Oct 1994

I I V 1 '¦‘^r 1 J i 'll M HI •>! <¦ 1>' . ¦> 'H.-i |k-.-.A t 7*;^ f 7 f'l. '7®^,... ',liMwi >WKi»ir <, OCTOBER 1994 Rs 18 /, \ ... I— WW9!I!I 'Wbw. •aj^tna^ iggBI||||bEDITOR Jehangir R. Patel MANAGING EDITOR Arnavaz S. Mama EXECUTIVE EDITOR Parinaz M. Gandhi SENIOR EDITOR Dina Mehta ASSOCIATE EDITOR Roxana A. Driver 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 EDP Rohinton E. Daroga MANAGEMENT Jasmine Driver COMPANY SECRETARY Noshir Lawyer October 1994 Volume 17 Number 3 2 Readers ’ Forum 14 Events and Personalities 24 Zoroastrians Abroad 31 Neville Wadia: “A Zoroastrian again” 35 The Journeys from Iran by Ali Jafarey 38 KND Engineering: The grounding and the mounting by Parihaz Gandhi 40 Books 43 Milestones DTP Bakhtavar R. Batliwalla, K. P. Ravi, Radha Nair 47 In Memoriam SUBSCRIPTION/CIRCULATION Khurshid Panthaki, Bindu Pillai Cover: Hong Kong ’s Ruttonjee Hospital OFFICE Smitha Nair, Swarupa Kamat OFFICE ASSISTANTS Umesh Poojary, Selvan Mark, Sunil Sakhare, Pramod Patil, Govind Salgaonkar, Mahipat Jadhav Parsiana is published by Jehangir R. Patel 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 (for 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 , / prayers as an example, wherein 20 dasturs WithreferencetoMsFreanyJ. Ashbumer ’s pray at the same time — different prayers, list “Of baronets and knights ’’ (Readers ’ at different speeds and at different pitches Forum, Parsiana, June 1994), I seem to — creating discord, destroying any vibra- remember that there was also Sir Pudumjee tions that may have emanated from any Ginwalla, who was a friend of my family, one prayer. But then discord is the hall- I may be wrong about his being a knight, mark of our community, which reflects butas he was from Calcutta, someone from even in our prayers. Itis this fusion of sounds that creates the serenity, the peace of mind, and the maj- family friend. He was not Sir Bomanji esty of any Christian church service, and Dhunjibhoy. not just the one at St Michael ’s, which Khan is referring to. there would know if I am right. Sir Dhunjibhoy Bomanji was also a My father was Pheroze Kharegat, not Brig N. B. GRANT (Retd) Feroze. Ms KHORSHED R. GHA.NDHI Pune 'Ahd-nameh authentic? Both Ervad (Dr) Kersey H. Antia of Illinois and Dr Ali A. Jafarey of California have “Of baronets and knights” The names of two Karachi knights may be added to Ms Freany J. Ashbumer list (“Of simultaneously pitched in to refute Ms baronets and knights, ’’ Readers ’ Forum, Parsiana, June 1994). •Sir Jehangir Hormusji Kothari, the globetrotter who, in the late 1890s and early 1900s circumnavigated the world Forum), ’’ Parsiana, April 1994]. seven times besides gifting to Karachi the I beautiful Lady Lloyd Promenade and Sir arguments, I wish to emphasize the follow- Jehangir Kothari Parade at Clifton, build ­ ing a beautiful marriage hall and residen ­ tial flats and donating munificent sums for Islam, its Prophet and the Quran are sin- educational scholarships for Parsis. In his will he bequeathed all his wealth to the widows and orphans of the world. •Sir Kawasjee Hormusjee Katrak, a young scholarly information about “gomez ” in a ervad who commenced his career as a past issue of Parsiana. Then he obviously teacher in the Navsari Madressa and then and deliberately suppressed facts from the served the Jassawalas in Peshawar, Kabul, relevant passages from the Vishtasp Yasht had landed as a young entrepreneur in to mislead the gullible Zarathushtis. Karachi with just Rs 100 in his pocket. He •Conquerors always reported not authen- t tic, factual history but what they wanted Coorlawala ’s research on the authenticity of the 'Ahd nameh and its relevance to Salman Pak [“How authentic is the ’Ahd- namehT' and “In defense of... (Readers ’ Leaving aside the so-called scholarly ing points: •Dr Jafarey ’s dedication to and defence of cere. I only wish he could have displayed the same commitment and had labored just as sincerely when he wrote the so-called 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. “Beseeching the Lady” Homi Rogers asks the question, “What is it opened a shop and in course of time not I ’ , ' ‘ ' ____ that leads Zoroastrians to join the throngs only earned a fortune, but practised the others to believe as partial records of events seen through their eyes. The 2Mra«,Hadiths could. He gave in the name of his mother, and the early biographies referred to by Dr father and wife to build the first building in Jafarey would only account for very pre- at Mahim ’s St Michael ’s Church every Zoroastrian ideal ofcharity by giving all he Wednesday (‘Beseeching the Lady, ’ Parsiana, July-August 1994)?’’ Apart from the legend of the Lady of the old Punchayet Wadi, maternity wings disposed, subjective experiences through Perpetual Succour ’s prowess at granting in the Lady Dufferin Hospital, secured the the eyes of Islam. They would not be favors, the article attributes two main rea ­ sons for this as given by Ms Firozi Khan: •I can relate to the prayers being said in a ’ language I can understand, as against our Zoroastrian mumbo-jumbo, and •the service offers extreme peace of mind, tally Sir Kawasjee also beautified the Lady and you can ’t help being moved with the LloydPromenadeandSirJehangirKothari serenity of it. ~ ‘ ' I can think of a third reason: the creation of vibrations through a unison of timing helped the British government generously Kings, a kind of Shah Namah, and the and concord ofsounds. Unfortunately with during theWorld War I and also left behind oldest surviving commentary on the Quran us, although we talk of creating divine cosmopolitan charities. on the pattern of the commentary on the vibrations through our prayers, in practice behram s. rustomji Avesta by the Pahlavi commentators of the we do just the opposite. Take our muktad Karachi Sasanian and post Sasanian days, proves in the Lady Dufferin Hospital, secured the magnificent land for the now well-known objective or factual. Katrak Parsi Colony which was developed as a cooperative housing society, and built Antia rely on Islamic sources for Salman, for the YMZA the Hormusjee Katrak Hall or rely on other foreign scholars who have and the Sohrab Katrak Library. Inciden- only borrrowed from Islamic sources which are unreliable and prejudiced? •Dr Jafarey ’s statement that Muhammad Parade with a beautiful Jodhpur stone band- ibn Jarir al-Tabari authored two books in stand. Both these Karachi knights had Arabic: The Annals of the Prophets and Why then, do Dr Jafarey and Ervad Karachi 2 Parsiana October 1994 1i writings as and when it is suitable to his this would amount to Rs 1,737 per crema ­ personal inclination. In promoting the Fasli tion after April 1,1998. Dr Kabraji should calendar, he relies on Omar Khayyam. But realize thatourdokhmenashini,apartfrom being economical and efficient, is inde- a Sufi, was a drunkard and led a lecherous pendent of any future energy escalation costs. DrP. D. SUNAVALA that the Arabs borrowed and imitated a lot from the Zarathushtis without acknow ­ ledging or giving any due credit. Dr Jafarey ’s own words, that the Quran inDrJafarey ’sown words,Omar Khayyam, does not mention either the Iranians or Iran, also proves the point that the Arabs life! How can one trust a drunkard to were responsible for biased history by compute? And, was Omar intoxicated with omitting important events and personali ­ ties from their religious records. How can any Arab or convert to Islam mention the true history of the Persian Zarathushtis or Iran in their books —especially the Quran tual. Recently, Parsiana’s image is of a — after all the sufferings, torture, blood ­ bath caused by Islam on the conquered? not facts, but fiction; and in substance, it is get-together in honor of the Iranshah, when Would the Arabs ever acknowledge that all definitely becoming anti-Zoroastrian. Is Zoroastrians make generous donations. Arabic achievements in arts, literature, Parsiana trying to promote the preserva- This amount is to be used for distribu- architecture, sciences were almost entirely tion of our religion, or is it trying to speed tion to the Iranshah Kathi Fund and for due to the Iranian converts to Islam? up its destruction through scholarly myths helping poor mobeds, behdins and •The most important issue I wish to empha- and faith-killing lies? mspervinj.mistry nassessalars. size is that “scholars ” are not at all reliable! Mississauga, Onuno Our Udvada Anjuman and the poor To wit, ProfNigosian,ofthe University of , resident Zoroastrians are grateful to all Toronto, has written a book. The Zoroas- “TowcrS Of silcnCC reform” those who have donated generously for this trian Faith. In it, along with other mean ­ ings, the name of the Holy Prophet Asho meteorology. Government of India, writes them always, is our sincere prayer. Zarathushtra is also translated as “a thief of from London that the towers of silence oaswr kaikobad dastoor camels... a tormentor of camels. ” Future must be replaced by electric crematoria to President, Udvada Anjuman generations, specially the so-called schol- eliminate the class of nassessalars who ars from North America will surely quote have to handle decaying corpses partly Restoring OUT Cemeteries these meanings and subsequently, such eaten by vultures (“Towers of silence re ­ writings will be acclaimed “scholarly! ” form, ” Readers ’ Forum, Parsiana, Febru- Therefore,.itis time that Zarathushtis bag ary-March 1994). This gives the impres- the scholarly garbage and follow the reli ­ gion with faith and devotion. •Antia ’s statement that the Shah Namah, written by a Moslem, has not the least the attention of your readers to the Envi- mention about Salman is yet another indi- ronmental Protection Act 1990, promul- cation that the Islamic zealots did not gated in the UK, which states that to ensure record history accurately or even ad ­ equately. It is also a fact that many parts in the Shah Namah are missing and some parts dealing with Prophet Asho Za- be fitted with a secondary combustion rathushtra and the Zarathushti religion are zone in which the gases must be held at grossly sanctioned (sic) and deliberately 850°C for two seconds, and that these altered. The Pahlavi books written around standards must be reached by April 1, the ninth century, guardedly mention the 1998. The toxic substances mentioned “evil times ” and “the wicked rule ” [Out- would probably refer to carbon nionoxide, lines of Par si History by Dastur (Dr) H. K. Mirza]. Firdausi ’s predecessors Danishwar and Daqiqi, from whom he continued the nar ­ ration of his immortal epic, were both tion (probably natural gas),and hence the Zarathushtis. Scholars are no( unanimous if Firdausi himself was a Zarathushti. Whether a Zarathushti or not, Firdausi. writing in the 11th century, was hardly in a terms offirewood and electricity, allowing position to express his religious opinions for differences in thermal efficiencies, I freely. Besides no one knows if the omis- have got figures of 219 kg firewood and A grave at the Dehra Dun cemetery with sion of Salman ’s name occurred later or 205 KWh electricity per body cremated. If headstone broken andmarble slab removed not. one takes the revised rate for non-residen- •Dr Jafarey ’s scholarly intent displays the tial heating at about Rs 2.20 per KWh, this mysterious habit of quoting and suppress- would amount to Rs 450 per electric cre- ing quotes from individual scholars and mation. When the costs increase 3.86 times families. Now there are less than five Aid from the USA alcohol or love for his beloved Creator? All this emphatically proves that schol- The Udvada Anjuman has received adona- arly research is oft directed to mislead the tion of Rs 1,01,977 from the members of gullible, and “scholarly ” need not be fac- theZoroastrian Association of Greater New York and other American Zoroastrian as- tabloid, full of myth and gossip; promoting sociations. Every year they hold a lunch Parsiana trying to promote the preserva- MsPERVINJ. MISTRY Mississauga, Ontario “Towers of silence reform” Dr Kaekhosru Kabraji, former director of very deserving cause. May Iranshah bless sion that crematoria are more efficient in disposing of the dead. In this connection, I would like to draw complete combustion of the corpse and eliminate potentially toxic substances in the exhaust fumes, all crematoria should soot, nitric oxide and the stench from other organic vapors. The crematoriaauthorities estimate that this new law will push up the gas consump- costof cremation, 3.86 times after April 1, 1998. Calculating the energy consumption in 5 Parsiana October 1994 On behalf of the Parsis of Dehra Dun I appeal for help for our old cemeteries in Dehra Dun and Mussoorie. Right up to the 1950s the Parsi popula ­ tion in Dehra Dun consisted of 20 to 30make it so by giving a meaningful dona ­ tion. The cheque/bank draft in the name of “Parsi Aramgah Fund, Dehra Dun ” may ’ ; sent to me at Faryas, 157 Vasant Vihar-1. P.O. New Forest, Dehra Dun 248006 (UP), India [Tel: (0135) 83222]. Donors ’ names will be suitably inscribed on a plaque We would like to restore the cemetery, rebuild the graves, repair the bungli, and make it once more a place of peace and sanctity for those whose loved ones rest be there. Since 1935, most of the Parsi stu ­ dents of the Doon School enjoyed the hospitality of Dr N. N. Kapadia, the school dentist. He and his wife are now in on a plaque in the bungli. Exemption their late eighties. His father-in-law, Mr under Section 18Gofthe Income Tax Act families here (none in Mussoorie), with the result that we have very little money (approx Rs 30,000) to take care of the cemetery. The petty traders and kaba- riwallas who surround the cemetery have broken down the outer walls, cut the water pipes, damaged and desecrated the graves and brought their cattle in to graze. The cemetery is now a pitiful sight with cowdung everywhere, headstones broken Guzdar, was also very generous in allowing has been applied for. and the bungli vandalized with doors, win- Parsi boys free entry into his cinema. Mr Lt Oen f. n. bilimoria (Retd) .. ........................................ ... President, Dehra Dun Parsi Anjuriian Parsi boys free entry into his cinema. Mr dows and electrical fittings removed. Guzdar is buried here in this cemetery. With some influence and pressure we and Dr Kapadia ’s little girl and brother lie have managed to get the intruders removed, here as well. The graves ofGenK. Masters UuVada and the SCa but this is not a lasting solution as district of the Indian Medical Service —who was Just after the first week of the monsoon I and police officials are subject to frequent even senior to the late Field Marshal was in Udvada strolling from Globe Hotel, changes. Therefore, unless we can build Cariappa — and Brig J. Dalal are also down the meandering muddy streets, to the strong high walls with a good gate which here, and there are many others. seashore. can be securely locked, and install a With financial help and support the It was a bit dark in the late evening as I chowkidar-cum-mali to stay there, the van- Parsis of Dehra Dun could once again walked down the sandy slope to the beach, dalism will start all over again. This will also involve making modest quarters for and Mussoorie places of peace and sanc- the chowkidar. t' With some influence and pressure we ¦ ¦ “ • • " ¦ t of the Indian Medical Service —whowas and police officials are subject to frequent even senior to the late Field Marshal Dehra Dun cemetery’s pitiful sight Below left: Entrance to the cemetery and the desecrated graves Below right: Vandalized bungli and the filth in the compound here, and there are many others. With financial help and support the Parsis of Dehra Dun could once again make the Parsi cemeteries in Dehra Dun Suddenly I dropped five feet to the sand flat below. In just one week the sea had de ­ nuded the shore, leaving an excavated shoreline five feet high. I walked along the beach as I had done in my childhood, observing the old land ­ marks. Majestic Hotel was there; Sohrab it; acominghomeofthespirit,aluminous Mody ’s boat-like bungalow was replaced journey of the heart. Please help us to by a building; the King Hotel front is tity, and a source of comfort for those left behind. The approximate requirement is to the tune of six lakh rupees. A cemetery should be a sacred, invio ­ late space — a refuge for those who visit •'$ 2 Si'x ” < * hr ><¦ 1 Parsiana October 1994washed by the sea — the four-feet high Zarathushtra (Yale University Press, New cosmic forces, which are pitted against the rock wall made along the shoreline had Haven and London) — author Laurence evil cosmic forces in the great drama that disappeared. Along the Mangalwada vil- --------- ¦ ... lage border a sloping concrete embark- ment had been made to stop the onslaught of the sea. But the sea has made several Prophet ’s name for the protagonist of his breaches in the slope. A concrete effort is needed by a com ­ mittee so formed to protect Udvada beach. Historically, the name Udvada was de- _________________ __ rived from Unt-vada, the grazing ground rathustra, the ancient Persian prophet, is for the local raja s camel, or Udann vas, better known by the inaccurate name the meaning low-lying areas covered by sea Greeks gave him — Zoroaster. Zara ­ thushtra/Zoroaster is not just any ancient Lampert examines the reason why Nietzsche, the German philosopher who wrote Thus Spoke Zarathushlra, chose our personal responsibility, according to which book. Lampert answers the question ‘What did Nietzsche want to do by choosing Zarathushtra as his mouthpiece? ’ “Za- is the meaning of history. “He is the author of the grave view of one will be held accountable for all one ’s deeds on a coming Day of Judgement, when those deeds will be weighed, and eternal bliss or eternal woe meted out to their doer. He is likewise the author of the grave view of the passage of time, accord ­ ing to which time is hisiory and moves morally toward its consummation, when time will be arrested and the whole drama of a thousand acts brought to a welcome end. Zarathushtra is the founder of the and converted into kharis or salt pans. i* ' ~ I pray to Ahura Mazda to provide a prophet, and in order to understand what is at stake in Nietzsche ’s Zarathushtra, it is helpful to know what his namesake had linear view of time, the first to formulate accomplished. Therefore, because no one had asked, as they should have asked, what the name Zarathushtra meant to him. leader who will stop Udwada from revert ­ ing to Udann vas. z. m. zend The first rationalist There is an assumption by western histori ­ ans and scholars that concepts of morality Nietzsche felt constrained to ask this ques- and man ’s responsibility for his actions I' ’ ¦” “ originated with ancient Hebrew prophets, and that western rational thinking origi- ___ ___ ____________ ______ _ __ nated with the ancient Greeks. I would like Zarathushtra/Zoroaster ’s uniqueness lies history are customarily thought to have to correct this wrong impression based on —*- ¦ ..................... the conclusions of two well-known phi ­ losopher-scholars — Freidrich Nietzsche and Joseph Campbell. first Prophet to proclaim that a happy are ‘his work, ’work that was taken overas In his introduction to Nietzsche s teach- immortality is to be gained by moral be- their own by the Hebrew prophets, ser- ing — An Interpretation of Thus Spoke havior, by enlisting on the side of good vants of a jealous God during their the mighty vision that time is the progres ­ sive escalation of the struggle of good and evil, culminating in utopia for the worthy. ” ----------------,— Lampertstatesthat “Propheticreligions, tion of himself in Ecce Homo, a book that both sacred and profane, that appeal to an could be counted among the prefaces to authority higher than the ancestral or the Zarathushtra. Nietzsche says that civil and that speak for the great march of in his being the first thinker to see morality, originated with prophet of the Old Testa- the battle of good and evil, as the very ment. But, as Nietzsche holds, they origi- wheel in the machinery of things. He is the nated with Zarathushtra/Zoroaster; they first Prophet to proclaim that a happy .................. immortality is to be gained by moral be- me nt. But, as Nietzsche holds, they origi- With compliments from B. B. GARDA & SONS 10 B. J. Road Poona 411001Babylonian captivity, just as it was taken over by Greek philosophers. His work was also appropriated by later, modern apoca ­ lyptic preachers who aimed to turn the world upside down to set it right. The revolutionary tradition of the West refor ­ mulates again and again the moral vision and religious mission of which Zarathushtra is the founder. ” Also, a