Jul 1995

i June 1995 Volume 17 Number 10 i EDITOR Jehangir R. Patel MANAGING EDITOR Amavaz S. Mama EXECUTIVE EDITOR Parinaz M. Gandhi SENIOR EDITOR Dina K. Mehta ASSOCIATE EDITOR Roxana A. Driver DESIGN Kranti M. Shilotri, Varghese W. Fernandez, Jayshree R. Ghosh MARKETING DIRECTOR Veera Patel ADVERTISING MANAGER Zarin Mistry ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES Niloufer Panthaky, Susan Hadvaid FINANCE B. L. Arora EDP Rohinton E. Daroga ADMINISTRATION R. S. Pingle MANAGEMENT Jasmine Driver DTP Bakhtavar R. Batliwalla, K. P. Ravi SUBSCRIPTION/CIRCULATION Khurshid Panthaki, Bindu Pillai ACCOUNTS Anagha Korde OFFICE Swampa Kamat, Varsha Ashar, Indu Pillai 2 Readers’ Forum 9 Events and Personalities 14 Zoroastrians Abroad 20 Dr Frene Ginwala: The Hon ’ble Speaker by Pippa Green 24 When scholars deliberate - II by Homi Rogers 32 HPY: Springboard to achievement by Arnavaz Mama 39 Mahim Causeway’s 150 years * 41 Filling our needs by Dina McIntyre 44 Milestones 47 In Memoriam Cover: Photograph by David Goldblatt, Leadership OFFICE ASSISTANTS Umesh Poojary, Selvan Mark, Sunil Sakhare, Pramod Patil, Govind Salgaonkar, Mahipat Jadhav i Parsiana is published by Jehangir R. Patel for Parsiana Publications Pvt Ltd at C/o H. L. A. K. Bombay AQOObA 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) OHB yeat Bs $ A AiUK 5. tot two years Rs 600/US $ 22/UK E 15 (please allow six months or more for delivery from the time of publication). Airmail for one year Rs 625/ US $ 23/UK E 15 (for Pakistan, Indian Rs 350); for two years, Rs 1,150/US $ 40/ UK E 27 (for Pakistan, Indian Rs 650). For Indian upcountry cheques add Rs 10 for bank charges; for US cheques add $ 5; for UK cheques add E 3. Cheques and drafts are to be drawn in favor of Parsiana and posted to GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001.READERS' FORUM K' gift if he so wishes.) On the selected day, sub-region shall also be an integral part of the cost of the kathi, the sandalwood, loban the metropolis and the decision of the Parsi trusts to establish a colony at Valiv shall be hailed with respect and gratitude by the ¦L ¦ Sa jl and the entire upkeep of the Dar-e-Meher will be met from the interest earned from the donor ’s contribution, and a prayer of generations to come, blessing will be recited as desired by the donor. We hope we shall have many such donations. Our target is 365, to represent the 365 days of the year. The Parsi community in Panchgani has plans of the Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) rapidly dwindled over the past few years. The quiet but generous response of old students of Billimoria High School has V-tf. helped considerably and we now appeal to availability of housing in Bombay within the gracious and generous Zoroastriancom- munity, through the readership of Parsi- ana, to help. Cheques/drafts may be drawn in favor growth of Bombay when it was just a group of the Panchgani Parsi Aderian Fund and ¦>’ addressed to The Trustees, Seth N. B. Choksi Fire Temple, Panchgani 412805, Maharashtra, India. pesi virji Panchgani There are already about 125 Parsi fami ­ lies residing in Vasai, Nalasopara and Virar who have formed their punchayet under the leadership of Homi Patel and a dadgah shall be shortly consecrated in Valiv. The and the Postwalla and Gandhy Charities will give shelter to many needy Parsis who are unable to marry on account of non- their means. Let us recollect the splendid vision of our forefathers during the genesis and 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. Parsi Colony near Vasai Criticism on the subject of promoting a housing colony for Parsis near Vasai is misconceived and contrary to facts. To describe Vasai as a remote area is erroneous. Village Valiv is not an adivasi village. It is a well planned, semi-urban- ized village having residential and indus- Panchgani Agiary Scheme On May 14, 1995 the Seth Nanabhoy Bezonji Choksi Dar-e-Meher celebrated its 64th anniversary. To this day it remains one of the neatest and most picturesque places of worship of the Zoroastrians — visited by almost 5,000 Zoroastrians each year from all over the world. It is perhaps the highest located agiary, Panchgani be ­ ing about 4,300 feet above sea level. Recently the trustees of the Panchgani Parsi Aderian Fund (which looks after the welfare of the Dar-e-Meher) and the Panchgani Parsi Anjuman Fund (which looks after the aramgah and the Shirinbai Bhedwar Community Hall) have formu ­ lated a scheme to create a corpus as both the funds are so very low-that maintenance is becoming almost impossible. This scheme invites prospective donors to make a one time donation of Rs 5,0(X) and earmark any day of the year along with politan Region and its growth is monitored it. (A donor may give more than one such by CIDCO. Very shortly the Vasai-Virar make our presence felt in the region. of seven islands peopled by fisherfolk. They were prompt in visualizing the times to come and migrated to Bombay from Gujarat. Having an enterprising nature and the will to carve out^ place of respect and dignity in society, they prospered. The lands they owned still sustain us. It is also interesting to reca'il that the same type of hue and cry was raised during the promotion of Parsi colonies in the suburbs at the time when Bandra and Andheri were construed as faraway places by the Press. Absolute-rejuvenation is needed in fac ­ ing the challenge of the current ; times. The concentration of Parsi owned property is now exhausted, much of it being under legal encumbrance due to neglect or carelessness. We lack in resources and muscle ' power to remove the encro- ¦4. 4.-: The 64-year-old Panchgani Agiary achments and we are unable to regain the clear title even through due process of law. The decision to buy lands in Valiv by the BPP is indeed commendable and timely. The Postwalla and Gandhy Chari ­ ties have also purchased about five acres of land adjoining the Bombay Parsi Punchayet ’s land. The Vasai-Virar subregion has an assured urban growth li trial developments. The cost factor, abun ­ dance of water, soil conditions, ecology potential. It is exhilarating to learn that and lesser population ratio adds to the cause of a decent living. Village Valiv is within the limits of the Bombay Metro- Parsi trusts have the vision to look into the future and have established their right to real estate on the other side of the creek and to catch up with the others in the race to Mh M 'is '' ,. ’• ¦ ¦ ¦ 1 ^¦1 > 9^ 1 I 2 ParsianaJune T995GLOBE THEATRES Pvt Ltd Established April 3, 1915 Pioneers of Show Business in India for the last 80 years We rededicate ourselves to the ideals we have cherished and practised all along - namely to show NOTHING BUT THE BEST to our ever increasing number of Patrons Controlling: REGAL BOMBAY Installed with DOLBY STEREol CAPITOL BOMBAY GLOBE CALCUTTA ? Parsiana June 1995 Any derogatory remarks pertaining to the credentials of the area could have repercussions on the developing trend of the vicinity. The tribals enjoy special privi ­ leges and there are various enactments to improve and protect their status. Any re ­ marks regarding tribals, however inno ­ cently referred, may flash an unpleasant controversy. The establishment of a Parsi colony at Valiv is a revolutionary move and should be welcomed by all in the interest of the community. a. p. sachinwalla The irony of purity The Parsi community is fast dwindling in number. At this rate, one wonders how long it will continue to exist. One of the reasons being that an average Parsi couple these days has either two or one offspring, and some have none. Even two offspring can only be considered as replacements for their parents. Less than that and the number will naturally de ­ crease. The other reason for the community decreasing in number is the man-made law of not accepting the offspring of a Parsi mother, who has had an inter-community marriage. The children of a Parsi male who has contracted such an intercommunity marriage, are however Parsis. Why? Since religion usually means more to a girl than to a man, most of the girls do not forsake their religion even after their inter ­ caste marriage. There is no need to point out that a baby from the day of conception till the time of his/her birth, thrives on the mother ’s blood. Even after birth, the child is constantly under the mother ’s care and guidance for a couple of years. Naturally, the mother ’s influence will have a great effect on the child ’s mind and behavior. The often used Gujarati phrase “father ’s blood ’’ hardly makes any logical sense. How much time can and does a father spare for his child during this formative stage? There are so many instances where a child sincerely wishes to follow his/her mother ’s religion and be accepted by die commu ­ nity. Religion is one thing; the man-made rites, rules and customs are entirely a dif ­ ferent matter. The rites and customs are not only handed down from one generation to another, but additions are also made by every following generation. Where is it mentioned in the Zoroas- trian religion not to accept children who have a Parsi mother and a non-Parsi father? Or for that matter, that even their mother With best wishes from Farah & TanyaI I I I * j cannot be considered a Parsi after such a marriage? What happens in case of adoption? How many Parsi babies are available these days for couples who wish to adopt a child? They have no option but to adopt a baby whose neither parent is a Parsi. Once again, the law which gives a child the father ’s surname, entitles the child to become a Parsi. Navjote too takes place in due course. One does not agree or disagree over this issue. But without logic, can a child who has a Parsi mother ’s blood in his/her body, be denied his/her navjote? How can one jus ­ tify this man-made rule? There are plenty of cases where a girl with one or the other parent as a Parsi gets her navjote done just before marriage to please her Parsi in-laws. As should be expected, the sudreh-kusti is never put on once removed from her body. Yet, every ­ one is not only satisfied, but happily take her as a full-fledged Parsi. Parsi priests do not miss their opportu ­ nity by performing the navjote of a child of mixed parentage, charging enormous amounts. In their opinion, they are not only doing a favor to the mother, but also to the community. No one, but no one, can ever stop all this. When a Parsi requires either blood trans ­ fusion or an organ transplant, do they ensure that it comes from a Parsi? Who can wait to ensure this absurd notion of purity at such a critical stage? Parsis are the most westernized com ­ munity amongst all Indian communities. A great number of old fashioned ways and ideas have been discarded. It is now up to the Parsi Punchayet. to show very serious concern over this whole issue. Surely, they themselves realize the stupidity of this man-made law which has continued over the century. It is up to them to once and for all change this unwritten law. Unless some ­ thing is done, the community cannot sur ­ vive for long. Ms KHORSHED A. BASU Jamshedpur Zoroastrian Charity — 2001 In modem times, charity also needs to be run on sound business principles. There is a crying need for a greater interface bet ­ ween charity and business on the one hand and among charity organizations them ­ selves. TTie Social Development Summit held at Copenhagen recently (attended by over 100 countries ’ representatives including India) has stressed the role of non-govern- ment organizations (non-profit charity or- ganizations) in solving the problems of poverty, illiteracy, urban degradation, un ­ employment, exploitation of the female child, child labor, etc. The donor countries have voiced their doubts about the ability of government organizations alone suc ­ ceeding in these social amelioration mea ­ sures without the help of voluntary agen ­ cies. Charity, like business, has been greatly hampered in our country by archaic laws and the difficulty of augmenting resources for ploughing into desired socioeconomic goals. The landed estates of many charity organizations have become the target of land encroachers and other unsocial ele ­ ments, for want of a clear and speedy judicial remedy. Charity trusts which are small, and ____________ ........... ... therfore too poor to afford adequately quali- condition. The greatest need in that area is fled staff, must form a federation or amal ­ gamate so as to improve not only their per- 1,000 and Rs 500 respectively. The panel of judges will be selected by Jam-e- Jamshed and their decision as to the prize ­ winning essays will be final. The essay will not be returnable. All entries must reach Jam-e-Jamshed Pvt Ltd, Box No 638, 7, Kumpta St, Fort, Bombay 400038, not later than September 30, 1995. E.J.CHINOY 5 Parsiana June 1995 Better use of assets The greatest need for our community at the moment is housing, education and recre ­ ational facilities for the weaker sections of the community. The Punchayet trustees can work in close cooperation with the trustees of the Petit Sanatorium at Cumballa Hill. The current building is in a very dilapidated „ ------------------------j for parking space. The trustees can build an underground parking lot on that plot essay charged on an hourly basis, and at night, _ _____» for residents of that area who are finding it difficult to park their cars. The present sfructure of the Petit Sana ­ torium should be torn down even though it is a very beautiful building but at the moment is in great disrepairJ^n its place a ground parking as suggested above. The ground floor of the building may be sold to restaurants and shops at current market rates; the first and second floors could be given for offices to professionals and com ­ panies; depending upon the FSI available, and the number of storeys that can be built, sufficient flats should be made available to Parsi families who can pay for them, and the remaining flats could be given free to Parsis. The revenue from the ground, first and second floors should be used for the the basis of upkeep of the premises. I am sure in this way the capacity of the Sanatorium can be increased substantially to house deserving formance but their very chance of survival, where during the day parking can be In this context we announce an essay charged on an hourly basis, and at night, competition in English, open to all, on the parking can be charged on a monthly basis subject “Zoroastrian charity — 2001 AD.” '' Non-Zoroastrians too are welcome. It is our earnest desire to bring the prize win ­ ners and the panelists together at a day ­ long seminar where the present perfor ­ mance ofour chanties and the future course ----------- - ... a of action would be discussed in all their building can be built to house the under- ramifications. Before the turn of the tury, we hope we shall be able to have proper plan in place. It is up to us all to make this effort bear the fruits of •The essay may be legibly handwritten typed on one side of foolscap size paper. Maximum length should preferably be 10 sheets of foolscap. •The essay must indicate the name/address of the contributor (a pen name may be additionally indicated if the contributor so desires). •The essay will be judged on f clarity, objectivity and originality. •There will be three prizes of Rs 1,500, Rs In this context we announce an cen- a success, or ® »esaff8* GokJ and silver Lord Zoroaster and Asho Farohar medals available Gold, silver and diamond exclusive showroom 594, Chira Bazar, Girgaum Road, Bombay 400002. Tel; 2065137 We accept CitiBank, Taj Premium, Visa & Master Cards.JAMVA AVOJI! M/5. SAVAKSHAW M. PANTHAKY CATERERS of » DELICIOUS ' MOUTH - WATERING PARSI CUISINE for Navjotes • Weddings Festivals • Parties and anyone and everyone who loves good food 0 V ____ TELEPHONE KITCHEN 492 8592. TELEPHONE OFFICE 307 2978, 307 6951 Parsis. Even if the Sanatorium needs to be maintained, the san space can be utilized for the Sanatorium and the remainii space could be utilized for housing. I would suggest the same proposal for the Panday Sanatoria opposite Hotel President on Cuffe Parade. The building is i shambles. The same plan can be followed here with undergroun parking, shops, restaurants and offices; the remaining FSI coul be used for housing for deserving Parsi families. Similarly, there are many agiaries which are in dire need c kathi funds and where the mobeds complain of very fei worshippers and find it difficult to maintain the fire and earn i living. The fire from such agiaries can be transferred to othe agiaries or atash behrams and the space utilized as suggests above. There is vacant Doongerwadi land beside the road connectiq it to Godrej Baug. Encroachments have begun there. I feel th trustees should take action now to prevent these encroachmenti from becoming permanent. I understand a ‘mali ’ is alreadj living there. This prime land could be utilized for the benefit ol the community for housing schemes, etc. If the above suggestions are accepted, a certain percentage ol the revenues earned could be used to subsidize the studies ol deserving Parsi students. Furthermore, there is plenty of area available at Doongerwadi which is not utilized, especially in front of the building Spenta. Here a club house for Parsi youth could be built, as youngsters from middle and low income Parsi families have really no facilities to enjoy any kind of spoi^ like swimming, tennis,j badminton. When they attend college, they come into contact with youngsters from all walks of life. The affluent ^e able to indulge in sports and games at private clubs,^attend disco- Vision Mm 7 ¦ JUAUJLxj You need to see Baliwalla & Homi. One of the finest professional opticians, and contact lens practioners. For an appointment call today. Baliwalla & Homi VLx Private Limited OPTOMETRISTS Dhobi Talao: 614, J.S. Seth Marg, Bombay 400 OO2.Tel: 201 4906 Parel: J.Merwanji Street, Parel, Bombay 400 012 Tel: 412 6051 Flora Fountain: 365, Dr. D.N.Road, Bombay 400 001 