Sep 1994

’* i J /’S '.n SEPTEMBER 1994 Rs18 J.J.HOSPITAL enduring institutionSeptember 1994 Volume 17 Number 2 EDITOR Jehangir R. Patel MANAGING EDITOR Arnavaz S. Mama EXECUTIVE EDITOR Parinaz M. Gandhi SENIOR EDITOR Dina K. Mehta ASSOCIATE EDITOR Roxana A. Driver 2 Readers* Forum 12 Events and Personalities 20 Zoroastrians Abroad: Dawn of a new era Down Under I DESIGN Kranti M. Shilotri, Varghese W. Fernandez MARKETING DIRECTOR Veera Patel ADVERTISING MANAGER Zarin Mistry ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES Niloufer Panthaky, Susan Joseph FINANCE B. L. Arora 22 J. J. Groupof Hospitals: Past ideals ... future hopes by Noshir Dadrawala 28 "What makes Zoroastrians Zoroastrian?" by Arnavaz Mama 31 "We are getting wiped out" by Dr Fredie Mehta EDP Rohinton E. Daroga MANAGEMENT Jasmine Driver COMPANY SECRETARY Noshir Lawyer DTP Bakhtavar R. Batliwalla, K. P. Ravi, Radha Nair SUBSCRIPTION/CIRCULATION Khurshid Panthaki, Bindu Pillai OFFICE Smitha Nair, Swarupa Kamat OFFICE ASSISTANTS Umesh Poojary, Selvan Mark, Sunil Sakhare, Pramod Patil, GovInd Salgaonkar, Mahipat Jadhav 34 The body in balance by Parinaz Gandhi 36 Books 42 Milestones 44 In Memoriam Cover; The statue of Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy and the Motlibai Hospital (insets) against the interior of the Grant Medical College's original building. Photos: Varghese Fernandez Parsiana is published by Jehangir R. Patel for Parsiana Publications Pvt Ltd at C/o H. L. Rochat, Navsari Chambers, ground floor, 39 A. K. Nayak Marg, Fort, Bombay 400001 and printed by him at Kaiser-E-Hind Pvt Ltd, 300 Perin Nariman Street, Bombay 400001. Color processing. Comart Lithographers; black and white processing Samir Scantech. 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 for one year (10 issues) Rs 150; for two years (20 issues) Rs 275. Foreign subscription rates; Sea mail for one year Rs 375/US $ 13/UK £ 8; for two years Rs 600/US $ 22/UK £ 13 (please allow six months or more for delivery from the time of publication). Air mail for one year Rs 625/ US $ 26/UK £ 16 (tor Pakistan, Indian Rs 350); for two years, Rs 1,150/US $ 50/UK £ 29 (for Pakistan, Indian Rs 650). For Indian upcountry cheques add Rs 10 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 T B ¦ ¦ Readers' views are welcome on any subject of interest to the community and should be sent to the Editor, Readers' Forum, Parsiana, G.P.O. Box 892, Bombay 400001. Letters are subject to editing for reasons of space and clarity. Unsigned letters or those without an address will not be published. been told, without actually studying the the closing. issue and without reading past correspon- • August 1979: Lease agreement signed dence and court documents. For the record whereby Darbe Mehr Zoroastrian Temple, we would like to present the actual facts the “owner ”leasedthepropertytoZAGNY, which are well documented; the “occupant, ” for the sum of $ 1.00. Dr Sarfeh signed on behalf of the Temple. • May 1973: Zoroastrian Association of Greater New York (ZAGNY) was formed as a “not for profit ” corporation. • February 1980: Formation of Rustam Guiv Foundation of New York. • August 1975: Arbab Rustam Guiv wrote • August 1980; Prior to the formation of the to ZAGNY, “It is with great pleasure that Rustam Guiv Foundation of New York, I, Rustam Guiv, president and acting man- ................................. ager of Sazemarie Kheyria Rustam Guiv, of Shah Reza Ave, Kahk Jonubi No 4, Tehran, Iran, a philanthropic organization On August 23, 1980 Arbab wrote to the registered under No 388 of Iranian Law, ZAGNY treasurer, “As you may have been inform you by thisletter,ofourcommitment informed by now, on August 7,19801 have to purchase immediately, a plot of land deposited into the accounts of Rustam approx 316 acres inclusive of a church Guiv Foundation New York, the sum of which has been built on it, and to transfer $ 60,000, the interest of which will be (the) same to the 2toroastrian Association quarterly paid into Zoroastrian Association of Greater New York Inc, to be used as a of Greater New York, for their operating center for Zoroastrian religious, cultural cost by the trustees of the fund. ” and social activities in the New York area andalsoacontributionofyearly$4,500by • October 1980: Arbab Rustam Guiv died us for its annual maintenance. ” Negotiations to buy this property fell through. • August 1975: Arbab Rustam Guiv wrote Arbab Guiv himself sent a contribution of $ 1,250 every quarter to ZAGNY to cover the costs of maintaining the Darbe Mehr. on October 7,1980. • 1984: The trustees of the Guiv Founda ­ tion unilaterally stopped sending the inter- • June 1976: Dr Sarfeh received a letter est from the $ 60,000. from his attorney , Charles Seidenstein Esq, stating that he anticipated tax problems unless title to the property was in the name of a “religious corporation. ” He included Deed and demanded that the trustees of the " ' '' ' ” ¦ ¦ "—'1 and hand over ownership of the property to the Foundation. The Temple trustees ap ­ propriately refused to do so. • January 1985: Trustees of the Rustam Guiv Foundation presented a Quitclaim instructions and procedures necessary for Darbe Mehr Zoroastrian Temple sign it incorporation of a religious corporation. “Sarfeh: devotion to a cause” We, the trustees of the Darbe Mehr Zoro ­ astrian Temple located in New Rochelle, New York would like to bring to your attention factual errors in the article —,------- . “Sarfeh: devotion to a cause ” (In Memo- donatedproperty.ArbabGuivandDrSarfeh Foundation to transfer the ownership of the riam, Parsiana, September-December were two of the six original trustees. property to them. 1993). We refer to the paragraph which quotes Dr Daryoush Jahanian, chairman of the Guiv Foundation. “As events proved later as well as trustee of Darbe Mehr Zoroas- (several years after Guiv ’s death), the Guiv i----------- --------------- „ _ Foundation lost the suit filed by ZAGNY the property in New Rochelle and that it courts agreed with the Temple position and against it in the Court of Justice in three “should be immediately renovated and •••••-' • ’ u.... stages due to lapse of time. In this situation redesigned to make it ‘Darbe Mehr Zoro- nobody knows to whom the Darbe'Mehr astrian Temple. ’” belongs or whether ZAGNY is going to sell ments: it or not. ” • May 1977: New Rochelle property was - ZAGNY did not file any law suits. It was This statement is so blatantly incorrect purchased by the religious_corporation the Foun^tionthat fil^aJ^Uaw suits against that we can only presume that Dr Jahanian was merely repeating what he may have • August 1976: Under Arbab ’s instruc ­ tions the “Darbe Mehr Zoroastrian Temple ” was incorporated as a religious corpora- _ ;___"J ’March 1987: Trustees of the Temple and tion, for the purpose of holding title to the ZAGNY were served a legal notice by the • September 1976: Arbab wrote to Mr • March 1987 to June 1991: Litigation Erach Munshi, then president of ZAGNY continued in the courts. The Foundation ~ ¦ '' ¦ " - filed a total of three separate law suits, trian Temple, instructing him to purchase including appeals, and in all cases the • May 1977: New Rochelle property was 2 Parsiana September 1994 denied the Foundation ’s petition to have the ownership of the property transfened. Hence, to correct Dr Jahanian ’s state ­ “Darbe Mehr Zoroastrian Temple. ” Dr both the Temple and ZAGNY, who had no Sarfeh and Mr Munshi were both present at alternative but to defend the law suits.r The statement that “nobody knows to to henceforth work together in preserv- no doubt, revere his name, whom the Darbe Mehr belongs or whether ing our faith. Customs and practices which in time ZAGNY is going to sell it or not ” is ex- DiLovji cama, astad j, clubwalla.homid. become tradition, along with religion are tremely irresponsible particularly when gandhi. Dr (Ms) yasmln j . ghadiau, ardeshir all vital in the making of a human being, stated by the chairman of the Guiv Founda- kiamanesh . Dr noshir langrana That being so, the question that arises is, tion. The truth is that one merely has to Board of Trustees, Darbe Mehr Zoroasirian Temple, BTC all of thosc factors at par ? I think all will look at the deed which clearly states that New York agree, that is not so. the religious corporation, “Darbe Mehr Whereas a religion (especially a re- Zoroastrian Temple ” is the owner. The “In Search of...” vealed one such as ours) is a message from Foundation has always known this as evi- I am pained to find that though I had our Creator through the medium of His denced by the fact that they took legal mentioned publicly at the bi-annual Fed- prophet, customs, practices and traditions action to try and have the ownership trans ­ ferred from the Temple to the Foundation. The concern that ZAGNY may sell the lence ” (Parsiana, May 1994) makes no property is unfounded because ZAGNY has never owned the property to begin with. The property is owned by the “Darbe second daughter of the late Rusi B. Gimi. Meher Zoroastrian Temple ” which is a religious corporation that represents all for a father and daughter to be honored justments made by man to his daily life for Zoroastrians who live in the Tri-State simultaneously for their excellence in their reasons of expediency. Greater New York area. chosen fields — social service and sports This vital difference must not be lost We would also like to emphasize a few respectively. sight of. At times it is necessary to make other points: I - While Arbab Rustam Guiv was alive Governor of West Bengal awarded the there was never any doubt or dispute re ­ garding ownership of the Darbe Mehr. - Every Zoroastrian who lives in the Tri ­ state Greater New York area, whether Parsi Centre for Children) this year, or Irani, is automatically considered a Ms frenny r. daroga member of the congregation of the “Darbe New Delhi Mehr Zoroastrian Temple. ” to henceforth work together in preserv- Dr LOVJl CAMA, ASTAD J. CLUBWALLA, HOMID. GANDHI, Dr (Ms) YASMIN J. GHADIAU, ARDESHIR Board of Trustees, Darbe Mehr Zoroastrian Temple, New York I am pained to find that though I had eration of India awards for excellence in have developed over a long period of time, Baroda, your article “In search of excel- to meet and adjust to prevailing circum ­ stances, at times even for survival. The divine revelation is an eternal real- mention of the fact that veteran sports ­ woman Ms Prochy Numazar Mehta is the ity and truth (even in this Zarathushtra has recommended the use of our mental fac- You will agree that it is an unusual event ulty). It cannot be compared to mere ad- chosen fields — social service and sports I would like to mention here that the changes to practices and traditions if they „ ' ¦ ' ; are no longer relevant, if they are detri- “Rusi B. Gimi medal for excellence in mental and/or are contrary to the master ’s social service ” to the Spastics Society last teaching. year and to the R.C.F.C. (Rehabilitation Differences in customs and practices are noticeable even in such basic ceremo ­ nies as navjote and wedding as conducted by the Zarthostis of Iran as against the Parsis from India. Both are correct in es- - Annual elections are held whereby the “Don’t Shut US OUt” sence, yet differences do appear, congregation elects the trustees of the “Don ’t shut us out, ” (Zoroastrians Abroad, The significant point is that the teach - Temple. Parsiana, May 1994) gave an excellent ings of the prophet must stand head and - Currently, two Zoroastrian associations coverage on the First World Zoroastrian shoulder above practices and traditions share the use as well as the costs for Youth Congress — I suppose the best (important as they may be). And once the maintaining the Darbe Mehr property — coverage. ZAGNY and the Iranian Zoroastrian Asso ­ ciation (IZA). - ZAGNY has recently contributed and ing and fighting over these issues ” is mis ­ spent about $ 75,000 towards a major renovation of the Darbe Mehr. The New York Zoroastrian community will be forever indebted to the late Arbab Rustam Guiv for his magnanimous dona ­ tion of our Darbe Mehr, as well as to the late Dr Rostam Sarfeh for his pioneering efforts in establishing darbe mehrs all over the country. We may have had our differ- “ZoroastrianisiTl GlljoinS...” ences, but this should not detract from the Vis-a-vis “Zoroastrianism enjoins conver- major contributions made by Dr Sarfeh sion ” by Mr Jamsheed Kanga (Parsiana, towards Zoroastrian causes all over the May 1994), I would like to share certain world. While we may correct Dr Jahanian ’s statements we have high regard for him and wish him well. We recognize that his cific bar to conversion. In fact, like any misinformation is probably due to him good teacher, he has encouraged the spread girls find getting suitable male partners becoming involved in the Foundation ’s of his teachings. difficult, the community should think of affairs relatively recently and certainly ” ... .... ....... after the events illustrated above. Our community is too small to afford dren of mixed marriages is an inadvertent only sounds chauvinist but quite ridiculous, conflict among ourselves. Let us endeavor slight on Zarathushtra by his disciples who. As Parsis we have been the most forward- “Don ’t shut us out, ” (Zoroastrians Abroad, Parsiana, May 1994) gave an excellent coverage on the First World Zoroastrian difference is understood, one should not hesitate, or have a feeling of guilt, to break away from traditions which have lost their relevance. It is not possible for us to visu- construed. There was no shouting or fight- alize the pangs our ancestors must have felt ing, people behaved very professionally, in making adjustments in practice to the Also, the arguing was for less than two teachings of Zarathushtra. hours in a nine-hour session day. We should be grateful in fact to those ancestors of ours, who made the adjust ­ ments, for had they not done so we would not have inherited even the essence of our religion. Who knows, this perhaps is the time, and ours the responsibility, to differ ­ entiate and rectify the changes made ear ­ lier due to circumstances, due to compul ­ sions. E. S. BAMJI Bahrain Just for the record, the statement, “much of the second day was spent arguing, shout ­ MEHER AMALSAD California “Zoroastrianism enjoins... thoughts with your readers. * All seem to agree that in the scriptures attributed to Zarathushtra there is no spe- “Women’s rights?” Dr P. D. Sunavala ’s comment, “if Parsi Hence, not converting, and going to the permitting bigamy ” (“Women ’s rights? ” extent of debarring the spouses and chil- Readers ’ Forum, Parsiana, May 1994) not 4 Parsiana September 1994I looking and modern community in India likeWarden, Wallace, Nicholson, Forbes, Roni Khan has attempted his racism through with our women absolutely on par with our Marshall, etc. To my knowledge, no priest the mangling of the Gathic maga—and the men in every field. Yet Sunavala would has refused to perform a navjote because of selective quotes from the Behistun rock have us retrogress to the middle ages such surnames. without concerning himself about the cir- because of his aversion to Parsi girls marrying outside the community . His male chauvinism shows up as he does not mention Kamals, Hiras, Manecks, Navals, even Parsi men married outside the fold. MsSherooGupta ’sanguish( “Women ’s rights? ” Readers ’ Forum, Parsiana, February-March 1994) is understandable, as I know of several girls who have for Parsi names with time, years been ready and willing to marry Parsi boys but still remain single into their thirties. “The CRSC for...” Some of them know they will never get When a man defines his god-s, he defines married. This is a real problem and people only himself. A Zoroastrian does not need like Sunavala should realize that at this rate, in a few decades, there will be no community left. We are declining so rapidly. Finally, when Dr Sunavala says “no priest will perform the navjote ceremony of a Gupta or a Mathur or a Fernandez, ” does he think that all the Parsi Modys, tlie gullible. My letter of protest (Parsiana, Mehtas, Gandhis, Desais, Raos, Shastfis September-December 1993) at Ms Mistry Pooilii agiaries Seek flHlclS and scores of others with such Hindu sur- and the terrorist tactics of her strange cult The 150th anniversary of Sir Jamsetjee namessocommon'inourcommunitycame (Zoroastrians Abroad and Readers ’ Fo- JejeebhoyAgiary, Pune, will be celebrated to this country from Iran? We have even rum, Parsiana, March 1993) seems to have on October 24,1994 (roj Ardibehest, mah adopted surnames from our British masters such surnames. And not just surnames. Does Sunavala cumstances of composition (“The case forget that the Parsi community is full of for... ” Readers ’ Forum, Parsiana, May 1994).. We should now worry over why Jivan, etc. For God ’s sake what ’s in a Zarathushtra, after troubling to name name? Our community ’s names have been himself 15 times in his Gathas, omitted to eclectic for generations and new ones through common usage would also become Ms A. MEHTA attach the all-important qualification of “Aryan, ” seeing that we are supposed to believe that the Renovation was meant only for the Aryan world. Will Mr Khan next try telling a brahmin just why he cannot possibly be Aryan? The plea is out for the preservation of lessons in polytheism, even though its our religion; may it please be preserved reminiscence enters our reformed calen- from these polytheistic associates from the dars. By all means let the crypto-polythe- Aryan world? It would be an act of kind- ists multiply yazads and ameshaspands, and assign to them precise times of func ­ tioning through set numbers of incanta ­ tions; thereafter let them proceed to fool ness to inform them that Zoroastrianism is safely outof their hands: they ’ve hijacked the dross, not the gold, farrokhvajifdar London and the terrorist tactics of her strange cult (Zoroastrians Abroad and Readers ’ Fo ­ rum, Parsiana, March 1993) seems to have unearthed primitivism in Bombay. Mr Khordad, 1364 YZ). ( For Pure Diamonds I* JEWELLERS I 324, Grant Road, Bombay 400007. Telephone 3099648 Fax 3073483 APPOINTED VALUERS BY THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA 5 Parsiana September 1994 LLocated on a two-and-a-half acre plot of land in the heart of Pune Camp, where a large number of Zoroastrians reside, the large baug surrounding the Agiary is uti ­ lized by Zoroastrians for celebrating wed ­ dings and navjotes, and on occasions such as Pateti and Jamshedi Navroze for hosting ghambars. Our Agiary and the areas surrounding the building are in urgent need of extensive repairs and renovation. The trust proposes to carry out this work, subject to availabil ­ ity of funds, prior to the 150th anniversary celebration. Specifically, what is required is: • electrical rewiring; • removal of old, loose and damaged pla ­ ster from the Agiary building exterior, replastering and repainting the Agiary bui Id- ing from inside and outside; • repairs to the damaged and partially col ­ lapsed Agiary wall and raising the wall height for security purposes; • providing cement concrete/tarmac road ­ way from main entrance to passageway between dining halls; • providing separate room for ‘nahn ’ cer ­ emony and renovation of the washing area. The total cost of undertaking the work is estimated at approximately Rs 8,00,000. and payment thereof may kindly be sent to cither of the following addresses, for which official receipts will be issued. Cheques/ demand drafts may kindly be drawn in favor of ‘Sir J. J. Agiary, Pune, Local Managing Committee ’ and forwarded to Sir J. J. Charity Fund, Maneckji Wadia Building, 5th Floor, 127, Mahauna Gandhi Road, Bombay 400023, Tel 022-273843, or Local Managing Committee, Sir J. J. Agiary, 826, Dastoor Meher Road, Pune 411001, Tel 0212-645514. Sir JAMSETJEE JEJEEBHOY. Ban Chainnan The repair work is long overdue and needs to be carried out