more recent philosopher-scholar of eastern religions, the late Joseph Campbell, in his television series on east ­ ern religions which was broadcasted on public TV channels in the United States, stated in one of the episodes, that he con ­ sidered the Iranian prophetZarathushtra as the real originator of western rational think ­ ing, not the Greeks, as commonly thought. Ancient Greek philosophers, such as Plato, were known to have studied the teachings of the Persian prophet Zarathushtra and incorporated them in their own philosophi ­ cal works. Our community leaders, priests, par ­ ents and teachers need to be aware of this information and should take the time and trouble to propagate it to our youth, so that they maintain their self-esteem and pride in their centuries-old religious heritage. Instead of getting turned off by the endless arguments on controversial topics, our youth should feel motivated to read trans ­ lations of the Gathas, the KhordehAvesta, the Vendidad, etc and understand the sig ­ nificance of our rituals, so as to judge for themselves and incorporate this treasure ­ store of knowledge and wisdom in their individual lives and in the upliftment of our community. MANECK NAWROJIBHUJWALA San Jose, CA. USA Tell us about Pithawalla When we go to atash behrams and agiaries, the first thing that strikes our eyes is the imposing figure of our Prophet, Spitman Zarathushtra, in the main halls. When we lift our heads after bowing before our Prophet in reverence, we read the legend “Copyright reserved by Sorab M. Pithawalla, 1939” painted on it. It set me wondering whether we know anything about Pithawalla. Is he still living? Has Pithawalla painted other awe-inspiring pictures, besides those of our Holy Prophet? After a passage of 55 years, Zarath ushtra ’s glory has remained as vivid and fresh as ever. Has he been honored by the community? I will be much obliged if readers were to throw some light on artist Sorab M. Pithawalla. BtiiKtiAji m. adenwalla Unknown to Zoroastrians? I have been intrigued why there is not even a small trace of Zoroastrian influence any ­ where in the Gulf States or in the regions comprising the other side of the Persian Gulf. Prophet Zarathushtra and his emissar ­ ies spread the Zoroastrian faith to the dis- tan t areas of Central Asia and Afghanistan. Darius the Great and his fleet conquered areas up to Greece in the Mediterranean. The active Iranian ports in those days were the present-day Bandar Abbas and Bandar Shapur. The distance between these ports and the Arabian Peninsula on the other side is only about 40 miles. In the Straits of Hormuz, leading out of the Per ­ sian Gulf and into the wide open Arabian Sea, the distance between the two shores is barely 12 miles. I find it hard to believe that the fleet commanders of Darius did not know of the existence of this Arabian landmass and did not capture it and spread the faith there. The entire Arabian land ­ mass — from what is present-day Kuwait in the Upper Gulf to the Musandam Penin ­ sula of Oman in the Lower Gulf — was practically barren and hardly had any popu ­ lation. It would not have been difficult at all for the Iranian kings to grab the entire coastal regions and then push inwards to- 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 (Ocf/62-94) ‘ GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 ’Please make sure the reply envelope bears the reference number cited here MATRIMONIAL Alliance invited for 1967 born, 175 cms tall, Parsi boy, a Captain in the Army. Kindly write giving full particulars and photograph (returnable) to: The Advertiser Parsiana, Matrimonial (Oct/63-94)* GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 ’Please make sure the reply envelope bears the reference number cited here MATRIMONIAL Pune-based Zoroastrian parents of an only son. 25 years, 5’11’’tall, slim, self-employed, invite correspondence from Zoroastrian girls of good character, upbringing and education, like himself, stating their blood group. Apply with details and photograph (returnable) to; The Advertiser Parsiana, Matrimonial (Oct/64-94)* GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 ’Please make sure the reply envelope bears the reference number cited here MATRIMONIAL Alliance invited for upcountry Parsi boy, graduate, 29 years, working in an international company. Girls willing to stay upcountry may apply with details and photograph (returnable) to; The Advertiser Parsiana, Matrimonial (Oct/65-94)* GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 ’Please make sure the reply envelope bears the reference number cited here MATRIMONIAL Alliance invited tor 29 years old. 5’4” tall, working lady, residing ’ in U.K. from educated, cultured gentlemen around 40 years of age. Please respond with full bio data and latest photograph returnable to: The Advertiser Parsiana, Matrimonial (Oct/66-94) ‘ GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 Please make sure the reply envelope bears the reference number cited here MATRIMONIAL Matrimonial alliance invited for a tall, fair, home-loving, graduate girl, aged 27, of a respected family and widely travelled, from boys well- settled in business, profession or job with similar family background. Please apply with a recent photograph (returnable) to; The Advertiser Parsiana, Matrimonial (Oct/67-94)* GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 ’Please make sure the reply envelope bears the reference number cited here 10 Parsiana October 1994 LBUSINESS GROUNDING THE mounting Parinaz Gandhi Erecting a roof without a supporting col ­ umn or pillar might sound similar to build ­ ing castles in the air. So to explain how the project in another state. But no further system works, Pessi Dadina, chairman of details are divulged. Only the day prior to KND Engineering Technologies Limited, draws us a sketch of these prefabricated space frames that are ideal for auditoria, stadia, airport hangars where columns would be an obstruction. KND was re- will be the first to know. ” He is at his Calcutta ’s Metro Railway where the firm ’s cently appointed the sole licensee in India, Bombay office almost every month but it cautioning on the possibility of floods Bangladesh,SriLankaandNepalforHarley was) after nearly three months that we Systems, the pioneers in the field of space frames. These space frames can * span up to 120 meters or more without the support of a single column. Resembling a large mechano set, in this network of steel girders steel con ­ sumption is reduced by almost half of what would have gone into a conventional structure. . Besides there is also a sub- I stantial saving in time — what I would have originally taken I 10 months can now be com- 1 pleted within 10-12 weeks, J Dadina highlights the salient features. To illustrate the aesthetic appeal Dadina brothers: Kersi (left) and Pessi of these roofing systems Dadina shows us visuals of major landmarks throughout the finally got an interview appointment. And world where the Harley Systems models that too it was only when he had taken time have been used; National Tennis Centre in Melbourne, Cheras Badminton Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, Joe Cannon Baseball Stadium in Maryland USA, Chunnel Tun ­ nel at England ’s UK Terminal, Toy Town in Dammam, Saudi Arabia... “Dreams have to be made into reality. Let them fructify, ” reinforces Dadina who balcony he was inspecting collapsed, himself is constantly on the move heading Among the first in India to practice soil a public limited company whose turnover for the year ending September 1994 was in the region of Rs 24 crores and whose shares are quoted in the stock exchange at around Rs 90. He touches base, Calcutta, for barely one week in a month. There is a vided in a company brochure where the discreet reference to KND starting another preamble quotes Henry Thoreau, “If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put foundations under them. ” The firm ’s expertise in geotechnical investiga ­ tion and pile foundation was solicited on the interview he had returned from Bahrain. Some business expansion in the offing? He once again gives his disarming smile and diffuses further enquiries by stating, “You projects of national importance like will be the first to know. ” He is at his alerted the railways well in advance and enabled them to take suitable action. The naval base project at Visakhapatnam as also projects of the Steel Authority of India Limited, the Tata Iron and Steel I Company Limited, the Bhabha 1 Atomic Research Centre, the 42 < bridge sites along the East-West y \ Highway in Nepal were among I \ the other prestigious assignments |k I handled by KND. More recently, I a foreign consortium with Spie- I caphe Consultants enabled them I, to do the ground work for the 23 ' -r. , : * ton river crossings that would 1 bear the pipelines at Hazira. Since Dadina joined the firm in 1979, its activities have been steadily diversifying, and in different regions. “You have to see where your market is and also where the raw materials are... Certain states off from work to have his tooth extracted have departments to take quick decisions... that we were able to extract news and views from him. Dadina was catapulted into the steering position of KND following the premature nity activities but he says he would always demise of his brother Kersi Nanabhoy prefer to employ Parsis, all things being Dadina in 1980, in an accident, when a equal. “As it is. our community is small. Why not help our community? ” he asks, convinced as he is that “Parsis are more dedicated to work. ” An employee turned entrepreneur, Dadina did his graduation in science from the Nagpur University, postgraduation in nuclear chemical technology from the mechanics and foundation engineering, Kersi had, with a capital of Rs 50,000, started his proprietorship concern in Calcutta in 1964. An outline of KND’s activities is pro- 38 Parsiana October 1994 Work discipline is not there in West Bengal... ” Dadina may not have time for commu-wards the modern-day Riyadh and beyond, salvation. venom and hatred for the work they have Instead, what we are told these days is Only a liberated soul can preach such a undertaken. How long can such a state of that excavations on the Failaka Island of message. Sai Baba was such a soul. He had affairs continue? Kuwait and the Sitra region of Bahrain, all the qualities of saintliness — the un- Very soon our community will be rel- have shown traces of the ancient Dilmun canny ability to solve the difficulties of his egated to the dusty archives of history. If (Christian) civilization. The Kuwaitis even followers, by giving them support and you can read the writing on the wall, please ¦ ~ ’¦ 1- -..t--, stand up and be counted. (Ms) g.r. mehta .UV. U..UV ____ _____________________1 his mandir. He has not asked you to attend Whither, PUrsiGfial them. Just remember that Shri Sai Baba Only a liberated soul can preach such a all the qualities of saintliness — the un- (Christian) civilization. The Kuwaitis even followers, by giving them support and claim that some kaflas (caravans) of solace when in pain or disease. Forget the Alexander the Great had passed through fact that artis and poojas are performed in Failaka on their way to the conquest of India. .... Why the Prophet Zarathushtra, and the was an illuminated human being, whose per dealing with mundane topics concem- Iranian padshahs who followed him, to- sole purpose in life was to preach love, ing the Parsi community. But, how long tall y failed even to touch the Arab side of humanity for all living beings and to bring can you go on reading the same old themes the Gulf, is a mystery which I believe needs you face to face with your own religion, again and again? It is like reading an old to be probed now. Our holy books and which so many of our own priests have newspaper. Why do you waste pages on - - .. . . . . births, deaths, marriages when it is known that the information given is not total. Of what use is it? Instead the community would benefit good work for the common Parsi who finds from articles on spiritual matters of con- Babaji ’s message of love more caring for his spiritual needs than the ravings and historic records imply that the world at that forgotten to do. time consisted only of Asia Minor, India, China, Turkey, Mesopotamia, etc, but not Instead of preaching hatred for other ____ _____ communities — allowing only for Parsi- the present day Arab areas — particularly panoo — these people can do so much the Gulf States and the Arabian Peninsula. Even a passing reference to them is miss ­ ing everywhere. Can our historians provide some con ­ vincing explanations? dara kadva Stand up and be counted Time and again I have read in Parsiana At the moment Parsiana is just a newspa- cern specially for the youth, and also com ­ parative religious articles which would ran tings of our own so-called keepers of broaden their vision. In my opinion this is faith. They argue whether it was right for JRD’s (late J.R.D. Tata) uthamna to be performed or whether a Parsi married to a __ ______________ non-Parsi can be allowed to be consigned many ofourcommunity members deriding to the tower of silence and pass strictures and ridiculing Shri Sai Baba of Shirdi. I also know that most of them are his devo ­ tees, but they fear to acknowledge the truth and hide under the hypocrisy of their reli ­ gion. The truth is that Shri Sai Baba of to Sai Babaji, and not to our so-caUed on outdated rules and dogmas, totally out against our own community members en ­ tering the fire-temple! Is it therefore any wonder that so many of our community members are attracted Shirdi had no religion. No one knows scholars whose onlyjob seems to be to harp whether he was a Hindu or a Muslim. c __ ' ' ' „ But before we come to him, I would like of synchronization with the present times? to say a few words about our own religion. Is Mr Nani Palkhivala an outcaste because It is the oldest religion and our prophet ’s message is simple —follow the truth ; burn all forms of falsehood; be liberal; love one another; appreciate the bounties of nature; others like him, be denied admission to the be honest, illustrious and hardworking; in short lead a pure life. He did not say “my followers will only be Parsis or Iranis ” or any such thing. Anyway certain rules are prophets. They usually apply to those have moved on and not all the pompous the so-called oldie-goldies. We need new ideas in keeping with the times — revaluate the old rules and dogmas and acknowledgement of the role played by make them conform to the present times. In many liberated beings whose only purpose the process of doing that, many of us go off is to reinforce our tottering beliefs and in different directions and are either lost to make them conform to the present age. We the community, or have integrated our- need thinkers, intellectuals, schol^s, many selves in other faiths and beliefs. During of whom are living abroad and doing com- such a time, a different type of savant i------------------------- -------- he is a staunch believer of Shri Satya Sai Baba? I have seen him sit on the dais with Baba and extol his virtues. Will he, or agiary or the tower of silence? There is something basically wrong with our thinking. Our attitude is warped and tangled in the skeins of worn-out traditions always enforced by the followers of all and wishful thinking. The hands of time ^ple living in that century and under pontificationsofour priests can bring back different conditions from today. ‘ As knowledge increases, it is time to such a time, a different type of savant mendable work for the furtherance of the comes to show the way. He does not advo- Zoroastrian religion. Instead of acknowl- cate a conversion to his religion. He only edging their work, which is inspir^ only gathers the scattered flock and reminds by the extreme purity and the timeless them that their religion is the best, and messageofZoroaster,wegoaboutridicul- following it in spirit and form is the only ing them, mocking them and spewing 13 Parsiana October 1994 one way of increasing your circulation, not only in India but also abroad. Dr ERUCH B. FANIBUNDA Edited by Amavaz S. Mama Juke Box Music all the time . Wide choice of Beers Near Regal Cinema, Colaba Causeway, Bombay 400 039 Phbne: 2020591 o co s sI Events and Personalities Fort fire Lab, Clifton ’s Departmental Store, The two heritage buildings that were en- Himalaya Drugs Company, Advance Com- gulfed in a fire in Bombay ’s Fort area in theearly hours of August 2,1994wereboth PublicationswhichwasatenantofSaroosh tance of some residents. The exquisite Parsi owned. While the Eruchshaw Build- Building used to store its records anddocu- antiques and carved furniture that adorned ing owned by Dr (Ms) Dina Hakim was ments there which have been lost to poster- the Hakims ’ home are now but a memory completely ravaged by the fire that smol- ity. The irony of the situation is that both for those who remember the scenes from dered for days after the outbreak, the ad- these old structures were repaired at sub ­ joining Saroosh Building owned by Ms ’ “ Ketayun Irani of Poona saw its central ______„ —________________________ portion cave in, leaving the front and the putting in considerable amount and effort CharitHblc COnCCmS rear portions intact. No life was lost; how- — ever extensive damage was caused to prop ­ erty as many of these buildi ngs which have stone exteriors often have their beams and Deliberate mischief played by miscreants columns made of wood. Another hazard is who wanted to destroy some evidence with the proximity of the buildings which ne- the Central Bureau of Investigation — cessitated that fire fighting operations be conducted from Dadabhai Naoroji Road, bringing traffic to a halt on this arterial street. Barring the top floor of Eruchshaw Building which Hakim used as her resi ­ dence, the other premises in these two buildings were the offices of concerns as diverse as Tata Housing, Mazda Color when the fire broke out, was to cut across the terrace of Saroosh Building on to an- mercial, Light of Asiarestaurant... Parsiana other neighboring building with the assis- stantial cost over the last few years. Tata Housing in particular has been credited for Ms Vijaya Mehta ’s feature film Pestonjee which was shot in this house. to restore the facade of the Eruchshaw The 87 cosmopolitan trusts referred to in A Building “to its pristine beauty. ” Directory of Philanthropic Organisations A short circuit. A burst gas cylinder, in Bombay include 11 that have been named after Zoroastrians or where the majority trustees are Zoroastrians. Barring the Tehmina Lakdawala Foundation which shows an income of Rs 25,858.15, the other 10 trusts show an income exceeding Rs 1,00,000. “A staggering Rs 4.93 crores constitut ­ ing 43 percent of the total annual income of the public charitable trusts listed in the 01 is SI »« ®4‘ Sift ?8 I' P"iga speculations were rife regarding the cause of the fire that reportedly started before 2 a.m. that Tuesday. Whatever the source, Eruchshaw Building was enveloped in flames in a short while. The staircase as also the majestic lift, believed to be the oldest in the city, were ravaged and the Directory remains unutilized, ” was the only escape route available to Hakim and finding of the Consumer Education and her daughter who were on the premises Research Centre (CERC), Ahmedabad , which has worked on this compilation j from the funding provided by the Interna- ' tional Development Research Centre, Canada. The 67-page booklet gives an alphabetical listing of only those trusts which are secular, working for the spread of educational and research activities and expending monies on charitable objects rather than undertaking welfare activities themselves, explains the accompanying literature. In the second concise list these trusts are grouped according to their income in descending order. The highest income as recorded by the Sir Dorabjee Tata Trust was Rs 18,764,565. Next among Parsi trusts came the Sir Shapoorjee Burjourjee Broacha Charitable Trust showing Rs 22,73,386. In the Rs 10 to 20 lakh income category I ? ww aril I ¦ ‘ ^' ” 1 fiwiwill I MtMl . Firemen trying to douse the fire that enveloped Eruchshaw Building and Saroosh Building Photo: Varghese Fernandezi B Senior civil engineer Ratan Surveyor (right) was presented the Hind Rattan Award by Ramrao Adik at a function in Bombay on May 13, 1994. This award conferred by the NRI Welfare Society of guished contribution (to) the Industrial- India recognized Surveyor's “outstand­ ing services, achievements and contri­ butions.” Barely a month earlier, it was his firm Ratan Surveyor and Company lence Award by the Global Business that bagged the lldyog