Tel: 287 4916, 287 1762 Fax: (022) 206 4363 j itheques in the evenings where entrance fees and annual membership fees are exor ­ bitantly out of reach for middle-class Parsi families. The income generated from the above suggestions could be utilized to provide recreational facilities on the lands on Doongerwadi where Parsi youth could enjoy sports facilities and perhaps a disco ­ theque and other games. VISPY MINOO ENGINEER seldom visited it, except on the memorab occasion of the New Year — Navroze. Each spring the king presided over great celebration to mark the new yea The Gathas translated I am happy to inform you that I have literally translated the divine Gathas of which Ms Irani has discovered have been Zarathushtra and also explained the meta ­ physical implications of each verse. The poetic eloquence of our be ­ loved Prophet was matched only by his keen intellectual perception. Zarathushtra truly emerges as a colossus among poets as well as among philosophers. graduated settlements. Little research has been done on the early history of the Zoroastrian community in India which is a subject of controversy. According to scholars of the community like Dastur (Dr) Hormuzdyar Navroze was a religious celebration hel Mirza, Ervad (Dr) Rooyinton Peer, etc there was no proper record of early events in Zoroastrian history on Indian soil. The symbol was everywhere to be seen. Kisseh-i-Sanjan, written around 1599 by a priest Boman Sanjana in Persian verses, was seen as a literary work and somewhat event to which the King ’s subjects wen flawed. All the artifacts, human bones and ashes sent for carbon dating process to ascertain the exact date of Parsi settlements in Aj- r under the auspices of Ahura Mazda, th supreme God of the empire whose winge On that occasion though no foreignei were invited it was the country ’s politica z \ invited. Everything in Persepolis was de signed to celebrate Navroze and to estab lish the power of the empire over its 2'; nations. The ceremony ended with a magnifi cent banquet at which the . guests were offered all kinds of meat and presented with the silver dishes from which they had eaten. For two centuries Per ­ sepolis enjoyed the glory of the hour, till in 330 BC Alexander the Great in ­ vaded the magnificent city wFfichfell without a struggle and Alexander ruthlessly '• . looted and destroyed it. He I graduated with philosophy honors from Bombay University, and have studied the basic principles of the Avesta lan ­ guage at Sir Jamsetjee Je- . >, ---------------- v ’--'------- jeebhoy Madressa — Mulla *“"* ' ¦**’*-^•5* > - - ' found an immense treasure Feroz Madressa under the able tutelage of A mosaic in Pompeii depicted Darius III trove and at least 10,000 pairs of mules and Dasturji (Dr) Hormuzdyar K. Mirza. Dr losing the battle to Alexander 5,000camels were needed to carry it away. IrachTaraporewala ’s comprehensive work Photo: a.v.h. Jackson’s Persia Past and Present Why did Alexander raze the beautiful on the subject was of great help to me in my city when he had spared Babylon earlier work. malgadh. She is awaiting the results. This and at Suza, Alexander had sat on Darius ’s throne without a drop of blood being shed? It was because of a hard fought battle at the pass of the Persian Gate which was defended by 40,000 men. As Alexander ’s troops marched through the plain they saw ¦<* malgadh. She is awaiting the results. This excavation was conducted for two months I had submitted an essay on “Some metaphysical implications of the Divine from a small grant she had secured from the Revelation of Zarathushtra ’’to Dr Mirza, and am happy to write that the learned dastur found it “a scholarly work and wor ­ thy of publication. ” I would like to know if anyone would be willing to have my work printed at cost. I have absolutely no desire to make any profit and would like my work to be made available at an affordable price. Ms ROSHAN S. DESAI World Zoroastrian Organisation, Bombay, the Surat Parsi Panchayat, the Tatas and the Godrejs. After ascertaining the exact date she will go to study the mountain top struggling towards them 800 old Greek settlements in Kohistan which is in Iran. There was a recent lecture cum slide presentation by Roxana at the K. R. Cama Oriental Institute. I hope that philanthro ­ pists from our community will come for ­ ward to help her further in her research work. This unique discovery is not com ­ plete. She hopes to complete it within a himself being carried away by passion, he prisoners, maimed and mutilated. Feelings ran high among the Greek army and later led to the carnage at Bersepolis. At first Alexander spared the magnifi ­ cent buildings and palaces on the appeal of his generals, but later set them on fire also, though on the very next day, regretting The Ajmalgadh settlement Among the forsaken hills of Ajmalgadh period of two years but needs financial help, had the fire extinguished but too late. lies the lost treasure of eaMy Parsi civiliza- We hope that she will be suitably re- Alexander held a magnificent banquet tion in India. warded by the Zoroastrian community af- on the very spot where the great kings of The Pune based archeologist Ms Roxana ter this accomplishment. Persia had entertained their guests on the Irani has unearthed traces of an early Parsi d d naterwalla vast stone terraces where had stood the sanctuary viz open fire altar, water tanks, . palaces and gardens earlier. well like structures and other Zoroastrian Only the Spirit endureS Thus Persepolis perished in a splendor artifacts. She undertook this unique exca ­ vation without any assistance from the Archaeological Survey of India which was most surprising. With this discovery it wilt be possible to establish the dates of some ancient Parsi We hope that she will be suitably re ­ warded by the Zoroastrian community af- D. D. NATERWALLA Persepolis was essentially the spiritual of regret never to revive its glory except, capital of Persia. It was not of any conse ­ quence as a political or economic center nor did it have any strategic importance. After building it Darius himself spent only a small part of the year there. He abortively , during the Shah ’s regime which also contributed to his downfall. HOMI J. H. TALEYARKHAN Edited by Arnavaz S. Mama 8 Parsiana June 1995! I Events and Personalities Stay happily ever after has been received, and the land for the site (and) has sent... the cheques, ” acknov In its efforts to promote self-employment has also been selected. “Within two years ledges a grateful Tamboly describing hii among Zoroastrians in India the World of the property being in our hands the as a “gentleman philanthropist...(of) a vei Zoroastrian Organisation (WZO) has made project should be completed, ” hopes small but specif breed. ” xaiiivuij. ±11 11IV uvsi^iiiiig VI uiia vviiu/i, they have been promised honorary assis- Debarred iu UdvadU tance from a young Zoroastrian architect who has experience in constructing such a home for the Jews abroad. Envisaged as a ground plus four-storey children of intercommunity trea- Museum ’s rea- to Khandalavala whogiftedhisprice^s's (POWM) ,n Bombay. Khandalavala ’s rc in^ ’"^ valuable paint ­ ings and sculptures, estimated at several crores, was quoted inf ’ ' May2, 1995; “So that present and future enchanted with the His collection was to be on display aUhe Museum w^n it reopened in May^l995 paintings, 100 miniatures stone sculptures and metal i~-__ • »«rly 4,000 books of art for the Eum “ ibrary constituted Khandalavala lion, mentions the article ‘ eollectioa though cotitmues to ’^X hi" home It, Pune. “I have not touched any th ng that makes my home. I'm ouite „h. sures to the Prince of Wales in the Indian Express of -t every art lover of the generations can get exquisite Indian art. ” it reopened in May 1995. images, plus ------- ’s ’s dona- A part of his m quite ob- Inavis and a chuckle. Admitting : sea ’s to bring humor in new card series which they d’S beta':h ““- '''f^‘"“’ '*¦' main thrust has been others ’ lives like the nc„ uom scries wmeh she hopes will bring “a smile to your face. ” commu- Scout SCrvicc are now on to market these c^dVinBomtev' -o ‘hat have Gujarat, Delhi and Bangalc. • • a good base of Zoroastrians year they may try Toronto Before with cards which bore dis- a problem. ------- ; she has a cross-section of the t ¦ c seen her creativity, efforts re- ore which have Perhaps next too, she adds. working for Reliable Reproduc- sessed with this painting of Nana Phad; ® Britisher... I’m also equally passionate about these sketches of Worses 4«Wt« OK which you see on the wall and I cannot live without any of these, ” he told Ms Vinita H without any of these, ” he told Ms Vinita Deshmukh. A. former advocate- during court vacations — ¦ —¦ a \vas general, it was mainly that Khandalavala Psrsiana June 1995 could learn to swim,Lawyer ’ milestones are Sethna ’s which completed 80 ¦ - Group that celebrated its 70th S s!n <^O0rwaywraia JIIMIW f^eiAtht Md htban - reached Scouting Society - in Bombay Scout • anniversary started by Rustomji iQoa years of activity i 1994 and the 51st West Bombav in J 995. The former was > 'iSisS » , „„ . (i »} ; 7* f. M* 'JS‘SS ¦r .X 1 rk MANAGER for DBS World Travel (formerly Diners World Travel) an IATA recognised agency in Bombay, which caters to the business and holiday travel requirements of a discerning clientele. The manager will be responsible for all aspects of the business including sales, marketing and administration. Applicants should have atleast 8 years experience in the travel business, be fluent in English and have a pleasing personality. EXECUTIVES for DBS Corporate Club that owns and operates a network of business centers in key cities of India. The applicant is required for sales and marketing of DBS facilities and to assist in providing business services to members. Candidates should be graduates, fluent in English, with a pleasing personality and atleast 5 years experience in the service industry. Knowledge of typing and computers will be an asset. Edulji Sethna who is believed to hi introduced the scout movement in In while the credit for establishing the lai group goes to Piloo Mistry. In March last, members of Sethn Scouting Society went on a hike to Bah Caves where their own rover priests p formed a jashan, notes a press release. At the iridium jubilee celebration Sethna ’s Scouting Society too last Augt a jashan was performed by the Grou| -• »*— zm March 13, 1995. In attendance were representatives of only of the Commonw ealth but also of our 51 member nations and, “because the Com ­ monwealth is a community of nations in which other great and historic faiths have an honored place, ” the representatives of a theme of the Commonwealth Day was in keeping with the United Nations General justice for Indians in South Africa. The ZTFE planned to commemorate the occasion with a lecture at Nehru Centre and dinner at the Houses of Parliament. A Year for Tolerance: the sort of tolerance that enhances the quality of life of the professionally prepared brochure on Bhow- individual and brings benefit to the family, the community, the nation and the world, as defined by the Queen. At the end of the Observance, the royal University ’s School of Oriental and Afri- couple paused to exchange greetings with can Studies (SOAS) and researcher Omar the dignitaries and representatives of vari- Ralph. OUS faiths. Bhownaggree had succeeded Dadabhai “It is only the third year running that we Naoroji to the presidentship of the London association — then known as the Incorpo ­ rated Parsee Association of Europe — in 1906 and continued to lead it until his death in 1933, informs the ZTFE newsletter. seated at the Commonwealth Day Obser ­ vance in spite of the long existence not association, ’’ notes the Z’TFE newsletter of April 1995. There is also growing partici ­ pation of the ZTFE in the social and cul ­ tural life of other similar institutions, multiplicity* of faiths. 2:oroastrians were “Never before have we felt so successfully represented by Rusi Dalal, president of the involved in national life, at the same time 2toroastrianTrustFunds of Europe (ZTFE). propagating an understanding of our Zoro- Before the ceremonies commenced, the astrian existence, ’’ notes the newsletter. dignitaries and members of various faiths were presented to the Queen and Prince July 16,1995 marked the centenary of the Philip; then led through the aisles of the election of Sir Muncherjee Bhownaggree Abbey in procession. After an introduction to the House of Commons from the Bethnal by the Dean of Westminster, passages “ ~~ ’ ” from various religious texts were read out. naggree ’s life and work is also on the anvil with a coordinating committee which in ­ cludes Prof John Hinnells of London Ms Mondanna Irani who stood first at the London University ’s third year clinical Green constituency. The second Zoroas ­ trian Indian to enter the mother of parlia- progressing with medical studies leading to the MBBS. 14 Parsiana June 19S5 The global head for foreign exchange struc- tured products of Credit Suisse Financial j (From left) Farokh, Kety, Bomi and Eruch Daruwalla: social service commitment. Left: Queen Elizabeth pauses to greet Dalal skills examination has bagged the coveted Bio-Science Clinical Prize bestowed by Prof J. Hermon-Taylor, a director of Bio ­ Science International Incorporated, informs the ZTFE newsletter. Irani received her BSc in medicine this year and is now1 L Products, Zar Amrolia holds an Oxford doctorate in nuclear physics and regularly commutes to world financial centers, in ­ forms the ZTFE newsletter. Endowed with charisma, presentation skills and a pleasant temperament, Amrolia is nonetheless known to be a demanding professional and a perfectionist. Amrolia s in-depth understanding of products, inno ­ vative ideas and penchant for providing customer satisfaction is acknowledged even by his rivals, according to the newsletter. I .OHOOW q 10N001 5 J Canada must learn to live in this country, ” Ibsen quotes the citizen of the world. The citation refers to Batliwalla as the first psychiatric social worker in Bombay, ” and to her work in four countries. In the US Batliwalla helped migrant Peurto Rican families settle in New York; in England she similarly helped orient and settle In ­ dian immigrants; in India while working as social work supervisor Batliwalla began a nursery school which provided child, parent and family therapy and helped es ­ tablish the Confederation of Indian Social Workers. Thanks to her Bombay experi ­ ence she was called upon as a consultant to •¦M.ombon- writing at York University when she was 59 and became a doctoral student in psy ­ choanalysis and sociology at the age of 63, -r —¦ -- _ notes Joy Ibsen, reporting an interview the newly esubhshed Calgary School of with the lady in Today’s Seniors (August Social Work in Alberta and has been affili- J994) ated with social work faculties in the Uni- A psychiatric social worker, therapist versities of Manitoba, Western Ontario and consultant, Batliwalla was awarded and Case Western Reserve^ the prestigious Day-Garrett Award by Massachusett ’s Smith College School for Social Work, the institution where she acquired her masters degree 44 years ago. “Throughout your life you have been an educator, an innovator, a mentor, and most importantly, an unrelenting advocate for the oppressed, especially non-white per ­ sons and those physically challenged. Your career 1 _ of the social work pioneers you hold so dear to your heart...Through the presenta ­ tion of the Day-Garrett Award we express our appreciation for the way you have represented the School over the years, ” notes the citation from the College presi ­ dent Ms Mary Maples Dunn. The Award, established in 1978, honors “distinguished individuals who have per- , sonified in their lives and service to the Impacting female attitudes Buff colored greeting cards, currently in two designs, have been introduced by the ZTFE. Designed by Ms Gool Udwadia (nee Jambuserwala) and meant to suit any occasion, the less than 10 gm cards (6”x4”) community, the high purpose of profcs- cost a nominal 25 pence each and are readily available. ' ated with social work faculties in the Uni- A psychiatric social worker, therapist versities of Manitoba, Western Ontario Pursuing her doctorate after retirement, Batliwalla became involved with issues such as home health care and the develop ­ ment of ethical professional standards. Her latest endeavor is a collection of essays based on 40 years of work, research and case material which, Ibsen mentioned, was soon to be publi^ed. The lifelong career woman who lives has embodied the passionate spirit alone in her apartment is said to Have lost her vision five years ago. Th»Jiandicap has slowed Batliwalla, not stopped her, in ­ forms Ibsen. Carrying on with help from homemakers and food delivery services Batliwalla is “still active in a number of organizations including the Westminster Institute of Bioethics, becoming a Fellow of the Institute in 1992.” The Mary Lyon Award for action for gen ­ der equity in schools was presented by the American Association of University Women (AAUW) of Massachusetts to Dr j The Lions Club Melvin Jones Award for family in Bombay, who was encouraged to Roda Amana on May 6, 1995. She was j dedicated humanitarian service rendered pursue an independent academic career, nominated for the "Sward by Marjorie to the community at large was simulta- Batliwalla grew up with the usual expo- Hensley and Margery Bessom, co-pres^- j neously presented to Eruch Daruwalla and sure to India ’s many communities. “For dents of the North Shore branch of the j his son Bomi. The occasion of the presen- this reason she is puzzled by the current AAUW. tation was the 21st charter anniversary preoccupation with multiculturalism in Amaria ’s candidature had been spon- dinner of the Lions Club of Hounslow Canada, ” writes Ibsen. “I don ’t know what sored by Dr Marion Kilson, Dean of the earlier this year. E. Daruwalla has been to make of it. People are people. To me Salem State College (SSC) where Amaria - ’ ’• ¦------------ has been associate professor in the educa ­ tion faculty for the past decade. Kilson notes that Amaria “has had a significant impact on the teaching of elementary sci ­ ence and technology and thus on educa- sional service, ” says a letter from the Col ­ lege to Batliwalla. The only child of a professional Parsi family in Bombay, who was encouraged to pursue an independent academic career, Batliwalla grew up with the usual expo- this reason she is puzzled by the current preoccupation with multiculturalism in Canada, ” writes Ibsen. “I don ’t know what to make of it. People are people. To me involved with the British Legion ’s Poppy multiculturalism means respecting a group Appeal for the past 26 years. He and Bomi have both been active scout leaders for the past 15 years. Bomi was the president of the Lions Club of Hounslow in 1989-90, notes the ZTFE newsletter. Social worker Batliwalla All her 76 years Dr Bapai Batliwalla of London, Ontario has been learning and growing. She took a course in creative or individual ’s dignity and differences within the context of basic humanity. It ’s wrong to say of a person, ‘if you aren ’t like me, you ’re no good. ’ We tend to genera ­ lize about (people) from the color of their skin and their accent, ” Batliwalla told Shore area. Ibsen. 