Nov 1995

I I I I Sc L > '-¦'J ¦¦ c-i J ' -----^ .V# f i .%• IO% \l I 3^ ' 'November 1995 Volume 18 Number 4 EDITOR Jehangir R. Patel MANAGING EDITOR Arnavaz 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 2 Readers’ Forum 6 Events and Personalities 14 The 1991 Census by Ava Khullar 19 The BPP Elections by Arnavaz Mama 24 Prophetic paintings by Homi Rogers 29 The Priests’ Rebuttal by Dasturs Mirza, JamaspAsa, Kotwal^Dastur 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 Swarupa Kamat, Varsha Ashar, Indu Pillai OFFICE ASSISTANTS Umesh Poojary, Selvan Mark, Sunil Sakhare, Pramod Patil, Govind Salgaonkar, Mahipat Jadhav 35 Status of Women: sacred and secular - 2 by Dr Ketayun Gould 38 Rustam Maneck - 4: The opportunist operates by Dr Homi Eduljee 42 Books 46 Milestones I Cover: A painting by Sorab Pithawalla, possibly from an old master Photograph: Varghese W. Fernandez Parsiana is published by Jehangir R. Patel for Parsiana Publications Pvt Ltd at C/o H. L. Rochat, Navsari Chambers, ground floor, 39 A. K. Nayak Marg, Fort, Bombay 400001 and printed by him at Kaiser-E-Hind Pvt Ltd, 300 Perin Nariman Street, Bombay 400001. Color processing. Comart Lithographers; black and white processing,Samir Scantech. All rights resen/ed. 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 Resen/e Bank of India), Bombay 400001; Phone: 2658619, 2665661. Annual inland subscription for one year (10 issues) Rs 200; for two years (20 issues) Rs 375. Foreign subscription rates: Seamail for one year Rs 375/US $ 14/UK £ 9; for two years Rs 700/US $ 23/UK £ 15 (please allow six months or more for delivery from the time of publication). Airmail for one year Rs 700/US $ 23/UK £ 15 (for Pakistan, Indian Rs 500); for two years, Rs 1,300/US $ 43/UK £ 27 (for Pakistan, Indian Rs 950). For Indian upcountry cheques add Rs 10 for bank charges; for US cheques add $ 5; for UK cheques add £ 3. Cheques and drafts are to be drawn in favor of Parsiana and posted to GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001. IREADERS' FORUM To increase our numbers on a war- Lcam H trade footing the following may be resorted to: •A solemn vow to be made by our young ­ sters to marry only within the community teaching, nursing, tailoring, catering/hotel management, beauty culture/hair dress ­ ing, secretarial practice, computer data- feeding/programmer diploma or certifi ­ cate course in software, arts and crafts, travel and tourism management and toy Scholarships are available for Zoroastri- ans to pursue job-oriented courses such as 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. Zarathushtra cards We have color prints of Zarathushtra backed by the 1996 calendar. These 10 cms by seven cm cards will be sent free on Zoroastrian couples; request: no obligation whatsoever. Please •Donations of eggs by fertile Parsi women send a self addressed envelope, to the (including those married to non-Parsis) to undersigned at 78, West Mada Str, Royapuram, Madras 600013, (phone 5954974). sou daruwala Madras and that too at an early age. Retired parents can move to cheaper accommodation in places like Udvada, Sanjan, Nargol, Navsari, etc, where Parsi-owned property is lying vacant for years; •Loans to obtain accommodation and fi- making, nancial support to a deserving young couple to come from a new trust especially estab ­ lished for the purpose. Unmarried Zoroas ­ trians and those having no children could leave their estates to this trust fund to which the Parsi Panchayet and other chari ­ ties can also contribute. Each Parsi could information are available at C/o Sir Ratan donate a percentage of surplus income to this fund (tax-exempt), •Convert redundant fire-temples, towers of silence, and other Parsi buildings into accommodation for young couples. Case in point, the agiary at Cawasji Patel Street and Uran. Sure there will be litigation, but then are not the Parsis the best lawyers in town? •Setting up of a mechanism whereby those Zoroastrian youngsters living outside the main centers can meet prospective Zoro ­ astrian life-partners; •Acceptance of those children of mixed marriages, whose navjotes have been per ­ formed, as Zoroastrians. Let