expeditiously. I, there ­ fore, appeal to fellow Zoroastrians, in India and abroad, to help us in this worthy cause by donating generously for this purpose. The Sir J. J. Agiary is managed by Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy First Baronet ’s Poona Fire Temple Fund which is a public chari ­ table trust registered with the Charity Com ­ missioner at Bombay, under Regn. No.. PTR C-204/Bby. The day-to-day manage- mentof this Agiary is supervised by a local managing committee headed by MrBehram Phirozshaw Katrak. On behalf of the trust, may I appeal to you to extend your financial help for this worthy cause? You may also like to place your adver- tisement/message in the souvenir to be by philanthropists to enable all three sects published for distribution during the 150th anniversary celebration, for which a form forbookingtheadvertisement/messagewill religious ceremonies and hold religious be available at the Agiary. We have applied to the Income Tax authorities for benefits under section 8()g our brethren by building a hall for wed- of the Income Tax Act. If such tax exemp- dings, navjotes, discourses, meetings, tionisreceivcd,weshallissuecopiesofthc ghambars, feasts and for youth activities, certificate to the donors for claiming req ­ uisite tax benefits. Donation/advertisement booking forms The Poona Kadmi and Shehanshehi Anjuman Dar-e-Meher will be 101 years old on September 24,1994. It was founded of Zoroaslrians to meet together and pray to the Almighty as well as to perform discourses. An addition was made later to facilitate Today, the Zoroastrian population of Pune is the second largest in the world and more space is required to perform religious MATRIMONIAL A 34-year-old Zoroastrian graduate in Business Computer Information System, height 5’5”, weight 130 lbs invites matrimonial alliance from pleasant-tempered Zoroastrian girl, willing to settle in USA. Please respond with latest photograph (returnable) to; The Advertiser Parsiana, Matrimonial (Sept/52-94)* GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 'Please make sure the reply envelope bears the reference number cited here MATRIMONIAL Parents of 27-year-old, 5’7”, US working, MBA boy invite correspondence from suitable looking eligible girls or their parents in India or abroad with a view to matrimony. Write with photograph (returnable) to: The Advertiser Parsiana, Matrimonial (Sept/53-94)* GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 'Please make sure the reply envelope bears the reference number cited here MATRIMONIAL Correspondence invited for an Iranian Zoroastriar girl, aged 27, 5’3”, fair, good-looking Chartered Accountant, from highly qualified professionals, from good families, settled either in India or abroad (America, Europe, Australia). Contact 2870530 between 7.30 a.m. to 9 a.m. or write to; The Advertiser Parsiana, Matrimonial (SepV54-94)' GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 'Please make sure the reply envelope bears the reference number cited here MATRIMONIAL Correspondence invited from parents of well-to-do, professionally settled. Parsi Zoroastrian boys, up to 28 years, by affluent parents of good-looking, fair, convent educated and professionally qualified daughter. Age 21 years, 5’3" tall. Reply with photograph (returnable) to: The Advertiser Parsiana, Matrimonial (Sept/55-94)* GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 'Please make sure the reply envelope bears the reference number cited here MATRIMONIAL Parsi parents invite proposals for their 27-year-old, 5’4" tall, wheatish complexioned, intelligent, graduate daughter. The boy should be educated, dwell-settled professional/businessman up to 32 years from a cultured, respectable family. Girl willing to settle in big cities of India, preferably Bombay. Please apply with full details and a photograph (returnable) to: The Advertiser Parsiana, Matrimonial (Sept/56-94)* GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 'Please make sure the reply envelope bears the reference number cited here MATRIMONIAL Bombay based parents of a well-educated young man, 27 years, 5’11” tall, slim and good-looking, invite matrimonial correspondence from smart, educated young ladies settled in USA. The young man is a US graduate working in a multinational organisation in USA with excellent career prospects. Please reply with full details and photograph (returnable) to: The Advertiser Parsiana, Matrimonial (Sept/57-94)' GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 'Please make sure the reply envelope bears the reference number cited here 6 Parsiana September 1994The prices quoted above do not include Pherozshah was the uncrowned king of ? ceremonies, especially during the muktads. Also, the funds left by our forebears for the cost of air fare to and from Iran, but they Bombay, so was Jamshed of Karachi, maintenance are insufficient. The present do include:- Pherozshah dominated the public life of trustees are finding it difficult to maintain • breakfast, lunch and dinner at hotel res- Bombay for years, so did Jamshed of the Dar-e-Meher, the hall and their mobed taurants (with local soft drinks); Karachi. Pherozshah sacrificed his vast sahebs. Hence on this auspicious occasion the trustees and members of the managing the trip; committee are approaching charitable trusts, organizations and philanthropic in ­ dividuals to donate generously towards its corpus, major repairs to the priests ’ quar- charges, ters, hall, kitchen and toilet blocks. The “ Dar-e-Meher itself is in dire need of a face ­ lift. Donations in cash or account payee gives 40percent discount to its passengers, cheque/demand draft in the name of The Poona Kadmi and Shehanshehi Anjuman touch with Mr Shahpur F. Captain, 25, Dar-e-Meher Charity Fund may please be Willow Close, Bishops Stortford, Herts addressed to the Fund at 893, Synagogue CM23 2RY, UK. jalj . engineer Street, Pune 411001. n. k. pudumjee President, P. K & S. Anjuman Dar-e-Mehcr Charity Fund • breakfast, lunch and dinner at hotel res- • air-conditioned coaches with English practice in serving the country, so did speaking escorts for the whole duration of Jamshed, his business. Pherozshah was regular, was punctual, straightforward and • fresh fruits and local soft drinks on the honorable all through his life, so was coaches; • all entrance fees, taxes and service Jamshed. Pherozshah was respected both by the Government and the people, so was Jamshed. Pherozshah was first an Indian The air flights to and from Iran will have and a Parsi, so was Jamshed. to be arranged by the tourists themselves. In this respect, please note that Iran Air Those interested are advised to get in Jamshed Mehta (left) and Pherozshah Mehta “Pherozshah was ferocious. Jamshed was gentle. Pherozshah was defiant. Lodgings in Jhansi We welcome all Parsis coming to Jhansi. Our Jhansi Dharamsala provides lodging and boarding facilities at an economical Rs 85 per day, per head with catering by Jamshed was suppliant. Pherozshah thundered. Jamshed surrendered. Please write to the undersigned at 1/A Pherozshah was feared. Jamshed was loved. Wright Road, Jhansi, UP, for more infor- R. J. DICK President, Jhansi Parsi Anjuman, Jhansi ? Excursion to Iran Due to persistent requests from numerous Zoroastrians from all parts of the world, the World Zoroastrian Organisation has Ms Navaz Patel, decided to arrange a cultunal visit to Iran in April 1995. The trip will be for a duration of 15 days mation. at least and possibly for 18 days. It will cover places of Zproastrian interest includ- ingthecitiesofTehran,Hamadan,Ahwaz, A tribute tO tWO PurSIS Shiraz, Kerman, Yazd and Isfahan. Book ­ ings will be in four star hotels except in a couple of cities. Depending on the number of tourists, the costs in Iran will vary from about US $ Jamshed Mehta Memorial Volume, com- 900 to US $ 780 per person, for couples. In pares the two Mehtas of undivided India in the case of a single person, there will be a the following words: “The first and fore ­ supplement of about US $ 290. This cost is mostwasSir Pherozshah Mehta of Bombay: related to the 15-day trip. However, the trip and the other was Jamshed Mehta of A glUSS of WUtcr, plcUSC may be extended by three days and hence, Karachi. Of the three venues for Zoroastrian func- the costs stated above would be conse- “Pherozshah Mehta was the real maker tions in Bombay — Allbless Baug, Cama quently increased. Pherozshah was a giant, Jamshed was a gentle leader. Pherozshah was a genius. Jam shed was a saint. Pherozshah had a towering personality. Jamshed was silently attractive. Pherozshah liked pomp and power. Jamshed did not. Pherozshah ac- August 1, 1994 marks the 42nd death anniversary of a great Parsi — Jamshed cepted honors, Jamshed did not. Nusserwanjee Mehta. B. F. Bharucha, in his article titled “A True Jewel, ” in the “Both were noble sons of Hind, Pherozshah high on Everest, and Jamshed on smiling Simla. ” Let us remember these makers of men. BEHRAM RUSTOMJI “Pherozshah Mehta was the real maker of Bombay, so was Jamshed of Karachi. Baug and Jejeebhoy Dadabhoy Agiary — MAPLE SERVICES CAR — RENTALS Ambassadors — Maruti 1000 — NE-118 at reasonable rates Contact Mr A. M. Patel Tel: 2044408/244557 MAPLE INDUSTRIES Dealers/Exporters of Dyes & Intermediates Contact Mr Maneck A. Patel Tel: 2044408/244557 Ormazd An education centre in Panchgani requires sincere, middle-aged helpers to care for children from the age of two to teenagers. General supervision to include help with studies. Salary offered with boarding and lodging. Apply to: The Advertiser Parsiana (Wanted/94) GPO Box 892 Bombay 400001 Always remember «loiHi TflTA BRTR KHAMBATfl Ketayun & Bomi 22/A, Wellington Terrace, Wellington Street. Bombay-4(n)002. Tel. No. 2069636. 9 Parsiana September 1994the centrally located and easily accessible stration at 132, Pradhan Building, S. V. P. Allbless Baug is the most popular. P ' At a typical Parsi wedding/navjote both No 3 759120) for all those who would like “hot ” and “cold ” drinks are served, but if the guests were to ask for pivanoo pani (drinking water), neither the host nor his caterer would be able to offer any. Walking into his study in our Navsari Road, Dongri, Bombay 400009 (Telephone house one can feel his imposing presence ............... ..... in the room, almost untouched to this day. It is sparsely furnished, befitting his humble personality; the large desk in the middle. President, Indian Association for the Visually Handicapped the neatly arranged rOWS Of bOOkS nOW I earnestly appeal to the trustees of the To Kutar Sahib With love Baug to provide drinking water at these The only reward for a good teacher is gatherings by putting up a matloo (earthen ­ ware vessel) or a stainless steel vessel filled with drinking water. The manager of decorated and heroes are venerated, the Baug should ensure that there is no misuse of this facility. BHIKHAJI M. ADENWALLA to personally witness its use and benefit. RAM AGARWAL Neville Wadia’s navjote Neville Wadia, the doyen of the Wadia family that has gifted several residential colonies to thecommunity , had his navjote ceremony performed on September 24, 1994 (roj Ardibehslh, w/A Ardibehsth)at his son Nusli ’s Beach House residence before a small gathering of family and friends. Shiavax R. Vakil, legal advisor to the house of Tatas and a former Bombay Parsi Punchayet trustee, notarized a cer ­ tificate attesting that Wadia ’s “navjote ceremony was performed by a Zoroas ­ trian priest in my presence. ” Wadia who belonged to the Church of England had expressed a desire to return to his ancestral religious fold for some time. Parsiana was acquainted with this news at the time of going to press. dusty with disuse, the easy chair in the comer by the window and the hat stand still speak of their departed owner. Grandpa seeing students ‘grow ’ and that is perhaps was deeply religious and religious literature all that they ever want. While soldiers are a student ’s success and achievements are his teacher ’s only reward. My grandfather, Jamshedji Kutar, principal of the D. K. teachers will command respect and win the Tata High School, Navsari, for more than love and admiration of their students just four decades would have been proud as he did. msarmaiticyrusshroff of his students ’ achievements to- R. E. Kumana, R.I.P. day with his usual Among Mr Rustam Edulji Kumana ’s many solemnity and distinctions he had served as chairman and humility and I managing director of the Scindia Steam believe he would Navigation Company, London, forover20 have said his cus ­ tomary “Well done, my boy! ” His was _______ simple, straight- well as the Indian * forward and up ­ right life. He had no formal educational degree and had done only his BA from St ciation (INSA) Xavier ’s College, Bombay. But he was a at International born teacher. He poured his intellect and Chamber of Ship ­ foresight selflessly into the service of the School. The School celebrated his birth cente ­ nary in 1992 and brought forth a brochure Transport Section of the International to commemorate the event. Essays and Chamber ofCommerce congresses and the International Labour Organisation ’s mari ­ time sessions. He was nominated by INSA as the Indian shipowners ’ representative on the Joint Maritime Commission of the International Labour Organisation. Elected vice chairman of the Interna- every morning when Grandpa arrived. On tional Chamber of Shipping and of the International Shipping Federation, Mr Kumana was president of the Indian Cham - from remote corners of the School and ber of Commerce in Great Britain and compound would interrupt their play to served as a trustee ofthe Indian Gymkhana line up in two rows from the gate along the Club in London. I might add that Rustam Uncle, as we called him, was of an extremely hospitable nature. So many Parsi young men and women in London, pursuing their educa ­ tion and other activities, would be invited by him, entertained to dinnner, and any I remember Grandpa as being a quiet, possible help they needed would be pro ­ reserved person of great piety. Though I was still quite young when he died I was fills the closets of the house in Navsari, lovingly looked after by my Grandma for many years until she passed away. It is my hope that young Zoroastrian ¦V years. During this period Mr Kumana represented the Company at major liner a conferences as National Ship ­ owners Asso- ping conferen ­ ces, Internation ­ al Shipping Federation conferences. Sea Miracle reading machine letters, filled with happy memories of Stu- An electronic reading machine, developed dents who had studied under him, adorned by Robotron PvtLtd of Australia, provides the brochure, access to any book, magazine, newspaper, typed letter or computer printout to the visually handicapped. With a quality of phenomenon occurred before School speech output as good as a human reader, the text is then scanned and spoken auto- _ _ matically at a maximum speed of 1,000 figure approaching the School, students words per minute. There are also addi ­ tional devi-ces to transfer data to a com ­ puter or to a brailleprin- steps to his office and salute their well ter. Provid ­ ing a whole new dimen ­ sion in the for their headmaster, world of knowledge, information and self-reliance, the machine, priced at AS 5,450 (approxi ­ mately Rs 1,20,000), has been received by old enough to notice that he had kind, soft the Indian Association for the Visually eyes in an otherwise stern face. The latter Handicapped and is available for demon- belied his sense of humor. Most of his students referred to him as ‘Kutar Sahib ’ and I am told a unique sighting his tall impressive dagla clad loved principal. He, in turn, acknowledged their salute with a raised hand. This was not a School diktat, but a spontaneous gesture on the part of students with a deep respect vided to them by virtue of his position in the Indian community in London . Prof ASPY RANA Edited by Amavaz S. Mama 10 Parsiana September 1994Events and Personalities Promoting counselling involvestoguardagainstpossibletensionin “Incidents of marital discord and divorces the future, are on the increase because of a number of socioeconomic factors. ” This unhealthy the press release. This service is available human being is made for different things. ” development in the community has at the Dadar Parsi Colony, (Bldg 785, Salim Zakaria, Maharashtra ’s minister to be a doctor or engineer or minister like me. Children must be guided at the (insti- Confidentiality is assured, according to tutional) level of at the right time. Every development in the community has at the Dadar Parsi Colony, (Bldg 785, prompted the trustees ofthe Bombay Parsi Khareghat Road, Bombay 400014, Tel: for education, complimented the Bombay Punchayet (BPP) to publicize the services 4140317) on Fridays between 10 a.m. and Parsi Punchayet (BPP) on its Holiday of their family counselling project which 1 p.m. and at the Gamadia Colony (Lady Programme for Youth (HPY) where an has been in existence for the last several JehangirHealthUnit,Tardeo,Tel:4944047 important plank is career guidance. Inau- years. Couples contemplating divorce may, or 4944015) on Mondays from 10 a.m. to gurating the eighth HPY, Zakariainformed before approaching the matrimonial court, 1p.m. Pardiwalla can be contacted directly the parents, teachers and youth gathered at seek guidance from the marriage counsel- on 3882748 between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. on lors affiliated to the BPP. Timely professional help of a counsel ­ lor, besides the services of a psychiatrist, and medical and legal specialists will be Building futurc leaders made available to those who need assis- “If we limit our education to colleges and tance. The main objective is to strengthen degrees, it might benefit individuals, but Zakaria requested “the Parsi Punchayet to the family life and ties, notes a press re- what about society? Everyone is not likely see if each Parsi student can teach an lease issued by the BPP chief executive Rustom Anklesaria. The counsellor-in-charge, Ms Roda mike) inaugurating the Pardiwalla, will look into family problems Holiday Pro gramme for arising from discord between spouses, adjustment problems with in-laws, ill-treatment by the spouse or in-laws, Marfatia.CoomiDesai, desertion, non-support or other factors EruchDesai.Silloo conducive to a divorce, extramarital Kavarana,Anklesaria, affairs, problems with children, mental Ramiyar Karanjia and health or drug addiction problems, plus Master. (Right) At the any other complications. The counsellors valedictory function (from will even guide those eligible for marriage in left) :Damania, Guzder, choosing life partners wisely and preparing Mehta, Taleyarkhan and them for the responsibilities that marriage An/desaria working days, and on 4129658 at her resi ­ dence in case of emergency. the Khareghat Memorial Hall on April 9, 1994 that 17 percent of the Maharashtra Government ’s budget was earmarked for education in 1994-95. Referring to a state projection that envisaged total literacy in Maharashtra in six to seven years ’ time, S what about society? Everyone is not likely (Below) Zakaria (at the Ko/xz/i. Others on the dais are (from left): Bharucha, HOLIDAY PROGRAMME FOR YOia t / I I q 12 Parsiana September 1994 HOLIDAY PROGRAHHE FOR YOUTH fxa siS^sn ee: X. I ¦ ¦ ¦¦¦ I I I I * ¦ illiterate in his locality... It will add an ­ other feather to the Parsi community, ” adding, “It would help people to under ­ stand each other, make the country peace ­ ful and (livable). ” The month long annual program, the star of the BPP’s expanding social ser ­ vices, was attended by 172 participants from 51 schools in Ahmedabad, Baroda, Bombay, Dahanu, Delhi, Madras, Panchgani, Surat, etc, as informs a BPP press release. The youth who had just finished their SSC/ICSE exams, were ex ­ posed to the multifarious career options available today with specific vocational