Apr 1993

I is ¦gs i 1 Q 1 fi i1 I, I •P .-S’ , ^*7<';'' * * _^' / 3 kAT^CSBH _x”\v3S?CR 'S-.-< A- 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 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, Khureshan Mandviwalla MANAGEMENT Jasmine Driver OFFICE Nowzer Batliwala April 1993 Volume 15 Number 10 2 Readers ’ Forum 10 Events and Personalities 16 Zoroastrians Abroad 23 Jamshed Guzder: “Here to serve ” by Arnavaz Mama 29 Looking through stained glass by Parinaz Gandh> 33 Books 36 Milestones 40 In Memoriam * Cover: Photograph by Gustasp Irani OFFICE ASSISTANTS Umesh Poojary, Selvan Mark, Sunil Sakhare, Pramod Patil 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 Ltd, 300 Perin Nariman Street, Bombay 400001. Color processing. Comart Litho ­ graphers: black and white processing, Samir Scantech Pvt Ltd. All rights reserved. ISSN: 0971-3786 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, Indan Rs 600) for two years. For Indian upcountry cheques add Rs 5 for bank charges; for US cheques add $ 5; for UK cheques add £ 3. Cheques and drafts are to be drawn in favor of Parsiana and posted to GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001. I/ t READERS' FORUM j,-, 111»f i ?»;, „ I I > O * • ’ » ? » 5 I,o *>* • i« I«I ‘ > t K ‘ V,, I O t « » » 4 . » . 119 4 > > ;?«»«»»>, Ml»I»»» on * o *»ij.» jtliiliiii’u. Oil t»» »»I -A > ’»»»» * • ? > » . »». »- »* *»*« * » » » * ‘ - IM ft'-*»» n f t|M« »? IV '4 I > ? I) n»»»1 •.. I bl J’ •itfiHini! * I"® "S- * >ui I : had given of their efforts — whether their ideology differed from that of the managing committee or not — was of ­ fered the same token of gratitude for ser ­ vices rendered to the community. In an ­ swer to the questions posed in Mr Vajifdar ’s article, can one contend that because no one has ever said “thank you ” “The Uncommon in the...” It was with sadness that we read your ar ­ ticle, “The Uncommon in the House of Commons ” (Parsiana, December 1992). A charitable interpretation to allow for reasons which led you to publish Mr ' Farrokh Vajifdar ’s extremely biased ver ­ sion of the Dadabhai centenary celebra ­ tions at Zoroastrian House is perhaps that before, that it should never be said? it is not often that a periodical reports the miraculous! Reference Mr Vajifdar ’s highly biased and inaccurate points made version of events... “Zarathushtra in all in Mr Vajifdar ’s account of the proceed- his framed glory kept his gaze firmly ings, but this committee has many new averted from the proceedings! ” members who do not pander to past fac- May we suggest that Mr Vajifdar put tions and enmities. We feel that the ef- his talents to better use by accurately re ­ porting what was intended to be, and was indeed held by the community at large as community at large, rather than scoring being, a successful and fitting celebra- propaganda brownie points. We will tion of the life and times of a great man. Furthermore, the centenary celebrations in India were directly influenced by our initiative in London to celebrate this rate account of ^ents together with pho ­ great and historical event. tographs was submitted to you by oui Notwithstanding the personal agenda president, which seems to havelieen ig- and vested interests of certain disruptive nored. elements in the UK, it does not behove a .T We could continue to refute the forts of the committee are best directed in progressing the work that benefits the leave that to the likes of Mr Vajifdar — if he so desires. May we also point out that an accu- •J Could we therefore submit that a pub- Readers' views are welcome on any subject publication of Parsiana'& reputation to lication of your standing does not sub- of Interest to the community and should publish an inaccurate and totally biased scribe to these antics and in future con- be sent to the Editor, Readers* Forum, Parsiana, Q.P.O. Box 892, Bombay 400001. Letters are subject to editing for reasons of space and clarity. Unsigned letters or those the published version of events. To point without an address will not be published. article. There are several contradictions, inaccuracies and deliberate omissions in out a few: •The price of the total function which in ­ cluded lunch was £10. The jashan was free — as all such religious occasions al ­ ways are. Despite mischievous propa ­ ganda before the event, this was widely siders both sides of an issue before print ­ ing an obviously biased article? No doubt, controversial and inflam ­ matory copy makes for better reading. However, we offer you no spectacular statements or sarcastic humor at the ex ­ pense of our fellow Zoroastrians. Ms NAVAZ BUHARIWALA Joint honorary secretary Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe “The Crux of the...” Further to “The Crux of the Community ” {Parsiana, January 1993) the corpus of publicized. The Allahabad Parsee Zoroastrian An- ’Dr Shirinbanoo Kutar had previously Arnavaz Mama replies juman was Rs 1,44,900 as on March 31, agreed verbally that she would gladly ac- 1991, Rs 1,58,601 as on March 31, 1992 cept the medallion in memory of her hus- and Rs 1,68,601 as on March 31,1993. Two new funds have been created: Bazme Behram Roj Jashne Fund, corpus wonders what pressures were brought to Rs 13,701 in 1992 and Shenaz Homi Dandiwalla Fund, corpus Rs 10,000 in 1993. We however have a general fund Dastur (Dr) Sohrabji Kutar. In addition which on March 31, 1992 was Rs 1,87,983.12. This financial year expen ­ diture exceeded income by Rs 2,592.55 and so the general fund on March 31, 1993 became Rs 1,85,391.57. (The in ­ terest from units of Rs 2,00,000 was not received.) The Parsiana report On the various func ­ tions commemorating Dadabhai Naoroji in London was compiled by us on the ba- Capt HOMI DANDIWALLA President trustee The Allahabad Parsee Zoroastrian Anjuman band, only to change her mind at the last minute on the day of the ceremony. One sis of material received from diverse sources including your own and Mr bear on her, for such a last minute refusal Vajifdar ’s reports. of a gracious gesture meant to posthu ­ mously honor the memory of the late double-check on facts and individual _ — ... „ ¦ 1 presence at the different functions. Ervad Homi Dordi wrote to the commit- They, unfortunately, had little to offer by tee requesting a medallion for services rendered only to refuse it on the day! •The medallions are of relatively little any light on the flavor of the functions monetary value and were meant as a to- themselves. Apart from naming the vari- ken gesture of thanks to mobeds and ous speakers, your reports did not elabo- . members of the community who unself- rate on what they had to say about ishly give of their time and efforts. No Dadabhai Naoroji. We have quoted ex- favoritism was shown and anyone who I The ZTFE reports were used by us to way of what was actually said by the principal participants nor did they cast tensively from Mr Nani Palkhivala ’s 2 Parsiana April 1993 'Itspeech (acquired from an independent ligion is open to all, not the community, source) in order to highlight the person- ~ ality of the Grand Old Man. Similarly, sands of years. Parsis only since we came the quote from Sir David Steel had a separate source. “Doors closed to...” This refers to letters pertaining to “Doors ........ .un.n.v,,, . ... closed to Darius ” (Parsiana, November December issue, Ms Behroze D. Patel of punitive impediments enforced by our v ... . ... . orthodox priests in excommunicating fe ­ males married to aliens and not allowing their children into our Zoroastrian fold even when the mother has not renounced her Zoroastrian faith after marriage and both the parents, including the non-Parsi ing performed their religious duties with father, have no objection to the children age of conviction to expound what real We have been Zoroastrians for thou- religious teachings and customs should be in the context of the fast changing world around us. I do not advocate intercaste mar- to India about 1,300 years ago. Again in the same issue, Mr Disawalla states about the Delhi Parsi Anjuman “where it riages, but these are occurring with in ­ seems Zoroastrianism does not exist any creasing and alarming frequency, even more. ” As if this is not enough, in the amongst athoman families. This, in spite ¥ I and December 1992). goes a step further and calls upon the It is sad to read how certain members community to have Ervad Burjor Pavri of our community exhibit their personal criminally prosecuted. If we look at all likes and dislikes in the name of this in light of our Asho Prophet ’s teach- Asho Zarathushtra ’s profound teachings, ings, Burjor Pavri and the Delhi Parsi Thereby, unknowingly, they not only do Anjuman are to be congratulated for hav- injustice but insult the noble religion. i ______________ ___________________________ Nowhere has the Prophet spoken courage and without fear. These are the being brought up Zoroastrians. about differences of caste, creed, etc. torchbearers who will keep our noble re- Our minute community, in a vast sea The only distinction he has spoken of be- ligion alive in its pure glory. of other communities which openly en- tween man and man is, one of Vohu Ms homai framroze bode courage and practice conversion, will Mano, good mind and of Ako Mano, not , ... . *^hus lose the precious few hundreds who good mind. “Moving With the times” would have been added to our frighten- In the November issue, the learned Kudos to Ervad N. S. Mobedji of Indore ingly depleted numbers. torchbearers who will keep our noble re ­ ligion alive in its pure glory. Ms IIOMAIFRAMROZE BODE “Moving with the times” presidents of Athoman Mandal and for his frank and illuminating letter Jarthosti Jashan Committee call the (“Moving with the times, ” Parsiana, De- above navjote wholly illegal. Perhaps cember 1992). Justice Davar ’s famous judgement at the beginning of the 20th century escapes their minds. The learned justice has _____________________ clearly pronounced that Zoroastrianism institute viz M. F. Cama Athoman Insti ­ ls the religion. Parsis, a community. Re- Jarthosti Jashan Committee call the (“Moving with the times, ” Parsiana, De- Similarly, the controversy raging over an innocent child, “Doors closed to Darius, ” makes sad and sickening read- It is refreshing to note that we have ing especially when one of your corre- amongst us a priest who, although spondents states (Parsiana, November trained for navar and maratab at the same 1992), that in Delhi “Zoroastrianism does not exist any more ” just.^ecause en ­ lightened Zoroastrians of Delhi practice tute like any of our priests, has the cour- MATCH YOUR AMBITION TO A CAREER To do so we offer you: Diploma Course in Business Management (Postal) (IMC) sSf Banking CAIIB Course (Postal) aie Executive Secretarial Course Private Secretarial Course ? Personal Assistant’s Programme (Working Stenographers) ’Je Shorthand & Typewriting (English/Hindi/Marathi) ’Jc Telephone Operating & Receptionist Techniques ’Je Electronic Telex Operating ? Electronic Typewriting & Word Processing ? English Conversation & Writing Skills LATEST ADDITION: COMPUTERS Enquire at: Sir J. J. College of Commerce ,A. 14, Nanabhoy Lane, Hutatma Chowk Bombay 400001 Tel: 2871185 4 Parsiana Aoril 1993 %what seems to be the rational and true spirit of the Zoroastrian religion. In a few generations, our small com ­ munity, riddled with genetic deficiencies and abnormalities, will realize its failure knowledges that he represents all shades in not moving with the times and in muf ­ fling the voices of the enlightened minor- Such remarks made by a person in au- siana, June 1992) makes the Parsi com- thority do not encourage marriages munity feel very proud. within the fold by any stretch of imagina ­ tion. On the one hand Mr Rivetna ac- However, his lament about the declin ­ ing birth rate as in the Parsi Lying-in Hospital needs some clarification. As a matter of fact Parsi women de ­ liver at other hospitals in Bombay and ity who express their views without fear ers to be an asset, while on the other bypass this hospital for obvious reasons, to save our community from the shackles hand his remarks directly contradict the In my humble opinion the genesis of this of ultra-orthodox views. views and sentiments of many who are is as follows: DrMDDiSAWAL^ actively striving to discourage mixed Some years ago there were six marriages. May we remind Mr Rivetna honoraries at this hospital. Now with the “CER comeback” that had our elders, in whom we had en- passage of time there is only one honor- It is gratifying that the intelligentsia of trusted our destiny, made similar remarks ary. Dr Dastur, left. Over the last many our community woke up, though belat- soon after landing in India 13 centuries years no honorary has been appointed in edly, and prevented the reins of the elec- ago, we would not be here today? this place to replace the old ones, toral college from passing by default into Our concerns about outside conver- My humble suggestion is to appoint the hands of the group which was silently sions pale into insignificance when com- more honorary gynecologists and obste- planning to seize