 85, B. Desai Rd, 400036; February 13 ManijehR. Balsara (79), Zoravar Mans, Queens Rd, 400020; February 14 Jer Byram Kanga (68), Sett Hse, 31, Agiary Lane, Off Bazar Gate St, Fort, 400001; February 14 Mini Burjor Patel (57), 15, Saraswati, Veer Savarkar Ngr, Vasai (W), 401202; February 14 Dhun Keki Wadia (80), 678, Noor Mhl, Katrak Rd, Wadala, 400031; Februaiy 14 Jehangir Pestonji Hiramaneck (85), 347-C, United Chmbs, Chami Rd Jn, 400007; February 17 Bomi Behramsha Khambatta (62), C/o 4, Batliwalla Bldg, Khan Est, M. M. C. Rd, Mahim, 400016; February 18 Homi Ardeshir Mistry (61), F/8, Shapur Baug, V. P. Rd, 400004; February 18 Darabsha Edulji Naterwalla (81), 4/3, Gamadia Clny, Tardeo, 400007; February 18 Khushru Aspandiar Seniar (Irani) (89), A/12, Nandan Co-op Hsg Soc, Veer Savarkar Marg, Mahim, 400016; February 18 Jaiji Kaikhushroo Bhesania (92), 275/S, Albless Bldg, Zoroastrian Clny, Tardeo Rd, 40(X)07; February 19 Jal Shapurji Billimoria (75), 21, Cuffe Parade, Colaba, 400005; February 19 Manek Nariman Postwala (85), 4, Queen ’s Court, M. Karve Rd, Churchgate, 400020; February 19 Nergish Padam Tarapore (71), B-2, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039; February 20 Dinshaw Kaikhushru Antia (66), 22/A, Wellington Ter, Wellington St, 400002; February 21 Khorshed Kekashru Bugli (89), 275-D, Soona Bldg, Zoroasirian Clny, Chikalwadi, 400007; February 21 Nergish Nariman Chichgar (72), C/o R. D. Vandriwalla, A, Durlabh Bhuvan, Jalbhai St, 400004; February 21 Noshirwan Erachshah Cooper (85), 787, Jame Jamshed Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; February 21 Banoo Rustamji Ghyara (67), Chotani Bldg, 52-D, Ih-octor Rd, 400007; February 21 Menu Ardeshir Irani (80), C/o Homi J. Kermani, 665, Band View, Lady Jehangir Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; February 21 Rutty Nusserwanji Sadri (83), H-13, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039; February 21 Dolly Ardeshir Saklatwala (73), Lady Dorab Tata Bldg No 1, Tata Blocks, S. V. Rd, Bandra (W), 400050; February 21 Piloo Behram Sukhia (49), MI/52, Merwanjee Cama Park, Cama Rd, Andheri (W), 400058; Februaiy 22 Dadiba Bejonji Kalrak (80), 12, C. M. Banaji Bldg, Forjelt St Cross Lane, Gowalia Tank Rd, 400036; February 23 Parvei Darabshaw Randeria (53), Dinshaw Bldg, Parsiwad, Doodh Naka, Kalyan, (Dist) Thane, 421301; February 23 Kerbanoo Kaikaoos Bhagwagar (94), 611, J. B. Dalal Block, Jame Jamshed Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; February 24 Homai Ardeshir Irani (72), 174, Irani Bldg, Dr Ambedkar Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; February 24 Dinshaw Jamshedji Mahudavala (81), N-4, Cuff Castle, Cuffe Parade, Colaba, 400005; February 25 Homi Dadabhai Taraporevala (83), 14/1, Malcolm Baug, Jogeshwari (W), 400102; February 25 Cooverbai Behramshaw Gamat (86), 11, Ali Manzil, Balaram St, Grant Rd, 400007; February 26 Rustom Dhunjishaw Karani (80), 12, Ness Baug Annexe 3, Nana Chowk, 400007; February 26 Alloo Shcheriarjee Karanjia (71), B-42, Gool Mill, Slcaler Rd, 400007; February 26 Ranimai Sohrabji Tata (86), 11, Khareghat Clny, N. S. Patkar Marg, 400007; February 26 Shiavax Dinshawji Variava (86), Queen ’s Chmbs, Queen ’s Rd, 400020; February 26 Mehran Manekshaw Langrana (88), A/11, Rustom Baug, Victoria Rd, Byculla, 400027; February 27 Homi Ratan Batliwalla (81), Acropolis, Middle Colaba, 400005; Februaiy 28 Dosu Pirojshaw Desai (50), C/o T. N. Nanavati, A, Mom Apts Co-op Hsg Soc, Yari Rd, Versova, 400068; Februaiy 28 Nozer Dinshaw Wadia (64), Bhanu Khush, Malcolm Baug, 37 and 38, Jogeshwari, 400102; Februaiy 28 CALCUTTA Born A girl, Snaya, to Sheena and Farhad Master; October 8, 1992 Married Yasmeen Redder of Bombay and Jehangir Vatcha; February 18, 1993 Died Shirin Darab Driver, mother of Jchangir Faredun Dalal, February 27 .JAMSHEDPUR Died Behram Savaksha Patel; January 13 POONA Died Phiroza Maneck Karanjiwala (70), C/o Contractor, Bha- veshwar, Nepean Sea Rd, Bombay, 400026; February 2 Dorab Savakshaw Patel (86), Above Sunnydalc, Dastur Meher Rd, 411001; February 16 SURAT Died Villoomai Bahadurji Sherdiwala (11), Puniman Marg, Godedod Rd, 395003; February 1 Honuii Hormuzdshaw Tadiwala (83), Nariman Home and Infirmary, Shahpore, 395003; February 1 Meherbai Darabshaw