1 Nor is she enthusiastic “about people letter to Ms Barbara Diamond who holds referring to themselves as hyphenated the Initiative for Educational Equity Chair Canadians. Those choosing to come to in Worcester, Massachusetts, proposed tional equity for school girls ” in the North Hensley and Bessom in a combined in Worcester, Massachusetts, proposed 16 Parsiana June 1995b to the matter of building self-esteem, so vital for young children. Amaria, who started tutoring since she was in the eighth standard, brings back educational information whenever she re ­ turns to India, using the opportunity to offer classes as guest instructor in the J. B. Vachha High School for Parsi Girls where she was educated. Considering the average size of an el ­ ementary school class (50 percent of which are girls) and multiplying it by the number of teachers Amaria works with (e.g. the 500-700 who attend her workshops, most of them women), one can only imagine the number of girls she has helped through her undertakings, notes the nomination. Adds Margaret Bishop, acting dean of the continuing education and special pro ­ grams of the SSC, “The decision to make science education her chosen field made her a pioneer in developing a collaborative approach for women to enhance and share (Women In Science and Engineering) their knowledge...Over three years many which offers incentives to girl students, ' ' ''' Amaria: education for gender equity Amaria for the award: “The nomination was made and voted at the January 1995 meeting of the Branch. . .Roda, long a mem ­ ber of our Branch, has demonstrated her response to the Initiative for Educational Equity, her dedication and career focus, and the unusual way in which she is carry ­ ing out her goals. ” An alumnus of the Universities of Bom ­ bay and Birmingham, Amaria has con ­ tinued to study science, maths and tech ­ nology in the US, thereby serving as a role model to her graduate and undergraduate students, mentions the letter. Apart from her work at Salem State College, she serves on the Elementary Science Collaborative and as consultant to schools, colleges and museums in Massa ­ chusetts. As an example of her contribu ­ tion the ladies cite how she is working in partnership with MIT (Massachusetts In ­ stitute of Technology) “offering leader- partnership, is active in professional and ship with a team approach for learning and ’ ’ " teaching ” to high school teachers in the area. In addition, since the past five years she has been coordinating the Four College has provided encouragement for science Conference that enables 500 to 700 teach- < , ers to devote a Saturday for workshops, teacher training workshops. Working on presentations and exhibits of educational "' ' ’ *""" material. She is the coordinator for the SSC with the Boston Higher Education academic associations like project WISE centers, field trips, site visits as well as in-service workshops were held to demys ­ tify science for elementary teachers most of whom were women 40 years of age and older. ” , Over and above her many commitments. issues of harassment and discrimination, Amaria is said to pay particular importance Amaria “has been instrumental in job place- u With Best Compliments From LEACH 18 ParsianaJune 1995 WEBORNY When in Bombay Contact For attending to your laundry. They are Launderers & Dyers of repute. They will also attend to your carpets for cleaning or dyeing. 66, Off E. Moses Road, Worli, Bombay 400018 Phone: Head Office 2654294 Factory: 4924384,4925644 j iI t I ments for many. She demands excellence in preparation, yet is assistive and supportive, ” writes Bishop, adding, “It is difficult to assess the actu^ number of people whose attitudes about gender equity in the schools have been affected by Dr Amaria ...With the ripple effect, it may be too numerous to count. ” CROLL-REYNOLD5 TWO-STAGE VACCUM PUMPS k I L 4 ’4 ! 4 The past and the present A historical perspective on current affairs, a sense of humor, an aptitude for mathematics - these are the tools Dr Farrokh Lang- dana employs to stoke the interest of his students in macro ­ economics, international trade and finance. The efficiency with which he has wielded them at Rutgers University ’s Graduate School of Management brought him the University ’s highest honor in 1994 — the Warren I. Susman Award for Excellence in Teaching. For Rutgers ’ Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) program, Langdana has dispensed with textbooks in macroeconomics. Instead he uses the Wall Street Journal, his considerable insight and knowledge and the experience of the executives and managers who are his students, notes a tribute in the Rutgers publication describing its EMBA program, which is aimed at giving the careers of established executives and managers an insightful thrust in an increasingly technical economy. Langdana ’s interest in military history and in trains is reflected in his office in Newark which Kathleen Brunet describes in the __ Rutgers newsletter as decorated with models drawings of old railroad cars and engines and photographs of historical personalities like Stonewall Jackson and Abraham Lincoln. More to the point are stacks of articles on j|MBy current events which he distributes to his ^0 analyze in the light of economic theory and is delighted when they start bringing in such articles themselves. “When they start bringing me stuff, I know I’ve hit home. I know that now they ’re hooked, ” he says. Despite dealing with subjects that are popularly considered too dry, diMcult and loaded with theory, Langdana ’s philosophical approach helps him bridge “the gap between theory and practice by relating concepts to everyday experiences and everyday life. He really wants his students to learn and to understand the material, ” notes Julie Geffke, a graduate student in Langdana ’s international trade and finance class. In his macroeconomics class Langdana requires students to follow the economy for several months and to develop their own short term forecasts as part of their final exams. “Such forcasts have proved to be remarkably on target, ” comments Brunet. The author of three books in his chosen field, Langdana is apt to consider consumer confidence as a significant economic factor — one that is often neglected by central banks and makers of monetary policy. Son of Keki and Dr Zarine Langdana of the Parsi Lying-In Hospital, Bombay born Langdana attributes his interest in history and on how the past impacts the present, to the influence of his father who lost no opportunity to take his young son to war movies and those based on historical events. An IIT (Indian Institute of Technology) graduate, with a masters and doctorate in economics from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Langdana, 36, lives in New Jersey. During summer he teaches in the Rutgers ’ study program in France and has been involved in designing the curriculum of Rutgers joint MB A exchange program with Dalian University of Technology in Ch ina, informs Brunet. 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No.: 408967, 408014,408654 Fax: 0272-427394 Telex: 0121 -6620 1: r i t I IZOROASTRIANS ABROAD COVER STORY The Hon'ble Speaker Feminist, anti-apartheid veteran and former underground politicai activist, Frene Ginwala is determined to make democracy work in South Africa Pippa Green A letter arrived in the parliamentary office help her carry the robe. So she just wears a of Dr (Ms) Frene Ginwala, Speaker of South Africa ’s first democratically elected Parliament, in September 1994. It came from two Standard III school children who had been part of an educational group brought to Parliament. Addressed, as it was, to the new Speaker of the National Assembly, a position that has traditionally sistently elegant. There is a smoothness been surrounded with pomp, circumstance, but relatively little substance, it was al ­ most heretically informal. It began... “Dear Frene and everyone in parliament. It must be so fun going to work in a palace things done, ” says her personal assistant. vociferous DP. “She has positively turned it around. ” This year, on the eve of the opening of Parliament, the 62-year-old Ginwala plans sari. ” A ripple of polite laughs ran through the group. Ha ha ha. To those who know her, the thought of to steer that ship in a resolutely new direc- Dr Frene Ginwala in a wig and a robe is indeed ha ha ha, as Abbi and Elizabeth so aptly expressed it. Not that she isn ’t con- tion. The task sheTias set herself now is not to open the doors of Parliament but, as she puts it, “to get people to conje in. ” And it is more: the challenge is to somehow make it accountable, a place where people can about her exterior —her mellifluous voice, her flowing sari, her sleek skin, her gliding bring their problems, a place where public gait —that belies a roaring energy and iron determination within. “She really gets debate is truly public. “Say you have a rural community where someone has dumped toxic waste. Are they (that is what it looks like) and interesting Lawson Naidoo. “Shejust works incredibly going to know that they can bring this (ofcourse). I (Abbi) thought I was going to hard. ” problem to Parliament? The answer is no. be an actor, but since r ve seen what fun it must be to be in parliament I’ve changed liament sat last year, she and the Rules my mind. It must be very hard work though. Committee which she chairs, scrapped the Not that there should be a referendum on I could imagine you wearing a wig and a big cloak (ha ha ha ha)... I hope some other people from our school wilt be able to go bers, and opened up previously closed to parliament so they can have as much fun as we did. Yours sincerely Abbi and Elizabeth P.S. Say hello to everyone in parliament for us. P.P.S. Thank you for making South Africa the Labour Party applauded FW de Klerk ’s a better place (Sorry about all the spelling February 2, 1990 announcement that he mistakes). ” Soon after the first session of the new Parliament ended, a guide took a group of Parliament. Where Helgard van Rensburg, hard. ” In the few months that the new Par- They have to realize that what happens in this institution affects them, ” says Ginwala. formal dress code, established a creche for women parliamentary workers and mem- every issue, but people must know that “their intervention can be persuasive. ” This current seriousness of purpose J contrasts with Ginwttla ’s reaction when she heard that she might be elected Speaker parliamentary committees to the Press and public. Where the berobed but bare-headed of the National Assembly. An Afrikaans Louis le Grange, Speaker from 1987-1991, daily phoned her to say the ANC might “went completely berserk, ” to quote the nominateher,thatshewasPresidentNelson Democratic Party (DP)’s Tony Leon, when Mandela ’s choice. “I laughed, ” she recalls. Her next reaction was: “They ’re trying to shut me up. ” And after that, more cy- J nically: “That means there won ’t be many women in the Cabinet. ” Three weeks later, at the Caucus meet- ; tourists around the legislature. Referring chairman of committees whochaired many ing where she was nominated, the years of 1 to a gallery of pictures of previous Speak- Assembly debates, prohibited parliamen- political discipline that shaped the ANC in ers, all wearing wigs and robes, she in- tarians from removing their jackets on a exile showed. “I wondered whether I would formed them, “The late Mr Louis le Grange searingly hot day, parliamentarians now actually say no, and defy the ANC, or didn ’t wear a wig and our present Madam come to work in caftans, dakishis and accept. And I realized that, politically, it Speakerdoesn ’tweareither.Shesaysshe ’s sandals. “She has nob only rocked the wouldn ’t further anything I believed in if I ? so small that eight people would have to boat, ” says Leon, leader of the small but said no. It wasn ’t a question of what I j was unbanning the African National Con ­ gress (ANC), clapping is now de rigueur in come to work in caftans, dakishis and sandals. “She has nob only rocked the boat, ” says Leon, leader of the small but 20 Parsiana June 1995I i 0 ¦ ¦ ¦ • s»isW ¦¦ 15^*^ I ^1 fc 4 I’ i > wanted, but a collective thing. ” As for shutting her up, it ’s hard to imagine that anyone could conceive of success in such a project. Even at cocktail parties, those ubiquitous forums of super ­ ficial “networking ” and inconsequential chit-chat between dignitaries, journalists and politicians, she is formidably focused, whether she is talking to a foreign states ­ man or a lowly reporter. It is a new style which the old school finds hard to recon ­ cile with their notions of how VIPs should circulate at such functions. Last year, for instance, at a diplomatic do at the Brussels home of Neil van Heer- den. the South African Ambassador to the European Union, she became involved in a deep discussion with South African jour ­ nalists about how to cover the Reconstruc- I tion and Development Programme (RDP). I Van Heerden kept trying to steer her gently I aside on the pretext of “sitting down, ” or I meeting more important people. She po ­ litely waved him away and carried on an intense discussion that lasted nearly an hour. She has the same approach to her work. “I had never really thought about what a Speaker did, ” she says. “If 1 had, f would have thought about it in a narrow kind of way as presiding over Parliamentary bus ­ iness. What I did not know was that the Speaker is the manager of Parliament. The Speaker has the same relationship to the Secretary ofParliament as a Cabinet Minis ­ ter does to a Director-General. ” But part of her business is to preside over Parliament and at first traditionalists were at pains to point out, perhaps still I fearful of the ANC, that Speakers had to be I impartial in the debates. Leon, leader of a I party that would feel it most keenly were I the Speaker unfair, commented: “I have I found her generally to be very fair-minded, ¦ fiercely independent ofthe party she repre- B sents, and she encourages debate on con- B troversial issues. ” She did not hesitate, he B says, to convene the debate on the issue of B 3,500 police officers being granted indem- B nity before the elections when the DP cal- B led for it. B And then she allowed parliamentarian,s ¦ a fairly generous brief. It was only when I Koos van der Merwe, the irrepressible MP I from the Inkatha Freedom Party, began ¦ berating the shortcomings of the Kempton ¦ Park negotiations and the lack of regional 4* f 21 Parsiana June T995 Ginwala in the former House of Assembly with portraits of earlier Speakers Photo: David Goldblattpowers that she intervened: “I will allow members some latitude but I cannot allow . . adiscussion on all crises, past, present and it in China or how they did it in Peru, forthcoming. ” That she was the first woman Speaker in the South African Parliament was noted more by the media and other parlia ­ mentarians than by herself. Well-known for her outspoken feminist views, she was nevertheless gentle with MPs who could not make the transition from Mr to Madam Speaker. A requirement of the Speaker listed in parliamentary literature, is “the possession of innate gentlemanly feelings which involuntarily command respect and deference. ” Ginwala thinks otherwise. “Personally I would have preferred the title Speaker. There was no reason to assume it was male. Yet if people call me Mr Speaker, I gene ­ rally ignore it, and soon enough they cor ­ rect it themselves. ” In one debate, however, she took the chair from her deputy Bandra Ranchod as Justice Minister Dullah Omar was in mid ­ speech. When he referred to “Mr Speaker, ” she could not hold her tongue. “I would urge the honorable minister to be more vigilant, ” she said. “Changes happen behind his back. ” - This year, perhaps, changes will happen be supported by business ( because they before our eyes. How exactly does she ’ ' intend to transform Parliament from the clumsy, complicated, rarefied institution . . that it was to the accessible, open institution through educational programs in the she envisages? i , “ ¦ ¦ of opinions on issues that affect particular these channels back into existence so that we can consolidate democracy? ” •Public Education. Parliament has set aside a large part of its budget for this. Already a public education officer has been ap ­ pointed, and some projects have started in look at legislative options. “It might say about a proposed law, this is how they did ¦ . • _ __ I___ *1___ j; J :? ” A White Paper, which is all we cur ­ rently have, presents a much more crystal- - t,----------------------------- , lized