and capture it (“CER pared with the harm that is being caused tricians who will automatically bring in comeback, ” Parsiana, November 1992). to our community from within its ranks work from their practice as also ideas for The CEr’first called itself Committee — by those who directly encourage improving, expanding and running the for Electoral Rights and awakened the mixed marriages and by those who are place. Even non-Parsi doctors, so ap- community; later it called itself Commit- either complacent or afraid of discourag- pointed, would admit their non-Parsi pa- tee for Economic Revival and now after ing them. tients in the nursing home section, its latest achievement, I would like to In the same Parsiana article Mr The place is badly maintained so that call it the Committee of Enlightened Ra- Rivetna expresses concern about the dan- patients would think twice before com- tionalists. df ns beine unrecognizable in the ing here for delivery or surgery. The As such enlightened rationalists, I ex ­ hort them to shed all inhibitions and to call a spade a spade. The trustees should trians better known to the American be forced to appoint an advisory commit- people. Let us caution him, however, tee of stalwarts and professionals of that if this is going to .. our community whose recommendations from our long established practice of ter childbirth as per the object of the they must implement. The panels should, ''' ' — j among others, be on/for administration, education, accounts, economic policies, legal matters, medical aid, entrepreneur ­ ship, vocational guidance, housing, etc. It will be a great pity if the wisdom, intelligence and experience of the great professionals of our community are not Rivetna and others like him are expend ­ ing in other fields of community work and we thank them. We wish they could Parsi Panchayat Office; the Boys ’ Or- find the time, energy and dedication to phanage; the Girls ’ Orphanage; the Gen- do what is necessary in this vital area eral Hospital; the Maternity Hospit^; the also. For instance we wish they could devise measures to: •Instill a sense of pride in our youth the Doongerwadi. about our faith and identity We find it increasingly difficult to get •Stem the steady drain and dilution of honest, hardworking, qualified people to our faith and identity through mixed marriages •Make it easier for our youth to find suit ­ able mates from within the community •Make them stop and think a dozen times before choosing a mate from outside. Ervad JAL N. BIRDY California, USA of Zoroastrians — conformists, tradition ­ alists, free thinkers — whom he consid- hand his remarks directly contradict the views and sentiments of many who are actively striving to discourage mixed marriages. May we remind Mr Rivetna that had our elders, in whom we had en- soon after landing in India 13 centuries ago, we would not be here today? Our concerns about outside conver- the hands of the group which was silently sions pale into insignificance when com- to our community from within its ranks work from their practice as also ideas for mixed marriages and by those who are either complacent or afraid of discourag ­ ing them. In the same Parsiana article Mr Rivetna expresses concern about the dan ­ ger of us being unrecognizable in the ing here for delivery or surgery, next 40 years. We also note his enthusi ­ asm to make Zoroastrianism and Zoroas- i harnessed for the community ’s uplift- ment and progress. s. tantra Nasik community is a ’^are that the tenets of the Zoroastrian religion require 40 days of seclusion for a woman after childbirth __ and this is the only hospitalAvhere the pa- mean departing tients are allowed to stay for 40 days af- ) tar r-hildhirth oc ivr thp nhiprt nf the marrying within the fold (i.e. Parsi and founder of the trust. original Irani Zarthoshlis only) or throw- ing open the doors of our community to any and everyone through mixed mar ­ riages, then 40 years seems too long a The Surat Parsi Panchayat (SPP) shoul- period for us to reach oblivion. ders vast responsibilities for the good of ............................ the community, managing several insti ­ tutions working in different fields. These are: the main controlling body, the We acknowledge the effort that Mr Dr HOSHUNG R. MOBEDJI Vacancies in Surat “To whom should they...” At a time when many individuals and groups are trying hard to reverse the cur ­ rent trend in mixed marriages, we were dismayed to read the remarks made by the president of the Federation of Zoro ­ astrian Associations of North America (FEZANA), Mr Roh in ton Rivetna, at the Federation meeting held in Bombay (“To whom should they turn? ” Parsiana, June 1992). He is reported as saying: “We don ’t subscribe to the view that intermarriages are a loss to the commu ­ nity... irrespective of your personal choice (about mixed marriage) you are welcome and accepted by the Associa ­ tion. ” Industrial Institute for Women and Girls; the Nariman Home and Infirmary; and 6 Parsiana April 1993 “Dastur’s Deliveries” Your article regarding Padma Shri Dr B. ¦ C. Dastur (“Dastur ’s Deliveries, ” Par- serve these institutions. Vacancies are likely to arise for: •A qualified young man to handle re ­ sponsibility of the head office after get ­ ting proper training from the seniors. He will have good prospects and will be given service quarters and other facili ­ ties. •A qualified young man to work as an as ­ sistant to office administrator above. •A matron to manage affairs of our Cen- S tral Kitchen which caters to 400 benefi-I 1 f claries, i.e. inmates of Nariman Home munity, affairs are managed by giving the functions, it is requested that those and boarders of Boys ’and Girls ’Orphan- extension to several old employees, but who wish to participate may kindly in ­ ages. from the point of view of the future it is form the managing trustee Ms Perin •A lady assistant to the superintendent of essential to employ persons who may get Boga at 18, Warris Road, Lahore, Paki- the Girls ’Orphanage. Service quarters, training under the present experienced stan [Tel: (00) 92-42-7581251]. food, etc provided. (If there is a couple, employees and do useful work in the Ms perin boga we may also consider her husband for a years to come. Lahore, Paidsun suitable job befitting his qualifications and capacity.) i •Elderly lady or man to look after the : day-to-day affairs of the Nariman Home fer such applicants to us. and Infirmary. Suitable residential quar ­ ters and other facilities will be provided. •A middle-aged male to look after the know that there is a dearth of these types My oldest son accosted me in the day-to-day affairs of Hangali at Far- of people everywhere. However, in case kitchen vardian. Furnished service quarters and ; other amenities provided. 