May 1994

.j Kt &a ? ?? 'J 'n. i I M Sr gK 'V~ i -•: 't* ’ * v* » 11 MAY 1994 Rs 15 y > .^•x.*»X, ’¦-ih^ ¦ ^- ¦ .W' t ..’ - ¦si-' ¦'5s' •CJ 'i UH a .*- '¦¦» . T •5^;;’=^ w 1£ W’^^V ¦W .< -J'*- . 1 T llil >11., i ;# S'-'-' .^se?&S 5W^ ^VSARI ATASH BAH^ cne ritual base - W ji May 1994 Volume 16 Number? EDITOR Jehangir R. Patel MANAGING EDITOR Arnavaz S. Mama EXECUTIVE EDITOR Parinaz M. Gandhi SENIOR EDITOR Dina Mehta ASSISTANT EDITOR Roxana A. Driver CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Gustasp Irani DESIGN Kranti M. Sbilotri, Varghese W. Fernandez, Suhas Surve MARKETING DIRECTOR Veera Patel ADVERTISING MANAGER Zarin Mistry ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE Niloufer Panthaky FINANCE B. L. Arora EDP Rohinton E. Daroga DTP Bakhtavar R. Batliwalla, K. P. Ravi SUBSCRIPTION/CIRCULATION Khurshid Panthaki, Bindu Pillai MANAGEMENT Jasmine Driver OFFICE Nowzer Batliwala OFFICE ASSISTANTS Umesh Poojary, Selvan Mark, Sunil Sakhare, Pramod Patil, Govind Salgaonkar, Mahipat Jadhav 2 Readers’ Forum 13 Events and Personalities 18 First World Zoroastrian Youth Congress by Khursheed Khurody 25 Spark for the Navsari fire by Gustasp Irani 29 The Federation as custodian by Arnavaz Mama 36 “Zoroastrianism enjoins conversion” by Jamsheed Kanga 40 Federation awards: In search of excellence by Parinaz Gandhi 46 Iranshah: Time and Tide? 48 Milestones 51 In Memoriam Cover: Navsari Atash Bahram Photo: Homyar Mistry, Homz Prints » Parsiana is published by Jehangir R. Patel for Parsiana Publications Pvt Ltd at C/o H. L.Rochat, Navsari Chambers, ground floor, 39 A.K.Nayak Marg, Fort, Bombay 400001 and printed by him at Kaiser-E-Hind Pvt Ltd, 300 Perin Nariman Street, Bombay 400001. Color processing, Comart Lithographers; black and white processing, Samir Scantech Pvt Ltd. All rights reserved. ISSN: 0971-3786 Phone: 2048730 Fax: 2042922. For editorial enquiries 2048183 Tlx: 11-85710 RABO IN. For subscription enquiries and payments: C/o Kaiser-E-Hind Pvt Ltd, 300 Perin Nariman St (Behind Reserve Bank of India) Bombay 400001. Phone:2658619, 2665661 Annual inland subscription Rs 125 for one year (10 issues); Rs 225 for two years (20 issues). Foreign subscription rates: Sea mail Rs 350/US $ 12/UK £ 7 for one year, Rs 550/US $ 20/UK £ 12 for two years (please allow six months or more from the time of publication); Air mail Rs 600/US $ 25/UK £ 15 (for Pakistan, Indian Rs 320) for one year, Rs 1,100/US $ 48/UK £ 28 (for Pakistan, Indian Rs 600) for two years. For Indian 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.READERS' FORUM not have a child be left to a couple as their intrinsic right and own need, assess ­ ment and confidence rather than be influ ­ enced (sometimes forced by familial/eld- the bungli. We categorically state that there were only Parsi Zoroastrians who had access to the concerned Albless Bungli. Even eminent non-Parsis such as b. --- ------ - - . . - and Mr Avinash Naik, State Minister of such^provisions? the Government of Maharashtra and " many other prominent non-Parsi person ­ alities - who always respect our customs and traditions - were sitting in the pavil ­ ion where the non-Parsis normally take households their seat on such occasions. We now earnestly urge the concerned persons not to needlessly carry on this unnecessary t_ , * urge all of them to be more restrained m ---------- . the choice of their language particularly syndrome, ’ who fulfills the proximity against our high priests in future, so as i---- , „ not to tarnish the otherwise fair image of child, so important for the community. JAMSHED GUZDER, ERUCH DESAI, JAMSHEED KANGA, IIOMIRANINA, MINOO SHROFF, Ms MEHROO BENGALEE, Ms SILLOO KAVARANA Trustees, Bombay Parsi Punchayct OUllgli. IbVCll VIIIIIIVIIV X WKZ --------------- K ' • 1 U Dr Manmohan Singh, Finance Minister erly pressure) or made a gimmick by Though Parsis are by and large better- off financially, the most important and neglected issue is that of psychological well-being! Resources even in rich ¦ ¦ ¦! are never automatically replenishable. While parents work round-the-clock to maintain a particular vv standard of living, are on thek toes all controversy and would also the time in today s competitive world with the crucial ‘need to prove oneselt need, lhe being-logelher need of lhe chological development? Or do we want more individuals in the Parsi community who are addicts, Strayers, mentally un ­ sound? (I say more, since it is a well- known fact that mental retardation/ill- ness is high in this community, mainly ..ft ;.vz. owing to large scale consanguineous dixlaration of the Bombay marriages and inbreeding. And inbreed ­ ing is promoted as a countermeasure to inter-religious marriages though the lat ­ ter are comparatively few in number.) Is it quality that is important or quantity? The point here being made is that the mere fulfillment of basic needs does not necessarily make finer individuals and the psychological dimension of any issue should never be overlooked. The concept, “We want kids and so we give money ” sounds like barter. What needs to be examined is, can life be treated as a commodity? And can a trans- action/provision/exchange be even con ­ templated where a human being is con ­ cerned? Secondly, do such incentiyes and attractions change people ’s attitudes and outlook ultimately? To be told that I should procreate to help my community is absolutely ridiculous, for even if I ................... ! own financial capability, do I wish to? Besides the material provisions, am I in ­ clined to and do I have the interest, bent of mind and the confidence to bring up a child and bring him/her up well? If not, what is the difference between an uneducated couple producing half a dozen kids and me? The only difference I can see is that the litter of the uneducated couple will loiter around in the slums/the the third child of Parsi couples -3= has se. me thinking. Quite a few issues “Widening horizons The recent c ------------ - Parsi Punchayet (“Widening horizons, ” Parsiana, February-March 1994).. to Readers' views are welcome on any be*Mn7*»o**the™ Editor, Readers’ Forum, arose in my mind, mainly stemming Parsiana, G.P.O. Box 892, Bombay 400001. my professional background as a Letters are subject to editing social worker who has qualified from space I ¦ ‘ without an nSS aau lns«l«» of social Sciences). This decision seems to me to be quite myopic, overlooking long-term repercus ­ sions and lacking a holistic approach. The dwindling of this wonderful com ­ munity being the major problem and is ­ sue, the need to multiply is seen as the only solution. However the question is “To multiply at what cost? ” The first issue is basically ethical: Af ­ ter centuries of keeping our word and “JRD: the last rites... We are distressed at the needless contro ­ versy currently going on in the Parsi Press with reference to the uthamna cer ­ emony performed for the late Mr J. R. D. Tata at the Doongerwadi premises. We are all the more distressed at the unwar- ... . . _ ranted attacks on all the three respected proving our worth, we are now going dr high priests of our community who are ... held in great esteem by the community. We trustees feel and are also advised to two children, that there was nothing irregular in law to perform this uthamna ceremony of the late Mr J. R. D. Tata who was a Zoroas- trian, at the Doongerwadi premises, and the denial of any such facilities would on the contrary not be in keeping with our practice and traditions. It has also been alleged in the Press that there were non-Parsis present inside ?? rcctly against the national policy which . urges all citizens to restrict their families have the provisions provided/have my • ¦ . Or will the Parsi Punchayei ask us to go outside India and procreate and give us Air-India tickets as incentives? Bringing a life into this world is in my opinion, one of the biggest responsibili ­ ties of a human being. Do incentives/ sponsorships prepare couples for under ­ taking such a major, lifelong responsibil ­ ity? Should not the decision to have or 2 Parsiana May 1994open, while my litter will loiter around in my backyard. Hence, even if procreation is the only solution and speedy multiplication the only course of action for the Parsis, mere incentives is just not the answer. Attitu ­ dinal change is the most difficult of all changes (any change per se is difficult!) According to the present legal position, and it never comes by incentives/bribes/ ' - . . cajoling/wooing. It can be attempted by an understanding of the cause, the real ­ ization of the importance of a particular solution and more than anything, an identification with the cause and the so ­ lution, both. It is highly doubtful that the youth of today have the latter. Ms OILS HAD G. KAPADIA greater strength to Mr Dumania ’s argu ­ ment about the hypocrisy of our high priests who turn a blind eye to a mixed panthaky to perform the marriage cer- marriage when a baronet ’s family is in- emony after he had reperformed the solved. D.DAVAR navjote ceremony of the girl and prayed Patet Pashemani by having paivand with the girl. Accordingly the marriage cer- _ . emony took place at the Dadiseth as the groom, Jehangir Petit, is the son of Agiary, Bombay, on roj Behram, mah a Parsi Zoroastrian father. Sir Dinshaw “ Petit, he is a Parsi Zoroastrian. **** As per the pronouncements and the prac ­ tice of our dasturs, any Parsi girl who anity and cohabited with a Christian marries anyone other than a Parsi, though gentleman for 10 years and parted ways she may be observing and following Zo- ' - — roastrian teachings, is considered an out ­ sider and treated as a traitor and not al ­ lowed to enter our places of worship. In this case, a girl from Indore who had married a Christian gentleman for 10 years, divorced her husband and fell in marriage when a baronet ’s family is in- D. DA VAR The Editor replies: avoid embarrassment. The dastur advised the Indore Fravardin on September 11, 1993. How strange is the decision of the dastur! Is it not a case of an intercaste marriage? The girl had embraced Christi- afterwards. Then why do all the three dasturs make a hue and cry about the navjote of Darius Puz Surti and the navar ceremony of Percy Sam Modi? Is it not a decision of convenience? It is just like “You show me the man and I’ll quote you the rule. ’’ After all, who is the supreme author ­ ity to decide — the trustees who appoint Priestly pronouncements Mr Zerkis Dumania ’s letter (“Priestly pronouncements, ” Parsiana, February- March 1994) regarding the recent mar ­ riage by Zoroastrian rites of the son of love with a Parsi boy from Mhow. Indore and Mhow are neighboring town ­ ships. The families of both, the girl and priests as dasturs or the dasturs? What are ! the criteria observed while appointing the present Sir Dinshaw Petit needs cor ­ rection. The groom ’s mother, Nirmala, is in boy, are well placed. When the parents fact wholly non-Parsi (not just the mater ­ nal grandparent as stated in Dumania s the marriage ceremony the Indore have more religious knowledge? Do the letter) and his paternal grandmother half- panthaky referred the case to one of the trustees notify any vacancy for appoint- French, thus making the groom more dasturs in Bombay. I am concealing the ment of a dastur whenever it occurs? non-Parsi than Parsi. In fact, this adds names of the dastur and the parents to As we all know, most of our present approached local panthakies to perform dasturs? Do the trustees or the dasturs the marriage ceremony the Indore dasturs in Bombay. I am concealing the names of the dastur and the parents to For Pure Diamonds JEWELLERS 324, Grant Road, Bombay 400007. Telephone 3099648 Fax 3073483 APPOINTED VALUERS BY THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA 4 Parsiana May 19941 lot of dasturs have inherited the post. Only in one or two cases have they been appointed by the trustees. While we re ­ spect our dasturs and expect from them the solutions to religious problems, up till now not a single dastur has solved any of the problems faced by the com ­ munity. Now it is the duty of the Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) to wake up and take bold decisions in the larger interests of the dwindling community. Even if the BPP invites all the dasturs from all over judgment of 1908 which ruled paternity to be the deciding factor for establishing Parsi lineage. In that case the then ,_______ All of Bombay Parsi Punchayet chairman Sir J. ply brush it aside and continue to educate us with more of the unvarnished home ­ truths so necessary to know. However, no faithful Zoroastrian can of industrialists — Mr J. R. D. Tata. SOLI M. KOTWAL Calcutta “Women’s rights?” Your reply to Ms Sheroo Gupta (Read ­ ers ’ Forum, Parsiana, February-March 1994) gives the impression that if a woman goes to court, there is a possibil ­ ity of children of Parsi mothers married to non-Parsis being considered as Parsis. You have quoted the Daver-Beaman tries 10 masquerade as learning and truth, it is heartening to read Ms Pervin Mistry ’s staunch and upright comments on some crucial issues (Zoroastrians Abroad and Readers ’ Forum, Parsiana, March 1993). The only red herrings to be seen are the ones dropped in b^ Mr Farrokh Vajifdar in his attempt at a re ­ buttal (Readers ’ Forum, Parsiana, Sep ­ tember-December 1993), as he fails to meet Ms Mistry fairly and squarely on the issues and strains to apply twists in the rope instead. This not being entirely unfamiliar to alert readers of Parsiana's Readers ’ Forum, Ms Mistry should sim- the world, they are not going to be of one opinion because they are Udvadias, Bhagarias, Surties and so on. / " them have different ideas and are bent Jejeebhoy, defendant in the suit filed by Sir Dinshaw Petit, had himself filed an af ­ fidavit which stated that by definition, the progeny of a Parsi father could be easily brush aside Mr Vajifdar ’s wanton deemed to be a Parsi. insults directed at Dahm Yazad in what Can that judgment be changed solely sounds like a fit of peeve at the item en- hecause the litigant is a woman? titled “The Power of Dahm ” (Events and Ms Gupta says that she would have Personalities, Parsiana, March 1993). The “high point ” of Mr Vajifdar ’s pa ­ thetic little attempt at humor, cumber ­ somely contrived as a “joke ” to ridicule this celestial Yazata, is a thinly disguised word-play on the phonetic resemblance between the divinity “Dahm ” and the swear-word “damn! ” And in passing, he cannot resist also taking a dig at our sac ­ rosanct Yatha-Ashem recitations and our hallowed manthric nirang formularies. Besides the poor taste involved, one wonders whether such liberties would ever dare to be taken, or tolerated, in any other religious community. Mr Vajifdar alleges “the promotion of Dahm (is) at the expense of Asha ” as if Asha, and a Yazata like Dahm, are some ­ how mutually exclusive or at odds with one another! We would rather leave it to a great and genuine Zoroastrian to lay this strange thought to rest: “We find it mentioned in Avesta literature that the divine beings, the Yazatas, are ’also asho upon showing each other up. We cannot solely trust them. We can have their opinion on the matters but the decision should be of the trustees who are better known to the community. N. S. MOBEOn Indore a “JRD: a penchant for...” I would like to narrate a few recollec ­ tions of my younger days in the steel town of Jamshedpur of the mid ’30s, re ­ lating to a few episodes concerning J. R. D. Tata. A professional lawyer of the town, Maneck Homi, was elected the president of TISCO’s labor union which was, hith ­ erto, a semi dormant body. Homi orga ­ nized massive rallies and promised the laborers the very earth, if they would go on strike. The management took a grim view of the situation and despatched team of negotiators led by J. R. D. Tata for an amicable settlement which he suc ­ cessfully achieved with his understand ­ ing of human relationships. In another instance when Dilip Bose, a boy of my generation became the first Indian to win the Asian Lawn Tennis title, it was J. R. D. Tata who offered to sponsor his trip to the European tennis circuit. Coincidentally, I may mention that it was Dilip ’s grandfather, a geolo ­ gist, who discovered the Chota Nagpur district in Bihar to enable Jamsetji Tata, the founder, to establish the Tata Steel works at Kalamati (Jamshedpur) in 1908. Yet another member of our group from Jamshedpur of those days who is today an international personality in the field of metallurgy was encouraged to re ­ turn to India and establish his world re ­ nowned firm of engineering consultancy in Calcutta. I am sure the world will now be poorer by the passing away of the doyen married a Parsi man if she could have found one. Someone could also say that he/shc would not have married a non- Parsi woman/man even if he/shc had found one. I am not a male chauvinist and I real ­ ize the predicament created in this coun ­ try by the migration of educated boys abroad, especially to the USA, but the solution docs not lie in intercommunal marriages. I am leaving myself open to criticism, but I feel that if Parsi girls find getting suitable male partners difficult, the community should think of permit ­ ting bigamy, with the wife ’s consent. The Muslims have officially permitted up to four wives and no law of the land has yet interfered with their personal laws. It is also happening unofficially amongst other communities, and yet the state doc.s not prosecute them because in this matter, the litigant has to be the wife only. Even the early Parsi settlers in In ­ dia practised it, but it was eliminated by (i.c. possessing Asha). These great divine powers fulfil their tasks in accordance with Asha. Each one of them has been called ‘Lord of Asha ’” (Dr Irach , The Divine Songs of only a question of tradition, but also for Txiraihnshira, Bombay 1993 reprint, 5). So much for that little twist in the rope But Mr Vajifdar also makes the schol- least prevent a loss to the community by arly sounding pronouncement that Dahm Yazad has been “peremptorily dismissed from our panel of Yazads! ” Perhaps from Mr Vajifdar ’s personal vision of Zoroas ­ trianism, but not from the Zoroastrian re ­ ligion. This is an example of how a par ­ tial piece of information can try to pass the British. Another point is that no priest would perform the navjote ceremony of a Gupta or a Mathur or a Fernandez. This is not Taraporcwala, preserving the identity of the community. Women like Ms Shcroo Gupta can at getting their daughter (if any) married to Parsi boys by a civil marriage. Or P. D. SU.\AVALA “The case for...” In a benighted age where heterodoxy 6 Parsiana May 1994 pgby four priests on the sunrise on the fourth day after death, when the soul de ­ parts the earthly plane, is a special Afringan Dahman. Rather surprising for a “dismissed ” Yazata! •In the Siroza Yasht, even the three ex- tra-calcndary yazatas, including Dahm Yazad, arc venerated with their “khshnoomans, ” i.e. propitiatory formu- Ahura Mazda is exclusively a calendary lac bearing the Yazata ’s ritual invoca ­ tion. (Such is not the case in Yasna 16:3- 6 which is a presumably revised mne ­ monic enumeration mainly following the revised calendar.) •Similarly, in the Fereshte ceremony, in- _____________ _______ ________________________________________ _____ dividual baj and afringan services are its 30 days is dedicated to a particular zation that Dahma Afriti is “peremtorily also solemnized for each ot the three ex- amesha spenta or yazata, underwent a re- dismissed from our Zoroastrian panel of tra-calcndary yazatas, including Dahm ¦. ¦¦_______... Yazad, in addition to the 30 revised-cal ­ endar divinities, so that 33, not 30, ser ­ vices arc performed in all. Prof Boyce admires-this “tenacity in observance ” across thousands of years, and comments that. “when their fidelity is demonstrable in such relatively small matters, there secm.s little reason to question the Zoro- aslrians ’ capacity for faithfulness in great ones. ” Would that we were all worthy of this compliment! Every one of us has the freedom to ex ­ press views on religious matters — in a who had originally presided over the demarcatory Sth, 15th and 23rd days, re ­ spectively, were obliged to give way to accommodate the new calendary dedica ­ tions to the supreme lord Ahura Mazda. Sagacious mortals, then as well as now, do not presume to cross swords with yazatas. The substitution of the off as a whole truth in convenient sup ­ port of prejudiced perspectives. For the full and authentic position, we would rather cull our material from sources like Prof Mary Boyce ’s latest work Zoroastri­ anism — Its Antiquity and Constant Vigour (Costa Mesa, 1992, pgs 108-110) and her earlier Zoroastrians — Their Re­ ligious Beliefs and Practices (London three yazatas by the “Dadva'h days ” of and New York 1987, pgs 70-74); these • ¦ - - • • > unbiased sources uphold the revealing phenomenon for the cogent reasons al- historical and scriptural evidences pro ­ vided in the remainder of this letter. Probably by the 6arly fourth century were, or could be, expelled from the Zo- BC in Achaemenian times, the distinc ­ tive Zoroastrian calendar, where each of ready mentioned, and does not at all mean that these three divine entities ever roastrian religion like a trio of rusticated school-children. The sweeping gcnerali- dismissed from our Zoroastrian panel of vision. In addition to the first day already Yazads ” is neither tenable nor scholarly, belonging by natural right to Ahura Mazda, three other “Dadvah days ” (the 8th, 15th and 23rd, presently called Dae pa Adar Dadar, Dae pa Meher Dadar and Dae pa Din Dadar, respectively), were also dedicated to Ahura Mazda the Cre ­ ator, thereby dividing the month into and this is evident from the following: •Dahma Vanhvi Afriti personifies the prayers of the faithful, and she is the Yazata of the “pious good blessing, ” Her benediction, incorporated in the Yasna liturgy as Y.60:2-7, was regarded as one of the most powerful of utterances, and four roughly equal parts with each week continues to be thus regarded to this day, commencing under the aegis of Ahura ’ Mazda Himself. Accordingly, the three yazatic divinities, Apam Napat, Haoma now being known as the Avesta Doa Tandarosti. •One of the sacred funerary prayers fi- and Dahma Afriti *(i.e. Dahm Yazad) nally recited for a deceased Zoroastrian With compliments from B. B. GARDA & SONS 10 B. J. Road Poona 411001 9 Parsiana May 1994Straightforward and substantiated man ­ ner. But none of us should have the li ­ cense to obfuscate, to mislead — or to be abusive. roni k. khan Nasik Parsiana could perhaps feature new such functions, I am dismayed by the an- and evolving Parsi dishes. After all the tics of members of our otherwise ‘erudite ’ Parsis ’ love for food is legendary, and and ‘cultured ’ community when it comes I’m sure that even in printed form certain recipes would go down very well indeed! Divorce statistics I would like to suggest that Parsiana publish the list of Matrimonial Court cases of divorce. Sometime back Jam-e- Jamshed used to give such lists once or twice a year in their paper. If the reason for divorce and name of the person is published it will help us to know