Jul 1993

1» L. **22^ - /'¦ - V 51 I. / E* r JULY 1993 Rs 15July 1993 Volume 16 Number 1 EDITOR Jehangir R. Patel MANAGING EDITOR Arnavaz S. Mama EXECUTIVE EDITOR Parinaz M. Gandhi ASSISTANT EDITOR Roxana A. Mirza 3 Readers’ Forum 8 Events and Personalities DESIGN Kranti M. Shilotri, Varghese W. Fernandez MARKETING DIRECTOR Veera Patel ADVERTISING MANAGER Zarin Mistry ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE Niloufer Sakhidas 14 Zoroastrlans Abroad 17 Rusi Rutnagar’s Artistic Reflections by Gustasp Irani 20 Naina Kanodia’s ‘Naive’ Pars! Portrayals by Paring Gandhi CHIEF EXECUTIVE Rustom Thanavala FINANCE B. L. Arora EDP Rohinton E. Daroga DTP Bakhtavar R. Batliwalla, K. P. Ravi 23 Rights of Passage by Homi Rogers 25 A Taste of the Goodies by Roxanne Kavarana A 28 Lightening the load of leprosy I SUBSCRIPTION/CIRCULATION Khurshid Panthaki, Bindu Pillai, Khureshan Mandviwalla MANAGEMENT Jasmine Driver OFFICE Nowzer Batliwala 30 Milestones Cover: Painting of Pirojabalby Naina Kanodia OFFICE ASSISTANTS Umesh Poojary, Selvan Mark, Sunil Sakhare, Pramod Patil Parsiana is published by Jehangir R. Patel for Parsiana Publications Pvt Ltd at C/0 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 subscnption 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 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 READERS' FORUM to preserve their identity and religious during the end of the Sasanian dynasty, practice while starting his separate group and destroying ourselves, we rnust learn to which accepts non-Parsi converts to the compromise for the good of the whole Zarathushti faith. But I have a few ques- community. maneckn.bhujwala tions about his beliefs and practices which President, Zarthoshti Anjuman of N. California cast doubt on the correctness of his priori ­ ties. Jafarey says that new blood can invigo ­ rate the faith, so why not try the new blood 1993). I strictly believe that there should of our own young people first? I am also not be different calendars but only one. In puzzled by his self-contradicting actions, fact we Shehenshahis, Faslis, Kadmis and On the one hand he says that Zarathushtra Iranis are after all descendents of the same brought a completely new religion, and clan of our ancestors. asks us to use the Gathas as the sole source. On the other hand, he practices ceremonies scopes are in use —one Indian and another such as the navjote, which are not men ­ tioned in the Gathas, and are part of the older Mazdayasni religion. In a free society like the United States, anyone is free to read any religious book, follow its teachings, and call himself or any one and strictly follow it. Similarly herself a follower of any chosen faith, there must not be two different calendars. They are also free to build temples. We must revise, reform and observe only churches or mosques. So, there is no ques- one calendar so that we can all observe and tion of Zarathushtis denying anyone ac- celebrate our religious and auspicious days ceptance into their faith. together. DtKersibiumoria A problem comes when there is a formal BiUmon Readers* views are welcome on any subject ceremonial procedure to convert from one of Interest to the community and should religion to another which creates ill-feel- be sent to the Editor, Readers' Forum, Parsiana, G.P.O. Box 892, Bombay 400001. Letters are subject to editing for reasons of space and clarity. Unsigned letters or those without an address will not be published. community. I enjoyed reading about the Parsi calendar in the Readers ’ Forum (Parsiana, March In present times two types of horo- western. Now no man can have two different horoscopes. If I follow the Indian tradition, then I am Mithun and if I follow the western one, I am Scorpio. I must select together. “The case For...” Some sessions of the Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America (FEZ AN A) were overshadowed by the =#* ing in the followers of the faith that was renounced by the convert. It also creates a competition for followers, and the result ­ ing hatred, jealousy and violence, which orthodox, and there was an enormous effort givesinstitutionalizedreligionabadname, by them to shun Dr Ali A. Jafarey (“The time and time again. Instead of promoting any one religion. .......... ..... . ___ case for acceptance, ’’ Parsiana, March “The logic of the...” Instead of promoting any one religion, 1993) in every aspect they could think of. Congratulations on your continuing effort we should all promote the unity in the My heart aches when callous bigots to serve the Parsi Zarthoshti community essential teachings of all religions. We (whoever they are and wherever they are) with interesting information and a public should spread respect for all religions, and call him a Muslim. This is the reward for 50 forum for exchange of ideas. Although you the importance of living like brothers with- years ’ devotion to our religion! No other express an editorial preference for the out regard to our external religious labels, pseudo-reformists, I commend you for Acceptance (which is conversion by an- allowing all viewpoints to be published. < - - - ¦ — -.................. After reading the article on a unified promoting the differences (advantages) of highly educated Muslim Iranians had had Zarthoshti calendar (“The logic of the sea- one religion over another. enough of Shiitilm. After the revolution sons, ’’ Events and Personalities, Parsiana, Zarathushtra preached against extrem- they approached some Zoroastrians to ac- March 1993), I was happy to know that Mr ism, and we must reject the extremists who cept them, to no avail. Well, the Christians Bagli decided to discuss this issue with callthemselvesreformists,justasweshould grabbed them and now they have started an people in India and Pakistan. It would be a " ’ mistake to take unilateral action in North America without a thorough discussion of ity, instead of taking up rigid, self-righ- the pros and cons of different calendar teous stands, in opposing camps, alternatives. We must first educate our 1 . ~ community before asking for referendums, their resources in fighting, going to courts, I was also happy to read that Dr Ali Jafarey (“The case for acceptance, ’’ Parsiana, March 1993) does not wish to disturb the ethnic Parsi community ’s wish religion would haVe treated him like this. Doors wereclosed to people like Jafarey . other label) into a specific faith is based on An Iranian friend called me and said that one religion over another. Zarathushtra preached against extrem- stay away from religious fanatics. We must Iranian Christian Church with regular ser- learn to listen to one another, with humil- vice. At the Interfaith Council, I was told by the Buddhist monk that Iranians are slowly coming to their Buddhist temple. It is a sad spectacle to see Parsis wasting Many more became Bahais; some Mor ­ mons; some Sufis. We missed the opportunity. We (the orthodox) created a political situation on purpose: We unnecessarily involved the pulling one another down, on egoistic stands. If we are to survive and prosper we must learn from the mistakes of the past. Instead of being very divisive and rigid, as Islamic Republic of Iran, put false fear into 3 Parsiana July 1993 1* I I Ih Zoroastrian hearts that if we accept these converts there will be executions in Iran. We were digging our own graves. Nor does that excuse hold good for the ill-treatment who were present there came and paid homage to him by touching his feet. Orthodox Zoroastrians may be religious but not spiritual. We do not have a living of Joseph Peterson (the .American engineer saint who could teach the universal message who was converted to Zoroastrianism in " ‘ - 1983). We have been busy speaking to churches through the Interfaith Council. On two occasions after my lecture, I received re ­ torts: Once by a lady who happened to “Remarkable ReCOrds” know Joseph Peterson ’s plight; another by In continuation of your “Remarkable a gentleman who voiced angry disgust that Records ” (Parsiana, March 1993) relating you Zoroastrians come here and talk about to the Limca Book of Records (LBR}, you truth, righteousness, universality and good could add one more accomplishment by thoughts, good words and good deeds while Zoroastrians. The Parsis from Bombay practising racism. were the first Indian cricket team to undertake a tour of England in 1895. who was converted to Zoroastrianism in of love, truth and brotherhood. That ’s the tragedy. Saints are the lifeline of a religion. BEHRAM S. DEBOO Everett, Washington. USA Always remember «l5tHi TRTfl BRTR KHAMBflTA Ketayun & Bomi 22/A. Wellington Terrace, Wellington Street, Bombay-4{J0002. Tel. No. 2069636. It ’s amazing to see how misinformed some people are: from a belief in two gods sou m. kotwal toZarathushtra not being the founder of the Caicutu religion but the last in a series of prophets. Only the new citations in the LBR 1992 It was time to start the Zarathushtrian Assembly for those who needed a place to go to and be saved from the aggressive, unyielding determination of Evangelists who seek to convert. Two weeks ago, my wife and I went to Swami Vivekananda ’s Vedanta Center to England 1886” was a detailed article in hear a lecture. Swami Bhaskarnanda intro ­ duced an 84-year-old white American as an ordained swami of their order. Hindus Raiji — Editor. have been covered under “Remarkable Records. ” The Parsi cricket team had featured in LBR 1991 and been covered under the title “Unmatched Records ” (“Events and Personalities, ” Parsiana, March 1991). “The first Parsi team in Parsiana (October 1986) based on the book India’s Hambledon Men by Vasant MATRIMONIAL Alliance invited from tall, well- educated, well-settled boys in India or abroad for Parsi girl, 23 years, doing post graduation and computers. Please reply with full bio data and photograph (returnable) to: The Advertiser Parsiana, Matrimonial (July/26-93)* GPO Box 89^, Bombay 400001 ‘Please make sure the reply envelope liears the reference number cited here. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ TATA HOUSING Building magnificient new ideas. In keeping with the TATA GROUP’S spirit of innovation and its continual pursuit of excellence TATA HOUSING, has evolved a whole new concept in property development. The company, whose activities comprise the development of real estate, including project identification, design, management & marketing, has successfully completed quality residential & commercial complexes in Bombav & New Delhi., with others in the development stage. Currently in progress is an office building at Bandra, which in terms of design & specification could legitimately be considered to be the best that can be bought. gl I it 5 Parsiana July 1993 - Tata Housing Development Co. Ltd. Eruchshaw Bldg., 249, D.N. Road, Bombay-400 001. Tel: 2616761,2616154. 