view. But in Ginwala ’s vision, a pointed, and some projects have started in K Green Paper would encourage more public the schools. The visit by Abbi and Eliza- debate. And where there is a major issue, ' ' ’ ' beth and other schoolchildren was the start of this. “For those kids, ” says Ginwala, “Parliament suddenly meant something. ” To make it more accountable, she sug ­ gests the following: •A registry of interests. “Everyone should know what financial interests MPs have, whether they are consultants, or business people, or winemakers or run a shoe fac ­ tory or a sweet shop. ” So every time MPs mai:e a speech, or vote in a particular way, we would know where they are coming from. •A code of conduct to be administered by an ethics committee. One of its first tasks would be to establish a registry of gifts. At the moment there are no records, and no ______________________ restrictions on the gifts MPs can receive, ministers to provide a list of people and So Ms Winnie Mandela, deputy minister of institutions who have been consulted on a arts and culture, can accept a house from a jjjU ___________________________________diamond dealei? and in the past National •A National Foundation, to which Parlia- Party MPs could accept untold favors from ment makes a grant, but which also might unknown lobbies. For Ginwala, this is a problem: “What happens ro those gifts? Someone sends me a bouquet of flowers, I which sits in my office, or someone sends | me a Christmas bottle of wine. But then it f could become two bottles, or a case or “I would have preferred the title Speaker. There was no reason to assume it was male” Parliament should be able to say: “We need to hear what the people are saying, ” and do so. She and the Rules Committee also want have their lobbies ”) and foreign founda ­ tions. Its task would be to investigate how to enhance public participation, whether Ginwalla has a plan. It has two legs: accessibility and accountability. “The language (ofParliament) is still not people ­ friendly. But as long as we debate only laws we are in a bind because laws cannot be loosely worded. ” The second leg involves accountability, people out to solicit information, and to “We have to build in people an awareness 1 \ ‘ . that they have the right to ask questions (of to Parliament. MPs), ” she say s. I asked her what members - of the public could do if they had concerns, for example, about the appointment of particular ambassadors, or about the RDP. “They can write to any MP, or to their political parties. I get stacks of letters and I send them off to ministers. ” The commit ­ tees, she says, are open now. People can go to a public hearing and say what they want to say. “The problem is not whether you can do it. The problem is getting people to know you can do it. ” To implement these goals she has de ­ vised a “package ” of elements. These are some: •A “Green Paper ” on intended legislation. „. . . A Green Paper would be a much broader with their problems? How do we bring schools, or whether through the canvasing several cases: to whom do they belong? ” _____ ;___ ;; ’ ' • Sometimes, she says, it ’s simple: “Pre- communities. Let ’s say, for ii^tance, a sident (Robert) Mugabe (of Zimbabwe) J proposed law would radically alter pen- gave me a beautiful carving. Now that sions. “Then the task of this Foundation clearly belongs to Parliament. But Evita | « 1 « rt - - -1____ _______I_____ 11-,^ /'rtlirtf cotiriet TTvc'i QSIVe A I proposed law would radically alter pen- would be to flood pension bodies and pen- (alias satirist Pieter-Dirk Uys) gave me a sioners with information, and also send coffee mug (after she appeared on his show). Do I display that in Parliament? There is no easy answer. But the point is, if it ’s known, it ’s easier to avoid corruption. help bring those who had something to say There is a lot to unlearn, Ginwala points If people know that Evita gave me a mug out. “Parliament and government are still incomprehensible. Even now, members and political parties have not thoroughly that it ’sail in the open. Corruption happens digested the constitution. You see, consti- •**•—*• ” tutions grow as people live in society. You absorb things in most societies: there is not a formal learning process . B ut the majority MP received a gift of R 5,000from someone of us were outside of this society, so in addition to the normal alienation that you have in most democratic societies, here you have an even greater alienation. ” familiar with their civics, or unions or their local ANC branch. “But these are not functioning properly, so where do they go it ’s not a national issue if I drink my coffee out of it. But it must be based on the fact when things are secret. ” This system won ’t stop corruption, she admits , but if it was discovered, say, that an and didn ’t declare it, the obvious question would be, “Why not? ” There are cynics who might, rightly, ____________ _ ____________ point out that accountability is still far Most South Africans, she say s, are more from established practice. Winnie Mandela, whose business connections and whose use of taxpayers ’ money are still open to many questions, won ’t answer them. Civil ser- continued on page 36 V 22 Parsiana June 1995SCHOLARSHIP When scholars deliberate...!! The Second International Congress hosted by the KRCOI brought 30 scholars together Homi J. Rogers All iniernaiional star east of scholars from home and abroad, Avesta votarie.s and Vedic aficionados, those gaga on the Ciarha.s to Ihe delvers into the Dinkeird and dictionaries had gathered together al .Sir .1. J Modi Hall of Ihe K. R. Cama Oriental Institute (KRCOI). The staple conlerence themes of history and archeology, art and aicliilecture, language and literature, were well blended with potions of philosophy pered with earthines.s wa,s the toast ol all and philology, coinpaialive studies in icii intervening period of six winters. She wa.s Meeting ground helped by her eo-lrustees and, amongst a roll call of others, by Dastur (Dr) Kai- khusroo JamaspAsa, High Priest of the Anjuitian Atash Behram, who was chair ­ man of the subjects committee and Prof ,S. A. Upadhyaya, director of postgraduate rightly pointe^ out in his message pub research at the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, who with his quick wit and erudition tem- While the theme of the KRCOI's First International Coiigtes.s had been a reap ­ praisal of Indo-lranian studies, the second wished to build on the good work already achieved, and provide, as the Dalai Lama present throughout the Congress. (.<(1 s’ Top: Modi < in iuri) f ¦ S’.’. .1: lished in the Congress souvenir, a "meet ­ ing ground for Indian and foreign scholars to exchange their varied ( I' 'i 5^ holiestplaces (sanctuaries) of monotheistic comparative religion religions like Zoroastrianism, Judaism, ’ Christianity, Islam and Sikhism. Tanaka four-day deliberations, and Kaikhosrov D. reasoned that as in Buddhism, where the Irani, professor emeritus in the department seat of the Buddha has been left empty of philosophy. City College, New York for ever, so too in most monotheistic and a prolific and well-respected author in areas of philosophy of mind and history of ideas. JamaspAsa spoke on the links between Zoroastrianism and Judaism down the years, and drew the assembly ’s attention to the similarity in thought between Yasna 44.5 and Isiah 45.7, the Book of represent divini- Genesis and Bundi^hishn, and the common study ranged from scriptures to sociology, to history (“King Cyrus is the oply non-Jew r tuated from the mundane to tne truly inspired. At this Congress Buddhism seemed to be the main religion from which com- parisons were effected. Sorbonne University ’s Prof Philippe Gignoux started the proceedings with the Sasanian \ notion of the existence of ruwan (soul), in the context of the historically known instances in Tibet and Bhutan where the soul travels in the extraterrestri ­ al planes during dreams. Prof Richard N. Frye, whose ill-health did not alllow him to be present, had his paper on “Buddhism: Competitor of Zoroastrianism in Central Asia ” read by Prof Jamsheed Choksy but in Frye ’s absence no discussion followed. And a young Japanese research fellow, Ms Kanoko Tanaka, postulated at length on the motif of the empty throne in Buddhism, and its comparison with the altar or the religions, sanctuaries are kept empty, because of the in ­ visibility of God, “with the excep ­ tion that they use some symbols to ty ” as exampled view of both religions on conversion. His by the fire in Zo- ‘ roastrianism, the . . _ . seven-branched mentioned in the Old Testament ’) and candlestick in philosophy. However, the leanedDastur ’s Judaism, the cross in Chris ­ tianity. The two most cogent papers on j Left to right (top): Kamerkar, Fredie Mehta, Writer, Tanaka Kalpana Desai and Dalal Second row: Nizamuddin Gorekar and Havewalla (Alongside) The KRCOI staff: Thankam Nair (ext L) Yasmin Khan and Sarita Kode (ext R) with trustee-secretaries Modi and Capt Hormazdiar J.M Desai * study did leave quite a few Zoroastrians in the audience bristling as they wished to hear greater words of wisdom from him. More in the audience though were nettled at Irani ’s paper on the second day, 26 Parsiana June 1995 I »f J 1 ¦;gaC. «>.» ! / which presented a case for religion Rites and rituals without rituals. Irani is a votary of the The four-day seminar had unalloyed purity of Zoroastrianism as many papers presented on manifest in the Gathas. sans the rituals, rites and rituals to interest the 200-odd Zoroastrian M sions) on the last day , it had Antia introduc ­ ing three young, fully ordained priests of the community to his audience, two of them already PhDs, and a third promising to join their ranks by the end of the century. It was a populist session where the audi ­ ence lapped up M. F. Cama Athornan Institute ’s joint principal Dr Rooyintan Druj-i-Nasush (evil of infection). Joint I honorary secretary of the Athornan I Mandal Parvez Bajan and joint principal of H the Athornan Madressa at Dadar Dr I Ramiyar Karanjia respectively spoke on Peer ’s much-expounded-earlier concept of manifest in the Gathas, sans the rituals, which he maintains came on later. Zoroastrianism, Irani held, is a reflective delegates present in religion, “one where you have sages, ' view of the world and a way of life, and ing then invite the disciple to make a choice. ” ses Irani considers the Upanishads and Ironically, the organizers Buddha ’s teachings as part of the “Emergence of reflective religion in the ancient Indian and Iranian traditions, as _ . titled in his study, though all three differ in in the absence of its content. Admitting that all three religions author Prof James Boyd 1 were later formalized, Irani nonetheless of the department of emphasized that the declaration of choice philosophy at the Colorado State Univer- in 7nrnastrian nravers (Jasa me avenghe sity. “I will be careful in presenting this to _ Sloped you," jested Irani, who then proceeded to script - past and present Karan,,a bv a barrage of questions and indigna- present salient points front Boyd ’s paper, provided a wealth of information tion at his heretic ’ thoughts, Irani con- -hirh armied that Zoroastrian rituals are in modern times an ancient language ceded that ritual is necessary for humans. The profes- |||||||||a|||H||||||||||||^^ ggj. “That atti ­ tude should not compro ­ mise the vi ­ sion of the prophets. ” varying numbers and prophets, present a vision to humanity of a with naturally diminish- - - • • r-.ir- attendance as the sessions went past. requested Irani to read the paper, “The integra ­ ting power of ritual art ’’ ¦ ¦ b the study of Middle Persian Stos and on the teaching and learning of the Avestan . Tz"------------ present salient points from Boyd ’s paper, provided a wealth of information of how which argued that Zoroastrian rituals are in modern times an ancient language neither decorative nor an additional part of like Avesta is taught through a combina- the religion ’s frame: “They bring together tion of phonetics and a mnemonic reci- diverserealmsofexperience...andholdthe tation of prayer, amongst others. master key to unlock the core of religion. ” One session that particularly thrilled Fresh insights some Zoroastrians was the one chaired by One paper on an off-beat subject was pre ­ noted solicitor and self-proclaimed staunch sented by Dr Gernot Ludwig Windfuhr, Zoroastrian, Burior Antia. The second professor of Iranian Studies at the Univer- morning session (there were daily two morning sessions, and two post-lunch ses- * '•» From left: Misra, Mehendale and Windfuhr Top (L to R) Peer, Bajan, Antia, Desai and Karanjia. For Upadhyaya (L) and Samghabadi a quiet moment over coffee diverse realms of experience. ..andholdthe tation of prayer, amongst others. master key to unlock the core of religion. ” One session that particularly thrilled Fresh insights some Zoroastrians was the one chaired by One paper on an off-beat subject was pre ­ noted solicitor and self-proclaimed staunch sented by Dr Gerntrt Ludwig Windfuhr, sity of Michigan, USAr Windfuhr ’s paper drew parallels between Mozart ’s opera The Magic Flute and Zoroas ­ trianism. The opera reflects freemasonry, the equality of the sexes in marriage (in Yasna53, the prophet holds woman and man as equal in importance and intelligence) and a syllabic resemblance between its main character Sarastro and the Prophet. Accordingto Windfuhr, an examination of the opera from the Zoroastrian angle makes it more comprehensible. Another well-argued case was presented by Dr (Ms) 1 ¦ I 21 Parsiana June 7 995 ¦ ¦£ r-' 4 i The more popular and enlightening talks at the seminar were those which bridged the distance between India and Iran Rashna Writer, whose paper concluded that the intrinsically Indian social mechanism of caste was one among several factors which contributed to Zoroastrian survival in India. Writer, who holds a doctorate from the London School of Eco ­ nomics in international relations, and has undertaken for the past 15 years a study of the history of Zoroastrian Iran and Parsis domiciled in India, analysed the philo ­ sophic underpining of caste, as well as the role of endogamy, demarcation of labor and social hierarchy in India. “The Parsis, ” reasoned Writer, “acquired an empathy for the caste structure insofar as it comple ­ mented their particular religious and social conventions, and came, therefore, to be perceived as another Indian caste. ” SNDTUniversity ’sprofessorofhistory Misra ’s paper on Indus Civilfzation and and vice president ofthe Asiatic Society of the Rigvedic Saraswati, who shared the I discussions, though, on the Gathas or Zoroastrain philosophy tend to veer to ­ wards the existence (or non-existence) of Evil as a twin force. Prof Hanns-Peter Schmidt presented a paper refuting that the world is a mixture (gumezisn) of good and evil . Schmidt, who has been an associate professor of Indo ­ Iranian studies at the University of Califor ­ nia, Los Angeles, and author of several publications including Zarathushtra 's Re­ ligion and His Pastoral Imagery felt that the notion of the evil spirit is absent in the Avesta and appears only in the Pahlavi texts which belong to a period when Greek Choksy who teaches at Harvard and same was more a Greek-foisted falsehood philosophy had a great impact, on history. Director of postgraduate re ­ search at Pune ’s Deccan College Dr V. N. Stanford Universities put forth a somewhat . . ’ * ~ ' J similar interpretation, hazarding that the - . . ----------- J constant swings between monotheism and Bombay Dr (Ms) Mani Kamerkar pointed morning session on the second day with dualism, as accepted Zoroastrian philoso- out why the Parsi identity could survive the Dalal, also stopped short of new interpre- second entry of Islam into India with re- tation. Ms Khursheed Khurody, a PhD course to six centuries of history. Studying student at Harvard University, who spoke the growth of Zoroastrianism in India, and about the sculptures in the cave temples of Dalal, also stopped short of new interpre ­ tation. Ms Khursheed Khurody, a PhD Bedsa), made no reference to world which the Prophet drew on to propose a trends which could have influenced the comparative and Relative ethical dualism sculptures and the temples during their on righteousness (asha) and falsehood construction between the second and first (druj), and which was modified 'in later century BC. years as bifurcation of the Spiritual and corporeal realms into good and evil spheres. Choksy ’s paper stirred a virtual hornet ’s nest. A black-topied Dorab Patel thun- . - T--------r — dered, “We believe in good over evil, not ill-ratedson, accused m history of secretly the community ’s glorious past and its kings good and evil being of equal strength. ” 'acccjccinatinrr kic kmtkar J V aI___ _______________ i » . . » ....... ' - ® ’ »-* - ----- ---- ---- J “'O aav* WWU) fckaw » » VUWl 11 UVIIVIUI O, llVtaUl V. holy bull Apis. Dalal ’s paper was meant to offered theZoroastrian audience an equally phy, were signs of the times. Choksy ’s paper, “Doctrinal variation within Zoroas ­ trianism: The notion of dualism, ” explained that dualism arose from a confluence of Its blossoming at Navsari, which has given Western India (Karla —Bhaja —Kondana pre-Zoroastrian ancient Iranian beliefs the country two of its top 10 sons (an " ' ' allusion to Dadabhai Naoroji and Jamsetji Tata), Kamerkar postulated Navsari ’s reli ­ gious supremacy which provided the bea ­ con through troubled times. The same could not, unfortunately, be said of archeologist and KRCOI governing Debating dualism body member Dr (Ms) Katy F. Dalal who If Dalal and Kamerkar kept the Zoroastrian presented her study of Cambysces, Cyrus ’ magaj (brain) ticking with a quick dip in jii - -------J. ... . . . ... assassinating his brother and slaying the andheroes, the Western scholars, notably, holy bull Apis. Dalal ’s paper was meant to offered theZoroastrian audience an equally ______ p.vauvo vindicate Cambysces of the crime after fine repast commenting on the Zoroastrian that we should stick to the Gathas and not 2,500 years, though, many a historian in- holy books, particularly the Gathas. Of eluding our own Ervad Ratanshah course, this did lead to spirited question Sharing thoughts: Tafazzoli (left) and Motafram when writing the History of time following the papers, especially when Gignoux; Sethna questioning from the 4* Homi Sethna, documentary film-maker of two short films on the religion, pleaded 2,500 years, though, many a historian in- holy books, particularly the Gathas. Of course, this did lead to spirited question Sharing thoughts: Tafazzoli (left) and Ancienr/ranhasalready clearedCambysces the scholar was distinct enough to have his floor and mistress of ceremony Jerry of the charge, and established how the thoughts registered and understood. Most Kumana aii Photos by Spectravision of the charge, and established how the thoughts registered and understood. Most Kumana ! 