how many Parsis are taking divorce each year. ratanj.patel to a matter of getting to the dinner table. The bedlam that ensues between the What about crossword puzzles? These end of one sitting and the beginning of could include Zoroastrian history, cul ­ ture, or indeed food! Perhaps the winner receives a year ’s subscription to Voyage? tactical military maneuver! The musical Parsi jokes? Parsis can and do laugh at themselves, no bad thing, so why not capitalize on this? ihc next, can well be compared to* the preparation that troops go into, pending a chairs that precedes the next sitting with advanced bookings of sometimes an en ­ tire row of seats at a time and the getting There is I believe a crisis as regards into position behind the earlier incum- our priests, and the fact that their num ­ bers are dwindling. Has anyone sug ­ gested women dasturs and mobeds? Why nity. not? If the Church of England can do so, ~ why not us? Parsiana is on the whole geared to ­ wards the over 60s (just as Voyage is bent, who has hardly started on the des ­ sert, do not augur well for our commu- This unabashed concentration on food The Editor replies.' why not us? leaves a poor impression on invitees As divorce proceedings are stressful and Parsiana is on the whole geared to- from other communities. It appears that painful to the parties concerned. Par- wards the over 60s (just as Voyage is our community is rapidly developing a siana would not wish to further publicize possibly targetted at the under 40s). But class culture that exudes the tenets of • •• • • ’¦ it is the 20 and 30-year-olds that will die- “food thoughts, food words and food tate the future. What do our youngsters deeds ” instead of the noble principles to think about conversion, mixed mar ­ riages, emigration, disposal of the dead. the separation and add to their discom ­ fort. Instead, the total number of divorces per year are published as and when avail ­ able, the last statistics being carried in _ _ the Events and Personalities column of and other controversial topics? Their Parsiana, November 1992. voice is paramount. I do enjoy Parsiana (though not as which Zoroastrians are expected to ad ­ here! sou CANTEENWALA Taste the difference! Whilst travelling to Udvada or further up Whither, Pars iana? much as I do voyage), but it always along Western Railway (the old B.B. & 12. ____ _____ 1 gives me the impression that it ’s the type C.l. Railway) you invariably fall into a (some adverse) regarding of magazine (no offence meant) that pleasant conversation with your fellow would be distributed, if permitted, to at- traveller. Along this sector the travellers tendees at a paidust, to browse through are usually a cordial and friendly lot. whilst prayers were taking place — per- You get a variety of eatables at every sta- haps this could be yet another marketing tion, which no other rail line in the world outlet! Let ’s make it younger, livelier... "" ” I agree I’m playing “devils advocate, ” playing the “agent provocateur, ” but •Chikoos of Gholvad •Sing and suterfeni of Bharuch •Boi of Udvada •Malai ghari of Surat •Bruns of Yazdani Can anyone extend the list? It would be fun to send the list to our relatives abroad who have to exist on a steady I have been reading with interest recent comments ( , Parsiana. Overall it would appear that the publication is perhaps not as lively as it should be! Fair comment? The overriding theme is always one of dwindling Zoroastrian numbers and methods required to reverse this trend. We are indeed an endangered species, and perhaps the Indian government somebody has to! should grant us special status, not dis ­ similar to that given to tigers (call it “Project Parsi? ”). Jokes apart I believe can offer. To name a few: •Green tea and fudina masala of Dahanu s. RUSTOMJl Middlesex, UK I would like to congratulate you on hav- Parsis can only flourish by adopting the ing the courage to change the frequency following: " ’’ j •Have very large families •Leave the west and move back to their motherland (India, Pakistan, etc) •Move away from “greed infested ” Bombay and into a sedate agricultural life-style that would facilitate an increase in family size. After all, affluence will always dictate that the number of off ­ spring are fewer in order that each child is financially well provided for. Your sister publication. Voyage, is a fabulous publication, so why not borrow certain of its unique features? For in- Food thOUghtS stance why not have a travel section in Parsiana where your readers can discuss details of their favorite holiday spots, both inside and outside India? Why not have a “food ” section? Voyage fcalures rcsiaiirants. of your magazine. It is sad that Parsiana should face problems in bringing out 12 issues a year, but heartening to note that (read boring) diet of French fries, Ken- at least someone in our community has tucky chicken and McDonald, hamburg- becn able to adapt to changing times! crs. z. zent) However bitter this medicine may taste, I am sure that it will help towards DoCS anybody knOW. the survival of a magazine which would otherwise have become just another foot ­ note in the history of our community ’s decline. javid sou canteenavala London, UK crs. 10 Parsiana May 1994 I have lived in Bombay with my wife and children for over two decades. Over the years, we have attended scores of weddings and navjoies in the variou.s baugs — and each time I go to We, the Kharases, are wondering how we got our surname. Are we named after a place of birth, profession or what? I asked my father once, and he made a joke of it. He said, “Khar in Persian mcan.s ass; ass in English means the same; so we are double asses. ” Is it true that most of the flour mills in Surat were once owned by a Kharas? HOMI ADRESHIR KHARAS I-Miled by Aniavaz S. Mamaunder the auspices of the MAZDAYASNIE MONASTERIE and the ALL INDIA SHAH BEHRAM BAUG SOCIETY (for Scientific and Educational Research) The one and only in the world Zoroastrian College Correspondence address; Mustafa Building, (2nd floor), Sir Pherozeshah Mehta Road, Bombay 400001, India. Tel: 2660214 2662950 after hours: 3644737 Fax: Bombay India 022-2662735-A/c 121 IN MEMORIAM KAIKHOSHROOS AMY MASTER HORMUSJI B VANIA Companies during the British Raj. Due to his piety and learning his advice was much sought after by British, Hindus and Muslims alike. He was able to perform daily life miracles due to his practice ot Manthras. He had a good collection of books on Zoroastrian Religion and especially llm E Khshnoom, and inthe later years of his life during 1978 to 1983 he gave much of his knowledge to the Mazdayasnie Monasterie President. He was instrumental in starting the All India Shah Behram Baug Society of which he became the Founder Vice President in 1983 at the ripe age of 98 years; and could deliver lucid lectures in public even then. In December 1982, he personally performed the Spiritual Ceremony of the purificatory drawingof cusps at the site ot the land near Sanjan where the Zoroastrian College building is now standing. He was active to his last days and passed away on 24 March 1984 at 99 years of age, leaving behind his wife Baimai, son Keki and daughter-in-law Goola. MRS AMY KAIKHUSHROO MASTER eldest of 3 children of Goolbai and Jamshedji Constable was borne in Bombay on 30lh June 1913. Fond of music, opera singing, dancing, she took a keen interest in the Girl Guides Movement and Social Service. On 25/7/1938 she married Kaikhushroo Ardeshir Master and resided for many years in Tanganyika where she was one of the leading ladies. Shewasthefirst alsothenamesofany deardepartedpersonswhosememoryyouwish inthe 196O's; thanks to his goodconnections withthe British Judiciary, Since the inception of the MAZDAYASNIE MONASTERIE and All India SHAH BEHRAM BAUG SOCIETY several of the Founder Members have passed onto the higher spiritual realms. We honour their memory. Their noble deeds on earth have left a lingering fragrance to inspire those who follow to continue their highest standards of social service and educational work for the universal benefit ot humanity. Late KAIKHUSHROO ARDESHIR MASTER, Queen's Counsel, Barrister, Advocate, Notary, was for many years President of the Tanganyika LawSocietyandtheTanganyika ParsiAnjuman. Hewas akeensportsman.CaptainoftheParsiCricketteamof Dares Salaam, fond of bridge, swimming, and the Outdoors, Safaris. Born on 11 -11 - 1897 in Satara the youngest of 5 children of Ardeshir and Khorshed Master, he was educated at ST. Xavier's College, Bombay and Edinburgh University as an Engineer; and was Called to the Bar from Lincoln;s Inn, London; and practised in the High Courts in Bombay, Zanzibar and Dares Salaam since the 1920/s. He encouraged social service and public welfare as a Rotarian. The first Law college of the University of Tanzania was constructed on his lands in Dares Salaam inthe 1960's;thanksto his goodconnections withthe British Judiciary, espect iaily Lord Denning, then Masterof the Rolls in England. He was ap “ - ' responsibility. Reconstructed the Jashan hall. Prayer room and Parsi ^R«'«'°"®™^Spir«ualEd^ationand^ns<^™^^temand in Poona since the mid-sixties and became the Founder Member and Councillor of the MAZDAYASNIE MONASTERIE IN 1977. Hewas always a staunch champion of the underdog and stood up for Truth, Justice andfairdealings with JI. He wasgreatly respected by Africans, Asians and Europeans for his impartial, honest and frank ways. His advice was sought by persons of all communities. He passed away in Bombay on 19/7/1991 leaving behind his wife Amy, daughter Meher and son Jehan. Late HORMUSJI BEHRAMJI VANIA was also an Engineer by training Born on 30 January 1885, in British India he came in close personal touch with late-USTAD SAHEB BEHRAMSHAH NOWROJI SHROFF from whom he received direct blessings and much spiritual illumination of the ancient Mazdayasnie Zarathushtrian Daena, especially the inner wisdom known as ILM E KSHNOOM, the Science of Spiritual Bliss. He was a staunch and faithful follower of Ustad Saheb and practised the Spiritual Disciplines.-Tarikats-which gave him much inner strength and spiritual power to fight the forces of evil. He travelled widely and held many important positions with British ipiousanddevoutParsigentlemanwhowasconsciousof community Asian lady to become a Municipal Coiporator of Dares Salaam and ----------’"-'Si didmuchsocialsen/iceasPresidentottheR.S.P.C.A,T.C.W.andas I COj/WI IQIUIIIIJ . I VW I iwit MVIVW HIV wv< IV. 1 I .V.., , — •— vv CemetryinDaresSalaamfsinceAgiaryandDokhmacouldnotbebuilt Dy.TerritoiialCommissionerofGirlGuides.Shewaskeenlyinteiested visiting lecturers to speak through the Theosophical Society and the Aurobindo Society. After retiring in Poona since 1963 she took keen interest in the Parsi Community and Zoroastrian Religious Education. She founded the Zoroastrian Studies Circle in Poona in 1965 through which many distinguished Speakers were invited to deliver lecturers. Amongst them were late Mr. Jehangirji S. Chiniwalla, a close follower of late USTAD SAH EB BEHRAMSHAH SHROFF through whom she learned much abeut the Zoroastrian llm e Kshnoom knowledge; and, she actively propagated this knowledge. She was a Founder of the Poona Athorna n Aid Trust and the Poona KatndarFund.ln1977she becameaFounderandGoverning Body Memberof theMAZDAYASNIE MONASTERIE and in 1983 she became a founder and Governing Body member of the ALL INDIA SHAH BEHRAM BAUG SOCIETY; and through these societies and the Zoroastrian College she was closely and actively connected with the diffusion of llm e Kshoom knowledge in English through books and lectures. She was very popular and her advice was much sought after by many persons in many cou ntries. She was an accomplished hostess and her gracious did much social sen/ice as President ot the R.S.P.C.A, T.C.W. and as 1993 Mr. BEHRAMSHAH SAVAKSHA SIOHWA was bom of the wellknown athoman family of Udwada Priests. He was educated in Bombay and joined the Central Bank of India at a young age and rose th rough its ranks as officer to become a we Iknown Manager. He was a Manager of the Central Bank Branch in London; and through his acumen and driving personality he developed a wide business clientele. He settled in Bangalore as Central Bank Manager dering the sixties; and was Instrumental in the development of industries in Bangalore. He was an active Rotarian, District Governor; and enthusiastically promoted many social service projects. He was President of the Bangaloie People to People International cljapter, and organised a ma jor I ntemational Conference inBangaloreinl979. He was a devout and pious orthodox Parsi; and the President of the Bangalore Parsi Anjuman for many years. He always encouraged the young persons to come up in life by giving them jobs, appointments, positions and making them responsble for d iff erent projects under his stewardship. He was very popular and greatly adored and looked up to as a senior personage of ^ngalore by people of all communities. In 1983 he became a Founder member of the Shah Behram Baug Society and organised several lecturers and other Parsi Community Religious and social programs in Bangalore. He passed away in Bangalote leaving behind his wife Syllamai, daughter Homai and her husband and two grandsons. Mr. FURROKH S BAMEJI of Bangalore was also born of a wellknown alhornan family of Bombay, son of the welknown Parsi Scholar Major Sohrab Bamji, Furrokh qualified as a Navar and Maratab; he was educated in Bombay and joined the services ot the Tata Companies group; in which he rose to a senior managerial position. Through the Tata Companies he wasposted in various parts of India and abroad. Married to his wife Shireen, he has two sons and one daughter. He settled in Bangalore after retirement and look keen Interest in Parsi Community Social Senzice and Religious Education. He conducted Sunday morning classes lor the Parsi parents and youngsters. He was an avid reader of all kinds of books pertaining to the Zoroastrian Religion and Parsi History. He was often invited to attend Conferences and represent the Parsi Zoroastrians as he ably lectured on this subject. In 1983 he became a founder member of the All India Shah Behram Baug Society; and he functioned as the Bangalore and South I ndia representative and H .Q. of the Society u mil he passed away in Bangalore on 4th July 1988. Mr. FARIDOON KAIKHUSHROO RUSTOMFRAMof Hyderabad was a businessman married to Mrs. Samannaz, daughter of Dr. Kaikhushroo Ardeshir Nadershah. He was an avid reader and had a large collection of books on Zoroastrian Religion, especially llm e Kshnoom. He was fond of encouraging young persons and children to practice daily prayers; and for this he published booklets and charts to be hung in Agiarias on the correct method of performance of the Kusti Prayers. He was a devout and pious person. He had great faith in the Fite Temples and did all he could to ensure suffidem supply of Fire wood Kathi for a If the Atasbehrams. in 1983 he became a Founder member of the All India Shah Behram Baug Society. He passed away on 7th July 1985 in Hyderabad. The ZOROASTRIAN COLLEGE Building nearSanjan Is nearing compleiionof the construct ion work. Lb raryBookShelvesCarpentery work is presently going on and Cataloguing of Books. Painting and Polishing work still remain forwhich Fu nds are needed. DONATIONS ARE WELCOMED. YADGARI DONATIONS OF Rs 10,001/- and over upto Rs. 50,000/- entitle the DONOR, to have his/her name and to honour to be inscribed on the ROLL OF HONOUR in the main College Building. The cutout below may be used. All Donations are Tax Exempt under Sec. BOG of the I.T. Act and Donations Receipts are issued to all Donors. Cash or Cheques in favour of SHAH BEHRAM BAUG SOCIETY may be sent to the Mustafa Bldg. Address given above. The First Residential Week End Seminar was held in April 1994 at the College Building on Colour and Crystal Therapies and Ancient Mazdayasnie Cosmic Wisdom. Monthly Seminars are now being scheduled in addition to the Lecturers held in Bombay, at the College Bldg, near Sanjan. Persons interested in doing serious research may enquire at the above Mustafa Office address. I am interested in Research; Seminars; Lecturers; Books; Videos; I wish to Donate Rs/E/$/_________________________ as YADGARI DONATION in memory of____________________________________ Name and Address. ADVERTBEMENTEvents and Personalities Judge favors seniority him. The CER (Committee for Economic “These (so-called unauthorized religious An appeal against the decision of High Revival) also at the present juncture has shrines) included agiaries which have been Court judge Justice A. P. Shah, maintain- not selected a candidate to oppose him. in existence for over 90 years, such as, the ing that trustees of the Bombay Parsi . . ColabaAgiary andagiaries on Goga Street, Punchayet (BPP) do not have the power to Old allegation revived Pherozeshah Mehta Road, Cawasji Patel elect the president of the Punchayet, will - be filed by June 20, 1994. Justice Shah ’s written order which details — the reasoning behind the H judgement is expected in mid May. H Justice Shah had re- H sponded to the queries H raised in the originating summons of BPP trustees H Homi Ranina and Dr (Ms) H Mehroo Bengalee: whether H the trustees of the BPP, under the current scheme of election of trustees, have the power to appoint/elect the president of From left: Guzder, Desai and Ranina thorized religious structures on municipal tual position and we find that these five roads and toolpaths that 1 initialed in 1985,” Joaquim Menezes quotes G. R. electing Jamshed Guzder president of the Khairnar, deputy municipal commissioner BPP are valid (No). of Bombay in an article describing some Four of the seven trustees, namely of the political pressures that Khairnar Guzder, Jamsheed Kanga, Minoo Shroff faces (“Pressure to stop shrine demoli- and Ms SillooKavarana had elected Guzder lions, ” The Times of India, March 23, president of the Punchayet on the retire- 1994). ment of Dr Aspi Golwalla. Considering this a contravention of the traditional sys ­ tem of appointing the seniormost frustec - in this case noted solicitor Eruch Desai illustrating it pinpoints offending Zoroas- - to the post, Rar.ina and Bengalee had sought the High Court's opinion. June 25, 1994 is the date for the next trusteeship election to the BPP board as Ranina ’s 10-year tenure is drawing to a close, according to a public notice issued by the trustees. The last date for filing nar and printed in the Indian Express dat- nominations is May 25. ed September 15, 1991,” Bombay Parsi not selected a candidate to oppose him. “The moot question is whether I will be Street and Perin Nariman Street. I had able to continue my crusade against unau- immediately taken up this matter with the then municipal commis ­ sioner, Mr K. Padman- abhaiah and I received a reply from the additional municipal commissioner Mr J. D. Jadhav dated No ­ vember 19,1991 whichhas stated the following: “The news item that appeared in the/ndiazi£x- press regarding the Parsi agiaries is not based on any information or brief ­ ing to the Press by any source from the Corporation. We have examined the ac- the BPP (No); whether they can prevent the seniormost trustee from assuming the of ­ fice of president (No); and whether the resolutions passed by the majority trustees agiaries in South Bombay are existing over (the) last 50 years. We have neither plans nor intention to take any action of removal or demolition of such existing old struc ­ tures. ’ “In view of this categorical contradic ­ tion which incidentally was published, it is surprising that such a false report is given While there is no attempt in the article publicity, ” Kanga admonishes. to distribute the offending structures (869 - - . _ in toto) according to religion, the graphic Syrus Irani, president of the Zoroastrian Cultural Welfare Association, Khairnar notes (Jam-e-Jamshed, April 24, 1994): “The five Parsi agiaries came to be listed In answer to a similar protest from Dr trian agiaries as five, attributing the source of the information to the Bombay Munioi- pal Corporation ’ s 1991 survey covering 21 as unauthorised, since no sanctioned plans of the city ’s 23 wards. Noting, “This is obviously based on an earlier statement made by Mr G. R, Khair- are available with us. However, all of them, being very old, fall within the toler ­ able category warranting no action from our side. Nevertheless I express my re ­ grets, if I unintentionally offended your As Ranina, an avowed orthodox, has Punchayet trustee and former municipal religious feelings. ” expressed his intention to seek reelection, commissioner of Bombay Jamsheed . itis unlikely that any other contestant from Kanga has challenged the allegation in a ParSI pOWCf on tracks the orthodox lobby is likely to challenge letter to The Times. Kanga further notes: Of the 527 contestants who had registered 13 Parsiana May 1994¦, n) distance of team went to Zubin Lord of Pune heaved the discus in the men ’s group to a new c--_ - for the XIV All Parsis Annual Athletic and Cycling Meet, five talented youngsters - —Farshid Irani set were selected for sports scholarships of R 3 co the 1 000 per month for one full year. The a new reco ------ scholarships, courtesy Sports Foundation, were . i • P k Q 1 Damania who had presided as and Yezdi Dapotawala (men). The the^Athletic East Track Club. , . , —J ii yw’v* - increase, feel the organizers, if they can be assured of the same support from donors and the same enthusiasm from participants championship for men and women to the Athletic East Track Club. “Parsi power ” on the tracks is bound to nivivuoc, feel the organizers, if they can be assured of the same support from donors under-17 age-gfoupby covering a distance _____ ips, cuui ------------- — V J gg^ a new record m 3SX2 -.-¦SSS-J—S ;:s--- Meet organized , at Bombay s Uni e y , in the long jump event for ¦“-fVi a,^,„ilhcomposilemateri- Stadium on February 12 and 13 IW „tje,.n,Harvez Vakilcleared5.97 entirdyfabncatMwn^^ flight from notes a press release sent by A^i Usta , TsXg a new meet record. Kairosh ^t'°tT?nnNoTeX^2T honorary joint secretly of the Meet, gi . Hormuz Mehta covering 5.76 Bangalore on N -fess= SSSsss The privileged five who received the awards were Ms Delnaz Bulsara, Ms Fero- -V/ J • . Lord also set a new record in men^S:rion.lnlhelongjun,pevenlfor Hansa takes off entirely fabricated with composite The first two-seater aircraft in India to be in uic sauiv ......... —a ¦ thi«;iaunchwasgiveniouicisxi***v.xv.,.z...o" “£;;S.Ssi5x' “ "";~ .. .-t- ............... The prize distnbution function stored surveillance, aerial photography man on wheels. “u ‘sa.- “ — Voi^ shaf X»SX°n ^gin^er Trop^ ^e^^re^n'sfncrXS t;f=ra™?d^^^ ;S5S» woman of the pmnrv of J. R. D. onship winner in each of the 13 groups Tate/SreaSskportsman^ So"th71nSe7 Sampio^ te° pur- Th“No^XeBSi^SyCenlte,theZoto- Bulsara, Engineer and fareLeagueandtheMancherjiM J saklatwalla and Sanaeya Master (girls Damania. , The aircraft, christened Hansa, can serve V/1 y _ asrS7=7^^«»d^^y wUhihe ’^XenmlionoftheLate^^^^^^^^^ KSvSSSng.Sgto Zm’pL:SegiHsunder.Oag^ *:XhXyc"ii:;SSe and Daruwalla was dec are presented to Homiyar Mistry. The champi ^^'yjging speed of 115 knots and an “Scamd X memory of J. R. D “^Xmag^ wUh a gltToupon STs endurance of four hours, its other features “Ttefurthertestingtheaircraftwillhe sbkssssx =“=.