27, Kasturba Gandhi Marg, New Delhi-110 001. Tel: 3711651. Ieditions. This is the only way a good data The article “Remarkable Records ” in editions. This is the only way a good data His brave and courageous services were Parsiana (March 1993) mentions the name base can evolve over the yetus especially appreciated thrice over: in 1939thegover- of Captain M. N. Mulla of INS Khukri. Captain Mahendra Nath Mulla was a tion is weak. For example, in 1990 we on him the police medal for gallantry; in friend and colleague of long standing, but carried Sanjeev Kumar as having portrayed 1960, he was awarded the Indian Police he was a Kashmiri pandit from Allahabad, the most roles in a single film. This was the Medal and later, the Republic Day Medal He had a great sense of humor and, I am common assumption even among experts, for meritorious services. He was the only sure, would have been highly amused to be But letters from the South revealed that police officer to receive these three police classified as a Parsi. Sivaji Ganesan had already done so before medals. and the Hindi film Nayi DinNayiRaat was but a remake of the Tamil one. This was then added to our subsequent editions. The purpose of my writing this letter is to That one error resulted in a lesser known draw your attention to a factual error fact coming to light. I may add that the recorded in the Limca Book of Records same problem applies to the GuinnessBook 1993 (LBR), in the culture/music section, of Records too, on which concept the stating Anuradha Pal (disciple of Ustad Limca Book of Records is based. They Allah Rakha Khan) to be the “first woman tabla player ” and “India ’s only practising woman tabla player. ” I have already written a detailed letter to Delhi was a good five inches shorter. We the editor of the LBR and concerned au- pointed this out and in subsequent editions thorities responsible for compiling this the record was amended. The case of the edition and forwarded it along with press first woman tabla player is similar. This is cuttings through the years. I have been the process by which data i.s built, performing since 1957, even before the birth of Anuradha Pal. I feel this matter needs urgent attention because of late many prestigious newspa ­ pers andother Press media have repeatedly more reassurance than this, judging by the prits and played a major role in establish ­ ing law and order. In 1960, Framroze apprehended a noto ­ rious gang of counterfeiters printing fake hundred rupee notes. In 1963 he played a major role in controlling the Majaswadi riots and in establishing peace. He was the new students coming to the university town first police officer to start the beat system of Boston so that they do not feel lost on arrival. We would like to help such newcomers with airportpickups, immediate of Framroze ’s retirement from service, the needs, shopping, etc. Parsi students new to this town or uni ­ versities nearby are welcome to contact Bombay Police and, holding him up as an example to his juniors, hoped that all po ­ lice officers would disdiarge their duty as he did. After retiring from the Bombay Police, Mr Framroze joined Duke and Company as chief administrative officer, a position he enjoyed till the end of his life, solving very detailed report in The Times of India. OiRcer Snd gCntlcIDHn many labor problems for the company. The necessary correction will be carried Mr Meherji Dinshah Framroze who died Mr Framroze was well known for his out in our forthcoming edition. We have recently after 35 years of distinguished qualities of justice, help and sympathy, already communicated this to Dr Mistry. service in the Bombay Police Force especially for the poor, to whom he even Certainly no “injustice ” has been intended, provides a unique example of dedicated proffered financial help. He thus lived a TheLimcaBookof Records is an annual service to theParsi community, the Bombay truly Zarathushtrian life as propounded by that seeks to catalogue Indian excellence, -¦-------- • - achievement and general records in every in areas where existing data documenta- nor of Bombay, Sir Roger Lumley, pinned tion is weak. For example, in 1990 we the most roles in a single film. This was the common assumption even among experts. Vice Admiral R. K. S. GHANDHI The error is regretted — Editor. have been carrying Nelson de La Rosa as the shortest living male until their 1990 edition when all along Gul Mohammed of During his tenure of service Framroze solved many intricate murder cases. He was specially appointed to probe the dacoity B Dr Mistry can thus rest reassured that Framroze: firm and brave the necessary correction will be carried out. As stated earlier we have already at Lloyd ’s Bank.*He unravelled difficult written to her, but she seems to require aspects of the case, apprehended the cul- published in their editions that Anuradha number of letters we have received. I hope Pal is the first and only practising female this goes some way in assuring her that no tabla player. I request you to persuade personal slight is intended. Doordarshan and other TV media to inter ­ view and telecast programs so that the Lest ncwCOmerS feel lost public could be exposed to the fact that We are setting up a host family system for many other female artistes have been in the field of tabla since a long time. Ms Anuradha Pal had refuted a state ­ ment made by The Times of India in 1992, referring to her as the first and only woman tabla player. or (Ms) aban e. mistry in 1954. At the farewell function on the occasion then Police Commissioner Mr Modak praised his 35 meritorious years with the 4- 4 A. Thomas. Assistant Editor, Limca Book Jahangir Nakra(office: 617-461-3871 ,resi- of Records, replies: dence: 508-458-8395) or me at 34 Fernaid There seems certainly no doubt that Dr Drive # 11, Cambridge MA 02138, USA Aban Mistry predated Anuradha Pal in (telephone; 617-384-0102). playing the tabla. The Limca Book of Ms khursheed n. khurody Records carried Anuradha Pal as the first Cambridge, Massachusau, usa and only woman tabla player based on a Mr Meherji Dinshah Framroze who died Police, the state of Maharashtra and India, the Prophet, undaunted by the inequitable . Framroze, who climbed to the coveted political, economic and social climate field. And accordingly it is one of our position of assistant commissioner of po- objectives to put forward data hitherto lice, was a firm believer in justice and unknown. And in the process errors do discipline, and insisted on fostering these occur which are corrected in subsequent virtues among his junior officers. which prevails in our country. Ms GOOL M FRAMROZE occur which are corrected in subsequent Edited by Amavaz S. Mama 6 Parsiana July 1993 IEvents and Personalities “Breaking of priests” Modi states he cannot be sure as he did “Only when he is gladly accepted will not have to deal directly with Dastoor. Percy perform religious ceremonies. Everything was supposed to be organized proached for cancellation of the navar Who knows? After 25 years rules may by Bhesania, says Modi. He insists that ceremony would he consent? “I would change. ” Sam Modi was speaking about he did not explain his wife ’s absence have to consult somebody; some reli- his son whose recent consecration as a during that period (when Percy was un- gious head, ” Modi is noncommittal. He navar evoked the displeasure of the dergoing the navar rites) by stating that was not aware that the three High Priests, priests as Percy ’s mother is a non-Zoro- astrian (see “The making and breaking of Surat. priests, ” Parsiana, June 1993). “I know the community is dying out... Priests paid more than Rs 50,(XX) to Bhesania Percy ’s navar ceremony “has ho valid- wadhard kharaab haalat ma chhe (the and Rs 25,000 to Dastoor for the boy ’s condition of the priests is more despon ­ dent). I thought if not today then in fu ­ ture Percy could be of use to the commu ­ nity, ” adds Modi. Until then, Percy ’s charges prevalent in Bombay. Everyone role will be like that of many other neo ­ phyte priests who are trained so that they can help out in emergencies and for fam ­ ily functions, clarifies Modi who himself Modi refuses to confirm or disprove, is not a trained navar although his father maintaining that his dealings were his wife and son. Modi believes that the was. strictly with Bhesania. resultant publicity could lead to taunts Modi says he does not know if Percy ’s According to Modi, the ceremony was and humiliation for the child. Since this has been the first instance of a child of an done at Saher Agiary as he was given to episode led to an uproar among the intercommunity marriage being made a understand that Soonaiji Agiary had to athomans with the two involved priests navar. He was told that there have been be renovated and because things there being asked to submit their resignations, such cases in the past though he was not able to cite the source of his information. In reply to the allegation that he had wil ­ fully concealed the non-Parsi identity of his wife Sunanda from Ervad Hoshang should have been informed by Bhesania Forty-one Zoroastrians remain in Bhesania of the Soonaiji Hirji Agiary and Dastoor that he could not be traced Allahabad to avail of assets worth Rs who organized the navar ceremony for anywhere. He admitted that there was a 3,53,991.57, notes a release from Capt Percy, Modi maintains that Bhesania was recent shift of residence to Jogeshwari. Homi P. Dandiwalla, president of The aware of this fact. He informs that However his discussion indicated that he Allahabad Parsee Zoroastrian Anjuman. Bhesania along with Ervad Parvez was in touch with developments here: of As compared to the majority, 17, in the Madon, the present panthaky of the Bhesania and Dastoor being indirectly 60+ age-group, there are only six chil- Soonaiji Agiary had officiate at the asked to resign by the trustees of their re- dren under 19 years of age. In the 20-39 navjote ceremony of Percy “one or two spective agiaries; of feelers that the age-group there are eight members, and years back. ” navar ceremony should be negated. in the 40-59 category there are 10 more. Whether the panthaky of the H. D. “How can you cancel a navar cer- This picture of the aging community was Saher Agiary Ervad Bomanshah Dastoor emony? It is legally not correct, ” Modi proffered in early May, 1993. knew that Modi ’s wife was a non-Parsi, asserts. What if the matter goes to court? The largest expenditure of Rs 9,412, “If they go to court, I would have to go to court, ” he reasons. If he is directly ap- she was attending to her ailing mother in Dastur (Dr) Hormazdyar Mirza, Dastur (Dr) Kaikhusroc^ JamaspAsa and Dastur As for the allegations that Modi had (Dr) Firoze Kotwal, had opined that ity, ” and that the panthakie§.^and trustees upkeep during the ceremonial days and should “debar him from practising priest- the navar ceremony, Modi declares: “I hood. ” paid him (Bhesania) the normal navar knows it. ” In the Parsiana article Das- toor was quoted as stating that he had been given Rs 5,000, a figure which What has been his wife ’s reaction? “She doesn ’t have any views on this, ” states Mody. What about Percy ’s views? “He is too young — 10 or something — to say anydiing, ” notes the father. Care ­ ful not to disclose more information on 8 Parsiana July 1993 strictly with Bhesania. According to Modi, the ceremony was were in a flux with the departure of the does Modi have any ttgrets? “I feel sorry earlier panthaky and the induction of the that they feel sorry, ” he responds. new panthaky. Modi is surprised that Parsiana AllHhnbnd activity “ Zoroastrians navar ceremony should be negated. “How can you cancel a navar cer- asserts. What if the matter goes to court?and his maternal grandmother ’s neighbor in Navsari as the major influences from whom and where he learnt these songs. “For many years I dreamt of produc ­ ing a cassette of these melodious songs, ” notes Giara, adding, “I was fortunate in locating talented young Parsi singers, musicians and a studio at Navsari. ” Singers Mehemosh Wadia, Sanober Parabia and Naynaz Jamadar have lent their voices for this cas5.ette with music arranged by Yunus Parmar and the re ­ cording done at Uranus Recording Stu ­ dio, Navsari. Rumi Baria was the re ­ cording engineer. Those interested in preserving “our rich religious and cul ­ tural heritage ” may contact Giara at incurred by the Anjuman during the last financial year, was on scholarships. ''' Grants lOr scholarship are meant to en ­ courage . the Zoroastrian children of Allahabad, it was clarified at their last annual general meeting. To qualify for ‘ this benefit, the individuals should either be studying in Allahabad, or if proceed ­ ing for higher studies outside Allahabad, the parents should be residing in Al ­ lahabad. Further inducements by way of monetary allowance were given to youth who attended the Sixth All India Zoroastrian Youth Seminar at Ahme- dabad last October, according to the President ’s report. For the paramobed retained in — Allahabad, the Anjuman expended Rs A in praise of Zarathushtra and 13 songs Dhunmai Building, 667 Lady Jehangir 8,366 in the last financial year. As the on side B in praise of Ahura Mazda. Road, Dadar, Bombay 400014. Tel: paramobed turnover is high in Alla- “Traditional Zoroastrian religious and 4120371. habad, at the last AGM 62-year-old community songs have been made more Hoshang Bhamgara offered to shoulder lively and adopted to modem music us- The teller’s tale the responsibilities of maintaining the ing a keyboard synthesizer and rhythm A few days after the tragic demise of fire by relieving Dinyar Dhondy and his mixer for delightful effects, ” notes an in ­ brother. It was hoped this would be the i ’ ’ ' “ start of the voluntary paramobed scheme to the tune of Govinda aala re aala can which the Federation of Parsi Zoroastrian i Anjumans of India had been mooting Laag^ Jarthost saheb mane vahala... “To since a long time as paid paramobeds help you follow the lyrics, sing along, were not wont to showing the same dedi ­ cation and zeal. yunuS /Z— ..IS ¦ Me*'®'"”’’ larnad®' . 