Jun 1994

JUNE 1994 Rs 15 f 'i I Fact and Fiction l1 F W Outmarriages: 1 f |9EDITOR 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. Shilotri, 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 MANAGEMENT Jasmine Driver 2 Readers ’ Forum 12 Eventsand Personalities 18 Zoroastrians Abroad June 1994 Volume 16 Number 8 22 Outmarriages: Fact and Fiction by Parinaz Gandhi 26 TriChur ’s Pars! Mlssion(aries) by Arnavaz Mama 32 The 1851 and 1874 Parsi-Muslim riots by Dr Maneesha Tikekar 36 Books 40 Milestones COMPANY SECRETARY Noshir Lawyer 43 In Memoriam DTP Bakhtavar R. Batliwalla, K. P. Ravi SUBSCRIPTION/CIRCULATION Khurshid Panthaki, Bindu Pillai Cover: illustration by Mickey Patel OFFICE Smitha Nair, Swarupa Kamat OFFICE ASSISTANTS Umesh Poojary, Selvan Mark. Sunil Sakhare, Pramod Patil, Govind Salgaonkar, Mahipat Jadhav Parsiana is published by Jehangir R. Patel tor Parsiana Publications Pvt Ltd at C/d 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 Readers* views are welcome on any subject of Interest to the community and should be sent to the Editor, Readers' Forum, Persians, G.P.O. Box 892, Bombay 400001. Letters are subject to editing for reasons of space and clarity. Unsigned letters or those without an address will not be published. “Uran: harboring hopes” i The cover story on the Uran Agiary by Mr ¦ Homi Rogers, and the box item by Mr I Gustasp Irani (“Uran: harboring hopes ” 8 and “Uran dokhma out of bounds, ” r Parsiana, January 1994) made very l| interesting reading. However it seemed ¦ rather incomplete without certain relevant I facts which perhaps have been ¦ inadvertently omitted. As per my S knowledge, the series of events in their • chronological order are as follows: A Parsi lady residing in Dadar, having read about the pathetic conditions of the Agiary as published in Parsiana (March 1993), was inspired to know more about the problem and to help in any way she could. Uran Agiary: a need for sustained community interest Photo: Gustasp Irani She made a special trip to Uran to see for ebrate the agiary ’s salgreh on October 14, herself the prevailing conditions and met 1993, there seems to be a gross omission in Nfr Sui and his family. He explained that recognizing the two main architects of this his most immediate need amongst others event: the abovementioned lady and Mr was a stock of kathi to keep the holy fire Hoshang Homavazir who readily volun- I burning. In fact he was a little surprised teered to organize a trip at his own expense that he had a visitor from Bombay when ' ’ ' hardly anyone had come in for a long period. On her return to Bombay, motivated as __________________ ____ _ she was to help, the lady single-handedly Homavazir and the lady had made a couple took upon herself to raise the required < ’ amount of Rs 20,000 for the kathi which r J____ according to S ui would last for about two bus load of visitors from Bombay.7f the years, plus Rs 2,000 to transport the same event was a memorable one, it was largely by truck to Uran. As per his suggestion, she due to their efforts. Further, it was the lady contacted Mr Hoshang Govadia in Bombay who took the initiative to go up to the who was extremely cooperative. A few dokhma to pay her respects by taking a diva businessmen were approached who and flowers and the total number of per- willingly contributed towards this noble cause. Here, a mention has to be made path was eight and not 12 as mentioned, about Navroji Panthaky and Faredoonji Kutar of the Rustam Framna Agiary in Dadar Parsi Colony who offered to help. They not only agreed to put up an appeal which resulted in crossing the targeted amount, but also kept a record of all monies navrozn patel received. The excess received was divert ­ ed towards the same cause for some other Origin of Parsi names agiaries. Regarding the day trip to Uran to cel- 1993, there seems to be a gross omission in on this auspicious day. He made arrange ­ ments for a bus to take all those who wished to come, on first-come, first-served basis due to the limited seats. Earlier to this, Mr of visits to Uran to apprise Sui of the arrangements required for the expected and flowers and the total number of per ­ sons who ventured to tread the unbeaten I m ight add that in the afternoon at about 3.30 p.m. there was a jashan performed by the mobeds who had accompanied the group. The total expense of the jashan was borne by Mr Homavazir and this lady. A There appears to be some controversy as to whether the name Parsi was implanted upon the community after they landed in India around 780 AD as claimed by Ms Homai Bode and Dr H. E. Eduljee, or whether it was in use as early as 500 BC as claimed by Mr Roni Khan (Parsiana, Feb ­ ruary-March 1994). A perusal of the book A Comprehensive History of the Parsis by J. B. Sanjana published in 1935 indicates that Cyrus adopted the title of “King of Persians ” in 547 BC. Sanjana also mentions that the Parsi or the Persian Empire stretched from the mountains east of Elam to the Halys in the west, and from Mount Ararat in the north to the Persian Gulf in the south. Secondly, we have many names beginning with “Pers ” or “Pars ” in the Achaemenian dynasty, e.g. the paface of Cyrus at Pasargadae (547 BC), the palace of Darius at Parsa or Persepolis (516 BC) and the districtof Parsa. Such phonetic similarities name Parsis couldn ’t be just coin- cidence. Hence, for all these reasons I am inclined to agree with Mr Roni Khan that m the name Parsi was accepted from the days of the Achaemenian dynasty right from 547 BC. Dr P. D. SUNAVALA 2 Parsiana June 1994Naushir Bharucha Marg agcmcnt and industry, ” said Ms Anita It has been brought to our attention by Mr Chaudhry, Aanganwadi, headmistress D. D. Vania, advocate. Supreme Court, that the road popularly known as Sleaier Road, Bombay 400007, was officially de ­ clared as Naushir Bharucha Marg. Mr Naushir Bharucha was a well-known and prominent citizen of Bombay who had Saket Education Centre, New Delhi, madeanameforhimselfatthebarandhad - - -¦ - - devoted himself to public service. He was the other minorities and tribes around the world who are likewise losing their own from Lado Sarai, New Delhi. culture and identity due to mixed mar- “Thc Parsis have shown a great path to riages and foreign values? With the global mankind by attaining self-sufficiency by increase of exogamous marriages within hard work and continuous struggle in life, ” said Naresh Pal Chaudhry, an educator of all races and religions, are we achieving more unity and harmony or hatred and wars? Mr Vajifdar has exhibited racial intolerance by insinuating an oblique I ¦ J ¦ ¦ iO ¦ Mr Bhupendra Rawat, a journalist from Dehradun admired the role of the Parsi Press in establishing goodwill and har- comparison between the Birales (humans) mony. “The Parsis are deeply embedded in the hearts of Hindus, ” he said. “The Parsis are a very small community but with broader dignity, ideas, ” added Mr Harihar Bisht, editor of Dat Jagat, a Congress Seva Dal magazine. New Delhi. DrJagmohanNegi of Hotel and Catering primates obey Asha ’s immutable laws Institute, Pusa, admired the role of JRD in the hotel industry. “The Parsis arc a peace- loving people and JRD was a peaceful mentalities do not disobey Nature ’s businessman who loved mankind, ” said Ms Vidhya Gaur, a social worker of Lado Sarai. Several others also spoke on the good chimpanzeesbutsharetheforestwithother qualities of JRD and the role of the Parsi groups of primates. community in establishing peace. If Asha is Nature, then in order to preserve and perpetuate itself. Nature, through Asha ’s immutable and eternal laws, prohibits the mixing of genes among all sub-groups of species in all its kingdoms. That is the fundamental rule of Asha and and the orangutans (primates). Such a comparison is morally derogatory to human But incidentally, Mr Vajifdar ’s refe ­ rence to the orangutans is welcome be ­ cause it serves as a reminder that even the which some humans fail to emulate. The orangutans who are devoid of the dual (Asha ’s) Laws and cross-mate with other sub-groups of primates. They do not give in to “feelings ” and mate with gorillas and TAJ RAWAT New Delhi Bharucha: prominent citizen after whom Stealer Road has been renamed “The case for...” I have always admired Mr Farrokh Vajifdar ’s fluency with words but this time all “beings, ” except the humans, instinc- (“The case for..., ” Readers ’ Forum, Parsiana, September-December 1993), it seems as if he has not been able to under ­ stand the simple words with which I ex ­ pressed myself (“AIMZ: for rightful jus ­ tice, ” Readers ’ Forum, Parsiana, March started indulging in genetically engineering 1993). In the current world situation where tively obey this rule. It is not Nature but we who have initiated cross-breeding among the varied distinct sub-groups of felines, bovines, horses, domesticated fowl. Now we have even elected to the Bombay Municipal Corpora ­ tion, the State Legislative Assembly and, 1993). the foods we eat by a process of mixing the finally, to the Parliament. In the current world situation where genes of plants and animals. Result? New In view of the same comes the request to racial violence and ethnic tensions have diseases. Parsis to use the name Naushir Bharucha gripped even the once peaceful communi- Whenever mankind has broken the rules Marg instead of Sleater Road in all their correspondence as a sign of respect to the late Naushir Bharucha. Ms G. J. TATA Joint Secretary, Bombay Parsi Punchayet gripped even the once peaceful communi ­ ties casting them into the throes of violence of Asha, Asha has always won. Perio- and hatred, Mr Vajifdar takes a perverse dically. Nature purges itself of pollution delight in promoting racist notions. He through precise cyclic cataclysms. Nature expresses his aversion to comparing the preserves only the purest genes and de- Zarathushtis to the Birales of Africa. Will stroys the rest as indicated by the universal Mr Vajifdar accept only the “whites ” and “myth ” of the deluge and preservation of “materially advanced ” individuals as wor- the best from all the varied sub-groups of thy of acceptance through marriage and each species as indicated by Yima ’s “var ” proselytization into the Mazdayasni “JRD: a penchant for...” “Bharat Ratna, late J. R. D. Tata was a great industrialist as well as a humanitar ­ ian. He loved (people) from every commu ­ nity, ” said Raja Virbhadra Singh, chief Zarathushti deenl minister of Himachal Pradesh in his mes ­ sage to a meeting on JRD, organized by the culture of the Birales with the Zarathushtis Centre for Reading and Learning and but was pointing out the survival strategies ment towards spirituality by adhering to Aanganwadi Education Centre, New Delhi, of the m inori ties. If Mr Vajifdar rejects the the immutable and eternal laws of Asha. If “JRD’s life is a matter of inspiration to all of us. He was a person who donated the loss of culture and survival of the progress, why do we see total absence of money, books and other useful things to “obscure ” tribe of Birales through exoga- “Ushta ”from every nook and corner of the schools ofminorities. His role shall always mous marriages, will he also refuse to globe today? Instead of the right to life, beadmired in the field of education, man- acknowledge similar comparisons withall countries are legalizing the right to die. I was not comparing the history and or Noah ’s Ark or Vivaswat ’s argha. Mr Vajifdar accuses me of seeing “suicide pacts in every move towards progress. ” Progress indicates advance- of the minorities. If Mr Vajifdar rejects the quote from National Geographic regarding our society was following the path of the loss of culture and survival of the “obscure ” tribe of Birales through exoga- 4 Parsiana June T994The US, supposed to be the most progres ­ sive and civilized society, claims that its ghetto “war-zones ” are more dangerous attempting to do so by presumptuously than the harmful physical and psychologi- dismissing this Divine Yazata from his cal devastation recently suffered by rightful place in the cosmic pantheon. " . • . . . Neither Asha nor Dahm Yazata have failed certainly not the leftovers by any to fulfil their functions of truth and order - but perhaps Mr Vajifdar ’s senses have failed to grasp the teachings of Asha and Asho Zarathushtra. I who am taking over from Asho background preferred boy. Contact ‘Jeevan Zarathushtra but Mr Vajifdar is certainly Saathi ’ — 658060, 640071.” The greater pity is that in most cases, these girls are all good-looking, well edu- . - r ---------- cated and from affluent homes — they are Bosnians. Every atrocity that has hap- NeitherAshanorDahm Yazatahavefailed certainly not the leftovers by any means pened to people in Bosnia has happened to to fulfil their functions of truth and order The reason for this is not far to seek; today the inner-city residents in the US daily! but perhaps Mr Vajifdar ’s senses have our Parsi girls are far better educated are In Canada, the schools are implementing failed to grasp the teachings of Asha and more studious, certainly more adveiitur- zero-tolerance toban children from bring- Asho Zarathushtra. Ms pervinj . mistry ous, and have the entrepreneur spirit that is ing knives and guns to schools in order to Ontario, Canada rarely displayed by our Parsi boys. I give curb the increasingly atrocious acts of , below just one example of this. '^loje^oe Mixed marriages At a meeting of the Federation of the On which of the continents does Mr I have yet to see an issue of Parsiana Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of India Vajifdar see peace, prosperity and progress? wherein the controversies regarding mixed (FPZAI) held in Madras on September 16 I 1989 It was decided that we should try and ¦ ¦ “ _________ J been advanced for our young men, and forces in large numbers. I was requested to more so women, marrying outside our work out a scheme for this purpose in Pune fold. Statistics also show that, in this where a large number of retired Parsi respect, there are more girls than boys who military officers reside. . \ " ---- -- - -- ----- ¦ Two months later in November 1989, at Ms PERVIN J. MISTRY Ontario, Canada Mixed marriages I have yet to see an issue of Parsiana Consider these numbers, prepared by marriages have not been discussed and ___ _ cu.v. UNICEF for the World Conference on rediscussed. Various explanations have induceZoroastrian youths tojoin the armed Human Rights in Vienna last summer; “In the past decade, worldwide, more than 1.5 million children have been killed in wars; more than four million have been disabled; five million children live in refugee camps; 12 million have lost their homes and untold millions have been psychologically ment shown below published in the matri- 1»YJ Ott'vzxrl ” T'U Zk *« ¦ 1 eAzt _ __/'.I f • tochildren and only from known statistics! Finally, since I did not mention the work out a scheme for this purpose in Pune where a large number of retired Parsi openly seek alliances outside the com- "" ‘ ____ ___ munity, as will be seen from an advertise- theAllIndiaZoroastrian Youth Conference held in Pune, I took the opportunity of addressing the gathering on this matter, and even arranged for a trip to the National , .. , - • Defence Academy (NDA) for this purpose. divineDahm Yazatainmyletter,! willnot “Alliance invited forParsi beautiful tall To my surprise I found that although our ^y to jxplain anything further on this graduate homely girl Expects Parsi girls showed a lot of enthusiasm for ---------------------3 a career in the armed forces, our ‘gallant ’ traumatized. ” These numbers relate only rnonial column of the Maharashtra Her­ ald, January 23,1994 which should be an eye-opener; “Alliance invited forParsi beautiful tall divinebeingexcepttopointoutthatitisnot cosmopolitan Hindu well-settled service FIRDOS & S. CAMBATTA CO. 'Cambatta Central; Bharat Bobins Ltd Premises Rakhial Road, Ahmedabad 380023 Agents in Gujarat for: M/s ION EXCHANGE (INDIA) LTD For INDION Water Softening Plants, Demineralisers, Cation & Anion Resins, Filters, Chemical Dosers etc ? ? Sole concessionaires in Gujarat for; Ffi M/s INGERSOLL-RAND (INDIA) I LTD For Air Compressors and Vacuum Pumps 6 Parsiana June 1994youths were least interested, and preferred ating employment for self and others in quered India, they also appreciated the a 10 to 5 bank job instead. Although 100 small/medium scale sectors of any Indus- selfless services of the Parsis to India and percent of the girls present accompanied trial activity which would benefit society rewarded them by conferring titles, etc. me to the ND A, hardly 10 boys came. Can in general. The project must be financially I........................................ you blame our girls for wanting to marry outside? Brig N.B. GRANT Pune My late husband Mr Jamshedjee Do- viable, ecologically and environmentally rabjee Ashbumer was keenly interested friendly, and the recipient should be in a position to make regular payments. Selected projects would be closely theeminentpersonstoinspirefuturegen- The Editor notes: monitored by professional accountants, On contacting the ‘Jeevan Saathi ’ agency business and marketing consultants by telephone Parsiana was informed that associated with The WZO. The donor and/ community by elevating three Parsis to the the girl in question has since been married to a Parsi boy. and took sincere pride in the achievements of Parsis. He had drawn up a list of some of erations. The British in India rewarded the or The WZO Trust reserve the absolute baronetcy — Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy, Sir right to accept or reject any project Dinshaw Petit and Sir Cowasji Jehangir. submitted for evaluation withoutassigning - -................... any reason/s. This is an ‘equal opportunities ’project Muncherji Bhownagri, Sir Hormusji as are all WZO projects and young Bhiwandiwalla,SirDossabhoyBhiwandi- Zoroastrian lady entrepreneurs are also walla. Sir Shapurji Bharucha, Sir Jehangir The 51 knights they created are listed here: Sir Hormusji Adenwalla, Sir Funding entrepreneurs AZoroastrian philanthropistresiding over ­ seas wishes to motivate and encourage Zoroastrian youth possessing entre ­ preneurial interests through the good offices encouraged to send in their project Bomanbehram, Sir Shapurji Billimoria, of The WZO Trust. proposals. Sir Nusserwanji Chocksey, Sir Jehangir Finance for 10 projects, up to Rs 10 lakhs per project, is initially envisaged and may be forwarded for evaluation to: The ananged for. Finance would be available WZO Trust, C/o MrDinshaw K.Tamboly, Daver, Sir Bonmnji DhunjiWioy, Sir on very soft terms, the basic intent being to 1215, P. Jeejeebhoy Towers, Dalal Street, encourage and motivate the youth who Fort, Bombay 400023. Fax no: 265 1311. have sound propositions and in the process lim c. dumasia create wealth for the community. The criteria for extending financial Of burOUetS and knightS assistance would require any 2Loroastrian youth in India to submit for evaluation a financially sound project capable of gener- proposals. Very sound and practical project reports Coyaji, Sir Dhunjishaw Cooper, Maj Gen Sir Hiraji N. M. Cursetji, Sir Dinshaw Ardeshir Dalal, Sir Bomanji Dalal, Sir Burjor Dalal, Sir Jamshedji Duggan, Sir M. B. Dadabhoy, Sir Hormuzdiar Dastur, Sir Nusserwanji Engineer, Sir Jehangir _ Ghandy, Sir Byramjee Jeejeebhoy, Sir In whichever native raj the Parsis served, Jamsh^jee Kanga, Sir Feroze Kharegat, they were well rewarded according to the SirBehramKaranjia,SirPhiroshawMehta, ways of that raj. When the British con- Sir Jeevanji Mody, Sir Homi Mody, Sir WITH BEST COMPLIMENTS FROM SOFT'HEARTED WIBS*BREAD WESTERN INDIA BAKERS' PRIVATE LIMITED KHODADAD BUILDING, 100 D'LIMA STREET DOCKYARD ROAD, BOMBAY 400010 8 Parsiana June 1994Dinshaw Mullan, Sir Rustom Masani, Sir to lose whatever little we have by way of thousand which the anjuman is unable to Bejonji Mehta, Sir Homi Mehta, Sir property. The following steps are sug- Maneckji Mehta, Sir Sorabji Mehta, Sir gested: HormasjiMody (Hong Kong), Sir Tehmulji Nariman, Col Sir Byramji H. Nanavati The height of the surrounding wall should be raised to at least eight feet to (Ahmedabad),SirSorabjiPochkhanawalla, prevent such undesirable elements from Milestones SirPheroze Sethna, Sir Navroji Saklatwalla, Sir Shapurji Saklatwalla, Sir Dorab Tata, Sir Ratan Tata, Sir Dinshaw Vatcha, Sir property. Navroji Vakil, Sir Rustom Vakil, Sir Hormusji Wadia, Sir Bomanji Wadia, Sir locked securely and opened only by resi- Cusrow Wadia, Sir Ness Wadia, Sir Navroji Wadia and Sir Reporter (Tehran). Ms FREANY J. ASHBURNER peering over and bringing in vehicles, which they illegally park on private provide. The anjuman funds are meager and its strength has dwindled to hardly VO- SO persons, big and small. It is extremely annoying that the birth, death, etc notices in Milestones are listed according to date and not alphabetically. I •The gate at the entrance should be have spoken to many friends about this and they too agree that it should be in alpha ­ betical order. Could you consider this? KEKIBHOTE Illinois, USA dents of Parakh Bagh as and when they move their vehicles in and out of the area. In any case, a wicket-gate is available for pedestrians. The Editor notes: Unfortunately, the Lucknow Parsi The Editor replies: Though the baronets and knights alike bear Anjuman docs not have adequate funds for There are certain operational difficulties the prefix ‘Sir, ’ the baronetcy becomes a undertaking the project ofraising the height heritage, the eldest son inheriting the title. The knighthood on the other hand endures only for one lifetime. in listing the data alphabetically, the most of the perimeter wall. important being that we receive the list of I would, therefore, earnestly appeal for deaths (nearly 100 per issue) in chrono ­ donations, to members of the community, logical order from the Bombay Parsi Pun- the Bombay Parsi Punchayet and richer chayet. If we were to arrange these alpha- Lucknow needs a wall punchayetstohelptheLucknowitesoutin betically, the proof-reading would prove I visited my hometown, Lucknow, recently thishourofneed.Crossedchequesfavoring to be lengthy, tedious and prone to error and stayed at the dharamshala at Parakh Bagh which is one of the two estates com ­ prising the corpus of the trust. Parakh Bagh The Lucknow Parsi Anjuman, Parakh consists of the Mazda Prayer Hall, the Bagh, 6, R. F. Bahadurji Marg, Lucknow anjumans and associations is similarly sent mobed saheb ’s quarters, the dharamshala 226001. sou canteenwala to us in chronological order. (four rooms) and 15 flats occupied by Asregardsmarriages,thelistiscompiled Zoroastrians. President of the Lucknow Parsi Anjuman from the records of the Bombay High Directly opposite the en ’rance of Pa- Dara Tarapore clarifies: Court which are listed chronologically rakh Bagh, on the other side of the road The boundary wall and the main entrance according to the date of registration. Since is located the state government guest house, of the building portico collapsed in the this order is meaningless for our purposes, I was amazed to find state government 1974 floods. They impart a shabby appear- cars parked