=- jisssees SBssss seiB Basss allsethymales,.fourmthe5mMeven,^_^^ ' ¦ . eSsaraand Feroza Engineer with Farver ................. ............. ........ ail ovt uy XV*-*-------- 1 T T zi two in the track events, informed Ustad. -- 1 ooz Kirelying on aged fleets which are now un ­ safe, according to a report in the December 1993-January 1994 issue of Technocrat. “(The model ’s) sleek lines and impec ­ cable performance shout quality. Not un ­ expectedly, because Rustom Damania, deputy directoroftheNAL, along with his _ _____ _____________ team of keen designers has spent countless Hungary where "rEPL has taken man-hours working out every possible detail i __ before putting glass fibres and resin into Hungarian company manufacturing heat the air, ” notes the Technocrat. Damania, as ............. notes the write-up, “is singularly well suited investment of Rs 67 crores in the new projects, in an interview with The Econom­ ic Times of February 25,1994 Patel stated, _____________________ We want to constantly look for different demic and research oriented things to do. ” “Last month it became the first Indian company to set up a joint venture project in _ . — ___ 1 over a majority stake in VSZM, a Rs 10 crore nerve center housing literary and artistic material; a viable environment that would be conducive to undertaking quasi aca- ------ --------- 1 programs; and promote productive social interaction at all levels and amongst all age-groups. On a relatively unexplored site in Udvada spanning 13 acres, seabound on the north and west, a creek forming its eastern boundary and with an approach road from the south, Katpitia has planned shrink kits... Already exporting about 30 f , . , . T - . percent of its turnover, the management her Centre with a built up area of 7,000 sq tor this role, being practically born with a plans to now export more in bulk from .................... loi UUS rule oemg practically oorn with a plans to now export more in bulk from m. Administration, academics, research joystick in his palm; his father headed the India and package and assemble kits from and development, residence, recreation and services are the facilities allowed for in the Centre. The building ’s design is based its Hungarian company, ” notes TheEconomicTimes. In Malaysia, REPL has me ouiioing s design is based on opted to set up a greenfield interlinked courtyards making it possible to construct it in phases, explains Katpitia. “The courtyards are the wells of light and Malaysia SDNBHD. The air and were brought in (to deal) with the Industrial Development sultry, humid climate of Udvada. The ‘•"'s Bank of Malaysia is partly Zoroastrian community has a strong dual ­ financing this project, ac- Hansa, designed by Damania andhisteam cording to the write-up. Bombay Flying Club when he was a boy. ” Earlier, under Damania ’s leadership a team from NAL had manufactured an all ­ composite Light Canard Research Air- ______________________ _ craft, a two-seater weighing 600 kg with ditionally manufacturingheatshrinkjoint- about 200 liters of fuel and a maximum • • • - range of 2,700 km, according to The Hindu (February 28,1987). When he was with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) , department of aerospace engineering, _ _____ ____________ _____ Damania ’s team succeeded in making 65 crore by the end of next year, REPL single seater gyrocopter has a freewheel ­ -’•wassT', nmH project at a cost of Rs 11 crore, to be called REPL ity in it being forward and open minded on majority of the issues but very closed and REPL’stie-upwiththeFrenchgiantElf private when it comes to religion. The Lubricants last year brought the company rigid geometric pattern is a direct reflec- into the oil business. Its focus areas how ­ ever are supposed to be power and telecom sectors where lie its major customers. Tra- tion of the rigidness seen in the community and... interspersed with the free flowing spaces in the building gives (it) the dual character... The forecourt introduces one to the fortlike charac- ter ofthe building from 1^ the front, the gateways further accentuating H the effect, ” Katpitia ex- plains the rationale. H A model of Katpitia ’s Centre was f •. on display at the Katpitia: historic Pirojsha Godrej Hall preservation ing kits, the company is now moving into opto-electronics and nonconventional en ­ ergy generation like wind turbines. With an estimated turnover of Rs 44 crore this year and an expected hike to Rs India s first gyrocopter operational. A believes that three to four percent of its single seater gyrocopter has a freewheel- turnover should be reserved for research w ing rotor resembling a helicopter and con- and development to give it the strong techni- trols similar to that of a plane. < ’ ' ‘ Teaching, research and developmental work Damania had undertaken in the field NervC Center In Udvada of aircraft design and flight mechanics while he was at the IISc, his bio data outlines his accornplishnients. He got an temple nor just an institution, the Zoroas- ParsiZoroastrianAnjumansoflndia.Elabo- opportunity to further apply himself to this trian Cultural Centre is visualized as a rating on her project Katpitia noted “The subject when he joined NAL, initiating dynamicconccptforacommunity, ”writes building and its practical aspects are im- flight research as a new field of activity ' ^ere and heading ks new flight experi- design thesis conceived by her for her final \ > year architecture examination, before she cal orientation to face world competition. in January this year when Zoroastrians “A cheerful, benign center with futuristic, from all over India had converged at Baroda I to attend a meeting of the Federation of secular leanings is proposed. Not quite a Ms Jeru Katpitia in her introduction to the ments laboratory. Damania ’s deputation to areas in Europe and USA has brought graduated from the Maharaja Sayajirao • him,the necessary exposure to compe- ~ ' - - - tently handle research work in India. portant, but not as important as the concept behind which needs to be identifieds so that the. ..faith. ..(can find) an identifiable place in Udvada in this century. ” Presently working as a junior designer with Shah and Associates, a firm of archi ­ tects in Baroda, Katpitia aims to study architecture abroad to better equip her to apply herself to historic preservation and conservation . Katpitia is also involved with other forms of applied and graphic art like Bharat Natyam, painting, fashion design ­ ing, sculpting, notes her curriculum vitae. Compiled by Parinaz Gandhi University, Baroda with a first class in 1993. The ideal venue for such a Centre would be Udvada, believes Katpitia who hopes that the project would promote so ­ ciocultural activity and also induce Zoro ­ astrians to visit this ethnic stronghold for REPL’s global sights “We want to be global players ourselves, ” said Homi Patel, chairman of REPL Engi- , announcing the longer periods. As envisaged by the architect, the Cen ­ tre is meant to create an identifiable image promoting oneness in the community; a neering Limited, company ’s entry into the European market via Hungary and the South East Asian market via Malaysia. Estimating a total 16 Parsiana May 1994ZOROASTRIANS ABROAD WORLD YOUTH MEET Don’t shut us out 55 Delegates to the First World Zoroastrian Youth Congress demand a coherent interpretation of Zoroastrian doctrine Khursheed N. Khurody Concern for the “unity, preservation plained about ‘packed days ’ with not most participants were from the US and and prosperity of the Zoroastrian enough recreation — the organizers kept Canada. Internationally, teams from the community in the 21st century ” drew to their schedule with admirable tenacity. United Kingdom, Iran, Pakistan and India nearly 500 young Zoroastrians from all Amalsad even arranged for a post-Con- were present. Some of these representa- over the world to Los Angeles, to attend gress meeting with his committee and fives, for example Dastur (Dr) Firoze the First World Zoroastrian Youth several delegates in an attempt to ensure Kotwal, High Priest of Bombay ’s H. B. Congress, September 4-6,1993. Today, that issues discussed during sessions would Wadia Atas Bahram and Ervad (Dr) six months later, these youth have achieved find their way out into communities and Ramyar Karanjia, joint principal of the some of the targets discussed at the Congress, such as better education, communication, and community service and though much is left to be done, the the morning of September 4,1993 in the the youth Congress, organizers of the Congress stand out from Rustam Guiv Dar-e-Mehr in Orange other committees for their diligence in County. Built in 1985, and named after its breakfast of coffee and donuts, sessions following up on issues discussed to ensure chief donor, Arbab Rustam Guiv from began with an inaugural address by the actual, practical achievement of targets. Iran, the architectureofthis building seeks president of the Congress, Meher The Congress was sponsored and hosted to remind Zoroastrians and others of the Dadabhoy Amalsad, followed by a bene- by the Federation of Zoroastrian Associa- Achaemenian era (approximately 600 BC diction by Dastur Kotwal and senior Ira- fions of North America (FEZANA). Sev- to 400 BC), when Cyrus the Great made nian priest Mobed Fariborz Shahzadi. eral private donors also helped consider- Zoroastrianism the chief religion of the Even at this early stage, great attention ably to meet the cost of approximately $ Persian Empire. The California Zoroas- was paid to the theme of unity between the 40,000. The chief organizers were the trian Center, as it is commonly called, is two Zoroastrian wings — the Iranis and Helping Hands Zoroastrian Youth Com- surrounded by palm trees and in a quiet the Parsis - and an attempt was made to munication Network Committee of room at the back, a fire burns in an afargan. have representative priests and speakers FEZANA in cooperation with the youth committees of the California Zoroastrian mately 60 percent were women and 40 address Amalsad said, “one of the key Center, the Zoroastrian Association of percent were Parsis, the rest being prima- purposes of this Congress is to develop California (ZAC) and the Traditional rily Iranis. The official age range de- undying love within ourselves for our Mazdayasni Zoroastrian Anjuman dared in the registration form was 12 to religion and for our community. The goal (TMZA). Headed by chairperson Meher 40. However, although most of the par- ofthis Congress is to keep the Zoroastrian Dadabhoy Amalsad, the executive com- ticipants were between 15 and 35 years, mittee consisted of Sarosh Motivala, young children, parents, and grandpar- Darius Gandhi, Kashmira Variava, Zubin Gandhi, Scheherazade Aresh, Bahram Goshtasbi, Ara Anoshiravani, Arman voice of the youth. In the past, the youth gether from cultural backgrounds that are, Sassani,BehnazShahzadi, Kamal Dastur, have complained that they have had no with respect to social customs, language Khushrow Machhi and Ervad Zarir forum to'air their views, so although eas- and habit, essentially very different. Iranis Bhandara. ing communications between generations feel alien to Parsis and vice versa, and the On the whole, their careful planning of was an aim at this Congress, the elders youth at the various congresses in the US the three-day event proved fruitful, and (defined as parents, regardless of age) hat'e taken it upon themselves to try to there were few snags. Though several were asked to speak only when spoken to. eliminate social barriers and unite under sessions were ambitious, both in length Some sessions were held in separate rooms, the single title of Zoroastrianism. This and content — anti many youth com- not just remain within the confines of Dadar Athornan Madressa, had flown in theoretical discussion. to the US to attend the World ’s Parliament The Congress opened with aplomb on of Religions in Chicago and stayed on for After registration and an American Of the 500 delegates present, approxi- from both communities. In the inaugural community united in one identity. ” The theme of unity remains particu- ents were conspicuous too and the elders larly appropriate in the American setting were encouraged to attend to hear the where Iranis and Parsis have come to- were asked to speak only when spoken to. Some sessions were held in separate rooms. Further, although a world congress, remained a dominant theme in all aspects 18 Parsiana May 1994iimi HHil OHIi OMIj t Top (L) Organizers of the Congress; (R) Fashion show choreographed by Zarin Dastur. Below: Invocation by (from left) Bhandara, Kotwal and Shahzadi; California Zoroastrian Center facade Photographer: Shenaz D. Patel (California. USA) merited, “so why the heck shouldn ’t we speak Gujarati? In fact they force us to eluded singing and piano music, a reli ­ gious play and a karate demonstration, choreographed and performed by Sensei resort to our mother tongue by being Zarir Bhandara who broke planks of wood cliquish. ” Yet another young Parsi woman with a single stroke and withstood a motor cycle being ridden over him with com ­ plete ease and without injury. He was a great success. However, the differences between Parsis and Iranis still remain a reality and despite the theme of unity and the bene ­ dictions, once discussions were in ses- very emphatically stated to a community elder, “How cain we marry them? We don ’t even have the same calendar and we don ’t understand their prayers: they say them so differently. We are essentially from two different cultures. I have more in common with a Brahman than an Irani, and they don ’teat spicy food ,’’ she added . And so the communities do remain di ­ vided. But little by little the two groups are coming together, perhaps because of a of the First World Zoroastrian Youth Congress where even the menu sought to unite. We ate traditional Parsi food on lhe first day, an Irani lunch on the sec ­ ond, and American hamburgers at a bar ­ becue party on the third. Further, great sion, the two youth groups seemed to care was taken to arrange a cultural show wliere both, young Parsi and Irani men and women, modeled the salwar kameez (loose pants and long, dress-like shin) and saying, “You have tainted and changed we are threatened with extinction. ¦....................... ') Most sessions took the form of panel complained that the Iranis make very discussions and speakers, with plenty of little effort to talk in English. “They insist opportunity for audience participation, on speaking Farsi, ” one young man com- Addressing the topic “Prosperity and Zo- segregate in part and converse in their own tongues, and further criticize one another. Comments came from Irani youth deliberate effort to unite, perhaps because ghagracholi (long embroidered skirts and our religion in India. ” And Parsi youth short blouses) from India. Then, several youth performed dances from the Irani tradition. Other entertainment items in ­ 19 Parsiana May 1994( I.'s :,s. I J f .! j 3 1 I • } roastrianism, ” Aadil Palkhivala, yoga teacher and director of Yoga Centers in H Bellevue, Washington, talked of the im- ;.O portance of mental, physical, emotional, ¦ M financial and spiritual prosperity and how such prosperity may be achieved. For example, with regard to physical pros- perity, Palkhivala talked of Iyengar Hatha Yoga, and an organic vegetarian diet. He also stressed the importance of financial wealth in Zoroastrianism —that it is not a crime, but rather essential —and proceeded to say, “I challenge you to let go of your upbringing and your past... to step into your potential... to bring forth the power that lies latent in you.. ” The topic of “Quest for excellence through Zoroastrian youth leadership ” led world. Farokh Karani Lam from Boston compared to the general population. Al ­ to questions such as, “What is true Zoro- suggested that these leaders should not try though, she spoke of religious oppression astrian leadership? ” Should we have a “ structured leadership in our community? Rustomji from the US felt that we ought .................................................. not to in vest power in someone else. Lead ­ ers should organize and not impose their provided they abided by the general laws views. The debate soared across the room on how to form an acceptable governing committee. No conclusion was reached and it was not clear whether the youth believed and stated quite the opposite, would abide by all the rules and regula ­ tions were such a body to exist. The question of central or local leader- Or should we have loosely defined leader ­ ship? Or should we have no leadership at all? Would a centralized system of lead ­ ership be more efficient than locally ori ­ ented leadership? Shahriar Shahriari, a mechanical engineer from Vancouver in ­ volved in the development of microwave technology, among other things, was the chairperson of this session. Shahriari who hasservedasfounderandeditorofZYNA ship is just one of many controversies (Zoroastrian Youth of North America) raised here as at other prior congresses, journal which has since merged with the FEZANA Journal, asked many probing questions. Most youth were not in favor despair and confusion at all the different of a Parsi Pope, but several suggested that doctrines thrown at them and at the con- leadership is a problem, and they often don ’t know who to turn to. Shiraz Daruwalla from the UK sug- to please. They should just lead. Nerina in Iran, she made it quite clear that Zoro ­ astrians were in no way being actively persecuted, that they were respected, and and most youth felt an urgent need for unity and uniformity. They expressed stant bickering that divides the commu ­ nity. For example, several different opin ­ ions on marriage, conversion, ceremonial of the country they were left alone to get on with their own practices. This came as a shock to many at the conference who Demographics: More confusion. While the data presented to us showed a definite "We want to talk about our lives^ not just of the Sasanian kings" gested that scholars and dasturs should be rituals, the fate ofa dwindling community threat of extinction, senior priests from - J- ,. ............................- - that the priests say one thing (and Parsi and Irani priests disagree amongst them ­ selves even on fundamental doctrines and wildered youth find their way through this rituals), scholars say quite another, and maze of ideas? Who can guide us? This ......____ ______ further each place has its own rules. The perhaps was the most pressing question of Kotwal stated that this threat of extinction Parsis forbid intermarriage and conver- the entire Congress. How do we really has been there for thousands of years, but sion, yet there is no textual evidence to ’ ‘ ' .......................... support this. And unlike India, many priests in America will initiate the chil ­ dren of mixed marriages into Zoroastrian ­ ism, yet these children are forbidden from entering the fire-temples in the community ’s stronghold, Bombay. Cal ­ endars differ, not just between Iranis and Parsis, but also within the communities. A general consensus was reached that there youth committees have been active in ___ ___________________ is need for centralized, global leadership Tehran for 20 years and in the towns of distribution, Jijina said 12 percent of the , J . z- , ........................ community in India and Pakistan are be ­ low 14 years of age, 68 percent are be ­ tween 15 and 64, and 20 percent are above 65. In Iran, 47 percent are below 14, 44 our leaders but many disagreed. Many felt and how to survive in the America of the Bombay stated that since the Parsis sur ­ vived the coming of Islam in Persia, and further since they have survived in their host country India, a land of almost 900 million people, they will go on. Dastur 1990s were expressed. Most viewpoints were entirely contradictory. How do be- the entire Congress. How do we really know what to believe and what is right? somehow Zoroastrians adapt and change. How do we know what to do? thus ensuring their survival. However, An architecture student from Tehran Aspandiar Jijina, who gave an overview university with a flair for English litera- of world Zoroastrian demographics had ture Mandana Mehrayeen brought first something quite different to say. In 1991 he estimated 57,000 Zoroastrians in In ­ dia, 41 ,000 being based in Bombay , 2,900 in Pakistan, 90,000 in Iran, 5,000 in Eu ­ rope, 9,700 in North America and 900 in Australia. Citing 1982 estimates of age hand information from her experiences in Iran. She stated thatcities such as Kerman, Yazd, Shiraz and Isfahan have regular activities for their youth, that Zoroastrian for a central governing body to formulate Kerman and Yazd for at least 200 years, one standard set of rules, and that this She spoke of daily prayer classes, sports and games, the propagation of arts and culture and a high level of literacy as Kerman and Yazd for at least 200 years. body must include priests, scholars and youth representatives from all over the 20 Parsiana May 1994k 1 The speakers I (from left) " Shervin Shahriari, Commisariat, Feridoun Anoshiravani, Deboo, Khurody, Homavazir and Amalsad ¦ • • • . nars on the first day of the Congress, the FarishtaDinshaw, a school teacher who last session, titled ‘One or Two ’ came as flew to California all the way from Paki ­ stan, spoke next on “Unity and Preserva- percent are between the ages of 15 and 64 think about, and nine percent are above 65, he in- " formed, citing the 1986 official Iran cen ­ sus. The age-group composition of the Western world remains unknown. The ----------------------- , . figures presented were based on estimates 21st century. ” She talked of the emigra- North American Zoroastrian Youth Con- from documents presented at other con- tion from Iran to India as being the first gress, used audiovisual aids to present a grosses and the figure of 90,000 Zoroastri- exodus where Zoroastrians fled for free- contrast between the two paths of good ans in Iran was hotly contested. The dom from persecution. The second exo- andevil. A visual dialogue ensued.^Shervin speaker from Iran, Mandana Mehrayeen dusofZoroastriansemigratingtotheWest had prerecorded himself as ‘M’ — the reported a figure of 17,297 in 1963 and from Iran, India, and Pakistan she said has screen representation of evil. Ever so 18,000 today. Others talked of Zoroastri- been motivated by better economic pros- often the screen image paused, allowing ans hidden in the mountains, afraid to pects. Hence, Dinshaw stated, “You can- the real Sheryin to talk and respond a^ut come out, and still others talked of Zoro- not compare this change to the one that “good. ” The idea, a creative masterpiece, astrians in and around Kazakhstan, took place 1,200 years ago. ” Today she roused much interest and enthusiasm Kirghistan, Tajikistan,Turkamenistan and said, “a new breed of Zoroastrains has among the audience, and Shervin did in- Uzbekistan who are afraid to express their emerged in the West, with a distinct deed manage to convey his message that ¦.