Excellence Gold Forum. Medal instituted by the Industrial Eco­ nomic Forum. This distinction recognised “their excellence in the field of civil engineering” and lauded “their distin- ization of the country,” mentions the citation. On September 8, 1994 Sur­ veyor was conferred the Business Excel- gion, ” mentions the foreword. Thirdly during periods of stress and strain, distress or confusion, “a random opening of this pocket book may render guidance, solace, solution... to the ruffled spirit, ” it is hoped. “These gems or quotes are not intact selections or true translations of Avestan words and phrases, ” cautions Minocher Homji. “Rather they are selected potent idea.s which represent the essence of our prayers...and also include some supportive scriptural/scholarly quotes from well- known scholars and priests ” like Khur- shedji Cama, Dasturs Khurshed Dabu and Maneckji Dhalla, John Hinnells, S. Insler, Ali Jafarey... “Even in our daily prayers there is much variance in translation. Therefore in several cases I have reproduced the views of different scholars on the same passage, ” the author clarifies. Certain explanatory notes in parenthesis are the author ’s personal views. The book is divided into eight sections with a chapter each devoted to Ahura Mazda and Zarathushtra, and another to the Amesha Spentas and the Yeshts (sic). Introductory devotional prayers and invocations are cl ubbed in one chapter, the Gathas and Yasna in another, and Khordeh Avesta and Niaeshes separately. One chapter concerns philosophy, and the last, ethics. In one of the succinct summations in the book, Zoroastrianism is defined in the words of Dr Haug as “a theology of mono ­ theism, philosophy of dualism and moral ­ ity of the triad of good thoughts, good words and good deeds. ” Priced at Rs 50, the book is available from Ms Homai Modi, c/o the K. R. Cama fall the Nanabhoy Jeejeebhoy Charitable Pocket Avcsta Trust and the Jamshed and Shirin Guzder Trust. Concern (India) Foundation, The Kunverji Hosmosji (sic) Bhabha prescribed by tradition, ” but the Pocket Foundation and the Forbes Charitable “can still be a band-aid or a bridge . „ Ion our prescribed life-style, ” notes the fore ­ word to the 136-page booklet in English Oriental Institute, 136 Bombay Samachar “It is not and certainly cannot be a substi ­ tute for our regular prayers in Avesta as Trust are listed in the five to 10 lakh leading towards it by focusing the mind rupees category, and the Mancherji Edalji Joshi Memorial Trust Fund, The Maki Taraporewala Foundation and the compiled by Homi B. Minocher HonTji of Marg, Fort, Bombay 400023. Rs 5 are to be Bai Navajbai Shavakshaw Dubash Canada. added for mailing charges and Rs 6 if a Charity Trust in the one to five lakh clas- Realizing that an individual ’s preoccu- cheque is drawn on a bank outside Bombay. Bai Navajbai Shavakshaw Dubash Canada. Realizing that an individual ’s preoccu ­ pation with his daily routine leaves him Theproceedsofthesale willbeusedby the , ----------------Institute for its repairs and maintenance, uniform accounting year. But as explained fully, Minochcr Homji felt thata compact, specifies Minocher Homji. in the booklet, they are based on the data -............. ... available at the charity commissioner ’s office in October 1993. The CERC which is a non-political, . non-profitable, voluntary organization reg ­ istered as a research institute by the central government, is distributing the Directory freeofchargetocbnsumergroups,journal- their children too ists, government institutions and select may be able to grasp individuals. There is a special appeal to the basics of the re ­ public charitable trusts to expend their ligion, its obliga ­ tions and ethics, “and hopefully some day fully ac ­ cept the Good RcIi- sification. The figures reported do not relate to one little time to meditate or pray meaning- 4'/2”x5’/2” book comprising the essence of Avesta would induce an individual to uti- Marriage made meaningful lizehiscommutingtimefamiliarizinghim- ’ ' ........................ self with the religion, and staying “attuned to our great heritage of wisdom and vir ­ tues. ” New initiates, students, non-Zoroas- trian spouses and surplus funds on the objects of the trust. The charity commissioners have been re ­ quested to periodically publish informa ­ tion on trusts in the public interest. In the course of the ashirwad or wedding ceremony the officiating priest takes the assent of the two witnesses, the groom and the bride. Do Zoroastrians know what they are consenting to? As explained in the booklet Nuptial Blessings, a bilingual booklet in English and Gujarati pub- Minocher Homji (left) and Panthaki 16 Parsiana October 1994 Liisnea oy nrvaa nusiumji The chapter on the introductory cer- Vinod Kambli, Dara Dotiwalla, Pil^ Re ­ principal of the Dadar Athoman Boarding emony provides a brief insight into the porter and many others, recognizes that principaluivixauox , ronr.n “during the last two and a half decades, Parsi cricket has slowly declined. Today there is not a single Parsi cricketer who is ________ _____ of test level. ” “The Parsi youth... have with the corresponding taken to activities other than cricket... blessings, nuptial benedictions with the Kandawalla. This lacuna, they hope will names of the illustrious, and health be filled once they commence with their cricket clinic — a coaching program to give intensive training to promising youngsters. The estimated cost of this new scheme will be Rs 1.5 lakhs of which Rs lished by Ervad Rustomji Panthaki The chapter on the introductory cer- hand clasp, the seven rounds of cotton thread, the throwing of rice grains, etc. Madressa, the groom ’s witness is asked, “Have you therefore agreed in consider- _ ation of this match to give 2000 Nishapur Then follow three chapters givjnj me En- dirhams and two gold dinars? ” To this j, query he is supposed to reply, “Yes, I have emony prayers ----- - --------- r —- Tohmni agreed. ” Next the bride ’s witness is asked, English translations of the nupital regrets YZCC hlne wUl “Have you sincerely given a pledge to give in marriage (this maiden) for life with a view to the advancement of your family, benedictions, with truthful thought, for threefold word, should be: “Yes, I have given a pledge. ” I glish transliteration of the ashirwad cer- While there are several spelling errors, wiin truiniui inougin, lui untvium wuiu, ..i.v. - ------------ _------- - it, and with the promotion of your own meri- the language used is poeuc:^ May^tne should be- “Yes I have given a pledge. ” May the angel Fravardin grant you growth 40,000have already been raised, a sizeable Suy the priit seeks^ conformation in spiritual strength... ” or “Be profusely donation coming in from businessman from thecouple: “Have you accepted with storeduplikethewinterseason,Bebloom- Jamshed Guzder, informs PesiPaghdiwalla, truthful thought this contract for life? ” Rp.swftp.t-srented They are jointly supposed to respond, like the musk... ” "Pasand-e kardim (Yes, we have ac- ccptcd)*** - - - The 69-page booklet has a foreword in Boarding Madressa, 651/52 Firdosi Road, English as also in Gujarati by Dastur (Dr) Mancherji Joshi Parsi Colony, Dadar, Kaikhusroo JamaspAsa wherein he ex- Bombay 400014. plains that Zoroastrianism views marriage as a sacred religious institution. He divides the Zoroastrian wedding ceremony into TheJVoung four parts: holy ablution, a symbolic uni- ( ) * . - . son of the pair, a solemn affirmation, and such names as Polly Umrigar, Nari Con- J. . .____ ___ n_______.rx. ’T'onrliilV-Of admonitions and benedictions. i------- . ing like the spring season. Be sweet-scented secretary of the YZCC. -- . . ---- J —xl For further enquiries regarding this Considered to be the oldest cricket club ____ --O____ o country, the YZCC has been in bookfet Ton tact the principal, Athoman existence for the last 127 years. Function- ____ . . _ , Azad Maidan, besides cricket, the YZCC offers table tennis, chess, draughts and cards amenities to its mem ­ bers. Electricity connections in the tent Oldest Cricket Club------------ were installed barely 10 years ago. The Zoroastrian Cricket Club Club is now making efforts to replace their tent with a semi-permanent structure if permission is granted to them. Their corpus of Rs 3.5 lakhs has been (YZCC) whose membership roll boasts tractor, Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, MATCH YOUR AMBITION TO A CAREER To do so we offer you: Diploma Course in Business Management (Postal) (IMC) Executive Secretarial Course Private Secretarial Course Personal Assistant ’s Programme (Working Stenographers) Shorthand & Typewriting (English/Hindi/Marathi) Telephone Operating & Receptionist Techniques Electronic Telex Operating O Electronic Typewriting & Word Processing English Conversation & Writing Skills LATEST ADDITION: COMPUTERS Enquire at: Sir J. J. College of Commerce 14, Nanabhoy Lane, Hutatma Chowk Bombay 400001 Tel: 244329built over the years from the subscription Service tO SSI SCCtOT fees contributed by members, the sale of Managing director of White Cloud Filter tea on a commission basis, and the fund T raising program organized by them when been inducted as chairman of the SSI Wing the Club completed 125 years in 1992. of the Pune based Mahratta Chamber of MCCI also took the initiative to promote an Electronic Manufacturers Estate on Pune Pads Private Limited, Rusy Kapadia has SataraRoad where 40 small scaleentrepre- j neurs are operating. the Club completed 125 years in 1992. of the Pune based Mahratta Chamber of A management graduate from the Sym- Presently they have 288 members of Commerce and Industries (MCCI). His biosis Institute in Pune, Kapadia ’s own nomination as chairman for the current specialization is in the field of filter sheets year was made by the executive committee which his firm has been manufacturing of MCCI “as a gesture of recognition of for the last 29 years, reportedly thepioneers yourservicestotheSSI in the line. Besides catering to the sector and to your fel- pharmaceutical, chemical, paints, brewer- low entrepreneurs, ” he ies, beverages and other industries in the was informed in a let- private and public sectors, continuous ter issued by the MCCI empahsis on research and development deputy secretary has now given their filter sheets the status Pramod Thombre. of import substitutes which are also being There are over 2,500 exported to the foreign market, notes a press release. whom 175 are life members, 35 ordinary members, 30 associate members, 20 hon ­ orary life members and 28 net members. 1867 1392 WZCBOASTaMCaiffittUfl^iS. . , 12S YHARS CEtEBRATIOHS i '•w J vIb 3 ** At the YZCC’s 125th year celebrations (from left): Kandawalla, Ajit Wadekar and Paghdiwalla (Below): IJmrigar (left) and Contractor The Club retains the name Zoroastrian even though since 1952 it has opened its doors to members of all communities. The YZCC takes pride in reporting that Sachin Tendulkar and Vinod Kambli had played for this Club when they were in ~ / their early teens. In factas writes Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi in the ! souvenir brought out two years s ago, “I can ’t think of many I cricketers who have lived in Bombay, who do not recognize the Young Zoroastrian Club ’s |___ contribution to the game for more than a century. ” members ofthe60-year-oldMCCI of which Founded in 1867 by Hiraji Costa, the nearly 80 percent are affiliated to the SSI, man who is considered the father of the Club is Jeejeebhoy Billimoria who was in presidentship of industrialist Darius Forbes command for several decades until his demise. The annual tournament that is organized by the Club is financed from the elude a commercial reference library, con ­ ference facilities, energy conservation ad ­ vice, excise and customs advice, services to importers and exporters, agricultural children from schoof found the man, a L Killers on the prowl Elderly Zoroastrians in Bombay, alone at home during daytime, have been increas ­ ingly victimized by criminals who enter their homes, kill or injure the unsuspecting individuals and then flee with whatever valuables and jewelry they can lay their hands on. In end September, 86-year- old Dr Marzban Rustomji Havelivala and his 75-year- old wife Piloo were murdered in their three- bedroom flat in Kaiser-e-Ayesha building on Motlibai Street in Agripada. In early September, 70-year- old Ms Soonu Darabsha Master ’s decayed body was found at her house in Jogeshwari. In end August Ms Jaloo Nazir was attacked by hoodlums at her residence but the gutsy octogenarian sur ­ vived the assault. In early July, 75-year-old Ms Paridokht Ardeshir Bakhshay was killed at her son ’s residence states Kapadia. The MCCI under the present at Heera Meher on Colaba ’s Wodehouse Road. Both the husband and the wife appeared to have been strangled to death in the case of the Havelivalas, according to a report in donation of the late past president Manekji ference facilities, energy conservation ad- The Times of India of September 28,1994. Bharucha. These tournaments were essen- vice, excise and customs advice, services The servant who brought home the grand- tially meant to prepare ‘colts ’for the qua- to importers and exporters, agricultural children from school found the man, a drangular and pentagular matches which division... The SSI Wing concerns itself paralytic, tied to his easychair, his mouth because of their communal nature, were ' ' ‘ '¦ ' " later discontinued. Since then, interest in the tournaments has waned. The YZCC does however hope to bring fresh zest to government officials, sales tax, excise and their tournaments. ‘‘As per our Club ’s motto of ‘slow and steady ’ we hope that our new cricketers will one day retrieve our past glory... ” states the souvenir. focuses on trade and industry around Pune. The services it offers to its members in- with the difficulties encountered by small gagged. The wife was in the bedroom, scale industries throughout Maharashtra hands and legs tied, gagged and strangled on matters involving the central and state with her nylon dupatta. The motive seems to be robbery as the safe and jewelry box customs departments, electricity board, had been emptied, according to The Times etc. Besides helping upcoming entrepre- report. Presently suspicions have been neurs by introducing them to financial pinned on two former servants. institutes and potential customers, the More fortunate than the rest was Nazir 20 Parsiana October 1994Preparing to go to the fire-temple on the morning of the Shehenshahi New Year on August 23, 1994, she had sent her servant down to fetch her a cab. She answered the doorbell to a couple of strangers who sought entry on the pretext that they had brought her some gifts. When she was knocked down, she pretended to lie unconscious until the hoodlums left with some booty. She was however left with a fractured arm, reports her son Dr Adi Nazir. The criminal who was nabbed by the police proved to be the servant who had worked for her for two to three years, he states. Master ’s body was found by the police when some neighbors in Malcolm Baug complained of an obnoxious stench. Ac­ cording topolice investigations as reported in the Jam-e-Jamshed of September 18, she had apparently been attacked several days earlier. Following an eye operation, Bakhshay had been brought to her son Allatoon ’s residence for recuperation. But while he was away at work and his wife had stepped out to run an errand some thief broke into the house and decamped with valuables after killing the old woman, mentions The Bombay Samachar of July 9, 1994. MATRIMONIAL Handsome, Parsi boy, aged 25 years, 6’1”, very fair. M.S. (Computer Science) from a US University, of a respected family, seeks matrimony with beautiful, educated and home ­ loving girl of similar family background. Please apply with a recent photograph (returnable) to: The Advertiser Parsiana. Matrimonial (Oct/68-94)* GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 ’Please make sure the reply envelope bears the reference number cited here MATRIMONIAL Professional settled in USA. 33 years, tall and handsome, highly educated, invites correspondence from equally educated females, between 25 and 30 years, above 5’5”, settled (or having a close relative) or studying in USA/Canada. Enjoys travelling, sports, hiking, reading and music. Please write in detail with phone number photograph, etc to: The Advertiser Parsiana, Matrimonial (OctZ69-94)* GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 ‘Please make sure the reply envelope bears the reference number cited here. A. R REALTORS Individuals, Large Corporate Cos, etc desiring to BUY & SELL flats, offices, godowns, etc. For prompt and personalized services Contact; A. P. 2044408-244557 or write to: The Advertiser Parsiana, GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 Always remember TfiTfi BflTR KHRMBATR Ketayun & Bomi 22/A, Wellington Terrace, Wellington Street, Bombay-400 002. Tel. No. 2069636. Compiled by Parinaz Gandhi CONTRACT.IR.B2.94.ZOROASTRIANS ABROAD COVER STORY HONG KONG'S Ruttonjee Hospital Arnavaz S. Mama When Hong Kong Governor Christopher Hormusjee Ruttonjee watched helplessly and stripped during the war and the ensuing Patten formally declared the new Ruttonjee as his eldestdaughterTehmi succumbed to Japanese occupation. With Ruttoniee ’s Hospital open on April 22, 1994, he was tuberculosis in 1943. Though his business ' ~ " ---------- treading ground made sacred by service to 1 „ J. humanity, this being the fourth edifice Dhun were each sentenced to five years of uvopiuu imu mv there to tend to the changing medical needs imprisonment(forhumanitarianaidtoother Sanatorium in early 1949. of Hong Kong. Hong Kong residents), Ruttonjee conceived The 614-bed Hospital jointly financed the idea of a sanatorium where TB patients tuberculosis in 1943. Though his business (' _ " ZZ, was in shambles and both he and his son Association was able to rehabilitate the former hospital into the new Ruttonjee donation of Hong Kong $ 800,000 the Assessing the contribution of the , -------------------- -------------- 1'--------- Sanatorium to the control of TB in Hong Tuberculosis, Chest could receive treatment, writes his grand Kong, Sister M. Gabriel, former consultant and the colony ’s Hospital Authority in a 20 the TCHDA. to 80 ratio, offers holistic patient care as a I’ ____________ _______ _ _____ x.. vovaivu uianvu lu general hospital. It incorporates state of the Ruttonjee gathered together a number of the discovery that with the introduction of art diagnostic radiology and ~newer drugs...the duration of the ' •’« ztitV ''7\ treatment could be considerably the departments of general and - shortened. This is now known as c est medicine and surgery. -. short course chemotherapy which Supporting services like can be completed in four months physiotherapy, occupational , ’ for most patients. This discovery service, pharmacy, dietetics, «.... speech therapy, computerized patient services, and 50 day beds 5 add to its versatility. f The Hospital, which has cost over $ 300 million, specializes in geriatric care and concentrates on providing early detection and treat ­ men t of disease among the elderly through its district based out- 4 reach geriatric assessment pro- gram, notes the United Daily A'cvvi. Additionally, the Hospital ’s IHHI • large rehabilitation garden with 400 trees In its second incarnation as and 5,000 flowering plants, well laid out in the Royal Naval Hospital (1880) the grounds with benches and fishponds, will help its patients to convalesce and the close and influential friends to form the staff and visitors to work in a pleasing Hong Kong Anti-Tuberculosis Association atmosphere. According to the Eastern Ex- with himself as chairman of the board of press, the Ruttonjee Hospital has already directors, eased the pressure on the other Hong Kong . — ______ .................... ......... hospitals by taking in 4,000 patients in the island colony, accounting for 50 percent of past six months. Between two spells of incarceration in Japanese occupied Hong Kong, Jehangir Royal Naval Hospital — bombed, looted and Heart Diseases Association (TCHDA) nephew Rusi Shroff, currently chairman of chestphysician andmedical superintendent Qnn thA r ‘rkl/Ar*\r ’o *L-'mTTT\A « , or the Ruttonjee Sanatorium, refers to its “significant role in the research that led to Hardly was the Pacific War over when ¦ ¦ 24 Parsiana October 1994 r I ¦ was of tremendous significance because up to the 1970s the drugs had to be given for at least 12 months. Short course chemo- therapy has now been adopt- K* ed as routine practice for patients H with tuberculosis throughout the ¦ world. ’’ Together with an efficient B BCG program accounting for the ¦ innoculation of more lhan 99 B percent of the newborn, this led to B a dramatic drop in TB cases. Gabriel and Sister Aquinas (the Sanatorium ’ s first medical superintendent) were both honorary lecturers in the University of Hong Kong ’s department of medicine from 1952 and the curriculum of medical students included clinical train ­ ing on the management of TB in the Ruttonjee Sanatorium, notes an article on By then TB was a raging killer in the Ruttonjee ’s contribution to the control of . . - _ . ' TB in Hong Kong in a special souvenir ite fatalities. Looking around for a suitable broughtouton theoccasionof the inaugural „.x_ r. L J- . .......... . of the new Hospital. The site, with its old buildings —among ¦n site. Ruttonjee homed in on the dilapidated ¦ - 4 I5 ¦ iM** ' Maur MM * fMi «w««i im* -r* wnrr"- .w".