29 Parsiana June 1995 I¦ if ( & ’4i lawyer and director of the POWM, Karl Khandalavala, international scholars like Shaul Shaked and Ehsan Yarshater, and a the commentaries on them. Choksy, flash ­ ing his boyish smile, gently reminded that commentaries can help us understand what is meant in the Gathas. And Irani offered figure like management consultant Aspi an incisive and inquir ­ ing comment in query ­ ing whether one interprets dualism as du ­ alism of choice. Gathic translations The Gathas, as at the first Congress, featured prominently amongst the papers, though many of the subjects emanating from them seemed to hold little the Vaidya Burzo came to India in search of a life infusing drug and he returned with the Panchatantra Moddie amongst the delegates who contrib ­ uted to the discussions knowledgeably with his razorsharp comments and summing-up. Though each of the 14 sessions had chair ­ persons of distinction who would introduce the speakers, sometimes with a few chuckle ­ guaranteeing witticisms thrown in for good Investment in property Pune is the best city measure, they did not undertake a brief summation of the papers presented. The audience too seemed bereft of many a The valedictory session was headed by former member of the Minorities Commis ­ sion Homi Taleyarkhan, who delivered the Flats: We offer flats and row-houses to your requirement to suit your budget at rates of Rs 600 to over Rs 4,000 per sq. ft., with or without amenities like Club-house and Swimming pool, etc. interest for the assembled delegates. This was primarily because the scholars based their papers not on the content of the Gathas, but merely on words and their colorful personality, different interpretations/translations. Stanley Insler, professor of Sanskrit and a tour-weary Sorab Godrej, the Congress ’ comparative philology at Yale University OrganisingCommittee ’sco-chairman. And and source of an authoritative translation of the Gathas, chose to discourse on Avestan vaz and Vedic vah, grappling with presidential address that day, remarked on linguistics and etymology. Dr Helmut the role of religion as a unifying force and Humbach of the University of Mainz and developer of harmony. equally well-renowned for his translation of the Gathas, also played non- controversial, taking up Yasna 45.2, and starting with fair punctuality at 9.30 a.m. debating whether mrauuat meant “he despite the normally empty chairs then and spoke ” or “shall address. ” Translations formed the cornerstone of many another paper presented. Prof M. A. Mehendale, a Sanskrit professor, felt that Yasna41.2is wrongly translated currently seek clarifications, as “may a good ruler, whether man or woman, rule over us in both the exist ­ ences... ” and should be “may you, who is unwieldy. ” While the task of assembling a good ruler, rule over us (all) — whether man or woman — in both the existences. ” Prof Ahmad Taffazoli , a member of the Iranian Academy of Persian Language and socially-crammed evenings, a truly hercu- Literature, delivered a paper on an over hundred year old Pazand version of the sixth century Denkxird, lying in a private collection in Tehran, which he feels would of study. Alternatively, or additionally, as help in better understanding of the Pahlavi done at many other congresses, there could version. Cutting through the scholarly dis ­ courses observer Patel stated that transla ­ tions don ’t have the spirit of the letter; “stress on the esoteric meaning, not the literal. ” The organizers had ensured that every ­ thing moved precisely over the four days. concluding by 5.30 in the evening. Deli ­ cious catering by Dalal and her family, and a welcome tea/coffee break, enabled speak ­ ers to unwind and bemused listeners to In his concluding remarks Irani made it clear that “the Congress was getting far too over 30 renowned scholars, many of them from overseas, is no doubt commendable, and organizing a four-day long event with lean task, it may probably make greater sense in coming years as suggested by Irani to focus the Congress on a particular area Congress focus Somewhere along the way, it was apparent that the magic of the first Congress was hard to recapture. One missed, for ex ­ ample, speakers like renowned criminal be keynote addresses every morning on a topic of general interest, followed by break ­ away session.s categorized subject-wise and held at smaller venues to be attended by scholars and delegates interested in the particular topic. This would even help those interested in say, linguistics, to un ­ derstand the deliberations at closer quar ­ ters, and seek clarifications. All that is up to the KRCOI trustees and dedicated staff to mull upon ere the next event. 31 Parsiana June 1995 Bungalows: At priced ranging from about Rs 50 lacs to over one crore, depending on size of the plot and the location. Commercial: Offices and shops as required. Bungaiow Plots: In different locations in town and within a radius of about 15 kms. A few plots of 5,000 sq.Jt. near the Race course in an open, green location, at the most reasonable rates available. Write to: Minoo Bhathena BYSEL ESTATE 302 Devika Apt 2010 West Street Pune 411001 Tel; 650757i SEMINAR “To redirect the attention of the youth from the temptations of the permissive society towards higher potentialities inherent in them, could only be fulfilled by deep- seated faith in religion, ” Rasna soft drinks magnate and Ahmedabad Parsi Punchayet president Areez Khambatta told the 173 participants of the Bombay Parsi Pun ­ chayet ’s (BPP) ninth Holiday Programme for Youth (HPY). As chief guest on the inaugural session of the program on May 1, 1995, Khambatta ’s words enunciated the concerns of the elders of the community who addressed the youth that day as well as at the valedictory program a month later. Urging the youth to build on the com ­ munity ’s innate qualities of sincerity, hon ­ esty and diligence, Khambatta added, “With a little determination and action, success will automatically follow. I would particularly stress on determination and action...Indecisive people never come for ­ ward. ” Guest of honor, eminent physician Dr Farokh Udwadia sought to impress on his young audience, “You must aspire to good ends and great ends but never chief executive Rustom Anklesaria, joint foiget...that the means to the end do mat ­ ter ... I don ’ t know whether materi al wealth is really an achievement, the sole achieve ­ ment that one wants. ” The BPP’s star program has grown from an original 23 participants in 1987 to the large assembly witnessed this year. The increasing numbers which included stu ­ dents from Baroda, Bharuch, Dahanu, Jhansi, Neemuch, Secunderabad and Surat, besides Bombay, necessitated a shift of venue to the J. B. Vachha High School for Parsi Girls in Dadar. The earlier programs had all been held in the Khareghat Hall but with more youngsters eager to avail of its facility, a larger venue became necessary and Ms Tehmi Aga, trustee of the Vachha School volunteered the use of the school premises for the duration of the camp. As senior BPP trustee Eruch Desai , who chaired the inaugural meet, told his audi ­ ence of high school graduates, “We want to discipline you, we want to give you correct guidance, the correct approach, the correct thought process so that you can easily lay your steps on what you are going to achieve tomorrow. ” Emphasizing the respect that Parsis have earned over the generations from other communities, Desai noted, no one speaks disparagingly of the commu- Springboard to achievement The Bombay Parsi Punchayet ’s Holiday Programme for Youth seeks to prepare the young for the trials and triumphs ahead Arnavaz S. Mama nity “because of our sense of disci ­ pline...integrity, fair play...what we call Asha and that is what they should imbibe guidance, a presentation on the wide gamut of career openings available to the youth today, an introduction to a variety of op ­ portunities and problems that crowd the world around us by way of talks by visiting secretary Ms Sheroo Master and others] included aptitude testing and vocational in you to make the best in life. ” The program, under the seasoned guid ­ ance of its coordinators Ms DianaMarfatia, Ms Binaifer Bharucha and Ms Asheesh Tata [and behind the scene support of BPP professionals, an insight into the' religion T' *' ' ’ and Zoroastrian history. Spqfts, essay and elocution competitions, trips to the John- trustee Dr (Ms) Mehroo Bengalee, then 32 ParsianaJune 1995 ! !b' Left: Sethna receiving flowers from Neks han Deboo Facing page (second row — L to R): Marfatia-, Bengalee presenting merit certificate to Suzanne Irani (Master in the center); Anklesaria felicitated by Hormuz Mehta i f 1 t 1 Li L 1 I 1 us and we believe that only then can a perfect blend be achieved to develop a At the valedictory function on May 27, chief guest Lt Gen Adi Sethna (retired), president of the Delhi Parsi Anjuman, jig- son and Johnson factory, the braille press, the holding of a blood donation drive and more provided for active participation of rounded personality. ” the youth. Aiding the coordinators were several alumni of past programs who are members of the BPP’s Youth Club. The HPY has grown from the initial gered up the proceedings: ‘‘I am told that idea of gainfully employing the long vaca ­ tion that students enjoy after their board exams, in many cases leading to boredom or mischief. The month-long camp is fol ­ lowed by a few more days of leadership training for those with potentiality. The last two days of the month had been re ­ served for social service programs like cleaning the Panthaky and Narielwala ordered by Rusibhai (Anklesaria) to ap- Agiaries and entertaining old folks at the Parukh Dharamshalla and at Sir J. J. Hospital ’s Parsi ward. As Marfatia said, “We believe that the HPY does not only take intellectual inputs to grow and achieve excellence; (to grow) socially, spiritually, emotionally (we need to care) for each other and also for the not so fortunate brethren of our community. (It) is a very important ingredient for Jabalpur. The boy and a Hindu friend. travelling in another compartment, had been appointed medical representatives in Jabalpur for the leading pharmaceutical company, Hoechst. “I happened to be bri ­ gade commander of Jabalpur then...We had a very nice Parsi Anjuman there and in a few days ’ time there was going to be Pateti. So both these boys were also in ­ vited. By the time Navroze came around, the Hindu boy came and said to me that ‘Parsi na tau mammae kahyu ke ahiya on these valedictory occasions you have to receive the wisdom of so-cal led guest speak ­ ers and chief guests and people like that. I am making a change. I am going to ask three precise questions to which I want bahargamma javanu ane khava peevanu your response with the same enthusiasm favenahiteeneMumbai bolavididho(the (with which) you have been clapping. ” The bemedalled general [“I have been Parsi boy ’s mother felt that living in the mofdssil he would be inconvenienced for food, etc and therefore recalled him to pear in my medals ”] had asked, “Is the Bombay). ’By now the Hindu boy is a very Parsi community getting over anxious? If so, why? And what should we do about it? ” To illumine the background to the ques ­ tions he described the shying away of Parsi Top row (L^to R from facing page) boys from any discomforts. He narrated an incident of over-anxious parents worried about their son travelling with him on the and Taleyarkhan presenting shield and upper berth of a train from Bombay to certificate for elocution to Kamaz Pooniwala senior officer in Hoechst and I wonder where that Parsi boy is! ” Khambatt^ Udwadia; Desai; Guzder receiving flowers from Priya Bhujwalla; W- " A « 33 Parsiana June 1995 I'k 1 [ r ’ I 1 j Sethna related how mothers in his time (of) a lack of confidence. Parents are very encouraged their young sons to join the services, even when World War II was parents present, not one chose to answer, raging: “Our mothers said to us at that time, 'Jao, fateh karo, Ahura ni madad thi (Go over anxious. necessary for self-fulfilment. ” — and with Ahura Mazda ’s help, success Sethna also noted that working women Guzder sought to inculcate a greater will be yours). ’ ” In contrast Sethna said, a of other communities find it easier to work tendency towards entrepreneurship by re- because they are pretty calling that the community had acquired sure that their mothers or its social and economic status because of mothers-in-law will feed the ability of the older generations to make the children and may even money in business and to spend it wisely in help with the homework, creating social infrastructure for their “Why do Parsi women coreligionistsaswellasfortheircompatri- not have that support?... Is ots. He spoke of their strong religious faith it because the parents are and of his own personal experience of not prepared today to help receiving some of his most creative ideas or is it because their while saying his prayers. Prayers, he told daughters are not the assembledZoroastrians, will eliminate prepared to accept the the need for medicines together with head ­ help of their parents or their parents-in-law? ” Sethna urged the audi ­ ence for a response but there was none. He ad ­ vised the youth to return to the core values of the But the spirit of the HPY was best exefnpli- faith: charity in the sense of giving of fied in four lines of an interdenominational oneself; the kusti before meals and sukrana prayer with whic^ Sethna had concluded (thankfulness) after. “I keep on saying all these things because many in Bombay think that we people in Delhi are very modern. Hun koine vatlava nathi mangto; grandmother ofhis acquaintance told him, hun khali Parsi ne Zarthosti banavva ‘“Adi Jauni, aye loko su karech? Aye manguch (I do not wish to convert anyone; Noshirwanne etlo dodvech, dodavech, 1 \ ' Z. . . _ ____ pasino pasino thaijayech (Adi look what tis). ” Noting that the world is seeking they are doing to Noshirwan — they are i ' " " ' __ working the sweat out of him)! ’... Is it right rediscover theirs and concluded by exhor- that there is this anxiety keeping us back? ” )' _ _ _ In answer Shezad Irani pointed out that things cheerfully, confidently and with in Sethna ’s generation there were seven to < .Lk.________ eight brothers and sisters in a family. “I to oFberslhan to ’yourself and do something don ’t accept that if you go in a war you die different. ” or something like that; but this anxiety is Introducing guest of honor Homi Tale- just because you have only one son or only yarkhan BPP chairman Jamshed Guzder who presided over the function recalled seeing him work in Bombay House tion of our times: a desire to reconcile over protective nowadays. ” Of the many political freedom with equitable and sus ­ tained development that will provide all One man refused to accept that Parsis are citizens with economic and social resources over anxious. Sethna also noted that working women i I, ¦ Hi At the navjote of Binaifer and Diana Daruwalla — one of the HPY’s social service highlights — are the children’s mother, the BPP’s Bakhtawar Dastoor, Bharucha, Tata, Marfatia and a relative I only want to change Parsis into Zarthos- J a return to family values, he urged Parsis to ting the youths “to go forth and do many 1 a song on your lips...Do things more useful different. ” Introducing guest of honor Homi Tale- one daughter. ” (Later in the evening Ankle ­ saria provided a counterpoint to Irani ’s seeing nim work in Bombay House as a argument in the form of a story about a Sikh junior assistant in the Tata Oil Mills Com- lady who lost her fifth son in the war. The pany many years ago. Since then, of course, senior officers who went to condole with Taleyarkhan carved a niche for himself in herfound her weeping —because she had Indian politics and diplomacy. Taleyar- no more sons to offer the motherland!) " ‘ Sethna ’s second question was “Are our parents supportive enough in the endeavor depicted the growing emphasis on materia! ofourchildrentoexcel?