7anot>®r7X’n®®' 'Nadia, n Bana parmar I V on side B in praise of Ahura Mazda. Road, Dadar, Bombay 400014. “Traditional Zoroastrian religious and 4120371. Phiroze and Mehroo Medhora: When the troduction to this cassette. For instance, family was coming to terms with the loss *7 ___ I of the couple whose house was set ablaze now be heard Mane vahala re vahala, during the communal riots in January “ 1993, the teller 3t the Central Bank of India ’s Bombay Central branch is said to and experience the joy and happiness, a have started making fraudulent with- booklet of these songs in phonetic En- drawals from the bank account of the de- glish is distributed free ” along with each ceased. In the series of withdrawals, their cassette priced at Rs 55. funds were depleted from Rs 57,79^ to The overall production-in-charge and Rs 93 as reported in The Times of India selection of songs has been handled by of June 30, 1993. The teller, Yezdi Minocher-Homji, was arrested by the Sing holy melodies “Songs that will awaken our community and inspire fellow Zoroastrians to lead a happier, purposeful life ” can now be Giara who names the Ranina Day Nurs- I" ” J', J heard on an audiocassette produced by ery, the J. B. Vachha School, the navjote Agripada police on June 23 and released Marzban J. Giara. The 60-minute Zoro- class at Perviz Hall run by the astrian Melodies has eight songs on side Parsee Youths* Assembly, his parents ".’ry-Trr-r' ¦ , -(f. ¦ 4 i ?¦ on bail three days later, as mentioned in the Times' news coverage. The mischief came to 1^ light when the Medhoras ’ & niece Ms A. S. Minocher- H Homji, who was also the ¦ third signatory in this ac- B count, visited the Bank for a B copy of the balance sheet. tB j f . She was given evasive re- H plies and harried with proce- ¦ Dady Patell (right) with the then Chief of Air I Staff N. C. Suri after his S third Goodwill Mission P on his TVS Champ moped. Covering a J distance of over 3,000 km from Jamnagar to Hasimara in end 1992, Patell had dedicated his voyage to the Indian R Airforce. >!'i;dural formalities. I suspected that some- thing was wrong when they refused to ^9| show me the balance sheet and kept in- 9H|| sisting that I produce unnecessary docu- ments like a death certificate, ” she re- called to the Times reporter. When she was told of the paltry Rs 93 IB balance in the account, “I immediately knew that something was wrong, ” she said. “My uncle would have had more money in a bank that was so near his home. ” She convinced the bank officials to look into the matter; and thus came forth some startling evidence. Capitalizing on the common surname that he shared with the third signatory, Minocher-Homji is said to have master ­ minded 22 transactions, using typed cheques. The withdrawals were always less than Rs 3,000 to avoid the Bank ’s verification procedures, and always from Eye Oil SCrvicC his own counter, recounts the Times re- ~ ‘ porter. Minocher-Homji is believed to have been suspended. The Bank however was insistent that Ms Minocher-Homji pro- _____ ________ _____ duce proof of succession before they Bombay Samachar of April if, 1993. late Major Aderbad Irani, “known for his i' Sethna: congenial centenarian Retuming to India after more than 17 (left) Daryush Irani: offers vision care years of practice as an eye surgeon in the UK, Dr Daryush Aderbad Irani is keen to rated on June 6, 1993, when Dr Burjor give his free services to the poor of his Godrej was the guest of honor. These own community, noted a write-up in The rooms are in memory of his father, the could pay out. Meanwhile, the Phiroze Appointed honorary ophthalmic surgeon surgical skill aJid humanitarian approach honor of the philatelist by the Empire of will be attending to the poor Parsi pa- Stamp Journal is looking forward to re- Medhora Memorial Fund, founded in at the Lady Jehangir Health Unit, Irani to his vocation, ” as acknowledged in The Samachar. Bombay bom Daryush ’Avas educated ------ ---------- at the Cathedral and John Connon School ceipt of donations to pursue objects dear tinue from his consulting rooms at and subsequently did his bachelors in to the philatelist and his wife. Framroz Court, Marine Drive, inaugu- medicine and surgery followed by a di ­ ploma in ophthalmic medicine and sur ­ gery, and master of surgery in ophthal ­ mology from the Bombay University. In England, he became fellow of the Col ­ lege of Ophthalmologists in 1989 after obtaining a diploma in ophthalmology from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons and thereafter a degree. For close to two decades Daryush held a contract with the Family Health Ser ­ vices Authority (FHS A) of Dorset to pro ­ vide general ophthalmic services under the National Health Service, mentioned Ms P. Topham of the FHSA. His prop ­ erty in Bournemouth had been converted into an outpatient day-care unit special ­ izing in cataract/implant surgery, con ­ veyed Dr Eric Amott of London who re ­ garded Daryush as an “enthusiastic and skilled eye surgeon. ” Sethna scores 100 “Don ’t try to convert the elderly person, rather circumvent her, ” is the pragmatic tip proffered by the congenial centenar ­ ian Ms Goola Sethna who completed 100 years on June 21 this year. Currently continued on page 22 India Philatelic Society and India’s tients every Thursday. " . ’ ' Irani ’s Vision Care practice will con- Framroz Court, Marine Drive, inaugu- Mm Karen Vatifdar being crovi^ned “May Queen” by Archana Purcm Singh at the May Queen Ball organized by the Sir Ness Wadia Club, Rustom Baug, on April 30,1993. This event, held after a lapse of 22 years, drew 20 contestants and a crowd of nearly 700, notes a press release. The “Miss Vivacious" prize was won by Khushnaaz Wadia. Photo: a. f. r . suder 12 Parsiana My 1993 IZOROASTRIANS ABROAD In Search of the Truth and the Arbab Rustam Guiv Darbe Mehr has been instituted to enable the body to go The Zoroastrian Society of British Colum- opened its doors on March 26, 1986 to full steam ahead. bia (ZSBC) launched its silver jubilee cel- become the ZSBC’s official base. The approval for the redevelopment of ebrations with the publication of the news- ' ‘ ................................... letter In Search of the Truth. It has also, foresightofits founding members the con- like the mandatory parking, drainage, land ­ effective February 7, 1993, officially stitution needs to change with the times. adopted the Fasli calendar, informs the Accordingly a review committee has been newsletter. “As it was felt that the Fasli calendar Rostam Shahrokh. Its first decision has results of the recent inflation in the coun- offers the only logical choice in North been to circulate a copy of the constitution try. Theoriginalcostestimateof$297,000 America to enable us to follow the devo ­ tional days of the ghambars as outlined in the religion, the ZSBC’s official year for 1362 YD will commence on March 21, 1993,” notes the first issue of the newslet ­ ter. The resolution was adopted when 70 percent of the members present at a special ceremonies for children and adults, informs meeting of the ZSBC on February 7 voted the second issue of the ZSBC newsletter, in its favor. The silver jubilee was celebrated with a dinner and dance on March 28 and com ­ bined with the community ’s Jamshedi Mizan (270-4077) or Rashid Irani (939- Navroze and Khordadsal celebrations. These developments would have glad- these initiation ceremonies can be done in dened the hearts of ZSBC’s founding fa ­ thers — J. Bacha, Hormusji M. Engineer, newsletter. meetings on the site where more than 80 N. M. Fitter, S. Irani and the late Jamshed people may attend, the timing for such Pavri. They were the initial signatories to A short note in In Search of the Truth meetings being restricted between 9 a.m, the ZSBC constitution on February 22, informs of the unhappy conditions in and 8 p.m. Any deviation from these 1968, notes the newsletter. The official Tajikistan. Quoting a letter from Dr conditions need the prior consent of the records of that year show that there were 20 Parvonakhon Jamshedi who had attended Council. families (51 individuals) registered as the Eighth North American Zoroastrian A spinoff of the property development members of the Society. The total Zoroas ­ trian population in Canada and the US was then estimated at 1,000. The present count leashed by the civil war in that country: should be a source of rejoicing for Zoroas ­ trians everywhere: 280 families in British Columbia (740 individuals) and an esti ­ mated 12,000 in Canada and the US. The Engineers were the first to arrive in Vancouver, states the newsletter. They himselfwas said to be in London while his were followed by the Pavris the following family was in Moscow. year and the Confectioners a year thereaf ­ ter. Among Iranian Zoroastrians Parviz It is now felt, however, that despite the the site is predicated by 45 provisos. Some, scaping and other requirements imply an increase in the cost estimates. The delay constituted under the chairmanship of also means that the AZA must bear the and its bylaws to the entire community and in 1991 now approximates $ 375,000. With seek inputs at the grass roots level. $ 330,000 from the major donors in the kitty, the AZA now faces a shortfall of ZSBC directors and the Congress executive $ 70,000 which includes a contingency committee are enthusiastic about arranging plan for $ 20,000 to $ 25,000 as the news- for individual and group initiation letter informs its readers. Other AZA funds include working funds of $ 8,488 and a building maintenance fund of $ 5,200. The Council ’s consent will lapse, un- Anyone interested in being initiated into the Zoroastrian religion is invited to contact less development begins in two years ’ time Ms Zarine Dastur (469-1054), Ms Dinaz as Graham Brown, divisional manager for the Council ’s environment services, notes 2617) by August31, 1993. “It is hoped that in his letter. Moreover, according to con ­ sent condition number 40, in any one cal- the first quarter of 1994,’’ notes the endar year the ^ZA can hold only 10 A short note in In Search of the Truth informs of the unhappy conditions in Tajikistan. Quoting a letter from Dr 4’ the Eighth North American Zoroastrian Congress as a guest speaker, the newsletter was the amendment of the AZA ’ s articles reports on the harrowing condition un- of association by an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) held on May 9,1993. The “All flats and rooms had been robbed and votes were 77 in favor, five against and many people had been killed. All the three invalid. A highlight of the amend- democratic orientation people had fled ments is the establishment of a subcommit- Tajikistan and most of them are living in tee of trustees comprising five members, Russia and other countries. ” Jamshedi three of them being permanent representa ­ tives of the three major donors to the AZA House project. The remaining two would be AZA members selected at an EGM. If a major donor ’s contribution —as indexed Kaboli ’s family arrived in 1971 followed teachingassignmentfrom June to August, and adjusted annually according to the by his parents a couple of years later. consumer price index for Sydney —ceases The navjotes of Ms Roxane Engineer, Consent, at last to be one of the three highest donations, his MsNilooferWadfaandMsThrity Bhesania Almost two years after winning its appeal membership of the subcommittee will de- - - ----- ;i volve OU “the emergent major donor, ” notes Manashni. A major donor register The first Zarathushti wedding dates back trian Association (AZA) has received the will be maintained to record the monetary ¦............................................. sum of the donations. The three major do ­ nors to have representational rights on the first subcommittee are: Arbab Rustam Guiv Trust, Faridoon and Meheraban Zartoshty, and Nawzar Ostowari and family. Amended article 70 ensures that “No Street property was purchased through the on the heels of the official consent a brand Zoroastrian, regardless of his/her national ­ benevolence of the late Ms Morvarid Guiv new 14-member fund-raising committee ity, whether they are the members of the He was hoping to have his family join him in Wisconsin, USA where he had a by Ervad Hormusji Khambatta in 1970 against the Baulkam Hills Shire Council, were the first to take place in Vancouver. I.. -------''— ------ the New South Wales ’ Australian Zoroas- to May 1974 when Ms Mehri Kaboli and official go-ahead signal for the restructur- Darius Parsi were married. ing and development of its property at In 1969 the Society agreed to purchase