-. m F JU rTTFF •.it'' J vl '¦iik . t ' * r P IP* L e I * ft « K K 3MHI SHI . iMMt 5ii < I ( r» ri «¦»» « wsa» ft fl WR I a-p’ mMMMMI WRSR t c ’¦•¦ rawh* stii * 0'4' I Jehangir Riittoiijee ’s legendary concern for the health of the people of Hong Kong continues in the island's newest hospital ¦si^ I MB I \-' ?.;¦• \ ¦ 'ii SJ 8 # The new Ruttonjee Hospital — same site, changed environment Governor Patten with Shroff and Hospital trustees at the formal inauguration J. Ruttonjee: a synonym for compassion 25 Parsiana October 1994the first to be constructed in the island as in 1953. The Freni Memorial Convalescent notes former consultant chest physician Home provided 110 patients a place to ‘Paris of the East ’ — a melting pot of ‘ “ ----- ------------ British, French, Russian and other Michael Humphries — had been built as a convalesce after their chemotherapy before nationalities blended together __all vying seaman ’s hospital financed by Jardine going home. Matheson and Company (of which Sir T' / ’ ' ___ JamsetjiJejeebhoy had been a director — formulation of the 625-bed Grantham see “Zoroastrians prosper in Honkong, ” Hospital — the foremost heart hospital in 1992) plus a public subscription of $ 6,000. For the next 29 years it treated seamen and government servants, with venereal dis- needs of seamen, the navy and the tubercu- ease accounting for a third of its cases, lar infected is now the first in the colony to Incurring regular losses despite being perceive and provide for a new need —that ________ ____ rebuilt by Jardine Matheson and Company ofanagingpopulation.lt is remarkable too chatting, eating and taking in 1866, it was sold by the latter to the t*"* British Admiralty in 1873. The delighted i naval authorities described it as “perfect as presenceofhistwofamilymembers,Shroff Hongkong thanked the consul general for it is possible to conceive. Its original 58 and grand-daughter VeraRuttonjee-Desai, his hospitality and presented him with an beds were soon increased to 106 and during on the board ofdirectors —in salute to one asho farohar and the Franco-Chinese hostilities of April 1885 who sublimated his personal tragedy to commemorating our visit to Shanghai after admitted here. After almost 14 years of pestilence that menaced the community nursing staff in 1904, recruiting from the searnan s hospital financed by Jardine going home. for commercial power and the wealth that Dhun was a pioneer in the planning and shipping property and opium brought . - . r ------ > “We visited the Indian consul general, ZoroastnansAbroad,Far5jana,September South East Asia. He remained chairman of Mr Subramanian and the vice consul Mr £992)plusapublicsubscriptioncf$6,000. the TCHDA until his death in 1974. Vora. We were welcomed to his modest Thus, the site which once catered to the but comfortable house and made to feel at home. A splendid dinner made up of South Indian and Chinese dishes was laid out for us and we spent a pleasant evening drinking, „ J —- -o ’ numerous that Hong Kong ’s Health Authority has photographs for posterity. Jal Shroff, maintained the Ruttonjee name — and the president of the Parsi association of it is possible to conceive. ” Its original 58 and grand-daughter VeraRuttonjee-Desai, the Franco-Chinese hostilities of April 1885 ' ' ' " , the sick and wounded of both sides were fight — and win — the battle against a 45 years! admitted here. After almost 14 years of pestilence that menaced the community “A few of us proceeded by coach to seeking, the navy secured the aid of female among whom he lived. Fuzhou Street to see ifwe could locate any nursing staff in 1904, recruiting from the , , traces of the Parsi buildings which once Royal Naval Nursing Service — an Shanghai revisited stood at the corner of the intersection. It association that continued up to 1942. The “The first glimpse of Shanghai seen from was a bit too optimistic on our part but we Hospital was the targetof Japanese shelling outside the railway station was persevered and finally located Site 539. which wrecked its staff quarters and i ‘ T ' " '__ ~ operation theaters. Gas, electricity and crowds of people, bicycles and vehicles water supply failed. “Some surgical i ' J ' operations wereperformed in the corridors and beggars. Underlying all this was a by candlelight. Although there was an vibrancy and excitement that a metropolis extensive network of air-raid tunnels under often holds for a first time visitor. For the thehospital,moststaffweretoobusytouse 21 members of the Parsi Anjuman from them. (These were filled up before the new Hong Kong this was a historical moment Hospital was built.) Food and water were because some of them had spent a better scarce; atone point there was one bowl of part of their youth in this city before the water available to wash 12 patien ts ,” writes Chinese Revolution, ” writes Ms Dina Shroff Humphries. — - After the war the Admiralty abandoned “brought back nostalgic memories of the Hospital, preferring to build anew on Shanghai of the 1930s, then known as the Hong Kong Zoroastrianx in Shanghai another site and in 1947 the old Naval Hospital was handed over the the Hong K Kong Anti-Tuberculosis Association and H was rehabilitated as the Ruttonjee ¦ Sanatorium. 9 The enormous problem of staffing the H Sanatorium was solved when a fortunate H meeting led to a connection with Ireland ’s H Columban Sisters dedicated to the treat- H ment of TB. The Sisters manned the fl Sanatorium for 40 years, withdrawing only H in 1988. Asdoctors.nursesandadministra- H tors, they served the TB patients at the H Sanatorium, their knowhow and efficiency H being lapped by the Hong Kong University I for the training of medical graduates and B undergraduates. B In 1956, Jehangir donated towards the B building of a con valescent home in memory B of his second daughter who died of cancer • “The first glimpse of Shanghai seen from unimpressive —the usual hustle and bustle. 26 Parsiana October 1994 an inscription Gone was the prayer hall, garden and cemetery. In its place stood a children ’s weaving through the teeming humanity, education center. As we were contemplating the site a group of rosy- cheeked children came out and regarded us with quiet curiosity — a few smiled and returned our waves. It was gratifying to feel that our premises were now used to educate the lovely young children of New China! This visit was not in vain because we did discover part of the prayer hall of Hong Kong. For some of them the trip building behind the education center. The center. I I KM j Lfacade,thoughdilapidated,boretheemblem ailments by following a hygienic life-style, , and has authored 35 papers and a book of our afarganiu and atash. notes Amalsad. It offers chiropathic and titled Research Methods in Marketing and “Returning to Hilton Hotel we met osteopathic assistance, nutritional and Management. “People are the most important resource , we have; they are our greatest strength, ” Shipping. History repeats itself, though on Sidhwa is said to have offered his expertise says Sethna, adding, “I strive to build a different scale. The Parsis were to set up a similar health clinic for the consensus around a clear vision. My shipbuilders and Sir .Jamsetji Jejeebhoy benefit of Zoroastrians in southern leadership style is by example and by way back in 1890, was also connected with California. motivation. ” shipping but in a rather different way. He , Sethna ’slastappointmentwas as interim operated a fleet of ships for Jardine VV. Georgia SelCCtS Sethna executive vice president for academic and Matheson and Company — one of the big “We have selected an outstanding educa- student affairs at Lamar University, hongs in China and the Far East. ” tor as president of West Georgia College. Beaumont, Texas. Prior to that he was dean „ He will bring a high degree of leadership to of Lamar ’s College of Business and had Saluting Dotivala the presidency. ” held appointments at Clarkson University Rutgers University ’sassistantregistrarMs Dr Stephen Portch, chancellor of the and multinational corporations like Proctor ZarineT. Dotivala was uniquely honored University System of Georgia thus and Gamble and Lever Brothers. Sethna ’s when the US flag was flown for her on the announced the appointment of Dr Beheruz wife Madhavi is an assistant professor of US Capitol, Washington DC, at therequest Sethna as the new president of West Geor- computer science at Lamar University in of Bob Franks, member of Congress, giaCollegeafteralO-monthsearch.Sethna, Orange, Texas. They have two children: informs George White, architect of the who fills the vacancy created by the de- Anita (16) and Shaun (13). Capitol. Dotivala has been on the job in New Jersey for nearly 20 years, notes a Townsend, thus becomes the first member Academic distinction press release. In 1982 Dotivala had been of an ethnic minority to be so appointed. Portch ’s memorandum on the appointment further notes, “We consistently BurjorGuzdar —the only resident Parsi in emotional counselling, relaxation and Shanghai at present. Guzdar is with Lloyd meditation classes, and massage therapy. Sidhwa is said to have offered his expertise to set up a similar health clinic for the operated a fleet of ships for Jardine W. Georgia SClCCtS Sethna ' '' “We have selected an outstanding educa ­ tor as president of West Georgia College. He will bring a high degree of leadership to the presidency. ” Dr Stephen Portch, chancellor of the and multinational corporations like Proctor when the US flag was flown for her on the announced the appointment of Dr Beheruz US Capitol, Washington DC, at therequest Sethna as the new president of West Geor- who fills the vacancy created by the de- Anita (16) and Shaun (13). mise of former president Maurice. .. The President ’s awardee for educational honored with the degree of master of edu- Portch ’s memorandum on the excellence, Cyrus Mistry of Michigan, cation by Rutgers University. appointment USA, had the pick D JU uk further notes, of IvyLeagueuni- Be aware and healthy “We consistently H versities for his Naturalhygieneisnotonlyawayoflifebut heard that he further education also a way of looking at life. Dr Keki (Sethna) had a and has chosen to Sidhwa of the United Kingdom told the superb intellect, enter the Johns Zoroastrian community of Southern was a caring in- Hqjkins Univer- Califomia. The focus of his talk was the dividual, was a sity to pursue blending of western scientific methods total professional, studies in medi- with the ancient healing therapies of other was quick to give cine/medical en- cultures, notes the report from Meher others credit, was gineering, infor- Amalsad. a consensus buil- ms apress release. The dagli-clad speaker (Sidhwa wears der, was total- the dagli at all international conferences, ly dependable, was extremely hard- Jehangir and Arnaz Mistry, Cyrus graduat- informs Amalsad) advocated the working,wasaleader,andhad*truthashis ed with top grade and tirst rank from homogenous fusion of mind, body and strongest ethic. ’The community members Michigan ’s Novi High School. The spirit to activate awareness which then particularly praised his family ’s valedictorian for his class, debater, pianist overhauls the human system. This contribution to the Beaumontcommunity. ” and thespian, Cyrus held office in a number awareness, which comes from pure ‘ observation sans judgement, is normally developed through meditation and prayer, Indiana and Harvard Universities, Sethna ’s informs the write-up. initial education took him through the Indian ___ _____ _____ ____ “Modern medicine plays a vital role in Institute of Technology (IIT), Bombay buttressed by an equal commitment to treating emergency illness, but even with and the Indian Institute of Management social service which included participation all its scientific technology it has failed to (IIM), Ahmedabad. Among the distinctions in the child day care program, the public emphasize the preventive side of keeping that have come his way is the unique US library, tutoring, volunteering in operation • a nation or an individual heal thy, ’’Sidhwa honor for instructional innovation from the theaters and emergency rooms of the said. He advocated love and laughter for Decision Sciences Institute for six Annapolis Hospital and teaching English the development of a healthy life-style, consecutive years: for innovations in to foreign students. Cyrus ’ dedication has shored up by wholesome foods that are marketing, product management, been recognized through a harvest of high in complex carbohydrates and fibre, management information systems, deci- awards, among them being the Univer ­ moderate in protein and low in fat, sion support systems, computer integrated sity of Michigan Alumni Scholarship, cholesterol, sugar and salt. manufacturing and communications across Cornell University National Scholarship Over the past 30 years Sidhwa ’s the curriculum, informs the press release, and the National Honor Society Out- Shalimar Health Home in UK has helped The son of Mithu and Nariman Sethna of standing Service Award as notes the press r spirit to activate awareness which then particularly praised his family ’s A PhD from Columbia University who of the school ’s groups and societies has completed post doctoral pro^ams at including the French and International y -- - ¦ ¦ J Clubs, informs his bio-data. The varied school activities were management information systems, deci- i ' ’ ' Sion support systems, computer integrated sity of Michigan Alumnf Scholarship, manufacturing and communications across Cornell University National Scholarship .1- , National Honor Society Out- more than 25,000 people to overcome their Bombay has been a senior Fulbright scholar releaser 28 Parsiana October 1994F RELIGION A Zoroastrian again With the concurrence of five high priests, octogenarian Neville Wadia was initiated into the Zoroastrian fold Before his initiation into the Zoroastrian Dear Dasturji JamaspAsa, fold on September 24, 1994, the octoge- I am deeply grateful to you for narian doyen of the Wadia family Neville all the assistance which ‘you Wadia consulted the high priests in India. Five of the seven high priests whose per­ mission was sought consented to his navjote being performed; two had reservations. have given me in my desire to become a Zoroastrian. As suggested by Dasturji Kotwal, I am writing to all the Parsiana reproduces here the unedited Head Priests, requesting them exchange of correspondence between to support Dasturji Kotwal ’s Wadia and the high priests, the text of the suggestion, as per copy at- notarized certificate issued by noted tached. solicitor Shiavax Vakil, and Wadia’s declaration to the Bombay Parsi Punchayet able to talk to you again on the that ‘‘my dearest desire and wish has now been fulfilled and that I am now a Zoroastrian. ” I am very pleased that I was ’phone, and that you agreed to the idea put forth by Dasturji Kotwal. I shall look forward to my return to Bombay, and hope that, with everybody ingly, especially in the Parsee community, concurring, I shall have the blessings of the “ Head Priests of the Zoroastrian faith. With kind regards PHOTO: THEBOMMySMMCHMA fold. I have always tried to follow the teachings of Zoroaster and act accord- For many years I have not only regretted that I am not a Zoroastrian, but had a strong desire to resume the religion of my ances ­ tors, and I felt more a Zoroastrian than the religion in which I was brought up. Even then, in my life-time I have never gone into an Agiary, although I am very anxious to do so, because I did not like to Jiurt the sentiments of the community; and if you will agree to the suggestion of Dasturji Kotwal, I trust that I will be able to enter into any Agiary or Atashbehram. When I and its emphasis on good thoughts, good go to London, and particularly to Toronto, words, good deeds, and charity. which I do several times a year, I have Ever since I finished my schooling in always said openly how I would have liked England, I came back to India. I have since who also agrees with your suggestion, and then felt and have been accepted by the will support my request, and I trust all your colleagues will also accept your sugges ­ tion and welcome me back into the faith. With kind regards and Gratitude Yours sincerely neville n. wadia April II. 1994 Dear Dasturji Dr Firoz Kotwal It was very kind of you to receive me this morning and enabled us to have such a full and free discussions on the possibili- Yours sincerely ties of my reappointment to the Zoroas ­ trian faith. While I see your point in objecting to Dear Dasturji my having a Navjote, I am particularly In spite of my being brought up in the grateful to you for finding an alternative method of my becoming a Zoroastrian again. NEVILLE N. WADIA April 11, 1994 Church of England, I have all my life, and particularly laterly, been a strong believer in the teachings of Lord Zoroaster, par- ° I am follow ing this suggestion of yours ticularly because of its positive attitude by writing to all the High Priests. I am enclosing a copy which is for you in par ­ ticular. I have spoken to Dasturji JamaspAsa, to be a Zoroastrian, and many of my good friends there openly asked me “why do not community as a Parsee, irrespective of my you become one ”. religion. My own roots are purely Zoroas ­ trian, and under certain circumstances which were beyond my control, this devia ­ tion has come into my life. So my desire is to come back into the original Zoroastrian agreeable to perform my Navjote. After discussing the possibilities with those good friends of mine, they aver that there is nothing to stop me, and the Priest, particularly in Toronto, said he would be 31 Parsiana October 1994As I do not want to cause any disruption Hormuzdiar Noshirwan Dastur 5) Dasturji in our little community, I have referred this Dr Firoz Kotwal 6) Dasturji Dr Kaikhushroo question to Dr KaikhushrooM. JamaspAsa M. JamaspAsa 7) Dasturji Noshirwan M. and later to Dr Mirza, who said that they will not oppose but they will be in favour of my having my Navjote. But I asked Dasturji JamaspAsa if he would be good We acknowledge receipt of your letter (sacred ablution) precedes the Navjote enough to have a word with Dasturji Dr dated 11 April 1994 in connection with the ceremony proper. Firoz Kotwal. The answer which Dasturji solution proposed by Dasturji Dr Firoze After your Navjote ceremony is per- JamaspAsa gave me was that Dasturji M. Kotwal regarding your rejoining the formed your entry in the Atash Behrams Kotwal was not in ’favour of my having a Navjote. desire. and towns of Gujrat, will have to be deter ­ So I went to visit Dasturji Kotwal to We appreciate the services rendered by mined by the concerned authorities or the explain my desires to become a Zoroas- your illustrious forefathers to the Zoroas- Anjumans of that place, but so far as I am trian, and after a considerable discussion than community. We appreciate also your concerned after the Navjote ceremony is he said he would be in favour of my having honest and genuine desire to rejoin the performed as mentioned above I will be a ‘nan ’ or ablution Bath. After that and suitable prayers, I could put on my Sadra- Kusti and be like any other Zoroastrian. He said Navjotes were limited to children up yats that it is proper and allowable to take to the maximum age of 15. He told me I would then be free to enter Agiaries and Atashbehrams, particularly the WADIAJI ’ s Atashbehram. I also inquired whether if I died in Bombay, I could be taken to religion. Doongerwadi like any other Zoroastrian, to which he confirmed that that would be down by Dasturji Kotwal. We do agree perfectly in order. I happen to believe that with the said terms but we firmly believe it is not only a part of our religion, but it is God ’s natural way of disposal of the dead. Dasturji Kotwal said that he would like me to write to all the High Priests, and that the Navjote