(Are)theyexpect- 1 _______ ing too much from the children and getting today. Decrying such a blase attitude Tale- disappointed? ” When a girl responded, “You should ask the parents about that, ” Sethna turned the question around: “Are you anxious? ” “In some (respects) yes... Because the world here we feel is quite dangerous nowadays and it is because khan ’s speech was largely based on a sur ­ vey published in the national Press which benefits that seemed to preoccupy youth yarkhan referred to the billions in underde ­ veloped countries who are below the pov ­ erty line and the growing incidence of po ­ verty in the Zoroastrian community. He wished the young members of the HPY to “find a solution to...the Promethean ambi- 35 Parsiana June 1995 aches and worry! Anklesaria, who summarized the points that the major speakers had made earlier, informed the gathering that though matri ­ mony hadn ’t been one of the goals of the HPY, it had resulted in three unions to date. his remarks: “We thank Thee for the hillsjo climb and hard work to do. Things which require the skill of hand and eye. We thank Thee for music which raises our hearts in one breath To heaven - and for the hard grasp of a friend. ” V rd 4* Always remember T TATA A BATA .y KHAMBATA S Ketayun & Bomi J 22/A,W ellington Terrace Wellington Street Bombay 400002 Tel No. 2069636, 2057242 I Ireceived her doctorate from Oxford in 1974. At this time, she was also head of the South Africa her life was consumed by ANC’s research department, and although more involved in what she de- _ ____ the country the second time —the day after scribes as “broad anti-apartheid work, she to ministers, so that the public is denied the Sharpeville shootings, March 22,1960. often crucial information. A freelance iournalist then, she was in But Ginwala never misses an oppor ­ tunity to distinguish between government and Parliament. Government is the execu ­ tive which runs the country; Parliament makes the laws that form the framework for that operation. “I know this sounds highfalutin, but the National Assembly is the custodian of the choice of the people. People voted, they elected those Members (of Parliament), and now those are the custodians of democracy. ” Ginwala talks a lot about democracy and about her plans to achieve it. It ’s somehow hard to reconcile her constant preoccupation with openness, participation gress activist Monty Naicker when Walter to her, ” she says, and accountability with the Press ’s former Sisulu phoned to ask in a guarded way With the support of a crop of exiles who “hardline Marxist theoretician ” label. What whether she could go to visit her parents left South Africa in the 1970s, Ginwala does she think of this? “I don ’t feel I need who were in Mozambique. Her real task, was among those who argued that libera- to answer anything, ” she snaps. “If they ’ve though, was to get ANC leader Oliver tion in South Africa would mean nothing got their labels right or wrong, it ’s their Tambo out of the country. “I was flung in without freedom for women. She had to judgement. ” at the deep end, ” she says. “I wasn ’t in a fight the tlipside of that battle too: just as She has much the same reaction to questions about her personal life. An example: “When were you born? ” I ask. “1932.” “What month? ” “April. ” This is becoming like a cross-exami ­ nation, and I’m definitely not winning. I gird myself. “What day? ” “Why do you want to know my birth ­ date? ” she asks, exasperated. I explain that that he was eventually arrested, a profile of a person means more than just - - an examination of their work and politics, but she is unconvinced. “Just leave it as April, 1932,” she says, giving the lie to chauvinists who accuse women of fudging worked in the anti-apartheid movement, their year of birth. This much I can tell you: she was born, the middle child of three, on an untold day Tambo, and based in England, Mozam- in April 1932 in Johannesburg. Her father, an oil miller, was born in Mozambique and the family ran a business there. She grew up in Kempton Park and tained the strong intellectual independence Roodepoort and went to school in the area west of Johannesburg, near where the Market Theatre now stands. Her family zania, invited her to edit The Standard, one went to India during the war, and she spent of the newly nationalized newspapers, her fouryearsschoolingthere,mainlybecause reply was, “I’m not constitutionally ca- 1950s where she got a law degree at Lon ­ don University, but when she came back to THE HON’BLE SPEAKER continued from page 22 vants, particularly in key government mi nistries such as housing and safety and politics. She was not quite 28 when she left she was security, can and do block or control access L-----------, to ministers, so that the Dublic is denied the Sharpe ville shootings, March 22,1960. also worked underground on such projects as assessing South Africa ’s nuclear capability. “Frene worked flat out, ” recalls her nephew Zavareh Rustomjee, who is now director-general of the department of trade and industry. “Even when it was not popu ­ lar (in England) to be part of the ANC.” It was around this time, too, that she had begun to get involved in the ANC Women ’s Section. Previously, she had disdained it as a “welfare ” part of the ANC, but an exiled organizer of the Alexandra bus boycott, Florence Mposho, had consistently chided her for not taking women ’s emancipation more seriously . “I owe a lot of my awareness A freelance journalist then, she was Ginwala argued that liberation in South Africa would mean nothing without freedom for women Durban interviewing Natal Indian Con- Sisulu phoned to ask in a guarded way whether she could go to visit her parents who were in Mozambique. Her real task, though, was to get ANC leader Oliver Tambo out of the country. “I was flung in at the deep end, ” she says. “I wasn ’t in a leadership position then. I just happened she argued in ANC circles that liberation meant women ’s freedom, in international circles she argued that, Ibr third world to be in the right place at the right time. ” She went to Salisbury in then Rhodesia, and chartered the aircraft that eventually women, liberation without concomitant flew Tambo out of the country . S he bee ame a kind of travel agent for the ANC, and later arranged for Nelson Mandela, who was then banned, to leave the country for his trip around Africa. She also got him back into South Africa. It was for this illegal trip Africa. When she returned from exile in 1990, she castigated both the ANC and the gov ­ ernment for having only one woman on social, political and economic freedom was unthinkable. Her constituency now is much broader, but her base, her lodestar, is still the organi ­ zation and emancipation of women in South * For Ginwala the next 30 years were spent in exile — broken only briefly in 1976 when she was given special indemnity their fledgling negotiating forum. “How to attend her father ’s funeral. Mostly, she can these men serve on such acommittee? ” she asked of the ANC, “If there were 19 whites and one black, they would have refused to serve. ” Perhaps it is her sharp tongue, or perhaps bique and Zambia. her devotion to the task she has set herself. Despite her close connection with the that gives her the reputation of being some- African liberation movements, she main- but more importantly, she was, for many years, a close associate of and assistant to what difficult to work with. “That ’s partly true, ” admits her assistant Naidoo. “She sets high standards for herself and those that is today her hallmark. For instance, in 1969, when Julius Nyere, president ofTan- around her. ” Rustomjee, her sister ’s son, says of her that she is a mixture of “discipline, com ­ passion and justice. The public perception it V/3S too dangerous to return. “Passenger pable. ” His reaction was that that was why of her is a hard one. The compassionate ships were being torpedoed then. ” he wanted her. And did it work out in side, the family side, the softer side, I don ’t Politics grew on her when she returned practice? “Not entirely, ” she admits. She think comes across as easily. ” She makes to South Africa, helped, perhaps, by the did report to him, and in practice, he even- regular time for her 85-year-old mother fact that a.schoolmate was on trial. tually fired her. and spends what little is left with her Her parents sent her to England in the She returned to England, where she sister ’s family. he wanted her. And did it work out in practice? “Not entirely, ” she admits. She did report to him, and in practice, he even ­ tually fired her. She returned to England, where she 36 Parsiana June T995 »! (I I I j It is a part of the woman that she is one of the most charming politicians around today, yet can be merciless with those she thinks are wasting her time. Recently, when members of the parliamentary trade union occupied her office during a protest strike —“without an appointment, ” she remarked acidly to the Press — she refused to see them and said she felt she was owed an apology. There must be few politicians whose self-assurance can outweigh their anxie ­ ties about being popular, especially in their own constituencies. Ginwala got her apology. Perhaps she ’ll file it with a letter she got from Mphumzi Mbetheni, a schoolchild who toured Parlia ­ ment with Abbi and Elizabeth and the Read-a-Thon group. Mphumzi wrote thank ­ ing the Speaker “for everything that you have done for us when we were in Parlia ­ ment. I thank you for being so kind to us when we arrived there. ” The two missives might remind her of the difficulties, and the joys, of the task she has set herself. I i J « k’ > L. > * Tewrs * I I1 MISSING ¦ It is revealed that some other person died in the name of my father Mr Dhanjishah Ardeshir Cama in 1976. The death certificate is incorrectly in the name of my father instead of in the deceased’s name. My father’s photograph appears alongside. I am not seeking wealth but my Papaji (father), who is in his nineties, served TATAs for 42 years. In 1978,1 saw him in Bandra, Bombay and reported to CID. I found him in December 1986. But he is missing from Tata Memorial Hospital since then. In November/December 1993 I saw him again in the back seat of a white Ambassador car at Nagpur. L I appeal to World Zoroastrian Organisation (WZO), Federation of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of India (FPZAI), Federation of Zoroastrain Associations of North America (FEZANA), Council of Vigilant Parsis, Parsi Free Food Charitable Trust, institutions, old age homes, beggar homes, hospitals, lunatic asylums to find out whether my father whose photo is given above was admitted into their place in the past or is at present with them with the same name or change of name. I request anyone knowing my missing father’s whereabouts to kindly inform me. The informer will be rewarded for helping me to end my years of suffering. I will be indebted forever. The information could be sent through SPEED POST with acknowledgement due. I will pay back the cost. I am the only daughter of Mr Dhanjishah Ardeshir Cama. Miss KhorshcdDhanjishah Ardeshir Cama, Alaknanda Apartments, 403,4th Floor, Plot No 100, Opp Shivaji Park, Shivajinagar, Nagpur 440010 ---------- —------------------------- ------------------------------------------------- ------ > Nasik, dated 1/6/1995. OBJECTION NOTICE Be it known to all that, the lands mentioned in the Schedule have been purchased by Hillrange Cooperative Housing Society Ltd., Deolali Camp, from previous owners through its mediator Shri Anwar Hussain Mulla of M/s Mulla Associates and got the layout plans ofthe said lands sanctioned for plots from Deolali Cantonment Board and the plots have been got sanctioned by showing the approach road through the adjacent lands of my client “The Deolali Dokhma and Charities Trusf Deolali Camp Taluka and Dist: Nasik, In fact there was no approach road through the lands of my client. Hence my client have preferred various representations to the authorities concerned and have also taken legal steps for concellation of the said layout plans and the said proceedings are pending and not yet decided. Therefore, my client “The Deolali Dokhma and Charities Trust, Deolali camp” hereby take objection and make it known to all the persons that there is no right of approach road through the lands S. No. 122A of Shingave Bahula Taluka and Dist. Nasik of my client to the lands mentioned in the Schedule and so the prospective buyers be aware while dealing or purchasing plots in the said lands from Hillrange Cooperative Housing Society Ltd, Deolali Camp. If the prospective purchasers of the plots become members of the said society it will be at their costs, risk and consequences. SCHEDULE OF THE PROPERTIES: The lands S.No.121 A/2 area 5691.23 Sq. mtrs, and 123A/1 area 2633.37 Sq. mtrs, and S. No. 123B area 2000 Sq.mtrs and other lands of village Shingve Bahule, Deplali Cantonment Taluka and Dist. Nasik. Shri N. G. Gaikwad, B.Sc. LLM Chamber No. 104, Building, No. 2, Nasik Dist. Court Campus, Nasik City 4' is being sold at A M/s Eduiji Rustomji Sukhadwala, Allbless Building, Next to Banaji Atash Behram, 266 Thakurdwar, Bombay 400002 Tel No: 3857535 A R. N. Kerawalla Provision & Stores, 218, Chandra Mahal, Dr Cawasji Hormasji Street, Dhobi Talao, Bombay 400002. Tel No: 2061343 A Union Press, Zoroastrian Association Building, 16, Horniman Circle, 13 Homji Street, Fort, Bombay 400001 Tel No: 2660357/2665526 A Faredun Burjor & Company, Princess Street, Bombay 400CX)2 A Swabal Stores, Colaba Causeway, Bombay 400039 Tel No: 2841866 Parsiana Book of Iranian Names is also available on sale at the first four outlets Or contact the subscription department C/o Kaiser-E-Hind Pvt Ltd, 300 Perin Nariman Street (Behind Reserve Bank of India), Bombay 400001. Tel No: 2658619,2665661. Fax: 2042922. ¦»I HISTORY t Causeway with a cause An erroneous change in the name of Lady Jamsetjee Road clouded the 150th anniversary celebration of the Mahim Causeway Homi Rogers .» t li T ¦I* Few anniversaries are observed with the misgiving that dimmed the sesquicentenary (150th anniversary) of Bombay ’s Mahim Causeway built by Lady Avabai Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy at a cost of Rs 1.40 lakhs. When the Causeway was ceremonially inaugu ­ rated by the Governor of Bombay on April 8, 1845, Lady Jamsetjee gave a further donation of Rs 22,000 for a “handsome approach to the causeway, ” as notes Jehangir R. P. Mody 'm Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy The First Indian Knight and Baronet. The new road, opened in 1848, has been known as Lady Jamsetjee Road ever since. Hence, the change of name listed against it in the Bombay Telephone Directory 1994 led to consternation in the Jejeebhoy fam ­ ily and the community. “I am greatly dis ­ tressed, even disheartened, by this unnec ­ essary change... (The Bombay Municipal) Corporation (BMC) has, by this contemp- was sent to the Press, including Parsiana. the government divert to it thel5® COMMENT Filling Our Needs Religious education for the adult can succeed only if it satisfies certain basic needs, says the author Dina G. McIntyre “And may that man reach what is better highest priority, acquiring knowledge of verse study of the Gathas, which is more than good [ie the best], namely, the one Zarathushtra ’s own teachings and, every challenging, but very rewarding. If you wish to start at a simpler level, I suggest you start with a book that gives you a Take for example the question of mind general overview, like Farhang Mehr ’s versus spirit. In both the east and the west, today, there is a perception that mind and who would instruct us to the straight paths bit as important, exploring how these teach- oftheMightyOne... ’’(Y43.3—TheGathas ings are relevant to our lives. of Zarathushtra as translated by Prof Stanley Insler) That is how Zarathushtra views reli ­ gious education —instruction in the straight spirit are two opposite and irreconcileable paths of the Mighty One. But in our Zoro ­ astrian community in this country we have had limited success with adult education. One wonders why. Perhaps the answer involves filling our neo. At the other extreme, religious au- needs. If a religious experience fills our thorities denigrate the mind as an impedi- needs, people will come for it no matter how far away they live, or how busy they are. For me, the more I learn about questioned by inquiring minds, and often Zarathushtra ’s teachings, the more deeply require of their adherents a blind, unques- they fill my needs — in ways I never tioning faith. In between these two ex- ____ imagined possible when I first started to tremes are the vast majority of pepopie, problems, to function at homeland at work? study the Gathas. Of course, people s needs uncomfortable with this conflict, but not How does it help us to improve our neigh- differ. So essentially what I give you is a knowing how to resolve it. borhoods, to find solutions for the great personal perspective. Zarathushtra ’s approach is quite differ- questions of our day? A good way to In attempting to figure out the ingredi- ent from the conventional wisdom of to- explore the relevance of Zarathushtra ’s ents for a successful program of religious day. He does not see mind and spirit as teachings to our lives is through group education, I looked at the problem both in irreconcilable and opposing forces. He discussions. Bring forward questions terms of Zarathushtra ’s teachings, and in ' " * ....................................... terms of filling our needs. The system of adult religious education which I suggest is to create local adult study groups, like and good spirit — Sunday schools, that meet periodically, and that include within their structure and activities, five requirements: knowledge tuality is not threatened by an inquiring anything that interests your group. Analyse of Zarathushtra ’s teachings, discussion, mind rather, it is strengthened by it. I love or discuss the problem and its solutions action, friendship and prayer. this harmony between mind and spirit in within the framework of the teachings of The Zoroastrian Tradition. Each week, have a different person in the study group assume responsibility for forces. At one extreme, people in scientific explaining (or reading aloud) one chapter fields express scepticism at anything spiri- or one lesson, and leading a discussion on tual, regarding as fantasy something that it. The more participation you have bet- cannot be dissected, analysed and quanti ­ fied. At the other extreme, religious ween members of the group, the more successful the gr^up will be. ment to spirituality. They find it unsettling Discussion to their authority to have their dictates One of the exciting things ab|put studying Zarthushtra ’s teaching, is becoming aware of how relevant it is to our lives. How does it help us to relate to people, to solve study the Ga/Aa5. Of course, people ’s needs uncomfortable with this conflict, but not Zarathushtra ’s approach is quite differ ­ ent from the conventional wisdom of to- irreconcilable and opposing forces. He discussions. Bring forward questions or tells us that a good mind and spirit are both problems that are of interest, and then dis- a part of God, and they also exist in man. cuss those questions within the framework Both of these divine forces — a good mind of the teachings of Zarathushtra that you - are I about the desired end. In Zarathushtra ’s view, its okay to think for ourselves. Spiri- are necessary to bring have learned about. Or pick a topic of current interest — the'war on drugs, abor ­ tion, the O. J. Simpson situation, Bosnia, mind rather, it is strengthened by it. I love this harmony between mind and spirit in Zarathushtra ’s teachings. Itmakessense.lt Zarathushtra that you have learned. "You will be amazed at how these teachings come to life, and how much they help you to make sense out of your life. If your group decides to get into the later Zoroastrian literature, you will find some of it quite beautiful, and some of it really , ---------------- awful. Don ’t be afraid to discuss realisti- Zarathushtia and the ideas taught by other the Gathas that relate to each theme, it will cally what turns you off. If you look at major religions. Shouldn t we be aware of not only help you to understand Zara- every major religion, you will see that over these differences? If we are Zarthushtis, thushtra ’s ideas, it will also help you to the centuries, the practices and customs shouldn ’t we know what Zarathushtra become familiar with his own words. With that have been devised by man to suit a taught? Our study group should have, as its • • - • Knowledge of Zarathushtra’s teachings frees me from artificial scepticism, and also “ from unthinking dogma. I like the freedom and the responsibility that this teaching gives me to figure out whats right in my time period. And do it. If you first study the themes that run It saddens me to hear leaders of the Zoro ­ astrian community say that all religions are the same in terms of their ideas, and that it is only the ceremonies and traditions that give a religion its identity. In fact, there are many differences between the ideas of through the Gathas, with quotations from not only help you to understand Zara ­ thushtra ’s ideas, it will also help you to become familiar with his own words. With this foundation, you can start a verse by particular time period, become obsolete. 