testing and guidance at the individual level.Emphasizing self-awareness, personality ferring to the discarded aged, surviving in on the HPY was read at the valedictory development, religion and sports, the pro- the Parukh Dharamshalla and the J. J. function by BPP president Jamshed Guzder gram aims to impart knowledge, widen Hospital ’s Parsi ward, whom the youth on May 7, 1994. Guzder reminded the horizons and put young Zoroastrian con- have been visiting twice a week, providing youth of the need to aim for larger families temporaries in touch with each other. With light refreshment and taking to atash and inculcate the entrepreneurial spirit, an accent on identifying the community ’s ' ‘ .......................... future leaders, a five-day leadership train ­ ing camp at Lonavla followed the culmina- New Y ear ’s Eve dance they had organized man of Damania Airways, the day ’s guest tion of the program for the select few. ' ' ......................... The walls of the hall had been festooned collect Rs 1.8 lakhs for which Vaid cred- can achieve whatever you intend to do, ” with posters, quotations, instructions and a ited the assistance of social worker Rusy said Damania, recounting his own experi- promise: “There are two lasting things that Bhumgara. A literacy drive is underway, ence of starting out with a small hatchery HPY can give: One is roots, the other is wings. ” Alumni of earlier batches shared with collection drive was scheduled to follow work, courage and conviction which en- the audience the advantages they had on the heels of the valedictory function. gleaned from the program. Ms Urvashi ]' Mistry spoke of how it had helped her trustee Eruch Desai complimented the suggested that the community seek reser- “(emerge) from her cocoon, castoff nega- BPP’s chief executive Rustom Anklesaria, vation of a few seats in engineering and tive ideas, (acquire) confidence to speak joint secretary Ms Sheroo Master and HPY medical colleges against high donations, for myself and the group. ” Cyrus Vaid coordinators Ms Diana Marfatia and Ms reportedontheactivitiesoftheYouthClub Binaifer Bharucha who had “ensured that discursive but punchy speech of noted whose membership is restricted to HPY ‘ ' ' ' • - - alumni. He specifically underlined the in ­ troduction of social service as a parallel but certainly perceptible in its result, like Mehta ’s speech see “We are getting wiped program, the successful mobilization of the full moon. We want to ensure that each out, ” on page 31). Acknowledging the youth that enabled them to raise Rs 12,000 youth of the community is a full-blooded rich, diverse and well documented achieve- in door-to-door collections, undertake the youth when he goes home at the end of the ments of eminent Parsis, Mehta noted, navjote of three Parsi girls and start them program. ” towards some financial stability in the future by gathering their pehramnis (cash A gubernatorial message from P. C. presents) and investing them in Units. Re- Alexander commending the BPP trustees bahrams, Vaid noted with pride, “Who The latter objective was even more force- says they have no one? They have us ! ’’ The fully advocated by Parvez Damania, chair- in December 1993 had enabled Uiem to of honor. “If you believe in yourself, you (“Even if we can teach 15 persons to read which had developed into one of the largest and write, we ’ll be satisfied ’’) and a blood poultry farms in Maharashtra and the hard abled him to diversify into the air taxi Presiding over the inaugural , senior BPP business. Guest speaker Hom i Taley arkhan But the day ’s tour de force was the the education of the youth is as gradual as economistDr Fredie Mehta, the chief guest moonrise, not perceptible in its progress on the occasion (for the edited text of “We can deliver an excellent speech about the past... All of us here must accept that the past nourishes us here, the past supplies us the inspiration, but at the same time the Sale of Bungalow at Sanjan • Built up area of 10,000 sq ft (approximately) - With 4^2 acres of land • One storeyed structure with terrace • Six bedrooms with attached toilets • Chikoo and date trees around the bungalow • A well on the plot, exclusively for the occupants • Situated on the main road • Next to the famous Parsi Pillar • 3 Vg hours drive from Bombay For further details contact: PRARON, 25, Unique House, 1st floor, S. A. Brelvi Road. Fort, Bombay 400001 Tel no; (022) - 2661196, 2662449 Juke Box Music all the tine. Wide choice of Beers Near Regal Cinema, Colaba Causeway, Bombay 400 039 Phone: 2020591 o -<--< > '< serving Parsi Zoroastrian families in the facilities for the performance of religious centrally located Grant Road vicinity , notes a press release issued by the Trust. At a function held on June 1, 1994 the apartments, admeasuring nearly 470 sq ft Mobed Building each, were formally allotted to the chosen occupants in the presence of the Agiary Bombay ’s doongerwadi grounds became, trustees Nariman Katgara, Jamshed Guzder, for the first time, the venue for a Dae mah Burjor Antia and Dinshawjee Bharucha. jashan. The ceremony on June 12, 1994 Also in attendance was the congregation who had assembled to participate in the __ _________ thanksgiving jashan performed by the dance were community stalwarts like Announcing the'advent of Balsara Hy- priestsoftheMifhaiwala Agiary, mentions Jamshed Guzder, chairman of the Bombay giene into the global economy, managing the press release. Parsi Punchayet (BPP) and Kersi director Aspi Balsara introduced the newly The residential building has been named Limath walla, chairman of the CER-HOME formed, Belgorod (Russia) based, Balsara Shirin Apartments in memory of the late (Committee for Economic Revival — Europa Company to the Indian press on Shirinbai Jehangirji Katgara who had the House Our Mobeds Endeavour) committee. June 27, 1994. The Russian Pult Factory welfare of the Dar-e-Meher at heart through- Among the major donors whose contri- and Balsaras each have a 40 percent stake out her lifetime, acknowledges a plaque at bution had helped complete the construe- in the new venture while UK’s Microtape the entrance of the building. tion of the four-storey^ Mobed Building Limited holds the remaining 20 percent. The two halls — Seth Dinshaw areFaridoonandMeherbanZartoshty,and The total equity of $ 187,000 was sched- priests of the Mirhaiwala Agiary, mentions mission since July 1993, ac ­ cording to the press release. community members will avail of the hall Godrej Baug. : The flat allottees are those who have and allied ceremonies, as also other met the norms stipulated in the BPP’s merit community functions. rating scheme. Depending on the financial condition of the family, subsidized rents ranging between Rs 350 and Rs 700 are The newly built Mobed Building on being levied by the BPP. This special , concession in rents was sanctioned follow ­ ing a request from the CER-HOME com ­ mittee, according to the press release. was led by the Vimadalal brothers, Ervads Viraf and Vistasp. Also in atten- Promise tO globalize Among the major donors whose contri- and Balsaras each have a 40 percent stake bution had helped complete the construe- in the new venture while UK’s Microtape tion of the four-storeyed Mobed Building Limited holds the remaining 20 percent. Dhanjibhoy Nasikwalla Hall and the Khan the Kavarana Trust, acknowledges the uled to be invested in three phases with a Bahadur Jamshedji Rustomji Bharucha handout. breakup of $ 75,000 each in the first two 16 Parsiana September igg4I 1 phases, expected to be three months apart. Claim ing “the Press (as) our supporters, ” ber of Commerce, Maratha Chamber of The third instalment of $ 37,500 was due Balsara also noted that the “State Bank of Commerce — Pune, Indian Standards In- three or four months later. At the third India (SBI) has been our major pillar from stitution — New Delhi, the licensing de ­ phase Balsara expects to produce 4,000 day one as a small scale industry. We ’d partmentof the Maharashtra government million tonnes of Promise toothpaste an- ’ ’ ‘ .... nually. The Russian partner is an ex defence plant close to the Ukraine border, now converted to produce consumer items, while the contribution from the UK mainly com ­ prises of machinery for the production of The newly elected president of the Electri- collapsible tubes, Balsara said. Day-to- Claim ing “the Press (as) our supporters, ” have been nowhere without the patience of and the malpractices committee of the SBI officials. ” He similarly thanked the Exim Bank for its “monetary support for training our people. ” a. m. Dalal’s circuit ¦li ? li. state PWD electric department. Dalal was a project consultant with M/s Best and Crompton Engineering Ltd, an electric and contracting firm for 22 years and has been in the business since 1958. He is currently a consultant for the cal Contractors ’ Association of Maha- Municipal Corporation of Greater Bombay (MCGB) for the 10 electrical crematoriums to be set up by them. Dalal also estimates the number of these crematoriums to increase by another five next year, located at Worli, Kandivli, Borivli, Vikhroli and Bhoywada. The MCGB are hoping to have 22 crematoriums in Bombay totally, but the location of the new ones have not yet been decided as they are in their planning stages, said Dalal . He also explained that in the 40 minutes that it takes a body to burn, due to the scrubber system, no smoke is emitted from these crematoriums. The 27- meter-high chimney is also a factor that contributes to the non-smoke environment of the crematoriums. Collaborating on a , j joint venture (from ; left): Dina Remizova, Yuri Pochakaev, Aspi Balsara and Zal Balsara (Right)Dalal: electrical projects consultant H Minoo B. Dalal will be liaising. Interpub in new hands “When you create something like this you want it to blossom even after you, ” Ms Nargis Wadia gave her reasons for selling off Inter Publicity Pvt Ltd (Interpub), the 30-year-old multicrore advertising agency having a substantially larger share there Undertaking), BSES (Bombay Suburban Roy, her elder son, is a journalist with than Colgate which rules supreme in India. Electric Supply) and the MSEB CNN, and the younger son Riyad is a Although Balsara exports to 27 coun- (Maharashtra State Electricity Board) documentary filmmaker, she felt neither of h'ies — their export earnings in 1993 supply companies to sort out the problems amounted to Rs 12 crore, according to fac^ by the contractors and the consumers. ____ __ , Balsara — the USSR has been Promise ’s He will thereby be promoting the objectives India (May 9-22, 1994).' best customer. Its largest single order of ofthe nearly 70-year-old Association which The agency, which within the first six eight million dollars had been supplied in ’ a record 11 months, maintained Balsara. _____ ______ _________ _________ _ ____ _______________________ Currently Balsaras say they exportProm- contractors in Maharashtra, according to a confidence of clients like Aristocrat, Binny, ise to 27 countries including Eastern Eu- press release issued by ECAM. Godrej, Goodlass Nerolac and Duke ’s. In rope, the Middle East, Malaysia and China, - - - - and herbal toothpaste to the US A, Canada, Germany and the UK. With a separate Parsi to hold this position (the first being S. formulation to suit UK requirements. Prom ­ ise has won the recognition of the British Dental Health Foundation, he noted. Promise enjoys a nine percent share in the Indian toothpaste market which, ac ­ cording to Balsara, is overwhelmingly products. Since its inception in 1925 when dominated by the MNCs and is growing at 10 percent in volume terms. Balsara is _________________________ aiming at a two to three percent annual chapters now in major cities like Pune and growth in India and is considering the possibility of similar ventures in the Middle East, Far East and one or two African countries. day management is expected to be under rashtra (ECAM), staff to be recruited by Balsara. The initial marketing of Promise was expected to be in 125g packs priced at during his three- $ 0.25, said Balsara, who noted that the year term of office, multinational corporations (MNCs) over- with the BEST ___________________ ____ ride the Russian market. Crest toothpaste (Bombay Electric Supply and Transport she had conceived and nurtured. Since them was geared to take over the agency after her, Wadia conveyed to Business best customer. Its largest single order of ofthe nearly 70-year-old Association which aims to mitigate the problems and better years of its existence hit the top 10 rankings the conditions of practising electrical in India, is supposed to have enjoyed the the conditions of practising electrical Dalal, who was elected president of the mid- ’80s it lost many of its .major ’ ’ ‘ ' accounts to other agencies but was able to make a comeback in the ’90s with its foray M. Jasawallain 1941). He heads a body of into financial advertising attracting clients 1,500 members including regular mem- like the Unit Trust of India, State Bank oT bers who are licensed electrical contrac ­ tors and associate members who are manu ­ facturers of wiring and other electrical financial advertising and its record of clean 1 and non-aggressive advertising reportedly it started out with a membership of 20, attracted the new buyers —Bombay based ECAM has been steadily expanding with bullion merchant S. G. Gonti, a New Delhi based financier R. C. Chaudhari, and a Calcutta based financial services group. Reputed to be the first lady to establish an advertising agency in India, “Wadia ’s notable career spanned the crucial years ECAM on January 1,1994, is the second Nasik. The Association also has a representa ­ tion on major trade bodies like the Indian Merchants ’Chamber, Maharashtra Cham- 17 Parsiana September 1994 India and different mutual funds, notes the Business India write-up. Its success withI • - 7 from the ( aams ot “»craft into a ' kednginstroment."notesajnbuteioWato of June 57994Ate the J. J. School of Arts 1------- . when Indian advertising grew in the completing a four-year course from tl — - in Bombay, Wadia worked for a while with Shilpi Advertising and later in the art depart ­ ment of Air India before proceeding to the UK for a stint with aLondon advertising agency. Interpublicity was the next step in her career which was started in the garage of the Wa ­ dia family residence. Among the prestigious assignments she has handled are as president of the Advertising Agencies Association of India and as chair ­ person of the delegate .. doyen perce.ved as ••unprediciable. ” te the future Riyad plans to stage a ^heir two younger children, hold an exhibition of his painting 3,^wa"Jtht-year-oldTanaz, two-and-a-half-y^- a talkshow called Funk^ Ka old oiiyus, their maid servant and their assignments for foreign TV channels, no J^re all unconscious. Being at^a the Metropolis write-up. Lives wrecked over JhePateifamily was Kaiktesteoo'sson afternoon of March 14, 1994, that fateful Ram ­ zan Idd day, when a I headlong collision with a truck coming from I the opposite direction resulted in the Patel to I children being orphaned. I The accident near Charoti I on the Western Express 1 Highway left their parents, 40-year-old Purvez, dead though the ^long^ five other occupants of the saved. Eldest daughter the only victim who was driver-were all unconscious, & considerable distance from the site of the accident.Dastoorrequestedfamdyassoci- Th'eii holiday in Devka ^^^p^5^i*™tDaS.™mangefor .a.p,.Plf,™.lvwas ___ 1 within and the Patel relatives ^e ivi (uiu “e —o — ¦ , , c the Breach Candy Hospital, for reach ana tneraiciiciaw ’^.^.- » ful to him for arranging for the chil^en to be sent to the Breach Candy Hospital, for the maid and the driver to be sent to another hospital in the suburbs of Bombay, and fo Purvez and Rashna ’s bodies to be earned Wadia: record ofclean, non- aggressive advertising lives of the vehicle were promotion committee for the Asian Adver ­ tising Congress, New Delhi. pnVehana was the only vicuiii wiiM Though not interested m running a „onscious Her father ’s maternal auntRatoo agency, Riyad enjoys making ad films j^gsthelO-year-old girl full credit which he feels “are a good training grou . having the presence of mind to call her It challenges one to capture the essenc ^f AbanPardiwalla for ysis- things in just 10 to 20 seconds... ( ,, Rukshana had not then realized that they) are a source of good money. herparentsweredead,believingthemtobe exolained to the Metropolis on Saturday nerpoi (October 23-29. 1993) how he was able to arrange the finance for his documentary, Fearles^ r7 k5 12^h. This effort able to arrange the^nance | __the Hunterwali Story which S cost Rs 8.5 lakh. This effort | won him a lot of accolades in- ? eluding an inviution to feature I the film at the London Film I Festival. Grandson of t^ legendary filmmaker J.B.H. eluding an inviution to feature the film at the London Film Festival. Grandson of t^ legendary filmmaker J.B.H. Wadia of WadiaBrothers fame, this film captures the daredevil- ry of Nadia who is married to JBH’s brother, Homi. A course in TV and filmmaking at the Charles Strut University in Australia gave Riyad the the Dahanu Hospital for a postmortem examination. , . . In the meanwhile, Chandan had m - mated Sonia Gandhi of the disaster . (It may be recalled that it was at the weddmg of Sna and Purvez which the then prime paifcuio, ij minister Ms Indira Gandhi had attended Rashna and 42-year-old mm s members of her family . .... ,he t.” S U known that Indira maintained ties witlt fce relauvM ; ter late husband Feroze. Chandan and lUtoo are the daughters of Feroze s sister(Ac ­ cording to Dastoor, Soma arranged for Chandan and Rustom ’ s post haste return to Bombay, and called MP Murli Deora m Bombay to ensure all assistance wa rendered. anange- IMB ments, when the bodies were ¦¦ finally brought to Bombay at 10.15 p.m. the khandhias at the doongerwadi reportedly refused to touch the bodies until the family had obtained a clearance from theGamdeviPoliceStauon and the Bombay coroner. While Purvez ’s profession as partnerofEthicalPharmaceutical ^d Rashna ’s career as professoi atNirmalaNiketan College cam< to an abrupt end, the children an back at school —Rukshana am Tanazin the Sth and 4th standard at Villa Teresa School and littl • • Ms Indira Gandhi had attei^ed that it c'amie to ‘be knownjhar^ husb^d^Feroze. Chandan and lUtoo . -------- of mind to call her __ assis- Rukshana had not then realized that ‘O/" It 4^ S,= »n,akeshonfilmsl,keD^ fools Dance, Story about Human Hearts, Whatever Happened to Mommie Dear , Mirror to Hollyyvood and a documentary favoring the construction of the Narmada dam. Riyad presently serves Wadia Films. He remembers though his grandfather ’s advice not to have any majo involvement in the film industry which the Hollyyvood and a documentary as director of - .. .........