in the Parakh Bagh compound every morning in spite of the area being by our old veterans and stalwarts who enclosed by a wall, four feet high. The toiled and sweated to set up this structure gate at the entrance also seems to make no difference to the drivers of these vehicles who not only blatantly trespass place that the government will not hesitate plied to us by the four hospitals, this area but also use it as a public conve- to take over the same as it is just opposite The proofing and verification of all nience! the state guest house. these records would therefore be more I feel that if prompt and corrective action is not taken, the community stands “TheLucknowParsiAnjuman ”maykindly because we would be proofing an alpha- be sent to Mr Dara E. Tarapore, President, betical list against a chronological one. Nearly all the data that we receive from sou CANTEENWALA we rearrange the list chronologically ance to the wonderful building constructed according to the date of marriage. The lists culled from the office of the registrar of civil marriages, as also for deaths from of ours. crematoria records, are similarly chrono- The building is in such a conspicuous logical. So too are the lists of births sup- to take over the same as it is just opposite the state guest house. To raise this boundary wall and rebuild prone to error if we were to carry the data the portico we need at least Rs 50 to 60 alphabetically. MATRIMONIAL Parents of 28 years, 5", fair, slim, graduate Parsi girl invite matrimonial correspondence from educated, well-settled Parsi boys up to 32 years. Please write with details and photograph (returnable) to: The Advertiser Parsiana, Matrimonial (June/29-94)* GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 ‘Please make sure the reply envelope bears the reference number cited here Always remember «laHi TATA BRTR KHRMSRTR Ketayun & Bomi 22/A, Wellington Terrace. Wellington Street. Bombay-40f0002. Tel. No. 2069636. MATRIMONIAL Parents of educated (MA), cultured, professional working girl, aged 32 years seek a suitable match for her. A good human being, the main requirement. Write to: The Advertiser Parsiana, Matrimonial (June/31-94) ‘ GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 *Please make sure the reply envelope bears the reference number cited here 10 Parsiana June 1994tradition in exalting Salman, Ms Coorlawala is Salman Pak. and the Spiritual Begin- does not give any source book of the nings of Iranian Islam. Uli., w. .... izo. . __ Regarding his reference to the ’Ahd- I quote myself {Parsiana, August 1992); nameh in the above context, I would like “Regrettably, little is known about Dr Antia to quote any statement I may have “In defence of...” Dr Kersey H. Antia (“In defence of..., ” Read ­ ers ’ Forum, Parsiana, March 1993) has quite Hadith or an earlyjiistory. ” misread and distorted the sense of my article ’ on the 'Ahd-nameh and Salman Farsi {Parsi­ ana, i . been introduced viz the holy VencUdad, the Ahl-e-Kitab and even Wilfred Madelung ’s gratuitous denunciation of the Zarathushtrian faith as a “false religion ” and its founder a “psuedo prophet, ” all of which I find not only distasteful but irrational, since none of this addresses the concerns of my com ­ ment. Several Parsiana readers urged me to re ­ spond to Dr Antia ’s letter. Though it is a tedious business replying to tangential iss ­ ues, I would like these friends to know that, to set the record straight and in expectation of editorial impartiality, I did send in a detail ­ ed response to Parsiana as far back as Sep ­ tember 1993, along with a covering letter specifically requesting the editor for early my article.^ publication to pre-empt further confusion. ‘ What Parsiana readers should also know, is that my response to Dr Antia has recommended by Dr Jafarey elsewhere in been suppressed. In bypassing my reply, a voice has once again been allowed to Dr Antia (making Jafarey has dashed off a predisposed cri- for two separate letters querying my single tique without thoroughly reading what has article!), as well as to Dr Ali Jafarey, been stated by me. (Parsiana, April 1994). This totals three R-------------------------, reponses directed at my one comment, a ence above. Dr Jafarey goes on to com- MsCoorlawala sarucle wasinre^nse highly flattering situation for me person- plain that in exalting Salman I have not to Dr Kersey Antia s letter in the March ally, if it did not raise disturbing questions referred to those other alleged teachers of 1993 issue of Since it wa^of of biased editorial policy. i----------- -------------- • , Parsiana readers may take note that reports by commentators and chronicles my suppressed reply was despatched and viz Suhaib the Roman, a C---------— - received in -_ __ _ __ _ __ _ of this year, upon enquiry, I was further and Nafis. It is interesting to note that in informed that after collective editorial de- <” C' " liberations, it had been decided to publish Jafarey does not specify who/what these all the three pieces together in the April 1994 issue of Parsiana. This would have been the honest way to handle them; or alternatively, to publish them serially in the order received. This has not been so. I seem to have unwittingly strayed (tres ­ passed?) into a journalistic nexus where the promotion, at all costs, of a certain point of view by certain individuals, ap ­ pears to be more important than an open expression of all sides of a question. ,, Though there is much to call to question reference to the ’ Ahd-nameh there. ’ inbothDrJafarey ’s and Dr Antia ’s seem- /' ingly objective critiques, the chronic lack - --------------------—- ------------- - . u .u a -i of space iri Parsiana ’s compels Masstgnou ’sbQokwhtckUuQtCQacerned But we found that the April issue had me to confine myself to just one sample with Salman ’s early wandering years and already exceeded our normal count of 44 from each of the two respondents: is essentially a meticulous and scholarly pages and we felt that if too many columns I quote Dr Jafarey {Parsiana, April study of Salman ’s spiritual and theological were devoted to the ’Ahd-nameh, readers 1994)’ contributions to Islam. Dr Antia needed to would feel annoyed. Hence we decided to “While turning to Islamic and Zoroastrian go no further than Massignon ’s title which continued on page 35 e AZia-ZianieflaiiUOiiiiiiaiirmai V — ----------- --- , . • ’alj August 1992) Extraneous issues have Salman ’s earlier days in Zarathushtnan made linking Massignon with the A/id- i-Kuguov ' } _ _ ................... , —J------- naAwe/i. Massignon has nothing to say re ­ garding the ’Ahd-nameh:, nor I, in this context. avail... ...I.. Al......... V___________„_______ At this level of reasoning, this corre- eighTrecensions of the long Hadith Khabar spondence can go on for ever and lead to Salman (AH 150-175) and the later biogra- nowhere. This is absolutely the last word I phies of Quazi Nurullah Shustri, Abdul shall contribute to Parsiana on this sub- Huq Mahaddis and other writers... ” ™*«on-related Be it noted that Ibn Ishaq is the highly controversies. My interest lies in finding respected and earliest biographer of the prophet. An earlier or more authentic ref ­ erence is impossible. The fourth of the seven recensions of the Hadith Khabar statements on the Ahd-namehlSajman Salman is also that of Ibn Ishaq, though, Farsi — including my recent piece which duetolackofspace,thisandthesourcesfor has been suppressed and my right of reply the remaining recensions were not stated in denied, for which I believe Parsiana owes me the minimal courtesy and redressal It will be seen that the categories of action of publishing this letter in full and reference cited above are precisely those without delay. Iran. His later life and exceptional role as a participant in the birth of Islam in Arabia are well documented in Islamic sources, starting with Ibn Ishaq (AH 151), seven or A. V* < Salman (AH 150-175) and the later biogra- nowhere. This is absolutely the las^ word I ject. I will not be drawn into person-related . A.* • . •_/"__ _ J. the truth of history, whatever it be and wherever it be found. To date there have been perhaps 10 Ms MTTHOO COORLAWALA this article as “recognized authorities on The Editor replies: Islamic lore. ” One is forced to wonder if Dr Parsiana has no interest in suppressing articles , especially those dealing with aca ­ demic controversies. Articles are judged _____ ___ for suitability on the basis of topicality. Reverting to the same para under refer- length, style, rese^ch, facts, etc. ence above. Dr Jafarey goes on to com- '' plain that in exalting Salman I have not revelation mentioned in “more authentic considerable length (twopages of Parsiana') _ _ ¦ ' ¦’ we kept it in abeyance. A week before we scu rep.y W»U. ....------------- -----------J Christian slave receiv^MsCoorlawala ’spiece,particle September 1993. In February from Syria, Bal-am the Chnsuan, Habis came from Dr Alt Infancy which well as two other articles dated April 1991 and June 1992. A week later we received ...w.i. -- _______ another letter on the ’A/irfNaz«e/i from Dr chronicles ” are. They are unnamed and Antia. As it was felt that the magazine had undated. given sufficient space to this controversy. In querying my reference to Massignon, which was basically academic in nature. Dr Antia makes the astonishing statement we decided not to publish any of the three that he has not read the book but has “had pieces. ____ _ it reviewed, ” and found only that Salman wandered for years in search of a messen ­ ger of God whom he finally found in her reply (dated September 1993) to Dr Mohammed. Antia ’s critique was scheduled for publi- He states further, “I have yet to find any cation, as it was essentially a reply and not _ __ ____ _ _ - ’ a free-standing article. We then decided in Alas, Dr Antia and his reviewer are in fairness that all three pieces be carried and total darkness about the contents of we had scheduled them for the April issue. disregard of his own reference criteria, Dr “more authentic commentators and contributions to Islam. Dr Antia needed to go no further than Massignon ’s title which 11 Parsiana June 1994 Earlier this year (January 1994) Ms Coorlawala enquired of Parsiana whenEvents and Personalities Guzder’s press conference To counter what he called “the sustained propaganda barrage in the media by vested interests, ” Jamshed Guzder, president of the Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP), called a press conference on May 17,1994 at the Airfreight conference room. “An impression has sought to be created that my election as chairman of the BPP has been declared invalid by the Bombay High Court. The correct legal position is that some of the trustees had taken out an originating summons in the Bombay High Court, seeking determination of the ques ­ tion whether the trustees of the BPP are empowered to elect a chairman to preside over their meetings or whether the seniormost trustee (in this case solicitor Eruch Desai), by convention and custom, is automatically bound to be appointed as chairman, ” notes Guzder. The court has upheld the convention of appointment of seniormost trustee as president. (See “Chairmanship by election or seniority, ” Parsiana, September-December 1993 and “Judge favors seniority, ” Events and Personalities, Parsiana, May 1994). “A press release issued by Messrs Mulla and Mulla and Craigie, Blunt and Caroe, solicitors, states that the court has given time to implement the above order up to June 20,1994. This statement is incorrect. In any event, some of my co-trustees and 1 are indeed surprised how Messrs Mulla and Mulla (where Desai is senior partner)... who are officially solicitors to the BPP and who are not involved in this case at all, could have issued such a press release... “An impression has also been sought to be created by the interested parties that I ought to have resigned as chairman imme ­ diately upon the above order being pro ­ nounced. Firstly, the implementation of the above order is to take effect only from June 20, 1994. Secondly, 1 do sincerely believe that I am under no legal or moral obligation to resign as the chairman of the BPP until the matter is finally resolved at the appropriate judicial level... “My solicitors have adviced that the... order is appealable and we intend to go in appeal... before June 20, 1994. We are awaiting a copy of the judgement of Mr Justice Ajit Shah which is to be made available to the parties in a couple of days, ” Guzder spelt out his response to the court order. Guzder said that Eruch Desai had been named the first defendant in the originat ­ ing summons because had he been a peti ­ tioner in his own case, the necessary legal action would have been a law suit which could have gone on for three or four or five years — well past the expiry of both their terms as trustees of the BPP. The point stressed by Guzder and his supporters — BPP trustees Jamsheed Kanga, Minoo Shroff and Ms Silloo Kavarana —at the press conference is that if the election of the president is not legal under the existing scheme, why did Desai and his supporters participate? And since Desai did participate, the meeting of March 30 fell within the ambit of clause 70 of the scheme (for election of trustees of the BPP) which stipulates that in case of conflict the majority decision is binding and gives the chairman a casting vote in the event of a tie. “Upset by letters in the Press in which I have been maligned, ” Guzder notes, “I do certainly believe that the issue does not involve my holding the chairmanship of the BPP but a much broader question of principle, viz, whether in the overall inter ­ ests of the Parsi Zoroastrian community, the seniormost trustee be automatically appointed as the chairman of the BPP or whether the more democratically desir ­ able procedure of electing on merits any one of the trustees be followed for all times to come. I do believe that this issue requires adjudication at the highest judi ­ cial level. ” Emphasizing that there was no disre ­ spect for Desai, Kanga and Shroff argued the need for a change in the type of person needed to lead the Punchayct team. “The activities of the Punchayct and the aspira ­ tion levels of the community are entirely different now from what they used to be, ” Shroff noted. “Only those on the inside know what it takes. Even during my seven years as trustee, demands have increased. ” Though lawyers and doctors have been the most frequent chairmen of the Punchayet, Kanga noted that its ablest chairman was Muncherji Khareghat, an ICS man who had the required administrative ability. “Professionals don ’t have that, or the time, ” Kanga argued. Added Shroff, “The es ­ sence of a good administrator is the capac ­ ity to delegate and coordinate... Lawyers are loath to delegate. ” Guzder ’s attorney Berjis Desai assured the Press that a court order on an originating summons is appealable. “Whenever a judi ­ cial order creates rights, it is appealable. ” The press was presented with a note detailing Guzder ’s many community in ­ volvements through the month of April 1994 as evidence of the myriad activities undertaken by the BPP chairman. Amavaz S. Mama Jazz prodigies Child artistes Ambika and Jeto Sanjana ’s performance marked the opening of the eighth Jazz Yatra on February 24, 1994, the longest running music festival of its kind east of Suez, according to a report in The Times of India the following day. Eleven-year-old Ambika on thekeyboards, and nine-year-old Jeto on the drums ren ­ dered three numbers,Beaver, Mayonnaise Tremble and Spain, to the accompaniment of Shrikant Shriram on bass and American Wood on the guitar, informs the Mid-Day of February 25, 1994. Thrilled that they were chosen to represent India at the four- day festival, organized by Jazz India and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, the siblings were able to interact with musi ­ cians from all over the world who had come to play at Bombay ’s Rang Bhavan. Children of Dinshah and Sandhya Sanjana whose jazz band Divya is making its presence felt in the music world, Ambika 12 Parsiana June 1994feSr -J ¦ ’ j r Child musicians Ambika and Jeto Sanjana performed at the eighth Jazz Yaira in Bombay " arejoint secretary Jamshed Bachana, joint tor. “The express purpose of forming NBZA treasurer Minoo Umrigar and committee is to provide a community hall and a place member Keki Doctor. of worship for the Zoroastrians of New started learning the piano from her father ety, ” according to president Sharukh Doc- when she was four while Jeto started train- ing under his father on the drums from the time he was five. Ambika now studies piano under Ms Bombay, ” he continues. Ramona Borthwick, drama under Ms Hima Devi and ballet under Ms Tushna Dallas to make her a truly versatile artiste. When Ms Alice Coltrane heard her perform, she is said to have been so impressed with Ambika ’s talent that she gifted the young girl a grand piano, mentions The Times report. Ambika also featured in Aladdin Xtravaganza as the Princess So Shy. Besides playing drums, Jeto is into re- last. The estimated cost of the project is Rs micromanipulation method. Jaslok Hospi- cording and producing music having learnt 25 lakhs of which Rs 15 lakhs is expected tai now becomes one of the select 25 MIDI, the language of modern digital in ­ struments. He is presently working on a sq m of land at a concessional rate from lation, according to an article in lheSunday solo album project due for release in June CIDCO (City and Industrial Development Mid-Day of February 27, 1994. where he sings and also plays the drums. ~ ...................... ' One of the tracks will be produced as a video for MTV. The siblings already have proximately 2,000 sq ft. Though the mem- an MTV album to their credit. With music absorbing a large chunk of their time, the children are offered informal education at home every afternoon. “Our education system is such that there ’s no scope to develop the fine arts in the regular curricu ­ lum, ” regrets Sandhya. Fertility expertise A community center as envisaged by Forcouples whohavetriedin-vitrofertili- the Association would enable Zoroastrians to meet on a day-to-day basis, organize functions — social, cultural and charitable — and use the premises for religious and recreational purposes. But the creation of DepartmentofInfertility Managementand a center needs funds for which the NBZA Assisted Reproduction have claimed suc- established a charitable trust, registered cess in the case of five of the 37 cou- with the charity commissioner in October pies who were selected by them for the last. The estimated cost of the project is Rs zation (IVF) and yet not been able to conceive, micromanipulation may be the answer. Dr (Ms) Firuza Parikh and her team of assistants at the Jaslok Hospital ’s to be expended towards purchase of 1,000 centers worldwide to offer micromanipu- sq m of land at a concessional rate from Corporation of Maharashtra Limited) and Rs 10 lakhs on constructing a hall of ap- In IVF, the sperms and eggs are brought together in a petri dish, but the. actual fertilization is up to them. Fertilization occurs when the sperm breaks zona pellu- cida, the hard outer shell of the egg, and bers themselves will contribute towards their own community hall they have ap ­ pealed to Zoroastrian benefactors to send reaches the cytoplasm, the substance of the their donations in favor of New Bombay egg. But when the sperms do not have the Zoroastrian Association Charitable Trust vitality to break the zonapellucida, micro- (c/o A. S. Dadachanji, T-69, Bombay manipulationistheanswer.Micromanipu- Annexe, 3rd floor, F-Wing,Plot27, Sector 17, Vashi, New Bombay 400705). Assisting president Doctor in his duties lation is done in two ways; SUZI or subzonal injection introduces between one to seven New Bombay Association Assisting president Doctor in his duties spermatozoa in the space between the The recently constituted New Bombay al the Association are vice president Aspi cytoplasm and the zona. In ICSI or Zoroastrian Association (NBZA) reports a Dadachanji, secretary Nozer Mirza and intracytoplasmic injection, a single sperm membership of40 families (200 individu- treasurer Viraf Dadachanji, all four of is introduced in the cytoplasm itself, Pa- als). “Most of them are from the middle- whom also serve as trustees of the Trust, rikh explained the workings to Ms Ran- class or upper middle-class strata of soci- Dadachanji, secretary Nozer Mirza and treasurer Viraf Dadachanji, all four of whom also serve as trustees of the Trust. The other office bearers of the Association jona Banerji of Mid-Day. 13 Parsiana June 1994Parikh: helping couples conceive through 'micromanipulation ’ Sh eriar I W t Bhat hen a / I A former adviser to the government of I India on the health panel of the planning commission and a member of the Gujarat slate ’s nature cure advisory board, Jussawalla has worked as office bearer of innumerable bodies concerned with naturopathy, yoga, vegetarianism and physiotherapy. TheNatu- ral Therapy Clinic that he founded in 1938 and to which he continues to devote his energies as director is the center where Jussawalla has treated outstanding politi ­ cians, industrialists and cine stars. re- and Oceanic Congress of Obstetrics and Gynaecology held at Manila last year. This award is in recognition of “The indi ­ vidual ’s contribution to the national soci ­ ety and his commitment to the advance ­ ment of the discipline in his country and the region, ” as reads a press release. His training in advanced endoscopic surgery in theUKin 1992 has earned him a seat on the panel of consultants in endoscopic surgery at the BARC (Bhabha Atomic (HE FUN YUM FOOIHPASTE But this special art of conception quires special tools too for which delicate glass capillaries are made at the Jaslok IVF laboratory. These glass pipettes, one-sixti- Research Centre) Hospital, adds the re- PromiSG for kidS eth the thickness of a human hair at the tip, lease, eggs and sperms are all measurable only in microns. While a pipette is supposed to be about 60 microns thick, a sperm is one- twelfth the size of an egg which is about 100 microns. Visiting associate professor of obstet- Bombay Hos- _ ' ¦¦ ¦ ,, pital ’s S. P. Jain Auditorium on Mothers who have to chase children to brush their teeth can now turn to Promise. Balsara Hygiene Products, the makers of walla was conferred the “Vegetarian of brand Just for Kids. Its uniqur^Tooty Frooty flavor in an attractive pink gel form reminds kids of chewing gum. “This ‘fun yum ’ toothpaste... will help children form the good habit of brushing, ” notes a press release from the company. The “clove oil goodness ” which is the selling point of their Promise toothpaste will be retained in the new brand too, there is an assurance from the Rs 100 crore company built up by Aspi Balsara. He has adopted a strategy of research led growth and has concentrated on herbal consumer products, as noted an article in The Eco ­ nomic Times last October. This toothpaste for kids has been “Vegetarian of the Year” _____ _ ________ ____ Eighty-seven year-old Dr Jehangir Jussa- Promise toothpaste, have introduced a new the Year 1993” award