- ultimately, the “good life ” is worth every effort. His highly innovative system of communication not only encompassed a a welcome change to the youth. Shervin Shahriari, a computer scientist from tion ofthe Zoroastrian Community in the Vancouver who had chaired the Fifth 21st century. ” She talked of the emigra ­ tion from Iran to India as being the first exodus where Zoroastrians fled for free ­ dom from persecution. The second exo ­ from Iran, India, and Pakistan she said has been motivated by better economic pros ­ pects. Hence, Dinshaw stated, “Y ou can ­ not compare this change to the one that took place 1,200 years ago. ” Today she roused much interest and enthusiasm Kirghistan,Tajikistan,Turkamenistanand said, “a new breed of Zoroastrains has i „ ' ’ ’ “ identities. Who knows, but we do know lifestyle of (its) own. ” She went on to say, that we are few in number and dwindling. “If there is no communication, there is no In the forum that followed, architect community. ” The only solution to sur- Nauzer Mistry from Canada asked, “What vival, she said, “is the formation of a dialogue between TV versus person, but it makes you a true Zoroastrian and what centralized world body that will network also represented the dualisrn of man s makes Zoroastrianism different from other with Zoroastrian associations throughout nature in terms of the conflict between religions? ” Mistry asked several pertinent the world and act as a clearing house for what one wants to do and what one should questions. None were answered, but his information. ” Some of the functions of do. Shervin s idea of communicating with ideas were indeed food for thought for such an organization should be, she sug- ‘M’ as the mirror image of oneself, drove most of the youth. He asked, “If someone gested, to compile a global census, to home a powerful message to the audience, maintain a directory of names and ad- about our religion, would that person then dresses of various Zoroastrian organiza- clearing house for what one wants to do and what one should Most of the papers delivered on the ________ ------------------------------ _ second day centered around education. beTzarathushti? Similarly^ if people tions throughout the world, to produce a Representatives from each plac^gave a believe in humata,hukhta and huvarashta, g _____________ - do they then become Zarathushti? Is liv- librarv of oublications and films on Zoro- their local districts. Yet there was a defi- ing a life of good thoughts, good words, and good deeds something which every religion teaches? Are we the only philan- ---------- ---------- t^ropic community? How is our many in the audience responded posi- demand then, was not so much for more Zarathushti religion uniquely “something lively. For example. Shahin Bekhradnia classes, but for coherent information that special, ” “something different, ” which talked of starting a green movement with was not full of confusing, contradictory sets it apart and assists us in being true a group ofZoroastrian scientists, as Zoro- reports.Manyaskedforoneunifiedsylla- Zarathushtis? Since all religions are equal, astrianism is close to nature. The system bus that Zoroastrians from all over the then is there anything to be spiritually of communication via an electronic mail world could adhere to. gained by changing the name of one ’s network was also discussed and this was The need for adult education was also religion? ” Mistrv ’s session was largely perhaps the most popular idea for effec- expressed and the youth criticized the elders of the community for not being able to answer their questions. As a speaker on were to read some books and articles global newsletter, to maintain a reference brief summary of efforts being'made in library of publications and films on Zoro- their local districts. Yet there was a defi- astrianism, to establish a Zoroastrian mu- nite call for greater learning. Wherever seum, and to raise funds for research, pockets of Zoroastrians gather, they orga- Dinshaw ’s ideas were well received and nize Sunday schools for their youth. The many in the audience responded posi- talked of starting a green movement with was not full of confusing, contradictory a group of Zoroastrian scientists, as Zoro- reports. Many asked for one unified sylla- astrianism is close to nature. The system 1— f_ ;:- iZ z **¦* _ ________ ______ _ 'j network was also discussed and this was religion? ’^’ Mistry ’s’ session was largely perhaps the most popular idea for effec- snent in asking a series of probing ques- tive communications. After several intense forums and semi- spent in asking a series of probing ques ­ tions, leaving the youth with much to 21 Parsiana May 1994the second day, my own assigned topic was the importance of education for Zoro ­ astrians, but at every congress the topic of a greater need for education is reiterated and reiterated. Hence, at this Congress, I decided to do something different. I de ­ cided to research what our prophet, Zarathushtra, himself had to say on the importance of education, if anything. I read the Gathas for the first time in their entirety and was amazed at my findings. I sought in my lecture titled “Zoroaster on Education ” to share some of these with my J ture will, in time, lead to a regeneration of understanding ofit... Once we have learnt, ___________ ________ wecanthen reevaluate. ” Writer suggested also spoke on behalf of the Zarathushtrian Trust Funds of Europe (Inc). His thesis stated that Zarathushtrians are declining not due to lack of numbers, but due to mm “limited knowledge antf in- formation on our 3Rs, which IHk are Religion, Roots, and Ra- cial Identity. ” Deboo pro- 'i5a posed a three-phase objective, “Operation Humata, Hukhta and Huvarashta. ” In the first » » phase small groups of young children should be informed K on the basic tenets of our reli- m gion, heritage and culture. The K second phase will concentrate on ages 16-21. The third will be the advanced phase of Zarathushtrian education D which will, as Deboo put it, ¦ “provide us with intellectuals H and visionaries in Zara- thushtrianism, for them to M carry out the necessary re- «<.; vitalization of the Zara ­ te :¦ thushtrian religion, which |t our contemporary commu- nity so desperately needs. ” Deboo also spoke of the “Zarathushtrian Education ¦ Project ” in the UK which was launched in 1990 and comprises of various mod ­ ules dealing with religion, history and culture. Armaity Homavazir a sci- 2^ ence undergraduate from Ontario, Canada spoke on pro- "* moting unity. She stressed the u importance of learning lan- I guages like Farsi or Gujarati to enhance communication. She also talked of priests as being the backbone ofa religious establishmentand hence emphasized their learning and train ­ ing. Other issues discussed included, how to educate ourselves and eventually our children to carry on bur religion, and how to adapt to the trends of our society and still maintain our Zarathushti identity. that “the Zoroastrian community needs to look closely at the shorter- and longer- term objectives. The shorter-term objec- Malcolm Deboo, honorary librarian of the Zoroastrian House Library in London i V i generation. For example, not only did I discover a wealth of passages that spoke of thought and learning, but I also real ­ ized that wisdom and enlight ­ enment are a critical part of Zoroastrian theology and phi ­ losophy. First, I tried to establish the meaning of the term “educa ­ tion, ” as a process of instruc ­ tion, guidance and develop ­ ment that aims to cultivate both mind and soul. Educa ­ tion must “enlighten, ” I stressed. Several passages in the Gathas support that such enlightenment is a fundamen ­ tal concept of Zoroastrianism. For instance in Yasna 30, verse 2, we read, “Reflect with a clear mind —man by man for himself — upon the two choices of decision, being aware to declare yourselves ? to Him before the great retri- ® bution (the time of final judge- I ment). ” In this short hymn the Prophet urges us to cultivate the two most Registering delegates on opening day important processes to attain enlighten- ............................. ment — to listen, and to reflect. Similarly the words “good thinking ” are found re ­ peatedly in the Gathas and many verses call attention to listening, thinking and rellection process. A research scholar from the UK, Dr Rashna Writer spoke on “The role of education in the consolidation of Zoro- I i; 'J. ? ta I / and the children's choir 1 ‘.Uhlre ¦'111 1; i ‘r • f i Ml" tives would concentrate on wide-ranging educational facilities which will reinforce the longer-term consolidation of a sense of community and identity. ” Ms Writer suggested education classes, correspon- _____ ______ ____ dence courses,the use of the audio-visual Some ofthese workshops tookplace in the method, and lhe training of the trainers. " " ' “The educational program would help re- astrian identity in the new world. She establish the individual Zoroastrian ’s iden ­ tity: who he or she is ” Writer went on to say. “Individual identity then reinforces icom- allejsential to the educative form of panel discussions between par ­ ents and youth and lively discussions gradually led to the most contested issues of the entire Congress — intermarriage and conversion. A tremendous effort had been made to I con ­ version taboo at this congress. In fact, unlike other North American congresses. said that “the Zoroastrian will be best able to contribute to his country if he knows _____________ ‘who ’precisely he is. Being comfortable group identity, the wider Zoroastrian munity. It is this that will ensure the keep the topics of intermarriage and survival of the Zoroastrian peoples in their new countries. Changes will occur. ” in his Zoroastrianness will enhance his contributions to his state and society... The re-education of ourselves in our cul- 22 Parsiana May 1994declared that he would be happy to do the ceremony of any intermarriage, the initia ­ tion ceremony of the children of such even initiate a convert. Many felt that in their schools and there was no specific session assigned to teenage priest from Chicago, Mazda Antia, them. The reason: certain donors forbade the discussion of these topics. However, much of the second day was spent arguing, shouting and fighting over marriages into the faith, and he would these issues. The organizers tried their best to control delegates, but “why have this congress for youth if we can ’t talk colleges there were no Zoroastrians, so about what we want to, ” one young lady how were they supposed to date them. At screamed from the back. “These are our this point, tired of the youth complaining, concerns. This is the meat of the matter, furious donor Tahamtan Aresh, who is you cannot suppress us. ” Armaity president of the TMZA,declared that he Bharucha, USA, continued, “You ’ve avoided our need to talk about the split between Iranis and Parsis, but we want to talk about our lives, not just the lives of the Sasanian kings. ” Then Aaron Rustomjee, the offspring of a mixed mar ­ riage said, “If I impurified your religion, then I don ’t want to belong to it. ” Gulshan Sethna, USA, reported in no uncertain terms that if she intermarried she wanted her children to belong... “I love my faith, ” she said. Shahriar Shahriari from Vancouver pleaded for better com ­ munication with adults. “The youth are very united, ” he said. “We (love) you and we want to be listened to and loved. Give us a chance, don ’t shut us out. ” The response to this came from a par ­ ent, Ms Aban Commissariat who said, “I am shocked about how you can say we don ’t love you. We faced the dating pressures too, but we were told it is a personal choice, the consequences then being our responsibility. Take responsi ­ bility for your actions. You are asking us for an okay. We cannot give you that. Live skit where they role played dynam ic inter- with that responsibility. ” And a parent/ actions between parents and children and WorldZoroastrian Youth Congress in 1996 child, adult/youth, orthodox versus re- men and women, followed by dinner. —have themselves suggested moreinter- formist argument broke out in the hall Then the lights were dimmed, the music vals and dividing delegates into smaller causing virtual cacophony which no orga- nizer could control. Most Zoroastrian youth in America, jingle and no tingle! ” especially women, felt angered that if they married non-Zoroastrians, then they would be barred from community activi ­ ties and be treated as outcastes. Most catalyst for increased communication and expressed a great interest in wanting to religious education within the commu- bring up their children as Zoroastrians. They felt cheated by elders of their basic their predominantly American lifestyles, . rights and argued that religion is personal yet most stressed how the weekend ’s ac- and cannot be legislated upon. They de- tivities helped them come away with a manded an explanation of these tenets, greater appreciation for theirculture, stron- They felt sure they did not belong to a ger ties with fellow Zoroastrians, and a Zoroastrian precepts, into the mainstream bigpted biased faith, but a tolerant one. “Zarathushtra, our Prophet, converted people to his religion, so why can ’t we, ” shouted one young man. “If you ’re going possibilities discussed, such as adult edu- educated communities where honesty and to make rules about intermarriage, make them equal for men and women, ” stressed another delegate. At this point, one young dent of ZAC and a most remarkable woman, the youth were reminded about philanthropy and social service. There was no specific session assigned to this, but Motivala emphasized the importance of “helping a fallen person ” as she put it. “In this we will unite. ” And most were united soon after in the games and sports that followed in a park at a barbecue pi,cnic the next day. Today, two projects are a direct out ­ come of the First World Zoroastrian Youth would provide the funds for a party every Congress: an emergency blood data-bank of world Zoroastrians run by Kamal Dastur from Los Angeles and the Zoroastrian Youth Religious Education Program which is being developed by the executive board of this youth congress. Further, the First World Zoroastrian Youth Congress served as an experiment for future congresses where plans are being made to improve on organization. For the first time the organizers con ­ ducted a detailed auditof what they setout to do, and where and how their perfor ­ mance could be bettered in future. This covered among other things, the location and sponsoring of speakers, the quality of papers submitted, advertisements, souve ­ nirs, hospitality, food, transportation, etc. They have also prepared a program evalu ­ ation sheet with comments from the audi ­ ence, both positive and negative. For ex ­ ample, many youth felt burned out and Video/Youth directory A video presentation of the Congress is available to those interested for a donation $ 18 (inclusive of postage). The first World Zoroastrian Youth Directory with more than 800 entries has also been published and is available at $ 10. Donation cheques payable to FEZANA may be addressed to Meher Amalsad, Chairperson, Helping Hands Committee of FEZANA, 15842 Villanova Circle, Westminster, CA 92683, USA. month to get young Zoroastrians from all over to come to the California Zoroastrian Center to meet one another and find part ­ ners. Still, the controversy raged and several suggested that the term ‘youth ’ raged and only died down when the youth spans too large an age gap. The organiz- group of Houston put on an impromptuers, in handing over the torch — to the Zoroastrian youth of UK for the Second men and women, followed by dinner. Then the lights were dimmed, the music throbbed, and the disco began. The theme groups for effective discussions, for this dance? “Single, mingle with a On a personal note, I feel that many immigrant groups struggle to maintain an identity in a strange land, but for Zoroas ­ trians it is an especially poignant concern. I would like to see myself and my-genera ­ tion devise ideas and practices which, while adhering to the basic immortal teach- nity. Mostdelcgates dispersed to return to ings of Zarathushtra, will not only adapt to the requirements of purposeful exist ­ ence in contemporary society, but will also contribute concepts such as humata hukhta and huvarashta^ and other similar In conclusion, despite or perhaps be ­ cause of the controversies, the First World Zoroastrian Youth Congress served as a better sense of what it means to be a ofmodern humanitarian thinking and con- Zoroastrian in America today. duct. I am proud to be a Parsi Zoroastrian, Many promised to put into effect the to belong to one of the world ’s most cation classes and a compiled list of texts philanthropy are so highly honored. I look for all to follow. And thanks to the efforts forward to preserving my priceless heri- of Ms Roshan Motivala, a former presi- tage-a noble but awesome responsibility. 24 Parsiana May 1994L RELIGION COVER STORY p 1 ¦ T he autorickshaw purrs through the narrow streets of Navsari, past rows of low slung houses huddled together in small town intimacy. We swing around one final comer and the imposing stone-walled struc ­ ture of the Navsari Atash Bahram greets us in all its majestic splendor. Afargans sculpted in stone adorn the roof and the sun glints off a golden farohar embossed on the building ’s forehead. As we enter the wrought iron gates and pass through the flowering garden we feel the warm embrace of the Zoroastrian Parsi tradition embodied here. For it is here that the holy Iranshah fire, now in Udvada, was housed for over 300 years, and it is here that the second oldest atash bahram fire in India burns. In the inner sanctum the maachi cer ­ emony (the offering of sandalwood to the fire at the turn of every gah—see “Maachi : g the throne, ’’ Parsiana, August 1990) has just commenced. A bearded priest, shoul- ’ ders stooped, performs the ritual that has I been relayed down the centuries (without I missing out a single gah) from the first day I the holy fire was consecrated in 1765. The i richly carpeted area is otherwise empty J and this makes us feel like an intruder on | the sacred rapport between the holy fire I and the priest. ! The feeling is brief for soon another | devotee enters the hall, his frayed trousers \ caught in cycle clips. His fissured, en ­ crusted heels peep out from the holes in his socks. With ease he sits cross-legged at the entrance to the inner sanctum, comfortable in the reassuring glow of the holy fire. Watching him we realize that the Navsari Atash Bahram is an integral part of the local Zoroastrian tapestry. During our two-day stay in the city we discovered that jashans are performed with I Top and right: Majestic architecture of the Navsari Atash Bahram Photos; Ashvin Mehta 25 Parsiana May 1994 Spark for the Navsari fire Gustasp Irani The second atash bahramfire to be consecrated in India was for the Navsari Atash Bahram Ji > p ^4 tr- w K t : ? 34 ¦i r fel* 'sr' III •i ! ! ' ( I 1 ¦ ¦ Jh^ I 1 f SXA ! J J » J.<3unfading regularity in the central hall. The accustomed to the presence of the only Gujarati that informs devotees that this two jashans we sat through were elaborate atash bahram fire in India at the time and affairs with batteries of priests invoking feeling a deep sense of bereavement, de ­ divine favors. “A specif feature of the cided in 1760, to establish an atash bahram Navsari jashan is that if the high priest is present, he does not take part but sits at one end to observe that it is performed correctly ,” Dastur Meherji Meherjirana, High Priest of the Navsari Atash Bahram, informs us. The role of the high priest is a significant one in the Navsari Zoroastrian community. He is not only the permanent president of the Atash Bahram Trust, but also the ex-officio president of the Navsari was the exact spot where the Iranshah fire burned for all those 300 plus years when it was in Navsari. “The well was built to make sure no one accidentally walks over this holy spot, ” a resident Zoroastrian in- of their own. Within five years, in 1765, the new holy fire was con ­ secrated. According to forms us. Yes, the Navsari community still Meherjirana, the new Atash Bahram is of special significance, not only because it is the second one in the Bhagarias hasplayeda significant role. As country after the the Zoroastrian community started to fan Iranshah, but also be- out in large numbers and settle in different c^use all future atash parts ofthe country, Bhagaria priests tagged bahrams, four in along to perform the religious ceremonies Bombay and two in at these new settlements. As the number of Surat, would refer back these migrations grew, the high priest in to Navsari as the ritual Navsari realized that it was becoming in ­ base for the consecra- creasingly difficult to keep track of the Anjuman.Itisatraditionthatreachesback tion of the most holy of fires. The reason priests and check the ritual purity of the to the 16th century when Dastur they did not turn to the Iranshah for this ceremonies they performed. the court of Emperor Akbar in 1586, and upon his return was honored by the Zoro ­ astrians of Navsari who made him their first high priest. “There were no high priests structure for their in Navsari before him and I am the 16th Atash Bahram, de- descendant in the line, ” says the current signed by Pallonji High Priest, drawing our attention to the Plumber. As part of natural markings in one of the Italian marble the project they ac- slabs that line the wall facing the inner quired all the property, sanctum where the holy fire burns. If you including residential look carefully and use a pinch of imagina- buildings in the im- tion you will discern the image of the first mediate area around High Priest in the lines. We are informed the new building they that these natural markings are becoming planned, so that it more pronounced each year and that many would be the only one Zoroastrians from all over the country and on the block with even abroad visit the Atash Bahram to see streets on all four sides, the phenomenon. - - . -. The ‘miraculous ’ marble slab aside, Navsari is of special significance and inter ­ est to the Zoroastrian community for it was here that the Iranshah was housed for over Khurshedji Sahiar per- 300 years, before it was moved to Bulsar forming the first boi . . ~ in the reconstructed Atash Bahram. Sahiar, with Rs 75;000, led The Navsari community still takes immense pride in the fact that they were once host to the Iranshah lakes immense pride in the fact they they were once host to the Iranshah. In a wider geographical context, the Navsari lineage of the priests known as MeherjiRana (son of Rana Jeshang) visited information was because the records of its consecration are, youth is from a backward area and not quite conversant with the English language? ” While Gandhi suggested for time! ” He urged the Federation BAI DHUNMAI & CAWASJI DADABHOY SANATORIUM TRUST C/0 D. Cawasji & Co 123, Mahatma Gandhi Road Bombay 400023 The trustees of the above Trust are pleased to inform the Parsi Zoroastrian community that the above Trust has multifarious objects for giving financial aid to anjumans, other trusts and to individuals for religious, educational, medical and for any worthy cause for amelioration and upliftment of weaker and needy sections of the Parsi Zoroastrian community in India. The application forms are available at the above address. 