Aibada (82), Block No 14, Gujarat Hsg Soc, Rander, 395005; February 8 Kekashru Nusserwanji Tadiwala (75), Bharband Wad, Rani Talao, 395003; February 8 Darabshaw Nusserwanji Variava (80), Parsi Wad, Saiyedpura, 395003; February 13 Dosamai Kuverji Bhathawala (78), Khadi Mohallo, Bhatha, Dist Surat, 394510; February 24 COZUMEL, Mexico Died Niloufer Mike Hagen, mother of Nicole and Eric; February 2 HAMILTON, Canada Died Manek Panthaky (43), husband of Pam and son of Sheroo and Dinyar; February 17 KARACHI Born A girl, Taronish, to Dilshad and Firdous Irani; October 21,1992 A girl, Tanaz, to Anita and Rustom Asli; October 25 A boy. From, to Yasmin and Sheroy Haveliwala; Decembersfl4 A girl, Deenesh, to Meena ^d Pervez Bhesania; January 9, 1993 I i Married Dilnaz Eruch Aga and Zarksis Byram Avari; September 17,1992 Dilnavaz Minocher Sethna and Kaikobad Mehervan Rustomji; September 18 Yasmin Kaikhusru Katila and Aspi Homi Sethna; November 12 Shahnaz Kaikhusru Izdiar and Yazdi Burjor Sethna; November 14 Naznin Espandiar Irani and Hoshedar Rustom Firozpurwala; Hovcmber 23 Aban Ratan Ankleseria and Adi Eruch Kapadia; December 11 Farzana Ardesher Nadirshah and Kairasp Kavas Noshirwani; December 25 Parvin Jehangir Karanjia and Murzban Rustom Ogra; December 25 Juliet Minoo Aibara and Julien Cyrus Patloo; January 10,1993 4 Died Putlamai Naoroji Kabraji (97); December 11, 1992 Shirinbai Ardesher Irani (80); December 12 Kaikhusru Jamshedji Kapadia (88); December 17 Khurshed Dadabhai Mama (77); 113 Parsiana March 1993¦I I i December 17 Minoo Faramji Cooper (55); December 18 Khorshed Fakirji Golawalla (91); December 18 Eruchshaw Bomanji Mehta (90); January 27, 1993 i I MELBOURNE Born A boy, Danesh (Bahram), to Aban and Shapur Irani-, January 9 MISSISSAUGA, Ontario Married Shirin Modarai, daughter of Pehdokht and Jamshid and Farzad Ardishiri, son of Bibi and Mahyar; September 20, 1992 NEW JERSEY Died Jal Mehta (50), husband of Navaz and father of Rouzan and Navroze; December 26 NEW SOUTH WALES Born A girl, Shara, to Binaifer and Karl Irani-, January 30, 1993 NIAGARA FALLS Married Benaifer Kermani of Olney, Illinois, daughter of Nargis and Shahrukh and John Patrie Devine; October 25, 1992 Daraius Batliwalla-, September 21,1992 Married Mahbanoo Khosravi, daughter of Shahnaz and Ciroos and Farzad Behboodi; October 10 Goolrukh Tlosie Surli and Gerry Yant ha', November 21 Died Pervez Wankadia\ September 21 TULSA, Oklahoma Died Edalji Dhunjisha Anklesaria, husband of Manijeh and father of Maneck and Dhun; December 25 VANCOUVER Married Nazanin Mehin and Cyrus Pourooshasb of Chicago; November 21 VIRGINIA Born A girl, Laureu Allison, to Susan and Behram Dalal, sister to Jason; November 25 WASHINGTON STATE Born A boy, Farzam, to Fariba and Behruz Shokri; October 22 Compiled by Roxana A. Mirza The telling figures Masina Hospital. It includes off ­ spring of inter-community mar ­ riages irrespective of whether the father or mother is a Zoroas ­ trian. As the Bombay Municipal Corporation no longer cites reli ­ gion on the birth certificate, we have no official count of the to­ tal number of community births in the city. Iiowever if we were to take the average of the Greater Bombay birth figures from 1981 to 1990, the count comes to 557. While the actual birth count shows a decline of three over the 1991 total of 319, deaths in 1992 have mounted by 72 over the 1991 count of 886. If the 1992 death toll of 958 (we had access to records maintained by the doongerwadi and the Chan- danwadi crematorium though not to those of the three other crematoria in Bombay) were to be compared with the estimated births, 557, in the same year, we will'notice that the strength of the community in the city has The number of community mar ­ riages in Bombay showed a de ­ cline of 110 in 1992 over the pre ­ ceding year ’s total of 370. Si­ multaneously, intercommunity marriages were down from 88 in 1991 to 67 in 1992. However, the 260 community marriages in 1992, a leap year, need not nec ­ essarily be perceived as an alarming trend: In the course of the last three decades there were four leap years when the totals showed a substantial drop over those of the immediately preced ­ ing and succeeding years. Three leap years during this period however did not