at a function at rics and gynecology at Yale University, Parikh had first seen micromanipulation experiments at the animal stage at Yale. January 25,1994. When she visits Yale this year she will be Presenting this sharing her knowledge with researchers award to the well- who have yet to prove successful with known naturopath micromanipulation, according to the Mid- Sohrab Godrej, Day write-up. chairman of the Two other Zoroastrian gynecologists Godrej Group, have also earned distinction. Dr Ruzva commended the Bhathena enjoys the distinction of being recipient for be- elected fellow of the Royal College of ing “a custodian Jussawalla Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Lon ­ don. Only those who are “deemed to have advanced the science and/or practice of obstetrics and gynecology, or to have at ­ tained such position in the profession of medicine or other spheres as to merit the promotion ” earn this honor, notes a press release. In charge of the fertility clinic at the B. D. Petit Parsee General Hospital improve the physical, mental, spiritual and (PGH), Bhathena is also a consultant at the economic welfareof mankind. TheSociety ’s Masina Hospital. objective is to promote research and dis- Honorary assistant obstetrician and gy- seminate information pertaining to veg- necologist at the PGH and Masina as also ’ - ¦ - - clinical assistant at the Nowrosjee Wadia Maternity Hospital, 31-year-old Dr Nozer years of his life to putting into practice the Khurshed Sheriar was presen ted The Young high principles for which this Society Gynaecologist Award at the XIV Asian stands. ” of health, show- This toothpaste for kids has been mg a way to positive health not so much by priced at Rs 12 for a 50 gm size. The cure as by prevention ofillness through the — ' ' right biological, natural living, ” according to a press release. The award is instituted by The Vegetar ­ ian Society whose principal activities con- Simple yet sincere Four “simple but sincere ” persons whose mission in life does not tie up with mon ­ etary returns were chosen to receive the Parvez Katrak Foundation awards this year. Special mementos and flowers on behalf of the Foundation were presented to Sapal cern the promotion of vegetarianism to 14 Parsiana June 1994 company will be launching new products in an effort to double its turnover in the next three years. etarianism and health. Jussawalla, accord ­ ing to Godrej, “has devoted more than 50 Balaporia, Jal BalaporkC Kersi Sul mKl ' Janardan Parulekar by deputy municipal commissioner of Bombay G. R. Khairnar who was invited as the chief guest at theSinger Bardoli ­ walla: "displaying dynamic dexterity” (Top right): Panveliwala and mother with award ¦ (Top left):"En­ lightened and sincere ” (from left) Sui, Parulekar, Katrak, S. Bala- poria and J. Bala- poria. Photo: Dolly S. DIvecha function on March 11,1994, according to a press release. Ninety-year-old Sapal Balaporia of Navsari was commended for his selfless rescue work in times of calamities, even sweeping roads when civic labor was ab ­ sent. Talented musician Jal Balaporia is content to dedicate his life to music, head ­ ing the departmen t of music at the Bombay University. Sui is committed to his self ­ imposed task of looking after the fire ­ temple and adjoining property in Uran, an area rarely frequented by the community. Bus conductor Parulekar dared to help a college girl stranded at Worli during the Bombay riots in December 1992 by walk ­ ing with her to her residence at Andheri when no vehicles were plying, the write-up gives a brief on their achievements. “An enlightened and sincere people renditions from Bardoliwalla ’s audio Dhanjishaw Machliwala Award. Having like you can be a great asset to the coun- cassette, Vandana, that was recently passed his standard XII examinations with try, ” noted Khaimar urging “the Parsis of released at the hands of the bhajan king 80.5 percent marks in 1993, Panveliwala, India to come out openly and join the AnupJalota. astudentofStAloysius ’HigherSecondary mainstream of the country. ” Politicians are “ ~ too busy solving their own personal prob- opportunity to record a song for Show and presented the prestigious centenary lems. People should unite and help them- Business, an international venture launched cup for the year 1992-93, notes a press selves, he was quoted in the press release, by Blondie Singh of Hollywood, mentions release sent by Capt Homi Dandiwalla of the write-up. Bardoliwalla ’s aptitude in music had In early 1994 Bardoliwalla received an School had been named the Best Aloysian Allahabad. Music waves Bardoliwalla ’s aptitude in music had Throughout his school career Devotionalbhajans and memorableghazals been recognized by the late Ms Khorshed Panveliwala has secured over 75 per ­ comprised the treat for music aficianados Minocherhomji (better known to music cent marks. The brilliant student who who had assembled at Bombay ’s Tejpal lovers as Saraswati Devi) whose haunting hopes to make a career in medicine Auditorium on February 19,1994 to hear compositions for Indian films have now also finds time for other activities. He Farokh Bardoliwalla and Ms Neelam become a legend. Training initially under was chosen to attend the Nehru Bal Prabhudesai in Ashirwad.ComposersJatin her, Bardoliwalla later studied music at Sangh Camp for peace and unity in and Lalit, the famous duo from the Hindi Sangit Mahabharati and thereafter under New Delhi. He has won prizes in music scene presided over the function Pandit Pradeep Chatterjee. A bachelor of debates and elocution competitions, sponsored by Niranjanlal Dalmia, as per arts in music, Bardoliwalla was for some taken active part in divisional football the press release. time assisting Kanu Ghosh at the All India championships and as a sprinter won In his stage performances Bardoliwalla Radio, informs the press release. medals at his school annual athletic has been displaying “dynamic dexterity ” , meets, as testified by his certificates. according to Cyrus Merchant of The AC3deiTlic HCG Afternoon Despatch and Courier. “This For three consecutive years, from 1991- Joumeying together repertoire of songs, scaling over a dozen 93, Behram Panveliwala scored the high- ~ ’ languages, never lose their nuances, ” est marks among Parsi high school stu- adds Merchant. The program included dents of Jabalpur winning the Ms Allamai bring together two individuals very dis- The journey to Chicago to attend the 1893 World Parliament of Religions served to 16 Parsiana June 1994similar on the surface of things; one, ah country, ascetic; the other an empire-builder. A generation spanned their age differences: Jamsetji Tata was in his mid-50s, Narendranath Datta, (later to be better forking and fostering the country ’s indus- known as Swami Vivekananda) was 1------------------- Tata, who had been toying with the idea of setting up a premier institution for the cultivation of sciences, and thereby pitch- trial revolution, wrote to Vivekananda five years after the voyage. “I trust you remem ­ ber me as a fellow-traveller on your voyage from Japan to Chicago. I very much recall at this moment your views on the growth of the ascetic spirit in India, and the duty, not of destroying, but of diverting it into useful channels... I recall these ideas, ” the letter continued to state, “in connection with my scheme of a Research Institute of Science for India. It seems to me that no better use can be made of the ascetic spirit than the establishment of monasteries or residen ­ tial halls for men dominated by this spirit, where they should live with ordinary de ­ cency, and devote their lives to the cultiva ­ tion of science —natural and humanistic. ” The letter went on to invite Vivekananda A sketchdrawn by J. R.D.Tatain the early to be general of the campaign and ^o 1950s when he was visualizing an emblem “ ‘ ' for the vehicles of Tata Mercedes-Benz, _ _ now known as the Tata Engineering and traditions ” by writing a “fiery pamphlet Locomotive Company Limited. Tata rousing the people. Tataofferedto cheer- '^always tried to convey what was on his fully defray all the expenses of (the) pub- mind" by drawing sketches, recalls Ms ’• ' ” Mini Boatwala. Ms Boatwala, who preserved Tata’s sketch of the emblem. enquire if he could apply himself “to the mission of galvanizing into life our ancient lication. ” Vivekananda does not seem to have taken up Tata ’s offer, but in the setting worked inTata Press for several years and up of the Ramakrishna Mission during JRD would pass on some of his ideas to her for refining and for making arpvorks. the same year, he incorporated many of Tata ’s ideals in structuring an educa ­ tional and philanthropic institution __ that would be devoted to the shaping vision, and the long journey together by of young minds. Tala ’s vision fructified steamer and train to Chicago, was to bind them in a friendship and a mu ­ tual admiration that grew from their uni ­ ted and individual plans for an indus ­ trially developed India. Tata was a nationalist long before the word was in vogue. He had participated in the foundation meeting of the Indian Na ­ tional Congress in 1885 and donated gen- erously to its fund. His mind had already permission was granted in 1905. perceived the route to India ’s development and economic independence. And he was aware that the sane could be achieved only The Indian Psychiatric Society honoredits through industry, coupled with technical past president Dr (Ms) Roslien Master by ¦ ¦¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ inviting her to deliver the prestigious D.L. N. Murthy Rao Oration at their annual conference in 1995. President of the Indian Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Master is the first woman, the first psychiatrist from Maharashtra and the first Parsi to enjoy this distinction, according to a press release. only 30. Yel, both men had a common in 1911 in the establishment of the Indian Institute of Science at Bangalore under the joint auspices of the Talas, the Government of India and the Govern ­ ment of Mysore. B ul it needed the doughty Jamsetji Tala to fight doubting Lord George Curzon, Viceroy of India, and the sustained opposition of the British Gov ­ ernment for seven years before the SPOTLIGHT Required Travelling Companion(s) Parsi Zoroastrian (29 years old) is planning to tour India from October ’94. Also considering touring other parts of the world (Australia/New Zealand/USA). Anyone (25 years or over) interested in the above or planning a similar trip should write to; The Advertiser Parsiana (Tours) GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 MATRIMONIAL education and research. Vivekananda ^as impressed by Japan ’s industrial growth, despite its meager resources, and sought to replicate it in India. In Tata, he seemed to have found the man who could make it happen, and seized the opportunity the voyage offered to advocate the country ’s industrial development. Tala, in turn, saw in Vivekananda the spark he sought in young minds to steer the course of the Compiled by Parinaz Gandhi 17 Parsiana June 1994 Young man, 27 years, 5’8", Bachelor of Social Science, majored in psychology, presently in family business, with good sense of humour, would like to meet young Parsi ladies, 22-25 years, from good family, well-educated with pleasant homely disposition. Hobbies are — rugby, tennis, squash, gym, swimming and jazz. Write with photograph (retrunable) to; The Advertiser Parsiana, Matrimonial (June/32-94)‘ GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 ’Please make sure the reply envelope bearsthe reference number cited hereZOROASTRIANS ABROAD In history’s hub , _ As the first speaker of South Africa ’s first Mozambique, as notes her bio data. A non-racial Parliament Dr (Ms) Frene Ginwala has reaffirmed Zoroastrian pres ­ ence i ¦' - . • .... barrister and doctor of philosophy from Oxford University, Ginwala was a politi ­ cal activist of the African National Con ­ gress (ANC) from her student days, a com ­ mitment that earned more than 20 years in exile. Forty-four- year-old Gin- wala ’s current ANC work in ­ cludes responsi ­ bility as head of its research de ­ partment, as deputy chief of the ANC Com ­ mission for the (center): “rebel with a cause ” from her early Women and as Its youth. Poona ’s repre^enutiye on the country ’s Science Nariman Ginwala, advisor to the chemical I Ginwala is a convener of the Women ’s ihQlndianExpressof May II, 1994recall- National Coalition, is a member on the ing Frene ’s venturesome nature, ready to board ofLand and Agriculture Policy Cen- explore the world on her own from a very tre and on the board of the Environmental 1 __ ___ ; 71..., Monitoring Group, besides being a trustee Wayside°Inn, Bombay, describe her of three other trusts. .... A veteran of various UN (United Na ­ tions), UNESCO (United Nations Educa- tional. Scientific and Cultural Organisation) larly while travelling, ” say the Patels. On and other international conferences on her brief visits to Bombay she made it a South Africa, conflict research, women, development, technology transfer, etc, Ginwala has lectured at various universi ­ ties and institutions in a number of coun ­ tries. She was one of 14 international ex- Planning a new center perts invited in 1987-88 to advice the ’ Director General on the UNESCO pro ­ gram on peace and conflict research. .. ___________ _____ _ Ginwala ’s publications include Indian all Zoroastrian establishments in the west. South Africans published by the Minority demands a new site for a larger and better Rights Commision, Press in South Africa organized center to cater to the expanding and Workers Under Apartheid (\JNp\ib\i- 7 _________ cations). She coauthored Women Under plus had been collected by the local Apartheid for UNESCO and contributed to i . - . Sanctions edited by John Lonsdale for according to theZTFE ’s April 1994 Policy in a Democratic South Africa was i coauthored for Je Open University UK. chase of a plot of land of 2.5 to 3 acres that Gah “was wholly seUp^ddonatedb^our “ rT auonsyetitled would enable the construction of 2,500 sq beloved late Dasturji (Dr) Sohrabji and his Wom£n and the m. The desired site would be within a wife Dr (Ms) ShirinbanooKutar, ’’ informs frican National Congress. radius of 15 to 20 miles of central London, the booklet. Delineating on the need to unng the years of exile Ginwala accessible by public transport with ad- upgrade the religious institution the book- worked variously in Tanzania, Zambia and equate car parking facilities. The aim is to build an assembly hall with accommodation for 1,000-1,200 researcher on military and nuclear tech- ______________ nology transfers, Ginwala was the ANC people which could be compartmentalized nuclear program and arms and oil em- down dinner ^ea for 300 to 35o'i»ople bargo. As journalist and broadcaster she with a commensurate kitchen and separate contributed to the Guardian, Observer, bar area have been envisaged. A games „ : room with gymnasium facilities, a refer- editor of the monthly political journal ence cum lending library, a boardroom and Spearhead. Presi- secretariat, cloakrooms for men and women dent Nyerere of and a baby creche are some of the facilities Tanzania appo ­ inted Ginwala man ­ aging editor of the caretaker would be a part of the main English language establishment. newspapers he na- A separate building to house a dadgah tionalized between fire is considered an essential requisite of 1969 and 1972. ' - - Ginwala ’scous- in that bMudfnl but doubled land. A spokesperson in the UK on sanctions, the hTJtwo un^iual unilT Ase^SiKlS em- contributed to the Guardian, Observer, Economist and the BBC besides being the J - •: L the new center would be designed to pro ­ vide. A small self-contained flat for the A. separate building to house a dadgah the new center. One full-time mobed and two part-time mobeds may be employed ’. ......................' \_______ J a fiesty debater changeroom facilities respectively. Additionally the ZTFE is the first asso ­ ciation abroad to consider the provision of division of Thermax Limited, is quoted by trians. The ^co^usUuSot 0^!^^^ four . .. - . .V , , rooms with attached bath and toilet plus a common kitchen for the use of short-term visitors to London including students and remember her and provided with residential quarters and as a fiesty debater changeroom facilities resneeiivelv ing Frene ’s venturesome nature, ready to tender age. Parvez and Pinky Patel of those from overseas has been envisaged. T D I-..-- J ' -• - as a rebel with a cause in Mid-Day (May 13). __ ____ ______ “She was always conscious of the risk of office bearers of the ZTFE was set up mid arrest, of her lines being bugged, particu- its first meeting was held in March 1993. To realize the concept a steering com ­ mittee of eight members including the her brief visits to Bombay she made it point to contact friends and relatives but never discussed “the cause ” with them, they add. its first meeting was held in March 1993. With 400-600 Zoroastrians attending functions, the present Compayne Gardens property, despite expansions, is proving inconvenient. “Car parking in the vicinity of Zoroastrian House is a nightmare andon some occasions our members find parking absolutely impossible, ” notes a booklet titled The Unimpeded March of the Zoro ­ astrian Spirit into the 21st Century. The The increasing level of activity of the London based Zoroasu-ian Trust Funds of .... ____............. (ZTFE), the oldest of strain on toilet and washing facilities is commensurate. The maintenance of the old property is also said to be a drain on resources. The ZTFE membership is keen to estab ­ lish an agiary in the western world. There have been only two consecrated fires out- Hememan London. Gender andEconomic letter. The total target is £ 2.5 million of namely in Aden and Zanzibar. Thecentrai which £ 1 million is required for the pur- featureoftheexistingproperty,theSetayash chase of a plot of land of 2.5 to 3 acres that Gah “was wholly set ud and donated hv our Zoroastrian community. About £ 43,335 I com ­ munity to date for the new premises fund, 1 news- m. The desired site would be within a radius of 15 to 20 miles of central London, accessible by public transport with ad- 18 Parsiana June 1994let notes, “By creating a dadgah and pro- Jasavala, Tehmurasp Dumasia and Dr (SOAS), and nine pages of advertisement viding the appropriate back-up facilities Tehmton Sepai. provide a prelude to the directorial infor ­ that would be required, our holy fire will be mation. Also incorporated is a brief history more sanctified than is possible at present. The second edition of the Directory of of the ZTFE, its objectives, membership The committee feels that the members now " " ““ want to establish a more profound Zoroas ­ trian religious base in die United King ­ dom... Perhaps the next step may be to Zoroastrians residing in UK and Europe so build an agiary and, if it be Ahura Mazda ’s as to contribute to a meaningful and real- wish, even an atash behram could be erected istic census, ” notes Dalal in the preface, one day. At present, the building of a The first edition had been published in dadgah is the next progressive step after January 1991. “The task was not an easy the Setayash Gah. ” The current thinking is that the sale proceeds of the present property should be personal reasons. Some refrained for other invested and the income utilized for the maintenance of the new property. Addi ­ tionally the ZTFE had appealed to Zoroas- mately 900 households listed. It must be trians to donate, to arrange for payroll noted however that many of them are deductions, provide for donations in their singles, wills or through a deed of covenant. Under these systems the tax on the donations could be reclaimed by the gifts thereby Punchayet, RohintonRivema,presidentof increasing the value of the donation. the Federation of Zoroastrian Associations Apart from community get-togethers, of North America and Prof John Kinnells, dhansak lunches, Bhangra dance nights, head of the department of the study of amateur dramatics, etc where the proceeds religions of the University of London ’s go towards the new premises fund, indi ­ viduals have announced schemes to enable the community to increase their contribu ­ tion. Thus Sam Bhadha, general manager of the St James Court Hotel, who has trained to be a marathon runner, entered his fifth London marathon run to help to raise £ 10,000 by way of individual pledges. These could be pegged at any amount between £ 2 and £ 2,000 per mile, informs the January ’94 newsletter. A creative Zo ­ roastrian lady has decided to starve for 24 hours and is “inviting offers of donation related or unrelated to the body weight she loses. Her target is £ 1,000” meant for the new premises fund, notes the newsletter. Jasavala, Tehmurasp Dumasia and Dr Zoroastrians of UK and Europe was pub- rules, list of current trustees and managing lished in March 1994. “Our (concerted) committee members. aim is to enroll a high percentage of all one, ” notes the foreword. “Some genu ­ inely did not want their names included for reasons. ” With approximately nine entries per page and 100 pages, there are approxi- Letters of congratulations from Jamshed Guzder, chairman of the Bombay Parsi While the young Zoroastrians of London have planned a pilgrimage to Iran this sqmmer, UK mobeds are in demand in the western diaspora “be there a navjote in MATRIMONIAL Alliance invited from well-educated, good natured Zoroastrian girls for a Zoroastrian boy, CA, 31 years, 5’6”, employed in the Gulf and coming from a respectable family. Apply with details and photograph (returnable) to; The Advertiser Parsiana, Matrimonial (June/30-94)* GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 ‘Please make sure the reply envelope bears the reference number cited here The last annual general meeting on No ­ vember 14,1993 elected two new trustees of theZTFE and four managing committee members to replace those whose terms had ended. Thus Cawas Sethna and Noshir Avari join Bailey Irani as the three ZTFE trustees. The managing committee is now led by president Rusi Dalal. The other office bear ­ ers include vice president Viraf Gandhi, honorary secretary Ms Freny Writer, hon ­ orary' treasurer Burjor Mistry, honorary social secretary Godrej Bhumgara, honor ­ ary house secretary Sheriar Mehani, liai ­ son officer Perses Sethna, Young Zoroas- trian coordinator Ms Rushna Master and members at large Zal Sethna, Kersey School of Oriental and African Studies 19 Parsiana June 1994Austria or a funeral in France or jashans in The official program of the Common- the Zoroastrian religion, its beliefs and Brazil. ” At the invitation of Ms Khorshed wealth Day Observance Service described practices. The interview was arranged Sodhi, Ervad Rustom Bhedwar proceeded Billimoria as “basically self-taught...She through the good offices of the ZTFE, to Brazil to perform jashan ceremonies at joined the Bombay Chamber Orchestra at the residence of Zoroastrian families — the age of 12 and since then she has per- the Davers and the Govadias — in Sao formed with them a number of times — Paulo. At an open jashan in the presence of both as principal flautist and as a soloist in a congregation of about 200 (sic), Bhedwar concerts. Billimoria appeared for her fi- gave an explanation of the rituals and nal grade examination of the Associated trian religion, history and culture as part of the significance of the ceremony, informs the newsletter. The official program of the Common- informs the newsletter. A similar event was the televised inter ­ view of Mobed Firouz Azargoshasb of Tehran. In London at the invitation of the ZTFE to give a series of talks on Zoroas- Board of the Royal School of Music in the Zoroastrian Educational Trust program 1990 and obtained the highest distinction in India amongst all candidates that year. ” Meeting the Queen Billimoria was offered a place at the Satellite TV Asia. The topics covered in- At the Commonwealth Day celebrations Royal College of Music to study the flute eluded the life and teachings of on March 14, 1994 at the Westminister under Christopher Hyde-Smith from Sep- Abbey ZTFE president Rusi Dalal was tember 1992 and was awarded the Count- presented to the Queen of England and the ess of Munster Musical Trust Scholarship Prince of Wales. It is only since the past for her studies on the BMus (RCM) course two years that the Zoroastrian organization which she hopes to complete in July 1996. New publications has been invited to the Commonwealth While studying Dilshad has performed in a The ZTFE newsletter reports on a spate of celebrations which have become a tradi- number of concerts as soloist, chamber new publications on Zoroastrianism. Cozi- tion of standing. Music is an integral part musician etc, the program notes. temporary Zoroastrians: An Unstructured of the ceremony and the principal soloist . Nation by Dr (Ms) Rashna Writer was launched at Zoroastrian House in February 1994 by Councillor Ramen Bhattachar- number of concerts as soloist, chamber musician etc, the program notes. of the association, Azargoshasb was inter ­ viewed for Pegah, the Farsi program on Zarathushtra, the Gat has, monotheism and the festivals of Jamshedi Navroze and Jashnd Sadeh. this time was young flautist Ms Dilshad Zoroastriiinism OH Sir Billimoria from Bombay whose rendition Increasing recognition of Zoroastrians and of Syrinx by Debussy echoed in the silence Zoroastrianism has led to the interview of yya, mayor of Camden. The book exam- of the Abbey, as notes the ZTFE newslet- Dr (Ms) Rashna Writer, academic re- ines contemporary Zoroastrians in India ter. After her performance B illimoria was pre ­ sented to Queen Elizabeth and Prince Char- program, A to Z on religions. During the The diversities and unities between Parsis les, both of whom spoke to her at length. 