34 Parsiana May 1994 Bombay ’s 200 strong BPP Youth Club — the committed core from seven years of the BPP’s Holiday Programme for Youth locations where the PMDA registers — has been busy cleaning agiaries, being foster children to lonely old people, etc. Their dinner dance on New Year ’s eve netted two lakh rupees which they have rechannelled for community service. Guzder has been supporting them in their i^’eas and funding them from his family trust and business organizations, informed R. Anklesaria. are not maintained have been urged to write to their respective state governments and forward a copy to the Federation for follow-up. In the discussion on probate, its useful ­ ness as a safeguard against unscrupulous relatives especially when a bequest was made to charity was underlined by Davierwala. The latter narrated the case of a Parsi who had bequeathed a bungalow to Liens of the law the PPP but whose will had been sup- Joint Federation secretary Eruch Desai pressedby the family. It was only when the who was unable to attend the meet had sent a note clarifying certain legal issues for the Federation. Desai had also suggested that govern ­ ment permission be sought to enable Parsi punchayets to register Parsi marriages un ­ der the PMDA in cases where the state did notprovidetherequisite machinery. Gandhi other legatees quarrelled that the matter came to light. Another legal problem that the Federa ­ tion needs to address according to Masani, is the amendment of the public premises eviction act under which any person being a tenant in premises owned by the govern ­ ment can be evicted by a notice and a disagreed: “If today you give to them the hearing. The protection of the Rent Act is power to register marriage, tomorrow they will want the power to grant divorce. ...En ­ trusting such powers to non-statutory bod ­ ies would be going back to the primitive days when BPP had the power to beat with reappointed H. P. Jain and Co as their shoes people who in their opinion had broken the code of conduct imposed by BPP.” He was more concerned that Parsis with Parsi spouses registered under the SMA for various reasons be (west zone A) and Mogrelia (south zone) enabled to benefit from the law on Parsi ' intestate succession. Presently, only not afforded to such tenants. AGM In a briskly efficient AGM the Federation auditors and reelected their vice presi ­ dents: A. Sethna (north zone), Homi Bodhanwalla of Jamshedpur (east zone) and Bhacca (west zone B). Davierwalla were elected vice presidents for the first time, the latterbeingproposed by outgoingsouth zone vice president Darius Marshall. Delhi relinquished its seat on the north zone in favor of Jhansi. While the two joint honorary secretaries Gandhi and Desai continue in position, R. Anklesaria has replaced Guzder as the joint treasurer with Peshotan Nargolwalla. The Federation has 64 anjuman members. Some 40 anjumans still remain outside the pale, notably Ban ­ galore and Udvada. Happily for the Federation ’s lean fi ­ nances, 15 issues of the newsletter were sponsored by individuals and anjumans: BPP picked up the tab for four as it does every year, while Guzder sponsored two personally. The DPA, SPP, Ahmedabad, Bharuch, IZA, Bhavnagar and Baroda spon ­ sored one each as did entrepreneur/awardee Ms Rasna Hodiwalla and K. Sethna. I Those attending the Federation meeting were: Kersi Sethna, Areez Khambatta, Hafiz Dalal and Porus Karanjawala from Ahmedabad; A. E. Contractor from Aj ­ mer; Capt Homi Dandiwalla, Ms Dan ­ diwalla and Ms Parizad Gandhi from Allahabad; Parvez Mehta from Bardoli; Rohinton Jambusarwala, Dinshaw Das ­ tur, Ms S. N. Dastoor, Dara Mahudawa- la and Sarosh Ginwala from Bharuch; M. B. Bharucha and R. K. Mahuvawala from Bhavnagar; Jamshed Guzder, Ms Silloo Kavarana, Rustom Anklesaria and Peshotan Nargolwalla from Bombay; Ms Banoogoshasp Irani from Dahanu; Lt Gen Adi Sethna, Dadi Mistry, Ms Ava Khullar, Ms Nergish Nargolwalla, Noshir Captain and Keki Gandhi from Delhi; Dossabhai Oliaji from Devka-Daman; E. N. Dumasia from Dumas; Ms Dinoo Elavia, P. J. Madan, and Sharukh Edibam from Indore; Aspi Irani and Pervez Irani from the Iranian Zoroastrian Anjuman; Capt Panveliwala and Ms Panveliwala from Jabalpur; Ronnie Dick from Jhansi; Ms Bapsy Khodaiji from Lucknow; Nariman Mogrelia from Madras; Capt Dhanjishaw Marker, Behram Masani and Ms Shernaz Mancherji from Mhow; Faroakh Govadia from Nargol; Dara Debu from Navsari; Noshir Jal from Neemuch; Minoo Davierwala from Pune; Tehmton Anklesaria and Sohrab Anklesaria from Ratlam; Dinshaw Patel from Saronda; Ms Mani Clubwala from the South Zone; Dr Sam Bhacca, Kavasji Modi, Sohrab Katpitia and Dr Lashkari from Surat; Jal Postwalla from Visakhapatnam; Dr Bahadur Jokhi and R. M. Parabia from Vyara. The permanent invitees were Homi Taleyarkhan and Bazun Dittia. The press was represented by Parsiana. “Explosion of the elderly 99 The age structure ofindian society which is quite new in this country, “no road used to be a pyramid is now turning into map except experience. (We have to) a mushroom, said J.R. Singh of Helpage find ways which are cost effective and India. He was referring to the normal sustainable, ” he advised, visualizationofasociety ’sagestructure In answer to Bombay Parsi Puncha- which places babies and the very young yet ’s chief executive Rustom Anklesa- at the base, leading upward, through ria ’s query, “Does Helpage help old age increasing age groups, to the very old at homes that are running into difficulty? ” the top. In 1900 the average life expect- Singh informed the gathering that the ancy was 30-35 years. Now it is over 60, organization runs only two projects and he noted. In fact, one who lives beyond different training programs with other 20 years may be expected to survive up to 75. In China, where the situation is extreme, the age profile resembles an inverted pyramid, he added. Addressing the executive council ate resources within the institution to members of the Federation of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of India in guest speaker slngh noted that Indian instances of homes being built which society must learn to understand the ’ * Jt---**---u — ¦¦ needs and problems of the elderly and their special care. Founded in 1978 by people who were able to comprehend demographic care of the elderly, get their last change and its impact on human lives, blessings, ” it has, however, evoked a Helpage started by supporting old age mixed response. “Some children are homes. It turned out that these were not i . j — -. very successful because of the Indian cultural leanings towards the family. Such institutional support only works _ . . where there is “no family net to support cosmopolitan old age home in Lucknow them... a specific situation of the Parsi community. ” Helpage ’s policy thrust is to develop ment ’s draft policy paper on aging this intergenerational solidarity by aiming aspect has not been looked into, ” at school children, making them con- responded Singh. “(We are) Uying to scious of grandparental needs, urging bring (it) in as part of our advocacy them “to adopt a grand, ” using them to rol^ ” raise resources: “the school education program is the backbone of Helpage... non-governmental organizations but “if an organization has the manpower and has credibility, we help... Try to make old age homes self-supporting, gener- meet recurring expenses... Set up new _ homes only where there is need, ” he Baroda at the request of the Federation , cautioned, noting that there have been are not being patronized by the elderly. Despite the massive promotion of Helpage ’s school education program to inculcate “moral responsibility for the responsive, others are not. Some don ’t come even on death, ” noted Singh. Helpage ’s aid was sought by the del ­ egates to help repair the structure of a and to evolve a medicare policy for those over 70 years old. “In the govern- The isolation and emotional depri- _______________ vation ofthe elderly was emphasized by Such projectsand programsdeveiop the most speakers in the discussion that strength of the family to care for the followed. Ms Ava Khullar of Delhi elderly. ” There are nearly 900 such spoke of the need to keep the aged projects all over the country, Singh involved in community work. Social noted, adding, “We don ’t work for the worker and Federation awardee Ms elite. We basically (aim at) those below Beroze Vacha emphasized their yearn- the poverty line. ”____________________ ing to be wanted, referring to an old Observing that “my father worked age home she had visited in Denmark for 25 years and drew a pension for 45 where 65 to 70-year-olds provide day- years! ”Singhreferredtotheimpending care facilities for working mothers, “explosion ofthe elderly. ” There are no thereby fulfdling their need to be socially set formulae to solve this problem which useful and accepted. 35 Parsiana May 1994COMMENT ZOROASTRIANISM enjoins coversion” Jamsheed G. Kanga Many sincere Parsis, who cannot by any stretch of imagination be called funda ­ mentalist, genuinely believe that our an ­ cient Zoroastrian religion forbids conver ­ sion of non-Zoroastrians to our faith. My freedom from blind obedience to meaning ­ dear mother believed it, though she was too less injunctions, the freedom from multi ­ gentle and loving to be ever labelled a plicity of shrines. ” fundamentalist. However it was an article / ~ ; „1„1 of faith with her, and when as a young great religion by categorizing it only as a man I used to discuss this with her and purified version of the old one? enquire how Zoroaster could have prea- The recent unfortunate controversy re- ched the new anj so uniquely different gardingtheuthamnaceremonyforMrJ.R. D. Tata again raised this vital question as to what is the true scriptural position. Does man I used to discuss this with her and purified version of the old one? with regulations of external observances, Zoroaster was the greatest of all pioneer prophets who showed the path to freedom how is the conversion ceremony to be per- to men, the freedom of moral choice, the formed? A very important piece of evi ­ dence on which Justice Daver entirely relied was the report of a committee of experts, consisting of learned men of the Are we not therefore devaluing our community, appointed by community members agitated by these occurrences, to examine this question. It is not clear who were these learned persons who were members of the expert committee, but from the judgement it ap ­ pears that they include some of the high priests and one of them was Dastur Darab Peshotan Sanjana referred to in the judge ­ ment as “the High Priest of the Parsis and the Head Priest of one of the most ancient Atash Behrams in Bombay, whose father and ancestors have been high priests be ­ fore him and who as a member of the expert committee has signed the report ” of the committee. Other eminent and learned members included Dr K. R. Cama one of the most eminent and highly respected Zoroastrian scholars whose biography was written by no less a person then Shams-ul- Ulema Dr Jivanji Mody, himself an emi- ined on the question — Does the Zoroas ­ trian religion permit conversion and if so The recent unfortunate controversy re- religion 1,300 y^ars ago to the Iranian people without converting them from their original, pre-Zoroastrian religion, she could not explain, and only admonished me to desist from such arguments. This I have done so far. But the same old question keeps on recurring in my mind. Some high priests have told me that there was no conversion because the pre- Zoroastrian religion which wasbeingprac- tised before Zoroaster ’s birth was merely purified and reinterpreted by Zoroaster. Hence it was a mere purification of the old religion, and not conversion to a new one. This however contradicts what I have read: “At the age of 30 Zorathushtra came down from the mountain, and started propa ­ gating the new faith (against) stiff opposi ­ tion from the magicians and sorcerers (who were not) prepared to accept his new faith, ” writes Ervad R. Motafram in his book, Zoroastrianism (published by the 689 of 1906 concerning Mr J.' Tata's Bombay Parsi Punchayet). Motafram re ­ counts how Zoroaster converted King "They made no attempt to convert because any such attempt would have resulted in ruin to the community" the original Zoroastrian religion permit nent and highly respected scholar of the conversion? By a strange coincidence this Zoroastrian religion. question, as to who is entitled to be consid ­ ered a Zoroastrian, had arisen in the fa ­ mous case of Petit v/s Jeejeebhoy, Suit No. I quote from the judgement of Justice Daver: “When the controversy consequent on the navjote ceremony of the French lady arose, there was intense excitement Briere, her navjote ceremony had been amongst the Parsi community. Meetings . , - r ------- - '~j Zip'.. were held, committees were appointed, lamily. Gustasp s son Prince Asfandyar Kaikhooshroo Jamaspji, and thereafter and learned men from the community were mother, a French lady. Born Ms Suzanne • other members of the King ’s performed by the High Priest, Dastur propagated Zarathushtra ’s new faith in far- off lands. ” After a holy war with Turan ’s _______ _________________________ King Arjasp, for not accepting this new by Parsis. (Ms Tata was subsequently known religion, Gustasp was victorious and suc ­ ceeded in spreading the new faith to Turan also. As Rabindranath Tagore says in the ........... ................................ _ . ________ _______ _ ___________ _ Religions of Man, While all religions of Daver ’s judgement running into over 120 prohibit persons professing other religions the primitive type tried to keep them bound typed pages. Lots of experts were exam- from being admitted into the Zoroastrian the marriage ceremony was also performed selected as experts, to report on the various according to the rites and forms observed religious controversial questions that arose; ’ ~ , I The committee of experts made their re- as Sooni.) port, which is Exhibit A87. On this report. The judges, Justice Dinshaw Daver and Mr Lowndes, for the plaintiffs, has placed Justice Beaman examined this and other great reliance. This report says that not questions at great length with Justice only is there nothing in the sacred books to 36 Parsiana May 1994Justice Daver and Sooni Tala (below) ft I religion, but that the Zoroastrian religion enjoins such conversions. I haveproceeded thoughout this judgement on the assump ­ tion that this is conect, and I propose to consider the questions before the court on that basis. The Zoroastrian religion is a revealed religion. It was revealed by the Supreme Being Ahura Mazda to Zarthost. Scholars differ as to the period when Zoroaster flourished, but they are agreed that he flourished in the time of Kai Vistasp, one of the kings of the Kyanian dynasty. The religion revealed to Zoroaster was by him communicated to King Vistasp who promulgated it amongst his people. It seems to me that all revealed religions must nec ­ essarily enjoin proselytization, for other ­ wise how is the religion to progress beyond the prophet to whom it is revealed? ” Justice Daver then considers the situa ­ tion regarding conversion after the Zoroas ­ trians fled to India 1,300 years ago. He again relies upon the report of the commit ­ tee of experts and quotes as follows: “After the defeat of Yezdezerd, the Zoroastrians began to fly. They were not able to preserve their religion in their own native land with freedom. In Hindustan, they enjoyed the freedom of their religion under the rule of foreign kingdoms with • difficulty. Under these circumstances, when it was difficult for themselves to preserve their own religion, how can they teach the said religion to others and how can they sprea'd the same amongst others? There ­ fore, after their advent to Hindustan, their attempt to spread their own religion amongst others ceased, and it was to some extent natural. ” As had stated Sanjana in his deposition: A community appointed committee of experts stated that Zoroastrianism not only permitted hut enjoined conversion “There were no conversions, because at first there were difficulties in the way of the emigrants who found a safe refuge in India. Jadav Rana, of Gujarat, gave them refuge under certain conditions. Those conditions were not favorable to convert ­ ing his subjects or anyone else in India to Zoroastrianism . During the first century of their settlement in India, the emigrants who settled in India had great difficulties in preserving their own people from going away from their own religion — they had great difficulty in preserving their religion and performing their religious rites and ceremonies, and safeguarding their reli ­ gious books... It was felt besides that it would have been ingratitude towards the Rana who had given them refuge to try and convert his subjects. ” Justice Daver therefore concludes that Parsis did not convert after settling in India because it wa.s the only safe course for a small group of emigrants, such as they were in a vast country, to follow. To quote Justice Daver: “It is all very well for the Parsis to say we did not attempt to convert Hindus to our faith because it would have been ungrateful of us to do so. This may sound well; but, if the truth is told, they made no attempts because they knew not only the utter hopelessness of any such attempt, but they knew further that any such attempt would have been so seriously resented that it would have re ­ sulted in ruin to the community, living in the country on sufferance, and whose fur ­ ther countenance in the country depended on the goodwill of the ruling classes, the Hindus. Far from trying to proselytize, the Parsis, as years went on, adapted them ­ selves to the ways of the people they lived amongst, that they earned their goodwill. ” There does not seem to be any dissent amongst the members of the expert com ­ mittee on the question of conversion being permissible — if so Justice Daver would have referred to it in his judgement before coming to this conclusion. The only differ ­ ence amongst the members of the commit ­ tee appears to be regarding the ceremonies that are to be undertaken for the conversion to be effective and legal. In fact since the French lady Ms Sooni Tata ’s navjote and subsequent marriage was performed by the eminent Dastur Jamaspji, it seems that at that time these high priests did not object to such conversion. Having come to the definite conclusion that the original religion permitted conver ­ sion, the committee of experts considered a number of connected questions, such as who can be allowed into the Zoroastrian religion, and if so what was the method and ceremonies for this. Justice Daver in his judgement has re ­ ferred to some parts of the report which are as follows: “Take Exhibit No. 1 — an important extract from the expert committee ’s re ­ port. Only those persons who, ‘with good 37 Parsiana May 1994I object and pure intention...after showing their fitness to be considered as Zoroastri ­ ans, ’ desire to be admitted, then they may be admitted; but such admission must de ­ pend on a most important condition being amongst a community must override such are interesting and worth reporting. Inci- .............................. of the tenets of their religion as are shown dentally. Justice Jal Vimadalal was a very to have fallen into desuetude and conflict orthodox person and could not be acCused of holding radical opinions on any reli ­ gious question. 1 “There are, however, some priests who do not accept the law laid down in these two cases (the other being the Privy Coun ­ cil judgement of 1925 in the Bella case) and decline to perform the navjote even of the children of Parsi fathers by alien moth ­ ers. It is , of course, open to a priest to refuse to perform the navjote of a particular per ­ son without assigning any reason for such refusal, and none can compel him to per ­ form it. These priests, however, profess to follow, what they call, ‘Canon Law ’ in declining to perform such navjotes. ‘Canon Law ’ is a body of codified ecclesi ­ astical law, especially of the Roman Cat ­ holic Church, as promulgated in ecclesias ­ tical councils and by the Pope. For us, there is nothing like ‘Canon Law ’ and there are i no ecclesiastical councils or courts to pro- 1 mulgate or enforce any such law, and the 1 view taken by these priests has, therefore, no legal basis. What is more, such an extreme stand is not in the interest of the I have tried to locate this report of lhe community, for it seeks to unsettle a settled committee of experts but unfortunately it legal position and might cause an undesir- is not traceable anywhere. Even the K. R. able public reaction. I venture to say that - . . ....... the propositions laid down in Petit ’s case missible, the Zoroastrians, ever since their its existence cannot be in doubt since it was and Bella ’s case in regard to the definition advent into India 1,200 years ago, have an exhibit in this very important case and of lhe expression ‘Parsi-Zoroastrian ’ are never attempted to convert anyone into has been extensively referred to and quot- so sound that they would be reaffirmed by their religion. ed from by Justice Daver in his judgement, any court, however high it may be, if an That there is not a single instance proved It is in the interest of the community to occasion to reconsider them unfortunately before the court of a person born of both trace this report since a question of this arises in future, and I make bold to say this non-Zoroastrian parents ever having been importance having been examined in depth regardless of ‘threats ’ to the contrary held by a committee ofexperts which included fessed by the Parsis in India... the learned high priests and eminent Zoro ­ astrian scholars like Dr K. R. Cama as far plural ‘courts ’ advisedly, for it would mean fulfilled, and that is that such admission should be allowed ‘if no harm of any kind whatever could be done to the Zarihosti Mazdayasnans themselves ’... “(Another question) submitted to the expert committee was ‘What are lhe cer ­ emonies that shall be performed (for ad ­ mission of a non-Zoroastrian to the reli ­ gion)? ’ To this question the expert com ­ mittee gives a very clear and definite reply: “There are to be three ceremonies: firstly, after a year ’s probation from the date of the written application of lhe candidate, he or she, after undergoing the purifying ceremony of nahan, is to be invested with sudreh and kusti in the same way as an ordinary Zoroastrian child; secondly, the candidate is then to be given the Burushnum; and thirdly, the candidate is to be then reinvested with sudreh and kusti. ” In conclusion Justice Daver notes: “To sum up this part of lhe case, on the question of conversion, the conclusions which I have arrived at on the evidence before the court are: •“That the Zoroastrian religion not only by Justice Vimadalal. permits but enjoins the conversion of a person born in another religion and of non- Zoroastrian