- - ai - ---- -------------------------- ••Ch AcadentviclimsPunezandRasImaPalel this tragedy ,toei „„eo„sciousHketheresftSinceher^»^ „al grandparents Chandar t ate Rustom ------. .....u Patel were then away m Delhi ^d the activation of this disease foUowir maternal grandparents Z^m and Hom it accident, and he final Chothiateeh«dinte^.ftw^^^^^^^^ to the ailment on June«,I9. an hour 1— ily got news From the "new. S te pS«:btetobeho^itei« Zarin and Homi later before anyone from the fam- of the accident. Kasha Hospiul where the at the age of 77. Compiled by Parinaz Gandhi Qi^nffimber 1994ZOROASTRIANS ABROAD Dawn of a new era Down Under Arnavaz S. Mama The Australian Zoroastrian Association overcame a series of hurdles to cro wn their dream of a Darbe Meher in Sydney For Australian Zoroastrians all roads led to along with Press and TV crews were present 196 Annangrove Road, Sydney on July 24, 1994 as the Australian Zoroastrian Asso ­ ciation (AZA) of New South Wales ’ (NSW) the heritage and culture of the oldest reli- Arbab Rostam and Morvarid Guiv Darbe Meher was inaugurated with a jashan by Ervads Tim Desai, Jal Pavri, Meherzish Homji. Kerkeria and 11-year-old Beghzad Bana led by ‘vada dastur ’ Peshotan Katrak, in ­ forms Kersi Meher-Homji from Sydney. Constructed within six months, the new Darbe Meher — which incorporates a 240- seater hall, a tastefully constructed ‘keblo, ’ a library named after philanthropists Meherban and Faridoon Zarthosty, a spa ­ cious kitchen, storerooms and washrooms — epitomizes “16 years of toil, tears and responsible for winning the AZA appeal singleminded devotion ” of AZA mem ­ bers, writes Meher-Homji. Member ofParliament from New South the Association permission to redevelop Wales and speaker of the house Kevin their property because of complaints from Below left: Seven of the 10 AZA tenors Rozzoli, chairman of the Ethnic Affairs neighbors regarding noise, insufficient Right: Former president Boman and Commission of NSW Stephan Kerk- sanitation facilities and traffic jams caused Vahbeez Kalapesi, Adi Davar, yasharian, Ms Freida Whitlam, sister of by parked cars as much as uninformed Kerkyasharian, Freyni Davar, Rozzoli former Prime Minister Gough Whitlam fears about Zoroastrianism. Some neigh- and Bilimoria to witness the community ’s exhilaration and praise its vision and effort “to retain gion, at the same time assimilating so well in the Australian lifestyle, ” reports Meher- bors as well as members of the Interfaith group in Sydney now joined in the inaugu ­ ral celebrations. The speeches, a welcome song for the Darbe Meher specially written by Ms Phirooza Battiwalla and sung by the Sun ­ day School children were followed by the Also present to witness the fulfilment of crooning of 10 tenors comprising the the dream that began as “a place of our Sydney Zoro Amateur Group, lunch, infor- own ” idea in 1978 were some who have since settled elsewhere: Farokh Mistree had flown back from the US; Maggie Irani (i.e. all present including the dignitaries represented husband Noshir, now settled reading the words from the inaugural sou- in the UAE, whose deposition before the venir) vocalized Chhaiye Hame Zarthosti Land and Environment Court as president and Advance Australia Fair, the Austra- of the AZA in 1990 had been signally mal entertainment by the Zealous Zoros and socializing. A chorus of almost 500 lian national anthem. The total cost of the Darbe Meher has been A $ 601,472; the total funds gener- against the Baulkham Hills Shire Council. The local authority had originally refused ated A $ 624,307, to which the Guiv Trust 20 Parsiana September 1994¦ aS . 93 (Top) Irani: convinced the court (Above) Chief architect Lauri Glendenning (Top right) Arbab Rostam and Morvarid Guiv Darbe Meher (Right) The inaugural jashan and (from left) Ervads Desai, Bana, Kerkeria, Pavri and Katrak (Below) An aesthetic keblo dominates one comer of the Darbe Meher Photos: Nauzer Bana I I ¦ writes Nawzar Ostowari in the inaugural souvenir, alluding to the AZA’s long has contributed $ 103,000; Meherban and contingent on the AZA acquiring a suitable Faridoon Zarthosty $ 91,424, the Ostowari property . Accordingly .five acres of land in family $ 78,927, the Incorporated Trustees Annangrove were acquired for the purpose of the Zoroastrian Charity Funds of Hong in 1985. However “the Guiv funds were Kong, Canton and Macao $ 20,000, all transferred to Australia but not released^ ” gratefully acknowledged in the AZA souvenir. Australian donors had contrib ­ uted $ 120,577. AZA funds amounted to $ dispute with the Guiv trust. “A portion of 40,000 plus $ 8,743 raised through fund the amount is still withheld, ” he adds, raising activities including raffles and $158,766 from growth of investments. The Zoroastrians migrated to Sydney in the 1960s and decided to establish the AZA cost the AZA $ 48,300 — donated entirely in 1970. The place-of-our-own idea was by the community — much fears and replaced by the concept of a darbe meher heartache before the Land and Environ- in 1984. A pledge of $ 100,000 by the Guiv ment Court, on appeal, reversed the deci ­ Trust, for construction of the edifice, was continued on page 27 An even more serious impediment was the refusal of permission by the local authori ­ ties for the development of the property. ItINSTIT UTION S COVER STORY When the foundation stone of the Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy (J. J.) Hospital was laid on January 3, 1843 with full masonic honors, the then Governor of Bombay, Sir George Arthur, Baronet, went all the way from Government House, Parel, to Sir Jamsetjee ’s Fort House in south Bombay, and brought him in his carriage to the scene of the ceremony. However, when Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy, seventh Baronet, in ­ augurated the 150th year celebration of the same institution on May 15, 1994, neither I the Governor nor the Chief Minister of I Maharashtra graced the occasion. I Invitations were extended, according to I a report appearing in The Times of India ¦ (TOT) of May 16, 1994, to “the Chief ¦ Minister Mr Sharad Pawar, the minister H for finance and planning Mr Ramrao Adik, I the minister for public health Ms Push- H patai Hiray and minister of state for public K health (and medical education) Mr Maraz- B ban Patrawala. ” None of them turned up B and made do, instead, with messages of B good wishes. The only political dignitaries B present were Mohan Rawale (MP) and B Bashir Patel (MLA). Call it disrespect or just apathy on the part of the government, the soul of the founder Sir Jamsetjec Jejeebhoy, first Bar ­ onet. would not have cared less, for his name is lovingly invoked, day in and day out (for the past 150 years) by the poor and downtrodden who worship and garland his bronze statue standing within the main building. According to the present Sir Jamsetjee, “Mothers place their newborn babies at the feet of the statue and seek his blessings. ’’ According to Dr D. A. Palande, a neurosurgeon at the Hospital, “The foundcr ’.s statue represents an incarnation of God to the poor who are treated and cared for at thi.s Hospital. Even the workers here bow before the statue, first thing in the morning. ” Such is the respect his memory commands even after a century and a half. “Today, the Hospital has a capacity of 1,339 beds, ” notes the Dean, Dr S. P. Shirolkar. “However, at a time, there are usually 1,700-1,800 patients, ” adds Dr (Ms) Bharti Kondvilker of the anesthetics department of neurosurgery. “They are either accommodated on th(^floor or wher ­ ever space is available in the wards. ” The Past Ideals... Future Hopes Text: Noshir H. Dadrawala Photographs: Varghese W. Fernandez ¦ ¦ Sir J. J. Hospital’s main building today 22 Parsiana September 1994 I « s ’ IJ K f 1 UI!U f nni! 1 BBS I I jjjIS 881 1 I f 'l t' ¦ , * «¦ ¦ I - BI r The 150-year-old Sir J. J. Hospital, like Bombay itself, is struggling against odds to preserve the ideals of its founder MullaFeroz established the department of Duggan. The J. J. Group of Hospitals and the foundation stone of the Children ’s Ortho- Grant Medical College (GMC) are wholly pedic Hospital at Haji Ali); Dr Noshir whose specialized hand clinic was estab ­ lished in 1978. Dr (Ms) Mehroo Hansotia [with Dr (Ms) Sadhna Desai] was associ ­ ated in pioneering infertility technology in the 1980s. The division of neuropathology was shifted to the J. J. under Dr Darab Dastoor from the Tata Memorial Hospital. The blood bank was established in 1964 with a generous grant from the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust. The building for the eye bank was donated by Lady Duggan in 1990 in Out Patients Department (OPD) handles as J. J. Group of Hopitals (1845-199If. Dr memory of her husband, Col Sir Jamshedji many as 2,000 patients per day, with spe ­ cial clinics for skin, ENT, ophthalmology, physiotherapy in 1949 (and later laid the etc. The Hospital has 18 operation the ­ aters; and as many as 33,OOOroutine opera- pedic Hospital at Haji Ali); Dr Noshir run by the government of Maharashtra, tions are performed every year. The 82 Wadia started the department of neurology Recently, however, there has been a move buildingsoftheHospital complex are spread in 1957; Dr Noshir Antia, the department for autonomy. This sentiment was also over 44 acres of land. One may enter or of plastic surgery in 1958; Dr Meherji voiced by surgeon Dr Tehemton Udwadia, leave the Hospital complex by one of 14 Mehta the department of cardiothoracic on the occasion of inaugurating the 150 gates and, if directions are not followed surgery in 1959; Dr Farokh Udwadia was years ’ celebration, as reported in The TOl. properly, be lost in its 43 departments and 39 divisions. Among the list of honoraries who visit the OPD, we could identify at least three Zoroastrian names: general surgeons Dr Adi Nazir and Dr Gustad Davar and gyne ­ cologist Dr Bomsie Wadia. That Parsis have played a leading role in the develop ­ ment of the Hospital is recorded in the souvenir Grand Medical College and Sir of plastic surgery in 1958; Dr Meherji Mehta the department of cardiothoracic surgery in 1959; Dr Farokh Udwadia was involved in upgrading, modernizing and He also said, “This is the best teaching equipping the tetanus/rabies'unit in the hospital, east ofthe Suez, and the people of 1960s so that the mortality rate fell from Bombay should be made to feel that this is over 90 percent to less than 20 percent; Dr their Hospital. ” Rustom Irani founded the department of pediatric surgery in 1967. Among orthope ­ dic super specialists were Dr K. S. Masalawala whose work on TB spine and surgery of the atlanto-axial region is well long procedures defeat so many dreams known; and Dr Jamsheed Taraporvala Doctors at the Hospital are almost unani ­ mous in their view that autonomy will lead to greater accountability and less red tapism. “Paper work takes months to move and the itsaBSi Above left: Male ward, medical Right and below left: The Motlibai Obstetrics Hospital now serves as College of Nursing that motivated doctors and philanthropists may have, ” says a doc ­ tor from the OPD who does not wish to be named. While the Hospital has kept pace with the latest advances in medi ­ cal science and is equipped with the latest surgical tools and medi ­ cal equipment, the level of motivation among the staff is low. Coronary bypass, kidney trans ­ plant and neuro endo ­ scopic surgery is perfor ­ med routinely at the Hospital, but the human touch and sensitivity i,s lacking in the wards. There is reportedly a general sense of frustra ­ tion and discontent ac ­ companied by indiscipline and arrogance among sections of the staff. The Hospital run.s an AIDS care center recognized by the World Health Organiza ­ tion (WHO) which provides advance diag ­ nostic facilities like radio imaging and CT scan, but “running from pillar to post for everything ” is a common complaint.HU The Dean proudly says that the Hospital is “a global village of science, technology, education and health. ” But it also hits the headlines with underworld shoot-outs in its precincts and tragedies like the glycerol deaths that were the end result of greed and callousness as unearthed by the Lentin Commission. “What is the reason for the negative image of the Hospital? ” we asked Palande, the first to detect the glycerol tragedy and a prime witness in the case before Justice Bakhtawar Lenlin, the single-judge Com ­ mission instituted to investigate the grim episode. “It is you people from the Press who create this negative image, ” responds Palande. “The Press is always out for a juicy scoop. They will not write about the pioneering research work being done here. They will not write about the work we are doing on AIDS. But, yes, a controversy they will gulp down immediately, ” he laments. According to Palande the Hospi ­ tal offers every possible facility; special ­ ized OPD clinics for epilepsy, diabetes. 'W',‘ etc, CT scans, fluorescent microscopy, ultra sonography and treatment for tetanus and rabies. The Hospital treats criminals and undertrials alike. For example, Palande successfully treated Ashwin Naik, the underworld don who was shot in the The Grant Medical College Among the hundreds of eminent medicos the College has groomed are the It also has a glorious tradition of medical research: Robert Koch, the Nobel Laure ­ ate in medicine (1905) whose research covered tuberculosis, cholera and anthrax; and Waldemar Haffkine who worked on course of civilization. Today, 200 students are admitted for the undergraduate course, 200 for the postgraduate course and 22 for the super In the early 1840s, British India could Among the successful students in the boast of only two medical schools — one first batch were two Parsis — Dr Baijorjee at Calcutta and the other at Madras. The Dorabjee and Dr Merwanjee Sorabji. schools were not established to produce independent medical practitioners. At these institutions, Indians wanting to study likes of Dr Shirodkar (credited with the Westernmedicinewereadmittedprimarily Shirodkar ’s stitch), and Dr (Ms) Banoo to be trained as assistants to the English Coyaji, recipient of theMagsaysay Award, doctors in India. However, Sir Robert Grant, the Governor of Bombay, was particularly keen to have a teaching institute for medicine in his presidency. The foundation stone of the Grant Medi ­ cal College was laid by the Bishop of the preparation of the cholera and plague Calcutta, a few weeks after the foundation vaccines in the College ’s F. D. Petit Labo- of the J. J. Hospital was laid. It was opened ratory — innovations which changed the on November 1, 1845, and founded with the object of “imparting, through a scien ­ tific system, the benefit of medical in ­ structions to the natives of Western India. ” There were special arrangements for the specialities. TheCollege ’spathologymu- students to bathe after dissection. Unlike today ’s serpentine queues, not many students were forthcoming to seek admission in the early years. In fact, Framjee Ghorpade who heads the department of Cawasjee, a prominent leader of the commu ­ nity, had to go around persuading parents to send their children to study at the College. After a lot of persuasion, three Hindu and eight Parsi students enrolled. Some students were even paid for seeking admission to the conference and bring together as many ex- College! The course was for five years, students as possible from all over the world. seum, the largest in Asia, houses around 6,0(X) specimens, many predating antibi ­ otics and hence rare, says Dr (Ms) K. G. pathology. The campus has its own post office and police station. To commemorate the 150th year of the Grant Medical College, efforts are being made to organize an international medical Sir The GMC’s Physiology School Right: The hoys ’ common room was once the communicable diseases ward head and almost given up for dead. “The poor are quite satisfied with our facilities. They keep coming back to us since they do not read your newspapers, ” continues Palande with a grin. “The treat ­ ment offered here is absolutely free, though we charge a very nominal fee for CT scans and major surgical operations. There are times when we even have to give money (to the patients) to go back home to their villages. ” The Hospital, operates on an annual budget of 16-17 crore rupees, which Palande terms “inadequate. ” According to him, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) managed by the central government in New Delhi, operates on a budget of Rs 60-80 crores and “the differ ­ ence is for all to see. ” He agrees that the general level of motivation among the staff is low. “But what do you expect from a resident doctor who earns a (starting) basic salary of Rs 2,500 per month (with 24-hour call duty), or a nurse with a basic salary (starting) of Rs 1,335 per month? ” He is, nonetheless, satisfied with the staff in his department. Palande is all for charging at least a token fee to patients. “According to our rules, if a patient earns more than Rs 150 per month, he is charged at the rate of Rs 2 per day, ” he informs. “However, 99 per ­ cent of the patients who fill the form declare their income to be under Rs 150 and we have no machinery to verify this. But, honestly, can anyone survive today on a monthly income of Rs 150? Why are we fooling ourselves? ” Palande, who joined the Hospital in 1968, and Kondvilkar, who joined in 1972, both agree that if the staff is given proper recognition and handled with care, the level of motivation could improve. “My I r 24 Parsiana September 1994iii! Top left: The Coroner's Court - the only one in south Bombay I of medicines, even for the troops, were meager in quantity and poor in quality. Writes Jehangir R. P. Mody in his biog ­ raphy of Sir Jamsetjee, “Before J. J. Hos- j pital came into existence, there was not a j single hospital in Bombay for civilian pa- ? tients. In 1834, the Bombay Native Dis- I pensary was opened near the Esplanade in pursuance of a resolution adopted at a I public meeting. It was started by the then I famous Dr Makie, with the help of sub- I scriptions from generous donors in a house I given rent-free by the government. I “After four years, a meeting of the sub- I scribers was called by the doctor and he read I before them a report of the proceedings of I the dispensary. Among those who were present was Jamsetjee; he was deeply grat ­ ified by this report. In his Kholaseh-i- Early history Merchant prince Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy, Right: The Dinshaw Maneckji Petit born in 1783, traded Gynaecological Hospital is now part of with China and the College of Nursing amassed a fortune Below left: The old structure of the Grant which he shared lib- Medical College now holds the public erally, not only with works department, a police chowky, etc his coreligionists but Right: File photograph of watercolor with the city of painting of J. J. Hospital (courtesy The Bombay, the country Prince of Wales Museum) and the world. He is believed to have disbursed a sum of Rs Panchayat, Jamsetjee observes that the place 24,59,736 in his lifetime, in various chari ­ ties. In today ’s rupee value, the amount • duty is from 8.30 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. But I am invariably here till 6 or sometimes even 10 p.m., without overtime (compensation)... During the riots, we were on duty almost 24 would run into several crores, hours. However, if one day I report late for duty, it becomes a major issue, ” notes Kondvilkar. “It’s like the case of your plaints due to sewage-polluted well water maid. If you look after her well, she will look after your child just as well, ” inter ­ jects Palande. In Jamsetjee ’s time, the scourge of chol ­ era, small-pox and never-ending liver com- was too small to keep very sick patients for treatment. (So) long as they could walk they would get treatment, but in case of a serious illness, they could not walk to the dispen ­ sary; hence, that would hasten their end. This reflection led Jamsetjee to ask the chairman. Sir Herbert Compton, to corre ­ spond in his name with the government and claimed a heavy toll of human life. Mea ­ sures necessary for public medical relief were almost unknown and consignments to convey to them his desire to build a large 25 Parsiana September 1994sum of Rs 300 being given to the dispen ­ sary, to the new hospital. ” The East India Company readily ac- hospital where 300 beds could be accom- sum of Rs 300 being given to the dispen- 1,00,000 under cover of his letter of Octo- modated with ease. He also expressed his sary, to the new hospital. ” ber 23, 1839 to the Treasury. wish to donate a sum of Rs 1,00,000 for this The East India Company readily ac- A large plot of land, belonging to purpose, provided the government would cepted Jamsetjee ’s offer and accordingly Dadabhai and Muncherji Pestonji Wadia, give an equal amount, and to transfer the Jamsetjee forwarded a cheque for Rs nearBabulaTalao, was bought by Jamsetjee Jamsetjee forwarded a