Annangrove, informs Manashni,the AZA’s 32 burial plots in Surrey, notes the newslet- newsletter. Earlier, the Council had ne- ter. As of now the ZSBC has 273 plots, gated the application on the basis of com- On November 30, 1985 the. Halifax plaints from AZA’s neighbors. And hard 14 Parsiana July 1993Association or not, will be denied entry to the property for the purpose of worship or for religious ceremonies. ” The amendments also determine that the seven-member board of directors ol the AZA iselected for two-year terms in batches of three and four every alternate year. A year ’s lapse after two years in office is mandatory. Manashni’s March-April ’93 issue re ­ corded the resignations of president Fereidoon Demehri and supporting social secretary Zarir Reporter from the AZA’s managing committee. Vice president Percy Ukaji took over as president. There was some heartburning over the Jamshedi Navroze celebrations. “We re ­ gret to say that this year the standard of entertainment left a lot to be desired, ” noted Manashni coeditors Ms Behroze Bilimoria and Ms Gooloo Katrak. “Here in Sydney over the years a trend has emerged where staged entertainment at a Navroze function has not proved entirely success ­ ful, ” they added. Among the reasons prof ­ fered for the disenchantment were the poor accoustics in the hall, the urge of the members to communicate when they meet over long lapses of time and distance, and the disgruntlement of the youth as no mu ­ sic or dancing had been provided. Cliff WnDfCiflR Juke Box Music all the time Wide choice of Beers For Early Risers and Light Eaters Near Regal Cinema, Colaba Causeway. Phone: 2020591 VICITatilS '4^ % Compiled by Amavaz S. Mama Sv V Continental & Hyderabad! specialities 4, Mandlik Road, Behind The Taj Mahal Hotel, Bombay 400 039. Tel: ^85 6316. ¦ /' For Pure Diunionds 1 JEWELLERS 324, Grant Road, Bombay 400007. Telephone 3099648 Fax 3073483 APPOINTED VALUERS BY THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA 15 Parsiana July 1993ART Artistic Reflections Rutnagar gazes at his imposing etching Rusi Rutnagar’s mirror paintings reverse not only the image but the process Gustasp Irani’ Oasis Disco in Delhi, that, from the back, ” says Rutnagar. The Ray Bands showroom, problems of such a venture, he explains, Raymonds office... the ~ list goes on and on. He has done portraits of in conventional painting one starts with the Rajiv Gandhi, M. S. Oberoi, Shobha D6, the Aga Khan , Elvis Presley , stance, the process in mirror painting is the Charlie Chaplin, Lord Ganesh, Sai Baba, Zarathushtra... And got to compose and hold that final image in your mind. That ’s why I often work 16 of hours at a stretch till I etch it all out. And , since I work backwards I can ’t correct 1 mistakes by overworking them as I might i, on canvas. In this work, the ni^gin for error is very small. You ’ve got to be very organized to do things upside down, ” notes Rutnagar, stating what seems to be a para ­ dox. But before Rutnagar could come to terms with the challenges of mirror paint ­ ing, he had to resolve the question of his _____ own career goals. In 1982, at the age of 30, nuity ; the technique self- he opted out of an interior decorating busi- taught and polished nesshesharedwithhiselderbrotherNeville. through a process of trial Rutnagar explains his reasons for doing so: and error. “I don ’t know of anyone in of Elvis Presley India, or for that matter in the world, who IClUL/d IIUIIVJI WVI IVIIIVV i. UW, «.» twas an eye-catching self-portrait: a heavy dressed Rutnagar who looks younger than thatch of hair, a bristling moustache, the eyes hooded behind glasses. The head tilted rather defiantly at the world as our own reflection looked back at us. No, Rusi Rutnagar was not making a profound artistic statement; he was merely doing what he does best — etching on mirrors. Rutnagar ’s art is slick and striking — a slash of color and form engraved on the brilliant sparkle of glass. From portraits to abstracts, his range is impressive. Equally impressive is his list of clients. His works have been commissioned by British Air- are many. For starters, left isright and right is left in a mirror. More important, while outline and works towards the detailed highlights, like a glint in the eye, for in- reverse; one starts with the highlights and works back towards the outline. “You ’ve Bollywood loves him: mirror images cf Shatrughan Sinha, Rekha and Rakesh Roshan, amongst others, adorn the homes of movie stars. Rutnagar did not at ­ tend an art school or re ­ ceive any formal train ­ ing in art. Using mirrors as a medium was the product of his own inge- * “When you say you did the interior of a certain house what do you really mean? does mirror work like I do, ’’says a casually That you chased after the (undependable) labor to execute what you designed? It was not what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I wanted to do things myself. ” So he ventured out into the never-never land as his studio-cum-showroom, we discover behind the looking glass. that the man behind the reflection has the courage I him. ‘_________ word. Maybe I approach things a little his 42 years. As we explore his work at his Gowalia Tank residence in Bombay , which doubles 1 L.J.. J.__ : It was a hazardous journey at best, 'c to look askew at the world around Rutnagar did not know anyone who could “I don ’t know if askew is the right guide him past the technical hurdles he was ................ . ................1^, ¦¦ '; sure to encounter. For two years he virtu- differently... kind of look at things upside ally shut out the world and in his bedroom down, ” clarifies Rutnagar. explored the lay of the land in the realm of This upside down perception is an into- reflections. “My parents (Maneck and gral part of Rutnagar ’s work. “Mirror Dhun) thought I was crazy, destroying _____________ painting is very different from conven- ways, Leela Kempinski, theOberoi Pastry tional painting. Here, since you are work ­ shop, the Seagull Bar at Natraj Hotel, Sterling Theatre, Arora Towers in Poona, This upside down perception is an inte- ing on a reflecting surface, you ’ve got to approach your canvas, if you may call it brand new mirrors, ’’ Rutnagar recalls. When he emerged from his self-imposed seclusion it was with a radically different art form. 17 Parsiana July 1933 ILooking back at childhood influences, Rutnagar homes in on Ms Cumi Dallas, an artist who lived and worked in the flat ________ ________ adjoining his. Even as a child of two or straight on canvas is almost easy, ” accord- three I would go to her house and play with her paints and colors. Later a.s I grew up and went to college I had other dreams (Rutnagar, like many Parsis of his age, wanted to be an airline pilot, failing which he would have been happy to be a flight purser), but that color sense of my child ­ hood stayed with me. Apart from that early influence, my art is entirely self-taught, ” says Rutnagar. Being self-taught, Rutnagar is not bur ­ dened with artistic pretensions. “In art galleries you see people looking for hidden meanings. It ’s all hogwash. Eitheryou like a painting or you don ’t, ” he observes. Neither does he care to hold his exhibitions in traditional art galleries. He prefers to have them at the Oberoi Towers, The Bajaj Art Gallery and places which may not be “arty, ” but where his kind of client is more comfortable. “People often ask me why I don ’t work on canvas, ” says Rutnagttr. To answer them he did one piece —a canvas in oiks — and the transparency of that painting ap ­ peared on thecoverof the South East Asian edition of Reader’s Digest and subse- i ...................... quently on their calendar. “Once you have Rutnagar. “She is a Zoroastrian of her generation, I am a Zoroastrian of my gen ­ eration. ” And Rutnagar respects the sentiments of both generations. When his one-and-a- half-year-old son Misharr was born under the Sinh {ma, la) raasi he refused to flout tradition, though the temptation to do so was great. “You may say I believe in astrology. I am a Capricorn... ” Rutnagar is not undu y perturbed over the fortunes of the Parsi community. “Do mg to Rutnagar. He does not visualize youreallythinkwehaveproblems?Idon ’t. himself doing “easy ” work in the near - ¦ • - - future at least, the first time around was to prove a point. Yet, Rutnagar is not a rebel without a spineless bank clerk doe's not reflect real- cause; actually he is a rebel without mal ­ ice. He recalls the morning of the day he was to get married to Binaifer, an airhostess with British Airways, and was hanging up a mirror portrait of Zarathushtra on the __________ _________ stage where the ceremony was to take that he generally settles down to the serious intended it to be. “I see no conflict, ” says worked backwards on mirrors, working “Since I work backwards I can’t correct mistakes by overworking them” f I think we Parsis are doing pretty wefl for ourselves, ” he observes. According to him the portrait of the young Parsi male as a ity. “The young bank clerk Parsi does not exist anymore today. If at all, he belonged to the earlier generation, ” says Rutnagar. He admits that the young Parsi will still sow wild oats till he is about 30, but after ’ ------------C3---------------- mv/ place. An elderly lady stepped up and business of consolidating his career and J t .-vz4 ___J T .» • _ 1 » .• ® Zaralhushtra was green and not black as in his portrait. Rutnagar thanked her for this spark of enlightenment and got back to ensuring that his portrait stayed where he informed him that the traditional color of making a success of it. Rutnagar should know; he has been on the rollercoaster himself, and doing it backwards and upside down has added tch^he exhilaration of the ride. i #*1 Best Wishes Front RUSY & PURVIZ SHROFF IART COVER STORY 'Naive' Parsi Portrayals Artist Naina Kanodia highlights the finer points of the community’s dress and demeanor Parinaz Gandhi I i Pirojabai was carried away with her four of which had worked detail ” that typify ‘naive ’ Pomeranian. Her mate Cowasji was left Parsi characters in ***^^^^1 art, as notes an introduction to the behind, clutching a chair and holding on to full focus while yet exhibition. A cursory look at the his umbrella. The artist Ms Naina Kanodia another, Convoca- oBB i canvases won ’tsuffice. You ’ll want had conceived them as a pair and would tion Hall, Bombay w to make a closer scrutiny of the fa?r have liked them to remain together. The University, showed a 1 (border) on Pirojabai ’s sari, the buyer however did not have room for two Parsi couple in the design on the background paintings so finally Kanodia had to relent foreground taking a wallpaper, the embroidery on and allow the couple to part company, the walk in the Univer- Freny ’s^^louse, the tapestry on the artist discloses on the last day of her sity campus. Each of I chair, the variegated foliage... exhibition at the Taj Art Gallery from the works was suf- f The freshness and vit^ity,char- March 16-22,1993. fused with “the air of acteristic of ‘naive ’ s^t, is there in There were 24 paintings in oil that whimsy, the flat, bright, polished surfaces Kanodia ’s works. But her talent is not “the Kanodia had displayed at this exhibition, andtheextraordinaryplethoraofintricately product of an untutored eye and hand. ” In fact reputed artist Ms Anjolie Ela Menon prefers to describe her as a “‘neo- primitive ’ because she is too well schooled to be a genuine ‘naif. Kanodia, one of the few Indian practitioners of ‘naive ’ art, this, is yet an ­ other phase where her artistic inclination finds an expression. Actually Part naif which is recognized the world over is supposed to be free of formal influences, giving the artist the liberty to work from instinct, regardless of the rules of composition or perspective. Yet what appears deceptively simple requires days of work de ­ pending on the meticulous details that have to be filled in on each canvas. the works was suf ­ fused with “the air of » >9 1 ! «s. ii! If: i!l •ffliT ii • For . Kanodia with her ’naive’ art specimen. Above: frame o/Cowasjir With Parsis, Kanodia is at ease. She EVENTS AND PERSONALITIES The family later remigrated to the sub- finds they make easy subjects with their continued from page 12 urbs of France and thence to the French aquiline noses and with anxiety writ large president of the Poona Zarthusti Seva colony Madagascar where Goola was _ .... . ’. -J :— based until a friend ’s marriage brought cial work since World War I. her to India. When asked if she has any As a resident of France during World regrets, prompt comes the repartee, “Not at all; and even if I did, you can ’t unfry an egg. ” to the wounded and tending to the hun- SPOTLIGHT The first Asian to receive the prestigious St Paul ’s medal by the British Associa- I I on their faces. “Middle-aged Parsis always Mandal, Sethna has been involved in so- seem to have a problem on their mind, ” has been Kanodia ’s observation. “It may be a very minor problem but since it could War I, “young Goola and her sister cause a major disruption in their routine, plunged into the war effort. They be- theyare upset ” TheParsi male ’s penchant came auxiliary nurses, providing succor for the umbrella does not escape 1 Kanodia ’s observant eye either and this dreds of refugees from Belgium, ” notes prop is a familiar feature in her paintings an article in the Maharashtra Herald, of Parsis. Besides shelter, the umbrella Pune, June 22,1993. Their commitment tion of Urological Surgeons is Dr Dara also serves to give him stability and security, during the War years earned the sisters a K. Karanjavala, according to The Times she remarks. To the artist, Bombay typifies Parsis. Seeing them in their traditional attire at markable is their functioning amidst un- formal functions or on their evening strolls favorable circumstances when German have been conferred such a distinction, which had become a ritual with some soldiers were occupying their father ’s Parsis,Kanodiagrewtoadmirethese “nice, house and taking the liberty of boring straightforward people. ” That she had holes in the walls to rest their guns, she The Bombay University has conferred its captured the likeness of the community in recalled for the Maharashtra Herald. doctorate of science in chemistry to Dr her paintings ofParsis, all in the Rs 6,500- . 