15-minute live interview Writer spoke on and Iranis come under close scrutiny. Dr (Ms) Rashna Writer, academic re ­ searcher and writer on the BBC Radio and Iran as well as in the western diaspora. 15-minute live interview Writer spoke on MATCH YOUR AMBITION TO A CAREER To do so we offer you: Diploma Course in Business Management (Postal) (IMC) O Executive Secretarial Course O Private Secretarial Course <> Personal Assistant ’s Programme (Working Stenographers) Shorthand & Typewriting (English/Hindi/Marathi) o Telephone Operating & Receptionist Techniques Electronic Telex Operating O Electronic Typewriting & Word Processing English Conversation & Writing Skills LATEST ADDITION: COMPUTERS Enquire at: Sir J. J. College of Commerce 14, Nanabhoy Lane, Hutatma Chowk Bombay 400001 Tel: 244329 LExtensive interviews with the communi- Mehta, secretary general of the Vienna ties in Asia, Europe and North America based International Association of Schools provide a base for Writer ’s theoretic pro ­ jections into the 21st century. Priced at £ 30, the book is available from Zoroas ­ trian House. .The Memoirs of Keikhosrow Shahrokh ged to provide technical assistance re- have been edited by his grandson Shahrokh quired by the recently formed Association nipulated several types of surgical lasers to Shahrokh and Writer. An outstanding his- of Women of Bosnia and Hercegovina to tr6at tumors, strictures, warts and stones torical figure in Muslim Iran, Keikhosrow combat the enormous problems faced by that bedevil these parts of the human body, Shahrokh worked simultaneously for the Bosnian women. The association com- good of his countrymen and his co- prises professional women from all walks religionists. The first person narrative of of life who were forced out of their vil- an educator, parliamentarian, advisor to lages, cities and country. Having person- lege, Bombay, Toddywalla claimed the N. Reza Shah Pahlavi and a roving ambassa- ally experienced victimization and torture P. Choksi gold Medal at the MBBS exami- dor for Iranian industry, chronicles the political, economic and social debilitation of Iran at the turn of the century and an eyewitness account of Zoroastrian-Muslim relations. The bode is due to be released la- and other parts of the world. Mehta orga- informs his bio data. He then proceeded to ter in the year and is offered to ZTFE nizes projects which create local incen- the US to complete five years of residency members at a 20 percent discount at £40. fives and activities that generate income to work in general sur gery, pathology and Cosmos, Chaos and the World to Come supplement their resources. She also helps urology at the GSH and joined the DCH in by Piof Norman Cohn (Yale University in training local personnel for improved Press, price £ 20) and The Zoroastrian services and resource mobilisation which Faith by S. I. Nigosian (McGill-Queen ’s would enable the war victims to care for Toddywalla ’s four sons and the only doc- University Press; price £ 15.50) were re- themselves, notes the newsletter. tor. Early in life he had decided on his viewedby John Palmer, the European edi- _ vocation. “I wanted to do something to _ help alleviate the pain and suffering in the Within four days of the death of Dr Noshir world and by becoming a physician I knew ~ I must work towards that goal, ” his words were quoted in Pulse. Dr (Ms) Meherbai diana had established The Noshir Toddywalla, who had trained at the Mayo Toddywalla Memorial Fund in memory Clinic and worked at the Cama and Albless of its chief of staff. “People have been Hospital in Bombay, had been his role were Toddywalla ’s patients, reads a foot ­ note. A urologist who galvanized advanced of Social Work. Mehta is currently sta ­ tioned in Zagreb helping Bosnian refugee technology to help diagnose and treatprob ­ women with their social, personal and lems of the kidneys, bladder, urinary psychological problems. Mehta is enga- tract and prostate besides infertility and sex disorders, Toddywalla skilfully ma- as notes Pulse (Spring 1992), the DCH house magazine. A graduate of the Grant Medical Col- ally experienced victimization and torture in concentration camps, these refugees nation in 1972. Passing his MS in 1976 in Croatia are being assisted by Mehta to Toddywalla was connected as intern, house ­ care for the orphaned, wounded and dis- man and registrar with the J. J., St George ’s abled through the UN network in Europe andG.T. Hospitals between 1973 and 1977, and other parts of the world. Mehta orga ­ nizes projects which create local incen ­ tives and activities that generate income to 1987. Noshir was the eldest of Rusi and Roda themselves, notes the newsletter. tor of the G uardian in April 1994 under the “Healing waS his life title “First followers of the Star, ” a refer ­ ence to the three Magis, as notes the ZTFE Toddywalla on November 11, 1993 the newsletter. “Cohn has done much to rescue Dearborn County Hospital (DCH) of In ­ Zoroaster from obscurity and to credit the ancient Persian faith with ultimate author ­ ship of the monotheistic idea. His argu ­ ment is certain to upset theologians in all calling the hospital and his office wanting model, he told Pulse. three derivative (Judaism, Christianity and to know where they can send donations, ” Islam) monotheistic faiths...Zoroastrianism DCH director of can make the claim to have patented many public relations is of the most basic ideas in the Judaic mono- quoted in th&Jour- theistic tradition, ” the ZTFE newslettter nal- Press of No ­ quotes Palmer. vember 16,1993. “A seemingly common man going about do ­ ing uncommon “Healing was his life. In spite of a busy practice, he frequently managed to get away and donate his time, skills and eff ­ orts to various mission fields. Unpre ­ tentious, his patience and tenderness were always on display here to the staff as he went about caring for hi s patients —people for whom he had genuine concern, ” writes Calhoun. A fellow of the American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery and a teacher at the GSH, Toddywalla ’s interests went beyond the bounds of medicine and sur ­ gery to actively include the environ ­ ment. A member of the well-known Si- Boutros Boutros Ghali, retired high court Hospital (GSH), erra Club, Toddywalla and wife Barbara, judge Rustom Sidhwa of Pakistan has been Cincinnati, describes Toddywalla, 43, who who is also a physician, were known to be elected by the UN General Assembly to was killed in a highway accident in Indi- keen hikers. serve on the UN War Crimes Tribunal at ana. The board of trustees of the DCH dedi- the Hague. Sidhwa is one of 11 jurists elected by the 184-nation General Ass- way/through each phase of the illness you of Toddywalla, “for his devotion and ser- embly to serve a four-year term, informs shared. With him at your side/your fear vice to the hospital, his patients and the the January ’94 ZTFE newsletter. would subside... ” reads a part of Tribute field of medicine. ” The Balkan involvement Closer to home — but not that close — three Zoroastrians find themselves involved with the Bosnian holocaust. Apart from things, ” is how Ms former Indian attorney general Soli Sorabjee who has been named war crimes prosecutor in former Yugoslavia (urology) of the Toddywalla: genuine by United Nations secretary general Good Samaritan concern for patients Elaine Calhoun, nurse-in-charge was killed in a highway accident in Indi ­ ana. “He walked day by day/each step of the cated its 1994 calendar to the memory shared. With him at your side/your fear would subside... ” reads a part of Tribute AnotherZoroastrian intimately involved to Dr Toddy in four stanzas by Ms Nor- with the Balkan tragedy is Dr (Ms) Vera ma Jean Moore. Norma and her husband Compiled by Amavaz S. Mama 21 Parsiana June 1994SCHOLARSHIP COVER STORY • Intercommunity marriages are notas suc ­ cessful as marriages within the community — False. • Outmarried females score low on religi ­ osity — True. • Non availability of Zoroastrian partners made Zoroastrian women seek non-Parsi spouses — False. »Living in bangs promotes marriages within the community — True. Dr (Ms) Huzan Kharas ’ doctoral thesis on “Intermarriage of Zoroastrian Women in Bombay ” was able to confirm certain hy ­ potheses regarding intermarriage and dis ­ prove certain others. Kharas ’ findings, a part of the thesis that was accepted by the University of Manches ­ ter in 1993, are based on her intensive research wherein she had interviewed nearly 200 individuals: 61 intermarried women, eight of whom had converted to their husband ’s religion and two of whom were divorced; some of their spouses, their children, their parents. The control group included 26 inmarried men, 26 inmarried women and 15 single young Zoroastrians. Since there was no accurate total universe, she could not adopt the proportionate 22 Parsiana June 1994 Outmarriages: FACT AND FICTION Dr Huzan Kharas'research shows that intercommunity marriages account for barely one-tenth of the factors that contribute to declining numbers Parinaz Gandhi sample strategy and had to depend on the snowball sampling technique where the interviewees put the researcher in touch with other intermarried women. The Uni ­ versity had restrictions on the sample size, explains Kharas, as at the doctorate level they recommend a detailed survey rather than a census study. A formatted question ­ naire was employed by Kharas to tap infor ­ mation from these interviewees who con ­ stituted one segment of her research work. In addition a postal questionnaire was mailed to all the anjumans in India enquir ­ ing of their officials as to the incidence of intermarriage, their official norms on ac ­ ceptance of intermarrieds at religious and social events... “There was a very good response rate as approximately 80 percent of the anjumans responded to the question ­ naire, ” informs Kharas. “Very conscious of the need to be unbi ­ ased, ” Kharas had accommodated unstruc ­ tured interviews with prominent leaders of the community — religious, legal and political — which constituted the balance component of her study. Her earlier study on the problems of the priestly class had earned her a lot of criticism and she is reconciled to the fact that the same will happen this time too. But as she says, “I wanted to be fair to everybody. I didn ’t want people to think this was an orthodox or reformist study. ” In fact, on a recent visit to Bombay when she had brought with her her 495-page thesis, she was wondering whether she should make her work public, whether offering it to a particular community publi ­ cation would get her branded. The community in India is declining at the rate of 17 percent per decade as per the estimate given by Ms Ava Khullar at the last World Zoroastrian Congress in 1990. And according to Kharas, 1.46 percent of the population is intermarrying per de ­ cade. This means that intercommunity marriages account for barely one-tenth of the factors that contribute to a decline in numbers; the others being low birth rate and migration. Kharas does however cau ­ tion, “If intermarriage leads to assimilation (in the non-Zoroastrian spouse ’s culture), it will weaken the religious and ethnic cohe ­ sion within the community and the exist- enceof the community will be threatened... Intermarriage has more of an emotive impact on Zoroastrians than low birth rates. ” In terms of absolute numbers Bombay accounted for the highest number of inter ­ marriages, 590, in 1980-90. But this does not mean that Bombay has the highest rate of intercommunity marriages, Kharas clari ­ fies. In areas where there is a Zoroastrianr When outmarried females were asked whether it is difficult to find a Zoroastrian v.vu ...._______ _ __________ marriage partner, 83 percent replied in the outmarried females. Among those who affirmative. But when they were specifi- faced this problem, 75 percent responded sudreh-kusti, 87 percent of the single and inmarried females said they wear the sa ­ cred garments as versus 59 percent of the had stopped wearing the garments, nine cally asked whether they had personally percent said it was soon after their navjote, faced this problem, 75 percent responded 17 percent, after school, 19 percent, during in the negative clarifying that since theirs courtship and six percent, after marriage, was a love marriage they never had to When it comes to worshipping holy figures make a conscious effort to find a partner.^It of other faiths, 53 percent of the outmarried ' ' women indicated that they did, while 77 was noticed that among inmarrieds, the _ ___ __ _______family played an important role in mate percent of their parents and 70 percent of selection. And as the parents role de- the inmarried women said that they did not. clines, intercommunity marriages were And the Christian influence appeared to be seen to be on the rise. the strongest among 61 percent of the Women who have married out of the outmarried women even though 74 percent community are^usually highly educated, populationofmorethan300,Dclhishowcd of them had married Hindus and only 11 the highest rate of intercommunity mar- ‘ riages, 7.2 percent in 1980-90, followedby Calcutta ’s 2.0 percent, Nagpur/Kampihi ’s 2.0 percent, Godavra-Karanj-Bhatha- Bhesan ’s 1.67 percent; and Bombay ’s 1.39 percent. This indicates that larger commu ­ nity settlements are institutionally com ­ plete and there is a greater potentiality of finding spouses from among themselves. Intermarried Zoroastrians are “confused about their ethnic and religious identity as boundary limits are not clearly demar ­ cated, ” she has noticed. What she found was that there are “more defined rules for religious practices and economic benefits than participation at social events. ” Re ­ garding their presence at death ceremo ­ nies, 60 percent of the anjumans permitted outmarried men to be in attendance, 48 percent allowed their children, 37 percent permitted outmarried women and 16 per ­ cent, their children. For jashans, 63 percent allowed outmarried men, 52 percent, their children, 42 percent, outmarried women and 18 percent, their children. Regarding ated into the faith. Thirty-three percent of visiting rights for fire-temples, 71 percent ’ ¦ permitted outmarried men, 62 percent, their children, 44 percent, outmarried women andninepercent, their children. More than 1_____ _ . at social functions. Outmarried females this decision. ................... ¦ ' Rarely do religious issues lead to con ­ percent, Christians. Despite the intermarrieds themselves scoring low on religion, there was an ap ­ parent keenness to see their children initi- Women who have married out of the and their non-Zoroastrian spouses even more so. “If education is taken as a mea ­ sure of socioeconomic success, then outmarried women can be seen to be mar ­ rying ‘up, ”’ pointed out Kharas. " Intercommunity marriages on the whole the outmarried females and 33 percent of were rated more successful than in- their spouses said that they had or would marriages. Different reasons were cited have their children ’s navjotes performed, for this phenomenon. Longer courtship A further 33 percent of the spouses said periods enabled the partners to know each could not withstand the pressures. Also, ____ ___ ___ since these couples have to face family flict among intermarried spouses . Upbring- opposition they feel the need to work harder “This intercommunity issue is so touchy that people are scared. They don ’t even want to talk about it. They ’d rather push it halfofallanjumansacceptedintermarrieds they would allow their children to make other better or part before marriage if they uti»heton/i triA nrACcnrAC AKn indicated to Kharas that they did not mind economic exclusion but they would like religious inclusion. Whilst outmarried women did show a weaker allegiance to their religion as com ­ pared to other groups in Kharas ’ survey, visitthe fire-temples atall showing that the of the outmarried women admit that at ing of children, discord with inlaws, and to make the relationship succeed, differences in life-style were the three areas cited by the respondents as leading to discord. Family disputes and exclusion from religious functions made 27 percent under the carpet, ” points out Kharas. But only four percent stated that they did not from religious functions made 27 percent unaer tne carpet, points oui dui visitthe fire-temples atall showing that the of the outmarried women admit that at she is determined that the issue must vast majority disregarded the orthodox such times they wished they had married faced, albeit delicately and sensitively. In cAnfi.npnt With rpQflrd IO wearinff the Zoroastrians. the course of her three-year study she sentiment. With regard to wearing the Zoroastrians. 23 Parsiana June 1994 Lrealized that community leaders are not agreed on the definition of a Parsi Zoroas* trian, on the interpretation of the scriptures regarding mtermamage, on whether reli- as managing trustee. Two and a half years herself with global studies of intermar- gious law should take precedence over the later Kharas dissociated herself from the riages which were interreligious, inter- lav/of the land.. AET but nevertheless continued with her ethnic and international. She had also un- Rather than have divergent opinions, involvement with charitable causes, teach- dertaken a pretest in England before she the respondents in Kharas ’ study felt that ing group counselling, group therapy, so- launched on her survey in India. For com- there should be a community referendum cial welfare administration and child wel- parative purposes the next project she would on the topic ofintermamage. But the com- fare institutions to undergraduate students like to undertake is the study of munity leaders interviewed by Kharas feel at Nirmala Niketan. Then came the oppor- intercommunity marriages contracted by t at lay people do not have the requisite tunity to go to the UK — to undertake a Zoroastrians in a western country. work at the Nirmala Niketan College, led faculty of arts and the faculty of economic to the establishment of the Athravan Edu- ; ’ ’ ' _____________ cational Trust (AET) and her appointment ground research Kharas had to familiarize as managing trustee. Two and a half years later Kharas dissociated herself from the AET but nevertheless continued with her involvement with charitable causes, teach ­ ing group counselling, group therapy, so ­ cial welfare administration and child wel ­ fare institutions to undergraduate students at Nirmala Niketan. Then came the oppor- and social studies. As part of her back- knowledge to decide on topics of such study of relevance to the community ¦ is the responsibility of the Punchayet and the Press to give a comprehensive picture to the community, to reeducate them. One copy of her thesis that Kharas has Just as she took up this subject for study, in her possession travels with her wherever she hopes other students would pursue she goes. Only a lucky few got a chance to similar topics. But that would depend on ‘ facilities being made available, the re- Kharas speaks slowly and convincingly, searcher clarifies. Kharas realizes that she ascertaining that we have grasped the facts correctly. Her familiarity with the community, and the problems vexing it, dates to her Peter Halfpenny, to receive financial assis- association with the Zoroastrian Studies when she was yet a student. After complet ­ ing her schooling from Cathedral and John ______________ ___ Connon, Kharas graduated in psychology she had attempted to start on it at the from St Xavier ’s College, Bombay. Fol- Bombay University she was told that the lowing a year ’s study of philosophy at University couldn ’t decide under which major import. Kharas therefore believes it see her impressive work when she was in Bombay early this year. How then can those interested get to see her magnum was fortunate to be admitted to the opus? How can it serve as a reference for _ . „ another study? Actually any university Manchester University, to receive guid- < ' ' ~ ance from Prof John Hinnells and Prof student from" any part of the world can write to her university which would loan tance from philanthropist.s in UK, one of the copies in its custody, she ex ­ Hongkong and India. And since her topic plains. The address is John Rylands Li- was a multidisciplinary one (earlier when brary. University of Manchester, UK. i Bombay University she was told that the Wilson College, a disillusioned kharas faculty the subject would