cheque for Rs A relic no more? “All this has changed now, ” asserts Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy, seventh Baronet, with a sense of satisfaction. Sir Jamsetjee who The first generation of social workers to respond to the call of the neglected ward were Ms Mani Siganporia, Ms Banoo Irani and Kavarana. The wards ’s present good shape is thanks to the renovation financed A part of the older structure, the J. J. Hospital ’s Parsi ward epitomizes the worst - and the best — of the Zoroastrian commu ­ nity in Bombay today. Its 24 “patients ” (12 is the chairman of the Sir J. J. Charities, males, 12 females) have ages that range said that his trust spends a sum of Rs 5,500 upwards from 40. And they have one thing per month for providing wholesome food by a munificent donation from Faridoon in common: they have been deserted by to the patients, five days a week, under a .............. - . --- . their families. Nor are they, strictly special arrangement with the Sir Ratan speakings, “patients. ” What ails most of Tata Institute (RTI). them is loneliness, lack of interest in life, the isolation of the unwanted... Until a decade ago the Parsi ward was one of the J. J. Hospital ’s most neglected to atrophied muscles and joints as in the areas. But thanks to the awareness created by the Parsi press and the response of the community ’s social workers, it is not only floor. (Marfatia ’s brother and sister had in fairly good shape today, but the J. J. been urged to come and meet him on Trust, with the cooperation of the Hospital many occasions but they have refused to authorities, is working on an expansion that may enable at least 12 more geriatric cases to be accommodated, informs Aspi who can benefit from her help and do Parakh. A lawyer by training, it is said that Parakh has been devoting four to five hours them. (Marfatia will shortly acquire a trol- a day to the ward ’s hapless inmates since the past three years. And he alludes to a roster of Zoroastrian ladies who take turns in devoting time and energy in providing pay for one turn every week, informs various services to the old people who are confined here: “Amy Paymaster and Dolly Sarbanwalla associates request would-be benefactors to help with the breakfast; Goolu Lala and Villoo Bharucha are frequent visitors; Roshni Damania of Damania Airways water, additional dhobi service, etc have home), ” opined Eruchsha Patel, 82, comes every Tuesday and gives whatever been provided for the benefit of the in- who has been in the ward for the past three is required; powder, linen, ghee, etc are mates. years. provided by the Lions Club of Cuffe Pa ­ rade through Sunu Dadyburjor; Arnavaz i ,. , Misery comes and gives the old people unit (from the J. J. Hospital and the Grant haircuts, trims their nails; Yezdi and Zarine Daruwalla send dinner most nights; Farida Khanna comes often to talk to the old people, gives time to befriend them; but the seniormost is (BPP trustee) Silloo Kavarana-, she ’s the kingpin of all! ” says Parakh who adds that he is compensated were arranged for by Nazir who came with for his own time and effort by Kavarana and Fall Poncha (chairman of the CER’s managing committee). There was a time however when the walls had not received a coat of paint in 25 years and the staple food provided by the Hospital 365 days of the year was dal, rice, chapatti and vegetables. and Meherban Zarthosty of Canada. Dr (Ms) Roshan Ratan Balsara, the welfare officer appointed by the Trust since 1986, visits the ward thrice a week (Mondays, “Now the patients are being overfed. The last thing they need is food! ” states Wednesdays, Fridays) in the afternoon to Parakh. But lying in bed all the time has led supervise food distribution and look into the various problems of the patients. A case of Dara Marfatia who pulls himself consulting gynecologist, Balsara says, “I along on the well-tiled, surprisingly cleanenjoy working for the old and infirm. It gives me so much satisfaction. ” According to Balsara, the patients in the Parsi ward usually come from homes where do so, says Kavarana.) A physiotherapist they have become a burden to themselves now comes twice a week to attend to those and their families. “You may call this place an infirmary, though it is more like a the stretching exercises she teaches dumping place where ungrateful children and family members leave the old and infirm to die. ” We met Homi Engineer who has been in the ward for the past six months, for a back problem. “Sari jevi kalji levaich. Khavanu Parakh. pan saru malech. Bus, ek saga-wahlao no Kavarana mentions that she and her pato nathi (Good care is being taken. Food is also good. Only, not a single relative shows up.) ” He said this with a deadpan ley on which he can move himself around.) Her bill of Rs 70 per turn is defrayed by Dr (Ms) Deboo and Mistry who each donate in kind rather than cash. Thus, a fridge, an Aquaguard to purify drinking face. "Gher karta saru (better than been provided for the benefit of the in ­ mates. “The whole ward is being taken care of, medically, by Dr Adi Nazir and his entire For the entertainment of the patients, a philanthropist has donated a television set; and Mistry plays music and brings cheer when she visits the ward on Fridays. A particularly poignant problem sur ­ faces when an inmate dies. Kavarana and the other social workers try to inform the families but it is rare that any one responds. Medical College where Nazir teaches sur ­ gery). Nazir himself pays a visit every week and 17 to 18 cases of the 24 are handled by him, ” informs Parakh. “The additional space (a floor above plus an adjoining room) that the J. J. Trust sought says she. The doongerwadi expenses are ¦ ’1 borne by the BPP and Pafakh, Kavarana or Dr S. P. Shirolkar, Dean of the J. J. Hospital one of the other social workers may be the and Mr Rustom Jejeebhoy to inspect the only mourners. place, ” Parakh notes, adding “Already 50 plus applications are pending with the J. J. Trust for admission to the Parsi ward... Every year on March 21 thereisajashan(in tion, “There is much cooperation between the ward) on a large scale. Dr Nazir also comes... ” Speaking for all those who have cared to respond to the call of the Parsi ward, Parakh notes with a measure of satisfac- the Hospital and the social workers. There is unison in working... ” 26 Parsiana Septeniber 1994THE DAWN OF A NEW ERA... A $ 120,000. The AZA currently has $ 23,800 in the kitty. “Call it the end of one dream... the beginning of another, ” notes Meher-Homji. AZA members have come from differ- for a sum of Rs 28,125; in addition to this, he offered a sum of Rs 10,000 as his continued from pa^e2l contribution for the erection of the hos ­ pital building. However, it was soon dis- , covered that the estimate fell far short of Abroad, Parsiana, November 1^90). A the cost, so Jamsetjee increased his dona- 1 , _ tion from Rs 10,000 to Rs 50,000. The t----------o---------------- . _ . ,, u building was erected within two years and struction in January 1994, the work being sports and they ‘ get on as well as anywhere on May 15,1845, the opening ceremony of completed barely a fort- the Hospital was performed by Sir George night before the inau- Arthur in the presence of a distinguished guration. gathering and patients admitted for treat- ~ ment. As time went by, demands on the Hos ­ pital grew and other buildings were added. The Motlibai Hospital for obstetrics came up in 1891 donated by N. M. Wadia in memory of his mother; Sir Dinshaw Manekji Petit Hospital for gynecology fol ­ lowed in 1892. (Both structures now house the Government of Maharashtra ’s College School. The Association ’s annual and ex- of Nursing.) The Sir Cowasji Jehangir traordinary general meetings, as also other Although these problems are now largely a thing of the past, the AZA is constrained _____________________ to use the Annangrove premises for day- in the early 1920s and the Byramjee time functions only. (For the Pateti func- Jejeebhoy Hospital for Children in 1928. The foundation stone of the new eight ­ storied J. J. building was laid on June 13, 1958, by Y. B. Chavan, then Chief Minis ­ ter of Bombay, in the presence of a distin- . guished gathering which included Sir pound and the entrance pleasantly land- Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy, sixth Baronet and . -j i-„_ Lady Jejeebhoy. First Indian FRCS gold medalist Dr Shantilal J. Mehta, then superintendent of the Hospital, noted in The Grant Medical College Magazine of 195 8, “The new build ­ ing will add 460 beds to its present bed ------------------ . . strength. It will be then the largest hospital bers to bring with them “finger food which spouses to the community welfare has been in the country. Plans for the future include a disaster management unit to swing into action in case < establishment of a national AIDS institute with facilities for research and rehabilita ­ tion and a cancer therapy unit. As Mody had noted in his biography of . the philanthropist, “The age-old Hospital specifying the number of adults and chil- will continue its noble mission of alleviat- ¦ -“—J ing the sufferings of the poor for decades and decades yet to come. The past lives on with its proud record of achievements; the present, with its rejuvenated confidence and aspiration for better things, will draw inspiration from the past; and the future, like astar of hope, will guide its destiny; and the soul of the noble benefactor will merge the past, the present and the future into one vast deathless edifice of human achieve ­ ment. ” sion in favor of the fCLK in September 1990 (see “AZA victorious, ” Zoroastrians flurry of fund raising followed. Planning ent parts of the world: India, Pakistan, Iran, and design commenced in 1992 and con- "" — They originally came together through else in the world, if not better, ” Meher-Homji had noted in an interview with Parsiana in September 1993. The membership comprises about 200 families and between 50 to 80 singles who, despite the recession, fared well because of their high level of education, said Meher- West Public Homji. In the Australian population at large, only five to seven percent are graduates, he had noted. Nonetheless, the older generation wor ­ ries. They have worked so hard for this Darbe Meher. Will the coming generations maintain it? By and large the youngsters — about two children per family — are not as geared Community Centre had been booked.) They to the community, maintained Meher- are !_____________ is done on the road. Accordingly, 80 park ­ ing spaces have been provided in the com- During the prolonged legal battle the AZA was exiled from its own property between 1989 and 1994. Their Sunday School, begun in 1977 in a Unitarian Hall in down ­ town Sydney, had to be conducted at the Thornlei gh "KZA members get on as well as anywhere else in the world, if not better" Ophthalmic Hospital was built in 1866 (the functions, had to be held in rented halls, present eye hospital was constructed in *¦' 1930 at the same site as the original one); the Balaram and Sassoon blocks were added tion slated for August 20,1994 the Roselea also bound to ensure that no car parking Homji. Up to a certain age they go to Sunday School — held religiously every second Sunday of the month — when the parents insist. After the age of 15 or 16 they begin to drop out. “(There are) so many diversions — going to the beach, sports activities... There is no real danger from other religions. Australians don ’t really believe in religion, ” explained Meher- Homji. The contribution of non-Zoroastrian scaped. Of these, 20 had been reserved for VIPs invited to the inauguration and the community was requested to pool its con ­ veyance with a minimum of five persons per car as emphasized in the AZA newslet ­ ter, Manashni, of June 1994. Manashni also requested AZA mem- 1 substantial, acknowledged Meher-Homji. appended list of suggested items, along The AZA’s seniormost priest, Peshotan with disposable plates, cups, etc for the I-------, does not require heating, ” according to an Katrak, is married to a non-Zoroastrian of riots, earthquakes, floods, etc, the family ’suse.Themanagingcommitteehad who has encouraged him and their two sons ’ - • ¦ A • ... A- j _ .---------;—.Ua jq {jg gQod Zoroasfliaus . Ms Shirley Mahableshwarwalla, erstwhile editor of Manashni, is a non-Zoroastrian wife who is more active in AZA affairs than her husband. The newsletter was started in the 1970s and sustained until the early 1980s by Ernani Giambuzzi... AZA president Ms Gulu Bilimoria summed up the community ’s hopes and _ fears that memorable day: “I hope you all “over three acres of land in the Annangrove have a wonderful day — one that the property is still a bush area, ” writes Meher- Homji. On the anvil are a rose garden, playground for kids, tennis, volleyball and basketball courts, barbecue and picnic ar ­ eas, a handicraft training workshop cum storage shed... The total estimated cost is undertaken to organize the “sagan ” items like mithai, ravo, chasni and fried fish. Hence the community members were required to fill in an acceptance form. dren from each family likely to attend, whether they required car space or could offer lifts to others, the food items they were likely to contribute, etc. Despite all the effort entailed so far. Zoroastrian community will remember for many years. May Ahura Mazda bless our Darbe Meher and may this be a step to ­ wards unity within our community and peace and harmony for us all in our new homeland... God bless Australia. ” — 27 Parsiana September 1994SCHOLARSHIP "What makes Zoroastrians Zoroastrian? Zoroastrianism preaches that man’s moral choices are of major importance to the universe, says Dr Philip Kreyenbroek L_ ___ ; i O' Arnavaz S. Mama “When one looks at the character of the community one has the feeling that there ’s no bogeyman round the corner. Zoroastri ­ ans are allowed to look things in the face because Zoroastrianism is not contrary to reason, ” says Dr Philip Kreyenbroek, hon ­ orary secretary of the Roy^ Asiatic Soci ­ ety of London and an integral part of the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) of the University of London. In Bombay to give the Athravan Educational Trust ’s (AET) third annual Naoroji Godrej Memorial Lecture, the tall, bespectacled Dutchman had chosen “Zoroastrian Spiri ­ tuality — Hearkening to the voice of God ” as his theme. “Mystical systems usually develop in order to bridge the gap between man and God, which is considered unbridgeable by rational means... In Zoroastrianism it is man ’s conscious mind and his reason that is believed to be capable of bridging the gap between the divinity up there and the divine spark inside (the heart of man). In Zoroastrianism, man ’s conscious mind is valued as the key to a spiritual life, ” Kreyenbroek had concluded. A collaborator with Dastur (Dr) Firoze Kotwal on the translation of the Herberastan and the Nirangistan, Kreyenbroek is steeped in the symbolism of Zoroastrian rituals. The Herberastan published a year ago, records what priests should be taught, while Kreyenbroek ’s own work, Yezidism, which deals with the Kurds, is due for publication shortly. “According to Zoroastrian teachings and particularly in the Gathas, one can be in touch with the divine by opening up one ’s heart to the quality represented by a divine being or angel, e.g. Vohu Mana (good thought), ” says Kreyenbroek. When man thinks his own good thoughts, in his own life, he draws nearer to the essence of Vohu Mana enabling the divine being to work in the world by means of the mind and body of the believer. ” A linguist to begin with, Kreyenbroek chafed against the “lack of freedom of conscience ” of his native Protestant Chu ­ rch. While his parents wanted him to study law, he got interested in Islam. However, he says, he realized that, as a Westerner, his perception of Islam would be different from that of a practising Muslim. Arabic was the first language to prove difficult. Kreyenbroek found Persian more interest ­ ing and got interested in the Sufi texts. The interest in Persian language and literature took him to Iran in 1970 where he noticed this “totally different community where women were equal to men. ” He observed their strong personality; their easy accep ­ tance of the fact that he was a vegetarian. It seemed “typical of the Zoroastrian one ­ ness of spirit. ” Was this “a clue to what religion did to people? ” Kreyenbroek ask- etthimself, wondering “What made Zoro ­ astrians Zoroastrian? ” Unhappy with the way Avesta-Pahlavi was taught in Holland, Kreyenbroek en ­ rolled for study under Prof (Ms) Mary Boyce. As he got closer to the realities of the tradition, Kreyenbroek says he realized that it is a largely oral one with not much writing in the religious sphere. He ascribes the diversity of beliefs among Zoroastrians to the lack of a theological tradition. There is need for theology, he says. The loss of the academic tradition bet ­ ween 900 and the mid 1800s “wasn ’t a problem because the Zoroastrians lived simple lives. ” But in the aftermath of the strong Western confrontation, the uproot ­ ing of rural traditions caused great confu ­ sion in the community because “the West wanted to know in Western terms ” what Zoroastrianism was all about. Full of praise for Kotwal ’s knowledge and understanding of the rituals, Kreyenbroek says, “For us in the West he is absolutely fantastic for he is trained in India and the West. ” Kotwal, with his living knowledge of the tradition, is able to explain passages that the Western scholars are unable to resolve, says Kreyenbroek. “Rituals are a part of life. People who think of Pahlavi texts as rigid, ritualistic, must look at it in the context; only the difficult and not too common was probably jotted down... The ritual part was meant to lead to the spiritual part... Rituals give focus, ” says Kreyenbroek citing as an ex ­ ample the respect for water which is sym ­ bolized in the Avan Parab jashan. The rituals “helped to preserve the com ­ munity, especially up to the 19th century... What people do mirrors their feelings to ­ wards nature, towards God, which they inculcate in their children. ” Kreyenbroek is adept at describing the changing meaning behind the rituals: The ijashne began as a ceremony to entertaia 28 Parsiana September 1994divine beings with songs of praise, damn tnnf T fruit, etc. Later it waf ^^e essence been performed by divine beings at the ^^^t as we say that energy birth of the world. Also, among premigra- ^o/"ove, the ancient Iranians said tion Aryans, it was the aim of fhe ritufi to essence UAVZ.. ™ Il was me aim ot the ritual to preserve the world as it was, to ensure stability. The remote, premigrant Aryan pastoralists remained on good terms with creation by obeying the laws of Asha. In turn Asha helped to maintain the equilib- num between births and deaths, abun ­ dance and drought; Mithra presided over the sanctity of the social contract and Varuna ensured the power of the oath As any rnisbehavior on any of these fronts could leave society open to upheaval, obe- l^ethereligiousandspiritualfocusof i-—‘He Are the family at this early stage. “Fire illus- frates the way in which the supernatural forces played a role in the lives of men and had to be sustained, in turn, by men... It can be seen, but it has no substance. It helps man, like cooking his food, but it can turn against him and bum him if used the wron g wav Tt 11,00 ___ I .1 . - ® ans that fire does not dience was necessary, he explained. ' THa PirA 2— _ _ t 1 way. It was realized by the ancient Iran i- X'th. h fiso hX hTav^^i?y counmX The Prophet himself had to act before Sraosha could come to him JJ animals that allowed them muiiidia , inai allowed them to move, and k r bodies of all living beings that says Kreyenbroek. “Instead ® interplay of spiritual forces which were bound by the Laws of Asha and which maintained the world in its proper place, in its proper way, there now emerged gods... who somewhat resembled military l^ders or capitalists. ” Indra —the divinity of the new age — “was not bound by the Laws of Asha. He is in fact, more like a great maharaja, than a priest. So a view of the gods, as beings who were as intelligible and predictable as the rest of the world gave way among some Indian and prob ­ ably Iranian tribes, to a sense that man ’s lot was in the hands of mighty gods who demanded worship and veneration in much of the subtle interplay of spiritual forces which were bound by the Laws of Asha and which maintained the world in its proper gods... who somewhat resembled military ,r\» ?