8,500 range, was evident from the sar- was staying with her husband and chil- nuclear chemistry division of the Insti- donic comments passed by many a Parsi dren in Poona. Refusing even then to be tute of Science, reports The Times of In- visitor to the Gallery who would compare a silent spectator she is said to have dia of May 26. More than 110 research himself or herself or one of the relatives helped out at a hospital and a canteen papers by the professor have been pub- to a particular character depicted in the and to have become an active volunteer lished in national apd international jour- painting. of the Red Cross and the Infant Welfare nals, as per the write-up. Besides Parsis there were several other Society. themes to her ‘naive ’ art works: Barber / _ * ' .......................... ......... ‘ ‘ " Shop, Crawford Market, Chess-game, tutions with which Sethna has been in- marks, at the Bombay University ’s Final Great White Hunter, Pandurang and many volved are the Mental Hospital at Year BCom examinations in April last was Ms Ketayun Darabshah Dada- chanji of Sydenham College of Com ­ merce and Economics. Fellow collegian decoration from the French government, of India of May 26, 1993. This award for But what Sethna considers even more re- the year 1993 makes ±e senior Bombay urologist among the five worldwide to mentions the news report. At the time of World War II Sethna (Ms) Zarine R. Tur el, head of the was staying with her husband and chil- Among the other social service insti- Securing fifth rank, with 794 percent marks, at the Bombay University ’s Final more. As acknowledges fellow artist Yerwada, and the Poona Women ’s Coun- Menon, “In her Bombayscapes, she lifts cil where she was founder member, the city ’s most precious landmarks bodily out of the quagmire of grime and filth, restoring them to a dream-like past, devoid game of tennis or bridge, or entertaining Just as she found time for others, she made time for herself too, enjoying a Ms Monaz Adi Anklesaria came sixth _ _ J with a total of 79.16 percent as notes the of the squalor that now attends them. She her friends with her mezzo soprano Jam-e-Jamsked. At the same examina- reflects upon the charming idiosyncracies voice. tion, Ms Delna Dinshaw Zaveri of H. R. of her Parsi and Goan subjects with a fine degree of pictorial wit and a gentle satire. ’’ Conceiving a painting may take time. But once she starts on a canvas she prefers to complete the painting in two weeks or sojourns abroad, as writes Ms Jeroo one month at the most. Usually she works Pudumjee) was establishing his business with Camel colors, reserving imported ink only for the finishing. “A painting shouldn ’tlook too much like a photograph, ’’ opines Kanodia at this, her tenth solo exhibition. She has also participated in group shows in New York and Bombay, and her works find a place in the collec ­ tions of business magnates, industrial houses, educational institutions, financial corporations and in the private collections in different continents. To Kanodia, a painting is meant to serve a joyous purpose: “When a person looks at a painting, it should make him or her happy, not sad. ” voice. Bom in Aden, Goola ’s formative College of Commerce and Economics set years were spent in England where her a record in the Hoteliery and Tourism pa- merchant father Rumy Byramjee (who per, scoring 98 percent, according to a earned the name Velati for his frequent press release. Compiled by Parinaz Gandhi Sit P W- pHOMt . I®’' 22 Parsiana July 1993 u r t I «» k I! 1 1 I I 1 INSTITUTIONS Rights of Passage Homi Rogers There are considerable obstacles Zoroastrians face if they opt for cremation priests according to the faith of the de ­ ceased. The hall leads to the furnaces where the body (placed, if so desired, in a coffin) is slowly admitted into the oven. And no, there are no barbaric sounds of the skull cracking, or the flesh scalding. Quietly, while relatives and friends offer condolences or chant their prayers either in the hall or the prim little adjoining gar ­ den, the body is reduced to ashes, which are then handed over to the kin for im ­ mersion or burial. According to Homai Bode, Irach Taraporewala, who translated the Gathas into English, had written that Zoroastrian ­ ism advocated that the “dead body must be disposed of as quickly as possible, with the least harm to the living. ” Cremation, avers Ms Bode, “is the closest method available to us today, keeping in mind the precepts of the original thoughts of our re ­ ligion. ” Taraporewala himself went to meet his Creator via the Doongerwadi. And just last year. Dr Kersi Dastoor, the famous cardiologist who had created waves of controversy when he had his toria in Bombay ”). They are managed at Rajkot and buried outside, had his own (and heavily subsidized) by the health de- funeral rites performed at Doongerwadi. partment of the city ’s municipal corpora ­ tion, and are open to all communities. Cremation is an ugly word in the Parsi electricity, and no firewood or coal is lexicon. To bum when dead is to invite scorn and censure: a legacy which the dead person ’s relatives have to live with. Or, rather, live down. The purists equate it to perjury, a kind of treason to the faith in which one is bom that the disposal of body to cinders, within 60 to 90 minutes, the body does not follow the accepted with the temperature being sometimes community prescription. The number of raised to 900°C in the case of a ‘strong ’ people cremated annually are toted up (well-built/hefty) body, with the same rancor and passion as the ~ number of intercommunity marriages. Yet Zoroastrians who opt for crema ­ tion include the rich and the famous — and, occasionally even the purists. Dowa ­ ger ladies like Dinbai Petit, around 30 years ago, and Roshan Sabavala, the Admission to a crematorium is a rela- daughter-in-law of social worker Bapsy, tively simple matter. An attendant is on ^st a year back, asjvell as a scion of the duty all 24 hours and can be reached on tlie phone for any guidance or assistance required. For instance, at Chandanwadi you are required to produce a doctor ’s certificate testifying to the demise and pay the cremation charges of Rs 175 at about adopting any other form of funerd rites should not only voice his preference to his immediate family, but also specify the same in his will. Homai Bode narrates an interesting story of an army officer in Pune who wished to be cremated as opposed to his more traditional sister who would have him consigned to the dokhma. No argu ­ ments cut ice with her till finally the colo ­ nel read out his will to her in which he had stated that if she did not cremate him he would disinherit her and his nephew and bequeath everything to the pun- chayet. The sibling acquiesced to the cre ­ mation. There remains, however, one more de ­ terrent for the Zoroastrian inclined in fS- vor of cremation. “Who will perform my final prayers? ” he asks. It is the belief not used.) The furnace in which the body is placed is maintained at a minimum tem ­ perature of 700°C, 24 hours a day The heat generated is sufficient to reduce the There are four electric crematoria in Bombay city (see “List of Electric Crema- father ’s body renfoved from the dokhma Tata family. Naval Tata, chose the crema ­ torium to the traditional Doongerwadi. And when Dastur Framroze Bode expired a few years ago, and was cremated as per his wishes, the community lost little time once again in branding him a heretic. There are two kinds of cremation. One is the traditional form, much preferred by Hindus even today, of the body being dant advises you about a suitable time to bring the corpse. In the case of Zoroas ­ trians who may prefer that the funeral co- incide.s with traditional Doongerwadi tim ­ ings, the necessary adjustment is possible and a furnace is reserved accordingly. This applies especially to crematoria which have more than one furnace. The crematorium is a simple structure. the old (pyre) crematorium nearby. Armed with the receipt, you proceed to the electric crematorium, where the atten- burnt on a pyre made of logs of wood. The pyre is lit, and the body placed on it burns with the wood. (In her book Rajiv Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi mentioned that her late husband had specifically asked for this kind of a cremation.) The second method, the one opted for by Zoroastri- ans, and which the reformists within the community present as an alternative to spotlessly clean. Homai Bode, widow of the dokhma (feeding to the vultures), is the electric crematorium. Here, no logs of wood are used to burn the body. Heat required for burning the body is generated plicity and cleanliness. by electricity. (A spokesperson at the Chandanwadi crematorium, the one most frequently used by the community, as ­ sures us that the furnace works purely on the late Dastur Bode, had visited a crema ­ torium before her husband ’s demise “out of curiosity ” and was struck by its sim- 23 Parsiana My 1993 Often enough the dokhma fiction is ex ­ ercised by the nearest of kin who either do not share the deceased ’s beliefs, or do not wish to face religious ostracism. With so ­ ciety generally quick to impute the heresy to the one who consigned the deceased to the bhuihi (furnace), a family would per ­ force exercise the traditional option. Thus a Zoroastrian who feels strongly 4' There is within the crematorium build ­ ing a fairly large prayer hall, with a plat ­ form at one end. The body can be placed only among Zoroastrians but amongst all upon the dais, and prayers performed by humans that the last rites are essential for ICheck out fer the funeral prayers. amongst your contacts: there are many tice, to have two priests in paiwand (close fully-ordained priests with other profes- contact with each other, by way of hold ­ ing a piece of cloth or cotton tape be ­ tween them) to recite it. “If you die abroad the smooth passage of the soul from the formed by priests. ” Nor is it necessary, geti (physical) to the mino (spiritual) world. By some strange logic, our dasturs and punchayet akhbars (edicts) have laid down that ceremonies for the first four days be denied to a Zoroastrian whose fu ­ neral destination is other Ulf _ Hio aKrnsiH “Prayers, ” than the dokhma or yOU UltJ dUiUdU jehan Daruwala, editor aramgah, though his aod QGt CrGIHatGCl, of the 172-year-old The prayers can be per- -- formed at the agiary from the fifth day on ­ wards. Even more anomalous is the injunc ­ tion that “where there are no dokhmas, there is no religious objection to Parsis being burnt or buried (Dastur Khurshed Dabu in Jam-e-Jamshed dated October 16, 1967).” It is, as Homai Bode argues, an