register a simi ­ lar departure from the norm. The percentage of inter ­ community marriages in 1992 is therefore seen to have risen to 26 (if calculated as intercommunity marriages to community marriages - 67:260) and 20 (if calculated as a ratio of intercommunity marriages to the total number of marriages -- 67:327). The respective 1991 figures were 24 percent and 19 • gone down by nearly 400. percent. .............. ... ' The 1992 birth count of 316, we have arrived at on the basis of information supplied by the B. D. Petit Parsee General Hospital, the Breach Candy Hospital, the Parsi Lying-in Hospital and the a ratio of t We list belowlthe 1992 fig ­ ures: Born: Boys 169, Girls 147 Married: Parsi 260 Intercommunal 67 Died: Interred 950 Cremated 8 PALM HARBOR, Florida Born A boy, Jamsheed, to Mahrukh and Feroze Motajram', October 20 A TOTALS FOR 1992 AND 1993 Bombay B C QUEENSLAND, Australia Died Xerxes Captain son of Jilloo and Shahpur; January 10 SANTA CLARA, California Born A girl, Tasha, to Meher and Afshad Mistri, December 15 TAMPA, Florida Born A boy, Cyrus, to Artahita and Hoshedar Tamboli-, January 9, 1993 TORONTO Born A girl. Zinnia, to Meher and BORN Boys Girls 18 12 169 147 23 22 Other Indian cities A B C A Foreign cities 1 B < C 1 7 6 1 5 - 7 28 32 2 2 MARRIED Parsi Intercommunal 68 35 260 67 114 14 1 5 6 4 12 2 16 10 1 i « DIED INTERRED Male Female CREMATED Male Female A: Total numbers in this issue B: Running totals for 1992 (February 1992-February 1993 issues) C: Running totals for 1993 IJiese figures pertain to infonnation provided _______ __ _____ number of births, marriages and deaths in the Zoroastrian community in India and abroad. 44 30 444 506 95 69 4 6 11 92 19 9 9 4 46 30 3 1 1 1 5 3 to or collected by Parsiana. They do not represent the total 114 Parsiana March 1993 b r1 IN MEMORIAM The Marker family tragedy Parinaz Gandhi Back to Secunderabad the Marker family was heading. Back to their respective vocations where Noshir as managing director of Markwel Hose Industries Private Limited had to gear up for the export of his products, where wife Sanober, formerly on the Parsiana editorial team, was committed to the dif ­ ferent charitable causes that she supported, and where their school-going children Tushna, Erachsha and Rostam had their academic careers ahead of them. Suddenly their lives came to a tragic end on January 16, 1993 when the Maruti 1000 by which they were travelling collided with a tanker near Khopoli on the Bom bay-Poona Highway. While it is believed to have been instan ­ taneous death for the couple and the two sons, daughter Tushna, according to eyewitness reports, breathed her last on the way to the hospital. The tragic incident coincided ! with the week when communal riots in Bombay had the police and hospital staff Tushna, Erachsha and Rosiam working overtime. Even then Noshir ’s bereaved family in Bombay gratefully in the conduct of the affairs ot the acknowledges the assistance from the po- Anjuman. Sanober was a gentle, kind lice who ensured that all personal be ­ longings were returned and arranged for Anjuman. lady who was ready to extend her help to all and was a silent social worker. Dr ambulances for the bodies to be brought Marker did a lot of charity without any- to Bombay where, after the necessary one knowing about it. Their children formalities were completed, they were interred at Doongerwadi. The funeral riles for the deceased were performed al the Allbless Bungli in the presence of a one knowing about it. were sweet, well-mannered...popular in school and had a lot of friends who will miss them. ” This resolution was passed recover the costs from his patients. So at a condolence meeting jointly organ- large number of friends and sympathizers ized by PZASH, the Zoroastrian Stree who had gathered to condole the un ­ timely demise of the well-loved Marker family. “Dr Noshir Marker was an active member of the managing committee of the Parsi Zoroastrian Anjuman of Secun ­ derabad and Hyderabad (PZASH) and had given his sound advice and service Noshir and Sanoher Marker with children Mandal, Secunderabad-Hyderabad, the Zoroasirian Club, Secunderabad and the Bai Ratanbai J. Chenoy Parsi High School, Secunderabad on January 25, 1993. As a committee member of