1 •A male superintendent for the Boys ’ Or ­ phanage. A person retired from the mili- ; tary or similar institution will be pre- < ferred. 1 •A male cook for our Central Kitchen. ----------------- In all the above cases, retirement ben ­ efits like provident fund, gratuity, leave, Cooper Agiary celebrations etc are available. Parsi employees re- To celebrate the centenary of the Bai ceive medical treatment at our hospitals Avanbai A. Cooper Agiary, Lahore, Pa- and free educational facilities if they kistan, the trustees cordially invite all have children studying either in Gujarati Zoroastrians to partake in the celebra- or English medium. tions to mark this very special occasion. In the absence of the right type of to be held July 3-5,1993. people coming forward to serve the com- years to come. We request charitable trusts, who may receive applications for doles from per- A whilTl of the ITlist sons who are physically fit to work, to re- A tribute to the Marker family who were killed in a highway accident on January 16, 1993 (“The Marker family tragedy, ” We also require khandhias, nasses- salars and a driver for our hearse. We Parsiana, March 1993): of people everywhere. However, in case you come across such persons you may keep the matter in mind. Salary/emoluments will be commen ­ surate with qualifications, age, experi ­ ence and nature of duties and responsi ­ bilities. DrSAMS. BHACCA President, SPP, Surat With a mirthless smile. “You know the Markers? ” “Yeah ” “You know the Markers? ” “Yeah ” “They ’re dead. ” “What? ” “They ’re all dead. ” “How? ” “Car accident, I heard Daddy telling Sahm. ” I wanted to go baisk out the front door And come in again. In order to facilitate arrangements for Eric came into the kitchen * WITH BEST COMPLIMENTS FROM SOFT-HEARTED ‘WIBS’BREAD WESTERN INDIA BAKERS' PRIVATE LIMITED KHODADAD BUILDING, 100 D'LIMA STREET DOCKYARD ROAD, BOMBAY 400010 1 Parsiana April 1993With a shoe box full of crayons. “The markers are dead? ” “The markers aren ’t dead. ” I love markers. Their true clear colors inspire me. Sanober, green, a Persian pine her quiet dignity and love of poetry Noshir, orange, a combination of heat and light Jokes, and question/exclamations Tushna, yellow, slinky pointed nails a rounded baby-still face Rustom, red, guileless grace Erach, blue, an astringent color, I can see him with my mind. Walking down the light and shadow striped path. He wore a blue flap-eared hat, thick glasses. And a seraphic smile. We walked single file down Dhobi Falls, Clambered up rocks Poked sticks in puddles Took each other ’s pictures Warned each other, “Don ’t go near the edge. ” We hurled our echoes Over the vast, green, deep and silent valley. t “Hey, hey, hey. ” He tried to pretend indifference As we mooted a trip to the U.S. To visit us. Next year 1993 The year that didn ’t happen. Now these clear true memories Are grayed and sepiaed And eaten around the edges With the acid of sadness. Like a tongue probing an empty tooth socket I go to the louvered door And pick a Christmas card. The one that says: “Hope 1993 will bring us a visit from you and both families can spend a holiday together. With lots of love, Tushna, Erach, Rustom, Noshir and Sanober ” JOAN CONTRACTOR Boonton, New Jersey, USA Calling all ex-Vachhaites The Ex-Students ’ Association of the J. B. Vachha High School is celebrating its silver jubilee in 1993-94. Since its inception in 1924, our school they give merely Rs 101, the host will be has rendered valuable service to thou ­ sands from all strata of society who have turned out of its hallowed portals as happy wives and mothers or smart and second helping is eliminated, the caterers efficient career women in all spheres of would be able to bring down the rates to life. We feel confident that all of you as- Rs 40-45 per head. rustom a. kotwal sociated with the school will look upon it as your sacred duty to help in building up a fund for its further development and welfare. So please give as generously as you can and help as loyally as you have done in the past. Donations by cash/money order/ cheques drawn in favor of “Vachha and C. J. Schools Ex-Students ’ Association — Silver Jubilee A/c” may be sent to: Ms Amy R. Kavarana (treasurer). The J. B. Vachha High School, Mancherji Joshi Road, Dadar, Bombay 400014. Z. J. ENGINEER President Vachha and C. J. School Ex-Students’ Association Suggestions for change Our forefathers left a huge legacy of pro ­ viding pious places like agiaries and atash bahrams (44 agiaries and 4 atash bahrams in Bombay alone) throughout India and side by side left behind funds for repair and maintenance of these holy places for which the community is ever grateful. Due to ever increasing cost of materials and labor charges, however, it is beyond the control of the trustees to carry out essential repairs and they are forced to approach the hamdins for funds. In fact, the trustees can find re ­ sources from the holy place itself. We are grateful to the trustees of Nargol agiary for having set a very good example by the novel idea of painting names of departed souls and donors of Rs 1,(XX) and above on the wall of the Nargol agiary. Now after three years, they have raised the minimum donation amount to Rs 5,(XX). Time marches on and we have to ad ­ just ourselves by giving up old and out ­ dated customs. About 40 to 50 years back the dinner at marriage and navjote functions was served with seven or eight dishes with liquor, ending with ice cream, nuts and pan supari. The cost at Rs 3.50 to Rs 4 per head included second helpings. Now three dishes are served with ic< cream at the end at Rs 70-75 per head. Vut the old practice of serving the second time still continues. If a family of four or five persons attend such functions they have to dish out Rs 300-350 because if put to a great loss. If there are two or three functions in a month the amount becomes prohibitive. However, if the Rs 40-45 per head. Edited by Amavaz S. Mania MATRIMONIAL A Parsi divorcee aged 45 years, residing in North Africa, having his own prosperous business, seeks matrimonial alliance with a Parsi lady, single/widow/divorcee, aged between 35 to 40 years. Write to: The Advertiser Parsiana, Matrimoniai (Apr/11-93) GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 A J#' * MATRIMONIAL Matrimonial alliance invited from well educated, cultured, good