unfair state of affairs. “If you die abroad and get cremated, all your prayers will be said for you but woe betide if you savant, are “intended to produce in the die in Bombay and opt for cremation. ” The prayers said for the dead for the first four days are deemed most important dead, feelings of gratitude and love to ­ by the Zoroastrian scriptures. It is said that the soul of a dead person remains within the precincts of this world for three days, and most Zoroastrians fear that non ­ recital of prayers, as enjoined, would not elevate the soul from this world to the other. Is it necessary that the prayers be said described (see box, “For want of a only by a mobed? “If when you are sick, and do not get an allopath, would you not take treatment from a homeopath? ” asks around. “Search, ” as The Bible says, “and bringing together like-minded members Burjor Pavri, himself a fully ordained priest, and recently in the eye of the storm and friends who have married outside the saving themselves and those whom they for having performed the navjote of Ms community. The mobed who officiated at love from rotting in death... in the Rati Puz-Surti ’s son by a non-Zoroastrian their wedding or the navjotes of their chil- insanitary and unhygienic dokhmas. ” father. According to Pavri, it is not or ­ dained anywhere by our scriptures that the ceremony of geh-sarna (die prayers said before a body is consigned for dis ­ posal) should be done only by a priest. “Any pious person can utter these prayers. Why, ” he adds, “a family member may chant them too, with more devotion and sincerity than a mercenary mobed would. ” The geh-sarna prayer, shorn of its mystique, is a recital of the Ahunavaiti Gaiha. The recital, as (Dr) Sir Jivanji J. Modi informs us in his book. The Reli­ gious Ceremonies and Customs of the Parsees, “was intended as a sermon and exhortation to give moral courage to the survivors to bear with fortitude the loss of the deceased and as a protection against the spread of disease. ” It is not, as Pavri elucidates, “a pav-mahal (inner liturgical ceremony) rite that it can only be per- though it is a commonly followed prac- all your prayers will be said for you... sions who as a gesture of friendship and free of the responsibilities of a practising mobed, might be willing to perform. One could even enquire with Daruwala when submitting the obit note for publica ­ tion in his paper. The Bombay Samachar upholds “freedom of speech, and this power has been given to our readers, ” in ­ forms Daruwala whose paper carries death notices, including those of Zoroas ­ trians who opt for other forms of funeral services. “People are finding their own priests, ” asserts Ms Pareen Lalkaka, sister of scholar Ms Piloo Jungalwalla, and herself the author of many children ’s books on 2Loroastrianism. Lalkaka, who believes in the pristine Zoroastrian religion and not the shenanigans associated with it, refuses to direct us to similar mobeds, arguing that “either you believe in religion, or in its outward ceremonies. ” It is mild chas- wards the deceased, and ideas of morality tisement for trying to bring about a mar ­ aud virtue... ” Zoroastrians who opt for cremation but are unable to get a mobed to perform the geh-sarna ceremony (few full-time priests gling of the two paths. A beginning on are willing to risk ostracization within such lines was initiated in 1967. when the their own clan), may follow the procedure combined effort of the late Dhunjisha Joshi and the late Dara Cama led to the priest ”). If, however, you must have a establishment of the Bombay Zoroastrian mobed to perform the ceremony, look Reformist League with the purpose of avers Bombay Samachar, gen ­ erally perceived as a re ­ formist paper by Parsis, “offer solace to the liv ­ ing. That is the real meaning of prayers. But, unfortunately, (the practice has) become highly com ­ mercialized. ” Despite his being branded as an iconoclast and reformist, Daruwala ’s statement merely echoes Jivanji Modi ’s views on Zoroastrian fu ­ neral ceremonies which, according to the minds of the survivors a great solicitude for the health of the living, respect for the riage of the two. But for a community set in its own ways, the transition may require a min- . ’r 1 24 Parsiana July 19S3 ye shall find. ” Look amongst relations of the community “who are interested in and friends who have married outside the their wedding or the navjotes of their chil ­ dren — especially where the father was a The League, while actively advocating non-Zoroastrian — may be willing to of- continued on page 29 List of Electric Crematoria in Bombay Location Address Telephone No of Furnaces Dhobi Talao Sion Dadar Oshiwara Chembur Chandanwadi, near Marine Lines Flyover, Bombay 400002 Near Sion Hospital/Hindu Cemetry, Bombay 400022 2015977 4071656 Shivaji Park, near Dadar Chowpatty, 452089 Off Prabhadevi, Bombay 400028 S. V. Road, between Jogeshwari and Goregaon, Bombay 400060 to be operational soon 3 2 1 6287310 2BUSINESS A Taste of the Goodies Goodies started by Noshir and Lily Mody in Baroda has a lot of flour power Roxanne Kavarana They had the right ingredients, in correct measure, to try out a recipe called success slopping them. — two tablespoons of hard work, a table ­ spoon each of determination and dedica ­ tion, a pinch of patience, a scoopful of dreams and a liberal topping of confi ­ dence. Noshir and Lily Mody of Baroda mixed all these to come up with a bakery called Goodies. This was in November 1991. Along the way they may have juggled their ingredients a little, but have the huge satisfaction of hav ­ ing carved — or baked? — a niche for them ­ selves in Baroda in such a short time. The Modys opted for the name Good ­ ies because it best brought out their wide range of products — presently they make Above: Nosbir Mody crisp biscuits, delicious party snacks, 25 - - kinds of mouth-watering cookies, 18 types of crusty breads and, as Lily — puts it, “God knows how many varie- I ties of cakes, ” including designer or I theme cakes. All in all, the Modys ’ I baby is a bakery-cum-confectionery, I the only one of its kind in this busy in- I dustrial town in Gujarat. I Noshir and Lily, now both 32, first I met as students of the Institute of Ho- I tel Management and Catering Tech- I nology, Bombay. After moving to I Baroda to be close to Noshir ’s parents I who were staying in nearby Rajpipla, I the couple gained nearly 10 years of I experience in the hotel industry and H made a name for themselves in the | field. But they had always dreamed of E being their own boss and of doing jc things their way. They were also B prepared to take the risks and put I in the gruelling work associated ¦ the gruelling work 25 Parsiana July 1993 with a self-venlure. And there was no “She ’s the quality control manager, ” quips Noshir about his wife who last year Ask how many hours we didn ’t bagged the woman entrepreneur award at work, ” reminisces Lily about the time ...................... when she and her husband slogged round the clock, putting up the infrastructure of Sterling Foods Ltd, the company behind .... . ________ ____________ _ Goodies. “If someone had tipped me off tally dedicated, qualities ’'she easily shares about the difficulties we ’d encoun- ............ ter, maybe I would never have ven- lured into this business, ” she is quick to add, but then takes pains to clarify Bn that “nothing could have really put us off. ” H Together they handled the day- |H to-day affairs — Lily concentrating plump exterior, he is a go-getter in his M on the production side while Noshir dealt with the more frustrating legal and administrative hassles, a division of labor they still more or less maintain. a competition at the local Welcomgroup hotel. Lily looks a sirong-mindeo woman, a workaholic in the culinary tradition, but she is above all friendly, tireless and to- wiih her husband and business partner whom she lovingly calls “Nosh. ” In his case, outer appearances, as the cliche goes, are deceptive. Always smil ­ ing, he appears to be the easygoing, laidback type who takes success and fail ­ ure in his stride. But behind th^pleasingly Below: Cookies being readied under Lily Mody's supervision i own quiet way. They concur that their most difficult task was the tackling of legal and admin ­ istrative requirements before getting into their act. “We spent sleepless nights, ” re ­ members Noshir. Being no legal eagles themselves added to their problems. “People had told us that there would be no g hassles but for a first-timer things sure were difficult, ” adds Lily. I Early in their enterprise, their plan I to make assorted chocolates had to be r dropped. The culprit? A law which * says that each item must bear the name, weight and price on its packa ­ ging — a requirement the Modys found practically impossible to com ­ ply with. Notwithstanding the bitter taste left by a sweet dream that did not come true, the Modys have made giant strides in the business of bread. “We set out to concentrate on cakes and biscuits, but market demands have made it imperative that we divide our production equally between bread and the cake-biscuit segment, ” observes Lily. This has proved to be a blessing in disguise because the popularity of their bread has helped to make Good- 1 4^^' * IL Baked delights from Goodies specially made to order: a ‘happy birthday’ train (left) and a 100 kg X’mas cake ies a household name in Baroda. The Modys continue to do without a shop of their own. Sterling Foods Ltd is financed by three partners and the prod ­ ucts are sold at several retail outlets all over Baroda. A shop of their own can wait; for now the focus is on increasing the output. An automatic oven and infrastructural changes are on the anvil. Lily is keeping her fingers crossed about the baker boys. “Trained staff is very dif ­ ficult to come by, ” she observes. Fortu ­ nately their pre-business credibility has helped them tide over this problem. The Modys admit that being Parsis has helped to put the icing on their cake. In ­ come-tax officials have turned away from their premises without having a close look at their account books after asking, “Are you Parsis? Oh, don ’t bother to show us your books... we know you won ’t cheat. ” Of course, there is another side to this Parsi angle. While struggling to set up their bakery and running from pillar to post to get their work done, these bakers extraordinaires concluded that “Parsis are neither street-smart nor do they know how to deal with corrupt practices. ” It is an opinion built on personal experience. But then, as Lily says, one learns as one goes along... 4' * r r Steamship agents — master stevedores dubashes — lighterage contractors Darabshaw B. Cursetjee’s Sons (Bombay) Pvt Ltd Darabshaw House, Ballard Road, Bombay 400038 Grams: DEADWEIGHT Telex: 5824 DBCB IN Phone: 2610021 (4 lines) (Dock Office: 2612230) Also associates at Calcutta, Vishakhapatnam, Kakinada, Mangalore, Bhavnagar, Bedi-port. Navlakhi, Veraval, Porbunder & Kandla Also sole Government Landing contractors at Jamnagar, (Bedi) Bhavnagar 27 Parsiana July 1993I I a I WELFARE Lightening the ioad of ieprosy For the past 27 years Dr Jal Mehta has been working on the treatment and rehabilitation of leprosy patients Gustasp Irani “Please don ’t call them lepers, ” Dr Jal vice-chairperson and director of the Se- M. Mehta, honorary president for the rum Institute of India — he has devoted past 27 years of the internationally re ­ nowned Poona District Leprosy Commit ­ tee (PDLC), requested us. “We refer to them as leprosy patients. Leper is a prejudicial word which we avoid. It ’s socially repug ­ nant. ” It shook us up that our conventional approach was unac ­ ceptable. The soft-spo ­ ken, 66-year-old doc ­ tor who has been doing pioneering work in the field, and especially so in the rehabilitation of cured leprosy patients, | gently led us to a more realistic and sympa- L_ thetic understanding of Mehta: dispelling misconceptions the disease. Photo: Gustasp Irani We realized too that his commitment was not of the bleeding heart variety when he tackled his own poser: Why lep ­ rosy? “The answer is quite simple: scien ­ tific enquiry. Leprosy is about the most neglected subject and that ’s what makes it a challenge. And there is a need to practise charity. Not that I get emotion ­ ally attached to my patients. I do not go around embracing them: that ’s alien to me. ” Nor does Mehta go about treating capped welfare. ” Films made by Mehta the leprosy-infected beggars on the roads on