such children attend fire-temples whose head-priests and trustees are liberal minded; •Subsidized availability of in vitro and in utero fertilization techniques for infertile These scholarships are awarded for stud ­ ies in non-academic courses and not for degree courses. We help Zoroastrians to learn a trade and become self-supporting. Application forms for Bai Dinbai F. S. Patuck Memorial Scholarships and further Tata Institute Office, 2nd Floor, 35, N. S. Patkar Marg, Bombay 400007. Ms B. S. TARAPORE Hon Secy, Bai D. F. S. Patuck Memorial Scholarship Comm “Why did l^e die?” The late Capt- Fe- B roze Kanga fell prey H to street valence in H Karachi on Sept- " ember 17,1995. The story by Ardeshir Cowasjee had ap- 1"^ peared in Parsiana, September 1995. The photograph was received too late for inclusion with the article. 5- J t* » .^1 We are not dead — yet! This letter is in response to several recent articles in Parsiana expressing dread at profession, with a stint abroad if necessary the dwindling numbers of the Parsi com- (the late Dasturji Dhalla is a perfect ex- munity in India. We are not dead, not yet, ample). anyway ! My opinion is that the Zoroastrian com ­ munity has declined in numbers to an extent which precludes revival on its own, even if each Zoroastrian couple were to have at least three children starting yester ­ day, But we should not give up. Let us fight, win or lose! Secunderabad youth camp Last month, I attended an all-India Zoroas ­ trian leadership camp in Secunderabad infertile couples. Cloning may seem too organized by the Zoroastrian Stree Mandal farfetched to some today, but is the trend of of Hyderabad-Secunderabad. The three- the future whether you like it or not; •A movement to encourage Zoroastrians abroad to return to India; •A movement to encourage suitably in­ clined youngsters to take up the priestly day camp, October 21-24, organized to teach us more about our religion, saw 120 children from all over India lodged at the dharamshala. We started each day with breakfast at 8.00 and at 9.00 we had a teaching session. Ms Shernaz Munshi and Ms Firoza Punthakey-Mistree divided us into two Parsis love to criticize and argue, and as groups and taught children from ages seven to 12 and 12 to 15 respectively. Through various songs, demonstrations and games, we learnt a lot about our religion: about our usual there will be some who will ridicule the above suggestions as unworkable and farfetched. But then shall we do nothing but wait for the day when all that remains. Prophet Zarathushtra, the seven Amesha perhaps, will be a wing in the Prince of Spentas, how and why Ahura Mazda cre- Wales Museum dedicated to the Parsis? ARDESHIR B. DAMANIA ated us, the correct way to say our prayers, what oilr prayers mean, and a lot more. 2 Parsiana November 1995 b1 The Zoroastrian Stree Mandal had in- could have stayed longer. vited various people to give us demons- I want to say a big ‘thank you ’ to the trations. We were shown how a kusti is ladies of the Zoroastrian Stree Mandal of made and why, why the sudreh has nine Hyderabad-Secunderabad who organized parts, how a dana-ni-toran (garland of this camp, our teachers for teaching us so much about Zoroastrianism in such a short time. Dr (Ms) Jeanie Bharucha who always had time to bandage up our minor cuts and wounds, and all the other teachers and volunteers who took great care of us. I also want to thank the people at the dharamshala who took care of us and saw to our every need and putting up with us even when we were making a nuisance of ourselves. I also want to thank our helpers from I want to say a big ‘thank you ’ to the ladies of the Zoroastrian Stree Mandal of beads) is made, and how the Iranis set up a Navroze table. It was all very interesting and fascinating to watch. To bring out our creativity, there were various drawing and painting competi ­ tions revolving around Zoroastrian themes. Everyone participated in these competi ­ tions with a lot of enthusiasm. On the second-last night, we had a camp fire where the parents of the Hyderabad-Secunderabad children were Bombay, Farhad Munshi and Zubin Elavia, invited. All of us put up short plays