parents. ’“That although such conversion was per- Cama library docs not possess it. However, -¦ ... its existence cannot be in doubt since it was an exhibit in this very important case and has been extensively referred to and quot ­ ed from by Justice Daver in his judgement. It is in the interest of the community to trace this report since a question of this admitted into the Zoroastrian religion pro- to admit such juddins though the religion high priests and a person of lhe eminence may allow such admission. There arc very clear authorities for holding that a well- established and ancient usage prevailing nent judge, the late Justice Jal Vimadalal, are interesting and worth reporting. Inci- of Dr K. R. Cama. In this connection the views of an emi- with ancient usage prevailing in lhe com ­ munity. However, this would not apply to Without defining the term 'Parsi-Zoroastrian,' the learned judges could not have decided the claim made on behalf of Sooni Tata the children of Parsi fathers by non-Parsi mothers who are allowed to be vested with sudreh and kusti. This is the practice which is being followed even today as observed is not traceable anywhere. Even the K. R. out by some interested persons to have the „ . matter reagitated in courts of law. I use the •“That, although conversion is permissible astrian scholars like Dr K. R. Cama as far plural ‘courts ’ advisedly, for it would mean by lhereligion, therearecertain conditions back as 1906, would be very valuable taking the matter right up to lhe Supreme which the candidate must fulfil before r " ‘ - becoming eligible for admission. The con ­ ditions are that it must first be satisfac tori ly established that he or she, in applying for admission, is animated by a good object and actuated by pure intentions in other words, that he or she seeks admission from religious convictions and not from other considerations: and further, that the candi ­ date is in all other respects fit to be admit- fresh evidence which would controvert the ted to the Zoroastrian faith. ” The conclusion arrived at by Justice Daver is that though Zoroastrian religion presented this evidence. Because one permits and enjoins conversion the usage of 1,200 years after coming to India is not evidence on this important question of Court which would entail enormous waste conversion. of money that could be put to better use for However the orthodox Parsis as well as lhe welfare of lhe community (Seven Dis- certain dasturs state categorically thatcon- ¦ - ¦ - ¦ version is not permitted by our scriptures and cannot be condoned. I wonder if these persons are aware of, or have read the judgement on diis issue and his obser- expert committee ’s report. If our learned high priests, such as Dr Kotwal, have any courses by Jal Vimadalal). ” The orthodox group argues that Justice Daver did not give any legally binding 38 Parsiana May 1994 unanimous finding of this committee, it is in lhe interest of the community to be _______________ e can ­ not disbelieve or scoff at the report of such a committee consisting of two (or more) vations are to be considered as “obiter dicta. ” To quote again from the late Justice Jal Vimadalal: “When a judge says something in his judgement which is not necessary for the decision of the points that actually arise before him in a case, such statements are called obiter dicta. Such statements, a.s kwell as statements which are in the nature of mere passing observations, are not bind ­ ing as legal decisions. It is contended by some people that it was not necessary for Sir Dinshaw Daver or Justice Beaman to define the term ‘Parsi ’ in that case and, therefore, their definition of the term ‘ Parsi ’ is obiter dicta and cannot be said to have laid down law which is binding on us. Without going into the technicalities of the concept of obiter dicta, I must point out that since the trusts in question in that case were for the benefit of Parsi-Zoroastrians, or in terms analogous to that expression, and it was claimed that the French lady was entitled to the benefit of those trusts, it was absolutely necessary for the learned j udges to decide whether she fell within the defi- ni tion of the expression ‘ Parsi-Zoroastrian . ’ It has been laid down by an authority as high as Lord Halsbury that it is only state ­ ments which are not necessary for the decision of a case that can be said to be obiter dicta and, as-such, to have no bind ­ ing authority. Without defining the term ‘Parsi-Zoroastrian, ’ the learned judges could not have decided the claim made on behalf of the French lady and those defini ­ tions cannot possibly be said to be obiter dicta and not binding as such. ” We Parsis pride ourselves on being highly educated and scientific minded, and can boast of having the country ’s and "For Parsis there is nothing like 'Canon Law'" perhaps the world ’s most famous scien ­ tists, lawyers, doctors and other profes ­ sionals. Why is it that on this question, we do not examine the evidence that is already available and come to a definitive conclu ­ sion, so that the controversy regarding this question can be settled in an objective manner instead of on the basis of emotional factors being used by orthodox or liberal groups. Just because the findings may be incon ­ venient for the fundamentalist we cannot brush them aside since only the authority of the scriptures can be considered as relevant for deciding this vital issue. I would earnestly request our many eminent members of the legal fraternity to try and trace this report of the committee of experts from the court records and I also appeal to the members of the community who may happen to know the whereabout of this report to bring it to light. Surely, documents of such importance which have been a part of the court records cannot be untraceable within such a short time. I would like to state categorically that by raising this issue I do not advocate that we should consider allowing conversion. However, I feel that it would be a pity that such an important report on such a vital issue is not accessible to our scholars as well as to the community and its leaders who can use it for taking meaningful deci ­ sions in the larger interests of the commu ­ nity which is shrinking at an alarming rate. To suppress it or to attack any one who refers to it would be the wrong approach. As an educated and enlightened commu ­ nity we should be prepared to accept the truth even if it is painful to some. \Ne offer BEST PRICES for MATRIMONIAL Alliance invited for very fair, beautiful, Parsi girl, honors graduate, B. Ed, teacher, 25/168. Write with photograph (returnable) to: OLD Be The Advertiser, Parsiana, Matrimonial (May/24-94)* GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 Please make sure the reply envelope bears the reference number cited here CONTEMPORARY PAINTINGS Required Please contact ; Sales and Servicing Executives/ Trainees required for printing press in Fort area. THE ARTS TRUST Ionic D-1 (3rd Floor), Behind Telephone Bhavan, Colaba, Bombay 400 005. Write giving full details to: The Advertiser (Sales) GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 39 Parsiana May 1994AWARDS In search of excellence Parinaz Gandhi Distinction in various fields earned 18 awardees recognition from the Federation and the community Intermittent raindrops could not dampen the spirit of community members as ­ sembled in the compound of Vadodara ’s Hira Baug to felicitate the award win ­ ners. Those whose excellence at the na ­ tional level was rewarded by the Federa ­ tion of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of In ­ dia and the outstanding academic achiev ­ ers of Vadodara who were recog- ¦¦ nized by their anjuman could K- .'I;, have perceived the raindrops as a blessing from above to reinforce ||H|| the community appreciation that was showered on them on Janu- ary 9,1994. Only seven, of the 18 who had been selected to receive the Federation awards for excellence for the years 1990 and 1991, came in person — from Bom ­ bay, Pune, Bangalore, Calcutta — to receive the acclamation. Distance, work pressures, ill health and death, as in one case, had prevented the others from coming to Vadodara to par ­ take the hospitality of the Shri Parsi Panchayat Vadodara which had hosted the two-day Federation meet as also the awards ceremony. The community members residing in Vadodara had turned up in full strength — to applaud of the Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP), the award winners and to join in for the free dinner organized by the Panchayat. The applause wasn ’t however re ­ stricted for the local community ’s 18 re ­ cipients. Each time a citation was read for a Federation award came a round of applause but the longest ringing claps urged the ^vinners to strive “for were reserved for Parvez Damania, chairman of Damania Airways, who had received the Federation award in the pro ­ fessional competence category for the year 1991. Major Cyrus Pilhawalla in the military field, Ms Beroz Vacha in the so- I 40 Parsiana May 1994 for granting him scholarships to finance his studies. “Jobs won ’t get you any ­ where, ” he reminded the gathering. His own concerns have been credited with cial and community service field and Ms Rashna Hodiwalla in the small scale en ­ trepreneurship category were the other 1991 winners who had come to collect their mementos in person. Rear Adm creating employment opportunities for a Keki Pestonji, in the military field, Ms large number of Zoroastrians. Damania Prochy Mehta in sports and Dady Patell started a poultry farm in Karjat in 1983, in adventure were the 1990 winners who then launched Agritech Hatcheries and Foods Limited in 1990, Damania Pharma Limited in 1992, and Damania Airways in 1993. The same award for the year 1990 was conferred in absentia on Rohinton Dhunjishaw Aga, chairman and managing director of Thermax Limited which has a turnover exceeding Rs 300 crores and is regarded as a “miracle ” company in corporate USh circles, business schools and 1^1^ among management consultants. Thermax ’s leadership in boilers, pollution control equipment, energy con ­ servation and electronics among other di ­ versified activities spearheaded by Aga has been acknowledged with Aga being made chairman of the energy committee of the Confederation of Indian Industry Sim MRSr RANOMYAT WDOOMM bHtes of the feoi *^BBB|SrRUNANJI TK WOF OFM From left: Jal Patel, Taleyarkhan, Guzder and Shavak Patel had come to attend the awards function. The awards which carry a cash gift of Rs 1,000 plus a shield are meant to sig ­ nify “recognition from the community, ” and the Maharashtra chapter of the Qual- said Rustom Anklesaria, chief executive before he read excerpts from the citations (referred to in the course of this article when summarizing the achievements of the award winners). Acknowledging the contribution of such “illustrious persons ” as an “inspiration for the young, ” he even ity Circle Forum of India. In the small scale entrepreneurship category Ms Rashna Cyrus Hodiwalla, partner of Ariano Eleganza that manu ­ factures leather garments, was the recipi ­ ent of the Pirojsha Godrej Memorial Award for 1991. Within three years of the Company ’s inception in 1990 it has been recognized as a 100 percent export oriented unit by the ministry of com ­ merce, government of India. She has also developed an inhouse training facil- greater laurels. ” Grateful for the “honor, respect and hospitality ” accorded to him, Parvez Cavas Damania who received the Nargis ity for'the staff. “Your own zeaT, your own goals are most important, ” believes Hodiwalla. “Opportunities are rare and Adi Gandhi Memorial Award for 1991 made known his debt to the communityIT Q ¦i ®i: Top row: Guzder presenting award to Damania (left) and Pithawalla Second row: (from — left) Shavak Patel presenting trophy to Mehta and Nergish Nargolwala to Vacha Third row: Dr Sam I Bhacca (left) * honoring Dady Patell. Other award winners in the front row are Hodiwalla (far right) with Pestonji two seats away osii of meritorious service with the Navy Kaikhushru Nanavatty who has com- Pestonji has served as director, staff re- manded army battalions, brigades as also ¦ \ , the Junior Leaders School. His meticu- was the first commanding officer of the lous planning and conduct of operations in the Siachin sector, especially Opera ­ tion IBEX against the Pakistani forces we have to find them, ” she continued. “We have to accept weaknesses in our ­ selves. Only then will we find happiness quirements, at the Naval headquarters, within our community, ” she said citing ' '-•i - her own instance where, after 15 years of prestigious frigate INS Godavari, and trying to conceive a child, she and her husband adopted a Parsi baby last year who has brought them much happiness. “There are enough professionals among us. Let us again get into entrepre- . neurship, ” urged Rear Adm Keki Memorial Award for 1991. India ’s high- the Siachin area were also the outcome Pestonji whose excellence in the military est gallantry award, the Ashoka Chakra of Nanavatty ’s effectiveness, noted the field was recognized with the Lt Col Adi was presented to him in 1981 for sue- oUconnA B. Tarapore Memorial Award for 1990. cessfully capturing^ alive the Peoples “My forebears were all entrepreneurs. ’ ' .... ..... i.j They did well for themselves and the community got better and better edu ­ cated. My generation is a community of potential for higher command he was professionals, ” he said when addressing nominated to attend the Defence Ser- the Federation delegates. Retiring as vices Staff College course in 1991-92. chief of staff of the Southern Naval i , Command at Cochin, during his 30 years in 1991 was Major Gen Rostum was instrumental in the rescue of a mer ­ chant vessel during the 1971 Indo-Pak earned him the Uttam Yuddh Seva war. Major Cyrus Adille Pithawalla was Medal. The Siachin Battle School and the coordination with the Airforce to en- ___confeired the Lt Col Adi B. Tarapore hance the Joint Services Operations in neurship, ” urged" Re^ Adm Keki Memorial Award for 1991. India ’s high- was presented to him in 1981 for suc- citation read in his absence. Removed from the war scene, in the Land Army leader that eventually led to sphere of social and community service, •' _ . _ _ . Ml . -w T 1 _1_ ¦* K________ ^"*1 Award for 1991 was presented to Ms Beroz N. Vacha, director of the Helen Keller Institute for the Deaf and Deaf- Blind. In recognition of her pioneering Also the recipient of the same award work in the education of the deaf-blind she was awarded the prestigious Anne the break-up of the Peoples Liberation the Shiavax Nargolwala Memorial Army of Manipur. In recognition of his 41 Parsiana May 1994Sullivan Medal in Sweden in 1991. Pres ­ ently she has taken up a project under the auspices of Hilton Perkins International Outreach Services to train personnel finement to an invalid ’s chair and bed from various institutes which have deaf- blind children. “Education should make a child confident, wherever he is and with whomever he is, ” she stressed invit ­ ing anjumans to bring handicapped chil ­ dren to her for training. “In your Parsi jamborees how many students are handi ­ capped? ” she asked noting, “The entire philosophy should be ‘each one, teach one. ’” Yet another awardee in the social and provement of the quality of life of the Farohars Club. A founder member ofthe community service category was the late unfortunate, the Shiavax Nargolwala Temple of Understanding, Jungalwalla ’ '' ¦ continues to be invited to participate in interfaith seminars in India and abroad. In the arena of adventure too there was only one winner — Dady Cowasha To salute the social and community service of Ms Homai Byramshaw Illava who regardless of her old age and con was donated to the Vadodara Panchayat, to be used to ameliorate the lot of their community. The lone award winner in the category due to arthritis, has worked for the im- of study of Zoroastrian history, culture it As times change, the punchayet must change its activities JJ and scriptures was Ms Piloo N. Jun- galwalla whose advancing age did not permit her to come in person to cbllect the Bombay Parsi Punchayet award for 1990. Her study of this subject for more than four decades Jungalwalla has pot to use by teaching religious subjects to chil ­ dren through the ‘learn by play ’ method as is effectively used in Delhi ’s Young Rusi Burjorji Gimi who made Selvel a Memorial Award for 1990 was presented legendary name in outdoor advertising. He was conferred the Maneck J. R. Gheyara Memorial Award for 1991 post ­ humously for his association with the St John ’s Ambulance Association, West conferred on her in recognition of her Panchayat Award for 1990. Patell ’s tryst Bengal, where he was chairman for 18 work in the field of education, literacy with long-distance highway riding on a years, for founding the Rehabilitation and community involvement. In her moped began at the age of 65. After suc- Centre for Children and the Nava Nir Nava Asha home for the aged, for start ­ ing the Lions Deaf and Dumb School at Calcutta and for his other yeoman ser ­ vice to the old, destitute and handicapped alistically move forward, one step at a persons in West Bengal. time. As desired by her, her cash award to her. President of the Mhow Parsi Zo ­ roastrian Anjuman and of the Red Cross Society of Mhow, Illava was the recipi ­ ent of the Tagore Literacy Award- 1990 Patell who was conferred the Surat Parsi work in the field of education, literacy and community involvement. message sent from Mhow and read out ceeding in his jaunt from Secunderabad by her niece Pervin Jehangir she referred to the limitless possibilities of social work stressing, however, the need to re- to Pune he embarked on another mission from Kanyakumari to Kashmir and later from Porbandar to Pangsau. “I had a pil ­ lion rider in the form of God Almighty, ” he informed the gathering at Vadodara. At last, a connoisseur ’s eatery ! 1 MATRIMONIAL i Vintage, Colaba, where the accent is naturally on food and service. Specialities of the House: Pathar Ka Gosht Chicken Chatpatta Mirch Ka Satan Hyderabadi Biriyani vierrafiE wakes poM happy 4 o Well-to-do parents invite proposals fortheir 26-year-old, 5’4” tall, fair, intelligent, graduate daughter. The boy should be educated, well-settled professional/ businessman, up to 33 years from cultured, respectable family. Girl willing to settle in big cities of India or abroad. Please apply with full details and a photograph (returnable) to: Hyderabadi & Continental specialities. 4 Mandlik Road, Behind Taj Mahal Hotel, Bombay 400 039 For table reservations phone 285 6316. f Wo 44 4 BILLY & ZAM 5 5 2 9 3 DANNY ADVTC, 42 Parsiana May 1994 The Advertiser Parsiana, Matrimonial (May/26-94)* GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 'Please make sure the reply envelope bears the reference number cited herewho had originally presided over the demarcatory Sth, 15th and 23rd days, re ­ spectively, were obliged to give way to accommodate the new calendary dedica ­ tions to the supreme lord Ahura Mazda. Sagacious mortals, then as well as now, do not presume to cross swords with yazatas. The substitution of the off as a whole truth in convenient sup- who had originally presided over the by four priests on the sunrise on the port of prejudiced perspectives. For the demarcatory Sth, 15th and 23rd days, re- fourth day after death, when the soul dc- full and authentic position, we would spectively, were obliged to give way to parts the earthly plane, is a special rather cull our material from sources like accommodate the new calendary dedica- Afringan Dahman. Rather surprising for Prof Mary Boyce ’s latest work Zoroastri- tions to the supreme lord Ahura Mazda. a “dismissed ” Yazata! anism — Its Antiquity and Constant Sagacious mortals, then as well as •In the Siroza Yasht, even the three ex- Vigour (Costa Mesa, 1992, pgs 108-110) now, do not presume to cross swords tra-calcndary yazatas, including Dahm and her earlier Zoroastrians — Their Re- with yazatas. The substitution of the Yazad, arc venerated with their ligious Beliefs and Practices (London three yazatas by the “Dadvali days ” of “khshnoomans, ” i.e. propitiatory formu- and New York 1987, pgs 70-74): these unbiased sources uphold the revealing phenomenon for the cogent reasons al- historical and scriptural evidences pro ­ vided in the remainder of this letter. Probably by the Carly fourth century were, or could be, expelled from the Zo- BC in Achaemenian times, the distinc- roastrian religion like a trio of rusticated tive Zoroastrian calendar, where each of school-childrcn. The sweeping gcnerali- its 30 days is dedicated to a particular zation that Dahma Afriti is “peremtorily also solemnized for each of the three ex- amesha spenta or yazata, underwent a re ­ vision. In addition to the first day already Yazads ” is neither tenable nor scholarly, belonging by natural right to Ahura and this is evident from the following: Mazda, three other “Dadvah days ” (the Sth, 15th and 23rd, presently called Dae pa Adar Dadar, Dae pa Meher Dadar and Dae pa Din Dadar, respectively), were also dedicated to Ahura Mazda the Cre ­ ator, thereby dividing the month into four roughly equal parts with each week continues to be thus regarded to this day, commencing under the aegis of Ahura Mazda Himself. Accordingly, the three yazatic divinities, Apam Napat, Haoma and Dahma Afriti (i.e. Dahm Yazad) Ahura Mazda is exclusively a calendary lac bearing the Yazata ’s ritual invoca ­ tion. (Such is not the case in Yasna 16:3- 6 which is a presumably revised mne ­ monic enumeration mainly following the revised calendar.) •Similarly, in the Fereshte ceremony, in ­ dividual baj and afringan services are ready mentioned, and does not at al! mean that these three divine entities ever dismissed from our Zoroastrian panel of tra-calcndary yazatas, including Dahm Yazad, in addition to the 30 revised-cal ­ endar divinities, so that 33, not 30, ser ­ vices arc performed in all. Prof Boyce admires this “tenacity in observance ” across thousands of years, and comments that, “when their fidelity is demonstrable in such relatively small matters, there seems little reason to question the Zoro ­ astrians ’ capacity for faithfulness in great ones. ” Would that we were all worthy of this compliment! Every one of us has the freedom to ex ­ press views on religious matters — in a •Dahma Vanhvi Afriti personifies the prayers of the faithful, and she is the Yazata of the “pious good blessing. ” Her benediction, incorporated in the Yasna liturgy as Y.60:2-7, was regarded as one of the most powerful of utterances, and now being known as the Avesta Doa Tandarosti. •One of the sacred funerary prayers fi ­ nally recited for a deceased Zoroastrian With compliments from B. B. GARDA & SONS 10 B. J. Road Poona 411001 9 Parsiana May 1994straightforward and subsuintiated man- Parriaua comd W ™= i- “sX!X%XrSs^^X ’ net. But none of us should have the li- and evo vmg Parsi tehesAte all me tool me^^_ e„„,es cense lo obfuscate, to mislead - ot lo^ Pamis f „f getting to the dinner table. abusive. uoni k. m.