leprosy, its treatment and issues, sci- (GLRA), reportedly the largest funding agency of its kind in the world. The prize is named after Mehta ’s son Minoo who died in a mountaineering accident in 1986, and in appreciation of the work Dr Jal Mehta has done for the cause of lep ­ rosy patients. (Mehta ’s wife Mehru is a qualified surgeon attached to the KEM Hospital, Poona). The prize was awarded for the first time in 1993 to Dr Wim H. van Brakel of the Netherlands and car ­ ried a purse of DM 5,000 (approximately one lakh rupees). The wound left by the loss of his son, a keen mountaineer who was buried in an avalanche in the Himalayan mountains, was deep but Mehta ’s practical response to it was to establish the Dr Minoo Mehta himself increasingly to solving the prob ­ lems that leprosy patients face. Not con ­ tent with just curing them, he has worked tirelessly at rehabili- Apangodhar Sahakari Udyogik Utpadak tating them physically Sanstha, Maryadit: the first cooperative and socially: recon ­ structive surgery of the affected body gram of the PDLC. parts in the operation theater; and restora ­ tion of their dignity in society with the estab ­ lishment of viable in- dusUial units and co ­ operative run and managed by the cured patients themselves. “Because there was always in him a fierce streak of of the social stigma independence which made him a rebel of attached to leprosy sorts even as a schoolboy at St Mary ’s in you not only treat the Bombay. Mehta recalls: “Certain Chris ­ tian theological principles were placed before us but with my ever-questioning mind I would not take anything as gospel truth. This got me in trouble at times with the authorities as I was not prepared to hero-worship any individual or dogma. Science still reigns supreme in my mental make-up and it was this scien ­ tific inquiry that led me to the study of leprosy in later life. ” But first he ob- _ tained his MBBS in general surgery at the leprosy-infected beggars on the roads on leprosy, its treatment and issues, sci- the Seth Gordhandas Soonderdas Medi- (“they use their disease as a begging entific and social, have won national and cal College in Bombay. bowl ), but only those who seek to be international acclaim, including the Brit- His study of leprosy soon made him cured of the scourge. ish Medical Association ’s Gold Award realize that this disease, probably more Maybe Mehta does not embrace his " ' patients, but in the 37 years since the founding of the PDLC in 1956, he has embraced their cause. Though he has other commitments like a general sur ­ gery practice and involvement in the rectly at least. It is the Dr Minoo Mehta technology of sera and vaccine prepara ­ tion — he is, among other things, the societies disease, you also treat the man, ” says Mehta. The Government of India acknowl ­ edged his contribution in 1982 when it awarded him the Padma Bhushan, and again in 1993 when it bestowed upon PDLC the National Award for the Wel ­ fare of the Handicapped, its highest award “in public recognition of outstand ­ ing performance in the field of handi- 28 Parsiana July 1993 society run and managed by cured lep ­ rosy patients under the rehabilitation pro- This weave of sensitivity and scien ­ tific rationality h^ been the fabric of Mehta ’s career. In his reminiscences he refers to the inlluence that Dr Robert Cochrane, Dr Khanolkar, 6r N. J. Bandorawalla (his father-in-law and founder president of PDLC) and Dr Noshir Antia, among others, had on his work at different stages in his life. Yet international acclaim, including the Brit- I” \ ~ \ ish Medical Association ’s Gold Award realize that this disease, probably ____ for the film Sweekar (acceptance). To than any other, broke the parameters of Mehta these awards signify a change in pure science and medicine to embrace socioeconomic issues as well. “Leprosy ; so- Mehta these awards signify a change in social attitudes towards leprosy patients. However, the award Mehta cherishes patients are on the lowest rung of the cial ladder. But today things are chang ­ ing, ” he observes. And Mehta has been instrumental in most is the one he did not receive, not di- international Prize constituted by the _________________ German Leprosy Relief Association bringing about these changes. His.Start- Iand I have been ing point has been the redefinition of a leprosy patient. “My films don ’t show him hunched and cringing, or highlight his deformities criticised for it. That type of image is projected when you want to collect funds for charity. I am more interested in reha ­ bilitating a cured leprosy patient into so ­ ciety, ” says Mehta. This, he believes, can only be achieved by giving the Cured pa ­ tient opportunities for economic inde ­ pendence. “This is an important factor, for only then does he get back his self-re ­ spect and self-esteem and earn the re ­ spect of the people around him. ” Today Mehta. Leprosy deadens the nerves many cured patients working with PDLC-sponsored cooperative societies earn over Rs 2,000 per month which is much more than what their neighbors earn. And many have married healthy men and women in their communities. Looking back, Mehta recalls that the rosy is that only about 25 percent of all road to rehabilitation was fraught with its share of frustrations. His initial attempts to secure jobs for cured patients in the economic mainstream did not always succeed. In the few cases where he did Myco Bacterium Leprae, from the same family of germs that cause tuberculosis) “The problem of course is that one does not know if one is on the safe side of the 95 percent or the other, ” says the doctor. An important aspect of the disease is that leprosy can be cured, both as a dis ­ ease and as a social stigma. One step taken to effect the social cure was the changing of the name of the Kondhawa to Mehta, is that it is a largely misunder ­ stood disease and this can be traced to the social stigma it carries. When a per ­ son is struck by most other diseases, he earns a degree of social sympathy. But should he be struck by leprosy, he is os- amongst other things: tracized. While those cured of other dis- procure for its members the use of the RIGHTS OF PASSAGE continued from page 24 use of the electric crematorium, aimed to, tracized. While those cured of other dis ­ eases are accepted back into the social- existing bunglis at Doongerwadi without mainstream, a cured leprosy patient is making dokhmenashini a condition prece- still isolated. And popular misconcep ­ tions about the disease do not help mat ­ ters. One misconception is that leprosy re ­ sults in the loss of limbs. No, says so that one feels no pain. Since there is no pain, a cut or wound is ignored till it be ­ comes septic and develops into gangrene. This, rather than leprosy, leads to the League, though the late pamphleteer Dara Cama claimed in his letter of December 25.1967, addressed to the members of the community, that “hundreds have agreed to become members of the League ” pay ­ ing an entrance fee of Rs 25 and a further subscription of Re 1 per month towards maintenance of the League ’s establish ­ ment. Perhaps the League was then, de ­ spite its claimed,^ membership, leagues ahead of its time. Lalkaka, however, derides such at ­ tempts, convinced that orthodoxy will soon become a minority. “Things will come of their own accord. You don ’t have to force a change. ” dent; •provide the services of full-fledged mo ­ beds to members who may want to per ­ form rituals for their dead either at home or at the crematorium where rooms for the purpose are provided; •make arrangements to reach the dead to the crematorium. It is not known what happened to the eventual loss of limbs and body parts. Another little known fact about lep- cases are infectious, the rest are not. Fur ­ ther, according to Mehta, about 95 per ­ cent of all adults are immune to the lep ­ rosy germ (technically referred to as manage to convince the management, co-workers would object and get the cured patient dismissed. “My patients would come to me and say; ‘What ’s the use of curing us if we can ’t get a job? ’ It was then that we started to seriously think of self-employment for cured lep ­ rosy patients. ” Today over 500 are gain ­ fully employed in a number of finan ­ cially viable cooperative units which Lepers Home — founded by the Scottish produce components for the industrial Mission in 1910 and run by them till J , . J— to Kondhawa Leprosy Hospital. Later it was renamed the Dr Ban- dorawalla Leprosy Hospital, Kondhawa, in memory of the founder president of ____ the PDLC which took over the running of padan (piece of white cotton cloth put the institute in 1956. . - Today the Hospital is a far cry from its ‘leper ’ days, fully equipped with mod ­ ern apparatus including a state-of-the-art tempts, convinced that orthodoxy soon become a minority. “Things I sector as diverse as wooden crates and several parts for trucks. An integral part of what is known as the Mehta Co-opera ­ tive Rehabilitation Model is to set aside a sizeable amount of the earnings of these societies for the PDLC so that other lep ­ rosy patients can be treated, cured and given a second shot at life. According to Mehta, the rehabilitation program is mushrooming as new projects are being surgical department. It treats around 350 resident patients of whom around 100 are discharged every month with new pa ­ tients coming in their place. In addition, it treats over 1,000 out-patients each month. Attached to the Hospital is a undertaken all over Maharashtra State, particularly in Sholapur and Ahmed- nagar, where the PDLC runs clinics and programs. Of course the first stage of the transi- ______ __________ tion from cure to employment begins in physiotherapy department where patients the operation theater. Here reconstruc ­ tive surgery allows patients to regain _________________________ _____ partial control of body parts that have or us*e its recreationarfacilities. The Hos- get much needed physical therapy and can participate in yoga classes or sports been crippled by the disease. And here pital also provides adult and child educa ­ tional programs to patients. Yet Mehta ’s drive is unrelenting; there is still so much to be done. The fo ­ cus of his vision is clear — the complete Mehta pays tribute to Dr Noshir Antia who did pioneering work in the field at the PDLC: “He is the progenitor of re ­ constructive surgery. ” The problem with leprosy, according eradication of leprosy. 29 Parsiana My 1993 For want of a priest •Perform the kusti. •Recite the prayer for the particular geh. Go to the chamber where the dead body is placed, and standing in the doorway at some distance from the body, with a over the face), recite the Sraosh Baj prayer up to the word ‘Ashahe ’ in the Kem-na-Mazda prayer which forms a part of Sraosh Baj. •Recite the Ahunavaiti Gat ha (Yasna 28 to 34). After reciting nearly half of the Gatha (up to Yasna 31.4> stop for about a minute. The corpse is now to be lifted from the slab of stone and placed on the iron bier. The geh-sarna ceremony up to here may even be recited at the home of the deceased, before the body is moved to the crematorium hall. Continue with the rest of the Gatha (from Yasna 31.5 to end of Yasna 34). •Recite the remaining part of the Sraosh Baj after the body has been consigned to the furnace. I9 MILESTONES Zoroastrian bndes (as ^ock due to multiple injuries. ” Pervin Nariman Bhagwager and Shapurji Bharucha Baue, S V listed m this issue) ranged between The coroner ’s report was pending Ilomiyar Noshir Wadia- May 24 .. ...................... . ........... 