or sang for looking after us in the train and helping songs related to Zoroastrianism. We us over there and also for organizing games songs related to Zoroastrianism. We i ' . - - enjoyed putting up the plays, and the parents for us to play when we were bored'^ And last but not the least, I want to thank Zoroastrian Studies for making us more aware of our wonderful religion and contributing to this camp and making it such a wonderful experience. Ms PARINAZ E. KATRAK loved watching us. On the last night, there was a fashion show depicting typical Zoroastrian cos­ tumes. It made us realize how much we have changed and compromised our cus ­ toms in today ’s world. On the last day, we had a final teaching session and the prize distribution. None of “Ubha” Parsi us wanted to leave as yet; we were all Those travelling to Byculla must have seen a statue of a Parsi gentleman near . . , 'as “Ubha ” or “Khada ” Parsi. Who is this Parsi gentleman? What services did he render to the city of Bombay to merit a having too much fun. But eventually, all ; '' ** the teachers managed to get everyone ready Byculla bridge, popularly know to leave. After saying ‘bye ’to all our new friends and promising to write, we were on our way back to Bombay and wishing we Progressives ~ Mig~, ¦'^'s^occe Distance _ - '^1 being statue erected in his honor? When was it installed? There is one peculiarity of thi.s ’ statue escapes our eyes L- unless we travel Bk . on the upper deck W of a BEST bus and observe mi- H|| nutely. A small kathli (used for drinking water), J ‘ jutting out of his pugree. What is the significance of this kathli in his pugree? Would any reader throw light on the above? bhikhaji m adenwalla - 9 which w The Editor rep lie.s The “Ubha ” or “Khada ” Parsi was Ma- nockjee Cursetjee (1808-1887), one of the foremost pioneers of English education for girls in India. He was the founder of the Alexandra Native Girls ’ English Institu ­ tion, a Sheriff of Bombay and a coura ­ geous, upright and independent individual who had a reputation for integrity and unselfishness (Source: Parsi -Lustre on Indian Soil by H. D. Darukhanawala). s- The lens for uninterupted vision at different ranges distance, mid-distance & reading. Progressives are multifocal lenses without the tell-tale lines of bifocals. Progressives need professional care . For the best results come to Baliwalla & Homi. One of the finest optometrists & contact-lens practitioners in the country. @) Baliwalla & Homi Private Limited Flora Fountain: 365, Dr. D.N.Road, Bombay 400 001 Tel; 287 4916, 287 1762 • Dhobi Talao: 614, J.S. Seth Marg, Bombay 400 002. Tel: 201 4906 Parel: J.Merwanji Street, Parel, Bombay 400 012 Tel: 412 6051 II I I I Reviving the priesthood How many of us know the difference between a dastur and a mobed? Very few I guess. If we are not aware of something so fun ­ damental then one can well imagine our knowledge about our religion. Shocking but true and both the priests and we are to blame. The plight of our poor priests in far-flung places tending dilapidated agiaries with almost zero funds and a meager income, is pathetic. They are at the mercy and whim of the trustees, an impoverished, frustrated and insecure lot. Nor do we look to our clergy for clarifications on religious matters to suit the present times. They have not been able to think beyond their dogmatic age-old rules, are unable to socialize or give comfort and solace to any one who has lost a beloved person. Their interest I feel is only in the remuneration from the four-day prayers which are an ordeal to go through, rendered as they are in a humdrum manner, with no sanctity or emotion. The number of dasturs and mobeds is fast declining. What we need to do is to make them financially secure with free housing, medical aid, education, attractive take-home income, pension, and the surety of a roof over their heads when they can no longer preside over their duties because of old age or ill health. They need self motivation to uplift their plight by regular interaction with members of the community on both social and religious levels. A special prayer for a sick Parsi, or a visit to the hospital would