the Zoroastrian Stree Mandal that is in ­ volved in the upliftmcni of the less fortu- nate Parsis, “Sanober took an active and keen interest in all the Mandal activities and carried out her duties with enthusiasm, ” acknowledge her colleagues. Hailing from the well-known Chenoy fam­ ily of Secunderabad, Sanober was also trustee of several Parsi foundations in Secunderabad, medical clinics and other charitable welfare causes. The Bai Ratanbai J. Chenoy Para High School where as trustee she “took personal in ­ terest in the well-being (of) the children ao^ the staff ’ now considers itself “or ­ phaned by her death. ” Prior to migrating to Se­ cunderabad Noshir pursued the medical profession in Bombay. For a while he was working with a government homeopathic institution and served as resident medical He of schools. * officer at the Masina Hospital. started under well-known homeopath Dr Sarosh Wadia and subsequently had the opportunity to work under Dr Dinyar Gamadia and Col IX R. Bharucha. “In the early ’70s he wa"s drawing a princely remuneration of Rs 250 per month, ” ac ­ cording to a family source. Yet, the high cost of setting up a private practice he was not able to justify, believing that his Hippocratic oath does not permit him to he decided to forsake his medical career (although he continued to treat family, friends, employees) for a thriving busi ­ ness that he established from scratch. Availing of the government conces ­ sions and incentives to start industries in backward areas, he chose the region Pat- tancheruvu (60 km from Secunderabad) where he established a factory for the manufacture of hydraulic high pressure 115 Parsiana March 1993rubber hoses under the trade name of gish, brothers Keki, Farokh, Adi, Aspy, els was conferred on him for his merito- Markwel. Whether chemical or textile or Jimmy and sister Dhun Palia. Sanober is heavy engineering or shipping industry, survived by her parents Firooza and As- it was the Markwel hoses that were put to " use by government and private concerns, his elder brother gives a brief recap of Noshir ’s business achievements. Noshir ’s study of this manufacturing process in the United States led to his hoses being regarded as a good import 81, former pre ­ substitute within India. His hoses were sident of the to have made a mark on the European Earth Science market too. Barely three weeks before Society of In- the disaster he was in Italy to finalize ne- dia and vice gotiations under which an Italian firm president of the was to send their machinery to India and Mining the production under Noshir ’s supervi- Allurgical So- sion was to have been exported to the ciety of India, European market, recalls an associate. Pressures of work had contributed to June 3, 1992 rious service to a Christian institution. I ii f i business tad Chenoy, and brother Sam. While the gold cross the family still 1 cherishes, the box of jewels Sukheswala insisted on returning to the College dur ­ ing his lifetime, mentions his son Pervez. The academically inclined Sukhes ­ wala had a storehouse of books and peri ­ odicals on life sciences which were gifted away after his demise. Until 1989 when he met with an acci ­ dent whilst riding his scooter Sukheswala continued to be active with his research work. After the accident he had to forego the evening walks that he enjoyed a lot and with the onset of Parkinson ’s disease he was more or less confined to the house thereafter. Always happy to return to his roots, he would make three to four trips a year to Bulsar, his hometown, where he was A geologist who studied the Deccan born and did his schooling at the R. J. J. trap rocks extensively, Sukheswala had A. V. School and the Bai Avabai High come up with unusual findings descri- School. Many a local resident is said to bing some of the rock types and the fos- have been helped by Sukheswala. i The geologist is survived by his son area. He was the first to discover a tor- Pervez and daughter Dhun Nariman toise fossil, points out Sam Sethna for- Deboo. ’» p.g. mer vice principal of St Xavier ’s Col- Gem of a geologist Died: Dr Ratan Nadirshaw Sukheswala, and in Bombay on 49-year-old Noshir ’s heart problem three following Parkinson ’s disease, years ago but his infectious “genial and jovial ” nature stood him in good stead. He would be in Bombay at least four to six times a year, sometimes alone, some ­ times with the family who never tired of sil-fauna off the bed at Bombay ’s Worli vacationing in Mahabaleshwar, remem ­ bers a cousin. And if the flights were booked or out of gear as in January last when the Indian Airlines pilots were on lege, in his tribute to Sukheswala carried strike, the family would drive down to in the Indian Geological Magazine. Bombay. Before taking up residence in Secun ­ derabad, Sanober was teaching at Bom ­ bay ’s Wilson College, tutoring students in English. She also worked as sub-edi ­ tor at Parsiana for a while where she is found a place in publications like Cur- remembered as a soft-spoken, self-effac- rent Science, and periodicals of the Geo- ing colleague. An interest in English 45- logical Society of America and the Min- year-old Sanober retained even while at ing. Geological and Metallurgical Insti- Deboo. Following death “The geoscientists who came in contact aCCidCnt with him always found him...willing to discuss their problems and help them Before a body can be interred at the find a solution, ”- notes an associate. Bombay doongerwadi or consigned to Sukheswala ’s research findings have the crematorium, there are certain for ­ malities that have to be completed in the event of death by accident. The matter first needs to be reported to the police „—----- station in whose jurisdiction the accident Secunderabad, being actively associated tute of India. As a postdoctoral research took place. Irrespective of whether with the Poetry Society of Hyderabad. fellow it was at the Columbia University postmortem examination has been car- All the three children were students at that the geoscientist broadened his men- the Hyderabad Public School with 16- year-old Tushna studying in standard XI, 14-year-old Erachsha in standard IX and had an enduring commitment. He gradu- -'-2 ated from that institution, later went on to take up the post of lecturer in the geo- _________ logy department there and subsequently of conducting a postmortem examina- headed it for nearly two decades. During his tenure he was instrumental in intro- “Charming and ducing a postgraduate degree course in fellow it was at the Columbia University postmortem examination has been ried out by an authorized agency, it is tai horizons, notes a life sketch. mandatory to obtain a No Objection Cer- With St Xavier ’s College Sukheswala tificate from the coroner ’s office situated within the J. J. Hospital complex. Depending on the merits of the case the coroner will decide on the necessity 10-year-old Rostam in standard VI. While the elder two children took an avid interest in environmental issues, Rostam was keen on sports,particularly headed it for nearly two decades. During tion. If a postmortem examination has swimming, competing in aquatic events his tenure he was instrumental in intro- been done on a body, the coroner issues a at inter-school meets. “Charming and ducing a postgraduate degree course in warrant sanctioning the disposal of the friendly are the attributes proffered by geology at the Bombay University. Even body. Where postmortem examination is Ms Armin Wadia, secretary of the after retirement from active service, as Zoroastrian Stree Mandal, to describe the professor emeritus he continued to guide . .. . .. . . and teach postgraduate research students, proceed to its final resting place. In case of death outside the city lim ­ its, even if a body is to be brought to not deemed necessary, his office issues a letter of authority permitting the body to Marker children who “took leading parts in all social and cultural activities of the Parsi community... (They) were an asset Benemerenti Certificate and gold medal “ ’ from Pope Paul VI was awarded to him Bombay after completing the procedural in 1968, the centenary year of the Col- requirements, it is imperative to obtain a lege. This distinction which carries a clearance from the Bombay coroner, gold cross, a certificate and a box of jew- to the community and their loss is one which our small community could ill af ­ ford. ” Noshir is survived by his mother Ner- 116 Parsiana March 1993 In recognition of his dedication the > 1 3 ! ! ' r > "