ceremony proper. fail to appreciate this. if the majority of the learned Priests were Regarding your entry into an Atash- However, I have to invite your worthy agreeable to this solution, then I could bahram and/or Agiary, we state that in attention to this truth that good thoughts, have this ‘Nan ’ or ablution ceremony, and India, particularly in Bombay and towns of words and deeds are not the only essential take my place amongst the believers in Gujarat, entry into such places of worship ingredients of our religion. This moral and ethical aspect is inseparably inter-woven with certain spiritual Disciplines and insti ­ tutions. Navjote, Sureh Kushti, Manthra Prayers, Holy Fires, Dokhma, Rituals and Ceremonies, and Boonak-pasbani consti ­ tute the equally crucial and indispensable part of our Religion. It was more to save, preserve and protect these Disciplines and Institutions than mere moral principles that our forefathers left the land where we had ruled for centuries. Here in India we have survived in the midst of all the storms and upheavals because of our tenacity to preserve and live by these divine excercises and exertions. In particular, we the Dasturs and Mobeds were and are ever anxious to see that the tenets and practices are protected in their pristine traditional forms without any dilution or compromise. Sir, it was (and is) this unflinching urge that has made us survive as a small but distinct Dastur Dear Mr Neville Wadia and accepted an alien religion. Your above letter carries terms of solu ­ tion laid down by Dasturji Kotwal and I am of the firm belief that the Navjote Cer ­ emony should be performed as an excep ­ tional case, in fact the Nahan ceremony dated 11 April 1994 in connection with the solution proposed by Dasturji Dr Firoze M. Kotwal regarding your rejoining the faith of your ancestors, as you sincerely so and Agiarys in India particularly in Bombay desire. We appreciate the services rendered by your illustrious forefathers to the Zoroas ­ trian community. We appreciate also your faith for the sake of the doctrines of our only too glad to receive you in my Agiary. religion and for no other ulterior motive. It has been stated in The Persian Riva- With kind regards Yours sincerely back a Zoroastrian man or woman who wishes to revert to his/her religion which My Dear Sir he/she has abandoned under certain circumstances and accepted an alien Your letter carries terms of solution laid HORMAZDIAR DASTUR April 28, 1994 I am very grateful to you for your letter of 11th April 1994. I greatly admire and esteem the cravings and feelings expressed in it, for our Daena, and our Community. Surely, it is a sign of a spiritual elevation and even an inner emergency that has prompted you to arrive at the thinking you have so touchingly set out in your letter. I that the Navjote ceremony should be per ­ formed as an exceptional case. In fact, the nahn ceremony (sacred ablution) precedes would not be fit to be called a Dastur if I the Navjote ceremony proper. Regarding your entry into an Atash- bahram and/or Agiary, we state that in India, particularly in Bombay and towns of Ahura Mazda and the teachings of Lord Zarathushtra. I am, therefore, writing this letter to each one of you, asking you to support the suggestion of Dasturji Dr Kotwal and ac ­ cept me into my own ancestors ’ Zoroas ­ trian faith after these special ceremonies have been completed. I might add that I This will acknowledge receipt of your have repeated my discussions with Dasturji registered letter of the 11th instant which Kotwal to Dasturji JamaspAsa, who also agreed that this would be a proper solution. I believe you know what my Family have done for the Parsee community and what staunch Parsees we are. I am, therefore, writing to you to seek your support. I hope I have a positive response from you and allow me to rejoin the faith of my ancestors in which I believe, regarding your desire to re-join the faith of With kind regards your ancestors and you have my full bless- Yours sincerely neville n. wadia ings. It is a well known fact in the Per ­ sian Rivayat that it is quite proper and allowable to take back a Zoroastrian community. Otherwise, all the great man or woman who wishes to revert to Religions do teach, and some of them his/her religion which he/she has abandoned under certain circumstances will be determined by the concerned au ­ thorities and/or the Anjuman of that place. With kind regards Yours sincerely Dear Mr Wadia H.K. MIRZA K.M JAMASPASA April 19, 1994 was received by me a few days back, but due to heavy pressure of ecclesiastical work it was not possible for me to reply to the same before this, for which I hope to be excused. I am very happy to note from your letter that you have met Dasturji Dr Feroze Kotwal of the Wadiaji ’s Atash Behram NEVILLE N. WADIA April 11,1994 1) Dasturji Hormuzdiar K. Mirza 2) Dasturji Kaikobad Ferozeji Dastur 3) Dasturji Meherji Rana Dastur Kaikobad Dastur . Meherji Rana 4) Sardar Dasturji more vehemently, good thoughts, words and deeds; and no Religion has a negative 32 Parsiana October 1994 Lattitude; all subscribe to, and prescribe for, the ultimate Aim of merging with GOD. We, the Dasturs and Mobeds nurtured in these spiritual disciplines, are taught that they are not merely symbolic, as some West Oriented people believe; they have certain positive divine effects within us as well as out in nature. Since we are ignorant of these subtle forces and energies operating in Nature, all that we can do is to preserve and protect them in th^ir traditional forms without any devia ­ tion. Having examined the matter from this angle I am extremely sorry that I am most reluctantly compelled to disagree with the suggestion mentioned in your letter. I say this with profoundest respect and admiration towards your esteemed self. The suggestion is based on a traditional rule that no Navjote can be performed at your venerable age. That far, there is an anxiety to preserve a tradition. But to say that Nahn can be substituted for a Navjote ceremony is a much larger breach ofthe tradition. Perhaps your august presence and a sincere anxiety to help you, have placed a glossy cover on this grand contradiction. There are several other reasons. For instance, the tradition requires that you have to untie and tie the Kushti reciting certain set of prayers before entering any Holy Fire Temple. The question will be: How would you do this, if you have not passed through the Navjote ceremony. Thus the matter involves two traditions. One is that, no Navjote can be performed and the other is that Nahn cannot be a substitute for Navjote. What “suitable prayers ” are to be recited after the Nahn are not specified in your letter. In any case, no tradition has come down regarding such prayers. The two traditions put together, thus create an impasse. As regards Toronto priests, I will say, without intending any offence, that most of them have, in the guise of the alleged “circumstances in North America ”, broken tradi ­ tions after traditions of our Daena. I will not elaborate this, but just mention that they are the least qualified to express anything about the ritualistic aspect of our Religion and any reliance on them is bound to lead us astray. Once again. Sir, with extreme humility and deepest respect for your noble sentiments, I would urge you not to create a controversy in the Community. Looking to the general tendency of our community I have no hesitation to say that a large part of our community is tradition- oriented or to use an over-worked word, orthodox. I end with fervent prayer that may God help you in arriving at the truth. With the deepest affection and admiration I am Yours very sincerely M.MEHERJIRANA May 2, 1994 “CORE-CHILL” Freshly Picked (even crated!) or Piping-Hot Cooked Foods... ...preserve the freshness, flavor, color and quality of vegetables, fruits & sauces. Fast, Simple...Reliable. In minutes, Croll-Reynolds ’ Rotajectors® chill foods right down to the core! A unique vacuum-cooling process quickly flashes off heat while it removes entrapped air and surface moisture from foods. 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Find out today about the new Croll-Reynolds ’ Rota|ector®test unit that can be setup in your facility and tested on your food process. Call or FAX : Mazda Controls Ltd. Patel Chambers, Near H.K. House, Ashram Road, Ahmedabad-380 009, India. Tel 408967, 408014, 408654 Telex ; 0121-6620 Fax : 0272-427394 Manufactured in India by: Designed in USA by : Respected Sir Received your letter 11th April ’94 but lam sorry that lam unable to reply you soon as I was very busy in my work. We are very happy that you had got great respect in our religion and you are anxious to accept our Zoroastrian religion. Whatever our Bombay ’s scholars Dasturji Dr. Firoz Kotwal, Dasturji Dr Hormujdiyar Mirza & Dasturji Dr. Kekhusru Jamaspasha had given the answer and guide you crolOHolds lyjg^da CONTROLS LTD. THE LEADER IN VACUUM SYSTEM TECHNOLOGY 33 Parsiana October 1994properly. The same answer i.s mine that you take the nahan (sarced bath) and do navjote and afterwards you will enter in our Zoroastrian religion. With best regards Yours Sincerely N.M.DASTUR May II. 1994 Dear Mr Neville Wadia I acknowledge with thanks receipt of your letter dt 11th April and apologise for not responding to it promptly due to ill- health. I confirm here what you have stated porter and well-wisher of the Parsi Com- faithfully in your letter about our cordial meeting and free discussions, and conse ­ quently your august return to our ancestral faith has been considered by me favourably as an exceptionally unique case. You are an octogenarian, and speaking controversy or cause any “disruption to from the scriptural point ofview the Navjote our little community ”, despite your eminent ceremony would be the most farcical ele ­ ment in the entire process of your coming back to the Zoroastrian fold. What you have to do is to undergo a ‘nahn ’ or ritual ablution, perform your own Navjote your ­ self with proper ceremonial rites prompted by a competent priest, and finally recite the ‘patet ’ or penitentiary prayer before a high priest. I thank you once again for the letter and personal religious conviction should not pray Ahura Mazda to grant you health and long life in the service of our noble Zoroa ­ strian faith and illustrious Parsi community. Yours in His service FIROZE M. KOTWAL May n. 1994 Dear Mr Wadia I was in due receipt of your letter of 11 th April 1994, and also your Secretary ’,s letter dated the 7th June 1994, and I regret I could not reply earlier, as I was operated on my fractured leg and was Hospitalised for over a month. In reply to your above letters, I have to inform you that I cannot agree to your request to convert you in the Zoroastrian Religion, as the same is not permitted in our religion. With regards and Blessings of Iranshah Yours sincerely and in the teachings of Zarathustra and the Zoroastrian Religion. I have many friends who told me that it could be possible for me to fulfil this wish. But before making any such move, I wrote Dear Mr Neville Wadia high priest, I do not want members of our a letter to the seven senior High Priests I hope this letter finds you in the best of community to seek alternative forms of (copy enclosed), and I am glad to say that health with Ahura Mazda ’s Blessings. rituals, since we must preserve, at all costs, I have received support of five of them that I have given more thought and consid- the ceremonial sanctity of our religious I could become a Zoroastrian. I am enclos- eration to your wanting to embrace the heritage. ing copies of the letters I have received noble Zoroastrian faith. I wish to reiterate Your initiation into the faith might well from these seven High Priests. From these that in recent Parsi history, yours is a open up the proverbial “Pandora ’s Box ”, letters you will see that five out of seven unique case of desiring to return to the but I am hopeful that through your con- confirm that I could be re-inducted into the faith of your ancestors. I have made an summate skills and influence you will be Zoroastrian faith, exception to my stated beliefs and doctri- KAIKOBAD P. DASTOOR August 9, 1994 nal position due to the very strong mitigat ­ ing circumstances prevailing in your case:- i) You seem to have a genuine love for the Zoroastrian Religion including your un ­ equivocal support to respect our time- tested rituals and traditions which I have gleaned from the discussions which we have had. ii) You are a descendant from the illustri ­ ous Parsi Zoroastrian Wadia family known for its yeoman service rendered to the community. iii) You have always been a staunch sup ­ CERTIFICATE I, SHIAVAX RATANSHAW VAKIL, of munity through the vast charities which Bombay Indian Inhabitant, Advocate, Su- your forefathers founded and which you preme Court of India, Solicitor and Notary, have associated yourself with, throughout having my Office at Bombay House, 24 your life. iv) You have never ever sought to create position of power and wealth. It is for these four main reasons that I believe your case merits special consider ­ ation. Please note that I do not wish to set up a doctrinal precedent or generate a contro ­ versy about your desire to rejoin our great faith, and I would urge you to ensure with all that is at your command that your be misquoted or whipped into a contro ­ versy by the Press. However, if you envis ­ age a controversy as I do, arising over your initiation, then I would request you most humbly to drop the idea of initiation in India. I am sure that you will agree with me that in no way should the feelings of our community be unnecessarily aroused or clearly stated my admiration and belief in inflamed. After much reflection and thought I have come to the conclusion that it would be in your best interests to perform the full Navjote ceremony as you have expressed possible then that I could revert back to the to me in our discussions. I am concerned that if a ritual exception of not performing the full Navjote ceremony is made in your case as an exception, then a dangerous sonally believe implicitly in Ahura Mazda precedent might arise which other vested groups may seek to exploit in the future; this in turn, I believe, would result in wrong inroads being made into the ritual life of our community. As a traditional high priest, I do not want members of our rituals, since we must preserve, at all costs, the ceremonial sanctity of our religious Your initiation into the faith might well open up the proverbial “Pandora ’s Box ”, but I am hopeful that through your con ­ summate skills and influence you will be able to thwart the politicisation of your personal religious commitment. I hope that you will always be guided by the best interests of the community and that you shall be able to work with greater dedica ­ tion and zeal for the wellbeing and better ­ ment of our noble faith. With sincere prayers for your good and robust health in service of the Parsi Com ­ munity Yours in Ahura Mazda ’s service FIROZE M. KOTWAL Homi Mody Street, Fort, Bombay-400001 , DO HEREBY CERTIFY that I personally know Mr Neville Ness Wadia for over fifty years. That I was present on Saturday, 24.9.94, at the house of Mr Nusli Wadia (Beach House) along with Mr Wadia in the morn ­ ing when his Navjot Ceremony was per ­ formed by a Zoroastrian Priest in my presence. Dated this 26th day of September 1994. S. R. VAKIL The Chairman and Members of the Parsi Panchayet Funds & Properties Dear Jimmy As you know, for many years I have been very interested in our Parsi community and have expressed my views frankly for the last three decades at the annual function at ‘Cusrow Baug ’ on the 21st of March. I the Zoroastrian religion, and to the effect that “I believe that if I had the choice, I would choose to be a Zoroastrian ”. When I said these words I did not think that it was Zoroastrian religion of my ancestors, who for hundreds of years if not thousands, have always been of this one faith. I per- continued on page 48 34 Parsiana October 1994It COMMENT The Journeys from Iran on board the boats plying between Bandar Abbas, Dubai and Bahrain. The ever ­ burning hearth was in every boat I boarded. I followed my father ’s trail in Kerman, particularly the southern parts, and found that Hormoz was the name of modern Minab, the major port of Kerman during Sassanian and early Islamic periods. To ­ day, it is silted up because of its river and lies a dead port. However, it continues to be lush green with its cattle farms and mango, lime and date gardens. It lies 160 kilometers (100 miles) east of Bandar Abbas. The present island of Hormoz, some 48 kilometers (30 miles) west of Minab, became a later refuge of Hormozi merchants when the conditions on the article which was published in an issue of mainland became dangerous for their safe The Asiatic Society sea trade. It got its present name from the ' ¦ refugees after Minab ’s __ decline and / Bandar Abbas ’ / rise. / Note the / names Barez / (Avesta berez, / Pahlavi and Per- j sian borz, high, I height); Bashkard / (Pahlavi and Per- / sian Balashkard, I built by Balash, the name of one Sassanian and sev ­ eral Parthian ki ­ ngs): (name of several Sassanian kings) and Minab, (name of the river flowing by the port, meaning spi ­ ritual water). This prompted me to do some research on Qisseh-ye Sanjdn, _____ ______________________________________________ Sanjan. [Qissah (pro- __ seafaring sailing boats which plied nounced Qisseh or Ghesseh in Persian) is paternal ancestors were also Zoroastrians between the Persian Gulf and western an Arabic loan world. The pure Persian and had held the mountains and adjoining Indian ports until the 1950s. It goes without word, more often used than Qisseh, is lowlands for at least 400 years after the saying that the crews were Muslim. The Ddstdn. One would have rather expected Muslim conquest of Iran and carried on a first time I boarded one was in the Karachi the title to read Ddsldn-e Sanjdn.] The successful guerilla war with the rulers harbor. I was told to take off my shoes Zarthostis coming from Khorasan "• ¦ ¦ ' J-*• - had Zarthosti helpers not only from Kerman to Minab but even Zarthosti seamen with their sailing boats who would thoughtfully land them in Gujarat The Jadirana Story of Sanjan refers to but one among a series of migrations from Iran to India Ali A. Jafarey T he report by Homi Rogers on Dr (Ms) and rebuild their fire-temples. ” I wrote an Roxana Irani ’s doctoral thesis on Zo ­ roastrian settlements in India under the title “Surface evidence ” (Parsiana, April Journal, Dacca 1994), has made me reflect on a few issues, now in Bangla Roxana came to Los Angeles some four Desh. years ago and we had a lively talk on Bahrot and other relevant subjects. I am glad that, although still a spade work, she is on the trail to archeologically finding Gulf and the out the truth about Zoroastrian settlements Indian Ocean in India. Bom in Kerman city, of Kermani par ­ ents, and brought up in Karachi, as a boy I long and they, listened to my mother recite and relate the after being S/ia/iNflzna/i.Itwas veryabsorbing. It was converted to she, daughter of an army officer, who told Islam, follo- me that her ancestors were Zarthostis. My wed a Fasli father said that his parents hailed from the Barez-Bashkard mountain range in south ­ ern Kerman province, that he and his elder names brother had a cattle and cultivation farm in i----- the lowlands of Roudbar, close to the the days of mountain range, and that he had exten- Reza Shah sively travelled through the southern and Pahlavi southeastern parts of Iran —Kerman,Pars, when Iran Luristan, Baluchistan, and the Persian Gulf officially littoral. adopted its current. When I grew up and became a research Fasli, calendar. I had the opportunity • student, I probed into my family past. 1 Among other matters, I found out that my „ . paternal ancestors were also Zoroastrians between the Persian Gulf and western an Arabic loan world. The pure Persian and had held the mountains and adjoining Indian ports until the 1950s. It goes without word, more often used than Qisseh, is Ti Many of the Iranian seafarers in the Persian continued to be Zarthostis for calendar with Zoroastrian : of months until / to travel on four occasions by Iranian dhows the Story of first time I boarded one was in the Karachi harbor. I was told to take off my shoes until 970 CE. They were condemned by because “the boat carries the sacred fire... contemporary historians as “accursed infidels who, even after submitting to , , Muslim forces, revert back to fire-worship more experiences, some lasting a few days. which cooks ne'mal-e Khodd (God ’s favor i.c. daily food)... It is