^“ indeed ! The bedlam that ensues between the Parsiana could perhaps feature new and evolving Parsi dishes. After all the Divorce statistics I would like to suggest that Parsiana publish the list of Matrimonial Court cases of divorce. Sometime back Jam-e- Jamshed used IQ give such lists once or twice a year in their paper. If the reason for divorce and name of the person is published it will help us to know how many Parsis are taking divorce each year ratanj.patel I’m sure that even in printed form certain recines would go down very well indeed! • --- ------ , , ¦ • r What about crossword puzzles? These end of one sitting and the beginning of could include Zoroastrian history, cul- the next, can well be compared ter ture, or indeed food! Perhaps the winner preparation that troops go into, Pendmg a receives a year ’s subscription to W t« to mil^ lhe next, can well be compared to* the preparation that troops go into, pending a chairs that precedes the next sitting with advanced bookings of sometimes an en ­ tire row of seats at a time and the getting Parsi jokes? Parsis can and do laugh at themselves, no bad thing, so why not ^^^There is I believe a crisis as regards into position behmd our priests, and the fact that their num ­ bers are dwindling. Has anyone sug ­ gested women dasturs and mobeds? Why nity . not? If lhe Church of England can do so, why not us? Parsiana is on the whole geared to ­ wards lhe over 60s (just as Voyage is bent, who has hardly started on the des ­ sert, do not augur well for our commu- This unabashed concentration on food leaves a poor impression on invitees from other communities. It appears that painful to the parties concerned, Par- wards the over bus oust as voyage .s thrtS ’o'f jiana would not wish to further publicize -food thoughts, food words and food the separation and add to their discom- it is the 20 a y vounusters deeds ” instead of the noble principles to fort. Instead, the total number of divorces tate the future. What do our younS^rs deeds expected to ad- per year are published as and when avail- think about conversion mixed t^ which Zoroastr able, the last statistics being carried in riages, emigration, dispostJ of the dead here. the Events and Personalities column of and other controversial topics. The difference! Parsiana, November 1992. voice^is P’^mounl^^,^^^ or furter up Whither, Pars ianal much as l do VayagO but U ato^ ^'“"iXyTyou i7var5X°feH into a I have been reading with interest recent gives me the ‘'yP'^^ssion that U s I yp^^ C.L^ conve^rsalion with your fellow comments (some adverse) regarding of magazine ( nArmitted to at traveller Along this sector the travellers s:^aJ^“e^:;^StS:i;^s ^•=X=Uoneof .......... __ i-_ ___ ooii niiiirxi! T pt ’e inakp. It vouneer. livelier... can oner, lo name a icw. •Green lea and fudina masala ot Dahanu •Chikoos of Gholvad •Sing and suterfeni of Bharuch •Boi of Udvada •Malai ghari of Surat •Bruns of Yazdani Can anyone extend the list? It would be fun to send lhe list to our relatives abroad who have to exist on a steady (read boring) diet of French fries, Ken ­ tucky chicken and McDonald hamburg ­ ers. Z. ZEND Does anybody know? We, lhe Kharases, are wondering how we got our surname. Are we named after a place of birth, profession or what? I asked my father once, and he made a joke of it. means ass; same; so we are double asses. ” Is it true that most of lhe flour mills in Sural were once owned by a Kharas? HOMI ADRESHIR KHARAS The Editor replies: As divorce proceedings are stressful and ?fa"™wouM not wish to further'publisize possibly targetted at the under 40s). But and add to their diseom- it is lhe 20 and 30-year-olds that wil. d.c- tate the future. What do our youngsters think about conversion, mixed mar ­ riages, emigration, disposal of the dead, and other controversial topics? Their voice is paramount. I do enjoy Parsiana (though not as much as I do Voyage"), but it always outlet! Let ’s make it younger, livelier... I agree I’m playing “devils advocate, playing the “agent provocateur, ” but S.RUSTOMJI Middlesex, UK dwindling Zoroastrian numbers and methods required to reverse this trend. We are indeed an endangered species, . . _ and perhaps the Indian government somebody has to. should grant us special status, not dis ­ similar to that given to tigers (caU it “Project Parsi? ”). Jokes apart I believe Parsis can < \ \ ’ * following: •Have very large families ------------- . - , •Leave the west and move back to their issues a year, but heartenm^to note that motherland (India, Pakistan, etc) ' •Move away from “greed infested ” Bombay and into a sedate agricultural life-style that would facilitate an increase in family size. After all, affluence will always dictate that the number of off ­ spring are f----- --—- is financially well provided for. Your sister publication, Voyage, is a fabulous publication, so why not borrow certain of its unique features? For in ­ stance why not have a travel section in Parsiana where your readers can discuss details of their favorite holiday spots, both inside and outside India? Why not have a “food ” section? Voyage features restaurants. *_____ would like to congratulate you on hav- only flourish by adopting the ing lhe courage to change the frequency of your magazine. Il is sad that Parsiana should face problems in bringing out 12 ______________________ • _ ’I at least someone in our community has been able to adapt to changing times! However biller this medicine may taste, I am sure that it will help towards lhe survival of a magazine which would utic iiiai uiv t.uii.uvi .......... otherwise have become just another foot- fewer in order that each child note in the history of our community ’s Wc, lhe Kharases, are wondering how we 10 Parsiana May 1994 decline. JAVID SOLI CANTEENWALA London, UK place of birth, profession or what? ’'---------- 1 He said, “Khar in Persian ass in English means lhe Food thoughts I have lived in Bombay with my wife and children for over two decades. Over the years, wc have attended scores of weddings and navjoies in lhe various baugs — and each lime I go lo lidited by Amavaz S. MamaMA, the psychology student had stood first class first and was awarded the merit scholarship by the University of Bombay. Graduating in mechanical engi ­ neering, Kavarana secured the seventh Anklesharia who passed the third year engineering examination in computer science with 73 percent marks. Neville Jambusarwala won the Gulbanoo Con ­ tractor Award of Rs 1,500 for passing his rank in the Shivaji University in 1991. In zonal university championship tour ­ naments, Kavarana had captained his college teams in cricket and badmin ­ ton. In a state level “Our community can come up only when education gets priority tions), ” said Homi Taleyarkhan, former member of the Government of India ’s Minorities Commission, who was instru ­ mental in procuring messages from dig ­ nitaries for the over 650-page souvenir brought out on the occasion. Packed with advertisements, the souvenir was" re ­ percent leased at the hands of Taleyarkhan. At the awards ceremony BPP chair ­ inter cost accoun ­ tancy examination with marks. Ms Dilnaz Kasad who obtained man Jamshed Guzder repeated the saltent 86 percent in the commerce stream in the Std XII exami- 50 issues that had come up for discussion during the preceding two-day Federation meet for the benefit of the guests who kept trickling in as the evening pro ­ competition, Vision-90, his paper on in the state of Gujarat, was given the grossed until by dinner time the open “Modern Trends in Control of Automo- Rusi Cama Award of Rs 1,200. Vispi ground was packed to capacity. tive Pollution ” earned a certificate of Patwa who passed his second year BSc merit. Selected as a J. N. Tata scholar in 1991, Kavarana is now doing his masters in mechanical engineering at the Vir ­ ginia State University, USA. was won by Ms Parizad Mirzan who The Dadabhai Naoroji scholarships passed Std XII with 72 percent^marks. instituted by the BPP in 1993 were won by Ms Urvakshi Mistry and Farzan Irani. After scrutinizing the achievements ol the 41 contenders the selection panel de ­ cided that Mistry and Irani deserved the scholarships of Rs 2,000 each for four years on the assumption that they will continue with the same academic perfor ­ mance. Two more scholarships of the percent by the Bhamgara Charitable Trust, an ­ nounced Anklesaria. on “Modern Trends in Control of Automo- jj ------------------------ nation, standing first in the state of Gujarat, was given the The purpose of the get-together of dif ­ ferent anjuman representatives at Va- Rusi Cama Award of Rs 1,000. The dodara was summed up by Taleyarkhan Mehernosh Cama Award of Rs 1,000 who stressed that there had been a melody of discussion, not malady ” punc ­ tuated with “a sense of humor and some ­ times a sense of rumor... It has not only been a talkshop, but also a workshop: a result of devotion, dedication and deter ­ mination. ” examination with 62 percent won the Mehernosh Cama Award of Rs 1,000 was Securing 69 percent in the Std XII ex ­ amination, Ms Franak Kapadia won the Mehernosh Cama Award of Rs 800. For clearing her first year BSc examination with 65 percent, Ms Jesmin Bharucha re ­ ceived the Mehernosh Cama Award of Rs 700. Rohinton Talati who passed his second year BCom examination with 62 t won the Mehernosh Cama denomination have been promised Award of Rs 500. The Pirojsha Godrej Award of Rs 800 was won by Javed Wykes who completed his third year of diploma studies in mechanical engineer ­ ing. Architecture graduate Ms Jeru Katpitia was rewarded with a special me ­ mento in recognition of her thesis on the Zoroastrian Cultural Centre, Udvada. Recipients of awards in the school section were: Bomi Talati who passed Std XI (commerce) with 64 percent win ­ ning Rs 1,200; Ms Kati Bavaadam who passed the same examination with 61 Academic achievements acclaimed J. R. D. Tata Scholarships were a new beginning made by the Vadodara Panchayat. in 1994. “From our small funds we set aside sums for education. Our community can come up only when education gets priority, ” Shavak Patel, president of the Panchayat, enunciated the direction that the anjuman opted to , pursue. “As times change, the punchayet percent won Rs 800; Farhad Wadia and ‘ ... I > K T-»____ Ctrl V with 71 percent and 67 percent respec ­ tively each won Rs 1,000; Ms Zarine Patel who passed Std IX with 75 percent must change its activities. Our Panchayat Ms Benaaz Hakim who cleared Std X is small, with limited income, yet educa- ' j ^-7 tion gets high priority... Years back funds were required for ghambars and agiary construction. Today funds are required won Rs 1,000 while Behram Ginwalla for education and housing. After 100 years the needs may change, ” he contin ­ ued. Scholastic achievements of its stu ­ dents the Vadodara Panchayat decided to recognize by instituting cash awards for outstanding college students and brilliant school students. Altogether nine college for excellence in management whxh we students and eight school students re ­ ceived awards this year. The Dr Rustom Cama Award of Rs 1,500 was claimed by Ms Hutoxi who cleared his grade IX examination with 72 percent got Rs 800; Ms Thrity Kasad who passed Std VIII with 90 per ­ cent won'Rs 500 while Ms Nekshan Daboo who secured 84 percent in the same grade received Rs 400. “I wish there had also been an award could give to Baroda, especially Shavak Patel and Jal Patel (Vadodara Panchayat trustee who officiated as master of cer ­ emonies during the two-day delibera- 45 Parsiana May 1994 MATRIMONIAL Matrimonial alliance invited for 30 years (younger looking), fair, pretty; family-oriented, well-educated, working girl of respectable farnily from Bombay-based Zoroastrian doctors/engineers with good family background. Kindly send details with photograph (returnable) to: The Advertiser Parsiana, Matrimonial (May/27-94)* GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 •Please make sure the reply envelope bears the reference number cited here MATRIMONIAL Matrimonial correspondence invited from tall, well educated Parsi boys for 24-year-old slim, well educated Parsi girl willing to settle anywhere in India or abroad. Write giving full details with photograph (returnable) to: The Advertiser Parsiana, Matrimonial (May/28-94)* GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 •Please make sure the reply envelope bears the reference number cited hereENVIRONMENT Iranshah: Time and Tide? Arnavaz S. Mama The ingress of the sea in Udvada is a cause for concern If Avan Yazad and Atash Dadar go to war, for whom will the Parsis cheer? Though they did not quite see it as an epic struggle of the elements, concern for the safety of Iranshah and the town has led to the formation of a working group to counter the erosion of the beach at Udvada. One and a half kilometers of shoreline receives the brunt of the lashing sea with them, in response to Taleyarkhan ’s invi- temple at Mahabalipuram near Madras, the garden walls of hotels and bungalows tation and concern, were the retired chief he noted. The barren desolate landscape crumbling under the onslaught. Though conservation and forest officer of the the Iranshah is not imminently threat- government of Gujarat, K. D. ened, a question in most minds is whether the ingress of salt water in the Tambekar. V. M. Meher-Homji, a geolo- despositing them on river beds, decreas- area could undermine the Atash gist at the French Institute in Pondicherry ing their depth, leading to momentary Behram ’s foundations. A natural tilting of the land in certain areas and the reclamation of land in oth ­ ers, specially in and around Bombay, are cited as major causes for this ingress of ering that he had met a former home forest soil, rich in humus, acts like a the sea. Global warming and the conse- minister who had stated that the commu- sponge — it absorbs rain water, stores it quent rise in sea levels — the normal nity would have to bear 20-25 percent of and releases it gradually to feed streams reason cited worldwide to explain tidal devastation — is said to be inapplicable Unvala and Aspi Irani have begun to ap- in this case. Functioning under the chairmanship of Homi Taleyarkhan, the working the deepening concavity in the seashore Left: Erosion ofthe beach. Rubble group ’s initial priority is a scientific study of ways to counter the inroad of the sea and the cost these would entail. Once an approximation of the costs is es- sion, he said. Only the use of plants — trees and creepers, along the ground — would prevent the wind picking up the loose sand and pelting it on the orchards inland. According to Meher-Homji, an oscil- tablished, Taleyarkhan, a former member of the Government of India ’s Minorities Commission, ambassador and governor, said he would take up the matter with the centre and state governments as Udvada is a part of the national heritage. Taleyarkhan was speaking to commu- lating shoreline is as much of a natural nity members gathered at his invitation hazard as an earthquake. Another major to consider the problem in depth. Among heritage site in similar difficulties is the them, in response to Taleyarkhan ’s in vi ­ the in and around Udvada permits the “tor- of Gujarat, K. D. rential rain water rushing down the hill- Karamchandani and engineer M. B. ocks (to carry away) soil particles, Tambekar. V. M. Meher-Homji, a geolo- and other responsible community repre- floods and long spells of drought thereaf- sentatives from Bombay, Surat and Baroda were also present. Tahmuras Pundole informed the gath- afforestation in the interiors “because ter. ’’ He advocates a two-fold program: of the costs. Building contractors Cyrus and rivers perenially; ” and the dredging of storage tanks to increase their capacity to store run-off water, thereby augment ­ ply themselves to the problem, he noted. Dr Minoo Parabia noted that due to the tide came in at an angle with increas- belongs to old construction damaged ing force. An earlier attempt to construct by the sea a pyre had been destroyed and any engi- Right: New wall which has replaced neering project would be subject to ero- damaged outer wall Photos: Jehangir Mistry 46 Parsiana May 1994» ing available drinking water in the town. To counter the influx of the sea Meher-Homji advises a “proper wall to withstand the assault (though) a second line of defence is the propagation of said, “make it a.s a promenade for the lo- plant resources available locally. (Such) cal population. ” The Gujarat Engineer- the wall and tetrapods Rustom Kassad a plantation along the coast will protect the shore, but alternate energy planta ­ tions of fast growing species would be other source of help it was ,suggested, needed to provide fuelwood for the could be the Central Water and Power weaker sections of society; otherwise the coastal plantation will not be allowed to survive, ” he added. The use sandbinding trailers and salt-tolerant plants would absorb the salts from the soil, said the geologist. This would help zation at the local level to grapple with reduce the salinity of well water while the problem, Karamchandani wondered, settled abroad and wealthy philanthropic preserving the sand from getting washed “What is happening to the rich heritage anjumans like the Zoroastrian Charity away. Tambekar suggested that one of the fir^ exercises should be to get a height profile of the incoming tide on new moon and full moon nights during the cheaper and more effective. “Ensure that monsoon. He also noted that the Gujarat 50 percent of the growth goes to the government ’s Minor Ports Organization people, ” he cautioned, referring to the might contribute from the PM’s special may have charts depicting the sea con- adivasis ’ need for firewood. fund. “Face the problem. This project is tours. According to him the work should normally be undertaken by the Gujarat ensure that new constructions do not government (can) help, ” said Bombay public works department (PWD) but come up too close to the highwater mark. Parsi trusts may offer a share of the costs and technical help from Bombay as an building purposes be prohibited on the incentive. Otherwise the project may be shelved until the next five year plan, he added. And, “if you make a wall, ” he ing Research Institute could also investi ­ gate this problem and find solutions. An- Research Station, Pune, which under ­ takes all types of investigation into water of related problems, with the help of scale models. Commenting on the lack of an organi- threatened beach. It was also suggested that for additional effect the sea wall be lined with tetrapods as at Marine Drive in Bombay. As a cheaper alternative to suggested the use of cabians — galva ­ nized iron netting boxes two to three cu ­ bic meters in size filled with stones. The life of such cabians however was esti ­ mated at three years or less and hence were not a permanent solution. The gathering present suggested sources of finance for what may be an expensive project running into lakhs of rupees: an approach to Zoroastrians “What is happening to the rich heritage of the Parsi community? ” Though he felt Trust Funds of Hongkong, Canton and that an engineering structure may be nec ­ essary and resources found to pay for it, cause Udvada is he advocated the vegetative method as Taleyarkhan noted that he had an impres ­ sion, when he spoke to the Prime Minis ­ ter about the problem that the latter Macau; an approach to UNESCO be ­ cause Udvada is a heritage site. adivasis ’ need for firewood. Meher-Homji urged the gathering to going to cost crores not lakhs... Only the Parsi Punchayet chief executive Rustom He advised that the extraction of sand for Anklesaria. And Iranshah, perhaps? Best Wishes From RUSY & PURVIZ SHROFF 47 Parsiana May 1994MILESTONES The age of Zoroastrian brides (as listed in this issue) ranged between 19 and 46 years, the arithmetic mean (the total number of individual ages divided by the total number of brides) being 26 years. The corresponding figures for the grooms were 25 and 50 years, averaging at 31 years. This month too Parsiarui does not have any births to report from the B. D. Petit Parsee General Hospital. In comparison to 72 deaths in Bombay in March there were 16 babies bom. Heart dis ­ ease, the major killer, claimed 26 individuals send us information lives. Eleven patients of those 26 were 80 years and above. Pneu ­ monia and lung disease took a toll of 11, cancer of eight and brain disease of five Zoroastrians. Two victims each fell prey to kidney failure, anemia, gastroentritis, old age and general debility, hyper ­ tension and a road accident. Fra ­ cture, bums, cervical cord com ­ pression, uremia, any themia, liver disease, colitis and asthma were the isolated cases registered this month. The coroner ’s report was still pending in the case of two deaths. Forty years was the youngest age at death as compared to the oldest, 99’/^. BOMBAY Born A girl to Pervin and Farhad Contractor on March 1, 1994 A girl to Bakhtawar and Dhunji Titina, sister to Ava; March 2 A girl to Sandra and Sarosh Irani; March 3 A girl to Sanobar and Parvez Barucha; March 4 A boy to Almitra and Neville Billimoria; March 7 A girl to Homai and Firdos General; March 8 A girl to Shahana; and Farsheed Irani; March 10 A boy to Maharukh and Bhicaji Davierwala; March 11 A girl to Shiraz and Meherwan Parbhoo; March 15 A boy to Ava and Jamshed Lalkaka; March 19 A girl to Nergish and T. Balgopal; March 21 A girl to Siloo and Yezdi Jasoomoney; March 22 A boy to Bakhtawar and The data on births, marriages and deaths has been compiled from information supplied by various newsletters and anjumans in India and abroad, courts and hospitals. We are unable to carry data from areas where the anjumans do not furnish the particulars. This information is not always complete or consistent. For example, the birth figures for Bombay are supplied by three hospitals; births in suburban hospitals and private nursing homes are not included unless together with a copy of the birth certificate. There may be an inadvertent repetition of names in the marriage list when a civil marriage precedes a religious ceremony. In the breakup of deaths according to illnesses, especially of the elderly, death is often due to a combination of several diseases. If readers have any births/ marriages/deaths they would like published, some proof to ensure the veracity of the report would be required. We are sure our readers would appreciate this requirement and cooperate with us. Neville Karbhari; March 22 A boy to Hutoxi and Zubin Batliwalla; March 23 A boy to Havovi and Burzin Khan; March 23 A boy to Rukshan and Aspi Gotla; March 31 Married Snowber Rusi Balsara and Cowas Dorab Bajan; February 22 Jasmine Noshir Cooper and Pervez Boman Daruwalla; February 27 Kashmira Rustom Irani of Bangalore and Mehernosh Gustad Irani; February 27 Firuzi Murzban Dubash and Vispy Noshir Wadia of Bhayandar; March 1 Tehmi Keki Bengali and Percy Nariman Patrawala; March 3 Roshani Merwanshaw Patel and Kurush Maneckshaw Rana; March 5 HiUoxi Sorabji Kerawalla and Farokh Kaikhushru Bhedwar, March 6 Yasmin Phiroze Colabewala and Kaivan Minoo Doctor, March 6 Kashmira Rustom Bharucha of Poona and Rohinton Adi Doctor; March 6 Shehnaz Kaiki Engineer and Kaizad Hosi Dumasia; March 6 Parizad Phiroze Patel and Mahiyar Nadirshaw Katila; March 6 Hutoxi Keki Rao and Dara Erachshaw Panlhaki; March 6 Shekufa Merwan Irani and Ardeshir Namdar Irani; March 7 Gospi Hoshi Dolikuka and Cheherazad Baji Readymoney ; March 7 Sherry Dorab Pavri and Sarosh Burjor Doodhmal; March 12 Jeroo Jal Kotwal and Xerxes Dara Madan; March 13 Anahita Firoz Irani of Gholvad and Komran Behram Amooyan; March 14 Rashna Jal Balsara and Vispy Noshir A rdesher; March 15 Jerbanoo Rustom Irani and Viraf Farokh Kolah; March 18 Mitra Hormazdyar Yegtahi and Nevil Shapur Irani of Dahanu Rd; March 20 Armeene Shapur Rao and Byram Phiroze Shroff; March 20 Yasmin Keki Sidhwa and Darayus Kawas Charna of Karachi; March 21 Kamal Jimmy Kekuna and Cy­ rus Erach Ghadiali; March 21 Havovi Kaikhushroo Irani and Aspi Faredun Bharucha; March 25 Behroz Rustom Banker and Jehangir Minoo Rustomji; March 26 Armita Ardeshir Frouhar of Dahanu Rd and Kaikobad Sheriar Irani of Ipswich, England; March 30 Parizad Soli Setruj and Hbrmusji Noshir Didjash; March 31 Died Goola Rustomji Daruwalla (71), residing at 102, Zarina Co-op Soc, S. V. Rd, Bandra, 400050; February 28 Adi Hormasji Pithawala (73), 368/12, Ruby Light, 16th Rd, Bandra, 400050; Febmary 28 Piroja Jehangirji Sadri (82), 2/6, P. C. Shroff Bldg, Gamadia Clny, Tardeo, 40(KX)7; February 28 Minie Eruchshah Tarapore (70), E-2/706-B, Highway Park, Thakur Complex, Kandivli (E). 