natured, sociable and smart Zoroastrian girl either settled in U.S.A, or India for an Architect withJVI.S. (Arch) degree from an American University. Age 27, 6’, H1 Visa Holder. The girl can go to U.S.A, immediately after marriage. Please apply with bio-data and photograph (returnable) to: The Advertiser Parsiana Matrimonial (Apr/12-93) G.P.O. Box 892, Bombay 400001 9 Psrsiana April 1993 ¦r. '/.yi Events and Personalities own proprietory firm in the name of Mazda Power Engineers. In March this year when many other companies ’ public issues had failed, Mazda Controls ’ over ­ subscribed issue was closed on the earli ­ est closing date, notes a press release is ­ sued by the company. With its in-house research and devel ­ opment unit r^xirtedly recognized by the department of scientific and industrial re- Surat youth join hands tended by nearly 160 youth, was another “The Zoroastrian Youth League of Surat program organized on Ava mah, Ava roj. (ZYLS), within just two months, has reg ­ istered 125 members, ” announced Ms Prochie Bhesania, secretary of the newly another body recently set up in Surat constituted body at its first general body with membership restricted to females, meeting at Surat ’s Atee Dharamshala The president of this group is Ms hall on February 14, 1993. To the youths Mahrukh Chichgar. After the activities who were looking forward to the dancing and objectives of the two new groups and refreshments scheduled for the were made known, on the evening ’s agenda was a talk on the significance of search, ministry of science ahd technol- “ ogy. Government of Ind^, the company manufactures thermocompressors and fuel saving equipments as also air pollu- This function was held jointly with the Zoroastrian Women ’s Association, yet and refreshments scheduled for the evening ’s agenda, ZYLS president Nau- zer Kasad reminded, “Besides having fun and enjoying ourselves we also have to prove that the future of our community, .»va. ........ ------ ------------„ ------------- . , its culture, heritage and traditions are in- Panchayat, according to a news report tion control systems and refrigeration deed safe in the able hands of the youth. ” that appeared in the Jam-e-Jamshed. systems which protect the ozone layer. Being small in numbers, interaction with Some of the industries that are said to be each other should pose no problem, he PoWCr protectOrS employing Mazda ’s products are: chemi ­ believed. Environment friendly industrial equip- cals, refineries, pharmaceuticals, fertiliz- It was soon after the Sixth All India ment is the primary concern of the ers, pulp and paper, and nuclear power Zoroastrian Youth Seminar in October Ahmedabad based Mazda Controls Lim- plants. . _ _ 1992 that a few like-minded youngsters ited, a company promoted by technocrat decided to constitute a youth league in Surat. The constitution of ZYLS was drawn up with the assistance of Porus Mody: energy conscious Karanjawalla, vice president of the Fed- |||||||||||||||M|m of Zoroastrian Youth Associa- tions, acknowledged Kasad. “As a youth organization is good to have picnics, parties and potlucks, ” noted Karanjawalla who was present at the general body meeting, adding, “but at the > same time one should not turn a Nelson ’s eye towards social service for the benefit of our less fortunate Zoroastrian breth- ren. ” His final word of caution to the youth was not to pursue the same projects as those undertaken by other community organizations lest it be construed as tres- passing on others ’ territory. “In fact, all should work together for the cause of our ^''*~’*******iL«*^ community and its welfare, ” he contin- ued. Following the first get-together at- praying to the water angel. The gather ­ ing was later treated to a free vegetarian meal sponsored by the Surat Parsi that appeared in the Jam-e-Jamshed. Environment friendly industrial equip ­ ment is the primary concern of the Sorab Rattanshah Mody who runs his 10 Parsiana April 1993 ¦ Their products that measure up to in ­ ternational standards have resulted in certain leading companies resorting to import substitution, states the handout: In •j;.-.;: addition to Gujarat Godrej purchasing vacuum systems from them and Bombay Dyeing and Manufacturing Company placing an order for their vacuum ejector scrubbing systems, several other blue chip companies constitute Mazda ’s clien ­ tele — Alfa Laval, Citurgia Bio-Chemi ­ cals, South India Viscose, Petrofils, Gujarat State Fertilizers etc. Mazda ’s relationship with the interna ­ tionally renowned Croll-Reynolds Com ­ pany has given it an edge over its com ­ petitors. Further upgradation of technol ­ ogy is also intended, according to a com ­ pany source, with collaborations being negotiated with German and British com ­ panies. A trial order for control valves from Russia has now oriented the com ­ pany towards exports, adds the release. .•-s.1 Sabavala’s art beckons “Observe that his lines float away from I the grip of the real, and towards the cur- I vatures of fantasy, prophecy and dream. I Observe that his thresholds summon you I to the mystery of human presence, of geo- I graphical presence; a fugitive in search of | mirages, the artist stops suddenly, pre- I sents the fruit of his inwardness. ” Thus I noted the catalog inviting the public to experience artist Jehangir Sabavala ’s “in- tuitive exploration ” through his collec ­ tion of nearly 30 paintings displayed at Bombay ’s Jehangir Art Gallery from February 17-24 and at Delhi ’s AIFACS Gallery from March 11-17 this year. His canvases depicting landscapes, trapped lakes, dormant volcanoes are the result of his work over the last four years. While some of his paintings make an im ­ pact as a series, there are also the soli ­ tary works. A new vision is introduced in the form of The Stranger, depicted as alighting on the earth from elsewhere. “The music of Sabavala ’s paintings is a subdued play of whisper and wingbeat; of sketches, black and white drawings, wa- haunting cry and rustling wind, ” states the exhibition catalog. “His ancestors who fled persecution and settled in India have left him a nourishing legacy of pation in innumerable group shows, mood, tone and imagery: the heritage of Sabavala ’s works are in demand both in diaspora, the textures of memory that is at once remembrance and desire, ” to quote Ranjit Hoskote. The Madras-based Gallery Arts Trust Delhi, the Museum of Modern Art, (GAT) that presented Sabavala ’s exhibi ­ tions is also sponsoring a 30-minute documentary film on him due to be re- *? Sabavala (below) introduces The Stranger <¦ .2! ferent corners of the world. Only this year his painting was among the art leased this year. The film will be di ­ rected by Arun Khopkar, the award win ­ ning director of art films. The first such pieces auctioned in Bombay by Aspreys documentary on a lone painter, the 35 mm film made for national and interna ­ tional channels, will incorporate his work For prime health Care over the last 42 years, including his " ' of London for the cause of Helpage India. “I have not done any bio-medical re ­ search. My laboratory has been the 300 ter colors, old oil paintings and family odd villages in Pune district, ” announced photographs, informs Sabavala. After 27 one-man shows and partici- Pune ’s eminent gynecologist and Obste ­ trician Dr (Ms) Banoo Coyaji on receiv ­ ing the 1993 Rameshwardas Birla Na ­ tional Award for excellencej^n medical research and related fields at the hands of India and abroad. His paintings feature in the collection of the National Gallery of the Governor of Maharashtra, Dr P. C. Modern Art and Parliament House, New Alexander. The first woman recipient of this Chandigarh, The National Gallery of award that carries a prize of Rs 1.5 South Australia, Adelaide, in corporate houses and in private collections in dif- t- ‘-¦W* k Blitz editor Russy Karanjia (left) with social workers Silloo Kavarana and Parvez Katrak at a function held by the Parvez Kairak Foundation on March 11, 1993 to felicitate senior Parsi journalists. Other journalists to be honored were: the late Jal Heerjibehdin, the late Adi Dhondy. Behram Contractor, Dorab Mehta, Kekobad Katki and Maneck Chena. lakhs, Coyaji has been investigating the reasons for underutilization of health care services in India. “In a country with a population of 85 million and substantial addition to the population every minute... the contribution of Dr Coyaji in the field of family planning, maternal and child care, the most neglected area, really de ­ serves to be recognized, ” commended Alexander at the award presentation function on March 27. Her association with Pune ’s K. E. M. Hospital spans nearly five decades during which time she has developed it from a 40-bedded hospital to a 550-bedded insti ­ tution, recognized by the University of Pune as a teaching hospital for graduate and postgraduate education, notes the ci­ tation. She founded the K. E. M. Hospital Research Centre in 1973; and the Vadu Rural Health Project that she initiated in 1977 has attracted national and interna ­ tional attention as a model for operationalizing the primary health care approach. A consultant to the World Health Or- 13 Parsiana Apnll 993 I «ganization. Ford Foundation, United Na- newspaper sphere. When she returned to tions Development Programme and her hometown Calcutta in 1980, Karkaria World Bank, Coyaji is constantly invited joined The Statesman. She is reportedly the rifle, a 9 mm pistol and some ammuni- . . , J . ... .. . - • ' . .. tion supposedly to safeguard the interests of his family and Parliamentarian father sistant editor. Besides authoring books Sunil Dutt. As per the news report Sanjay on M. S. Oberoi and Calcutta ’s Grand admitted that he had instructed Nullwala Hotel, she has also co-authored another to destroy the firearms. Nullwala alleg- on Mother Teresa. Additionally she has edly disclosed that he had taken the fire- written the commentary for Shyam arms to the Princess Street residence of Benegal ’s documentary on AIDS and Adajania who had a foundry. It is said scripted a musical revue on ‘Busybee ’ Behram Contractor. A collection of her early writings is to be brought out in 1993 by United Book Sellers and Pub ­ lishers, Delhi, she informs. to international meets and institutions. In first woman to have been appointed by October last she was at Rio to attend the that publication to the senior post of as- Earth Summit. On the national front the Coyaji (left) and Karkaria On further interrogations it surfaced that Dutt had acquired an AK-56 assault that Adajania used a gas-welding appara ­ tus to melt down the AK-56 and the resi ­ due was returned to Nullwala for disposal into the sea off Marine Drive. While the spring and the rod of the AK-56 were re ­ portedly recovered from Adajania ’s resi ­ dence, the 9 mm pistol and some ammu ­ nition had been routed via Mulla, a resi ­ dent of Mon Repos at Bandra, to Marwah ’s residence where it was finally traced. The Bombay High Court eventually In a gun chase It could have been a game of forfeits with Sanjay Dutt passing on the treasure to Padma Bhushan winner has served as a Yusuf Nullwala who handed it over to member of the Central Council of Health Kersi Adajania who entrusted it to Rusi and Family Welfare for a number of years Mulla who in turn delivered it to Ajay and participated in the formulation of the Marwah who... But since this wasn ’t granted bail on May 11 to Sanjay ’s ac- Seventh and Eighth Five-Year Plans by child ’s play but a deadly weapon in cir- working as a member/chairman of the culation, those involved ended in judicial working group on population stabiliza ­ tion, maternal and child health and re ­ search, as mentions her curriculum vitae. complices on the condition that they fur ­ nish a bond of Rs 50,000 each and report to the CID office periodically as “we are prima facie of ftie view that TAD A is not Human interest pen Her amusing weekly middle in The Times Sanjay Dutt on April 20, on grounds of of India and a perceptive monthly “Pri ­ vate I” column in the Sunday Times of In­ dia has brought Bombay-based journalist sives and firearms that triggered the Bachi Karkaria due recognition as a famed journalist. But it is her human in ­ terest stories that qualified her for the Media India Award 1992, as notes a press release. A rolling trophy and a sil ­ ver medal was presented to Karkaria who has been concentrating on public health, especially AIDS, and urban planning. Having joined the Times group as a trainee in 1969, Karkaria is currently se ­ nior editor of The Times of India and also officiating as consulting editor of the Me­ tropolis on Saturday, the latest paper from the Times group. A third generation journalist (her pa ­ ternal grandfather was the founder of eastern India ’s only Gujarati journal, Navroz, in 1917 which was subsequently edited by her mother), Karkaria opted to pursue a diploma in journalism from the Calcutta University after completing her graduation in English literature from Calcutta ’s Loreto College. Later the Times group sponsored her training in advanced journalism at the Thompson Foundation, Cardiff, UK. Her