stand them in good stead with the community. Keeping in mind the changing times it is essential for them to upgrade their knowledge and religious beliefs to suit the present day. If the dogmatic, insecure, frustrated priests can be turned into men of respect, dignity, rational views, then the survival of this simple and beautiful religion will not be at stake. Ms roda d hakim Vadodara CROLL-REYNOLO5 TWO-STAGE VACCUM PUMPS * k’ 'p 100 TWO STAGE VACUUM PUMP CR-25m6dL4~4- MOTOR-5 HP ¦ " i Be X w S 1450 RPM 23^ CURVES ARE BASED ON 30° C SEALANT WATER 1 November in Dehra Dun Come November! In the Doon, people begin sunning, In the most aged couple ’s home, an array of celebrations begin most stunning! On the 11th, “Aunt Sally ” turns “85,” / Looking spry! On the 18th, “Aunt Tehmina ” turns “84,” Looking fine for many more ! On the 19th, at “90,” “Uncle Noshir ” / As sprightly as a hare. And she, / Celebrate their wedding anniversary. The 61st, / As fresh as their very first! APPAN NAIR Dehra Dun What’s in a Parsi name? Name the Parsi Goddess of trees? Devi-tre. Some Parsis love Dhan dar; some Parsis just Guzz-dar. What do you call a Parsi born in Poland? Polish-wala. Some Parsis never have to pull strings, because they are already Dori-walas. Do Gorkhodoos really dig for jaggery? Why did the Sardarji go to his Parsi neighbor ’s house to buy a railway ticket? Someone told him his neighbor was a Coachman. When did Dimple Kapadia first get involved with a Parsi? When she acted in Sagar. Why did the crazy Parsi put Marks on all hoarding boards? He wanted to be recognized as Marks and Spencers. D.B.RUSTOMJI Calcutta Edited by Arnavaz S. Mama 5 Parsiana November 1995 20 — SINGLE STAGE------- — VACUUM PUMPj------- WITH TEFLON / RUBBER BALI 580 MOTOR-7.5 HP 2850 RPM _ 1 i. -J .L.-tu 600 710 720 740 VACUUM-MM HG HIGHER VACUUM & CAPACITY AT REDUCED POWER CONSUMPTION & RPM Over 75 years of depth and Experience Technically the most advanced of its type on the market ¦ EFFICIENCIES THAT PAY OFF IN SAVINGS OF THOUSANDS OF RUPEES PER PUMP PER YEAR- CR Pumps offer the first real improvements in Vacuum Pump technology in nearly 75 years. They have dramatically improved operating efficiencies and offer long-term savings of tens of thousands of Rupees in power costs. You not only save elecricity to run the Pump, you can often downsize the motor to gain additional savings. niazda CONTROLS LTD. Patel Chambers, Near H.K. House, Ashram Road, Ahmedabad-380 009, India. Tele. No.: 408967, 408014,408654 Fax: 0272-427394 Telex: 0121 -6620 I f I IEvents and Personalities Kids take an oath “We found that the young children show good promise for future leadership of our community. Our religion will be safe with way), painting on fabric, laying a Navroze them, ” wrote Ms Gool Plumber, convener. Religious Education, Zoroastrian Stree Mandal under whose auspices was held the painting, drawing, rangoli, dramatics — First Zoroastrian Children ’s Leadership Camp in Secunderabad. For the 121 child ­ ren from Bombay, Pune, Nagpur, Surat, Sholapur, Ahmedabad, Madras and the twin cities of Secunderabad and Hyderabad, the four-day camp from October 21 to 24, 1995 was essentially geared to enhance their knowledge of the religion, the cus- flag hoisting and the children taking toms and traditions of the community as also to provide an outlet for their creative energies, according to the report sent to ably the days ended late in the night with Parsiana. The children gathered at the Seth Edulji S. Chenai Dharamshala and the Bai Pirojbai Chenai Hall, in the two age-groups, eight to 11 and 12-15, were provided varied fare: teaching sessions on religious education based on notes provided by Zoroastrian Studies; demonstrations on stitching a sudreh, weaving a kusti, threading a dana- ni-toran (bead ornamentation for the door- table, and readying a ses (tray) for auspi ­ cious occasions; competitions in fabric Three resource persons from Zoroas- trian Studies — Ms Shenaz Munshi, Ms Firoza Punthakey-Mistree and Dr (Ms) Jeanie Bharucha —•- have been credited with contributing to the success of the camp. “Basically our children are sensitive and want to know and preserve