*-» 11 >>T__ > . Laws of Asha. He is in fact, more like a p»*Ao#- U 2 _ the gods, as beings who were as intelligible and predictable as the rest of the world gave way among some Indian and prob- hands of mighty gods who the same way as the new warlords and who were as unpredictable. ” It was probably against the background of this amoral, might-is-right cult that zara^ushtra raged against such evil thought Md disotedience. Kreyenbroek says that ^athushtra realized that the opposition between goodness and evil, conflict and harmony were central to this world at this stage in its evolution and therefore, it was because they believed it carried these prayers to the gods and thus it became a link between this world and the next How ­ ever, the fire needed to be fed by man to survive. The domestication of the horse and the discovery of metals combined to send men in their search much further afield. The resulting migrations — one of the first examples of the social conseauencp ro Pl 2 S g- I OTod "g 3 -2 E ¦R § ™ ^•1 p § o c E a 2 4-. 5 *O QJ uo O -J —. a o o ¦ Ji 2 2 IZl Q- Q. E s 5 § g . Q w J I I »—1—4 W . • —‘ 111 3 O) o s L* I I — LU Q ro s € 5 lO IZI O S -c 0) (Ti tss £ V u (U ¦D s I 1 § Yd «—• ¦o m Q 55 Q Ln j: iHEALTH The body in balance Parinaz Gandhi Knowledge of yoga can improve one's perspective on living, says Ms Armaiti Desai The Parsi life-style is characterized by excess — “excess food leading to excess weight, excess ambition leading to in ­ difference to relaxation, excess emotions and anger leading to a critical attitude. ” This has been the observation of Ms Armaiti Desai, formerly a student and presently an instructor at The Yoga Institute at Santa Cruz which has, during its 76 years of existence, guid- 1 ed innumerable aspirants from different corners of ¦ the globe. Desai is sanguine that the lessons department, Desai has helped edit their subjects like cardiac care, ‘asthma, arthritis magazine. Yoga and Total Health and co- and other orthopedic diseases, abdominal authored some of their popular works. I ti z. J ter on the effects of yoga on asthma that gives objective evidence of the benefits accrued to different patients following yoga practice. Pregnancy, Parenthood and Yoga is another popular work by these two ladies. The foreword in this book is by well- known gynecologist Dr Rustom Soonawala who recommends “this book to all... The suggestions offered and-the yogic tech ­ niques mentioned here are quite simple, scientific and useful. Yoga is our national are inherent in the Parsi heritage and it offers wonderful advice on psyche, are the ones ex ­ tolled by yoga also. ” Pioneering research Prenatal Asanas, The Way to Breathe, work in the fields of heart Labour of Love and Postnatal Asanas. The care, asthma and diabe- other chapters are devoted to preparing the tes has been undertaken mother and the father for the advent of the at The Yoga Institute baby into this world. This book is distrib- founded by Shri Yog- uted to all the expectant mothers who enrol endra who is regarded as the pioneer of yoga re ­ naissance. The findings Institute. And playing the role of instruc- of some of these studies tors at this course as also several others have been incorporated regularly conducted at the Institute are h in the extensive literature Hansaben, and Desai who is a registered publishedby the Institute, midwife nurse. Involved substantially in thelnstitute ’spublication Institute are specifically geared to handle life and living. ” Some of the most instruc ­ tive chapters in this 74-page book are for the two-day yoga course on pregnancy that is conducted almost every month at the Some of the other two-day camps at the she has learnt from yoga can benefit other community members too. Fortunately “I authored some of their popular works, disorders, stress, diabetes, etc where the had no physical problems but the Yoga Daily Planner—Heart Care, ioinily cost for the two days inclusive of breakfast, ' „ , lunch and tea is Rs 250. At the seven-day the daughter-in-law of the founder, and residential camp, on payment of Rs 800 Desai, has been printed in four languages, for boarding, lodging and tuitions, the “Bypass the bypass and burst the balloon of student is exposed to the yogic life. An- _ . , 1 other option is their special courses on an “helps you to reflect, to evaluate your hourly basis. The special courses for teach- > ers and students focus on concentration, and to plan a new life-style. ” The well relaxation, memory training and self de ­ illustrated 36-page book explains the vari- velopment and the charge is Rs 100 for the OUS cardiac complications, their causes two days. Recently the central government and concomitant effects, and how they can knowledge of yoga and its philosophy of a authored by Hansa Jayadeva Yogendra, balanced, equipoised mind appealed to me and have helped me in retaining correct perspectives on life and living, ” conveys Desai in her smooth, gentle tone that angioplasty, ” recommends the book which matches her serene demeanor. ' Coronary problems and diabetes, the strengths and weaknesses, to set new goals two ailments common among Parsis, can ’ ' ................. ~ be corrected if one leads a sensible life ­ style, points out Desai, adding, “The com ­ plete package of food, thoughts, attitudes, routine, work relationships, recreation, be resolved by changing one ’s perspective, contributes to a person ’s health. In yoga, adopting a healthy routine and following the emphasis is on leading a dutiful life and doing one ’s task with a positive, happy, relaxed attitude. But many Parsis do not realize this and they have misapprehen ­ sions that yoga implies running away from society and leading the life of a sanyasi. Basically, the traits of hard work, simplic ­ ity, compassion, purity, generosity, non ­ violence, friendliness, contentment that has offered to sponsor a one-month and three months ’ teachers training program at The Yoga Institute, informs Desai. Alto- the asanas that are recommended in the gether there must be about 100 Parsis book. enrolling for the different courses in a Yogic Life — A Cure for Asthma and given year. And more often it is the females Bronchitis, also by the same authors, pro ­ vides an insight into these respiratory ail ­ ments and their effective management by spacious lecture rooms, dormitories, a li- pursuing certain breathing techniques and brary, a mini museum and a dining hall that tips on how to forestall the onset of these attacks. The 64-page book includes achap- than the males who are seen on the Institute ’s premises which abound with natural flora, serves only wholesome ‘satvic ’ food (a simple vegetarian diet that is meant to 34 Parsiana Sepiember 1994? r generate calmness, non excitability and peace). To disillusion some misinformed people who equate yoga with body contortions or heights of meditation, Desai explains yoga, in the words of the founder, “as a way of life... Yoga is not a dogma or a religion... Yoga cannot interfere with any one ’s reli ­ gion. In fact, it can make one practise one ’s own religion, whatever it may be, more effectively. ’’ Most of the Parsis who have been asso ­ ciated with the Institute “come in the ca ­ pacity of seekers and stay on as seekers, ” reveals Desai. There are a few though who get involved in the actual workings of the Institute. “My husband Neriosang who introduced me to yoga has been associated for the last 31 years. He has created some unique teaching aids in the form of games to impart certain concepts of yoga, ” she adds. However, in the case of most Parsis, participation in the Institute ’s welfare in ­ volves extending philanthropic aid, clari ­ fies the founder ’s son Dr Jayadeva Yogendra. The present premises at Santa Cruz were possible thanks to a mortgage agree ­ ment with one Rustom Irani. Before it took up its permanent abode at Santa Cruz, the Insitute had functioned from 14 other pre ­ mises, one of which was at the Parsi Club at Navsari. Actually the birth of The Yoga will after seeing the perceptible change in Institute was in a Parsi home, The Sands,, my health, and as a proof of my devotion to the residence of Dadabhoy Naoroji, with the first registered patient —Homi Dadina, the son-in-law of Naoroji — also a Parsi. Such nuggets of information are reported in the book. The Householder Yogi — Life of Shri Yogendra by Santan Rodrigues. "Many Parsis have misapprehensions that yoga implies leading the life of a sanyasi" When Dadina and a few others first started learning yoga on the Versova Beach it is said that they had to face ridicule from passersby who would deprecatingly re ­ mark, “Joke karta (acting funny) ” instead of “Yoga karta (performing yoga)! ” Disregarding such criticism and con ­ vinced that yoga had caused an improve ­ ment in his health Dadina had written to Shri Yogendra, “I shall be grateful if you will kindly take my two sons under your care who wish to come of their own free your cause, I am prepared to place my residence at the seashore (at Versova) at your disposal, and maintain necessary ex ­ pense, if you are prepared to take up more cases... ” Subsequently Dadina is said to have been instrumental in raising resources to finance the young yogi ’s trip to the USA so that his message could reach beyond the shores of India. In the case of Desai, interest in the subject was ignited prior to marriage when she was in Karachi and her husband-to-be in Bombay. She learnt through their corre ­ spondence that there was “this vibrant man, sitting ramrod straight, with a bub ­ bling sense of humor, who was very hu ­ mane and would talk to each person at his own level. ” Curious to know more about the man and his message, soon after mar ­ riage Desai came to The Yoga Institute and attended a course conducted by the founder ’s wife Sita Devi who still takes classes in the ladies ’ wing. After Desai completed the seven-month teachers train ­ ing course, she was privileged to work with continued on page 41 ? (From left) Desai; Dadina with Shri Yogendra in America (1919); Yogendra family outside The Yoga Institute premises at Santa Cruz 35 Parsiana September 1994 t ¦BOOKS Republishing an epic Dina G. McIntyre The Divine Songs ofZarathushtra by Dr Irach J. S. cisely how he sets out the Gathas. For each Taraporewaia. Published in 1993 by the Hukhta Foundation, C/o B. I. Taraporewala, India House No.2, Flat 14, August Kranti Marg, Bombay400036. Pp: xxxlv+1,166. Price: Rs 600 plus postage (in detailed discussion of almost every word India) and US $ 60 plus postage (abroad). chastises them for interpreting these verses with the preconceived notions of Christi ­ anity. Yet an objective reader might well feel that Taraporewala himself reads the Gathas with preconceived notions derived from the Vedic literature on which he relies so heavily for his interpretations. But surely, no one can quarrel with his view that: “It is the thought of the Gathas which is really profound. ’’ And he concludes with the humbleness of a great soul: “No one verse, Taraporewala gives a literal transla ­ tion and a free translation, followed by a can...assert that he has grasped fully the true spirit of the Gathas. My own experi ­ ence has been that as I advance in years and in knowledge of life, I find deeper and in that verse. This work is invaluable to any serious student of the Gathas because, regardless deeper meanings in each verse. ” A truly Dr Irach J. S. Taraporewala was a rare phenomenon — a practising Zoroastrian of whether we may agree or disagree with spoken thought, and one which, I am sure. with all the love of a devotee towards the author on any giv- Zarathushtra ’s teachings, and also a lin- en point, he not only guist whose knowledge was state of the art gives us his own trans- for the period in which he lived. He was lation and interpreta- bom in 1!884, entered Cambridge Univer- tion, but also mentions sity to study Sanskrit in 1911, took his some opinions from tripos there, and later earned a doctorate many of the leading degree “summa cum laude ” in Sanskrit scholars of antiquity from Wurzburg University, Germany, and of his day whose where he also studied Avesta under the works are not readily foremost Iranist of that time — Prof C. available to most of us We are still far from one authoritative translation of the Gathas has been the experience of all serious students of Zarathushtra ’s songs. It is interesting to read the author ’s views on the many topics in the Gathas about which opinions dif ­ fer. Without expressing my own views on these matters, here are a few examples: On the ques- Bartholomae. This book was first pub- — Andreas, Bartholomae, Carnoy, tion of geush urva, Taraporewala takes a lished in 1951 during a time of great per- Neriosangh Dhaval, Geldner, Jackson, metaphoric view. He says: “Like the ‘sheep ’ sonal difficulty for the author. We are Kanga, Mills, Moulton, the Pahlavi trans- lucky indeed that this sec- lations, and many others. ond edition was republished Appendix 1 discusses the Gathas represents creation and more espe- in 1993, largely through the meter of the Gathas, Ap- cially h umanity . ” He believes that the nar- efforts of his son, whose pendix 2 has some inter- rative of Yasna 29 bears a close resem- touching “Son ’s Tribute ” esting and unusual views blance to that given in the Srimad- says of his father: “He on Zarathushtra ’s family, Bhagavata about mother-earth going up to brought light to others and Appendices 3 and 4 de- the creator “wearing the form of cow ” to so became illumined him- scribe the manuscripts seek protection when oppressed. He trans ­ self. ” cited and variant readings, lates spenta mainyu as “Holy Spirit. ” He This book is divided into A valuable glossary fol- states that hell and heaven, as conceived by several parts. An Introduc- which he lists Zarathushtra are not places, but states of tion which gives an over- every word found in the mind. And he translates the famous verse, view, followed by a very 1.®!’ Gat^, and where it is Yasna 31.3 as follows: “What Thou- located. There is an inter- bestowest through-(Thy)-spiritual Fire... esting section called Ref- interpretstheAAunaViairya Tartytorewala: illumined all erences “direct or indi- (Yatha Ahu Vairyd), the net" to the AhunaVairya, all the living (into the Right Path). ” In Ashem Vohu, and the Yenghe Haataam and ofcourse, a general index and bibliog- discussing this verse, he quotes from both prayers. The main part of this book is a raphy. Mills ’ and Jackson ’s views of this verse verse by verse translation and interpreta ­ tion of the Gcahos themselves. It is inter- Gathas, Taraporewala believes that the system contemplated universal prosely ­ esting that Taraporewala believes that the Vedic literature of India is nearest to tism ’”and ‘“Zoroaster ’srcligionwasac- correct order of the Gathas got confused in Zarathushtra ’s songs in both language and tive and vigorous, seeking and gaining the centuries after Zarathushtra, and that spirit. He deplores the lack of insight in converts, as we see from many passages in the Gathas should rightly start with Yasna many Western scholars of his day, and the Gathas.'" 29 (instead ofYasna 28), and end with the their failure to understand the metaphoric of Jesus, and the ‘cows ’ of Krishna, and the ‘cattle ’ of Shiva, the ‘cow ’ (gav) of the ¦ \ TlVnj W ? VIJ interesting section in which the author translates and i unto-us, O Mazda, declare for-(our)-en- lightenment... so that I-may-e ver-con vert In both translating and interpreting the respectively: ‘“Observe that the religious 29 (instead of Yasna 28), and end with the their failure to understand the metaphoric There are a few instances of translation Airyema Ishyo (Yasna 54), which is pre- and spiritual nature of the Gathas. He or. interpretation which I find quite diffi- 36 Parsiana September 1994cult: For example, he translates Ahura Mazda as follows: “This is a double name, and it means ‘the Lord of life (Ahura) and the Creator of matter (Mazda). ’” His inter ­ pretation of Yasna 30.1 and 30.3, leads him to conclude that both good and evil have been created by Mazda. His interpre ­ tation of vohu mano is “all embracing love. ” A study of this work makes it clear that if we value truth, we are still far from the day when we could have one authoritative translation of the Gathas. There are still too many differences of opinion both in 14 Balaram Street, Grant Road, Bombay 400007.) The author has analysed Article 21 of translation and interpretation. There are Pp: 307. Price: Rs 250. the Constitution ofindia which guarantees those who conclude, from such differ- that no person shall be deprived of life or ences, that we cannot truly know what In any nation the guarantee of personal personal liberty except according to proce- Zarathushtra meant to say in the Gathas, liberty and other fundamental rights are duresestablishedbylaw.Whiletracingthe and thatanyattemptto ascertain his thought the hallmark of a vibrant, free and demo- genesis of theArticle,Patelpresentsanin- from these songs is a waste of time. But no cratic society. Notwithstanding the felicity depth study of its historical background field of knowledge is complete. Whether we study medicine, or physics, or as ­ tronomy, we have wide differences of opin ­ ion, both as to fact and theory. Yet no one would suggest that such differences make the study of these subjects a waste of time. To me it is a source of continuing wonder to see how differently various scholars translate and interpret certain passages, and yet how similar are the ultimate con ­ clusions they arrive at regarding Zarathushtra ’s message. Perhaps the rea ­ son is that Zarathushtra said things many times, in many different ways. So although we may disagree here and there, taken as a whole, the message comes through. Although we live in the age of the mini as a whole. The author evaluates this law sound-byte, as exemplified in television and gives the historical reason for incorpo- news, it is not possible to compress rating it in our statute, not unmindful of its Zarathushtra ’s message, as described in j pitfalls. Important judicial decisions of the author ’s book of over 1,000 pages, | PreventiveDetentionlawsliketheMainte- within a sentence or two. Perhaps the reader nance of Internal Security Act and Na- will forgive me for oversimplifying if I say j _ ____ tional Security Act are dealt with at length that in terms of implementing andcorrelatedtotheprovisionsoffunda- Zarathushtra ’smessageTaraporewalacon- Patel offers a bird's eye view on the mental rights in our constitution. eludes that its essence is Asha, the law of concept of personal liberty It is obvious that the author is in com- truth and right, and that: “After having mand of her subject and at her narrative gained knowledge and after having filled of language in which these basic rights are best when analyzing an array of case laws the heart with love, the fulfilment and the enshrined in a constitution, they would be and simplifying the legal propositions, to crown of human life should take the form meaningless but for their enforceability in guide even a layman into a proper perspec- ofserviceofbrother-man... His life-giving courts of law. In the ultimate analysis the five on the subject. This same systematic blessings shall lead us onwards to perfec- flame of freedom is kept burning not by the approach is reaffirmed in subsequent chap- fion only if they flow from us in turn sacrifice of those who inspired it, but by the towards others. ” And the author concludes: awareness of citizens that personal liberty “His was the message meant for all human- is not a largesse conferred on them by an of Personal Liberty ’ the author has stressed ity and for all ages. For Zarathushtra was indulgent state but their birthright, which the social and cultural dimensions that notmerely the Prophet of Iran, but he was the state is bound to safeguard. influence differentareas of liberty like the the world-teacher, and his message is the eternal teaching of truth, love and service. His Message has a very special value for Constitution ofindia gives not only his- the law through various interpretations and humanity today. ” For all our differences, who would disagree with that? Of fundamental interest Nitin G. Raut Personal Liberty Under The Constitution Of India the intricacies of a subject buried under a by Dr Thrity Dinshaw Patel. Published in 1993 by . - - B. Jain Publishers (P) Ltd, 1921, Chuna Mandi, Street 10th, Paharganj, New Delhi 110055. (Also available from Jamshed Patel, A-16,Sidhwa Bldg, comprehension. 