41 ParsianaJune 1995 << * Iand are relinquished by succeeding genera ­ tions. I doubt you would find many Christians today who see their religion in terms of the practices which prevailed in medieval times, when the scourge and the cell were considered indispensible aids to achieving spirituality. In the same way, Zoroastrians today have relinquished many of the man ­ made practices and customs that governed our forefathers. For example, in theVen- didad, it was considered a “most deadly deed ” for a person to permit any hair to drop into the ground without protective rituals, and a person guilty of such conduct, we are told, would pay for it with his life. Today we all go to barber shops and beauty salons, without fear of capital punishment. Yet we still cling to certain outmoded ideas that are demeaning to women, ideas that appear in later literature and not in the revelations of Zarathushtra. This is not right. If your study group decides to get into the later literature, don ’t be afraid to look at both the good and the bad. Take what ’s good and use it in your lives. And let go of what your good mind and your good spirit tell you is not good. Adult religious education will not be a success if it alienates you from common sense and life in the mainstream. It will not be a success unless it ’s meaningful to your life. And the best way to make it meaning ­ ful to your life is to discuss and understand Zarathushtra ’s original teachings in terms of today ’s knowledge, and real life situa ­ tions. If you want your study group to survive, it is essential that in the course of your discussions, you treat each other with cour ­ tesy, with friendship, with respect. Give each person a chance to speak in turn . Don ’ t interrupt. Don ’t yell and scream. As Dastur Nowrooz Minochehr-Homji was fond of saying; “Let us disagree without being disagreeable. ” The sharing of knowledge and insight which group discussions gen ­ erate is a great way to learn, but the bottom line is that each individual has the right to think for herself or himself, and make his or her own choices. I am well aware that there are Zoroastrians in India who scoff at this idea. In so doing, I think they miss a very profound aspect of Zarathushtra ’s thought. If you read the Gathas, you will find that he lived in a time of great cruelty and op ­ pression. Both the princes and the priests were a part of this stranglehold of oppres ­ sion: “... the rich Karpan [type of priest] chose the rule of tyrants and deceit rather than truth ” (Y32.12). “Those deceitful ones who appear in gran ­ deur as lords and ladies, even they have ruined this life by stealing the property of the (true) inheritor... [and] have tried to deflect the truthful from the very best thinking. ” (Y32.il) Zarathushtra himself was on the recei- ¦ ving end of this oppression, and was ruth ­ lessly ostracized by these corrupt priests and princes. He complains to G^: “...throughout my lifetime I have been condemned as the greatest defiler, I who try to satisfy the poorly protected (crea ­ tures) with truth... come to me, give sup­ port to me... ” (Y49.1) “To what land to flee? Where shall I go to flee? They exclude (me) from my family and from my clan. The community with which I have associated has not satisfied me, nor those who are the deceitful rulers of the land. How, then, shall I satisfy Thee, Wise Lord? ” (Y46.1). “...I lament to Thee. T,ake notice of it. Lord, offering the support which a friend should grant to a friend... ” (Y46.2). Confronted by corruption and oppres ­ sion, Zarathushtra wrestled with the prob ­ lem of how to bring about change, and he concluded that change starts with an indi ­ vidual making choices. A profound insight. YOU can have the J^st systems in the world -judicial, legislative, corporate. But if the individuals who staff these systems don ’t i make the right choices, even -^e best sys ­ tems in the world are not going to work. So CONTUCfJI.IJI.M. 42 Parsiana June 1995 4’^ * hI let the function of your study group be addition, we need to create a band of supportive, instructive. Not dictatorial. Not friends, dogmatic. Respect the right of each person to think for himself and make his/her own thushtra ’s teaching is his idea of the choices. relationship between man and God. He does not describe this relationship as that of actions. The shyest member of your study a father to a child, or a master to a servant. He describes it as that of a beloved to a One of the unique aspects of Zara- answer you get may not be the answer you want, but there will be an answer. And it will be the best. There are many ways to teach. We can teach with words, but more powerfully by Action In a thousand and one ways, our religion tells us that good thoughts and good words beloved or a friend to a friend. Just as God are a great beginning, but they are not enough. They have to be translated into actions. Zarathushtra himself sees the purpose of existence to be two-fold — to perfect There is some hypocrisy in preaching ourselves, and to perfect our world. I think, “unity ” if this unity does not include many therefore, that a successful program of of us. Exclusionary practices do not make according to our wish. ” (Y50.il) religious education should include not only for unity. Such controversies do not refresh knowledge and discussion, but also some action — some perfecting of our world. Volunteer programs give us a wide variety of opportunities to put our beliefs into practice, and in the process cement social resurrecting them —or have separate study and communal relationships with good groups for those whose beliefs and prac- works and goodwill. tices are totally irreconcileable. Otherwise, Our religion has become something of you will simply wind up with a lot of fights, a spectator sport. But that is not the way Zarathushtra conceives it. To him, it is a _ way of life. Like the group discussions, a Zarathushtra talks of a brotherhood or com- group project, or group action will be a munity of those who follow truth and right meaningful way of making Zarathushtra ’s — asha. That spirit of friendship, of be- teachings come to life and, in the process, longing, of being good to each other, is it will make the members feel good about what will make people travel long miles, themselves, good about their communi- and take time out of busy lives, to be a part ties, and good about their study group. I of our study group, also suggest that in choosing your projects you should not limit them to projects that Prayer benefit only the Zoroastrian community. I suggest 10 minutes at the start of each Zarathushtra taught that the loving and study group session to pray as a group for some particular person or good purpose. Today, we tend to think of our prayers as group can be as effective a teacher with his actions as the most articulate member of the group is with his words. So let me close is friends with us, so must we be friends with a verse from the Gathas which give us with each other. Just as we are beloved of the objectives of religious education. God, so must we be loving to each other. Our community is torn by controversies. “...Through good thinking the Creator of existence shall promote the true realization of what is most healing our spirits and re-charge our energies. For Edited and abridged from the paper presented to adult education to succeed, we must either Ninth North American decide these controversies once and for Sn^'X,X°w& all, and then set them aside — not keep Dina G. McIntyre is a practising lawyer who published in '89-90 An introduction to the Gathas of Zarathushtra — a se­ ries of 12 contributory es­ says by various scholars of Zoroastrianism, copies of which may be obtained, without charge, while supplies last, by writing to Dina @ 1609 Lawyers Building, Pitsburg PA 15219 USA. a lot of disgust, and people will start turn ­ ing off and dropping out. In the Gathas, i i li benevolent spirit of God, spenta mainyu, lives in each of us — not just in Zoroastri ­ ans. If we truly believe this, then we begin being very rigidly prescribed, in both form to understand the brotherhood of man. A Persian poet of die 15th century, Jami, expressed it this way. He said: “Each essence is a separate glass. Through which the Sun of Being ’s Light is passed, Each tinted fragment sparkles in the sun A thousand colors, but the Light is One. ” We need to re-learn this ancient and beautiful teaching of our prophet that is so relevant to life today. and content. And that ’s perfectly all right. But let us not limit ourselves to the pre ­ scribed routine. In the Gathas we see ex ­ amples of many different types of prayer. There are many instances in which Zara ­ thushtra prays for others. For example, he says to Ahura Mazda: “Thee... do I lovingly entreat for the best for Frashaoshtra... ” (Y28.8). Zarathushtra tells us that if a prayer has two ingredients, God will never fail to answer, and those two ingredients are good purpose and love: “... For I know that words deriving from Friendship We live in a fast-moving society that gen ­ erates a substantial amount of stress. And good purpose and from love are not to be this stress creates a corresponding need for left wanting by you. ” (Y28.10). something that refreshes our spirits, re ­ charges our energies. Knowledge and dis- bring to the group ’s attention whatever cussion of Zarathushtra ’s beautiful teach- person or situation is in need of prayer, and ings, and good works that put them into follow Zarathushtra ’s example. Pray to- practice, are all good ways to refresh our gether with good purpose, and with love, to spirits and re-charge our energies. But, in help someone in need. Bear in mind, the So encourage members of the group to 43 Parsiana June 1995 MATRIMONIAL Bachelor in fifties having independent business seeks matrimony with suitable girl. Apply with details and photograph (returnable) to: Ths Advertiser Parsiana, Matrimonial (June/24-95)* GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 ’Please make sure the reply envelope bears the reference number cited here. MATRIMONIAL Handsome Baroda based Parsi gentleman, aged 40 years,6’, fair, from a respectable family, earning a good salary seeks matrimonial alliance from educated, home-loving, working/ non-wroking girls. Apply with photograph returnable to: The Advertiser Parsiana, Matrimonial (Juno/25-95)* GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 ’Please make sure the reply envelope bears the reference number dted here. 4’ *MILESTONES The age of Zoroastrian brides (as listed in this issue) ranged ease, nervous disorder, ence- between 21 and 35 years, the phalopathy, bums, urinary tract arithmetic mean - the total number of individual ages divi ­ ded by the number of brides - being 27 years. The correspon ­ ding figures for the grooms were 24 and 39 years, averaging at 32 years. There were 66 Zoroastrians who died in June in Bombay as compared to 13 who were born. Of the 20 persons who died due to heart disease, nine were 80 years and above. Ten Zoroas ­ trians died due to pneumonia and lung related diseases and eight due to cancer. Old age and general debility claimed four patients whereas three deaths each were attributed to hyper ­ tension and kidney failure. The 16 isolated cases registered in June were: diabetes, septice ­ mia, cerebral haemorrhage, in- fection of both legs, liver dis ­ ease, nervous disorder. particulars. This information is not always complete or con ­ sistent. For example, the birth figures for Bombay are supplied (72), 5/20, B. S. Panthaky Bora Masjid St, Fort, 400001; June 9 Koomi Nariman Pithawalla BOMBAY Born A boy to Zinobia and Pervez Karanjia on May 27, 1995 A girl to Jasmin and Marzban Maney, June 11 A girl to Pervin and Percy Arsiwala', June 14 A girl to Maharukh and Hazir Dubash; June 19 A boy to Mahazarin and Zen Bharucha; June 20 A boy to Amy and Cyrus Rustom; June 20 A boy to Zia and Ashad Mehta; June 21 A boy to Binaifer and Phiroz Amaria; June 22 A boy to Nivedita and Kurush Paghdiwala; June 22 A girl to Susan and Percy Poonegar; June 24 A boy to Armaity and Neville Wadia; June 24 A boy, Kaiwan, to Nilufer and Nozer Tantra; June 28 A boy, Karl, to Tanaz and Kersi Vaghaiwala; June 28 A boy to Armaity and Adille Sumariwala; June 30 infection, dehydration, ulcera ­ tive colitis (an inflammation by four hospitals; births is Baug, Gundavali, Andheri (E), and ulcerative condition of the colon), cholecystitis (inflamma ­ tion of the gall-bladder), athero ­ sclerosis, arthritis, haemate- mesis and diaphragmatic hernia. Two stillborn baby boys were lost to the community. The youngest to breathe his last was a 30-year-old male as compared religious to the oldest: a 93-year-old lady. The Zoroastrian life expectancy at birth for June in Bombay was erly, death is often due to a 71 years. The data on births, marriages and deaths has been compiled marriages/deaths they would Byculla, 400027; June 10 from information supplied by like published, some proof to Pheroze Behram Karanjia (19), various newsletters and anju- ensure the veracity of the report Shengre-La, 4, Carmichael Rd, mans in India and abroad, courts would be required. We are sure 400026; June 10 and hospitals. We are unable to our readers would appreciate Behram Boman Najmi (68), carry data from areas where the this requirement and cooperate A/28, Laxman Apts, 212/D, anjumans do not furnish the with us. Azad Lane, Andheri (W), 4000^; June 10 Aloomai Navroji Patel (¦67), Sabani Apts, 62/B, Zig Zag Rd, Pali Hill, Bandra, 400050; June 10 arthritis, suburban hospitals and private nursing homes are not included unless individuals send us infor ­ mation together with a copy of the birth certificate. There may be an inadvertent repetition of names in the marriage list when a civil marriage precedes a ceremony. In the breakup of deaths according to illnesses, especially of the eld- combination of several diseases. If readers have any births/ like published, some proof to ensure the veracity of the report would be required. We are sure our readers would appreciate this requirement and cooperate with us. Married Khurshid Erach Sethna and Mehernoz Adi Italia of Bangalore; June 1 Anaihita Gustad Tampal and 44 Parsiana June 1995 400069;June 9 Ardeshir Sohrab Bakhtiyar (41), 24, Haji Habib Bldg, Dr Ambedkar Rd, Dadar, 400014; June 10 Piloo Behman Colabewalla (11), 12, Gulmanor, 8, Strand Rd, Opp Telephone Bhavan, Colaba, 400005; June 10 Khorshed Jehanbux Dubash (61), 11/11, GamadiaCIny, Tardeo Rd, 400007; June 10 Framroze Fakirji Jokhi (90), 919, Rustom Baug, Victoria Rd, Rayomond Hosi Irani; June 2 Gulshan Darabsha Mahuvawalla and Sharukh Adi Navelmanek; June 3 Ketayun Nozer Daruwalla and Kurosh Daryoosh Fallahzadeh; June 4 Delnaaz Kurush Mubarakai and Spenta Farokh Irani; June 5 Tanaze Behram Edulbehram and Rashid Behram Khusrowshahi; June 6 Feroza Jamshed Vatcha and Jehangir Jamshed Madon of Thane; June 8 Farhana Merwan Zainabadi and Jimmy Noshir Shroff; June 24 Died Baby boy of Hufriz Farrokh Basta (stillborn), residing at B/1, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039;June 1 Coomi Jamshed Daruwalla (84), 4, Malcolm Baug, Jogeshwari (W), 400102; June 1 Roda Pirojsha Kavarana (15), Banaji Bldg, Forjett St Cross Lane, Tardeo, 400007; June 1 Meherji Manekshaw Mandviwala (16), Safna, 7/D, Vrindavan Park, Near E. M. Circle, Sama Rd, Baroda, 390008; June 1 Pilamai Jamshedji Boywalla (89), Bandra Florist