400101; February 28 Faramroze Manecksha Postwalla (80), Kotwal Hse, 1st Cross Lane, Sleater Rd, 400007; March 2 Hilla Jamshedji Vaid (73), 11, Glass Bglw, Chikalwadi, 400007; March 2 Mani Naval Zaikar (65), 257, Botawalla Bldg, Thakurdwar Rd, 400002; March 2 Homi Manekji Bhathena fll), 9/N., Horizon, Pali Hill, Bandra (W), 400050; March 3 Rattan Manekji Cooper (88), 202/A, Georgina, Rizvi Complex, Shirley Rajan Rd, Bandra (W), 400050; March 3 Daulat Rustom Irani (92), Tapia Bldg, Jalbhoy St, 400007; March 3 Cyrus Firoz Kudyaniwalla (40), Singaporewalla Bglw, Khan- dala, Dist Pune, 410301; March 3 Kawas Sorabji Lalkaka (88), 5, Dubash Mans, Asuder Kutir Co-op Hsg Soc, Mount Mary Rd, Bandra, 400050; March 3 Ratansha Rustomji Mobedji (80), 3, Divecha Bldg, Edulji Rd, Thane, 400601; March 3 Rusi Hiraji Broachaf49), No 11, Mody Bldg, Gamadia Clny, Tardeo, 400007; March 4 Merwan Rustom Irani (73), Cama Baug Hse, Khetwadi 11th lane, Opp Mommadi Minar, 400004; March 4 Rusi Hoshang Bharucha (59), Banaji Hse, Contractor Baug, Mori Rd, Mahim, 400016; March 5 KettyDadi Engineer (80), 15/4, Wadia Blocks, Malcolm Baug, Jogeshwari (W), 4{X)102; March 5 Jalamai Rustomji Patel (68), 48 Parsiana May 1994A/601, Osia Classic, Off Caesar Rd, Amboli, Andheri (W), 400058; March 5 Faroukh Bomanji Rustomji (51), A9I30, Venus Apts, Worli Sea Face, 400018; March 5 Jehangir Naoroji Writer (75), 33, Santa Maria, Off Caesar Rd, Amboli, Andheri (W), 4(X)058; March 5 Rustom Hormusji Broacha (76), 113, Meherdad, Cuffe Parade, 400005; March 6 Maccan Mahiar Panthaky (86), 614, Jam-e-Jamshed Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; March 7 Edal Perozeshaw Oonwala ((>9), Indra Bhavan, 24, Vacha Gandhi Rd, New Gamdevi, 400007; March 8 Shirinbai Manekshaw Cooper (88), The Retreat, 64, Malcolm Baug, S. V. Rd, Jogeshwari (W), 400102; March 9 Gool Minocher Dastur (93), Saker Apts, Pochkhanawalla Rd, 400025; March 9 Hoshang Manchershaw Bharucha (68), Press Hse, 36, Adi Marzban Path, 299, S. B. Singh Rd, Fort, 400038; March 10 Bachan Rustomji Bhesania (78), 403/A, Sea Shell, 7, Bglws, Versova, 400061; March 10 Sheroo Minoo Mody (72), Hormuzd Baug Bldg, Kashi- nath St, Tardeo, 4(X)034; March 10 Ratamai Jivanji Wadia (80), F. S. Parukh Dharamshalla, 34, Hughes Rd, 4(X)007; March 10 Khorshed Phiroze Mistry (68), 17/B-18, Rustom Baug, Victoria Rd, Byculla, 400027; March 11 Piroja Faramroze Damania (85), Cooper Bldg, Khetwadi 9th lane, 4(X)004; March 12 Burjor Bhikaji Gotlaseth (82), 16/A, Shreyas, Sleater Rd, 400007; March 12 Nariman Sorabji Marker (89), 95-C, Gulshan Villa, Oomar Park, B. Desai Rd, 400036; March 12 Themina Dhanjishaw Mistry (83), 8, Adenwala Bldg, Tulsi Pipe Rd, Mahim (W), 400016; March 12 Maneck Savaksha Parakh (70), B/5, Tardeo Chmbs, Kashinath St, Tardeo, 4(X)034; March 12 Tehmi Rustomji Diventry (53), Adenwala Bldg, Pavvala St, Chami Rd Jn, 400004; March 13 Dolly Rustomji Irani (75), Essup Bldg, Balaram St, Grant Rd, 400007; March 13 Maneckshaw Behramji Morena (90), 730, Jehangir Vimadalal Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; March 13 Tehmi Hormusji Dadiburjor (65), 3/1, Sir Ratan Tata Bldg, S. V. Rd, Bandra, 400050; March 14 Purvez Rustom Patel (42), 704, Cumballa Crest, 42, Peddar Rd, 400026; March 14 Rashna Purvez Patel (40), 704, Cumballa Crest, 42, Peddar Rd, 40(X)26; March 14 Fredun Rustomji Billia (93), 8, Cama Bldg, Gilder Lane, 400008; March 15 Faredoon Kaikhushru Laskari (79), 15, Calcuttawala Bldg, 124, Sopari Baug Rd, Parel, 400012; March 15 Roshan Rustomji Vania (70), 1, Kashinath Bldg, Kashinath St, Tardeo, 40(X)34; March 15 Kate Homi Billimoria (57), C/o R. C. Italia, Mahalaxmiwalla Bldg, 18, Sleater Rd, 400007; March 16 Homi Behramji Harda (82), Banaji Trust Bldg, Contractor Baug, Mori Rd, Mahim, 400016; March 16 Bomansha Nuserwanji Pagdiwala (76), 688, P. A. Hormarji Bldg, Dr Dinsha Master Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; March 16 Kershasp Kaikhusru Dubash (83), Minocher Block, M. P. Agiary St, Grant Rd, 400(X)7; March 17 Dadi Bejan Shroff (80), 11, Faramji D. Petit Sanatorium, Cumballa Hill, 400036; March 17 Khurshed Jehangir Bode (79), 87-A, Chandanwadi, 40(X)02; March 18 Rustomji Jamshedji Narawalla (65), C/o, Ms P. M. Amaria, Jaifal Ter, Forjett St, 400036; March 18 Sam Pirosha Udwadia (62), C/10, Varsha Milan Soc, Near Goldspot Factory, Sahar Rd, Andheri (E), 4(X)099; March 18 Merwanji Sorabji Amaria (98), Mohmadi Minar, Khetwadi 14th lane, 40(X)04; March 19 Nariman Nasarvanji Billimoria (75), Ganga Devi Bhuvan, Uranwalla St, Grant Rd, 400007; March 19 Diruimai Ardeshir Nentin (94), Peace Heaven, 49/50, Malcolm Baug, Jogeshwari, 400102; March 20 Dossan Minocher Elavia (72), 12-A/14, Panthaky Baug, Andheri (E), 400069; March 21 Peshotan Dinyar Madan (88), 3/8, Lady Dorab Tata Bldg, S. V. Rd, Bandra, 400050; March 21 Piroja Munchersha Karkaria (86), Kotwal Hse, Sleater Rd, 1st Cross lane, Nanachowk, 400007; March 22 Jal Muncherji Kateli (79), 5/23, A. H. Wadia Baug, Parel Tank Rd, 400033; March 24 Dara Burjorji Buhariwala (78), 44/A, Empire Est Bldg, Cumballa Hill, 4(X)036; March 25 Faramroze Manecksha Pochkhanawalla (89), 2, Ocean Crest, B. Desai Rd, 400026; March 26 Sheroo Soli Palkhiwala (70), Nowroji Hse, Naigaum Cross Rd, Dadar, 400014; March 27 Dinamai Nadirshah Gandhi (94), Umergaum Bldg, Parel, 400012; March 28 Soonoo Phiroze Narsang (68), 804/C, Rati Lodge, Dr Ambedkar Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 4(XX)14; March 28 Bachubai Ruitonsha Sumariwala (81), 15, Sidhwa Bldg, Balaram St, Grant Rd, 400007; March 28 Nurges Dorab Davar (87), Batra Hse, Sorab Bharucha Rd, Colaba, 4(XXX)5; March 29 Rani Rustom Irani (59), Panthaki Baug, Andheri (E), 400069; March 29 Perin Kersasp Kothawala (99’/4), 51, Somerset Hse, Off Warden Rd, 400026; March 29 Rohinton Dinshawaji Kasad (58), l-B/20, Tata Mills Co-op Hsg Soc, Elphinstone Rd, Parel, 400012; March 30 Dina Jalejar Daver (82), Batliwalla Bldg, Zoroastrian Clny, Chikalwadi, Tardeo, 400007; March 31 Homai Rustomji Godiwala (80), B/17, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039; March 31 Pesotan Sorabji Postwalla (88), 18, Gamadia Bldg, 226, Tardeo Rd, 400007; March 31 CALCUTTA Born A boy, Aatish Irfan, to Anahita and Lalit Mishra; March 11 Married Shernaz Balsara and Yezdiar Bamji; March 29 Died Tehmina Ardeshir Wadia, mother of Khorshed and Nergis; March 3 Pestonji Meherwanji Ghiara, husband of Mani and father of Noshir, Rohinton and Jal; March 6 POONA Married Freny Jahangirji Sooi of Bombay and Sam Gusladji Hiramaneck of Bombay; December 28, 1993 Died KekiNaorojiMistry, Parmar Ngr, Fatima Ngr, 411013; November 26 SURAT Died Manchersha Behramji Sigar^oria (IO), Parsi Wad, Siganpore; March 9,1994 Freni Noshir Anklesaria (82), Vanki Bordi, 395003; March 11 Dhanmai Jehangirsha Bodhanwala (IS), Mota St, Rustompura, 395002; March 11 Bomansha Edulji Ilavia (13), Village Raj Pardi, Taluka Zagadia, Dist Bharuch, 392(X)1; March 14 Khorshedbanoo Jehangirji Rustomji (80), Shirin Engineer Bldg, Shahpore, 395003; March 15 A loo Homi Italia (68), Parsi Wad, Saiyedpura, 395003; March 22 PAKISTAN Karachi Born A girl, Charlene, to Cashmira and Adil Irani; February 1 Married Pouruchisti Noshirwan Cooper and Fredie Jimmy Sidhva; I 49 Parsiana May i994December 10, 1993 Diana Jehangir Andhyarujina and Adil Jamshed Randeria', December 29 Natasha Soli Patel and Azdiyar Homi Mobed\ December 30 Died Pesi Hormusji Bhadha (61); January 7,1994 Shirin Nanabhoy Talati (76); January 7 Piloo M. Trobewala (75); January J Murzban Nader show D-inshaw (68); January 15 Adi Jehangir (73); January 16 Nargis J. Irani January 17 Ruby Jehangir Sidhwa (54); January 22 Khushru Dinshaji Behrana (J5y, January 26 Ratanshaw Maneckji Bilimoria (85); January 29 BORN Boys Girls MARRIED Parsi Intercommunal DIED CONSIGNED Male Female CREMATED Male Female 27 37 35 TOTALS FOR 1993 AND 1994 Bombay India World 137 135 324 79 563 524 25 30 37 40 116 24A 121 111 12 4 16 6 99 76 13 11 51 38 9* 5* USA Chicago Died Phiroze Engineer, husband of Daulat; March 27 A: Total numbers in this issue B: Running totals for 1993 (February 1993-May 1994 issues) C; Running totals for 1994 (February-March 1994-May 1994 issues) AMales married out - 13 Females married out - 11 •Overseas deaths are listed in the consigned column as Parsiana does not have any breakup of those cremated. These figures pertain to information provided or collected by Parsiana. They do not represent the total number of births, marriages and deaths in the Zoroastrian community in India or abroad. Compiled by Roxana A. Driver A B C A B C A B C 7 9 2 6 5 1 1 2 4 5 7 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 6 4 1 WITH BEST COMPLIMENTS FROM SOFT-HEARTED ‘WIBS'BREAD WESTERN INDIA BAKERS' PRIVATE LIMITED KHODADAD BUILDING, 100 D'LIMA STREET DOCKYARD ROAD, BOMBAY 400010 50 Parsiana May 1994k IN MEWiOWAM The librarian as educator Arnavaz S. Mama _ ____ J / The resolution passed by the manag- with increasing frequency during the past ing committee of the J. N. Petit Institute “I have outlived my time, ” he used to say of the period. Interestingly, it is dedi ­ cated to the University to which he refers as his alma mater. “He exemplified a high sense of fair play and probity and people even today talk of his not accepting even... a diary or a pencil from the booksellers and dis- ntxes Marshall ’s passing on November tributors. They were always happy to ¦ ¦ ¦ serve the library ’s needs for there was no institution that settled its outstandings so promptly and without any ado. ” Dinshah Malegamwala of the J. N. few years. A man who lived by the aris ­ tocratic code of noblesse oblige, Dara Nusserwanji Marshall (87) felt out of his depths amid the corruption, blatant pur ­ suit of wealth and position and disdain for basic human values that are increas ­ ingly in evidence today. An immaculate fig ­ ure in rimless glasses and bow tie who never spoke above a hush, the erstwhile librarian of Bombay University and its professor emeritus of library science kept a quiet vigil over the happenings in his Gothic domain, always ready to spot and serve the bashful student or researcher fumbling over the catalogs. Trac ­ ing Marshall ’s associa ­ tion with the University since 1931, when he joined it as assistant registrar, and thereafter Marshall: a gift for friendship as deputy and acting registrar before he moved over as its li ­ brarian, Bombay University vice chan ­ cellor (VC) Dr S. D. Karnik noted in a letter of condolence to the family, “Pro ­ fessor Marshall was an institution in (himself). Everyone had regard for his honesty, integrity and ability. ” At the public condolence meeting summoned by the University on Decem ­ ber 23, 1993 the VC suggested that the road on which Marshall lived be re ­ named Dara Nusserwanji Marshall Marg, as informs a report in The Times of India ing. ” Notes Rusi Lala, author, and direc- {TOT). On the same occasion, A. C. 1 'J ” ” ¦ ¦ ................ ... authoritative British work on library for him as a professional and affection for him as a man... personalities like your father arc scarce to find. ” “He was not merely a librarian col ­ lecting books but was himself a scholar TOI report also notes that “the University as his famous bibliography of Mughals in 10, 1993 “with a deep sense of grief and sorrow. ” Writes the Institute ’s trustee and noted lawyer Dadi Patel, “All of us who had the privilege of sitting with him in our book and magazine and weeding Tata Endowment recalls Marshall ’s work out committees continu- ally sought his sage ad- higher education for many years, initially vice and counsel. His ~ "" invaluable advice, al- ways given in a gentle over 30 years ’ experience together, and persuasive manner, Malegamwala says, *‘Such persons are was invariably accepted not to be found today — such values, as the final word. To- such dedication! Mr Marshall was ex- wards the latter part of tremely self-effacing, never took any his life, even though ill credit for himself. ” Echoing the senti- r health precluded him ment Adi Sarkari, who until very re- attending the In- cently had held the portfolio of Bombay stitute personally, we Parsi Punchayet scholarships, says his continued to trouble friendship with Marshall dates back to him with our problems 1940. “His outstanding quality was the and he never failed to HI respond generously. ” Barry Bloomfield, librarian of what was originally the India Of- postgraduate rather than undergraduate fice Library and Records in London, on their scholar selection committee for with the late Rustom Choksi and then with himself. Speaking from a vantage of spirit of humanity and humility towards all. ” Marshall took “great interest in the youth of the community, ” says Sarkari and always advised students to go for courses abroad. The youngest of Nusserwanji and notes in a letter, “I know that he had been Pirojbai ’s three sons, Dara was born very frail in recent years, but he had a when his parents, especially his father, wonderful spirit and gift for friendship yearned for a daughter. The handsome, and that sort of person is so rare nowa- i ........... , ' 2 ". ¦ irascible Nusserwanji had been a suc- days. ” Rex Baker of the British Council cessful electrical contractor, given to in Bombay wrote to Marshall ’s daughter spending lavishly and counted a number Niloufer, the only member of his family of Bombay ’s rich and famous among his to be with him right to the end (his wife circle of friends. The family however Banoo and sons Sam and Noshir having was often left to fend for itself and Dara, settled in England), “Your father was recalling when he was well into bis 80s, widely admired and respected and often spoke to this reporter of the times Bombay will be the poorer for his pass- his mother had slept on newspapers on the floor, bravely keeping the family to- ¦ Tikekar, the incumbent librarian quoted who knew him I had the highest respect an <______ ______ architecture where Marshall ’s contribu ­ tion in the designing of the new library at Kalina has been extolled as “a master ­ piece of economic construction. ” The will honor (his) memory by inaugurating India testifies, ” writes R. Srinivasan in the Marshall Centre for Research in Comparative Librarian ship. ” tor of the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust, “like all gether by supplying meals to a few loyal clients. He would reminisce with a smile how he had helped her out in the kitchen! Even otherwise, Nusserwanji had suc ­ ceeded in creating enemies through his uncontrollable temper — a fact recorded in The Bombay Samachar (February 2, 1989) in an article titled “Dr Dara N. Marshall. ” One particular event had a long history as narrated by The invaluable reference book for students Samachar: When Nusserwanji secured Freedom First. “Still in print, it remains 51 Parsiana May 1994the contract for illuminating the Gateway f ‘ ‘ __ ____________ of India in 1911 over the heads of the Ratan Marshall, special officer to the Bombay Public Works Department Surat Parsi Panchayat, in an article in the (PWD), the latter reacted by withholding Jam-e-Jamshed. payment on sundry excuses. Nusser- wanji, an annual visitor to Britain, took up the matter with concerned officials in talking in the library or unpunctuality, humanity — and the onlookers regret- London. He got his payment and the You could set your watch by his move- ............. Bombay PWD earned a reprimand — but ments; at one o ’clock he ’d go ‘for lunch; they ensured that Nusserwanji was black ­ listed thereafter. Dara, never his father ’s favorite, stood first class first at the, MA examination, winning two gold medals and three scholarships and thereafter sailed through the Indian Civil Service exam. Just before he could be appointed to the secretariat in Bombay, a clerk brought the file concerning his father ’s contract ± u i_ r to the attention of the government. The SOGH TO D© b©ll©V©Cl sins of the father were visited on the son. His career in the civil service ended be- fore it had begun and the lifelong attach- I " , ' • ment to the Bombay University took its recently. As Kamik recounted at the for the peace of his soul, as notes Dr “He was a very hard taskmaster, a strict disciplinarian. He wouldn ’t tolerate He got his payment and the You could set your watch by his \XZr^ onmArl <4 I*,..*. _ _ V down by a cyclist coming from the wrong side. People around who knew and respected the aged gentleman wanted to hammer up the offender. Of course, Marshall would have none of it — such a response offended his innate fully allowed the cyclist to go. But the ; hip fracture he sustained changed his at 1.45 he d be back, recalls Ms Katy lifestyle, prevented him from returning to his favorite- library and robbed him of his prized freedom of movement. The clocktower library is today a cari ­ cature of its earlier self. Only the depart ­ ment of law remains here, the rest having all shifted to Kalina. Old volumes of German and mathematics are among the volumes that remain, together with some rare books. “At least 50 percent of rare books were donated to the University Li­ brary because of his connections, ” avers Mistry. In Comparative Librarianship, a . - . . ------------------------------------- book of essays in honor of Prof D. N. place with his appointment as assistant dolence meet, the one hour lunch break Marshall (edited by N. N. Gidwani and registrar. The correspondence between had been sufficient for Marshall ’s mar- published in 1973) Padma Shri B. S. Viceroy has been riage to Banoo Katrak in a very quiet, Kesavan, honorary library adviser to the published in the Journal of Asiatic Stud- very private ceremony in the fire-temple. Government of India, writes, “What he ies, 1977, informs The Samachar. At the end of it, Marshall was back to has done is to build a great tradition of During his years in the University ad- work! service to scholarship, both postgraduate ministration Marshall sought devotedly “We thought of him as a walking-talk- and undergraduate, which has to be seen to introduce a system of evaluation that ing encyclopedia. No scholar would go to be believed... His professional life, was fair, regular and precluded favorit- away unsatisfied. If the required material with its deep involvements and incor- ism. There were those who preferred ' ' '' otherwise. After years of service in the 1 _____ ___ ____________ University s administration, disenchanted where. He knew the resources of most li- thereafter “He has built a tradition of service to scholarship, which has to be Mistry who retired from the librarianship !con- registrar. The correspondence between had been sufficient for Marshall ’s mar ­ riage to Banoo Katrak in a very quiet, very private ceremony in the fire-temple. At the end of it, Marshall was back to work! “We thought of him as a walking-talk ­ ing encyclopedia. No scholar would go away unsatisfied. If the required material __ was not available on the premises, Mr ruptible integrity, was so exemplary that ...... 1-^11 ,j . ..... . without wanting to lead! ” In his ----------------------------- tribute to his mentor K.S. Deshpande, li- by the double standards around him, he braries in Bombay — he had helped to brarian to the universities of Karnataka, opted in 1947 to join the library. It was establish most of them — and most li- Mysore and Bangalore, writes “In my initial days as librarian, I bothered him with all sorts of questions every now and Marshall would try and get it from else- Remembering Gool Rustomji On April 14,1994 seven years elapsed since Ms Gool Rustomji left this physical plane. As her life touched yours, as a relative, friend, co-worker, teacher or pupil, it would be deeply appreciated if you would kindly recall and record your memories of her in seven words or seven lines or seven paragraphs or seven pages and please post them at your earliest or by June 30,1994 to: Behram Sohrab H. J. Rustomji C/o Ms Armaiti N. Desai Mino Meher, 22, Union Park Bombay 400052 India establish most of them — and most li ­ brarians were his students. ” When the Kalina library was put up, ______________ ___ ___ Marshall scrapped the plans presented then. Whenever a problem arose I would and drew up a blueprint of his own, says Mistry quoting the Bombay University ’s _______________ pro vice chancellor Dr V. N. Gupchup 48 hours... Guided by him at almost write to him seeking advice and I was sure that a reply would be on my table in — -J ----------- 1 ev- who in those days had been principal of ery step, I gained not only confidence but the VJTI (Victoria Jubilee Technical In- experience in building the (Karnataka stitute). The first wing was erected under University) library from scratch... Re- his supervision. “After that the quality of cently, on a matter of principle he re ­ work deteriorated and he stopped going, ” - - says Mistry. Even after he retired in 1971 as the libiar- the VJTI (Victoria Jubilee Technical In- signed from the membership of the li ­ brary committee of the UGC (University Grants Commission), a position which ian, Marshall attended regularly until his . many have sought but failed to secure. ” Marshall himself believed that “As purveyors of knowledge, librarians are deemed as missionaries, with the mission to wage a silent struggle to illuminate the nature of man by guiding individuals in standing in the academic world, were eternal truths. ” Marshall is survived by his wife deputy, successor, and friend B. Ander ­ son also retired in 1978. Till then he had continued to take classes in lib­ rarianship, recalls Mistry. Thereafter, his at ­ tendance declined to a few times a week. Marshall and his friends, all men of search of knowledge and in pursuit of standing in the academic world, were eternal truths. ” used to their evening walk together. Re- Marshall is survived by his wife turning after one such saunter, quite Banoo, sons Sam and Noshir, and daugh- close to home, Marshall was knocked terNiloufer. 52 Parsiana May 1994