classify) Kharas opted to make a career in social work. Her thesis on the plight of the Zoroastrian thinks it is divine intervention that helped . _ her undertake her study in the UK, the priests,aspartofherpostgraduateresearch thesis falling within the purview of the 4-- --- -.. . For India, and the world, Kharas keeps stressing on the need for more research. “We have no data, ” was her constant re ­ frain. Determined as she is to improve the community ’s lot, she points out, “Only if you identify problems can you work on solutions. ” Rotary Screw Air Compressors Crawlairs and Blasthole Drills I Process Gas Compressors i / Water Well Drills li- -•1 Portable Compressors ? MMMOU.MW 8 Air and Gas Compressors • Construction & Mining Equipment INGERSOLL-RAND Ingersoll-Rand (India) Ltd , Maybaker House, S-K. AhireMarg, Bombay 400 025 DLinJBINSTITUTIONS Trichur's Parsi Mission(aries) Arnavaz S. Mama Parsis have contributed substantially to the growth of the Jubilee Mission Hospital in Trichur When Trichur ’s first mission hospital — 20 beds tended by a lone doctor and two nurses of the Holy Cross Congregation of brief history and record of services 1952- Germany —was established in 1952, it was named Jubilee in honor of the silver jubilee Trichur. The Hospital had 25 beds when of Hirji ’s education. But the Adenwallas year of the then Bishop of Trichur, Dr Adenwalla joined: today it has more than always consider Ahmednagar their home- George Alapatt. Today Trichur is dotted 600 and a new wing is under construction town. That ’s where he met and married with hospit^s, clinics and diagnostic cen- with a special.plastic surgical and bums unit Gulnar, though initially the bond was with ters largely manned by those who honed under planning. “His loyalty, integrity and her father Sarosh Irani, a friend and fol- their skills at the Jubilee Mission Hospital dedication guided the destiny of this Hospi- (JMH) which, since 1971, has been recog ­ nized by the Medical Council of India as an institute fit for the internship training of progress from very primitive beginnings, ” outer manifestations except his photographs doctors: since 1977, for the training of senior housemen in various departments; in 25th Anniversary Souvenir of the JMH. the 1990s, for post graduate qualifications. Meet the catalyst of change: Dr Hirji Adenwalla. That the JMH is as close to a Zoroastrian community bastion as a Christian institu ­ tion can be, is due to the two Parsi families on the campus — the Adenwallas and the lived for two weeks in Bombay in a example the travelling medical rep whom Mistrys, who provide the Hospital ’s three monestary when he had interviewed HirjirecognizedasaParsiandinvitedhome senior doctors. And Parsis passing through Adenwalla and the bond between the two Trichur visit the centrally located JMH as they would a community institution. Even older residents in the area than the Bombay last January to visit Adenwalla at residence (the Adenwalla home has grown Aden wallas are the Kavinas, here as a result of India ’s textile expansion. And, in its own way, each of the three families represents day the doctor suffered a heart attack in some of the characteristics the community is justifiably proud of. A man of medium build, attired in white shorts and a T-shirt, Adenwalla strides stick low to the Hospital ’s ICCU, a young neigh ­ in hand and dog at heel through the residen- bor informed us. tial sidestreets of Trichur on his daily even ­ ing constitutional. He may or may not be accompanied by family and/or friends. But silver jubilee Souvenir: “The single resi- there are generally several persons who smile, greet, and in the case of certain sophisticated general practitioner looking ily Labrador was annoyed with an indigent elderly ladies, bless, the man. During his 34 years here he has seen the town grow, the paediatric, orthopedic and casualty work. paddyfields yielding to garish bungalows Since he happened to be a trained surgeon, financed by Gulf money. “When we came in 1960 there was no running water, ” he Hence right from the beginning the institu- recalls with a laugh. The appointment of Adenwalla as the first surgeon and principal medical officer was bom and bred in Ahmednagar. The is listed as amilestone in the publication, A family moved to Bombay — where Dr Sorab Adenwalla became dean of the Jerbai 1985 of the Jubilee Mission Hospital, Wadia Hospital for Children —for the sake Trichur. The Hospital had 25 beds when lower of Meher Baba. Quiet faith in Meher Baba ’s teachings eventually grew to enve- tal over the last 18 years. He has spared no effort in clearing the path for its all-round lope the whole family, though there are no notes the director ’s tribute published in the and books. Though there are no community fixtures in the town like an agiary or aramgah, and “Adenwalla is the main man. This insti ­ tution owes much to him, ” Monseigneur despite the absence of a Zoroastrian com- Mathew Meringethery, the original stal- munity, the Adenwallas have spontane- wart behind the JMH who now lives in ously sustained the concept of good thoughts, retirement, told Parsiana. Meringethery, words and deeds. Concern for others has now more than 90, recalled how he had landed them with motley house guests as for to stay. Gulnar recalls with a laugh how the men has continued. The current director gentleman took up the offer and made Father Kakassery made the journey to himselfcomfortable in their tiny two-room the Breach Candy Hospital where the latter with the family, a room being added with had undergone bypass heart surgery. The the birth of each child — Homai, Firdaus and Meher), treating it as his headquarters while he toured the south! The same con ­ cern led them to take a stray Patsi student under their wing for more than five years. A penchant for tongue-in-cheek humor and repartee sometimes spills over into harm ­ less practical jokes, and an atmosphere of March 1993 the Hospital campus was so thronged with concerned individuals that it was difficult to move him from his bunga- Adenwalla has described his work envi ­ ronment on his arrival in Trichur in the gentle banter pervades the house. One quiet evening tea was interruptedby dent doctor was expected to function like a pandemonium at the garden gate. The fam ­ after surgical, medical, gynaecological, old Malayali lady demanding to see the doctor, despite the servant protesting that the doctor was very tired after a whole day his prime interest was in the surgical field, of surgery. As Adenwalla put down his cup and stepped towards the lady, she pointed tion had a surgical bias. ” to her foot, continuing to speak in The only child of a doctor, Adenwalla Malayalam. Adenwalla listened in silence. 26 Parsiana June 1994wrote a note and requested his daughter to escort the intruder to the missionary nurse who handles Adenwalla ’s personal account. The nun was instructed to release the funds required for the woman ’s sick son. She had been his patient, the doctor said, and he knew she was poor. Though a general surgeon by training, Adenwalla has taught himself the fine art of plastic surgery. Hereditary traits and lack of proper nutrition combine to produce many a child in the area with a cleft lip and palate. Concerned by the distress of the mother and child, Adenwalla takes on cases that often require a series of operations to enable the child to look, speak and lead as near a normal existence as possible. The poor pay nothing towards the cost of the operation and Adenwalla even arranges for their hospitalization expenses to be borne by friends and donors. In Cleft Craft, Dr Ralph Millard Jr, a legendary plastic surgeon himself, quotes Adenwalla: “A plastic surgeon is really a general surgeon with a hobby and this hobby lies in the aesthetic realm of a refined reverence for tissue and true appreciation of the dignity and beauty of the normal human form... His art would be meaningless if he reconstructed a face but failed to put a smile on it. The true plastic surgeon must always hope that the skill of his surgery will help towards the healing of all the internal scars that external wounds can cause. ” With just under 5,000 clefts repaired at this institution since 1960 - said to be, perhaps, the largest individual series in the world -- Adenwalla ’s contribution has been recognized by several Dutch social service organizations including Simavi and the Rotary Club of Dokkum. These bodies not only fund his work but regularly publicise it in Europe. Thus Parsiana was witness one evening to a phone call from an unknown Dutch couple. They had come to Trichur in the course of their tour of South India to see the work on cleft lips, palates and burns, they said. Putting them on hold Gulnar conveyed the message with a wry smile; she knew what was coming. Adenwalla does not appreciate being cast in the role of an Indian Albert Schweitzer. To dispel any such illusion he suggested his wife invite them to dinner. They came and left behind a few hundred dollars “for the doctor ’s work. ” When donations come without strings attached, the money may be used for some necessary equipment like a waterbed needed for burns patients; or for hospital stays for indigents or even for their rehabilitation after treatment. As the eldest and most respected doctor in the insti tution Adenwalla is often saddled with the job of mediating between warring factions in the expanding medical fraternity of the Hosptial. It ’s a job he detests. High priority is given to the nurturing of young doctors, among them an Irani Zoroastrian surgeon from Pune who recently qualified in Mangalore. Adenwalla himself has not forgotten the guidance and counselling that outstanding surgeon Dr Rustom Cooper, pioneer plastic surgeon Dr Charles Pinto, orthopaedics pioneer Dr Rustom Katrak or... had so spontaneously and generous ­ ly bestowed on their juniors. The third generation of the Adenwalla family has three doctors: * Homai has qualified but does not practise, Firdaus is into his MD in internal medicine in Mangalore and his Mangalorean wife Jyothi is an ophthalmologist. Meher,aspecialistin computer graphics, works in Bombay. Adenwalla, who is a trained anaesthetist, was in the initial stages doing both. As notes nursing superintendent Sister Octavia, who had joined the Hospital a couple of years before Adenwalla as a young nun: “Doctor Adenwalla passed the intra ­ tracheal tube and gave the case to us to maintain while he operated. His wife also helped in the theater. ” While the JMH has outlived the need for her help, Gulnar takes VACUUM REFRIGERATION CHILL-VACTOR® SYSTEMS Outperforms lithium bromide vapour absorption and mechanical refrigeration systems, in price, simplicity, efficiency, reliability and we can prove it. Designers and manufacturers of Quality Vacuum Systems, since 1917 and experience of over 800 units in operation Worldwide. Designed In USA by: | CRadE^^OLOS ¦ 1 29 Parsiana June 1994 Chill-Vactors are available in various unit capacities with automatic deaeration, almost all dissolved air or gases in water are completely removed, deaerated water minimises corrosion in piping and process equipment. Plus, they require a small installation area. ¦ i n i B High-Vacuum Evactors® ? increase efficiency in a Chill-Vector® evaporative Water Chiller at a Major Paper Mill. 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Phone: 408967, 408014,408654 Fax: 0272-427394 Telex : 0121-6620J Bl \\ j engagement (Standing) Meher, Kumar, llomai, (seated) Tara, Hirji, and Shahnaz The Kavinas: Sorab, Rati, late Cool and Pudum on tailoring assignments and supervises the making of potato peel bandages used for bums patients. Her careful management of resources has enabled them to build a bun- From left:The Mistrys: galowinCoonoorfortheirreiirementyears. Gool, Yezdi, Delnaz, Tanaz Had Hirji been the normal, worldly sur ­ geon, such care may not have been re ­ quired. But he says he always wanted to go into missionary work. On the lookout for and Dhun such openings he had answered another Right. The Adenwallas: advertisement seeking a doctor for a hospi ­ tal in Yazd, Iran. He was called for an interview by the late Dr Adarbad Irani, the Firdaus, Gulnar and Col famed ophthalmologist of Bombay, who Soli Nazir on Firdaus ’ advised against taking it up. As the JMH grew, Adenwalla passed on the message that it needed more doctors factory manager, and while Mehta left in through the Bombay medical grapevine. 1957 to join Calico Mills, the Kavinas ______________________ Onewhorespondedwas Yezdi Mistry who remained. Their two daughters Rati and bear to sell off or put away the animals who had recently qualified as a surgeon. He was Dhun were born in Trichur. The family werepastiheirproductiveperiod.Eachwas interviewed on Adenwalla ’s behalf by Dr celebrated all the navjotes in Ahmedabad. maintained to the end. In fact she related Farokh Udwadia — Mistry says he still Though Pudum retired from the mill in how Sorab had once located a sick bull who holds Udwadia in awe — while his wife 1968, he looked after the family businesses was brought home with the help of friends Goolaqualifiedanesthetist,hadjustdeliv- until he suffered a stroke in 1982. (the rented bungalow in which they then ered their first daughter. Shortly thereafter Sorab continues to nurse the agency that resided had substantial area around it), the Mistrys reached Trichur in 1974. Gool, who now heads the department of anesthet ­ ics recalls how “Sir ” (as both the Mistrys mill were sold off because of labor prob- „ ____________ refer to Aden walla to th is day) had apprised lems, says Sorab, a commerce graduate. loTamilianindustriaHstKumaravelu, whose her of a vacancy and suggested she take it Rati, whograduated with zoology and chem- motherwasanEnglishwoman.Thei^^'teher up. Hesitant because of her small children, istry, looks after the office work while Eira Trust, commemorating Meher Baba Gool was persuaded by the Adenwallas Dhun, an economics graduate, looks after andEireenandRamaswami,Kumaravelu ’s who reassured her that the children would thehouse. Pudum passed away in Septem- parents, has established the Meher Eira be looked after. Sherecalls how she would ber 1993 and was interred in the Parsi Village on the lines of the SOS villages on hardly ever be called out at night even when aramgah in Calicut by the side of Gool, who the outskirts of Coimbatore where they live, she was on emergency call (doctors on had predeceased him. “There are a lot of unwanted babies in emergency call have to be available at any The Kavinas are totally integrated in South India, especially Salem, ” saysHomai. time of night, if required), because their milieu. They converse in fluent The babies, largely female, are found aban ­ doned in hospitals, public places and gov ­ ernment institutions. Generally small and milk. The product was very good but the business suffered as the Kavinas couldn ’t Dhun were born in Trichur. The family celebrated all the navjotes in Ahmedabad. Though Pudum retired from the mill in 1968, he looked after the family businesses until he suffered a stroke in 1982. Sorab continues to nurse the agency that the family has for textile machinery and treated and made well before being allowed spare parts. Their bobbins factory and rice to go! Adenwalla ’s daughter Homai is married Rati, who graduated with zoology and chem ­ istry, looks after the office work while Eira Trust, commemorating Meher Baba had predeceased him. The Kavinas are totally integrated in Aden walla would quietly replace her name Malayalam with their friends and have not by his own on the register. been out of Kerala for a long time. Neither Yezdi and Gool are also Meher Baba do they expect any Parsis to come and settle undernourished they are looked after by the " ' " " .... .... * ............................... government. “In fact the government of Madras has asked the SOS organization to start a village in Salem, ” adds Homai. The Kumaravelus have borrowed the them get their quota of fish and a daily concept of the SOS village where aban ­ doned children of different ages live in a small house with their foster mother like a family, there being several such homes on • followers. Yezdi, who hails from Sholapur, says his mother had been a Meher Baba devotee and he had been inducted from the the waifs and strays oflhe neighborhood are early years. Their daughters Delnaz and included, thepopulation swells to22. All of Tanaz are in college, Shahnaz, in school. f ' ’ “ *........................ _ Pudum and Gool Kavina and their son contraceptive tablet. Rati informs us. Apart from the fish she says the cats “want only Amul milk powder! ” Gulnar Adenwalla recalls how the the campus to constitute a village. The ¦ ¦¦ ¦ "I continued on page 35 in Trichur. Immensely fond of animals, Dhun has 11 cats and a dog to look after. If Sorab had come from Ahmedabad in 1937 at the behest of Gool ’s brother Eruch Meh ta, who was the chief engineer al ihe Silaram Mills.Pudumjoinedasspinningmasterand Kavinas once kept buffaloes and supplied 30 Parsiana June 1994HISTORY The Parsi-Muslim riots of the 19th century Economic deprivation and social inequality in Bombay in the 1800s surfaced in the garb of religious rivalry Dr Maneesha Tikekar Not much is known about communal ri- wealth. A Calcutta newspaper. Friend of limited success. In the cotton textile in- ots in Bombay in the 19th century. They India, estimated in 1835 that Parsis dustry, competition to the Parsis came have generally been dismissed as out- owned almost half of the island. Parsis from the Banias and the Bhatias and not bursts of religious frenzy. However, a acquired their fortunes in the cotton and from the Khojas or the Bohras. Thus though the Parsis were a reli ­ gious minority in Bombay city, they wielded tremendous influence on its in ­ habitants and its administration. The Muslims in the city were known more as Khojas, Bohras, Memons, Konkani Mus ­ lims, Arabs and Siddees than as Mus ­ lims. Though they shared a common reli ­ gion their customs differed. Despite con ­ stituting 17 percent in the 1860s and 21 percent in the 1880s, with the exception of a few families they were conspicuous by their absence in civic activity. study of three communal riots in opium trade with China dating back to Bombay — the Parsi-Muslim riots of the 1700s. Though the community con- 1851 and 1874, and the Hindu-Muslim riots of 1893 — confirms that communal riots in the ’ 19th century were not very different from present day riots though, admittedly, post-independence riots are a more complex phenomenon. Bombay city has generally been praised for its cosmopolitanism and high level of civic patriotism. Though com ­ munal life in Bombay was strong it was rarely bigoted, and commerce acted as a solvent of intolerance. On the other hand, the process of modernization also contri ­ buted to the heightening of communal awareness among different social group ­ ings. Each community was preoccupied with maximizing for itself the advan ­ tages of the developmental process. The Parsis, the Khojas, the Bhatias, the Banias and the Baghdadi Jews of Bombay were considered to be the keen ­ est trading races in the world. Parsi newspapers were critical of Hindus, and population, its representation in educa- the Marathi Press usually bemoar^ed tional and public institutions and, later, in the municipal corporation was dispro ­ portionate to its ponulalinn. With their position so well entrenched in the civic life of Bombay, the Parsis for mounting among the Muslims and after a long time had no competitors in the the weekly prayers at the Juma Masjid on China trade. The Khojas were the first to Friday, October 17,1851, the riots began. Parsis dominant break the Parsi monopoly of this trade Muslims who were determined to Parsis dominated the socioeconomic life when they also began to own ships. The avenge a supposed religious insult, • Memons and Konkani Muslims also tried pointed out that the article was written in their fortune but, being late entrants, had a “coarse, insulting and exaggerated stituted only six percent of the city ’s f I /r-i TH EM -J Ito. First Parsi-Muslim riot The immediate causes for Parsi-Muslim riots of 1851 and 1874 were rather trivial. Muslims were angered by two ar- Gujarati dominance of the city. The Shia-Sunni divisions among Muslims were deep and Mohurrum riots had be ­ come a wiu•-•,r feature. The list of divi ­ sions among Hindus was unending. tides written by two Parsis on the life of Prophet Mohammed. On September 23, 1851, Byramjee Cursetjee, a Parsi editor of Chitra Dnyan Darpan, published an article on the Prophet ’s life along with his portrait. The portrait was somewhat disfigured due to wrong pencil shading. The article was a factual account of Mohammed ’s life and written in a mat ­ ter-of-fact style, without any reverence or irreverence shown to the Prophet. . For nearly 25 days excitement kept break the Parsi monopoly of this trade of Bombay in the mid 19th century. Parsi entrepreneurs had amassed immense 32 Parsiana June 1994I Under the auspices of the MAZDAYASNIE MONASTERIE and the ALL INDIA SHAH BEHRAM BAUG SOCIETY (for Scientific and Educational Research) The one and only in the world 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 PREDICTIONS ABOUT USTAD SAHEB BEHRAMSHAH NOWROJI SHROFF AND SHAH BEHRAM VARZAVAND SAHEB Many thousands of years ago, during the era of the Kyanian Dynasty in the regin of King Vishtasph, the great Athravan, was born in a Magian family of the descendants of Spetaman. In the Fravardin Yasht, his birth is described as an event which gave Joy to the Earth and all its Creations. "We worshipthe piety andthe Fravashi of Holy Zarathushtra! In his birth and in his growth, waters and trees grew rapturous! In his birth and in hisgrowth. Waters andtrees got prosperous! In his birth and in his growth. All the creatures of the Good Creations, Cried out, rejoicing: HAIL! Zarathushtra Spitama Is Born for us, as Athravan!." In the Denkart, an Encyclopaedia written in the 9th Century A.D., about the Mazdayasnie Zarathushtrian knowledge which existed atthetime of the last Zarathushtrian Monarchy in Iran, the Sassanian Dynasty, the family tree of the Genealogy of Vakshure Vakshuran Rhumzgho Asho Spitaman Zarathushtra is given for 29 generations, tracing its root to his Royal ancestor. King Minocheher. Linder the patronage of King Vishtasph, the Avestan "Maanthran," the Master Weaver, the Composer of the Divine songs, spread his Cosmic Message for the Salvation of ail the Mazdayasnie persons; spread the knowledge of the Divine Universal Natural Laws of Ahura Mazda, and taught mankind to lead a life in accordance with HUMATA, HUKATA and HVERSHTA. Under the command of King Vishtasph, his teachings were recorded in golden letters, two hundred thousand verses inscribed on Ox hides, which were kept in the Royal Archives. The Athravans, the Magian Priests, kept this ancient wisdom alive during the many Dynasties which ruled after the KYANIAN DYNASTY. The HUAFRITAN DYNASTY ruled from about 5281 B.C to about 3655 B.C (It Is possible that the archeological excavation of a Zoroastrian Fire Temple and Palace/City at Penjikant in Tajjikistan of about 