our tradi ­ tions, practices and rituals, ” is Plumber ’s observation. “They are proud of our illus ­ trious forefathej^ and their benevolent munificence. At the same time we also see that the dogmas and superficialities of all on religious themes; community pro ­ grams by way of a camp fire and a fashion show of traditional Parsi costumes whir'h were open to the Parsi residents of the twin cities; plus educational visits and sight­ seeing. The camp proceedings commenced with practices which have crept Vito our reli ­ gion are rightly resisted by them. They want to practice our religion without going into unresolved issues which have hin­ dered our religion in recent years... The group singing and music. camp leaders who accompained the vari- At the Seth Vicajee and Pestonji Meher- ous teams had their own sessions. Here, ji Parsi Fire-Temple, the children learnt they participated in discussions and many the significance of various forms of fire, issues were raised and discussed. In their how prayers are performed, how to behave when visiting a fire-temple etc. At the Sa- The winning charts (left) and a local lar Jung Museum they viewed western art. camper as Zarathushtra at Secunderbad an oath based on an inscription of King Darius at Behistun in Iran, added Plumber. Invari- 4 6 Parsiana November 1995.3 /¦Sl A <1 e 1 'A fCl Wl . BP A celebrations: At the cenotaph at Bom- t bay’s Khareghat Colony (ext left); Jamshed j Guzder and Eruch Desai (below) laying a I wreath and Dastur garlanding Naoroji’s I statue at Flora Fountain (left) Naoroji and commemorating the deceas ­ ed servicemen who had sacrificed their lives during war time, mentions the re ­ lease. i hands now rests the onus of carrying on religious education in their anjumans. ” lJ men- Wheels of Fortune To mark its silver jubilee year, the Panthaki Baug Welfare Centre (PWC) organized Wheels of Fortune, a car and motorcycle treasure hunt on September 24, 1995. Altogether 101 participants from all over Bombay set off on the 15-clue hunt from Bandra to Borivli, informs Pervez Driver, secretary of PWC. (The acronym of their Centre stands for purity, workmanship and character.) operative Bank. The fortune of Rs 2,000 was awarded to “The BPA (has) Cyrus Sarkari, M.s Yasmin Sarkari, Ms Navaz Marker and Persis Katrak who were first among the car entries. Rayomand Jeejeebhoy and Burges Luth were first among the two-wheelers, winning the prize amount of Rs 1,000. The awards were presented by Hoshedar Confectioner and his wife, representing Rotrii^, the spon­ sors of this contest, mentions the press release. always been optimistic about the future of the community, ” tioned the Associa ­ tion’s president Vispi Dastur. “To fulfil and expand its various ac ­ tivities, ” the BPA ha.s initiated a Platinum Jubilee Fund and in­ vites contributions which may be sent to Dastur at Jasavala and Company, UCO Bank Building, D. N. Road, Bombay 400001. Over the years the Association has ex ­ tended help for educational, medical and other causes like droughts, earth ­ quakes and floods; conducted a mar ­ riage bureau, reli ­ gious classes, kusti weaving classes. Marking Masani’s 90 th The invitation was for 6.30 p.m. but most of the guests started arriving much earlier. At 6.30 on the dot as always, Minoo Masani entered the Royal Bombay Yacht Club hall on November 20, 1995 to celebrate his 90th birthday. As S. V. Raju, editor of Freedom First, a journal founded by » M at PANTHAKY BAUG Triasure HvmT ' Il w » Preserving traditions Committed to inspire “the youth of the com ­ munity andpreserve the traditions of our great religion and people, ” the Bombay Parsee Association (BPA) observed its platinum jubilee in 1995 by hold ­ ing a function at All ­ bless Baug. Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) trustee Dadi Engineer was the chief guest who com ­ mended the Association for regularly hold ­ ing prayer, kusti-weaving, essay and elocu ­ tion competitions and encouraging the de ­ serving in other ways, notes a press release. Seven individuals were felicitated at the function for their remarkable achieve ­ ments: Ervad Rustomji Panthaky, retired principal of the Dadar Athornan Boarding A vesta classes ; pub- Madressa, Ms Dolly Desai, Ms Tina Pithawala and Ms Silloo Kotwal in the field of education; Ms Mani Nanji and and encouraged Baizad Devadhwala for excelling in sports; and Dr (Ms) Roxana Irani, archeologist. An entertainment program and a contribu ­ tory dinner were also included in the evening function which was graced by BPP trustees Ms Silloo Kavarana and Dinshaw Mehta as the guests of honor and Panthaki Baug’s other invitees from the BPP, Iranian Zoro ­ astrian Anjuman and The Zoroastrian Co- lished Dastur Khur- shed Dabu ’s books; sports within the community. Their annual activities include paying ho­ mage to Dadabhai I T I H I ¦ »Ig)tring -i.-. happy treasure hunters 8 Parsiana November 1995Andaman Islands, promoting Indi an ocean cruises, incentive tourism and tourism air charters to India. “These projects contributed towards Travel Corporation ’s present position as India ’s premier travel and tour organization, ” mentions the release. Among the other national and international travel and trade associations with which Katgara is involved, adds the write-up, are the Tour Operators Council of TAAI where he serves as chairman, the American Society of Travel Agents where he enjoys the distinction of being the only Indian to have served as chairman and director of its international division; and the Grand Order of European Travel Organisers of which there are just two Indian members, he being one of them. The Pacific Asia Travel Asso­ ciation has honored Katgara with two awards —Pioneer of the Pacific and Award of Merit — the only Indian to receive both, according to the release. Made health his business Life today is one mad rush —lull of stress Sheela and Palkhivala liberal traditions and values you cherished and which you have sought to so tirelessly Masani thanked the gathering for wish ­ ing him on his birthday but said he did not Roller Magic. intend to make a speech. And amidst sing- I ''' • ¦ - • ing of Happy Birthday by the assembly with surgical, gynecological, orthopedic and medical facilities, that Beramji got particularly involved with acupressure and its applications in orthopedics. As Beramji puts it, “The principles behind acupressure are centuries old, like using a rolling pin on the body for relieving p^ins.” What started It was while running the Beramji Clinic by his wife Sheela and Palkhivala. Masani, jokingly told the gathering of close friends and associates, Ma ­ sani ’s insistence on always being on time was not lost on his well- wishers. Eminent jurist Nani Palkhivala described Masani as “one of the noblest Indians who ever lived ” and added that “the country has not recognized the services of a man like Minoo Masani. ” Palkhivala noted that Masani was probably “the only surviving member of India ’s constituent assembly. ” Re ­ leasing a volume of essays put to­ gether in Masani ’s honor by K. S. Venkateswaran, a former joint edi ­ tor of Freedom First, titled In the Vanguard of Freedom, Palkhivala mentioned that contributors to the book like Bernard Levin, Sol Sand ­ ers, Soli Sorabjee and others had written “not for money but for Masani. ” Palkhivala recalled that Masani joined the house of Tatas in his 40s as principal secretary to J. R. D. Tata. He said that if Masani had a high Masani (center) — a survivor of the regard for a person he would go all out to constituent assembly — flanked by wife assist him. While ending his talk Palkhivala recited a few oft quoted lines that he felt were appropriate for the occasion: “May long as we are in publication, uphold the and strain. To bring quick relief for various you live as long as you want, may you not liberal traditions and values you cherished aches and pains, and to rejuvenate one want as long as you live, and may the and which you have sought to so tirelessly after a bout of tiredness. Dr Rumi Fardun happiest days of your youth be the saddest promote among the Indian people. ” Beramji has stepped in to provide acu- years of your life. ” Masani thanked the gathering for wish- pressure products under the brand name of Raju then introduced Sharad Joshi, founder of the Shetkari Sanghatana