never put out. ” I had 35 Parsiana October 1994 Hormoz the title to read Ddstdn-e Sanjdn.] The“well outside ” the “enemy ” territories which in those days extended along to every Zoroastrian, whether a Parsi, the Sind and Kutch coasts of the Indian Ocean. And most of the fair Parsis did (and do) India from the British Isles was known as Sanskrit Pdrslka). Later that name clung evidence proves their presence, must have been a small group of priests, perhaps one or two families, who could survive in the Sistani or Khorasani in Gujarat just as every man and woman who came to cave until the danger passed. •Regarding the conditions laid by the “Jadi look like the people of Khorasan (modem angrez, and never distinguished as Scot, Raya (sic) ” that (i) explain “the custom of Central Asia) particularly those in and Irish, Welsh or English. Until a few around modem Mazandaran, which inci ­ dentally has a city with an ancient history. It is called. Sari, enough to remind one of Persia in English i.e. Parsi from Pars! Navsari. Their ancestors must have come from Khorasan. I painfully prepared a paper on Qisseh- ye Sdnjdn. Then came the surprise. The Story of Sanjan by Lt Col Mehraban S. Irani (Poona, 1943)! It concludes, after careful and convincing arguments, “that the whole of this childish composition is nothing more than an imaginary account of Parsi immigration to India. ” Convinced, I gave up. The paper is lying somewhere in my old files. Nevertheless, the thought has never left of loose and relaxed caste barriers and me, and whenever there has been a point, I have noted it down. I have profiled from Dastur Hormazdyar Dastur Kayoji Mirza ’s Outlines of ParsiHistory (Bombay, 1974). •Those who settled in Gujarat with its It has been quite informative. At present, after careful consideration of all the points which was strictly observed, consequently makes all immigrants explain their beliefs noted and thought over by me, I have, more had to form a “fifth ” caste to live in to the dominating natives, give up their or less, come to the following conclusions: segregation and peace. The Parsis owe mother tongue, take to local dresses, and to •Zoroastrians did emigrate from Iran to India and China. •The emigration was not in one isolated own self-preservation. nothing new. It has happened and is hap- wave but in many waves, over centuries. ‘The Story of Sanjan is in fact the mixing pening all over the world, and needs no •They went to the places known to most of of the above facts, and more, with the elaboration. them where small pockets of Zoroastrians, fiction and fancy of the poet. They are But how far have the Parsis kept to the both Iranian and natives, existed in India and China. •Some, especially those in China, were forced to embrace the local religion. Bud ­ dhism. •Some, aided by their coreligionists in southern Kerman, particularly the seamen, went by boats from Hormoz to ports on the Gujarat coast where Zoroastrian maritime merchants were living since Sassanian and earlier days. They, with the support of on different occasions and at different Persian. Parsi Gujarati writings are a hy- earlier Zoroastrians, settled in small pock- ports. brid of Gujarati vocabulary and Persian ets in the region. •These pockets were much augmented by immigrants from the coastal region of Iran, fresh arrivals by much safer land routes — The majority, arriving earlier in Sassa- from Khorasan (meaning eastern part of nian days or from overland, were already The Parsis were the first to expound their Greater Iran), especially Sistan which re ­ mained a Zoroastrian stronghold till very late. It is these immigrants who have given which lay outside Muslim territory, the Khorasani look to many Parsis. •It was the maritime residents and the seamen plying between Iranian and haven there. Western dress, both men and women, ex ­ Indian ports who, coming as they were — One or two settlements suffered the cept for special occasions; and to join the from Pars, the southern part of Iran Muslim onslaught and had to flee to other imperial army to defend British interests in along the Persian coast, were originally parts. Bahrot was one of them. India. Fortunately, the wedding ceremony called Parsi (Sassanian Persian Parsik, — Those in Bahrot, if the archeological in the evening was not in conflict with the your religion, both secret and open, ” (ii) decades ago, every Iranian who came “give up the language of the country of from Iran was called Persian from Iran...and adopt the language of India, ” (iii) your “women should put on the dress as that worn by our women, ” (iv) “you should remove the weapons and swords, and should not wear them in any place, ” and (v) “when (you) do any good deed for (your) children (marry them), (you) should do it in the evening. And “being helpless, (they) accepted all the conditions, ” before they were given shelter in the raja ’s region. These conditions were reportedly imposed on the party which sailed and landed where the reported raja ruled, and not others. The emigration was not in one isolated wave but in many waves, over centuries •Zoroastrian pockets in Sind and Punjab, who mingled with the local people because immigrants or earlier residents, who were settled in other places. Childish as the conditions look, never- because of renewed domination by Muslim rulers coming from Khorasan, lost theless they were imposed upon the immi- their identity in a few generations. grants — not by a ruling raja, but by the prevailing environment. It is the environ- Hindu dominance, and a caste system ment which, within a few generations. had to form a “fifth ” caste to live in segregation and peace. The Parsis owe their survival more to the rigid Hindu perform certain festivals according to the caste system in Gujarat and less to their traditions of the adopted land. This is own self-preservation. •The Story of Sanjan is in fact the mixing fiction and fancy of the poet. They are pieces, each belonging to a separate group, promises their immigrant ancestors report- that have been fancifully linked into one story. The points to note are: — The narrator/s and the poet did not have any maritime knowledge, that an Indian Ocean sailing boat could, at most, cany 50 persons, a number which could not ex ­ plode into the population the Parsi community had until a few decades back. There must have been many boats, arriving Story, composed poems and mundjdts in edly made? Linguistically, the Parsis never gave up Persian and continued to pray in the “language of Iran, ” both in Avesta and Persian (Pazand is the archaic form of modern Persian spoken at the time the immigrants came to India). The literates, particularly the priests, wrote in Pahlavi and Persian. Some, like our poet of The ports. — Even this would still give a few hundred words. With the arrival of the colonizing Brit ­ ish, the picture underwent a drastic change. living in settlements in different districts religion on the pattern introduced by West- of India, particularly those like Gujarat em scholars and are still taking great pride in quoting these scholars when presenting any treatise; to adopt English, an alien — One group of immigrants living in Diu left for Sanjan in order to find a better language as their first language, to get into haven there. — One or two settlements suffered the Muslim onslaught and had to flee to other 36 Parsiana October 1994The Calcutta-based KND Engineering Technologies expertise has been sought on major projects like the Metro Railway and the laying of pipelines at Hazira Imperial College, UK, another masters in organic chemistry from the Nagpur Uni ­ versity, following which he was absorbed by ICI Limited where he worked for over seven years, first as their production man ­ ager and subsequently as research man ­ ager. “The exposure, the grounding which one gets in a company like ICI is tremen ­ dous. That was essential, ” acknowledges Dadina. When he joined his brother in business he was supposed to handle the KND operations from Bombay .But Kersi ’ s death changed the course of his life. Among Parsis, the pioneering spirit has always been there, observes Dadina. The _______ _ ______________ opening up ofthe Indian economy recently pany that was conceived to produce starch Navzer Dadina and the foreign involvement in the build- ’ ' ' - ing of infrastructure he perceives not as a threat but as an opportunity for Parsis to fare even better. For prospective entrepre ­ neurs he has words of encouragement: Start off with whatever one can afford on a small scale. Don ’t give up despite draw ­ backs. For an empire to be built takes decades. There are no quick bucks. Train people; develop systems within the orga ­ nization... ” Despite all the planning and manage ­ ment, one venture that Dadina had to sur ­ render, one which he had personally nur ­ tured since its inception in 1992, was Ushta- te Biotech Limited, a joint sector company in Tamil Nadu. The manufacturing com ­ New Zealand’s Expo’92 Pavilion in Spain with the roof structure, standing four storeys above ground level, typi­ fying one of Harley Systems ’ space frames based products faced a delay in commence ­ ment of operation.s and a consequent cost overrun. When they sought to make up the deficit from a rights cum public issue, the Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Cor- t - 1 fore compelled to sell off their stake. De ­ termined to sell their share to a genuine buyer interested in running the project, the Dadinas finally settled on Square D. Dadina now wil l have no say in the management “ although he has opted to retain almost 10 per ­ cent of the stake “for sentimen ­ tal reasons. ” Sadder and wi ­ ser, Dadina ha.s since turned his attention to other projects. Others in Dadina ’s family who are involved in the decision making at KND are Kersi ’s son Navzer who as director manages the poration, which also held a sizable equity presently doing her^MBA, and widow in this company, withheld consent on gov- ~ ernment pressure. The Dadinas were there- Bombay office, daughter Varez who is Zarin who has since married Pessi. A pediatrician by profession, as a director of the company she keeps herself abreast of KND’s activities. Family support does give Dadina some free time to pursue his leisure time activi ­ ties. His hobbies? “Playing music, ” he says, and then elaborates, “playing the radio. ” His merry eyes sparkle as he clari ­ fies after a while that he plays the piano and earlier us'ed to play the violin too. (He had shown the same mirth when he told us that his early education was at Nagpur ’^ J. N. TataParsi Girls School before he studied at St Francis de Sales High School.) “Fingers have to be kept nimble, ” he rationalizes the need for regular practice. He makes time for reading too, inclined towards philosophical and spiritual books. What the high-powered businessman yearns to do “is learn flying ” but that he realizes would require “four months of free time. ” When such a luxury is available to Dadina he will readily avail of it. Until then he is concentrating on applying himself to new inventions and technologies, re ­ marking, “There is always joy in doing something different. ” 39 Parsiana October 1994BOOKS Marshall (left) and Desai at Surat in 1970 of audiovisual programs. Besides these activities, he is a tireless worker in the fields of social service and youth activities. The Pragati Mandal, the Union High School, and many other dra ­ matic societies in Surat owe much to this young man of 83. He was as indefatigable as ever when I saw him a couple of years ago, as an organizer and speaker at Udvada where, with his group of young and middle- aged social workers, he helped celebrate the anniversary of the sacred Ir ansha h fire. The Surat Parsi Panchayat (SIT) owes much to him for his selfless service to the Parsis of Gujarat. Stalwarts like the late Nusserwanjee Vakil and the late Maneck Gheyara always sought guidance and sup ­ port from this quiet administrator and writer. I find even the present chairman of the SPP, Dr Sam Bhacca, working hand-in-hand with Marshall who, for the last 60'years, has ing, happiness and humor; religion and been giving his services and guidance to the faith; our historical heritage; and the glory SPP. of our motherland. Marshall ’s wife, Frenie, is an eminent Marshall ’s love of the Gujarati stage is gynecologist of Surat. Rustom, their only evident in his biographical essay on son, practises in the Gujarat High Court as Chandravadan Mehta, the noted playwright an advocate. It is noteworthy that Marshall of Gujarat, and in his piece on the enact- 11 s Ml. Marshalling thoughts Bejon N. Desai Monghun Gharenun (collection of essays) by Dr provoking subjects as human understand- Ratan R. Marshall. Published in 1993 by Gurjar Granth Ratna Karyalaya, Gandhi Road, Ahmedabad 380001. Pp: 8+230. Price: Rs 49. The Parsi contribution to the advancement of Gujarati language, literature and jour ­ nalism is special, at times even unique. Pioneers in many fields of endeavor, the of Gujarat, and in his piece on the enact- and his son Rustom studied law at the same Parsis are also considered to be responsible ment of the first Gujarati drama. His literary time. The elder Marshall, being a ‘life-time for the first casting of Gujarati types, the pursuits are reflected in his chapters on old starting of Gujarati printing presses and the Parsi poets and writers, his meditations at printing of Gujarati newspapers, almanacs and books. Dr Ratan R. Marshall is also a pioneer of sorts, having acquired a doctor ­ ate in Gujarati journalism for the first time in the history of the University of Bombay. A disciplined writer, he is recognized as a pundit in the fields of Gujarati journalism and dramatics, and an experimenter in the field of Gujarati biographical literature. Marshall has revived with his pen some of the best known historical and literary fig ­ ures of Gujarat like Ardeshir Kotwal, Bhimji Hadvaid, Dadabhai Pandya, Durgaram Mehtaji, Behramji Malbari, Madam Bhikhaiji Cama and Nusserwanjee Vakil. His numerous books attest to his stature as a litterateur, historian, biographer, reviewer, critic and dramatist. At present, he is the vice president of the most prestigious in Bombay; and one compares the decrease Gujarati literary society, the NarmadSahitya in population figures of the white commu- Sabha, with which he has been actively nity in the USA with the depletion of associated for many years. Monghun Gharenun (Precious Orna ­ ment) consists of 43 chapters in which Marshall examines such diverse thought- Student, ’ passed his LLB at the age of 70! the grave of Malbari, and in his essay on the honor to be accorded to artists by society. And he devotes a chapter to Narmad ’s stimulating articles in Dandio. His attitude towards women is reflected is his comments on the working ability of a woman — especially a daughter. He also deals with God ’s purpose in creating woman. He has fond memories of Parsi collegians of 50 years ago, and gives a lively portrait of Hormajsha Amba, a unique teacher. The book also treats of sundry other subjects like the importance of constant Bomb'^< from M. J. Giara, Dhunmai Bldg, 667 activity in life and of the pursuit of your LadyJehangirRoad, Dadar, Bombay 400014 or desired goal till it is reached. There is a chapter on the graceful acceptance of gifts; on the huge men-of-war built for England Spiritual garb Roni K. Khan The Divine Science of Navjote andSudreh-Kushti by Ervad K. N. Dastoor. Published in 1993 by The Mazdeyasnie Connection, 9528 Walker Street #5, Cypress, California, 90630 USA. Aailable in The Parsee Vegetarian Temperance Society, Noble Chambers, 4th floor, Janmabhoomi Marg, Fort, Bombay 400001. Pp: 40. Price: US $ 5, India Rs 30. At a time when, largely for reasons of ignorance or convenience, many of the lofty ceremonials and rituals of the Zarathushtrian religion are scoffed at or numbers in the Parsi community of India. Essentially a poet, Marshall writes a strong prose. He is also an orator of repute disregarded, it is something of a fortunate and his voice has been recorded for a number anomaly that the navjote kriya still remains 40 Parsiana October 1994? I a fixture on the agenda of even the most the most ancient, hallowed and potent weap- “progressive ” Parsis. It is a moot point, though, whether this grand ceremony is perceived more as a so ­ cial than a religious en ­ gagement, judging from the forlorn rows of empty chairs during the investi ­ ture itself, in contrast to the swashbuckling dash for every available seat to do the honors to the saas ni machhi, a spectacle that puts the Charge of the Light Brigade to shame. Not to be a spoilsport, however, one must take the balanced view that there is nothing wrong with festivity so long as it ons in the spiritual armory of a Zara- thushtrian. thought contained in every passage. ” What this amounts to is a very free rendition of these manthric prayers by the author, without the stringency of a direct translation which would have also been appreciated, just as one would have liked to see the inclusion of the Sarosh ni kusti, a slightly For the convenience of those who may unfortunately miss reading this englightening little volume, the central messages that the author seeks to convey are outlined below: reading known as the (Sanskrit ‘Navjote: “The ruvaan (soul) of a Parsi child is connected with the Z-Power Station right at birth, and a small current of Zarathushtra ’s light already starts flowing. The first of the book ’s four short chapters deals with “The Basics, ” where the author scans matters like the elements of more elaborate variant of the standard ritual, cosmogenesis, the con ­ stituents of the macrocosm and the microcosm, the 16 centers of spiritual en ­ ergy chakhras chakra) located in our ul ­ tra-physical bodily ves ­ tures, and the mighty pav- mahal or storehouse of During the navjote kriya, these currents are spiritual energy estab ­ lished by Lord intensified and entwined for life. ” •Sudreh-kusti: “Sudreh and kusti are the aalaats that perform the function of ab ­ sorption and emission of divine energies. ” religiousimportoftheexercise.Butthereis tion ” and equates with the Zarathushtrian And for those who do get to read this cause for deep concern that, in the wake of daenaa. latest esoteric offering from the erudite pen excessive materialism and westernization. In the second chapter, “The Kriyaa, ” of Dastoor, this golden maxim should, as religious imperatives are all too often cast Dastoor takes us step by step through the always, be borne in mind; “Read the things to the winds. navjote ceremony itself, providing expla- of the flesh with the eyes of the spirit; not What sense does it make to go through nations of the inner spiritual significance of the things of the spirit with the eyes of the the motions of a navjote, when the sudreh and kusti, the living heart of its perfor ­ mance, are frequently viewed as cumber ­ some peripherals to be discarded soon after? One is painfully reminded of the case of a by does not steal the show Dastoor (right): an esoteric journey Zarathushtra, which he from the immense calls the “Z-Power Sta ­ tion ” and equates with the Zarathushtrian In the second chapter, “The Kriyaa, ” certain important stages of the proceed- flesh. ” ings. To good effect, he argues that in accordance with the tenets of our religion, the navjote should be performed within an atash behram or agiary, and during the prominent overseas Parsi who ensured that early morning hours of hoshbaam. “It is not he was kept regularly provisioned with an occasion where catering is more important than the kriya itself, ” is the de ­ vout ervad saheb ’s mot juste on this issue. The third chapter, “Structure and De ­ Twist in the tale? he was kept regularly provisioned with stocks of his favorite achaar (pickle) from India, but made it clear that he found it too much of a bother to make similar arrangements for his requirements of sign of Sudreh Kushti, ” is an all too brief sudrehs and kustis. attempt to convey the great truth that these It may be said that ignorance is the only twin devices are spiritual instruments or sin. One of the many blind spots clouding aalaats of the highest practical potency, today ’s Parsi psyche is the perception that the navjote is an attractive but token for- merely outward symbols of identification kusti in capturing and circulating spiritual A folk tale, replete with Latin American XT onorniAc tn anti votp thp /'h/ithr/1 Q hilt thi s is imagery, tclls of an aged woman who had ~ ¦ — heard many stories but never told a single Indeed, "there is much more to know and oneherselfuntilthethrottledstoriesfi- tell about the inner properties and functions nally escaped one day. of