14 Balaram Street, Grant Road, Bombay 400007.) ~ Pp; 307. Price: Rs 250. mountain of laws, case; law and judicial interpretations, with refreshing clarity and if pATo, with reference to the constitutions of the Cuited States and England. The debates between the members of the drafting com ­ mittee underscore the importance attached to fundamental rights in our constitution. The law of preven ­ tive detention which militates against the spiritof liberty has been incorporated as a nec ­ essary evil because unfettered freedom can at times degenerate into a licence that imperils the freedom of society ters. In the chapter on ‘Selected Dimensions It is in this context that Dr (Ms) Thrity right to privacy which, though not a statu- Patel ’sbook Personal Liberty Under The toryprovision,isyetarightthatisreadinto torical and political insights into the con- by virtue of custom, value and usage. This cept of personal liberty, but has unravelled right is an evolution of “...ethical, intellec- 38 Parsiana September 1994?- of research, is invaluable to both the legal this right and prevention of its abuse and misuse. In his foreword, noted jurist Nani tual and aesthetic need... ” Social habits and customs are discussed while ferreting fraternity and the common man alike. It out old case laws on this subject. In fact the right to privacy was judi ­ cially recognized here long before it was and sustaining force in a free and demo ­ accepted in the US in 1890. The repercus- cratic society. Not only must he under- sions of the right to privacy on statutory stand the concept of personal liberty, but provisions like Section 9 (restitution of also the meaningful implementation of but the eye is that of an eagle. ” conjugal rights) of the Hindu Marriage Act, and Section 309 (suicide as a penal offence) of the Indian Penal Code, and the conflict between law and customs and judicial activism in reconciling such con ­ flicts are the highlights of this chapter. ‘New Dynamics of Processual Justice ’ is a detail^ scrutiny on a generally un ­ known subject like the laws relating to prisons, prisoners and undertrials. New trends in public interest litigation that Parsioria Hindman agmanni twankhi shahadato cifically the date and year, has spurred judicial activism to alleviate the misery of undertrials are discussed. ____ ______ ________ Such judicial activism has in fact given the society and Jarthosti Radi Society, Bombay. Pp; right to legal aid, right to bail and right to speedy trial a constitutional status by ex ­ panding the scope and interpretation of Much research into the history of Parsis in Article 21. ‘Courts and Liberty ’ chronicles the his ­ tory of the law of writs — its origin, scope applied their minds to it but their work, Vikram Samvant was read as 992, instead and development as citizens ’ safeguard based largely on conjecture, needs to be of 772, other details matched well and fell against violation of their rights. The his- authenticated. into place. tory of Habeas Corpus (a direction by the Mobed Framroze Firoze Mirza of Thus Cama raised the controversy and court to the state to produce the person under detention) is traced to its origin in Darnel ’s case in England in 1627, in which the Crown ’s command to detain a subject about the arrival of the Parsis in India. The was held to be absolute, but was nullified booklet is a compilation of 13 articles in before the 10th Gujarat Historical Con- by the Petition ofRight the next year, 1628, Gujarati written by the author from time to and followed by the Habeas Corpus Act of time, in various periodicals. 1640. Though the discussion in die chapter “ is overshadowed by precedents in English Zarathushtis is: In which year did their changing the year Samvant 772 to 992 law, the author has given a studied com- forefathers land on the soil of Sanjan? while retaining the same numerical for the parison of the law of writs in India and England. underlines the citizen ’s need to be aware of his personal liberties which are a critical Palkhivala has succinctly summed up the work: “This is a comprehensive book writ ­ ten by a comprehending mind. It gives a bird ’s eye view of a complicated subject. ni or 992? Hormazdyar S. Dalal (Historical facts about the arrival of the Parsis in India) by Framroze Firoze Mirza. Published in 1993 by the Parsi Vegetarian and Temperance 34. Price: Rs 5. Dasturji AspandyarjiFramji Rabadi had also mentioned the same date, day and year, in his book, Kadim Tarikh Kasar (1826). But Cama said that the given Samvant year 772 was wrong, because according to him the Hindu tithi (date) and var (day) did not coincide with the Parsi roj India remains to be done. It is not that scholars in the last 100 years or so have not and mah. Further, he added that if the applied their minds to it but their work. authenticated. Mobed Framroze Firoze Mirza of Udvada has, to some degree, set at rest other thinking minds joined him. some of the more controversial issues in his small booklet on the historical facts Hariprasad Shastri, an eminent scholar from Gujarat, ended it in his paper read The controversy continued until Dr gress, which met in Pardi in 1989-90. Shastri questioned the concerned scholars ’ The first question agitating the minds of propriety in reading 9 in place of 7, thereby forefathers land on the soil of Sanjan? In 1599, Dastur Bahman Kaikobad tithi. Again, following their surmise, he Hormazdyar S anjana published a book of asked why did they not add 220 years to the The author is scathing in her criticism of verses in Persian, Kisseh Sanjan.^ilh the Yazdezardi year 85, to match with Samvant theSupremeCourt ’sabjectsurrenderofits Parsi roj and mah added later, it ascribed 992. prerogative to the Executive during the the arrival of the Parsis to the Hindu date Emergency in A.D.M. Jabalpur vs Shivkant and ye^ Shravan Shood 9, Shukravar, Shukla. The Supreme Court had held “that Samvant 772, roj Bahman, mah Tir, in view of the presidential order dated Yazdezardi 85. The first work of its kind, June 27, 1975 no person had any locus it traced the history of the Parsis after their with the permission of the Rana, it was an standi to move any writ petition under settlement in Sanjan. But its source was underdeveloped place. It was they who Article 226before a High Court for Habeas oral history and Sanjana had no records to developed it, and also named it Sanjan. • Corpus or any other writ or order or direc- fall back on . However, Kisseh continued to But existing documentary evidence showed tion on the ground that the order was not be accepted as documentary evidence for that Sanjan existed much before Samvant under or in compliance with the Act the next 300 years or so. 992 and has been mentioned as Sanjan (MISA), or was illegal or was vitiated by “ _ - -................... malafides factual or legal or was based on Western educational institutions in India, consisting of 24 villages, in the Dan extraneousconsiderations. ” The judgement Among a number of brilliant Parsi students Sashans (letters of gift) dated Samvant 926 is a blot on the judicial history of India, to pass out of the Bombay University was (AD 870). Similarly, in the Tamra Patra otherwise renowned for its impeccable Khurshedji Rustomji Cama. In his book (copper plate) inscription dated AD 926, record. YazdezardiTarikh (date), Cama questioned Sanjan is mentioned as Sanyan and Sanyan This book, undoubtedly a scholarly piece the authenticity of the Kisseh (1870), spe- Mandal. These two bits of historical evi- Shastri also threw new light on and brought into focus more evidence: It is said in the Kisseh that when the Parsis came to Sanjan, and settled there These three centuries saw the growth of Chovishi and Sanjan Man dal, that is a jilla Western educational institutions in India. 39 Parsiana September 1994dence prove that Sanjan existed as a well- jotting states that “the Atash Behram was Mahrespand, Akhad (Ashadh) Shud 5, developed city before Samvant 992 (AD Ixought to Navsari from Vansda in Samvant Budh (var), Samvant 1475 (1419 AD).” ’ . 1472(1416 AD). Mirza is inclined to be- In the remaining articles Mirza has Again, histonan Ahmed Al Biladuri lieve it, because the same notation has sought to find answers to a few more had stated in his book written before AD been found in all subsequent copies of the questions: Who was Jadi Rana? Who was 892,thatanumberoflranishadescapedby genealogy. Moreover, it was made by the the Sultan whohad invaded Sanjan? When sea from Hormuz and Kerman. The refer- people who were directly concerned with did the Muslims conquer Champaner? ”7*7* " .........yu-r . ... •--------, By contributing these articles and put- Iran to save their lives and religion. Navs^. ting them between the covers of a book, Mirza has also relied upon Dastur Mirza and his publishers have done a valu- . ~ ---------- ------------------------ • able service to the community. But one Gu/arar, Vol III: If by AD 926, Sanjan scendent of the Sanjana clan, according to wishes that these 13 articles had been was a well-developed city , how could it be whom “Shri Atash Behram was brought to edited for the present publication to avoid believed that the Parsis landed there in AD Navsari (Nusari) on mah Shehrevar, roj the repetition, and the mi stair p.s 936?” Besides being an organized city, Sanjan was the headquarters of the city, taluka and land revenue departments. And in this set up the Parsi Anjuman of Sanjan was offi ­ cially included, which proves that it played an important role in the administration of Sanjan, and was politically, as well as socially, a leading organization. Again, Arab traveller Misra bin Mukhahil had also noted in his book (AD 922) that he had seen Zarathushti families observing their faith at Navsari. This proves that the contention put forward by Cama was not correct. The Parsis had made Sanjan their home much before Vikram Samvant 992. Thus, the facts brought out by recent research lead one to believe that: the Parsis had not settled in Sanjan when it was a godforsaken place; they had not developed it after settling there; and it was not they who had so named the place. Two questions concern the migration of the holy fire after its sojourn in Bahrot: Was it preserved at Vansda or on a hilly place at Ajmalgadh? And, in which year was it taken to Navsari from Vansda? After the Muslim incursion into Sanjan, devoted athornans had tended the atash for 12 years in the caves of Bahrot. Once peace returned, it was decided to bring it Your nip is Showingby Bachi J. down to the plains again. But where was ............ the fire enthroned? According to Mirza, the fire was un ­ likely to be taken again to some unknown onn luuliu iii ctii suuscqucni copies or me quesuons: wno was Jadi Kana? Who was 892,thatanumberoflranishadescapedby genealogy. Moreover, it was made by the the Sultan whohad invaded Sanjan? When ence obviously is to the Parsis who had left the process of shifting the Atash Behram to A very pertinent question has been asked in the Cultural and Political History of Hormazdyar Ram Sanjana, a learned de- Worth flipping for Homi J. Rogers By inference, then, there are two kinds of Karkaria readers; those who read Karkaria, and those who re-read Karkaria. Your Flip is Showing is a must on the bookshelf of the latter, though for the first ­ time reader, too, it makes an excellent introduction to one of the finest English language pens amidst us. The book under review is a collection of 20 articles which have been published previously, mostly in the now-defunct The Illustrated Weekly of India, where apri Bachi was groomed under the irrepressible Khushwant Singh (see “Bachi Karkaria: A-way with words, ” Parsiana, July-Au ­ gust 1994). Acknowledges Karkaria in her preface, which reads like a paean to him, “(Singh) helped knock off the pomposity with which I may have been obliged to enter... the ‘noble profession ’ of journal ­ ism. ” So, if today Karkaria revels in the irreverent, though never in the irrelevant, as all her work shows, the kudos should go to the turbaned troubador; and to her grand- parents who started , , , -------------o ------ Navroze, a magazine in trom the caves of Bahrot for the good of the Bachi Karkaria, is divided Calcutta way back in 1917 into people who make With a double head start money, and people who like this, Karkaria carved a make more money. In Goa, place for herself as an inci- it brought to Navsari between 1414 and the year is divided into the sive humorist. W^ith a pen 1419 AD or in 1477 AD, or even later? season, and The season. i dipped in wit and vitriol she Mirza prefers to agree with the firstpremise Bombay consumerism is also in two cat- deflates people, places, pomposities, Paris, and is supported in this by two ancient egories: the Made in Japan and the Made as Parsis,... jottings. in Japan. And, of course, there are two One of them is to be found in the kinds of Parsis: those who work in Central genealogy of the Sanjana athornans. The Bank, and those who don ’t. IS Karkaria.' Published in 1994 by UBS Publishers’ Distributors Ltd, 5, Ansari Road, New Delhi 110002. Pp; 169. Price: Rs 65. hills 12 years after it was brought down The world, according to Ms f ¦ - ¦ _ ¦ * ¦ - devotees. The next question deals with the year in which the atash was taken to Navsari. Was and is supported in this by two ancient 40 Parsiana Sepiember 1994 Karkaria: rib-tickling and thought provoking collection of articlesYour Flip... flip-flops between Karkaria ’s frothy light pieces, which are a delight to read, and her serious articles which, devoid of the puns and pizzazz, nevertheless retain the Karkaria panache. Her ‘Death Trapped ’ on the rites and obse ­ quies performed after death, is a dead serious piece. Karkaria studies the differ ­ ent religious ideologies and methods of disposal of the dead, seething with despair that leads her to conclude that “however miserable a man ’s life may have been, it cannot be worse than the leaving of it.” Karkaria dwells in fair detail over Doongerwadi and the electric cremato ­ rium, though her squeamish observations on the latter lead one to believe she is more Bacha-mai than Bachi-baby. The electric crematorium, she concludes, “has become the refuge only of the atheist, or one who wants his body disposed of with the mini ­ mum of fuss. ” Another interesting essay, though not as controversial, is her piece on the dabbawallas (tiffin carriers) of Bombay. In it she not only studies the logistics of this seemingly complex yet simple system of delivering afternoon tiffins in Bombay, butalso interviews the families involved in this trade. The essay reminds one of a docudrama made by the BBC a few years ago. Of perennial interest are Karkaria ’s travel pieces. She takes the reader casino ­ cruising in Kathmandu, gorging in Mauritius, and driving down to Goa. She has her digs at the Gujarati behenjis (sis­ ters) who prefer their khaman-dhoklas and sev-ganlhias (Gujarati snacks) to local delicacies when in Goa; at the Prime Min ­ ister of Mauritius who generates a contro ­ versy by imprinting his wife ’s portrait on a currency note; and at the 'surahi- stomached ’ merchant who wraps up his takings at the casinos in Kathmandu in his multi-colored handkerchief. Nor does she think it infra dig to recall the time when she » was propositioned by swarthy Frenchmen, causing her as much concern about her francs as her honor! The best pieces in the book, however, are focussed on social mores in India. They • bristle with one-liners and trendy catch ­ phrases. Samples: “dirty weekends only mean polluted beaches ” and “housewives watch(ing) pot-boilers instead of boiling pots. ” Karkaria takes on today ’s “effluent society, ” the PoP, PiP and Puppies who have moved from “Kuchipudi to Guccipudi, ” as well as the Brown Sahebs who cling to their “snobbery, chhota hazri, old school tie and a yellowing souvenir of Swan Lake at Covent Garden. ” After her romp with the Punjabi yuppies (puppies, she calls them), and the Bengali male seeking the bari-gari-sari (house-car ­ wife), it is natural that Karkaria should cock a snook at the Parsis. Karkaria here is on home ground. Of the three Parsi pieces reproduced in the book, the first must reckon as the most rib-tickling and thought ­ provoking one. It is interesting to see one ­ self through the eyes and ears of someone as perceptive as Karkaria, and though the essay is over two decades old, it has lost none of its charm — or sting. It is merci ­ fully free of Pesu Paowala and the other residents of Dadar Parsi Colony who came to frequent Karkaria ’s writings, as also of her penchant for an excessive sprinkling of puns. Here the characters are caricatured, but never reduced to being cartoons. The second essay in the Karkaria trilogy on Parsis is a historic reflection on the community ’s deepening twilight, her views peppered with interviews and incisivecom- ments. .The dwindling population is of concern to the comm unity, though its mem ­ bers are divided on the reasons and rem ­ edies for the same. Parana editor Jehangir Patel is convinced, according to Karkaria ’s piece, that the numbers have sunk too low for any hope of reversal in the trend. On the other hand, tongue-firmly-in-English-lan- guage-cheek, Sohrab, a Gymkhana mem ­ ber quoted by Karkaria, feels “that even if the community dies out in India, from its ashes a regenerated one will arise perhaps in Phoenix, Arizona. ” Since she first wrote this piece (and sadly, the publishers no ­ where indicate the first publishing date of the article used), many Parsi souls have crossed the Ch in vat Bridge and, as Karkaria remarks, “the vultures are twice as busy as the obstetricians. ” The third piece is a glossary of Parsi surnames, and alternates between a helpful guide and a punster ’s launching pad. If one has any regrets about this Parsi gallery, it is that Mario Miranda and R. K. Laxman (the book ’s illustrators) have not contrib ­ uted a single sketch to this essay. Perhaps the publishers feel that Karkaria is funny/ punny enough when commenting on her own community and needs no further backup. But for all her humor. Your Flip... is not a read-at-one-sit book. You have to read the pieces slowly, savoring the lines, to enjoy the sudden twist each sentence pro ­ vides. For once, then, one must argue with Karkaria ’s division of the world: when it comes to her book, there are simply no two views about it. It is just delightful! THE BODY IN BALANCE continued from page 35 Shri Yogendra, helping him in his pub ­ lication work and various other tasks related to the Institute until his demise. The daughter of Gool and Behram Rustomji (Armaiti ’s mother, who