5500 years ago was of this period). The KUDERVAND DYNASTY, ruled from about 3655 B.C. to 2026 B.C.; in the lands which were inhabited by the Kurdish peoples south of theCaucassian mountains;the last Monarch ofthe Kudervand Dynasty was called Oxyartes by Greek Historians and he wasdeteated by the Assyrian Monarchs Ninusand Semiram is in 2026 B.C. TheHACHAMENIANDYNASTY,during which period the glorious Kings, such as Cyrus the Great'; and Darayii stheGreat who builtthe Temple Palace of Persepolis, and his son Xerxes, saw a flowering of the Mazdayasnie Faith in Iran. The MEDIAN DYNASTY ruled in Ecbatana. The PARTHIAN DYNASTY ruled from about 250 B.C. and • the Portus Parsi Kingdom and PONTUS DYNASTY was establisned on the Southern Coast of the Black Sea by Mithradates I. Mithraworshipspreadthroughoutthe Roman Empire from the Pontus Parsi Kingdom. Mithradates VI fought the Romans, and conquered Greece; during the period of the Roman Emperor Pompeius. In about 226 After Christ , the last Parthian Emperorwas overthrown by Ardeshir Babegan, the founder of the SASSANIAN DYNASTY, which continued to 651 A.D. until the assassination ofthe last Emperor Yazdagard III. During the glorious reign of Khushro I (Nausherwan e Adil) the Holy Magi, the Abed Saheb e Deiaan, withdrew into the Elburz Mountains, into the Monasterieat Firdaus at the Demava'nd Kuh. There, and in other such spiritual centres, and remote mountainous regions, called "Vaar", they preserved the ancient Cosmic Wisdom. It was in the 19th Century A.D. that a Parsi young man who in later years was reverentially known as USTAD SAHEB BEHRAMSHAH NOWROJI SHROFF, was taken from Indiatothis Mazdayasnie Saheb-e-DelaanMonasterie at Firdaus; where he was trained in the ancient esoteric wisdom of the Mazdayasnie Zarathushtrian Daena. He was sent back to India to fulfil his mission in lite to prepare the people of the World and especially the Parsis in I ndia for the advent of the great Spiritual Rainidar, SHAH BEHRAM VARZAVAND SAHEB-the Prince of Peaceof the Aquarian Age. AHURA MAZDA sends great souls from time to time to Earth, to teach mankind the Truths of Nature, the Cosmic Laws. Ustad Saheb Behramshah Nowroji Shroff fulfilled his mission by giving many lectures in Gujarati, to the Parsis, mainly in Surat and Bombay, about the ancient wisdom that he had learnt from the Maghav Saheb e Deiaan of Demavand Kuh. Through the llm e Khshnoom Institute founded by him, he published several books in Gujarati on various subjects including the significance and importance of the Dokhme Scientific system of the After Death Cermonies; the significance of Fire, Atash, and Atash Bertrams; and trte importance of practising Spiritual Disciplines. He also establisrted trte Zoroasirian Radih Society. After rte passed away, his close followers continuedtrtis work. ErvadPhiroze Masani published the Frashogard Magazine and many books through the Parsee Vegetarian and Temperance Society. Dr. Framroze Chinivala, wrote and published many big books on llm e Khshnoom: and Mr. Jehangir Chiniwalla, published the Parsi Avaz Weekly and gave many lectures in English and Gujarati. Mr. Hormusji B. Vania and Mr. Maneksha Bharucha and other followers and admirers also did much work to continue the work of preparing the people for the advent of SHAH BEHRAM VARZAVAND SAHEB. Mr. K. N. DASTOOR published the Dini Avaz Magazine; DASTURJIMEHERJI RANAof Navsari, ERVAD DOSSABHAI DESAI also of Navsari and Mr. SOHRAB CHINIWALLA published many books in Gujarati of the unpublished Manuscripts of Dr. Framroze Chinivala. In 1917, MAZDAYASNIE MONASTERIE was established by AMY and KAIKHUSHROO MASTER and Dr. MEHER MASTER-MOOS; and the unpublished Manuscripts of the lectures of late USTAD SAHEB BEHRAMSHAH NOWROJI SHROFF were published in book formal; and many lectures were given in English language to continue to fulfil his Mission to prepare the people of the Earth for the advent of SHAH BEHRAM VARZAVAND SAHEB. The advent of the RAINIDAR SAHEB has been predicted not only by the Abed Saheb e Deiaan, but also has been recorded in the Zarathushtrian books. These include the Jamasphi, the Buhman Yasht, and the Persian Revayats. The Abed Sahebs had predicted that his birth would take place in a small village near Bharuch In India during the Nineteen Forties. The name Shah Behram Varzavand has deep significance. ‘ShaK means the Sovereign Ruler. Behram is the Persian term tor "Varahran ’ Victorious; Varzavand means that the anaseres of his physical body and aura are so highly developed that he could destroy all daroojis; —the forces of evil--without these daroojis in any way affecting his aura. In appearance he is very tall —over 7 ft. high, with a long face, high cheEkbones, bushy eyebrows, short snub nose, piercing eyes, smiling lips, beard, wearing white flowing robes somewhat like those of the arabs in the desert and he has a melodious singing voice and is atheletic. He was trained by the Saheb e Deiaan of Chaechast Var andDemavand Kuh. Chaechast is a small river flowing from the Caucassian mountains into the Caspian Sea in the region north of Iran In Azerbaijan/Georgia/Southern Russia. During the Nineteen Eighties, he would commence his public life work;tocreate the situation in Naturewhen people of all countries would be free to lead their lives in accordance with the Cosmic Laws. The indication given was that when the Hormuzd Roj Of the Fasli, Shenshahi and Kadmi Calendars of the Parsis in India wil coincide, he will make his advent in public life. (This is happening now during the period 1992to 1996; and on 21 st March 1992, from Tajikistan a Delegation of Persons of Zoroastrian ancestry visited India.) According to the predictions, during the last two decades of this Century horrible epidemics and terrible diseases will be suffered by people. The Vabai e Atesh-- when the body will get super-heated and the protective layers of the atmosphere ofthe earth will become punctured and all kinds of harmful radiations will be streaming down to earth. The 3rd World War would be a firey war of vibrations ; and when this is raging, Shah Behram Varzavand will come out into the open world. According to the predictions he will visit Indiaduringthis time period of 1992 to 2002 A.D. At this ti me the Abed Sahebs and Saintly souls of al I the 5 Jzhirums will be doing fieir appointed work on the White side of the Natu re. The S. lintly souls of all religions will honour, respect, and obey Shan Behram Varzavand and salute him as their Spiritual Leader. He will guide them and help them to re ­ establish their own religions and cleanse outthe spiritual flith and ignorance of the Truths of Nature and of the Cosmic Laws from every one of the 5 relig ions. In theyear 2002 A.D. according to the predictions he will establish aZarathushtrian Dynasty in Iran. The people ofthe lands which are presently part of the Southern U.S.S.R, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India will become prosperous and happy and these will become a great Nation. In theyear 2001 A.D. the possibility of a 4th World War erupting will arise but Shah Behram Varzavand will not permit another War to take place. The people ofthe Earth must be made ready to receive him. For this purpose. Nature has prepared the way by creating Centres for Spiritual Wisdom to flow to the people on this Earth. I n Scotland one such Centre isthe FINDHORNE COMMUNITY. In Germany the MAZDASNAN and ARS REGIA Centres exist as white Light Force Centres. In India there are several Centres. Amongst these is the ZO­ ROASTRIAN COLLEGE near Sanjan, established through the SHAH BEHRAM BAUG SOCIETY. There also exist other Aryan, Vedic and Siddha Wisdom Centres in India. Through the Zoroastrian College, many lectures and Seminars are held to enable people from all countries ofthe World to experience the Mazdayasnie way of life in harmony witn tne Cosmic Laws. I rts Cortege building js presently under construction. Persons wishing to contributetowards the construction cost of the Zoroastrian College, Mazdayasnie Research Centre, or who would like to construct their own residential units in the College complex near Sanjan may make use ofthe cut­ out below and send it tothe Mustafa Building Office address. Donations in Cash or Cheque in favour of SHAH BEHRAM BAUG SOCIETY are tax exempt under Sec. 80. G of the I.T. Act. in India. I wish to donate towards the Zoroastrian College building construction. I am interested in construction of a residential unit (for myself and my family) at the Zoroasirian College complex. Please find enclosed corpus donation - Cash/cheque of Rs/$........................... My Name ................................................................................... Address ...................................................................................... Tel. ADVERTISEMENTSamachar and the Jam-e-Jamshed, the troops and expressed grave concern two Gujarati newspapers, warned of about the animus shown by the Governor against the Parsis. Another memorial was the police be alert. sent to the Marquis of Salisbury, the Sec- Riots broke out on Friday, February retary of the State for India on April 13, 13, 1874. A mob of Siddees, Arabs, Pathans and Mcmons attacked Parsi houses and property. Three agiaries were desecrated and there was large-scale Reasons for the riots looting in the city ’s Parsi localities. It appears that it was mainly business ri- This time the Parsis were not totally valry and differences ir social status be- unprepared. In certain localities the riot ­ ing mobs faced great resistance from style ” and therefore it was their duty “to vindicate the sanctity of their Prophet. ” Riots quickly spread to other parts of the forthcoming trouble and demanded that island and Lord Falkland, then Governor of Bombay, lost no time in calling the military to quell them. By then the riot ­ ers had plundered several shops, de ­ stroyed or looted a large amount of Parsi property. The riots were brought under control due to “the prompt, decisive and judicious arrangements ” by Captain Baynes, the superintendent of police, and unprepared. In certain localities the riot- tween the Parsis and Muslims that flared Mr Spens, the senior magistrate. ing mobs faced great resistance from into large-scale rioting in 1851 and 1874. On October 19, the Samachar warned Parsi men. Rioting resumed on the after- Communal prejudice created by business the Parsis of the likelihood of greater competition resulted in the outburst of trouble in the course of the day, and ad- violence by the Muslims at the slightest vised them not to trust the “Moham- “Thp pIpQQ nf ITIPn pretext. Commenting on the 1851 riots medan police. ” Every Friday that fol- , , The Bombay Times of October 18, 1851 lowed was full of tension and Parsis re ­ gretted the fact that the police force was not adequate to guarantee peace in the city. A new round of riots occurred during the Mohurrum week between November 4 and 12, 1851. The “higher ” members of the Parsi Punchayet and the Moham ­ medan community came together at joint meetings held on October 29 and No ­ vember 24 and accused the “low ” Mus ­ lims and Parsis for the excitement and disturbances. 1874 signed by Jamsetji Jejeebhoy II and 8,451 other Parsis. “The class of men who formed the mob pointed out that though the two merchant princes of Bombay, Jamsetji Jejeebhoy, a Parsi, and Mahomed Alloi Rogay, a Muslim, were friends and partners in business of long standing, rivalry be ­ tween the two was indeed evident. The two riots indicate how religion became a powerful rallying point despite sharp internal differences among the Muslims. The significance of this point should be understood in the backdrop of the Shia-Sunni riots that annually charac ­ terized the Mohurrum festival were probably unaware of the existence of the obnoxious book ” noon of February 15, after the burial of a Muslim who had died in the rioting on Friday. The Muslims and police commis- lerized the Mohurrum festival in sioner Souter charged the Parsis with Bombay till 1912. Such differences eas- having started the trouble by stoning the ily dissolved when the interests of the funeral procession, while the Parsis com- Second Parsi-Muslim riot A second clash between the two minority communities of Bombay occurred in plained that the Muslims had come pre ­ February 1874. A book published in June pared with sticks and other weapons. 1873 entitled Famous Prophets and Communities, written by a Parsi, Rustamjee Hormasjee Jalbhai, contained newspapers in India and abroad. The an article tracing the life of Mohammed. The article quoted Washington Irving were instigated to riot and accused the who had used the word “concubine ” for Kazi of not keeping his word and Frank one of the wives of Mohammed. Several eminent Parsis found the book innocuous police. The Indian Statesman attacked and took no notice of it. But Muslim sen ­ timents were offended by the Gujarati translation of the word “concubine ” and ployed as policemen. A number of letters they took serious objection to the book, published in The Times of India of Febru- A Hindustani journal, Kasuful Akhbar ary 18,1874 asked where the police were edited by a Muslim, denounced the ar ­ ticle as a “false and inept ” description of calling the military. One letter demanded their Prophet. The author of the book was referred to as “an enemy of peace. ” In February 1874, a deputation of other demanded the imposition of a “fine only the “lower ” strata — menial work- Muslims met Frank Souter, the then po- of one lakh rupee.s on the whole Moham- ers, drivers of vehicles, weavers, etc — lice commissioner, and took strong ex- medan community. ” there is a slender yet visible hint of ception to the book being sold. The pub- On February 19,1874 the Ptirsis sent a “higher ” connections with ihe disttirbances. lisher of the book was thereupon ordered memorial to the Governor of Bombay The Parsi petition of November 11, to hand over the unsold copies to Souter, signed by Jamsetji Jejeebhoy II and 27 1851 to the Governor of Bombay clearly Despite this measure, Muslims continued to be excited over the issue. The Bombay police inaction and delay in calling the pointed out the futility of inflicting fines community as a whole were in question. Another significant point to be noted is that both the riots (as well as the riots of The Parsi-Muslim riots of 1874 were 1893) began on a Friday after the weekly widely reported and commented upon by congregation of Muslims in Juma Masj ­ id. In both, the role of the Kazi remained Times of India hinted that “low ” Muslims highly questionable. It is difficult to attribute the riots of 1851 and 1874 to mere outbursts of reli- Souter for deliberately misleading the gious frenzy. It appears that they were well planned. The 1851 riots took place three weeks after the “instigation ” of Muslims, while the 1874 riots took place nine months after the publication of the book and despite the fact that copies of the “objectionable ” book had been de- on the 13th, and criticized the delay in stroyed. The second round of riots indi ­ cate that they were the result of a care ­ fully thought out strategy to create dis ­ turbances. Though the riots involved the policy of recruitment of the police in which “European businessmen ” were de- that the rioters be punished under sec ­ tions 146 and 148 of the penal code. An- of one lakh rupee.s on the whole Moham ­ medan community. ” On February 19,1874 the Ptirsis sent a memorial to the Governor of Bombay signed by Jamsetji Jejeebhoy II and 27 others. They lodged a complaint about indicated such connections when it 34 Parsiana June 1994Strong and his glowing reminiscences — especially of Parsi doctors, many of them pioneers in various fields —is leavened by the memory of individual quirks. His lib- on the rioters, as the fines would be paid TRICHUR’S PARSI MISSION(ARIES) by the wealthier portion of the Moham- continued from page 30 medan community! The Times of India made a very pertinent observation on children are put through school, given a February 14, 1874 that “some persons trade or profession and married off when eral Zoroastrian concepts often spur Hirji are undoubtedly responsible for this out- they reach adulthood. The Kumaravelus to contribute to Parsiana s Readers Fo- break as it is most improbable that the have provided enough amenities to accom- * “ ...... class of men who formed the mob would modate eight children per home, there be ­ have done such acts without being insti- ing five such houses in the first phase and gated. Two-thirds of them were probably five more in the second with a nursery uftaware of the existence of the obnox- school also included. The mothers they are ious book until told of it. ” looking for would be in the 30-40 age- It has already been observed that the group, married or divorced but having no Bombay administration played a very children of their own. “We feel that if she conspicuous role in the escalation of the has her own child, she will not be able to disturbances in 1874. The behavior of the give total attention to these children. Bombay Governor, Philip Wodehouse 1 * and of the police commissioner, Frank leges to give courses on diet, nutrition and a part of their psyche. Souter was most peculiar. Souter is re- baby care to the selected mothers. The girls ported to have said, “I am very glad of it will remain until married and the boys until READERS’ FORUM and should like to see Parsis killed. ” they are settled in a job. A male counsellor continued from page 11 Were they deliberately trying to create cum director will provide the necessary a schism between the two communities lather figure to sort out problems on the rum in defence of Parsi women married to non-Zoroastrians. The Mistrys with their young daughters growing up in a non-Zoroastrian milieu show no obvious fear of marital involve ­ ments outside the community. But then their bonds with thfe home family in Bombay are strong. The Zoroastrians of Trichur are com- ___________ mined to the task of spreading happiness Homai hopes to get home science col- among their fellowmen —and regret is not -__ __________ _____________ carry Dr Jafarey ’s piece first as it was a by fanning Muslim “communalism ” in campus. After nursery school the children jointresponsenotonlytoMsCoorlawala s Bombay? It is a moot point. will attend normal day schools in the vicin- '____________ _ . lims was not yet ripe. Indications of such of the village community and a doctor is a policy was seen for the first time as late located within reach. as the 1880s. Moreover, even if there The children will have their own birth were indications of a British policy en- certificates mentioning the name of the couraging communal politics, it is diffi- f---------------- ---------------------- cult to believe that the administrators govemmentrecognitionsothevillageadopts were oblivious of the fact that they were the child. We are responsible for the chil- playing with a dangerous and double- dren.They are not given away. People can nial rule depended upon law and order ers, however, are encouraged to take the lishedin/ ’arriana,Marchl993,andthatto * vz * fore large-scale communal violence of days at a time, so that they feel the 7 L io u will attend normal day schools in the vicin- article of August 1992, but also to the two The time for the British favoring Mus- ity. A qualified nurse is expected to be part others (April 1991 and June 1992); as well - - — ’ ¦; as Dr Antia ’s letter, as that did not occupy much space. Parsiana erred in not men ­ tioning in the April 1994 issue that Ms Coorlawala ’s reply to Dr Antia would be foster mother. “The institution has received carried in one of our subsequent issues. Ms Coorlawala has objected to the pub ­ lication of her article at this juncture. She emphasises that it was written solely in response to Dr Antia ’s first letter pub ­ edged weapon. The maintenance of colo- seeforthemselves, ”saysHomai.Themoth- and general stability in society. There- children to their homes to stay for a couple publish it at this late stage is to throw her fore large-scale communal violence of days at a time, so that they feel the article (written in September 1993) out of could only threaten the very roots of co- warmth of the extended family. sequence and perspective. She finds it lonial rule. The mothers are paid Rs 800 to 1,200 as unjust and damaging that she has been pre ­ An explanation for the anti-Parsi be- salary, and an allowance of Rs 400 per child empted from addressing the new issues havior of the Bombay administration plus an annual allowance for clothes. Milk that have arisen from the publication of the could be found in the composition of the food and baby food would be extra, as also two recent articles by the two respondents. Bombay police. Twenty-one percent of the expense on schooling and hospitaliza- Parsiana, therefore, is not publishing her Bombay policemen were Muslims, and tion, she adds. In the SOS villages the article, at her request. _________________ ‘ incurring their wrath could have created mothers retire at the age of 58 and often go Amavaz s. Mama several problems of law and order in the and settle with one of the older children, future. says Homai. The Meher-Eira village will , One interesting thing to be taken note eventually have a similar arrangement. of was that both in 1851 and 1874 In their own way these families reflect ! Bombay Hindus took the initiative to the dilemmas of the community. The con- bring about conciliation between the two servative Kavinas, brought up amidst a warring communities. In 1851 a well- completely Keralite ambience, have all re- ’ known Hindu citizen of Bombay, mainedunmarried forwantofsuitableParsi Jugannath Shankar Sheth figured promi- spouses. Neither parents nor children were nently in the various peace meetings that interested in moving to other towns where were held in the city after the riots. In more Zbroastrians reside. I 1874 Narayan Vasudeo spared no efforts to bring about peace. Reprinted with permission from Freedom First, January-March 1993. Dr Maneesha Tikekar is - lecturer in political science at the SIES College, the general family compatibility even Bombay. 