sudreh-kusti, to demonstrate how and Reading Cyrus Meherji ’s Hymns ofEc- why these sacred aalaats are absolutely stasy one is reminded of the above tale. A fundamental for every practising marine engineer by profession, Meherji Zarathushtrian. In all fairness to him, tells the life story ofProphet Zoroaster with Dastoor makes it clear that a fuller exposi ­ tion is “beyond the scope of this small book, ” but this does not prevent one from wishing that this pivotal aspect had been treated in greater depth and breadth. The fourth and final chapter, “The Meaning of the Kushti Prayer, ” is, as Dastoor puts it, an attempt to “indicate the basic and are not to be ignorantly mistaken for mere symbols. Dastoor does give some mality,"with the attendant sudreh-kusti basic explanations abqut the role of sudreh- value. Ervad K. N. Dastoor ’s succinct trea- energies to activate the chakhras, but this is tise on the subject sets out to disprove this just a glimpse that cries out for more, armchair misconception of an increasingly faithless and irreverent community. A lawyer by profession Dastoor jogs our ’ common sense with this irrefutable logic: “If it is an identification mark, why do we not affix a fine, gold colored badge on our dress, rather than a complicated shirt with nine (seams) and a cord with 72 threads to be worn beneath our clothes? ” Touche! As expected from Khshnoomist, Dastoor takes us on an eso ­ teric journey through the divine science that underlies navjote and sudreh-kusti, which are certainly to be counted among a leading 41 Parsiana October 1994 Homi Rogers Hymns OfEcstasyby Cyrus S. Mehetji . Published by The Parsi Zoroastrian Association, 1, Saklat Place, Calcutta 700072. Pp: 56+xii. Price: Not mentioned. Reading Cyrus Meherji ’s Hymns of Ec- such fervor that the act of disgorging the many stories he must have heard in his childhood seems to devour him. And we are left with a well-worn tale with a lot of literary flourishes. Lauded by Nani Palkhivala in the pref ­ ace for its “preeminently readable form, ” Hymns of Ecstasy is a fictionalized accountof the life of Prophet Zoroaster. A slim book, it is mounted by Meh ;rji with. de nately, the same cannot be said of Meherji ’s Mille-like thoughts are couched in high drama accom ­ panied by a crash of cymbals, and we have lines like “the sun ’s rays stabbed the Zoroaster is called Bratrokesh, as against the by scholars, one wonders ifthis was the real darkness, ” and “the first stabs of labor commonly known name of Durasrun, while miracle. But with Meherji delivering a began. ” Meherji even packs in nuggets of sex, as when he describes the union between Zoroaster ’s parents or the awakening of unusual yet extremely credible interpreta- manhood in Zoroaster. All this is palatable tion of the Prophet ’s death. Contrary to stuff, especially if one has to make a choice legend, Meherji does not show Zoroaster as between reciting the Ahunavar prayer 21 the avenging angel who kills his assassin by Prophet ’s story is told are confused and times or reading the world of Zoroaster casting his rosary at him. Here, the assassin according to “apro Cyrus, ” as Burjor stares stupefied as the Prophet ’s lips con- Framroze Modi, president of The Parsi Zoroastrian Association of Calcutta, calls the new chronicler. But for all the high drama and literary frenzy, he pulled down the Holy Fire setting Meherji mean by “Sufism is Zoroastrianism swirls, Meherji is no Charles Potter provid- the carpet ablaze. He screamed as the blaze in code? ” ing an illuminating interpretation of reli- caught him. ” Hymns of Ecstasy is Meherji ’s first “la- gious history. Potter ’s The Great Religious Similarly, Meherji deserve.s to be com- bor of love, ” with the blurb on the back Leaders, which included a slightly bias- mended for deviating from the story of how cover promising that it “will not be my phemous biography of Zoroaster, is a mile- King Vistasp ’s horse was cured, generally last. ” Evidently there are more arrow.s in his stone for its vivid narratives, judicious narrated to depict the conversion to the quiver. comments and general reliability. Unfortu- magnificence. Religious work.He mixes up the chronology of the attempts made to kill young Zoroaster. The chief villian who tries to bump off baby faith by the Iranian king and his family. Meherji substitutes this miracle with an ­ other: that of Zoroaster curing Vistasp himself, and seeking four boons in return. Since the horse legend has been debunked miracle. But with Meherji delivering potent mix of fact and fiction, the reader is never sure of where one ends and the other most other names remain unchanged. For those looking for the proverbial twist in the tale, however, Meherji provides an begins. It is when Meherji delivers homilies on Zoroastrian matters that he falters badly. His comments (eight pages of them) after the tinue to move in prayer after the knife has been plunged deep into him. “The murderer cried out in shock, and lost his mind. In a the carpet ablaze. He screamed as the blaze caught him. ” Similarly, Meherji deserve.s to be com ­ mended for deviating from the story of how King Vistasp ’s horse was cured, generally narrated to depict the conversion to the unsubstantiated. Is Zoroaster really silent on the theory of reincarnation? (Refer “Does Zoroastrianism teach reincarnation? ” Parsiana, August 1988 where 23 scholars deliberated on this subject.) What does WITH BEST COMPLIMENTS FROM SOFT'HEARTED ‘WIBS’BREAD WESTERN INDIA BAKERS' PRIVATE LIMITED KHODADAD BUILDING, 100 D'LIMA STREET DOCKYARD ROAD, BOMBAY 400010 42 Parsiana October 1994k MILESTONES a 96-year-old female. The data on births, marriages and deaths has been compiled from July 23 information supplied by various newsletters and anjumans in India and abroad, courts and hospitals. We are unable to carry data from areas where the anjumans do not Tahzeeb Gulabbhai Bhagat and Farrokh Boost Panthakee; As per the data available to Parsiana there were 82 Zoroas ­ trians consigned to the Towers of Silence as compared to 12 babies information supplied by various Joanna Pramod Shelkar and bom in the month of August this newsletters and anjumans inIndia Rusi Keki Cooper; July 28 year. Heart disease was the major and abroad, courts and hospitals. Anaheeta Minoo Daruvala and killer claiming 24 lives of whom We are unable to carry data from PriyavratR. Goenka; July 28 11 Zoroastrians were above the areas where the anjumans do not Pinkie Chinoy and Vikram ageof 80. The other major killers furnish the particulars. This Rege; July 29 were lung disease and pneumonia information is not always Pervin Jehangir Balsara and (15) and cancer (11). Six victims complete or consistent. For Aspi Jal Patel; August 6 This month Parsiana publishes intercommunity marriages regis ­ tered both at the Old Customs House and at the MH ADA office in B andra (East) for the six month period of March to August 1994. Civil marriages between Zoroas ­ trians have also been listed. However, names that could not be confirmed as Zoroastrian have been omitted from the list. .... There were 12 intercommunity fell prey to old age and general example, the birth figures for Sylvia George and Barjor marriages registered at the debility and four to kidney failure. Bombay are supplied by four Maneksha; August 16 MH ADA office and 16 at the Old Liver disease, diabetes and septi- hospitals; births in suburban Customs House plus two civil cemia took a toll of three lives hospitals and private nursing marriages between Zoroastrians. each whereas two deaths each homes are not included unless There were no civil marriages were attributed to bronchitis, individuals send us information registered at the MH ADA office, hypertension and gastro-intestinal together with a copy of the birth A scanning of the Chandan- bleeding. Malaria, anemia, ncr- certificate. There may be an wadi crematorium registers vous disorder, brain disease, inadvertent repetition of names in showed 12 Zoroastrians who were haematemesis (vomitting of the marriage list when a civil cremated between March and blood), arteriosclerosis (degene- marriage precedes a religious August 29 August 1994. rative arterial change associated ceremony. Inthebreakupofdeaths Henrietta D'Cruz and Feroze The age of Zoroastrian brides (as listed in this issue) ranged odema (abnormal infiltration of between 25 and 39 years, the arithmetic mean — the total numberofindividual ages divided sititon of fatty substances in the by the total number of brides — being 32 years. The corres ­ ponding figures for the grooms were 33 and 47 years, averaging at 40 years. AHMEDABAD BORN A boy, Brandon, to Binaif er and Firdaus Lalkaka on August 30, 1994 DIED /15-pi Cooper C!2), husband of Dina and father of Xerxes and Yasmin Narielwala; June 21 BOMBAY BORN A boy to Nergish and Ratansha Gilder; August 2 A boy to Shernaz and Jehangir Dalal; August 4 , A boy to Navaz and Porus Disawala; August 9 A girl to Navaz and Dara Dordi; August 9 A boy to Armaity and Cyrus Katrak; August 9 A girl to Kashmir a and Percy Fouzdar; August 15 A girl to Nazneen and Percy Billimoria; August 17 A boy to Nilufer and Vispi Damania; August 26 43 Parsiana October 1994 debility and four to kidney failure. Liver disease, diabetes and septi ­ cemia took a toll of three lives each whereas two deaths each were attributed to bronchitis, hypertension and gastro-intestinal bleeding. Malaria, anemia, ner ­ vous disorder, brain disease, haematemesis (vomitting of blood), arteriosclerosis (degene ­ rative arterial change associated with advancing age), laryngeal according to illnesses, especially H. Mithiborwala; August 31 of the elderly, death is often due to a combination of several diseases. If readers have any births/ Perin Homi Bardi (72), residing marriages/deaths they would like published, some proof to ensure the laryngeal tissues with fluid), gangrene, atherosclerosis (dcpo- Pervin Rusi Manekshaw and Homi Godrej Karanjia; August 28 Monty Salvadori Cutinho and Godrej Borjorji Davierwala; August 29 Lily Jehangir Mungaseth and Debiprasad Nandlall Goenka; DIED at 201, Mistry Chmbs, Colaba, arteries), uremia and head injury published, some proof to ensure 400005; March 2 (cremated) were the isolated cases registered the veracity of thereport would be Farshostar Ratanji Ratnagar in August. The youngest to required. We are sure our readers (95), B, Empress Court, breathe her last was an 11-year- old girl as compared to the oldest: A boy to Navaz and Rumi Umrigar; August 26 A boy to Jasmine and Nozer Sutaria, brother to Paraztaar; August 27 A boy to Rupi and Viraf Chinoy; August 30 A girl to Jasmine and Rumi Cooper; August 30 MARRIED Helena Sales and Reyaz Ratan Mama; March 4 Ramona Rebeiro and Adi Dara Ghaswalla; April 2 Yasmeen Khan and Hoshang Jimmy Pardiwalla; April 7 Kerman Dhunji Poonjiaji and Sandeep Jyotirmoy Sen; April 9 Tanaz N. Warden and Aspi M. Mandviwala; April 16 Persis Jal Bhathena and Minoo Pesi Boocha; April 19 Suneeta Inder Sodhi and Sean Ronny Kanga; April 23 Nirmala Chandulal Pandya and Sohrab Rusi Kotwal; April 29 Krishna Jankinalh Sharma and Hormuz Minoo Katpitia; May 5 Dilnavaz Pirojshaw required. We are sure our readers would appreciate this requirement Churchgate Reel, 400020; and cooperate with us. March 1 (cremated) Karl Nochir Mehta fi2), Mayfair Gardens, Little Gibbs Rd, 400006; March 14 (cremated) Soonie Kavasshaw Powvala (86), 162, Silver Arch, 662, Jagmohandas Marg, 400006; March 21 (cemated) Aoy Gaev Dalal (73), 12/D, Harbour Heights, Colaba, Minbatiwalla and Shamalji Parshotam; May 13 Niloufer Engineer and Rajesh Rohira; May 21 Dolly F. Bulsara and Kamaluddin Tejani; May 23 Reena Ronny Mistry and Girish Radhakishen Asrani; May 24 Mangeela Kamalkar Abhyankar 400005; March 31 (cremated) and Sarosh Firoze Bana; May 27 Anahita Fallahzade and Bharat Shivdasani; May 29 Persis Dara Daruwalla and Manoj Balkrishna Gidithuri; May 30 Manisha Shamlal Narang and Shajad Sheriar Rustomji; June 5 Manjusha Manohar Raut and Sharookh Bomansha Daruwalla; June 6 Isabelle Reirdiard Maier and Sohrab Homi Pavri; June 10 Katayun A. Mazrai and Nobert K. D’Cruz; June 17 Gulzar Behram Govewalla and Sampath Kumar S. K.; June 23 K. N. Wadia and P. Rajendran; June 27 Kaikshroo Rustamji Masani (85), 5, Sorab Minar, Carmichael Rd, 400026; April 11 (cremated) Rustom Ardesher Narielwala (88), 347, C-12, United Chmbs, Grant Rd, 400007; July 6 (cremated) Chastina Farukh Khandtatta (22), 201, Meena Mhl, Manuel Ghonsalves Rd, Bandra 400050; July 9 (cremated) Dadi M. Kateli (78), 2, Malcolm Baug, Jogeshwari, 400102; July 24 (cremated) Noshirwan Kaikhushroo Kershaw (80), 12/A, Rustomji Bldg, 17, Sleater Rd, 400007; July 31 Piroja Pallonji Panthaki (85), 42/7, Shyam Nivas, B. Desair Rd, 400026; July 31 Homi Sorabji Shroff (83), Godavali Education Centre, Panchagani, 412805; July 31 Homai Homi Treasurywala (74), Khan Bldg, Golanji Hill Rd, Parel, 400012; July 31 Dali Hormusji Battiwalla (76), Jivanji Hse, 162, Khetwadi Back Rd, 400004; August 1 Minoo Dhunjisha Chinoy (67), D-12, Shapur Baug, V. Patel Rd, 400004; August 1 Jeroo Shavak Damania (65), 0-12, Bharucha Baug, S. V. Rd, Andheri (W), 400058; August 1 Soona Soli Irani (82), 12, Mandlik Rd, 4, Colaba Causeway, 400001; August 1 Dinshaw Ardeshir Khodaiji (89), 14, Phiroze Irani Chawl, 286/C, Sopari Baug Rd, Parel, 400012; August 1 Perin Keki Bharucha (78), 79, Kaizar Manmaji Bldg, 14th Khetwadi Lane, 400(X)4; August 2 (cremated) Shavaksha Naoroji Contractor (88), 1, Kashinath Bldg, Kashinath Rd, Tardeo, 400034; August 2 Ratanshaw Manchershaw Doctor (76), G-7, Captain Clny, Tardeo, 400034; August 2 INDIRA GANDHI NATIONAL CENTRE FOR THE ARTS The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), New Delhi, an autonomous research institution of international stature, plans a Zoroastrian Cell for the preservation, study and dissemination of Zoroastrian Culture. IGNCA is interested in acquiring research material such as books, documents, audio/video material, etc. on gratis/purchase basis. IGNCA is also interested to record Parsi folkstories, music/monajaats, Dari language, Parsi crafts/ theatre etc. Interested individuals/institutions may please contact: MR A. P. GAKHAR DEPUTY LIBRARIAN INDIRA GANDHI NATIONAL CENTRE FOR THE ARTS C. V. MESS, JANPATH NEW DELH1110001 Aspandiar Tirandaz Azarmi (75), Shirin Manzil, Walton Rd, Colaba, 400039; August 3 Cavas Jehangir Bode (81), 87/A, Shirin Manzil, Chandanwadi, Dhobitalao, 400002; August 3 , Per in Eruch Dastoor (65), Mota Parsee Wad, Balsar, 396001; August 3 Mani Dorabji BamanBehram (54), F/8, Evershine No II, J. P. Rd, Andheri (W), 400058; August 5 Dossan Navroji Mehta (79), Meher Mans, Below Tardeo Bridge, Lamington Rd, 40(X)08; August 6 Sherie Darabshaw Doongaji (80), 8, Goolshan, N. Gamadia Rd, 400026; August 7 Khorshed Phiroze Kutar (65), 51/A, Hill Rd, Bandra (W), 400050; August 7 Jala Fall Shroff (94}, B, Vasiamul Bldg, Grant Rd, 40(X)07; August 7 Minoo Edulji Dastoor (63), T/19, Ava Baug, S. T. Depot, Navsari, 396445, Dist Valsad; August 8 Minoo Bhickaji Dhalla (81), F. S. Parukh Dharamshalla, 34, Hughes Rd, 400007; August 8 Rustomji (Russi) Fardoonji BatiVvalla (83), D-18, Jer Baug, Dr Ambedkar Rd, Byculla, 400027; August 9 Bokhtar Munc her shah Bhumgara (61), 623, Marker Mans, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; August 9 Burjor Pirojsha Godrej (79), 40/D, Ridge Rd, Malabar Hill, 400006; August 9 Jinabhoy Dinshawji Mistry (73), 10/A, Sir Avsar Bldg No 2, Marzban Clny, Gilder Lane, 400008; August 9 Rodabeh Sawhny (84), Taj Mahal Hotel, Apollo Bunder, 400039; August 9 (cremated) Coomi Babubhai Shah (77), 204, Hassamahal, Dalamal Park, Cuffe Parade, 400005; August 9 Sohrab Dinshawji Pardiwalla (85), 35/D, Belmont Apts, Napean Sea Rd, 400026; August 11 Dina Jehangir Khambatta (JT), A/26, Jer Baug, Dr Ambedkar Rd, Byculla, 400027; August 12 Eruchshaw Nadirs haw Bamboat (83), 10, Sidhwa Bldg, Balaram St, Grant Rd, 400007; August 13 Dhunjishah Nusserwanji Dadachanji (70), 12/A, Godrej Bldg, N. C. Baug, Mori Rd, Mahim, 400016; August 13 Firoze Kaikhushroo Master (78), 41/A, Bharat Ngr, Grant Rd, 400007; August 13 Cawasji Kaikobad Batlivala (81), 27, Rupal Apts II, Dadasaheb Phalke Rd, Dadar, 400014; August 14 Piroja Rustomji Mehta (95), D, Empire Ter, N. Petit St, Grant Rd, 400007; August 14 Khorshed Jehangir Daruwala (76), 347, C-11, United Chmbs, Chami Rd Jn, Grant Rd, 400007; August 15 Tehmina Homi Sethna (90), 584, Jilubai Wadia Bldg, Lady Jehangir Rd, Matunga, 400019; August 15 Tehemina Hoshang Dastoor (90), Mazda Chaman, 13, Dattatray Rd, Santacruz (W), 400054; August 16 Sheriar Manekshaw Palia (54), Path Gam, Madh Island, Versova, 400061; August 17 Gustad Cawasji Patel (70), 1/3, Baria Bldg, Gamadia Clny, Tardeo, 400007; August 17 Dinaz Bejonji Sidhwa (73), 281, Sidhwa Bldg, Princess St, 400002; August 17 Jahangir Mancherji Daruwalla (68), 22/G, Nawab Tank Rd, Bomanji Dhunjibhoy Bldg, Sakerwadi, Mazagaon, 400010; August 18 Bhikoo Minoo Kapadia (72), 15/1, Kashinath Bldg, Kashinath St, Tardeo, 400034; August 18 Jehangir Ardeshir Taraporevala (91), 203, Panorama Bldg, Walkeshwar Rd, 403006; August 18 JalanJehangirji Bhesania (87), Petit Widows ’ Chawl, 133, Mody St, Fort, 400001; August 19 Jer Pestonji Gotla (80), 696/A, Dinshaw Master Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; August 19 Jamshedji Nasarwanji Sanjana (87), 22/A, Wellington Ter, Wellington St, Dhobitalao, 400002; August 19 Mehera Hirjibhoy Kavarana (86), Kavarana Mans, 178, Dr Ambedkar Rd, Dadar, 400014; August 20 Banoo Phiroze Mistry (79), Navyug Chmbs, 165, Lamington Rd, 400007; August 20 Alamai Nusserwanji Bacha (85), 5, Jyoti Mhl, 13, Sleater Rd, Grant Rd, 400007; Augus. 21 Jal Araeshir Bamji (11}, C-21, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039; ?