died in 1987, was a montessori teacher, and her father the principal of the B. V. S. Parsi Boys High School in Karachi for four decades), who were both students of the ­ osophy and related subjects, Armaiti ’s for ­ mative years were substantially influenced by the works they studied. She feels privi ­ leged to have had role models like Dastur (Dr) Maneckji Dhalla and Jamshed Mehta when she was in Karachi, and Shri Yogendra in Bombay. “One of the most important things to learn in yoga is to become more egoless, ’’ says Desai, warning “but there is also something called the ‘ego of egolessness. ’” On a modest note she pleads that we talk less about her and more of the Institute and its work. As she writes in the Institute ’s periodical Yoga and Total Health, “We are aware that it is against the spirit of yogic humility to talk of one ’s own achievements but at times, a point of achievement of one could be a point of inspiration to many for greater achievements and the world has a right to know. ” MATRIMONIAL Parents of a beautiful, domestically trained, 22-year-old Parsi girl, ht 4’11” owning/running a successful ladies’ beauty parlour invite alliance from well-educated, well-settled Parsi boys up to 30 years of age. Please send your photograph (returnable) and details to: The Advertiser Parsiana, Matrimonial (Sept/58-94)* GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 'Please make sure the reply envelope bears the reference number cited here MATRIMONIAL Parents of a slim, beautiful, graduate Parsi girl, aged 22, 5’3” tall, working in a reputed advertising agency invite proposals from educated Parsi boys, up to 30 years, well-settled in a job based in Bombay. Kindly apply with necessary details and photograph (returnable) to: The Advertiser Parsiana, Matrimonial (Sept/59-94)* GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 'Please make sure the reply envelope bears the reference number cited here 41 Parsiana September 1994MILESTONES succumbed to old age and general Cama Bldg, Kashinath Rd, debility and hypertension and four Tardeo, 400034; July 2 each to kidney failure, brain disease and diabetes. The other killers were septicemia and anemia This month Parsiana has not published the outstation data due ------- -------- , to lack of space. The inconve- each to kidney failure, brain Behramji Rustomji Pagdiwalla nience is regretted. disease and diabetes. The other (81), 3, Sorabji R. Contractor The age of Zoroastrian brides killers were septicemia and anemia Bldg, Victoria Garden, Byculla, (as listed in this issue) ranged (three each) and hypoproteinemia 400027; July 2 between 20 and 47 years, the (two). There were 15 isolatedcases Jalejar Jamshedji Siganporia (84), 3, New Petit Block No 4, Mehela Patel Agiary Lane, Off Balaram St, Grant Rd, 400007; July 2 (two). There were 15 isolatedcases Jalejar Jamshedji Sigar^joria arithmetic mean (the total number registered in July; jaundice, of individual ages divided by the cerebral malaria, astluna, death due total number of brides) being to strangulation, fracture, accident, 33 years. The corresponding fi ­ gures for the grooms were 24 and 57 years, averaging at 39 years. According to data available to Parsiarui from four hospitals , there were 15 births in Bombay in July ------ as compared to 93 deaths. Heart in road dust or manure), liver Hughes Rd, 400007; July 3 disease, the major killer, claimed disease,bronchitis and thrombocy- Homai Jal Mehta (80), 671, 22 lives of whom 10 were 80 plus. topenia (reduction in the number Boyce Bldg, Rd No 13, Parsi Sixteen deaths were attributed to ofplateletsintheblood).Theeldest Clny, Dadar, 400014; July 3 lung disease and pneumonia while and youngest to die last month Naval Nariman Cooper (72), cancer took the lives of 10 were both females: a 96-year-old Roxana, M. Karve Rd, 400020; Zoroastrians. Five patients each and a 16-year-old. July 4 ___________________________ Mehra Manekshaw Marolia (80), Ripon Bldg, Balaram St, Grant Rd, 400007; July 4 Freny Aspandier Dashti (65), 502, Shri Ganesh Apts, Matharpakhadi Rd, Mazgaon, 400010; July 5 Aloo Naval Kateli (76), 804/B, Sai Niketan, Dr Ambedkar Rd, Dadar, 400014; July 5 Keiki Dadiba Kerawalla (70), 6/A, Panday Sanatorium, Wode ­ house Rd, Colaba, 400005; July 5 Soonamai Ardeshir Kapadia (75), 84, Dastoor Block, Naigam Rd, Dadar, 400014; July 6 Najamai Jehangirji Master (96), Avan Framroze Mehta and Sorab C. M. Banaji Bldg, Forjett St Rustom Mehta', July 29 Parizad Adi Sadri and Neville Rohinton Patel', July 29 BOMBAY BORN A girl, Ayesha, to Kashmira and Kaikhushroo Dastoor on July 2,1994 A boy to Hutoxi and Lokesh Shrivastava', July 2 A boy to Niloufer and Hormazdiyaar Vakil', July 3 A girl to Firuzee and Parvez Pooniwala', July 7 A boy to Pheroza and Faroakh Garda', July 9 A boy to Anahita and Khurshed Fitter, July 10 A girl to Jasmine and Farokh Tatary, July 11 A boy to Shernaz and Chirag Khambatta', July 14 A girl to Kamal and Firoz Mehta', July 15 A girl to Jasmine and Jehangir Jehangir', July 19 A boy to Veera and Ashish Sawkar, July 19 A boy to Behzad and Histas Randeria; July 20 A girl, Shereena, to Navaz and Adarbad Master, July 25 A boy to Firuza and Khoorshed Doctor, July 30 A girl to Shernaz and Cyrus Sarkari', July 31 MARRIED Daisy Noshir Guzder of B aroda and Behram Naval Pestonjamasp', June 3 Arnavaz Kersasp Wadia and malaria, intestinal perforation, gastro-enteritis, pneumothorax (air Coomi Rustomji Bhagwager or gas in the pleural cavity), ” cerebral atrophy (decrease in size or wasting away of a body part or tissue), tetanus (disease caused by Eduljee Sorabjee Katrak (84), an anaerobe which may be present F. S. Parukh Dharamshalla, 34, in road dust or manure), liver disease,bronchitis and thrombocy ­ topenia (reduction in the number ofplatelets intheblood). Theeldest were both females: a 96-year-old and a 16-year-old. Rohinton Tehmurasp Daruwalla-, July 3 Meher Adi Laher and Homi Kersi Press', July 7 Niloufer Jal Daroowalla and Adi Pervez Engineer, July 9 Lia Farouk Irani of Madras and Rustam Jehangir Gagraf, July 10 Armaity Ardesher Ravji and Hoshang Fardoonji Mehta', July 10 Piloo Dinshawji Toddywalla and Pervez Mehernosh Kajanwalla', July IJJ DIED Bapsy Busy Dordi (58), residing at 58, Petit Sanatorium, Cumballa Hill, 400036; June 30 Bachamai Fakirji Todiwalla (92), Gadiwalla Hse, Gilder Lane, Lamington Rd, 400008; June 30 Piroja Kekobad Mody (80), 8/A, Sea View, Carter Rd, Bandra, 400050; July 1 Kaikhusroo Sheriar Irani (85), 1505/06, Lokhandwalla Complex, Andheri (W), 400058; July 2 Ratan Faredoon Mehta (45), 6, Rustom Baug, Victoria Rd, Byculla, 400027; July 2 Jar Dhanjisha Mistry (80), (63), 18, Ashiyana,.OppBandra Talkies, 31st Rd, Bandra, 400050; July 3 Cross Lane, Gowalia Tank, 400036; July 6 Homi Merwanji Panthaky (89), 668, Desai Bldg, Katrak Rd, Wadala, 400031; July 6 Jehangir Cawasji Sheriar (71), 20, Railway Hotel, 71, Raja Ram Mohan Roy Rd, 400004; July 6 Hilla Rustamji Billimoria (90), Daruwalla Hse, 145, Alibhai Premji Marg, Grant Rd, 400007; July 7 Rustom Framroze Daboo (72), F/14, Nowroz Baug, Lalbaug, 400012; July 7 Rohinton Jamshed Irani (58), 21, Gilder Lane, Off D. B. Marg, 400008; July 7 Alon Jal Lam (73), 511-C/4, Amrut, Adenwalla Rd, Matunga, 400019; July 7 Paridokht Ardeshir Bakhshay (Irani) (75), Makawi Mans, Gunbow St, Fort, 400001; July 8 Maru Minoo Boyce (65), 62, Patanwala Mhl, Patanwala Rd, Near Victoria Garden, Byculla, 400027; July 8 Seheroo Kaikhushroo Capadia (78), 203, Sugan, Cumballa Hill Lane, 400036; July 8 Rashid Sam Irani (75), Kashinath Bldg No 2, Kashinath Rd, Tardeo, 400034; July 8 Jal Rustomji Mulla (78), Piroja Hse, Forjett Si, 400036; July 78 Jaiji Dinshawji Sumariwalla (92), C/20, Rustom Baug, Victoria Rd, Byculla, 400027; July 8 Rusi Hormusji Sutaria (75), 3, Tata Hsg Clny, Parel, 400012; July 8 Tehmirui Framroze Irani (65), B/2, Petit Chawl, Avabai Petit St, Grant Rd, 400007; July 9 Dolly Jamshed Dumasia (62), C. M. Banaji Bldg, Forjett St Cross Lane, Gowalia Tank, 400036; July 10 Alamai Rustomji Hansotia (76), Jessia Bldg, 137 Fort, 400001; July 10 Khorshed Muncherji Kateli (66), Wadia Block No 2, Malcolm Baug, Jogeshwari (W), 400102; July 10 Bachoo Phiroze Chaina (63), 5, Harbour View, Matharpakhadi Cross Lane, Mazgaon, 400010; July 11 Shirin Jal Cooper (92), 3, Motabhoy Mans, 130, M. Karve Rd, 400020; July 11 Fardoon Jal Daruwala (40), Malcolm Baug, Jogeshwari (W), 400102; July 11 Sarah Nasvan Kavasmanek (96), 790, Jame Jamshed Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; July 11 Khorshed Jehangir Dadiburjor (67), 72, Lavina Apts, Tagore Rd, Santacruz (W), 400054; July 12 Jehangir Sorabji Engineer (80), 66/D, Soonaiji Ter, Gowalia Tank, 400036;July 12 Neville Behram Tarapore (45), 3/79, Kailash Apts, S. V. Rd, Opp Shastri Ngr, Borivali (W), 400092; July 12 Zarine Tehmurasp Irani (82), Batliwalla Bldg, Khan Est, Mahim, 400016; July 13 Ruby Dadi Mody (50), P/27, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 42 Parsiana September 1994» V 400039; July 13 Kuverji Sorabji Nagporewalla (76), 208, Waterfield Rd, Bandra (W), 400050; July 13 Jamshed Dinshaw Bharueha (88), 3/A, Tardeo Chmbs, Kashinath St, Tardeo, 400034; July 14 Pesi Rustomji Bhc-’ucha (75), 44/46, Karani Bldg, Raja Ram Mohan Roy Rd, 400004; July 15 Bhikhoo Dinshaw Gandevia (79), 5, Ness Baug Annexe 3, Nana Chowk, 400007; July 15 Jeroo Soli Gandhi (53), X-81/2, Pirojsha Ngr, Station Rd, Vikhroli (E), 400079; July 15 Jal Darabshaw Jijina (65), F. S. Parukh Dharamshalla, 34, Hughes Rd, 400007; July 15 Jamshed Eruchsha Limatkwalla (71), B/18, Rustom Baug, Victoria Rd, Byculla, 400027; July 15 Jina Pestonjee Udwadia (jy). Contractor Bldg, Kashinath St, 400034; July 15 Minocher Jehangirji Daruwalla (86), 11, Godrej Bldg, Contractor Baug, Mori Rd, Mahim, 400016; July 16 Jal Khodabux Baliwala (75), 28/C/l 11, Manish Ngr, Four Bglws, J. P. Rd, Andheri, 400058; July 17 Goal Eruchshaw Belgaumvala (77), 107, S. V. Rd, Khar (W), 400052; July 17 Banubai Dara Dastoor (86), F/55, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039; July 17 Homai Kaikobad Irani (88), Beach Croft, Juhu Rd, 400049; July 17 Jal Rustomji Jassawalla (85), 29, Pali Rd, Bandra, 400050; July 17 Banoo Manekshaw Khambata (74), 16Ax, Dubash Bldg, Gamadia Clny, Tardeo, 400007; July 17 Najoo Dinshawji Kordcravala (77), 224, Gustad Mans, Tardeo Rd, 400007; July 17 Keki Faredoon Sadarwala (68), F/10, Bharucha Baug, S. V. Rd, Andheri (W), 400058; July 17 Daughdoh Coovershaw Zaigar (65), 12/A, Chandra Niwas, M. Vasanji Rd, Marol, Andheri, 400059; July 17 Boman Dinshawji Bharucha (86), J/23, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039; July 19 Behram Pallonji Dastoor (56), 8,123/B, Chamarbaugwala Bldg, Ambedkar Rd, Parel, 400012;July 19 Mehru Burjorji Rana (60), 191, Bhabha Hse, Bora Bazar St, Fort, 400001; July 19 Jal Manecksa Daruwalla (14), 7/A, Tata Bldg, Dhanbai Wadi, Dadabai Rd, Vile Parle (W), 400056; July 20 Nariman Edulji Daruwalla (87), B/2, Shapurji Bharucha Baug, S. V. Rd, Andheri (W), 400058; July 20 Khodabux Sheriar Irani {12), B/1, Petit Block, Avabai Petit Lane, Grant Rd, 400007; July 20 Soona Naval Sethna (83), 17, South Frere Bridge, Grant Rd, 400007; July 20 Rustomji Bapuji Joshi (85), 13, Mehta Bldg, Panthaky Baug, Andheri (W), 400069; July 21 Banoo Jehangirji Khambatta (81), 3, Daruwalla Bldg, Tata Blocks, Turner Rd, Bandra (W), 400050; July 21 Coomi Mutwhershaw Madon (83), 34, Union Bldg, Sleater Rd, Opp Grant Rd Stn, 400007; July 21 Burjorji Dinshawaji Cooper (82), 7/1, Sir Ratan Tata Bldg, S. V. Rd, Bandra (W), 400050; July 22 Dossan Pestonji Hasotia (94), A BORN Boys Girls 8 7 MARRIED Parsi Intercommunal 9 DIED CONSIGNED Male Female CREMATED Male Female 45 48 A: Total numbers in this issue B: Running totals (or 1994 (February-March 1994-September 1994 issues) Males married out --13 Females married out - 11 • Overseas deaths are listed in the consigned column as Parsiana does not have a breakup of those cremated. These figures pertain to information provided to or collected by Parsiana. They do not represent the total number of births, marriages and deaths in the Zoroastrian community in India and abroad. A A, Mehta Bldg, Captain Clny, Tardeo, 400034; July 23 Darabsha Edulji Jokhi (94), 203, Sinchan Apts, Off Veer a Desai Rd, Andheri (W), 400058; July 23 Bapai Ardeshir Shroff (94), Putla Mans, Darabsha Lane, Off Nepean Sea Rd, 400036; July 23 Ardeshar Kaikushru Solan (65), Wadia Block No 2, Malcolm Baug, Jogeshwari (W), 400102; July 23 Mehroo Nariman Chinwalla (67), 29/G, Captain Clny, Tardeo Rd, 400034; July 24 Jamshedji Faramroze Nargolia (94), F. S. Parukh Dharamshalla, 34, Hughes Rd, 400007; July 24 Rustomji Sorabji Baria (89), 10, Ava Mans, 230, Tardeo Rd, 400007; July 25 Dhanjisha Sorabji Buhariwala (82), 25, Matharpakhadi, Mazagaon, 400010; July 25 Dinyar Manekshaw Daruwala (62), M/8, Nowroz Baug, Lalbaug, 400012; July 25 Amy Sapal Katrak (86), F. S. Parukh Dharamshalla, Hughes Rd, 400007; July 25 Behroze Adi Balsara (16), B/17, Deepanjali, Shahji Raje TOTALS FOR 1994 Bombay B A B 64 64 5 3 185 24A 7 2 286 277 5 1 India 30 31 Marg, Vile Parle (E), 400057; July 26 Nergish Burjorji Doodhmal (78), 7/1, Malegaumwalla Bldg, Station Rd, Mahim, 400016; July 26 Jal Behrarrtshaw Panthaky (83), 4/59, A. H. Wadia Baug, Parel Tank Rd, 400033; July 26 Rustom Shavakshaw Patell (76), 6, Kala Niketan Bldg, 95, M. Karve Rd, ^00020; July 27 Tehmina Jehangirji Billimoria (87), Arya Samaj Bhavan, 232, Perin Nariman St, Fort, 400001; July 28 Eruch Dossabhai Daboo (78), Windsor Chmbs, Cawasji Patel St, Fort, 400001; July 28 Naju Tehmurasp Engineer (80), 6/10, Khan Est, Mahim, 400016; July 28 Fall Kaikhashru Irani (63), Daruwalla Bldg, South Frere Bridge, Grant Rd, 400007; July 28 Navroji Dorabji Dastur (72), 253, Cawasji Hormusji St, Dhobitalao, 400002; July 30 Homi Jehangir Seervai (72), 114, Mehr-Naz, Cuffe Parade, 400005; July 30 Compiled by Roxana A. Driver World A B 11 6 2 2 25* 14* 43 Parsiana September 1994IN MEMORIAM L. K. Panday TAKING STOCK Bhupendra Dalal appreciated Panday ’s appreciation his meritorious services as a kindness particularly when others in the director and his invaluable guidance ^d trade were “shredding him like a cabbage ” advice from time to time which have helped following the linking of his name with the Company in widening its spheres of HarshadMehta ’s during the infamous scam, activity and reaching its present eminence. ’ Happy that his work had never caused “All of us on the board of East India Hotels will miss his wisdom and advice, ” I wrote the company ’s managing director I Biki Oberoi in a condolence letter to Panday ’s wife Sosan. He further noted, “Limji was associated with our family for over 40 years and his passing away is not only a personal loss to us but also to the Company. ” It was not only the well-established companies that Panday chose to associate with. Young entrepreneurs should be en ­ couraged, he believed, consenting to serve on the board of a fledgling company Mercator Lines Ltd when requested by the managing director of this shipping concern Harish Mittal, mentions Sosan. [ Panday ’s own career had started as an 1 appiendce wkh the CemxaX Bank of Ini^a following his graduation in commerce from Sydenham College. After two years with the Central Bank, he put in a three-year stint with M/s Batlivala and Karani, Share, Stock and Exchange Brokers as senior executive. From there he moved on to P, , , ~ . .,--------- another brokers ’firm of M/s Merwanjee companies, P^day s firm often officiated veyed to Island magazine in 1988, “As a Bomanjee Dalal where he served as senior I executive for seven years and thereafter I as partner for 11 years. In 1959 he launch- jon the Bombay Stock Exchange in his own name. , „ , . Limji hailed from the illustrious family heart,^ acknowledges Mahen^a Doshi who of Panday who donated several commu- •" aoL • - '' ) nity institutions that have become land- in 1986jfter which Panday ceased to be marks in Bombay. In fact, it was one of " J forebearer with the same name, Limji, the firm daily almost till the very end. As who is supposed to have dug the Bhikha Parinaz Gandhi Died: Limjee Kaikhushroo Panday, 78, respected finance broker who had served as the president of the Bombay Exchange Brokers ’ Association and the founder presi ­ dent of The Stockbroker Underwriters ’ Association, on April 16,1994 in Bombay following cancer of the liver. “To a layman, the Stock Exchange is usually a place to buy and sell shares. It is not generally realized that the functions of the S lock Exchange are varied and the part it plays in raising funds...is colossal. ” Panday, who had founded in his own name the firm of share and stock brokers that was deemed a pioneer in the field of financial services, had been quoted in the Industrial r/zMej of November 15, 1962. In the public issue of shares by reputed him any sleepless nights. Panday had con- as managing broker. Besides functioning stockbroker I have never really suffered as approved brokers to financial institu- . tions like the Industrial Development Bank of India, the Industrial Credit and Invest ­ ment Corporation of India, the Unit Trust _________ of India, the Life Insurance Corporation of continued to be very lively and young at India and the General Insurance Corpora- 1 tion of India, this concern also worked as bought over the firm L. K. Panday (LKP) broker for banks and well-known limited i ----- " companies like the Tatas. Additionally the partner but continued as advisor, visiting firm operated as prominent underwriters f .................... " ‘ of shares of public companies. < _________ In honor of Panday, The Stockbroker strength of three persons, today there are dolence meeting at the Indian Merchants as approved brokers to financial institu- i L- from tension. Tension is contained if you __________ __________ ____ _ are not a speculator; you are purely an ed out on his own and started operating investment broker. ” ¦ " • „ . _ . - -. “Even when he was nearing 80, he his forebearer with the same name, Limji, compared to the company ’s original staff BehramkuvoatHutatmaChowkin'^ memory Underwriters ’ Association convened aeon- 200 people working with LKP^ Panday ’s dolence meeting at the Indian Merchants ’ “r" — , hL Chamber on April 25 when chairperson Dr useful contacts ” have all contributed to the Fredie Mehta remarked on Panday ’s rare ability to understand an individual as also a situation. Presidentofthe Bombay Stock board of "nearly a dozen companies like Exchange Bhagirath Merchant, who had United Breweries, Herbertsons, Bombay attended the function as a special ihvitee. Ceramic Agencies. Some private artd pub- referred to Panday ’s wit and humor, recol- lie companies particularly retained him as lec ting his statement that the city of Bombay finance director so that he could negotiate had become so cosmopolitan in its culture, ........................... that if he were to now enter the ring, he would be hard pressed to find a colleague whose dhoti he could tug at! Fellow broker Dunkerley and Co Ltd recalled “with high of his father Bhikhaji, informs Sosan. , . Reading western and eastern philoso- name and connections, the integrity, his phy as also detective novels. Panday listed expansion of LKP, mentions Doshi. Panday also served as director on the lic companies particularly retained him as with banks and other financial institutions for loans for their industries. The condo ­ lence resolution of the board of Gannon among his hobbies. Having learnt the vio ­ lin he enjoyed western.classical music. A game of billiards and snooker stimulated him. His other passions were; travelling abroad, foreign cars, good clothes, good food and good drinks. As he himself was wont to say, “I am free with my money, ” for the broker who knew how to make money also knew how to spend money. Panday is survived by his wife Sosan, son Kaikhushroo and daughters Scherezade Khursigara and Dilshad. 44 Parsiana September 1994