1.............................. In their own way these families reflect CHOCOPHILE I The Adenwalla children schooled in Ooty before going to colleges in Madras and Mangalore. Their non-Zoroastrian son- and daughter-in-law seem to have cemented though Hirji ’s interest in the community is 35 Parsiana June 1994 For the chocolate addict in you. Fine liqueur chocolates Call 3637981, 3646120BOOKS A spiritual energizer Homi Rogers Homage Unto Asho Zarathushtra by Bejon N. Desai and Roni K. Khan. Published in 1993 by Navaz Publications, De Sai, iii Shivagiri, DeSouza Colony, HPT College Road, Nashik 422005. Pp: xxviii + 201. Price: Rs 90 + Rs 15 potency of the maanthra (translated by towards registered postage charges in India: and Rs 85 for registered airmail postage. Unfortunately, this recitation reads more like a written text than the emotive piece it is supposed to be. It is fine to refer to number 4.1 or 4.2 of the Gathas, but one does not talk in numerals except at schol ­ arly discourses. Further, Asha is an eso ­ teric concept, and it would have made sense to elaborate on the way in which tion of an accepted ritual observance. But the exercise is a little more than that. With both the authors swearing by the righteousness can be translated into ac ­ tion. The prayers selected for the exercise are apt, taking off from the introduction , > re ­ put into effect the true power of our jecting the path of evil and asserting that ¦ one is a Mazdayasni Zarthosti. This is followed by a stanza on the particular o- xr -----------J/ —.......re- (devotional intensity) and cited, a paean to Sarosh Yazd, stanzas r. (thought process) of the devotee from the Atash Nyaish, the Fravarane and Kem Na Mazda prayers, as well as the oft-recited hambandagi hymits of Yatha Ahu Vairyo, Yenghe Hatam and of Prophet Ashem Vohu, and concluding with the them as an instrument of thought), the exercise calls for the chanting (nay, even singing) of the Zoroastrian maanthras to (Khshnaothra Ahurahay Mazdaao) to Hallelujah! Congregate all ye folks. For a ‘mass ’ of Zoroastrian prayers, inter ­ spersed with their translations, edifying knowledge, the recitation of maanthras _______ _________ ___ _ essays, and some soulful sonnets. In their alone is not enough. There is the need gah (part of day) when the prayer is new book, N-------- . ,. ... • - Zarathushtra, authors Bejon Desai and Roni Khan have strung together a potent medley of what can be best described, judging by the nature and duration of the liturgy (45 minutes, if recited by a con ­ gregation), as a ‘service ’ for Zoroastri ­ ans. This ‘Devotional Exercise ’ is “a care ­ ful composition with a smooth and logi ­ cal flow of its own ” to quote from the au- - __________ thors^ preface. Ite aim is to progressively torical accuracy "'(was the Prophet really J . , ’’ born 8,300 years ago, for example?), but have been written in a spiritually appeal ­ ing and simple style, so as to arouse the zaothra and mithra of the reader. The es ­ says take one through the birth and grow ­ ing spiritual stature of Zarathushtra, the five tests he had to pass before being ini ­ tiated into prophethood, past the various prayers. But, as Desai and Khan ac- in order to achieve the desired experi ­ ence. To this effect, the authors have narrated at “strategically placed inter ­ vals ” the life story ( Zarathushtra and two poems on him (To proud, inspiring self-proclamation of Zarathushtra Spitamo and 'Zarathushtra, "'Yaa haatinaanmehaa bushyeintinaanm- chaa...yaa Aahuirish Zarathushtrish ” (of all the religions...the greatest, the best and the noblest is the religion of Ahura as revealed by Zarathushtra). If the reader goes through the exercise with the triad of maanthra-zaothra- miihra, the result, yes, is spiritually el ­ evating, even if the assertions are a trifle chauvinistic. The book has two other sections which complete the ‘homage. ’ Section two is the shortest of them all, enumerat ­ ing on a page each “The Seven pillars of the Mazdayasni-Zarathushtri Daena ” (re- A recitation, around 600 words long, ligion). According to the authors, these spells out the Zoroastrian mission and magnificent seven are asha (righteous- message, explaining and hailing the im- ness), atash (holy fire), bunak pasbani mutable Law of Asha or Righteousness, (preservation of the racial genes). the Voice of the Sublime) by the Parsi poet laureate, Ardeshir F. Khabardar. The five essays may be weak on his- lift the devotee ’s consciousness till he experiences a deep sense of spiritual fulfilment. Desai, an ex-principal of Boys ’ Town, the reputed educational in ­ stitution at Nasik, claims to have put this concept to test at his school, with gratify ­ ing results. Khan has been described by Behram Pithavala in the foreword, as “a devoted and fast developing student of plots to kill him right up to his “glorious the Zarathushtrian lore, and a profound departure ” from the world. scholar in his own right. ” In the first of the three parts that con ­ stitute this book, the authors share the concept of a Zoroastrian service with their readers. The exercise may be un ­ dertaken by a group or family of Parsis, or even by an individual. The guidelines for its performance are similar to the standard Zoroastrian discipline for prayers (perform kusti, face fire, etc). And lest the authors be accused of dis ­ pensing ‘nirangs ’ and claiming miracles of efficacy, there is the statutory an ­ nouncement that the Devotional Exercise is “in no way... designed to serve as a substitute for, or to interfere with... the Khordeh Ave. st a prayers. ” What, then, is the authors ’ Devotional Exercise? If one describes it as a hambandagi, which is a part of our reli ­ gious rites, it would be just a re-inven ­ Homi Taleyarkhan releasing Homage Unto Asho Zarathushtta in the presence of Khan (left) and Desai 36 Parsiana June 1994I the moral malaise afflicting our rulers. The values that won us our freedom have been replaced by muscle power and money power. Honesty is no longer the best policy. Our politicians from the top down have become total strangers to in ­ tegrity, with their consciences calloused beyond repair against the sufferings of their countrymen. Sycophancy is the key that opens all doors. The rule of law is fasv losing its primacy. Perjury has be ­ come a fact of. Indian life, with people in A nation in peril Burjor K. Karanjia We, the Nation — The Lost Decades by Nani A. Palkhivala. Published in 1994 by UBS Publish ­ ers ’ Distributors Ltd, 5 Ansari Road, New Delhi 110002. Pp xxi + 332. Price: Rs 75. reasons for the choice are concise and There could be no more incisive, tren- (jlear. chant and fairer critic of the deterioration The concluding section and the largest in Indian public life than Nani Palkhivala part of the book is a selection from the who agrees with Lord Keynes that high positions perjuring themselves all Khordeh Avesta rendered in both “words ought to be a little wild because the time. Devanagari (Hindi) and Roman scripts, they represent the assault for the benefit of Parsis “especially of the of thought upon the un- younger generation not familiar with the thinking. ” At the same Gujarati script. ” The transliteration of time Palkhivala believes. Avestan prayers into Devanagari is wel- with characteristic fervor, come, as it is difficult to render them that if the Indian people with the correct pronunciation in En ­ glish. Since the authors are firm believ ­ ers in the maanthric efficacy of our prayers, the inclusion of such a section was inevitable. The concept, however, is not original, though the authors are silent about who carried out the transliteration. At least one Devanagari transliteration past glory, has been attempted before, published by 1.. 1?72 A. F. Taraporewala (8 West Mada Princeton University, New Church Street, Madras 600013) in 1970, Jersey (USA) conferred Palkhivala: only character containing four Yashts; and later, in 1973,18 Yashts. Desai-Khan ’s selection is more lim ­ ited (the Ava Nyaish, besides a host of fender of constitutional liberties, cham- other smaller prayers, and the Yashts are 1 ' ¦* missing), but seems to follow the same c -------------- , text and pronunciation indices. In a more in that he possesses the same qual- at least one gold medal... The work of this nature it is very important ity which he admires in that great judge criminalization of politics and the de ­ dokhmenashini (disposal of the dead by exposure to natural elements), kriyakam (liturgical ceremonies and rites), maanthravani (chanting of prayers) and sudreh-kusti. Though all Zoroastrians may not agree that equal importance should be placed on these seven out ­ ward manifestations of the faith, it must be mentioned that the authors ’ ceremonies lay store by what he lists as the seven pillars of re ­ designed India they, the people rather than their governments, can help the country to recover its lost soul and rediscover its When in 1978 the the honorary degree of endures Doctor of Laws on Palkhi ­ vala, the citation described him as “de- Palkhi- Divisiveness, vala calls the AIDS of In ­ dia. But let Palkhivala de ­ scribe the malaise in his own words, for if his vora ­ cious reading makes him master of the apt quota ­ tion, he is equally master of the telling, often searing phrase: “The explanation for our endless predica ­ ment is to be found in the basic fact that we are born of risen apes, not of fallen angels... ” “Over the years, tax evasion has been the national sport of India... ” “It may be regarded as a good budget in bad times, though it might have ranked as a bad budget in good times... ” “If litigation _________ „ , were to be included in the next Olym- economic developer. ” He is all these and pics, India would be certain of winning more in that he possesses the same qual- at least one gold medal... ” “Ths text and pronunciation indices. pion of human rights, teacher, author and that attention is paid at the proof-reading and educationist. Sir Asutosh Mookerjee, plorably low moral tone of our public life stage. This, unfortunately, is not the case “the highest kind of integrity — the in- are the direct consequences of the failure with the book under review. For ex- tegrity of scholarship. ” to impart value-based education... ” “Our ample, in the very first stanza of the Atash Nyaish, the ‘dh ’ in Ahurahe hudhao is rendered in Hindi as a soft ‘d. ’ Other examples may be cited. ¦ ¦ ¦ ’. his reading which stimulates his keen Perhaps ^e authors should consider and analytical mind, and enables him to bringing out the Devotional Exercise argue from a position of strength, almost section as a separate booklet. The work of invincibility. would be sure to find a place in our agiaries and prayer halls abroad, and probably even jostle for space with the Kookadaru portraits in devout Zoroastri ­ ans ’ shirt pockets. If the authors could waive the strin ­ gent guidelines for undertaking this exer ­ cise, it could become the Zoroastrians ’ answer not only to the Christian mass, but also to the Hanuman Chalisa or Gayatri Mantra, recited by members of national development. The UN Develop- another faith as a spiritual energizer on their way to work in crowded trains and buses. If We, the Nation, like its predecessor politicians in power have a vested inter- We, the People, bears witness to one est in illiteracy. The more illiterate the quality above all others, it is the extent of populace, the less chances of the truth his reading which stimulates his keen becoming known to them. ” But Palkhivala is not only scathing and witty, he is also wise: “Character is integrity plus altruism. Fame is vapor; popularity an accident; riches take wings; and those who cheer you today will curse (you) tomorrow. Only one Our failures, according to Palkhivala, are many. We have allowed our num ­ bers to multiply at “holocaustic ” rates, so that today we lay claim to 15 percent of thing endures — character. ” the world ’s population with only 1.5 percent of the world ’s income. We Despite all the criticism, Palkhivala sees the country ’s immense potential in, have failed, unforgivably, in spite of among other things, its attainment of the the promise made by the founding 10th position among industrialized na- fathers, in educating our people and in using education as an instrument of tions, in its nuclear reactors and satellites in space, and in its success in exploding a nuclear device. To realize this poten ­ tial he advocates re-designing India on ment Report places India at the bot ­ tom of the list: 123rd out of 160 the basis of what he calls the seven pil- countries. But deeper than these is lars — a sense of national identity, main- 37 Parsiana June 1994an- taken steps, in civil or criminal proceed ­ ings, to charge Mehta with defamation. That was the honest thing to do. wasn ’t done. In this atmosphere of doom, the degraded by greedy, selfish, unscrupu- country ’s past offers some solace, par- ’ ¦ ticu larly in the lives of great men re ­ called in an inspiring section of the book. It lions who, humble and nameless, the straight, hard pathway plod. ” Its signifi ­ cance is in the mirror it holds up to how these millions have been deceived and tenance of law and order, family plan ­ ning, education, particularly female edu ­ cation, egalitarianism and socially re ­ sponsible business. He believes that this could transform the country, “the poor ­ house of Asia, ” into “the power-house of the continent. ” Can these pillars at all stand, one wonders, on the shifting sands of values degraded beyond redemption, with popu ­ list strategies freely resorted to, every ­ thing being offered to everyone in the hope of gaining votes. The recent hikes on essential commodities show how hypocritical are the government ’s prom ­ ises about people ’s welfare. The Con ­ sumer Guidance Society calls these hikes “absolutely unjustified and immoral; ” an editorial in the widely read and respon ­ sible Navakaal compares the government to a gangster who forces himself into someone ’s house and loots everything. As if to rub salt into the common man ’s wounds, the much tom-tomed Prime Minister ’s austerity plan nounced at the National Development Council meeting three years ago (with the promise: “I think the final picture will be better than what has been at ­ tempted at any time before ”) has gone haywire, with expenditure on central ministers shooting up, believe it or not, by over 400 percent. The total expendi ­ ture of central ministers on account of salaries, travelling and other allowances rose from Rs 9.12 crores in 1991-92 to ________ __________ , Rs 35.55 crores during 1992-93. The Palkhivala contemplates the insignifi- cabinet, the secretariat, government of ­ fices. public undertakings, have all been overblown beyond recognition. In this mindless extravaganza, the common man is being trod underfoot. Thomas Jefferson said: “I tremble for my species when I reflect that God is just. ” One trembles for our politicians. They need to be commended to God ’s mercy rather than His justice. Palkhivala gives examples of danger ­ ous precedents which devalue democracy _ , „ _____________ piling up ominously, like the dismissal of ridicule. Quite the contrary, these hap- governors. The abolition of privy purses he considers evidence that we have no sense of honor towards our own country- . men. He points out the absurdity of add ­ ing the highest court in the country to de ­ cide questions of history or archeology. About the allegation of Harshad Mehta ’s payment to the PM, Palkhivala is quite specific. If the charge was true, the PM by admitting it could have uti ­ lized the opportunity to highlight the role amendments, also in the leuer. But there of money power in elections. If the charge was false, the PM should have lous and corrupt men in power. We, the Nation will make all thinking Indians reflect on their countrymen ’s fate from Adi Shankaracharya whom he calls and on its causes, of which “low arousal ” “builder of the empire of the spirit ” to i ” ____ Naoroji P. Godrej who is paid the finest Palkhivala writes is the belief that only" of all compliments to an industrialist, ' ' •" that of having created enormous wealth for the nation while spending little of it on himself. Others included in his gallery of greats are Dadabhai Naoroji, the first Indian member of the House of Commons, Sardar Vallabhai Patel, the great consoli ­ dator, Chief Justice Mehr Chand Maha ­ jan, Dr B. R. Ambedkar, Sumant Mool- gaokar, N. P. Birla and Ramnath Goenka. Emerson wrote of Goethe: “There must be a man behind the book. ” As an added attraction Palkhivala ’s book offers an insight into the spiritual side of his na ­ ture. A follower of Satya Sai Baba and devout admirer of Shri Aurobindo, he credits the latter with having foreseen, way back in 1916 when the first World War was raging, the birth of those unify ­ ing forces which have now led to the for ­ mation of the European Economic Com- nings, ” Books, Parsiana, November munity. Commenting on Aurobindo ’s 1986). The Quadrangular and later, Pen- i tangular com ­ munity mat ­ ches played in Bombay in the first part of this century, always had a Parsi f contingent pro ­ viding compe ­ tition and cheer in equal mea ­ sure. And it De Vitre: livens up cricket was a Parsi, views that man is a half-conscious leader in a march to some sort of a world state, 38 Parsiana June 1994 is one. Unwritten, but underlying all that when roused will our people cease to be denied. The right pitch Homi Rogers Willow Tales — The lighter side of Indian Cricket by Fredun De Vitre. Published by The Marine Sports Publishing Division, 63A Gokhale Road (North), Dadar, Bombay 400028. Pp: 84. Price' Rs 25. The community ’s predilection for cricket is only matched by the Parsi penchant to hear or narrate a good story about the game. The very first cricket team from India to tour England was of Parsis (refened to as “India ’s Hambledon Men, ” see review, “The winning in ­ nings, ” Books, cance of man — “an unfinished cre ­ ation... a caricature of man-to-be ” — in the scheme of things. In the book ’s introduction, fittingly entitled ‘Are We Masters of Our Fate? ’ he recalls certain happenings within his knowledge for which science or rational ­ ization can offer no explanation. Declar ­ ing that nothing is farther from his mind than to write his autobiography, he records these incidents at the risk, he A.F.S. ‘Bobby ’ says, of exposing himself to thoughtless Talyarkhan, who was ranked as a doyen 1 amongst commentators for his splendid narrations of events on and off the field. Hence it is only apt that a new book on the lighter side of cricket should be compiled and authored'by a member of the Zoroastrian faith. Willow Tales .by our philosophy. Fredun De Vitre is a slim publication (84 The Constitution of India is a noble pages), packed with a fair amount of document, “reared for immortality, ” which our all-too-mortal rulers have vio ­ lated in spirit and, through a hundred jokes, states De Vitre in his preface. It is , 1 - --- 1 Z— _..-4 a book of anecdotes which De Vitre, are the people. The book ’s inspiration is delving into the Webster dictionary for a to be found in its dedication “to the mil- definition of the word, tells us is a “short penings bear witness to his breadth of vi ­ sion and the openness of his mind. They make fascinating reading and drive home the fact that there are more things in heaven and earth than are dreamt of in ‘sixers ’ and, let ’s add, ‘bouncers ’ as well. The book is not a compilation ofaccount of an interesting or amusing in ­ cident or event, often biographical. ” De Vitre, readers may recall, was one of the youngest cricket commentators in India (he was just 21 when he delivered his first ‘Test ’ commentary in 1973), and Bombay Doordarshan ’s first producer and presenter of an eminently popular playing his flair for cusswords. In one of Sports Round-Up. His tales are a wel- them the colorful Parsi colloquialism tara come addition to sports literature. The baap nu su jayech ‘stumped ’ (no pun in ­ book brings together many choice, un ­ heard stories from cricketing greats like Ken Barrington, Nari Contractor, Bishen Singh Bedi, and gems from commenta ­ tors like the legendary John Arlott and Suresh Saraiya, to plain afficionados of episode to be as flashy in his lifestyle as field. Bilimoria, an umpire of the ’60s, demon ­ strates the Parsi characteristic of refusing that Pavri had made the lofty shot! He to be intimidated when, in answer to a ement, while a few border on the risque. Together, of course, they make for a col ­ lection that is sure to bowl one over. Many a juicy tale is told by, or in ­ volves a Parsi player. Rusi Surti, later discriminated against on racial grounds in AusU'alia, features in two episodes dis- the game. The anecdotes have been pleasantly grouped under five headings: teammates, touring, characters, commen ­ tary and captains; and the mandatory ‘ex ­ tras ’ in cricketing terminology take care burly English player ’s gruff demand to ..... .... ' know on what grounds he had been de ­ clared out, he replied, “On this, the his ­ toric Bombay Gymkhana grounds. Sir. ” Contractor narrates many a tale. cious delivery felled Contractor, and put an end to his career. Some of the more amusing anecdotes are narrated by Kersi Minocher-Homji, the Zoroastrian statistician from Down Under and author of a new book. Out For A Duck. He refers to one cricketer, nick ­ named Teetoree Pav because of his love for this delicacy of lentils and bread. An ­ other ancient anecdote tells of bowler tended) Australian captain Bill Lawry Dossu Bulsara, who was hit for a colossal when Surti ran down the pitch berating shot by batsman Faram Pavri which him with a literal English translation of cleared the Azad Maidan, the main road the phrase: “Your father — what goes? ” Farokh Engineer comes across in one municipal building. Pavri was justifiably proud of his mighty hit, but more so was Hormusjee Bulsara, claiming that he had created a record because it was off his bowling and rebounded from the wall of the old of th.?, additional tid-bits. One ’s only re ­ gret is that De Vitre did not expand his parameters to 11 headings, to provide us with a whole team of anecdotes! The narrated willow tales cover a though the one readers would have liked wide spectrum of time and a gamut of human emotions. Some of them are plain touching, others have a slapstick el- to know more about is sadly missing. But then, probably, there can be no lighter side to the match in which a fero- even had the distance travelled by the ball measured by municipal attendants. De Vitre ’s book, well illustrated with sketches by Austin Coutinho, fills a void in publications on Indian cricket. If one could criticize the book, it would be only for the sins of omission and commission. But then, for those tales that have ‘slip ’ped through the author ’s pen, is there not hope for a ‘second innings? ’ Best Wishes From RUSY & PURVIZ SHROFF 39 Parsiana June 1994MILESTONES The age of Zoroastrian brides (as listed in this issue) ranged between 22 and 35 years, the arithmetic mean (the total num ­ ber of individual ages divided by the total number of brides) being 26 years. The correspond ­ ing figures for the grooms were 23 and 48 years, averaging at 31 years. There were 16 births in Bombay in April as compared to 58 deaths. The major killer — heart disease — claimed 17 lives of whom five were above the age of 80. Nine victims fell supplied by four hospitals; Rupina Rustom Irani and Fredy prey to pneumonia and lung dis- ' ’ ’ ’ ease while four each succum ­ bed to diabetes and cancer. Bronchitis and brain disease took a toll of three lives each and hypertension and shock of two. There were 11 isolated cases registered last month. They were: Hypoxia (dimin ­ ished amount of oxygen in the arterial blood), septicemia, tu ­ berculosis, fracture, haemo ­ rrhage and shock due to injury to vital organs, kidney failure, anemia, intestinal perforation, hypothyroidism, and haematemesis (vomiting of blood). Two stillborn babies were also lost to the community. In the case of one death the coroner ’s report was still pend ­ ing. As compared to 43 years which was the youngest