\ugust 21 Banoo Shavaksha Bharucha (70), 144, Mody St, Fort, 400001; August 21 Merwanji Shavaksha Khambata (80), 13/4, Shroff Bldg, Gamadia Clny, Tardeo, 400007; August 21 Hirji Rustomji Chaina (88), F. S. Parukh Dharamshalla, 34, Hughes Rd, 400007; August 22 Nariman Pirojshaw Gheyara (84), 17-B, Tardeo Chmbs, Kashinath St, Tardeo, 40(X)34; August 22 Dossa Firoze Karwa (50), B-53, Meghdoot, Kol-Dongri, Sahar Rd, Andheri (E), 400069; August 22 Homi Dinshawji Mistry (71), 1, Jamshed Hall, 49, Forjett St, 4(X)036; August 22 Meheroo Firoz Screwvala (64), Mehra Mans, 33, Forjett St, 400036; August 22 Dady Curshetjee Baxter (82), Baxters Bglw, 52, Pali Hill, Bandra, 400050; August 23 Thamina Darabsha Dadina (70), C, Shakti Sadan, 44 Parsiana October 1994Lamington Rd, 400007; August 23 Narges Rattanshah Hodivala (88), 303/A4, Silver Cascade, Mount Mary Rd, Bandra, 400050; August 23 Mani Darshaw Master (96), Firuz-ara, 160, M. Karve Rd, 400021; August 23 Parviz Homi Banaji (91), 5, Vijay Niwas, Sleater Rd, 400007; August 24 Persis Cyrus Khambatta (11), Pallonji Apts, 389, Linking Rd, Khar, 400052; August 24 Maneck Solee Sukheswala (84), A/18, 806, Empire Mhl, Khodadad Circle, Dadar, 400014; August 24 Kekobad llomi Doctor (44), 8/589, Lashkari Wad, Tarota Bazar, Navsari, 396445; August 25 Aspi Kaikashroo Katrak (67), 1, Sleater Hse, Sleater Rd, Grant Rd, 400007; August 25 Zarine Jehangir Khambatta (75), 36, Hampton Court, 154, Lower Colaba Rd, Colaba, 400005; August 25 FeradoonRattansha Mehta (79), 6, Rustom Baug, Victoria Rd, Byculla, 400027; August 25 Goal Jehangir Nagla (83), 6, Old Khareghat Clny, Hughes Rd, 400007; August 25 Nergish Faramroze Aibara (67), 31, 3rd Marine St, Dhobitalao; 400002; August 26 Aban Hormasji Fatakia (61), F/17, Contractor Baug, Mori Rd, Mahim, 400016; August 26 Kharsedji Manchersha Patel (76), X-103/20, Godrej Clny, Station Rd, Vikhroli (E), 400079; August 26 Perin Jamshedji Patel (89), 795, Dosal Mans, Jame Jamshed Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; August 26 Shavak Phirozeshaw Patell (85), Tardeo Chmbs, A/18, Kashinath St, Tardeo, 400034; August 26 Filly Jamshed Bulsara (59), D/404, Gurudarsban, 7, Samarth Ngr Cross Rd no 2, Andheri (W), 400053; August 27 Jal Dadabhai Havewala (81), 34, Wodehouse Rd, Colaba, 400005; August 27 Gool Sorabji Satha (70), 42, Patel Apts, Agyari Lane, Jambali Naka, Thane, 400601; August 27 Shirin Faredoon Irani (Nooshi) (76), Shrishti Bldg, Above Raj Oil Mills, 400008; August 28 Minocker Bejanji Bana (84), Dhun Mhl, Garden Rd, Colaba, 400005; August 29 Dinamai Nawal Boyce (92), D-6, Captain Clny, Tardeo, 400034; August 29 Manijeh Eruchshaw Daruwala (82), 305, Shiv Ashish, Opp Taj Cake Shop, Andheri (W), 400058; August 29 Shiavak Kaikhushru Daruwalla (10), 18, Khareghat Clny, 34, Hughes Rd, 400007; August 29 Ardeshir Maneckshaw Daver (73), B-13, Ginwalla Bldg, Captain Clny, 27-A, Tardeo Rd, 400034; August 29 Pirojshaw Dadabhoy Wadia (89), 20-A, Talukdar Bldg, Marzban Clny, Dr Nair Rd, 400011; August 29 Savak Framroze Desai (84), Q-5, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039; August 30 Kersi Rustom Irani (63), 16/382-B, Powwala Bldg, Grant Rd, 400007; August 30 Rohan Kersi Elavia (19), Sunit Apts, Carmichael Rd, 400026; August 31 (cremated) Dina Jehangir Makidalal (71), 2/3, Lady Ratan Tata Bldg, Gurunanak Rd, Bandra (W), 400050; August 31 CALCUTTA DIED Victor Framjee Viccajee (91), husband of Jer and father of Roshen Gazdar and Shemavaz Bhesania; July 10 Aban Vesuvala, wife of Dali and mother of Xerxes, Cyrus and Nilufer; August 16 LUCKNOW DIED Amy K. Jailor, July 29 POONA DIED Perin K. Cooper (73), 2001, St Vincent St, 411001; February 7 Banoobai Darabsha Doctor (88), 305, K. P. Towers, Fatima Ngr, 411013; February 9 Gulla Khushroo Irani (85), 900, Sachapir St, 411001; February 9 Goolistan Rashid Irani (87), 5, Coyaji Rd, 411001; February 11 Dina Behram Merchant (85), 2, Salisbury Park, 411001; February 12 Merwan Rustom Irani (84), 2/7, Ardeshir Baugh, A. Irani Rd, 411002; February 14 Eruch Ardeshir Patel (87), 59, Universal Apts, Gen Thim- mayya Rd, 411001; March 6 Bapai Burjor Sidhwa (93), 3, Mody Clny, Synagogue St, 411001; March 8 Jal Pestonji Karanjia (73), 4, Indralok Soc, Todiwalla Rd, 411001; March 12 Jer Rustom Irani (74), Marble Konark, Koregaon Park, 411001; March 14 Perin Ardeshir Parekh (63), 29/A, Khan Rd, 411001; March 17 Phiroze Noshir Anklesaria (73), Mulla Gali, St Rd, Daund 413801; March 28 Jehangir Jamshedji Ranikhetwala (65), 105, Himalaya Hse, Fatima Ngr, 411013; April 28 Piroja Jehangirji Hataria (92), 2422, Gen Thimmayya Rd, 411001; April 29 Mehera Erach Balsara (87), 206/A, Mehta Towers, Khadki, 411003; May 5 Hormusji Jehangirji (93), 12, Boat Club Rd, 411001; May 5 Jerbai Dorabji Pudumji (11), 72, Koregaon Park, 411001; May 11 Allanmai R. Darukhanawala (93), 503, Neena Apts, Synagogue St, 411001; May 12 Jeroo Minoo Patel (72), 15, Stavely Rd, 411001; May 17 Gairnai Dinshawji Bajina (89), 858, Dastur Meher Rd, 411001; May 22 Dolly M. Irani (Unani) (70), 410, Panchratna Apts, Bhairoba Nala,411001;May22 Daulat G. Irani (85), 8, Vivekanand Park, 411001; May 24 Tehmina Burjorji Vesuna (76), 12, Bangla Rd, Lonavala, 410401; June 14 Banubai Jal Dorabji (87), 20, Sasoon Rd, 411001;June 9 Jalamai Bamanji Taraporewala (72), 1166/E, Sykes Extension Kholapur, 444802; June 24 Perinbanoo Minoo Contractor (78), 462, Elphinston Rd, Khadki, 411003; July 3 Darayus M. Darukhanawala (78), Guruprasad Apts, 41 lOOl; July 4 Najamai Erachshah Taraporewalla (82), 6, Mody Clny, Synagogue St, 411001; July 4 Homai Sorab Irani (57), 4/4, Ardeshir Baugh, Ma-Perviz Rd, 411002;July 22 Kaikhushru Dinshaji Madan „ (75), 1967, Guffer Bag St, 411001; July 22 Shirin Bamanshah Dangur (74), 18, Mody Clny, Synagogue St, 411001; August 8 Hilla Rustomji Mistry (85), Mody Clny, Synagogue St, 411001; August 13 Goolcher B. Varia, 2401/A, East St, 411001; August 28 Ratan Kaikhushroo Panihaki (76), 9/3, 3/98 Sadhu Waswani Kunj, Sadhu Waswani Rd, 411001; August 29 Baby girl of Sorab Daruwalla (newborn), 908, Synagogue St, 411001; August 30 SURAT DIED Roshanbanoo Ratansha Tata (70), Malesar St, Rustompura, 395002; July 3 Percy Adi Patel (30), Timalia Wad, Nanpura, 395001; July 9 Camaji Rustomji Daruwala (82), Main Rd, Nanpura, 395001; July 12 Rati Dosabhai Bhagat (64), Nariman Home and Infirmary, Shahpore, 395003; July 15 Bachamai Eruchshaw Shroff (65), Allahi Baug, Rustompura, 395002;July 19 Ketty Darabsha Karanjia (65), Nariman Home and Infirmary, Shahpore, 395003; August 10 Dina Nariman Kelawala (60), Athugar St, Nanpura, 395001; August 11 Freny Sorabji Daruwala (52), Village Bhatha, Dist Surat, 394510; August 18 Piroja Darabshaw Kapadia (92), Nariman Home and Infirmary, Shahpore, 395003; August 22 Noshirwan Rustomji Vakil (86), Nariman Home and Infirmary, Shahpore, 395003; August 23 Kaitayun Nusserwanji Mehta (65), Nariman Home and - Infirmary, Shahpore, 395003; August 25 Pillamai Barjorji Malasaria (89), Adagara St, Nanpura, 395001; August 26 AUSTRALIA Sydney DIED Binaifer Adaggra (14), daughter of Bapsy and Percy and sister of Cyrus; March 15 Victoria BORN A boy, Bejaan, to Benafsha and 45 Parsiana October 1994F Sarosh Khariwala, brother to Zaal; July 20 CANADA Burnaby MARRIED Fariba Kaviani and Sirus Oshidari', June 25 British Columbia BORN A boy, Aidan, to Nancy and Zubin Amrolia', June 15 DIED Hira Dubash (89), mother of Pali and Daulat Hamer; August 4 Ontario BORN Twins (girls), Elyse and A/ona, to Lori and Khushru Mistry; April 20 Vancouver BORN Twins (girl and boy), Cyra and Cyrus, to Mahndokht and Shahriar Shahriari’ , March 20 HUNGARY Budapest DIED Aspy Darabshah Adajania (52), husband of Persis and father of Zia and Honri; July 17 UK London BORN A girl, Arnaz, to Freni and Yadgar Marker, sister to Rustom, Phiroza and Shirin; January 7 A boy, Kayzad, to Nazneen and Jamshed Dumasia, brother to Mahrukh; June 11 A girl, Halzarya, to Kashmira and Khuzista Dastoor; July 10 A girl, Jahanara, to Ava and Vistasp Jamooji; July 31 MARRIED Grto Hakhamaneshi, daughter of Katayoun and Dinyar and Kuslom Farahmandi, son of Parvin and Shahpur; April 23 DIED Zeerta Ralph (60), wife of Brian and mother of Omar and Yasmin; January 30 Phiroze Dorabji Mehta (91), father of John and Robert; May 2 Jamshed Mistry (82), husband of Jaloo and father of Noshir and Rasheed; June 8 Khodad Jamshed Irani (75), husband of Doreen and father of Freny, Jamshed and Cyrus; June 22 USA Beaumont, Texas MARRIED Tanzias Machhi of Bombay, daughter of Soona and Keikhushru and Debashish Chakraborty of New Delhi, son of Ranjana and Sushilkumar; January 19 California BORN A boy. Jamshed, to Nilufer and Sarosh Vesuna-, January 11 DIED Khodamorad Sioshansi (75); July 7 Chicago BORN A girl, Sara, to Yasmeen and Malcolm Bilimoria; Jitne 29 A boy, Zaal, to Fprzana and Darius Wania; July 2 A girl, Benaz, to Rieana and Hiraz Medhora; July 5 A boy, Cyrus, to Rashna and Adil Pooniwala; July 15 Dallas MARRIED Keshmira Bhada and Mehelly Bam; July 4 Houston BORN Twins (girl and boy), Cyra and Cyrus, to Bakhtavar and Kershaw Byramji; June 2 Los Angeles MARRIED Armita Jahanian of San Jose, daughter of Merengeez and Rustam and Hormazd Dalal, son of Dhunmai and Phiroze; August 20 Pennsylvania BORN A girl, Zenia, to Tenaz and Kaizad Sunawalla; July 17 Richmond BORN A boy, Rizwan, to Seema and ^hyani Bankwala, brother to Danesh; April 17 San Francisco DIED Aloo Randelia (84), January 2 Compiled by Roxana A. Driver PAKISTAN Karachi BORN A girl, Charlene, to Gulmohar and Mehryar Bharucha; May 5 A boy, Afshad, to Sheeraz and Yezdi Wania, brother to Kaezad; June 15 PORN Poys Girls A 8 4 T9T.Ai,§ FOR 1894 Pombay B 72 68 A 1 India P 6 3 A 10 11 World P 21 17 MARRIED Parsi Intercommunal DIED Peshotan Byramji Kotwal (95); May 7 Najamai Jehangirji Sidhwa (86); May 7 Mani Minoo Karanjia (60); May 12 Shera Khurshed Daroga (75); June 8 Dolat Pesi Clubwala (82); June 9 Roshan Savak Khajotia (74); June 11 Rati Jehangir Karanjia (63); June 17 Jeejibhoy Muncherji Elavia (75); June 19 Meheramai Faramroze Mobed (90); June 30 DIED CONSIGNED Males Females CREMATED Males Females 4 28 44 42 6 6 A: Total numbers in this issue 189 52'' 330 319 14 37 7 2 4 1 6 3 44 68 7 11 32* 25* 11 7 B: Running totals lor 1994 (February-March 1994-October 1994 issues) ''Males married out - 28 Females married out - 24 ‘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. 46 Parsiana October 1994» « r ! IN MEMORIAM DR DINSHAH MEHTA: Midwife at the birth of a nation Arnavaz S. Mama “Next to doctoring and spiritual perfection, I would like to work for Hindu-Muslim unity, ” Dr Dinshah Kaikhushroo Mehta had once announced to his most famous patient, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. Years later, after the pioneer naturopath had successfully helped him through sev ­ eral historic fasts, the Mahatma sought out Mehta and another Zoroastrian, industrial ­ ist Jehangir P. Patel. To them Gandhi entrusted the laying of the groundwork for his most ambitious mission — sowing the seeds of Hindu-Muslim amity in newly created Pakistan. Their partner, in the work “to unite the hearts of the people, ” was Jamshed Mehta who dominated the public life of Karachi. But, as the doctor had long feared (and hopefully sought to prevent by walking behind Gandhi, a revolver in his pocket), Gandhi was assassinated during his absence. In the years that followed, the naturopath slowly divested himself of his duties as a doctor and as a householder and, founding the Servants of God Society, dedicated himself increasingly to spiritual work. Thus, when the nonagenarian Mehta breathed his last in Delhi in September 1993, it was only the devout few who were aware of his ‘samadhi. ’He was cremated Mehta received a summons to Mani as per his desire. Bhavan, Gandhi ’s Laburnum Road tionship as Cripps was Mehta ’s patient too. Mehta, according to the book, had accused Gandhi of egotism, leading to a more rational and contrite response from the Mahatma. Replying to Gandhi ’s letter Mehta had noted on November 13,1932, “I beg to be excused for replying in English to your letter written in Gujarati. This discrepancy is due to (I am ashamed to say) first of all my Gujarati being poorer than my English and secondly I could not have expressed well a few technical things you wish to Mehta established his Nature Cure know... Clinic and Sanatorium in Poona in 1929, “Regarding your enquiry about my- “with a galvanized tub and a cold water self... I am fairly well occupied with my tap ” as notes the introduction to the author work but I am yet very far from achieye- on the cover of the book Mahatma Gandhi ment of my ideal in Ae line, what with the Beloved Patient [compiled and edited financial difficulty facing me every month by Dr (Ms) Sundri Vaswani and published and all the more so for future expansion, by the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Bombay But for a kindhearted and generous patient 400007 in 1992]. Though Gandhi started of mine — Mr Kekhushro H. Bhiwandi- to recommend the institution to his friends walla — I could not have expanded the and acquaintances almost from its incep- concern even to the present stage... The tion, it was only in January 1932 that whole crux is that poor as well as rich are equally afflicted. They both need treat ­ ment for their ailments. But the poor can ’t pay for their treatments and the rich won ’t pay for them. I have yet to find another Bhiwandiwalla from among my rich pa ­ tients. ” In 1934 Gandhi wrote to K. M. Munshi. “I have had the kindest service from Shri Dinshah Mehta and his staff during my 21 days ’ fast and after. It was all voluntary labor. I believe him to be a sincere lover of his profession. He has a passion for naturopathy. I am deeply interested in his experiments. He is in financial difficulty. The friend who has hereto supported him liberally is unable to do so much longer. His minimum expenses are, in round fig ­ ures, Rs 3,000 per month. His loss is half that amount. He therefore wishes to make Recounting the clash of faith and appre- headquarters in Bombay. The beginning a public appeal for funds. If the help forth- hension in his mind, Gandhi had written in of the bond is recounted in Mehta ’s book: coming is large enough, he will use the Harijan magazine (March 25, 1946): “The still small voice within me whispers: ‘Why (Gandhi maintained periods of silence). I bother about what others say? I have given you a colleague like Dr Dinshah who un ­ derstands you and whom you understand. • A similar compliment had been paid by the late Jayaprakash (JP) Narayan who under- Whenever I differ from you, permit me to took a 21-day fast in 1952 under Mehta ’s supervision. JP spent five months at Mehta ’s Nature Cure Clinic in Poona and the inner transformation which he experi ­ enced there was credited to Mehta: “I cannot say how fortunate a decision it was for me to do my fast at the Clinic and Dr Mehta ’s physical and spiritual ministration made a profound impression on my life. ” Fw of the bond is recounted in Mehta ’s book: “We talked, I spoke. He replied in writing fund as an endowment. He keeps accounts which are open to inspection. This appeal deserves the support of all who are inter ­ ested in the nature cure rnethod. ” One reason for Mehta ’ s losses was that he even gave free in-patient treatment inclusive of the prescribed diet, which was express my viewpoint freely, and satisfy often very costly. Mehta ’s interest in re- my ‘innermost self ’ in your own way (sic), search into the subject continued in later This will enable me to obey you not only years and the book reveals that even at the in ‘manifestations ’ ofyour instructions but also in the ‘spirit ’ of it, ” Mehta had once written to Gandhi. At the time of the Stafford Cripps Commission, Gandhi ’s initial response to the Englishman almost led to a breach in the doctor-patient rela- must still be having the scraps of paper on which he wrote his replies. ” The relationship had its ebbs and flows. “One freedom I crave from you however. age of 85 he continued to guide scholars who had been accepted by him to research the link between the pineal gland and cancer which he felt would be the source of the eventual cure for the dread disease. Mehta supervised his patients ’ diet and tit Parsiana October 1994“to spend money like water ” to ensure Gandhi ’s convenience. Eventually Gandhi continued from page 34 divided his time between Sevagram and Poona. The stature of Mehta ’s national and elimination, exercise and rest, massage and other therapies like the baths. At a time when the wonders of Vichy water from divided his time between Sevagram and I realise that a small minority may have France was the miracle cure, Mehta substi- Poona. The stature of Mehta ’s national and a different view. However, I felt perfectly tuted the water from the natural springs of international patients (a veritable who ’s justified as I had the support of five of the Sinhagadh (14 miles from Poona at aheight who of Hindu, Muslim and British High Priests, to proceed to have my of 4,500 ft) where he had a bungalow, and politicians, industrialists and socialites) ¦ huge containers of the water were brought down daily for the benefit of his patients. Mehta ’s wife Gool (nee Poncha of Poona) often accompanied the doctor on his trips to Gandhi and Kasturba at the Aga Khan Palace where they were imprisoned. These trips had been cleared by the British government with much difficulty and were restricted in time and number. A dedicated Gandhian herself, the book notes that knowledge of nature cure and make its member of the community. Mr Shiavax though a vegetarian Gool cooked non- benefits available to all people, especially Vakil has given me a Certificate as a vegetarian meals for various people at Gandhi ’s bidding. (Gandhi had declared that it was the duty of the vegetarian host or employer to feed his guest/employee the food to which he was accustomed.) Gool predeceased Mehta in 1975. In 1936 Mehta had fasted for 50 days, notes a conversation recorded in the book: “It was with a view to end my life due to worries which haunted me for two years before the fast. These worries brought suicidal ideas of ending life with a bullet fairly continuously during that period. So, man for life. I thought why not die fasting? “On the 36th day, certain changes in my psyche had taken place which, for want of but a fig leaf as notes his nephew^ poet and other words, I would describe as flashes of ' ¦ • • - revelation, simultaneously relieving my mind of the whole load... f ............. break the fast (until) on the 45th day an ­ other flash occurred which revealed to me that I must break the fast on the 50th day. “Because of these revelations during the fast my whole viewpoint on life under ­ went a revolutionary change. I firmly be ­ lieve that it is as a result of that fast and revelations that I am living today without a breakdown. ” Mehta had suffered malaria as a young _____ _____ ____ boy in 1920. With the techniques of fasting referred to Mehta as one who “is now and naturopathy, without using any drugs, he first cured himself and the other mem ­ bers of his family. Mehta ’s contention was that drugs which are not food, or contain substances which cannot become part of the human body however good they may be for overcoming the disease processes including infections, need to be eliminated from the body. Otherwise they get logged propagate spiritual values in all walks of somewhere or the other and produce chronic life, which includes politics, economics and social activities in general. ” Mehta is survived by his son Ardeshir, “A ZOROASTRIAN AGAIN” who of Hindu, Muslim and British High Priests, to proceed to have ) ‘Navjote ’. This ceremony was performed led to his Clinic being referred to as the de last Saturday, the 24th of September 1994, facto capital of India. The Clinic which (Ardibehst Maha, Ardibehst Roj) at had begun in Cama ’s bungalow on ‘BEACH HOUSE’, in the early morning, Todiwala Road and had subsequently and I feel very happy today that I am a shifted to larger premises across the road Zoroastrian. The people w.'io witnessed in Laxmi Nivas became the nucleus of the this ceremony were the absolute mini- All India Nature Cure Foundation Trust mum, only very close friends. I did not founded by Gandhi. Enthused by Mehta ’s wish to have a public ceremony, which work Gandhi sought to spread the could cause any embarrassment to any benefits available to all people, especially Vakil has given me a Certificate the poor. To this Trust Mehta bequeathed Notary in the State of Maharashtra, con- all he had, including his personal proper- firming that this ceremony took place at ties and professional equipment. The which he was himself present. Foundation ’s trust deed was signed by Gandhi, Mehta and Patel with Sardar sions or disputes that might arise will be Vallabhai Patel, free India ’s first home minimal, and will cause no disturbance in minister, and Dr (Ms) Sushila Nayyar, its the community. I hope you, Jimmy, and first public health minister as witnesses, the other Members of the Parsi Panchayet, With the registration of the deed, Gandhi will welcome this news and will accept the took over the complete administration and reasons which I have stated that my dearest financial control of the institution. After desire and wish has now been fulfilled and Gandhi ’s demise, Mehta became its chair ­ I sincerely hope that whatever discus- that I am now a Zoroastrian, following the Religion of my ancestors. The good doctor in his youth was wont With kind regards to pose as a Greek statue, clad in nothing Yours sincerely NEVILLE N. WADIA September 26, 1994 writer Adil Jussawalla in a review of the book in The Times of India (October 3, ¦ Dear Dasturji Kotwal Still I did not 1993). He had also been a shikari in earlier I am writing to tell you that my wishes » rio,, or. years. Thereafter he confined his shooting have now been realised and that I had my * ......... ' ' ’ ‘Navjote ’ on last Saturday morning, the 24th September 1994 (Ardibehst Maha, to panthers who ran amuck and harassed the villagers. Among their many conversa- _ __ __ _____ ____ _ ___ x,* .. tions Mehta asked Gandhi whether such Ardibehst Roj) at ‘Beach House ’, shootingwasviolenceornonviolence.After I am enclosing a copy of the letter appropriate thought Gandhi replied, which I have written to the Bombay Parsi e'ne'ahimsa ma muki deun (I would classify Punchayet, informing them officially and it as nonviolence). ” I am hoping that everything will be kept as In his preface to the book T/ze Ma/zaZma quiet as possible and that nobody will and the Netaji, author Samar Guha has make any issue out of it. I have been as quiet and discreet as you had advised me. I am leaving tomorrow night to go to living as a saintly recluse in Delhi and is known to his admirers as Revered Dadaji. ” Europe, and will be back, I iTope, before the end of the year. I shall certainly contact you again. My best thanks to you for your help and In a foreword to the book Mehta notes, “Even now, as then, I am not involved in any party politics. My interest in politics is to introduce spiritual values in politics as supportWith kind regards part of the second mission of the Society of Yours sincerely neville n. wadia Servants of God, which is to introduce and September 27.1994 diseases. By 1944 Gandhi had decided to go to Poona to stay at Mehta ’s Clinic on a per ­ manent basis which prompted the doctor daughter Shirin Sethna. Similar letters also addressed to: 1) Dasturji Dr Kaikhushroo M. JamaspAsa 2) Dasturji Dr. Hormuzdiar K. Mirza 3) Sardar Dasturji a linguist in Ottawa and his Coonoor based Hormuzdiar Noshirwan Dastur 4) Dasturji Noshirwan M. Dastur 48 Parsiana October 1994