writings have extended beyond the remand under the Terrorist and Disrup ­ tive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA), notes a report in The Times of India of applicable in as much as no material of April 21,1993. any kind is shown to us to show any con- The police first detained matinee idol nection between the poss^sion/destruc- tion of the weapon and any terrorist/dis- ruptive activity. ” Thereafter Dutt too was released on bail. “joining hands with anti-national ele ­ ments ” to smuggle and distribute explo- bomb blasts in Bombay on March 12. Compiled by Parinaz Gandhi 14 Parsiana April 1993 * * * '¦ ? > The steps leading from the Marine Drive embankment into the sea were known as the "Parsi steps.” This information, reported in The Afternoon Despatch and Courier of April 5, 1993, was conveyed by Tomoji Mutoh, the consul gen­ eral for Japan in Bombay. It is down these very steps opposite the Kaivalyadham Yogic Centre that Parsis are seen descending every year around April, coconuts, flowers and pori in hand, to offer obeisance to Avan Ardavisur, the angel guarding waters. IZOROASTRIANS ABROAD The Lawyer and tiie Lords In the esoteric world of international law and high finance Sarosh Zaiwalla has carved a special niche Arnavaz S. Mama the rate paid to local Indian solicitors in India. The court rejected the contention and ruled that £1,200 a day charged by Zaiwalla as an English solicitor who never practiced in India and was travel ­ ling there for official purposes only, was reasonable. The court also emphasized that bar ­ ring a single exception, no complaint had been made regarding the handling of the shipping work entrusted to the law firm. On the last day of the trial the Indian government abandoned its counterclaim of £585,000 for negligence. The judge had earlier described it as “hopeless, ” notes The Afternoon report. In a statement published by The After­ noon (April 12, 1993), Zaiwalla notes, “When I began my (law) firm I repre ­ sented the Indian government in England at what was by British standards paltry rates; but once I was established I ex ­ pected to be tfeated no better nor worse than any other law firm whether they be of Indian origin or not... To think that some of the great leader§^of India made I 1 i J I I 'i The dispute is based on the hourly rate charged by Zaiwalla and involved a dis ­ cussion on what is a “run-of-the-mill case ” and what is not and what is ad ­ equate remuneration for solicitors han ­ dling different types of cases. According to Zaiwalla, the standard rate agreement, referred to as an um- _ brella agreement between the solicitor justice and fair play the hallmark of their “In the last 45 years India has been to the House of Lords 11 times. Its only two successes so far have been (through) my firm. In this period the action in which my firm represented India has led to sav ­ ings of over £50 million... ” noted the firm ’s founder Sarosh Zaiwalla who de ­ cided to sue the Government of India (GOI) for £3,10,000 in unpaid fees, re ­ ports The Afternoon Despatch and Cou­ rier of April 10, 1993. In the last three years the London - based Zaiwalla and Company, Solicitors, has been continually in the news. The law firm first earned media attention in India when it won a damages claim against a Swedish newspaper Dagens Nyheter on behalf of businessman Ajitabh Bachchan (brother of famous Mahatma Gandhi would have cine actor Amitabh Bachchan) who was ..... implicated in the Bofors scandal. It also , happens to be the first legal firm of Asian Indian government in the court origin to be accorded a reception in the House of Lords. The recent ruling in its favor against the Government of India has brought Zaiwalla further leverage. At the end of a 10-day trial in the ....----- , ....... High Court Justice Gatehouse agreed only to instructions channelled through thought of the stand taken by the Indian with the plaintiff that the situation result- the Indian High Commission; it did not government in the court in the last two ~ ¦ weeks in this case. ” According to a profile on the lawyer in the Legal Business Magazine (LBM- May 1992) Zaiwalla, 45, completed his articles in the shipping department of Stocken and Company and went on to set up Gagrat and Company in London. Another item at issue was the daily When the firm was dissolved in 1982 rate charged by Zaiwalla. The defence Zaiwalla set up his present firm and ¦ “ ¦ though the Asian business community was not too responsive, he succeeded in and the Indian High Commission, had fight against colonial rule, yet the repre- ended with the company ’s letter dated sentatives of their successor in London %. January 19, 1988 although the standard chose to fight this case on the ignoble rate continued to apply to costs regarding principle that one man ’s legal talenHs instructions received prior to this letter. 1-----------1- -5. * ' ’ * , sentatives of their successor in London % less than that of another on the basis that u I shudder to think what thought of the stand taken by the It was Zaiwalla ’s contention, upheld by he is of Indian origin. I shudder to think the court, that the standard rate applied what Mahatma Gandhi would have with the plaintiff that the situation result- the Indian High Commission; it did not ing from the non-payment of disputed govern cases where Zaiwalla was in ­ bills was “scandalous, ” writes L. K. structed directly by the Indian govern- Sharma in The Times of India of April ment and he was free to_charge commer- 10, 1993. The money judgement of the court is yet to come. The disputed amount covers Zai ­ walla ’s fees for the period 1982-1990 during which the law firm successfully represented the GOI and the Indian pub ­ lic sector undertakings in a number of counsel alleged that though Zaiwalla was litigations/arbitrations. an English solicitor he should be paid at cial rates in such cases. The court also di ­ rected the GOI to pay Zaiwalla interest at the rate of 15 percent on unpaid bills, reports The Times. 16 Parsiana April 1993WICK “CORE-CHILLING” Preserves the freshness and Quality of vegetables, fruits and sauces szincreases product shelf life s/reduces process time SZ^enhances flavor SZeliminates discoloration & spoilage IB l I '1 z 4 II Croll-Reynolds Vacuum Core-Chilling eliminates the wilting, Croll-Reynolds' unique Vacuum Core-Chilling® process quickly chills foods rig ht to the core .. .without sacrificing flavor! 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House, Ashram Road, Ahmedabad-380 009, India Tel 408967, 408014, 408654 Telex ; 0121-6620 Fax : 0272-427394 Manufactured in India by : Designed in USA by : CROLroastrian community in India and abroad. 