Comp, 23/D, Hill Rd, Bandra, 400050; June 3 Jamshed Kaikhushroo Bharucha Piroja Kaikhushroo Baria (92), (80), Jer Baug, Dr Ambedkar Rd, Byculla, 400027; June 4 Tehmina Pallonji Gotla (89), C/o Raty R. Paghdiwalla, Patel Bldg, Forjett Cross Lane, Gowalia Tank, 400036; June 4 Navroji Hormusji Mistry (75), 22, Cama Bldg, Gilder Lane, Tardeo, 400008; June 4 Behramsha Dhanjishaw Patel (54), 3, Kavarana Bldg, Sant Gadge Maharaj Lane, Dadar, 400014;June 4 Bachha Bomanshaw Bam (14), 649, Kaka Bldg, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; June 5 Jamshed Ardeshir Mazkoory (15), 15, Khudabux Bldg, Opp Sales Tax Office, Mazgaon T.T., 400010; June 5 Dolat Nariman Patel (80), 27, Sethna Bldg, Mia Mohammad Chotani Rd, Mahim, 400016; June 5 Dinshaw Rustom Irani (70), 602, Mitha Towers, Sector No 17, Vashi, New Bombay, 400703; June 6 Dhun Edulji Baria (61), A/38, Bharat Ngr, 342, Grant Rd, 400007; June 7 Daulat Rustomji Mistry (85), 8, lO/G-2, Shapur Baug, V. P. Rd, 400004; June 11 Khushroo Nariman Damania (30), B/20, Godrej Baug, Off Nepean Sea Rd, 400006; June 11 Mani Jamshedji Davar (83), 152, Mehemaz, 91, Cuffe Parade, 400005; June 11 Dina Barjorji Elavia (11), C/o Khorshed J. Mehta, Sanghika Hse, 558, Adenwalla Rd, Matunga, 400019; June 11 Tehmina I^odadad Irani (62), Merwan Mans, J. V. Rd, Opp Rly Stn, Ghatkopar (W), 400086; June 11 Khorshed Pirojshah Vankadia (65), 17, Mullan Manzil, Balaram St, 40(X)07; June 11 Katy Rustom Charna (73), 9/4, New Geeta Hsg Soc, Anandnagar, Dombivali (E), 421203;June 12 Silloo Burjor Hiramanek (63), Rati Khush, 32, P. J. Nehru Rd, Vakola Pipe Line, Santacruz (E), 400055;June 12 Keki Manecksha Jalnewalla (62), 764/A, Banoo Hse, Dr Ghanti Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014;June 12 k-i I II Loveji Munchershaw Kapadia (60), 1-4/U, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039; June 12 Sam Cursetjee Banatwala (62), 21k, Indu Park, N. Dutta Marg, 4 Bglws, Andheri (W), 400058; June 14 Dina Minocher Choksi (84), M/60, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039; June 14 Bejan Burjor Bharucha (62), B/14, Jer Baug, Dr Ambedkar Rd, Byculla, 400027; June 16 Peshotan (Pesi) Nariman Daruwala (68), 4/4, Khorshcdbai Shroff Bldg, Gamadia Clny, Tardeo, 400007; June 16 Dinshaw Bufjorji Ogra (44), B, Tapia Bldg, Jalbhai Path, Chami Rd Jn, 4(XX)04; June 16 Jal Jamshedji Valdl (69), Amalfi, N^iean Sea Rd, 400006; June 16 Thrity Rusi Bengali (45), C-1/12, Contractor Baug, Mori Rd, Mahim, 400016; June 17 Allamai Dhanjishaw Driver (i5), F. S. Parukh Dharamshalla, 34, Hughes Rd, 400007; June 17 ________ _ Banubai fCoikhushroo Bharucha Soonaiji Mans, Gowalia Tank, (79), 16, Gandhi Mans, Wadia St, Tardeo, 400034; June 19 Baby boy of Khurshid Nadir Elavia (stillborn), 81, M. A. Patel Bglw, J. P. Rd, Andheri (W), 400058; June 19 Mani Maneckshaw Mistry (86), 147, Lentin Hse, Lamington Cross Rd, 400007; June 19 Ardeshir Pestonji Sidhwa (84), Mirza St, Mahatma Gandhi Rd, Udvada, 396180; June 19 Dina Bhicaji Daruvala (78), 104/B, Jupiter Apts, Samarth Ngr, Lokhandwala Complex, Andheri (W), 400058; June 20 Firoze Framji Elavia (49), 567, Dinsil, 14th Main Rd, Kora Mangala, Bangalore, 560034; June 20 Framroze Mancherji Patel (87), A/7, Mehta Bldg, Captain Clny, Tardeo Rd, 400034; June 20 Baimai Berjor Patel (55), 2, Jahangir Baug, Opp Jussawala Sanatorium, Juhu, 400049; June 20 Freny Jamshedji Engineer (78), 501, Kiran Towers, 45, Pali Hill Rd, Bandra, 400050; June 21 Khorshed Minocher Sethna (84), Sethna Hse, 251, Tardeo Rd, 400007; June 21 Daulatbai Pestonji Tavadia (83), 6/16, Tata Clny, Tardeo, 400034;June 21 Dinamai Pirojshaw Wadia (i2), i-2Q/N, Talukdar Bldg, Marazban Clny, A. R. Nair Rd, 400011;June 22 Dhunjisha Ratanji Kalyaniwalla Bhavan, 554, Chira Bazar, (82), Batliwalla Bldg, Khan Est, Girgaum Rd, 400002; June 30 M. M. Chotani Rd, Mahim, 400016;June 24 Kaikhusroo From Vakil (91), 209/B, Cumballa Crest, 42, Peddar Rd, 400026; June 24 Rustomji Bomanji Engineer (86), D/2, Eden Hall, Dr Annie Besant Rd, Worli, 400018; June 25 Eruch Byramji Mistry (73), Jeevan Dhara, Dr Ambedkar Rd, Bandra (W), 400050; June 25 Tehmina Jehangir Chhoy (93), 10/8, Rustom Baug, Victoria Rd, Byculla, 400027; June 26 Najamai Meherwanji Dalal (93), 20, Dhunjibhoy Bldg, Sleater Rd, 400007; June 26 Jamshedji Ardeshir Gora (85), B/14, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039;June 26 Temuras Hiraji Baria (69), (83), 5/27, A. H. Wadia Baug, Parel Tank Rd, 400033; June 29 Goal Behram Boga (71), 6, Sai Aashish, Dr Peter Dias Rd, Hill Rd, Bandra, 4{XX)30; June 30 Khodamuradh Rustom Irani (Kohinoor) (81), Kanya Nargis Nariman Kelawalla (76), 4/62, A. H. Wadia Baug, Parel Tank Rd, 400033;June 30 Shirin Homi Sarkari (75), D/6, Rustom Baug, Victoria Rd, Byculla, 400027; June 30 CALCUTTA Died Jamshed Shiavax Banker, June 15 45 Parsiana June 1995 400036;June 29 Tehmina Fardunji Jasavala POONA Died Baby boy ol Xerxes Burjor Bharucha (2 days), 4, Dr Coyaji Rd, East St, 411001; June 6 Nargis B. Marolia (70), C/o Meheroo M. Dalai, B/3, Park View, Salisbury Park, 411037; June 6 Perin Ratansha Edibam (92), 43, Sassoon Rd, 411001; June 7 Noshir Darabsha Jijina (74), 9, Navyug, 15, Wellesley Rd, 411001; June 17 TOTALS FOR 1995 BORN Boys Girls A 10 13 Bombay B A India B 49 40 4 3 Pillamai Kaikhushru Irani (79), A/2, Hennes Towers, 618, Sachapir St, 411001; June 29 SURAT Died Dolatbanu Jamshedji Tural (79), Goti Adarian, Dhastipura, 394003; June 8 Shera Kamaji Daruwala (72), Palia St, Nanpura, 395001; June 25 CANADA Richmond, British Columbia Married Tazeen Behramfram, daughter of Khursheed and Sam and Kersasp Bharucha, son of Banoo and Rusi of Edmonton; June 3 USA Chicago Married Natasha Bdjmoria and David H. Casey, June 24 Durham, North Carott|^a Died Freny Udvadia, June 19 Compiled by Roxana A. Driver * World A B 9 7 MARRIED Parsi Intercommunal DIED CONSIGNED Males Females CREMATED Males Females 8 30 36 161 25^ 232 222 3 5 2 A: Total numbers in this issue B: Running totals for 1995 (February-March 1995-June 1995 issues) Males married out - 12 Females married out - 13 2 1 1 3 6 46 42 1 11* ir • Overseas deaths are listed in the consigned column as Parsiana does not have a breakup of those ciGmatOQ. 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.IN MEMORIAM Randeria: research and religion Died: Dr (Ms) Jer Dara Randeria, 64, emi ­ nent cancer researchist who is credited with being the first person in the world to successfully inbreed certain strains of from the Indian Cancer Research Centre, the subject of her thesis being “Biological testing of tobacco extracts for carcinoge- nicity. ” “Her research on betel chewing To her goes the honor of being the first and cancer had been acclaimed intema- Parsi bride to be permitted entry into South tionally ,” states The Leader of March 31, Africa which was then doggedly advoca- — ~ ling the apartheid system. It was with mastomtes, on March 25, 1995 at the tremendous difficulty that her husband Sherwood Central Hospice in Durban, ~ South Africa following cancer. For nearly four decades Randeria (nde Mody) conducted extensive studies in can ­ cer during which time she was instrumen ­ tal in building up research facilities at different institutes: she set up the Experi ­ mental Pathology Laboratory in the bio ­ logy division of the Indian Cancer Re ­ search Centre; she introduced the depart ­ ment of histopathology at the then newly started CIBA Research Centre at Bombay; she established the Cancer Research Insti ­ tute and its animal room facility at the University of Durban, Westville working as its head and senior research officer for 15 years during which time she was able to culture mastomies — breed certain strains of mice that “spontaneously develop intra ­ stomach cancer and ductal breast cancer analogous to those found in humans, ” it was reported by Dr Thillay Naidoo in The Par see Community in South Africa. She - had also then organized the First Interna- u ^he also spared time from her extremely tional Seminar on Mastomies. Before pro- ^“7 professional work and schedule to ceeding to Durban, Randeria was for a * " rehgio-culture of the S tan. si tute, Tata Memorial Centre as officer in who would be an asset to the Indian com- ied papers on Zoroastrian tonics and com ch^g e of expertme ntal pathology, informs munity, recalls Dara ’s sister Perin Dittia. parative religion She was one of the most wrta-up " ,h findings were sought across vociferousproponentsoftheFasHcalen- WhikrafMarenntofMarchl? refers '95 issue dar, urging all the Zoroastrian sects Io IO her as a "senior cancer research scien- toiveSty WesMIle h ‘‘T “"i*''’™ calendar Her popular tish" The Drn/y ^enrs of the same date prolific^'^ri.:' Drtan"de™~ove^r r^e^X" acknowled^d her as “respected cancer 70 publications in inlernational journals Theme, and neParflZd-A^r^ =rap5^six^s 0:^=--=- 0f.heBa^rtA;pZ1 “F:jJTd^: S^e, S SX^rh^^^l^gX^nTn ^u^? ” "Sar^eBlly'S^'r^aSa. “ -SSSESh directories of UK and USA, Who’s Who of International Biographical Centre, Cam- Women in South bacteriology, and conducted classes in basic Africa. She was the first Asian lady to win the prestigious Kalsia Cancer Research Prize in 1965. 1995. For five years she was the recipient of the coveted scholarship from the Na- tional Institute of Health, USA. As the ophthalmic surgeon, was able to Bombay University and J. N. Tata scholar, J she proceeded to the University of Leeds, UK, studied at the department of experi ­ mental pathology and cancer research and completed her PhD (Med) with her thesis entitled “Experimental ovarian tumors in mice in varying conditions. ” Further in ­ sight and experience she gained by under ­ taking study tours of several well-known European cancer research laboratories. At the Penrose Research Laboratory, Univer ­ sity of Pennsylvania, she did a course in comparative pathology. iL Surat born Randeria ’s early education H was at the Dhunmai Cawasji School in H Khandala. As a science student at Bombay ’ s ¦ St Xavier ’s College, she had hoped to make her career in medicine. Bu^when she was unable to secure a seat in a medical college having fallen short of a few marks, she opted to pursue microbiology, informs her brother Faramroz Mody. convince the authorities who ultimately . -4 9 ¦ I 47 ParsianaJune 1995 > relented on the proviso that he bring a wife who would be an asset to the Indian com ­ munity, recalls Dara ’s sister Perin Dittia. Her research findings were sought across the globe. As mentions the April ’95 issue of Varsity Voice, the publication of the adopt one uniform calendar. Her popular I Inivprcitv a k i i ¦ « . . . _ _ r r and presented papers at numerous interna ­ tional conferences. ” She was guest lec- __________ _ turer in pathology at the Grant Medical together to rake up ideas, to dig in'to*trea- College, Bombay; Regional Research La- . .. boratory, Hyderabad; Department of Can ­ cer Research, Berkeley, California; and at the University of Perugia, Italy. At the University of Bombay she served as guide ---------------xiiouiuic lU UCUVer ini Fn specializ- the Government Fellowship Lectures when gave annual lectures in pathology and Zoroastrianism. ” These talks mg in applied biology and microbiology, she covered “Some Unique Concepts in ------- ---- 3 were in memory of her revered mother Dina K. Mody to whom as she put it, “faith was as natural as life. ” Despite all her achievements, Randeria histology and pathology. After graduating in microbiology and chemistry, Randeria did her postgraduationwas very simple, humble and self-effac ­ ing. To this scientist, service was love in action. She believed that the best reward for service is power to do greater service. Randeria is survived by her husband Dara and daughter Perveez. (Compiled from a write-up submitted by Capt Hormazdiar Desai and other sources.) BenignBelgamvala Died: Minocher K. Belgamvala, 80, erst ­ while president of the Madras Parsi Zar- thosti Anjuman (MPZA) for 27 years, on capability that made motor racing popular January 8, 1995 following a brief illness. “His calm and gentle temperament, skillful diplomacy and his ability to remain unruffled when provoked or in the face of crisis ” made Belgamvala a popular presi ­ dent of the MPZA and chairman of the Jal Phiroj Clubwala (JPC) Dar-e-Meher, the two posts to which he brought “grace and dignity, ” as notes a press release is ­ sued by the Madras Parsi Association. Two years ago the community in Madras honored him by conferring on him the status of first patron member of the MPZA. His deeds of kindness and generosity were recollected by both Parsis and non-Parsis at a condolence meeting convened by the executive committee of the MPZA in memory of Minoo, as he was Belgamvala had acquired a degree in elec- known among his circle of friends and admirers. MPZA president Nariman Mogrelia recalled how he had benefitted from his association over the years with Belgamvala, and Jehangir Clubwala, trustee of the JPC Dar-e-Meher referred to Belgamvala ’s attitude of going out of his way to help his fellowmen. In his endeavor to promote fraternity just about every definition there is of the among 2Loroastrians in Madras, on the occasion of the Clubwala Dar-e-Meher ’s 75th anniversary in 1985 the softspoken temperament, impeccable dressing, refine- Belgamvala had remarked that the plati ­ num jubilee has “presented us with an opportunity to take stock of ourselves. ” Heading an anjuman which was otherwise deemed conservative, on certain issues they maintained their stand like permitting meant putting their interests before his non-Parsis to pay their last respects by viewing the face of the deceased Parsi. That he never lost his temper even in the most trying circumstances was ad- mired by S. Govind Swaminathan, former advocate general of Tamil Nadu while his contribution to the advancement of motor sports in Madras was lauded by Indu Chandok, president of the Madras Motor Sports Club. Among other associations with which Belgamvala had enduring ties are the Au ­ tomobile Association of South India where he was chairman until his demise, and the Madras Motor Sports Club where he was president for nearly two decades. “At a time when motor sports was the exclusive privilege of the rich, it was his pioneering spirit, tireless efforts and organizational and put Madras firmly on the map of this exciting sport, ” notes a write-up on Belgam- vala. Horse racing was among Belgamvala ’s other varied interests. He was an official of the Madras Race Club, a popular member of the Madras Gymkhana Club and a charter member of the Lions Club of South Madras, we are informed. An engineer by pro ­ fession, Belgamvala was the regional manager of Asbestos Cement Ltd for 33 years and had started the Asbestos Cement fac ­ tory in Coimbatore before he launched his own business, M. K. Bel ­ gamvala and Company, as distributors and con ­ sultants to builders and interior decorators, informs the press release. Bangalore bom trical engineering from the old Mysore State and graduated in radio engineering from the City and Guilds of London. Au ­ dio engineering was listed among his hobbies and so too was listening to music, both pop and classical, being particularly fond of the tango and Viennese waltzes. As notes a tribute, “Minoo fitted into word ‘gentleman. ’ Not just on the more obvious level of gracious manners, mild ment of style, living well and making friends well, but more so in the deeper sense — as a person who could not cause pain to others and who was genuinely willing to help people in distress, even if it own. ” Belgamvala is survived by his wife Me- heroo and sons Darius and Hormaz. Parinaz Gandhi EVENTS AND PERSONALITIES continued from pagel2 of merit and the war service badge have also been earned by him. A strict discipli ­ narian, he practices the elements of scou ­ ting, mentions the leaflet. “To provide training in good citizen ­ ship by means of games and outdoor ac ­ tivities, to train body and mind, to develop character (self-control, self-reliance, obe ­ dience, resourcefulness, etc) and to give healthy, instructive and useful pastime, ” are the chief aims of the group. ! Patel’s Hungarian goulash The task of doing business with a company in the red is daunting enough. But when it also belongs to a different political and cultural hue, it means one is really Hung(a)ry for a challenge. Homi Patel, managing director of REPL Engineering, probably was. In December 1993, reports theSunday Observer of Aph\ 30-May 6,1995, Patel ’s REPL acquired 51 percent of the VSZM Kft shareholding for Rs 3.50 crores when the five-crore turn ­ over Hungarian company was in the red to the tune of Rt 12 lakhs. By 1994, “in the very first year after taking it over, ” to quote Business India of May 8-21, 1995, the company had doubled the turnover to Rs 10 crores, and “turned around VSZM into a profit-making company. ” Patel, 4’ reports the Suruiay Observer, hopes to ' better the 14 percent profit, and has set the company a target of Rs 14 crores turnover in 1995, despite heavy planned investment in major equipment. “Patel, in fact, ” continues the report, “postulates a growth rate of 25 to 30 percent for the next three years, ” and reckons Hungary a sound base for future exports to Europe. The pioneer of heat-shrink technology in India, Patel, a chemical engineer from the University of California at Berkeley, repeated the experiment in Malaysia where his company set up the first joint venture of its kind in the country with a 30 percent shareholding in Jasama Holding SDN BHD. Buoyed by his success stories, Patel, states Business India, is setting up a fibre optics plant in Dubai, as both gas and electricity are cheap there, giving the venture a com ­ petitive edge over companies based in India. Like in bridge, where a goulash is de ­ fined as a re-deal in cards, Patel, with his Hungarian experiment, has shuffled the way to do business. And, in the process, found the right recipe for success. Homi}. Rogen Compiled by Parinaz Gandhi 48 Parsiana June 1995