age at death, the oldest to breathe her Kashmira Dosoo Khandiwalla last was a 96-year-old lady. The data on births, marriages and deaths has been compiled Farinaz Nariman Shroff and from information supplied by Marzin Roomi Shroff-, April 16 various newsletters and an- Roshni Minoo Baria and jumans in India and abroad, Hoshang Darra Contractor, courts and hospitals. We are un- April 17 able to carry data from areas Daisy Jamshed Irani and where the anjumans do not fur- Jehangir Dervish Irani; nish the particulars. This infor- April 17 mation is not always complete Benaifer Palanji Bajina and or consistent. For example, the Khushroo Noshir Bhandari; birth figures for Bombay are April 19 Bharthania; April 14 and Minocher Manecksha Deboo-, April 15 BOMBAY Born A boy to Shanaz and Farokh Commissariat on April 1,1994 A girl to Binaifer and Yezdi Sopariwala; April 3 A boy to Farida and Adil Sahukar; April 6 A girl to Jasmin and Behram Siganporia; April 8 A boy. to Teenaz and Dinyar Siganporia; April 9 A boy to Pervana and Dara Mistry, April 13 A girl to Perveen and Piyush Sanghvi', April 14 A boy to Bakhtavar and Darius Katrak-, April 15 A girl to Roshni and Phiroze Paruhaki-, April 15 A girl to Munira and Jamshed Banaji, April 19 A girl to Havovi and Sheriar Irani, April 20 births in suburban hospitals Fili Mistry-, April 19 and private nursing homes are Firoza Khushru Vakil and not included unless individuals Turzen Homi Bhamgara-, send us information together April 20 with a copy of the birth certifi- Ava Russa Ginwalla and cate. There may be an inadvert- Jehangir Dhanjishaw Mistri-, ent repetition of names in the April 20 marriage list when a civil mar- Keshmira Dali Parekh and riage precedes a religious cer- Lohrasp Soli Anklesaria-, emony. In the breakup of deaths April 21 according to illnesses, espe- ~ cially of the elderly, death is of ­ ten due to a combination of sev ­ eral diseases. If readers have any births/ Vispy Jal Engineer; April 24 malnutrition marriages/deaths they would Banoo Firooze Colabavala like published, some proof to and Maneck Minoo Udwadia-, ensure the veracity of the report April 24 would be required. We are sure Azmy Pesi Bharucha and Vispi our readers would appreciate Jamie Birdi-, April 25 this requirement and cooperate Kashmira Godrej Bharda and with us. Godrej Aspi Irani-, April 29 ___________________________ Prochi Homi Daruwala and Adil Pallonji Khambata; April 29 Tanaz Noshir Darulduinawalla and Adil Minocher Bhesarua-, April 24 Beruiifer Jehanbux Mistry and 40 Parsiana June 1994 A. boy to Binaifer and Navroze Avari, April 21 A girl to Shernaz and Adil Anklesaria-, April 22 A boy to Roshni and Firdosh Bhathena-, April 22 A girl to Shernaz and Jamshed Umrigar, April 22 A boy, Farzan, to Shirin and Farokh Poonawalla-, April 30 Married Nazneen Caw as Wadia and Murad Dara Daruwalla-, March 1 Khushnuma Dara Rupa of British Columbia, Canada and Gilan Plumarz Ferzandi, April 9 Havovi Hoshang Bhandara oi Deolali and Hormazd Hosi Kotwai, April 9 Khureshan Jehangir Mandviwalla and Farhad Dadi 795, Dosal Mans, Jame Jamshed Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; April 3 Goolcher Bomansha Anklesaria (67), VH26, Rustom Baug, Victoria Rd, Byculla, 400027; April 4 Bahadur Faramroz Daruwalla (58), 208, Panchai Ngr, Nallasopara (W), Dist Thane, 400601; April 4 Gool Tehmuresh Daruwalla (69) 22, Munsiff Bldg, Captain Clny, Tardeo, 400034; April 4 Mithoo Soli Vakil (il), m/B, Pali Hill, Sai Rd, Bandra (W), 400050; April 5 Rohinton Meherwanji Cassiruzth (61), 26IC, Nepean Sea Rd, 400036; April 8 Sorab Hormasji Jehangirji Kanga (80), Hormuzd Bldg, Noshir Bharucha Marg, Grant Rd, 400007; April 8 Rusi Fardunji Katrak (JK), Cjo Ms Farrokh F. Kerawala, 622, Palia Mans, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; April 8 Hoshang Dinshaw Patel (62), 15/B, Sagar Sangeet, Colaba, 400005; April 9 Dinoo Phiroze Patel (62), 5/15, Capadia Bldg, A. H. Wadia Baug, G. D. Ambedkar Marg, Parel, 400033; April 11 Baby boy of Rashna Hoshi Tantra (stillborn). Noman Manzil, 141, Tardeo Rd, 400034; April 11 Dhanjishaw Bomanshaw Todywalla (43), 80, Ardesher Dadi St, Khetwadi, 400004; April 12 Sorab Rustom Baria (87), 147, Lentin Hse, Lamington Cross Rd, 400007; April 13 Mdneckshaw Dinshawji Karbhari (67), Q-6, S. B. Bharucha Baug, S. V. Rd, Andheri (W), 400058; April 13 Died Perin Homi Mistry (61), residing at 17, Tarachand Bldg, Gamadia Clny, Tardeo, 400007; April 1 Jal Manchershaw Dover (JI), 91/A, Miramar, 3, Nepean Sea Rd, 40(X)36; April 2 Gool Rustum Joshi (74), Panday Freny Kaikhasharoo Mukadam Bglw, Pandey Rd, Colaba, 400005; April 2 Rustom Dhunjisha Patel (72), 2A/33, Brindavan Soc, Thane, 400601; April 2 Behram Burjore Surti (59), 13, Rustom Baug, Victoria Rd, Byculla, 400027; April 2 Hoshung Hormusji Balsara (78), J-31, Cama Park, Cama Rd, Andheri (W), 400058; April 3 Aloo Jehangir Jassawala (83), (67), E/15, Rustom Baug, Victoria Rd, Byculla, 400027; April 13 Faradoon Faramroz Taraporewalla (78), 815, Engineer Bldg, Jame Jamshed Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; April 13 Freny Jehanbux Madon (96), 12, Khushnuma Apts, Altamount Rd, 400026; April 15 Perviz Kaikashroo Dover (78),I 1 I D2/55, S. B. Bharucha Baug, S. V. Rd, Andheri (W), 400058; April 16 Makie Noshir Desai (80), T-14, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039; April 16 Dhun Homi Lakadia (72), Wadia Bldg, Marazban Clny, Dr A. Nair Rd, 400011; April 16 Limjee Kaikhushroo Panday (78), 30, Hampton Court, 125, Wodehouse Rd, Col aba, 400005; April 16 Najamai Faramroze Panthaki (78), 657, Firdosi Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; April 16 Dina Behram Vatcha (70), C/o Mr S. P. Gandhi, 804/A, Dr Ambedkar Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; April 16 Per in Jamshedji Kolah (76), 604, Mahavir Apts II, Off J. P. Rd, Andheri (W), 400058; April 17 Mahabanoo Pesi Kotwall (67), 112, Aderbad, 23, Hughes Rd, 400007; April 17 Hirabai Hormusjee Patel (94), Patel Bldg, Wadia St, Tardeo, 400034; April 17 BaiuOO Godrej Mistry (79), 12, Bhedwar Bldg, Khan Est, Mahim, 400016; April 18 Dara Maneherji Void (65), Beach View Apts, 604, Chimbai St, Bandra (W), 400050; April 18 Meherbai Ardeshir Bagwadia (85), A-10, Rustom Baug, Victoria Rd, Byculla, 400027; April 19 Rati Pestanji Belgaumwala (81), Dinar Bldg, 20, Station Rd, Santacruz (W), 400054; April 19 Baby of Beheroze Yezdi Cooper (stillborn) 347/C, United Chmbs, Grant Rd, 400007; April 19 Katy Dinyar Daruwala (63), M/8, Nowroz Baug, Lalbaug, 400012; April 20 Katy Minoo Dastoor (59), Meher Khusro Villa, 105, Swami Vivekanand Rd, Khar, 400052; April 20 Najamai Bomans haw Hodiwala (77), West View Bldg, Uran- walla St, Grant Rd, 400007; April 20 Katy Merwan Irani (Afzady) {Cl), 7, Tata Hsg Co-op Soc, Elphinstone Rd, Parel, 400012; April 20 Adil Dins haw Kapadia (45), 648, Kaka Bldg, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; April 20 Peshotan Cursetjee Omrigar (95), G/2, Shapur Baug, V. P. Rd, 400004; April 20 Dolly Rustomji Tata (76), D, Dalal Est, Bombay Central, 400008; April 20 Eruch Jehangirji Kheshwala (67), C/o Narielwala Agiary, Naigaum Cross Rd, Dadar, 400014; April 21 Tehmina Pestonji Siganporia (82), Petit Bldg, Opp Grant Rd Rly Stn, 400007; April 21 Dhunjisha Jamshedji Mistry (76), 19, Dawoodi Mans, 1st Cross Sleater Lane, 400007; April 24 Nariman Framji Madon (88), B, Seervai Bldg, 20-G, Sleater Rd, 400007; April 25 Behram Khurshedji Motiwala (68), 757, Jashan Committee Bldg, Rd no 7, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; April 25 Gool Darasha Tata (81), 7, Oval View, Maharishi Karve Rd, 400020; April 25 Cawasji Bapooji Bhandari (67), 0/8, S. B. Bharucha Baug, S. V. Rd, Andheri (W), 400058; April 26 Coomi Nariman Dapoliwalla (81), R-15, Danawalla Bldg, Ganesh Galli, Lalbaug, 400012; April 26 Mehru Jehangir Printer (61), Sheridon Hse, August Kranti Marg, 400036; April 27 Shirin Dinshaw Gilani (Irani) (70), 5, Gulmanor Bldg, Opp Telephone Bhavan, Strand Rd, Colaba, 400005; April 28 Mehroo Nadirshaw Kapadia (84), 45, Shirin Hse, Chimbai Rd, Bandra, 400050; April 28 Homai Kaikhushroo Tafti (Irani) (76), Ambawadi Bglw, Matarpakhdi Cross Lane, Mazgaon, 400010; April 28 Ardeshir Edulji Dordi (85), 5, Lady Meherbai Tata Bldg, S. V. Rd, Bandra, 400050; April 29 Jijibhoy Sorabji Achhadwalla (93), E-9/12, Godrej Staff Qtrs, Vikhroli (W), 400079; April 30 CALCUTTA Born A boy to Gaver and Part ha Chatterjee-, April 11 For Pure Diamonds JEWELLERS 324, Grant Road, Bombay 400007. Telephone 3099648 Fax 3073483 APPOINTED VALUERS BY THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA 41 Parsiana June 1994Married Shernaz Bulsara and Yezdiar Bamji-, March 29 Crystal Johnson and Burjor Surti-, April 5 Soli Naoroji Hazari {1A}-, March 19 NAGPUR Married Mahrukh Noshir J ilia and Armin F. Dastur, April 3 SURAT Died Farhad Burjorji Mithaiwala (38), Faram Mohollo, Rustompura, 395002; April 22 *** AUSTRALIA New South Wales Married Leigh Butt and Fall Umrigar, UK London Born A girl, Anahita, to AZjcm and Maneck Bhof, October 31, 1993 A boy, Nikzad, to Ashraf and Farokh Falahati\ November 2 A girl, Shiraz, to Tanaz and Boorzeen Kootar, November 10 A boy, TIshtar, to Arna- waz and Jashi Mogab, February 2, 1994 A girl to Daisy and Kersi Dholoo, sister to Tanya; February 28 October 15 Phiroze Medora (83), husband of Meher and father of Hector and Viraf; March 13, 1994 Tehmurasp Vatcha (82), hus ­ band of Khorshed and father of Jehan, Ratan and Aloo; April 17 USA California Born A girl to Susan and Jimmy Vevaina-, October 23, 1993 A boy, Alexander, to Annette and Farhad Arjani, November 14 A boy , Varun, to Bakhtawar and Rayomand Bhada-, January 6, 1994 Las Vegas Died Manek Mobed (80), of Karachi- April 21 Leonardtown, Maryland Born A girl, Charlene, to Cover and Sheriar Demehri-, February 15 April 8 Sydney Born Twins (boys), Cyrus and Darius, to Mahrukh and Phiroz Sagar, January 8 CANADA Toronto Married Rati Khambatta, daughter of Katy and Maneck and Eddie Writer of Heston, Middlesex, London, son of Freny and Hoshang; December 18, 1993 IRAN Tehran Died ArdeshirAzargoshasb (90), February 6, 1994 Married Ava Engineer, daughter of Roshan and Minoo and Cyrus Madon of Ontario, Canada, son of Freny and Savak; November 6, 1993 Ava Desai, daughter of Maharukh and Freddie and Khurshed Dehnugara, son of Roshan and Adil; December 11 Died Aloo Engineer (82), mother of Died Tezdi Mehta, husband of Khurshid and father of Sherazad and Darius; December 25, 1993 Cherry Hill, New Jersey Born A boy, Arish, to Roshni and Percy Kanga, brother to Monaz and Cyrus; March 15, 1994 Mountain Valley, California Died Firooz Kermani {15}, husband of Parvin and father of Giti, Farida and Roxanna; April 10 New York Born A girl, Amy, to Laura and Percy Mistry, March 9 Rusi, Minoo and Homai; Chino Hills, California Born A boy, Piran, to Benaifer and Hanoz Mehta-, April 24 San Diego Died Firoze Sethna (84), father of Prochi, Behroze, Dolly and Firoza; February 8 Texas Born A girl, Mont reh, to Parichehr and Siroos Nariman-, January 8 Compiled by Roxana A. Driver PAKISTAN Karachi Born A girl, Zeritta, to Spenta and Rustom Mavalvala-, January 30 Died Franey Nusserivanji Cooper {(>(>)-, February 1 Min JO Edulji Marker (69); February 7 . Mohta D. Patel (81); February 10 Nusserwanji Cowasji Wadia (86), February 17 Goola Jija Elavia (J(>}-, February 23 Shorab Maneckji Bhathela {69}-, February 27 Tehmlnci NurifHan Kuranjia {15}-, March 16 Narges Byramji Divecha {(>6}-, March 18 born Boys Girls A TOTALS FOR 1993 AND Bombay B India World 42 Parsiana June 1994 C A B C A B C 8 8 137 135 33 38 1 7 4 2 1 8 8 married Parsi Intercommunal DIED CONSIGNED Males Females CREMATED Males Females A: Total numbers in this issue (February 1993-June 1994 issues) 1994-June 1994 issues) 39 43 7 6 19 25 33 324 79 563 524 2 6 135 24A 146 144 5 1 2 1 1 12 4 99 76 1 3 2 3 1 19 6 2 14 11 11 6 52 39 19* 10* C: Running totals for 1994 (February-March ''Males married out - 13 Females married out - 11 crJS^® ‘=o"signed column as Parsiana does These figures pertain to information — ‘ ' number of births, r ' not have any breakup of fhose -Hflin to intormalion providod or collected hv Parcian^ tk marriages and deaths in the Zoroastrian comm^uSfy^Xdia^^^^^^^IN MEMORIAM standing at all stages giving them his pro ­ tection and valuable advice in tackling difficult and challenging problems, ’’noted a resolution passed by the Delhi-based officers of the All India S ervices and of the Assam-Meghalaya Cadre at a condolence meeting convened by them. “A chief secretary who walks on foot from his bungalow to the secretariat. Who comes at 10 a.m. sharp and his subordi ­ nates too have to follow his example. Who treats a peon the same way he treats an IAS, and who tries to understand the psyche of the tribe before he even attempts to admin ­ ister it. Where will you find such a civil servant today? ’’ Commending his prin ­ ciples and values was a front page article that appeared in The Meghalaya Guardian 10 days after his demise. On a hill station, one must walk. His wife Avi remembers his rationale for es ­ chewing vehicles. And accompanying him to work each day would be his dog. Othello had become famous because his commit ­ ment matched his master ’s dedication. He would spend the entire day at the office even if Rustomji was away on vacation! The daughters too had to walk to school. So what if the weather was rough. “They should be made tough! ” would be his re ­ sponse to his wife if she made a plea on behalf of the daughters. Only in exception ­ ally bad climatic conditions would a car be permitted when all the children in the compound, the cook ’s and bearer ’s in ­ cluded, would be herded into the vehicle. The daughters were treated to a gener ­ ous share of outings and picnics when they were children. But come Sunday, and it was time for a lecture from their father who never ceased to remind them how they should be counting their blessings each day, youngest daughter Shahnaz Slater (Rustomji had one daughter, Tusna, by his first wife Hilla who died within 13 months of their marriage and two daughters, Rashne and Shahnaz, by Avi) remembers some of the lessons ingrained by Rustomji. “If you have to do something, don ’t wait to be told to do it... Give when it pinches, not when you have excess, ” he believed. He enjoyed the comforts that life brought him..Yet administrator.L(whose) valuable contribu- sance to be avoided rather than a challenge absence of these would not make him tion...will always be remembered. ” In and an opportunity to show our mettle. Bhutan, a thousand lamps were lit in honor There is so much adventure in these hills of its erstwhile adviser. Nari Kaikhoshru Rustomji ’s deteriorating health and subse ­ quent death on November 28,1993 at the co-workers. “He has set an enviable ex- i ¦ ¦¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ H ¦ ¦ ifeii ’•^' MB ¦ i III B Mw r i •• The Dewan of Sikkim Parinaz Gandhi and whose potentiality he had nurtured during his nearly four decades of involve- The Assam secretariat suspended opera ­ tions for a day r.s a mark of tribute to its former chief secretary. The Meghalaya ment with the Indian Civil Service. * chief minister referred to the state ’s first " chief secretary as “an able and efficient culties and dangers of our work as a nui- “We too often tend to regard the diffi- yearn for more. Keep your needs to a minimum if you want to be happy, he and our officers should not let opportunity urged, never failing to appreciate the Bud ­ slip by, ” Rustomji tried to impress upon his dhist monk whom he had once encoun- ' tered who was content to live with just two age of 74 left a void for the peoples of the ample to his colleagues and younger offic- pieces of garments. Having spentaconsid- northeastem states whom he had befriended ers whom he had guided by gentle under- erable number of years in the Buddhist 43 Parsiana June 1994I milieu of Bhutan and Sikkim, Buddhism is knov/n to have influenced him greatly as tribal people Rustomji was able to evolve cise of translating prose and verse into also the works of J. Krishnamurti and Aurobindo. Rustomji was a witness to the northeast ­ ern areas when they were peaceful and also future of the tribal people of the frontier, I easier to pick up a working knowledge of when they were ablaze. He was present have myself been shaped and reshaped in other languages also. Apart from French during the civil disobedience movement of the process, ” he acknowledged in his book which I studied up to quite a high level in the Mizos in 1948; the massacre of an Enchanted Frontiers. school and university, I have a smattering Assam Rifles column by tribesmen from NEFA (North East Frontier Agency, sub ­ sequently renamed Arunachal Pradesh) in institutions, theirlanguageandtheirsong... and Khasi... And Plato and Aristotle have 1953; the Naga rebellion; the visit of the Our workers must ensure therefore that the taught me not to accept things at their face Dalai and Panchem Lamas to Sikkim in good that is inherent in the institutions of value but to penetrate deeper beyond the 1956 when he was the dewan there; the the hill people is not tainted or substituted Chinese aggression in 1962... Rustomji ’s presence on the northeast ­ ern borders is believed to have paved the way for a smooth transition during the crucial period when the British withdrew from India and again when statehood was conferred on the small kingdoms. “S ikkim ’ s master of compromise ” was the label con ­ ferred on him by the Prince of Sikkim on observing his de wan judiciously discharge his duties as prime minister. As writes Dr Arthur Hughes who was with the Welsh Mission Hospital in economy and way ofthinking. The hillman Shillong, “He will surely be remembered has, essentially, a clean, direct and healthy ment Fellowship that enabled him to visit asapioneerin thedevelopmentof political outlook; he is free, happily, from the mor- thought and practice in relation to the bid complexes induced by the unnatural tribes of northeast India... ” Corroborated life of city folk, ” he added. Stan Nichols Roy who was minister of Meghalaya, “We remember how much he at the tender age ofseven, reared during my tactful and intelligent all at once and had a did for the northeast in so many ways by his formative years in an alien soil, returning, dedication, enthusiasm, hard work and love for the people of the area. ” Almost similar sentiments were ex ­ pressed in the resolution passed by the tribal of today, ” Rustomji had written in government of Assam where Rustomji has his own engaging style, been described as a “brilliant and able administrator (who) discharged his duties grandfather was the prosperous business- most sincerely, conscientiously and with man Ardeshir Byramji Limboowala Coo- the highest degree of efficiency. ” A copy of this resolution signed by the secretary to the government of Assam was marked to Rustomji as in Bombay), he schooled in A champion gymnast during his school 19 other administrative departments of the England when his parents decided to relo- and university days, Rustomji lost much of government. Thepopulacehadfaithinhisjusticeand Latin while he was a student at Bedford fair play because he showed he was ca- School and in due course earned a Classi- pable of booking all offender seven if one cal scholarship to Christ ’s College at Cam- be a member of a legislative assembly as bridge. He was equally brilliant at the ership inspired confidence in the people, happened once when he was trying to rout violin and succeeded at the Choral Exhibi- Among the many persons who admired blackmarketing activities. He had his ways tion offered by Christ ’s College. Of his him was one Adi tribal who as a mark of . of inspiring discipline within the office education he wrote: “The utility of my honor decided that his long-awaited first too. An incident with which his name is Classical equipment has been limited to born be named Rustomji, the baby being immediately associated is when he tried to the translating of inscriptions on tomb born on the very day his father firstencoun- get his shabbily dressed office peons to be stones and public monuments. That is not tered the administrator who was then tour- attired in uniforms. They refused to oblige to say that I regret my Classical education, ing the Mishmi Hills. until one day Rustomji reported to work in It has its limitations, it is true, in a techno- Rustomji is survived by his wife Avi, that same uniform conveying that one must logical age, but then life is not all cabbages and daughters TusnaPark,Rashne Athayde take pride in one ’s work. and carburettors. The Classics have taught and Shahnaz Slater. From his years of experience among the me discipline and clear thinking. The exer- “not only a personal philosophy of life, but equivalent forms in Latin and Greek af- a practical philosophy of work. If I have fords a sharp insight into the basic structure contributed at all to the shaping of the oflanguage and with this insight it has been “Ifwe wish to serve, we must show that of/Bengali, Assamese, Hindi, Nepali, we have respect for the hillmen and their Gujarati, Tibetan, Sikkimese, Bhutanese institutions, their languageandtheirsong... surface in search of ultimate values. ” His by practices that may be ‘modern and first posting as an ICS officer brought him advanced ’ but are totally unsuited to their u I share much of the bewilderment and loss of identity of the tribal of today ” to Sylhet in Assam in 1942 and since then he covered much ground. Besides Enchanted Frontiers, some of his other books to be published by the Oxford University Press were Bhutan — The Dragon Kingdom in Crisis, Imperilled Frontiers and a couple of Verrier Elwin ’s works that he edited. One of his most popular publications was Sikkim—A Hi­ malayan Tragedy. In his post-retirement years he qualified for the Nuffield Founda ­ tion Fellowship and Williamson Endow- Cambridge periodically. One of his schoolmates Dudley Elwes sent a condolence letter from England “Removed from my roots in the Punjab recalling that Rustomji “was sensitive. way of bringing out the best in people at the threshold of man hood to yet another whom he met. His talents never seemed to amalgam of culture — I share much of the arouse jealousy. ” A fellow student from bewilderment and loss of identity of the his Cambridge days, Ted Gawne remi ­ nisced on his “wonderful gift of friendli ­ ness. I remember him on a visit to Windsor Castle accosting anyone who looked re ­ motely Asian and questioning them about their antecedents. I would never have per who founded the Agiary in Lahore daredto...butNarihadaninfectiouswarmth where too prayers are being said for that made people welcome his enquiries. ” A champion gymnast during his school Born in Lahore (Rustomji ’s maternal cate there. He started learning Greek and his agility and vivaciousness following his cerebral hemorrhage. But his friends and associates continued to remember him as he was in the days of yore when his lead- the translating of inscriptions on tomb stones and public monuments. That is not to say that I regret my Classical education. It has its limitations, it is true, in a techno- 44 Parsiana June 1994 L