21 and 33 years, the arithmetic in the case of one death. A 28- Perin Faramroze Dharddaduna mean (the total number of year-old youth died due to cyanide zndHosi Rustomji Buhariwala- individual ages divided by the total number of brides) being 28 years. The corresponding figures for the grooms were 23 and 39 years, averaging at 33 years. As compared to 22 births in Bombay, there are 76deaths listed in this issue. Heart disease ______ __________ claimed 16 victims, five of whom hospitals. This information is not were above the age of 80, whereas always complete or consistent, pneumonia and lung disease For example, the birth figures for claimed 12. Seven patients each Bombay are supplied by four succumbed to hypertension.and hospitals; births in suburban general debility and old age. Brain hospitals and private nursing disease, diabetes and cancer accounted for four deaths each. Three deaths each were attributed 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/ shock due to multiple injuries. ” in the case of one death. A 28- year-old youth died due to cyanide intoxication. The highest age at May 27 Tanaz Erach Pardiwalla and Sarosh Burjor Patel; May 27 Tanaz Dorid>Ji Engineer and Yazdi Noshir Siganporia; death was 95 years as compared to the lowest, 26 years. The data on births, marriages and deaths has been compiled ___ , from information supplied by May 27 various newsletters and anjumans Mehemaz Adil Vadoli wala and in India and abroad, courts and Zahir Russ Balaporia; May 29 1 ’ - Avan Noshir BuJsara and Farhad Firoze Tengra; May 30 Shirin Eruchsha Patel of Ahmedabad and Hosh 'ing Framroz Framroze; June 3 Hufrish Soli Pastakia and home.s are not included unless Pourushaspa Mervansha individuals send us information ~ - Panihaki, June 3 Farishta Soli Irani and Farokh Khudamorad Kohinoor, June 4 Fariba Behram Dehmeri and Kuresh Foolad Demehri, June 28 to bronchitis and liver disease, and two deaths to anemia. Parkinson ’s disease, septicemia, kidney failure, dehydration, influenza, haematemesis (vomi ­ ting of blood), dementia, nervous It readers have any births/ died disorder, ulcer and tuberculosis marriages/deaths they would like Jal Rustomjee Dotivala (^b) were some of the isolated cases published, some proof to ensure residing at 102, Green Gate, Perry Cross Rd, Bandra, 400050; May 31 Rd, Andheri (W), 400058; June 4 Maneck Ardeshir Mistry (82), Mohamadi Minar, 14th Khetwadi Lane, 4(X)004; June 4 Jamshed Dorabji Bagwadia (87), Niamat Manzil, N. Petit St, 400007; June 5 Adi Kaikhushroo Bhamgara (64), 3/1, Cowasjee Jehangir Clny, Sir Ratan Tata Rd, Tardeo, 4(XX)34; June 5 Framroze Murtchershaw Charna (88), 4, Matar Pakhadi Cross L^e, Mazgaon, 400010; June 5 Bapai Bhikaji Bhadha (76), 13/6, N. M. Wadia Bldg, Malcolm Baug, Jogeshwari, 400102;June 6 Khurshed Nasarvanji Jamshedji Dady (78), 141/E, Monte Rosa, Dadysett Hill, A. G. Marg, 400036;^une 6 Soonabai Shapurji Mistry (86), P/6, Shapurji Bharucha Batig, S. V. Rd, Andheri (W), 400058; June 6 Jamshed Rustom Taraporewalla (81), 39, Nepean Sea Rd, 400006 and 16, Cumballa Hill, 4(X)036; June 7 Hirabai Dhunjishaw Daroowalla (87), Sir J. J. Bldg, Chikalwadi, Tardeo, 400007; June 8 Allamai Savaksha Marolia (70), registered. While one death was the veracity of the report would be attributed to “body cut at waist, required. We are sure our readers both legs cut, ” another was would appreciatelliis requirement Cawasji Jamshedji Kanga (86), attributed to “hemorrhage and and cooperate with us. Kapadia Bldg, 12th Khetwadi Cross Lane, 400004; May 31 Dolly Minoo Daruwalla (55), Yusuf Bldg, Jamshedji Petit St, Grant Rd, 4(X)007; June 1 Putla Khurshedji Daji (84), 102, Pushpanjali, S. V. Rd, Santacruz 5, Godrej Bldg, Navajbai (W), 400054; June 2 Contractor Baug, Mahim, 400016; June 8 Homi Pirojsha Italia (85), Peace Haven, 38, Perry Rd, Bandra, 400050; June 9 Rustomji Rattanji Karkaria (90), 13/9, Rustom Baug, Victoria Rd, Byculla, 4(XX)27; June 9 Dinamai Framroje Mewawalla (81), l/A/40, Tata Mills Co-op Hsg Soc, Elphinstone Rd, 4(M)012; June 9 Dinshaw Khodaram Pollard (66), 87, Devchhaya, Haji Ali, ¦Tardco, 40(M)34; June 9 Dhanjisha Bapuji Vajifdar (75), C/o 642, Society Bldg, Parsi Glny, Dadar, 400014; June 9 Noshir Erach Bharucha (59), Avasia Hse, Darabsha Rd, Off Nepean Sea Rd, 400036; June 10 Nerges Burjorji Antia (86), BOMBAY BORN A girl, Amy, to Gulzar and Rohinton Dastur on May 7, 1993 A boy, Shaun, to Kashmir a and Rumi Motashaw, May 14 A girl to Kaenaz and Cyrus Engineer; June 3 A girl to Meher and Nozer Mehenty; June 4 A boy to Arnavaz and Darius Baria; June 5 A boy to Parizad and Yazdi Pesuna; June 5 A girl to Tanaz and Freddy Sopariwala; June 8 A girl to Soonu and Cyrus Khodaiji, June 9 A boy to Zareen and Jimmy PateU; June 10 A boy to Shireen and iehangir Sethna; June 10 A girl to Farida and Zarir Bharucha; June 15 A boy to Roshan and Neville Deboo; June 15 Twins (girl and boy) to Shireen and Tehrnuras Modi, June 16 A boy to Dilnavaz and Rustom Irani, June 17 A girl to Shiraz and Rohinlon Tampai, June 17 A boy to Marina and Rayomand Thrity J. Taraporvala 193, Dadachanji, Jymc “ A girl to Villoo and Neville Pir, June 19 A boy to Jasmine and Darayus Mistry, June 20 A girl to Jolly and Sarosh Doctor, June 23 A girl to Beroze and Behram Vakharia-, June 23 A boy to Anuradha and Fa/i Langdana-, June 29 MARRIED Zarine Dinyar Tarapore and Yezdi Behram Batliwalla\ April 16 Pinaz Soli Panthaky and Darayus Khushroo Bharucha-, May 1 Armin Homyar Bilimoria of Bilimora and Mehernosh Ilomi Randeria; May 1 Family Hse, Jame Jamshed Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; June 2 Dina Eruch Wadia (11), G/7, Spenta, South Wing, Kamala Nehru Park, 400006;June 2 Ardeshir Jehangir Faroodi (40), 4, Tata Mills Co-op Hsg Soc, Elphinstone Rd, Parel, 400012; June 3 Dadabhai D. Kharas (87), A/16, Tardeo Chambers, Kashinath Rd, Tardeo, 400034; June 3 Dinamai Jehangirji Bacha (81), 04, Kamal Dutta Apts, Dawood Baug, Andheri (W), 40(M)58; June 4 Cyrus Marzban Dhunboora (28), Sethna Bhabha Bldg, Thakurdwar, 400002; June 4 Tehmul D. Engineer (69), F/11, 30 Parsiana July 1993 3^ I1 45/A, Silver Oaks, Bhulabhai Desai Rd, 400026; June 11 Banoo Feroze Daruwala (72), 275/K, Meherbai Wadia Bldg, Chikalwadi, Tardeo, 400007; June 11 Kersasp Dinshaw Modi (82), Mackawi Mans, Gunbow St, 400001;June 11 Khorshed Sorabji Nargolwalla (95), Banuabad, T.P.S. 3, Rd 24, Bandra, 400050; June 11 Vikaji Khurshedji Panthaki (86), 8, Suleman Manzil, 176, Dr Ambedkar Rd, 40(X)14; June 11 Rusi Maneckshaw Petigare (71), A/2, Pipewalla Bldg, S.B. Rd, Colaba, 400005; June 11 Keki Limji Shroff (51}, Latifabad Bldg, Jerbai Wadia Rd, Parel, 400012; June 11 Banubai Bomanji Shroff (90), Surya Prakash, Babulnath Rd, 400007; June 11 Baimai Jal Engineer (80), C, Nicholson Bldg, Wadia St, 400034;June 12 Hutoshi B. Engineer (46), C/o H. F. S. Engineer, A/7, Gool Mhl, 10, Sleater Rd, 4(XX)07; June 14 Minocher Rustomjee Irani (78), E/14, Rustom Baug, Victoria Rd, Byculla, 400027; June 14 Bakhtavar Marzban Mehta (26), Sethna Bhabha Bldg, Dr B. Jaykar Marg, 400002; June 14 Piroja Minocher Mody (89), Aryan Mhl, 43, C Rd, Marine Drive, 4(XX)20; June 14 Freny Sorabji Solai (68), 13, Anil Bhuvan, Jerbai Wadia Rd, Parel, 400012; June 14 Dosibai Kerbadji Bharucha (87), 230, Ava Mans, Tardeo Rd, Tardeo, 400007; June 15 Jehangir Kaikhasroo Nanavati (88), 18, Hill Rd, Opp Bandra Police Stn, Bandra (W), 400050;June 15 Phiroze Rattanji Bhadha (72), 31-D/4, Shapurji Bharucha Baug, S. V. Rd, Andheri (W), 400058;June 16 Dolly Nariman Patel (50), D/9, Mistry Bldg, Balaram St, Grant Rd, 400007;June 16 Alamai Aderji Taraporevala (92), 72/B, Cozy Bldg, August Kranti Marg, 400026; June 17 Pilloo Minocher Writer (60), 1/19, Malcolm Baug, Jogeshwari, 400102; June 17 Eduljee Merwanji Bhumgara (63), K-1/24, Cama Park, Cama Rd, Andheri (W), 400058; June 18 Daran Manchershaw Shroff (76), 6, Master Chmbs, Behind Metro Cinema, Cinema Lane, 400020;June 18 Amy Framroze Daji (76), 422-B, Pardiwalla Bldg, Novelty Cinema Lane, Grant Rd, 400007;June 19 Khodamurad Ardeshir Irani (89), 13/B, Daruwalla Trust Bldg, Grant Rd, 400007; June 19 Hoshang Sorabji Madan (59}, 125, Khurshed Mhl, Dr Dinshaw Master Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; June 19 Dhanjishah Hormusji Mislry (85), Cama Bldg, Marzban Clny, Gilder St, Lamington Rd, 400008;June 19 Ruby Nasvanji fAadon (82), 2, Shalimar, 216, N. Subhas Rd, 4(XX)20; June 20 Rution Rustomji Mistry (78), 23, Bacha Mans, Gilder Lane, P. O. Byculla, 400008; June 20 Bachan Khurshedji Nariman (15}, 695, Dinshaw Master Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; Jxme 20 Homai Manekshaw Dastur (80), B/2, Jer Bang, Dr Ambedkar Rd, Byculla, 400027; June 21 Piroja Sorabji Major (85), A/19, Gool Mhl, Sleater Rd, 400007; June 21 Firoze J ehang ir Mehta (86), 13, Cumballa Chmbs, Cumballa Hill Rd, 400036; June 21 J) PI o e Crawlairs and Blasthole Drills a T. II y^aler Well Drills t r 1 1 01 Rotary Screw Air Compressors I Portable Compressors 0 ? Process Gas Compressors 8 Air and Gas Compressors • Construction & Mining Equipment INGERSOLL-RAND Ingersoll-Rand (India) Ltd., Maybaker House, S.K. Ahire Marg, Bombay 400 025 31 Parsiana July 19931 Aloo Nawroji Patel (fil), lAJ, Rekha Sadan, Rd 6, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; June 22 Nozer Nadirshaw Siganporia (65), 37, Ahmed Bldg, Gunpowder Rd, Mazgaon, 400010; June 23 Kersasp Ardeshir Mehta (62), 1, Guru Ngr Soc, Four Bglw, Andheri (W), 400058; June 24 Savakshaw Hormasji Pastakia (83), 42, Divecha Hse, Station Rd, Thane, 400601; June 24 Tehmurasp Rustomji Lafa (71), Kapadia Hse, 12th Cross Lane, Khetwadi, 400004; June 25 Framji Ardeshir Major (87), 673, Rd 14, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; June 25 Framroze Pirojshaw Wadia (82), 725, Parsi Clny, Dr Dinshaw Master Rd, Dadar, 400014; June 25 Dhunbai Maruzhershaw Hansotia (93), 4/52, A. H. Wadia Baug, Parel Tank Rd, 400033; June 26 Daulat Jal Mehta (49), Old Wadia Chawl, 7, Chandanwadi, Chira Bazar, 400002; June 26 Jer Jamshedji Panthaki (70), 1/2B, Tata Mills Co-op Hsg Soc, Elphinstone Rd, Parel 400012; June 26 Adi Khurshedji Patel (58), R. N. Agiary, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; June 26 Najamai Jchangirji Kotwal (91), 3/A, Malbar Apts, Nepean Sea Rd, 400036; June 27 Minocher Sorabji (67), 785/B, Khareghat Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar,400014; June 27 Jal Hormusji Talati (74), 66/D, Soonaiji Ter, Gowalia Tank, 400036;June 28 Jerbai Burjorji Davierwala (82), Mu' ’.an Manzil, Balaram St, 400007; June 29 Rusi Shapurji Kotwal (65), 42, Vaibhav, Wadala (E), 400037; June 29 Pesi Sorabji Udwadia (71), A, Muncher Manzil, 35/C, Jairajbhai Lane, 400008; June 29 CALCUTTA DIED Hoshang Shapoorji Mehta, husband of Roshan and father of Mahruk Jehangir Writer; June 18 Rusi Jehangir Pestonji, husband of Nergish and father of Franak and Gavher; June 30 PANCHGANI DIED Dhunjishaw Fardoonji Mehta (92), Florence Bldg, 12, Ardeshir Irani Rd, 411002; June 14 TOTALS FOR 1993 POONA DIED Bahadur Mancekji Gamadia (65), 37, Universal Apts, East St, 411001; May 19 Behram Hormazdiar Irani (Menucheri) (79), Kapadia Bldg, 873, Dastur Meher Rd, 411001;June 3 Feroze Kaikhusroo Umrigar (55), 206, Parmar Ngr, 411013; June 30 SURAT DIED Perinbanoo Framroze Roowala (76), Parsi Wad, Saher, Dist Surat; May 1 Tehmuras Manaksha Kharas (55), Gam Nogama, Mandvi, Dist Surat; June 12 Homai Darashaw Wadia (87), Wadia St, Maachlipith, 395003; June 14 Phirozsha Dadabhai Havewala (86), Gam Kim, Dist Surat, 394110; June 16 Jamshed Jehangir Unwala (84), Nariman Home and Infirmary, Shahpore, 395003; June 17 Freny Noshir Sigar^^oria (55), Geeta Apts, Nanpura, 395001; June 18 Bhikhaiji Darabshaw Mistry (98), Nariman Home and Infirmary, Shahpore, 395003; June 21 Shehramai E/'uchsha Variava (71), Ugam-no-mohallo, Maachlipith, 395003; June 24 CANADA Cornwall, Ontario BORN A girl, Rayanne, to Sheila and Farhiz Gazdar; May 2 Toronto BORN A girl, Nia Sara, to Zarine and Rajiv Silgardo; March 16 Vancouver, British Columbia DIED Doulat Nadjmi (80), mother of Banoo Iranshad; February 24 PAKISTAN Karachi BORN A girl, Rosheen, to Havovi and Zersis Birdy; June 29 DIED Jehangir Ardeshir Umrigar (80): June^ Keki Nusserwanji Contractor (87): June 11 Gool Sohrabji Merchant (88); June 22 Jerbanu Darabshaw Behrana (90); June 25 4' * USA Alexandria, Virginia BORN A boy, Jahan, to Michiko and Khershed Cooper; June 3 A Bombay B A India B A World B BORN Boys Girls MARRIED Parsi Intercommunal DIED INTERRED Male Female CREMATED Male Female 11 11 13 42 34 A: Total numbers in this issue 63 57 209 14 268 230 10 4 1 2 1 5 54 36 1 4 2 3 3 13 17 5 2 30* 16* Chicago MARRIED Jasmin Billimoria of Wilmette, Illinois, daughter of Avan and Godrej and Marc Christian Wilson of Iowa; June 19 California BORN A girl, Ava, to Khoosnam and Cawas Commissariat; May 19 Las Vegas, Nevada DIED Sheriar Bomanjee Irani, father of Abhan, Parvin Khodu and Boman; June 30 B: Running totals for 1993 (February-July 1993 issues) * Overseas deaths are listed in the interred column as Parsiana doos not have a breakup of those cremated. These figures pertain to information provided to or collected by Parsiana. They do not represent the total number of births, marriages and deaths In the Zoroastrian community in India and abroad. Maple Grove, Minnesota MARRIED Rokhsana Patel, daughter of Roda and Khushroo, and Jay Michael Bozicevich; June 12 Compiled by Roxana A. Mirza 32 Parsiana July 1993 I