42 50 444 506 137 119 12 11 79 94 29 18 8 6 47 30 10* 7* 5 3 Laguna Hills, California BORN A girl, Tania, tO Gulnawaz and Jamshed Khodayar, January 23 Los Angeles, California DIED Paul Vadoli (61), brother of Noshir and Adil; January 17 New York, New York BORN A girl, Ava, to Meher and Khushroo Mehta-, January 15 DIED Rustomji Wadia (92), husband of Gladys; December 19,1992 Compiled by Roxana A. Mirza 39 Parsiana April 1993 III IN MEMORIAM Penchant for . puppets ends like Rustom and Sohrab, Ramayana as also socially relevant issues like ex ­ ploitation, dowry, violence, education, environment, health... were effectively portrayed using the medium of puppets. The publications that she has authored are Creative Drama and Puppetry in Education, Creative Drama and Pup­ petry for Pre-Primary Children, Shad­ ows of India Monogram and an issue of Marg exclusively concerning puppets. Government bodies like the Sangeet Natak Akademi and the Gujarat Sangeet, Nritya Natya Akademi had conferred her with awards as did community associa ­ tions like the Federation of Parsi Zoroas ­ trian Anjumans of India and the Parsee Youth League of Ahmedabad (PYLA). (It was the PYLA vice president Porus Karanjawalla who procured the neces ­ sary details on Contractor for Parsiana.) Bom in Panchgani to a family of ar ­ chitects and artists, after her schooling she went to London where she obtained a teacher ’s diploma in art from the Royal Drawing Society. Portrait painting, book illustrations and fashion designing were the subjects she was to further pursue at the Royal Academy of Arts when the outbreak of World War II 4iecessitaied her return to India. Her marriage took her to Ahmedabad where her husband ’s fam ­ ily was managing a pottery business. She had worked for a short while as art teacher at Panchgani ’s Kimmins School and for 15 years as arts and crafts I Died: Ms Meher Rustom Contractor, 74, celebrated puppeteer who was a commit ­ ted ambassador of Indian culture and art, on September 26, 1992 in Ahmedabad following cardiac arrest. “Puppets of great expressive force. A ray of light in the shadows of Indian the ­ ater, ’’ was the review earned by Contractor ’s Puppet Group in Spain ’s Barcelona Daily. “Traditional theme performed with vigor, dexterity and melodious voices, ” acknowledged a Denmark publication, Demokraten, Tyl- landes Poster. “A brilliant show by a troupe of such a high standard for the first time in the city, ” credited The Times of India, Ahmedabad. Such approbation for the puppeteer, in the home and for ­ eign milieux, encouraged Contractor to create ‘puppet consciousness. ’ To the innumerable individuals whom she initi ­ ated into this art, she epitomized the mother of puppetry. Ever since she participated in the First International Puppet Festival in Bucharest in 1958 where she was also a member of the international jury, her performances, lecture demonstrations and workshops have taken her all over the globe, notes the prospectus of the The doctor said that she must have Darpana Academy of Performing Arts passed away in her sleep within a few where she served as head of the puppetry minutes of resting her head on the pil- department. Vice president of Union low... ” Internationale de la Marionnette and founder of its Indian wing, she is be ­ lieved to have been responsible for broadening the horizon of the Indian (colored yet transparent, these puppets teacher at the Shreyas Experimental puppeteers. are manipulated with cane or bamboo School in Ahmedabad. It was here that Neighboring Pakistan was one more sticks), introducing creative puppetry for she started experimenting with puppets, country she was looking forward to visit- children and experimenting with rod her shows drawing the attention of na- ing in end September last year when she puppets (these dancing dolls of Bengal tional and international dignitaries, was geared to lead her Puppet Group to are approximately 116 meters high and In her hectic schedule she also made the International Puppet Festival in have a bamboo base). She was instru- time to conduct cooking classes, serve Lahore. But just two days before their mental in establishing the puppeteers ’ the Ahmedabad Myseum Committee, scheduled departure she breathed her village training center at Mehrauli under and assist welfare organizations like the last. Her troupe however proceeded to ' ~ Pakistan, as planned, and dedicated their show to her memory. The versatility and dynamism of the researcher for the National Centre for the Zoroastrian Ladies Industrial Coop ­ artiste never flagged. An account of the F' ' ' " ' - ~ • ¦ - last day of her life is provided by her son f "" " ~ ~ Darius: “A visit to the agiary in the Training, notes a press release, morning, offering prayers for her elder son ’s birthday, a full day ’s work and practice at Darpana, baking a cake for als. Contractor specialized in using pup- her friend ’s birthday, a puppet show or- petry as a medium of education for back- ganized to raise money for the fares of ward children. She would often under- the underprivileged members of the pup ­ pet troupe and a dinner invitation in the evening. That night she watched her fa- vorite TV program and retired to bed. Associated with puppets for several decades. Contractor has been particularly credited with reviving Andhra shadows are approximately 116 meters high and have a bamboo base). She was instru ­ mental in establishing the puppeteers ’ the auspices of the Central Handicrafts police clinic, Gujarat Sarwar Mandal, Board, and worked for some years as di- Vadej Nari Kendra (a refugee women ’s rector of the Bharatiya Natya Sangh, as camp), the Zoroastrian Stri Mandal and Educational Research and Training and erative Society. She was also instrumen- for the Centre for Cultural Research and tai in opening the Baroda Chanchilika Club. Contractor did not believe in com- Said to have trained over 5,000 teach- partmentalizing her puppetry and social ers, 25 social workers and 25 profession ­ work. Invariably, on her foreign mis ­ sions, she would include in her puppet troupe two underprivileged students who would not otherwise have been able to take arduous journeys to remote areas. In afford an overseas trip. collaboration with the Space Application ~ Centre of Ahmedabad she had made a vived by her sons Darius and Navroze. TV film as also historical plays. Leg- p*rinizGandhi The philanthropic puppeteer is sur- 40 Partiana April 1993