which has been fighting the cause of the farmers, as the man on whom devolved the political proceeded to cut the birthday cake flanked mantle of Indian liberalism after Masani. Joshi told the gathering that Masani ’s book. Our India had “made me tempo- Katgara bagS Agastya In recognition of his achievements and contributions to the tourism industry, Adi J. Katgara was conferred the Agastya Award last September. Union minister of Katgara (right) receiving the Agastya tourism and civil aviation Ghulam Nabi Award from tourism minister Azad Azad presented the award to Katgara at the 44th annual convention of the Travel Agents Association of India 4’ * i t i rarily a socialist. ” He said he had been fighting for 15 years “for ideas that are basically those of the Swatantra Party. ” The Swantantra Party, of which Masani was one of the main architects and its leader in Parliament, advocated economic liberalism at a time when socialism was in favor. “Socialism has been replaced by something worse, ” lamented Joshi, “the madness of communalism. ” Amongst members of the audience who (TAAI) in Calcutta, spoke was retired High Court judge Bakhtavar Lentin who described Masani as a great gentleman and a great fighter Corporation (India) who stood by his principles. A special issue of Freedom First titled “Minoo Masani 90” was released by Joshi. The editorial promised "ihaiFreedoin First kirn, Bhutan, Ladakh, which you founded in June 1952 will as I notes a press release. Director of Travel Limited, Katgara has been credited with pio­ neering tourism to Sik- 5 ! the Lakshadweep and 9 Parsiana November 1995 IRumi and Yasmin Beramji: in the business of health Stress relief with Roller Magic (below): Acupressure technology, all-India marketing dicinal herbs will be grown on the farm.. The daily requirements of milk and ghee will be met by cattle kept on the farm. Other birds and animals too will be al ­ lowed to roam free on the premises where no vehicles will be permitted. People will be carried to and fro by hand carts, horse and bullock carts in utmost comfort, Beramji details the salient features of the utopic farm. At a later stage, they also plan to start a College of Alternative Medicine with the help of like-minded people. Villie Danivala i ¦ IW hi - ? • * ¦¦ in Karjat named God ’s Gift Health Farm which Beramji estimates will be fully as a half hour acupre ­ ssure slot in his busy practice as a general practitioner has now snowballed into full- time work. Roller Magic con­ sists of the foot model and the hand model. The foot roller costs Rs 300 and according to Beramji should be below every person ’s desk. Ancient Chi- are Beramji ’s wife Dr Yasmin, Ashok nese belief has it that the foot is the mirror Ahuja and his wife Mamta, and C. image of the body. When you move your Mirchandani) is a specialized health farm foot over the roller, the to and fro systemic action gives a tingling feeling which is supposed to stimulate every organ of the operational in another two and a half to body. three years. Set amidst lush green surroun- _ ____ The hand roller priced at Rs 150 is dings on 50 acres of land, the Health Farm University, will be pursuing ^s studies in meant for local and specific areas. Not will be based on alternative medicine like the UK to qualify as a Member of the Royal only is it expected to relax the muscles and acupressure, homeopathy, mud therapy, improve blood supply to the region, but flower therapy, diet therapy, hydrotherapy should also drain off all the toxins from the body by stimulating the lymphatic system, explains Beramji. Roller Magic ’s “application is so simple that anyone can obtain good results: a child coming home tired from school... sports taining the ambience of a village. A hun- persons... salesmen who are on the road for dred cottages are planned in serene sur- long hours... army personnel and the police roundings where one can stay with the force, ’’ claims Beramji. T0 create public awareness for his brain ­ child which has been launched as a product of Satya Health Farm and Resorts Private Limited of which Beramji is one of the promoters, they took part in various exhi ­ bitions held in Bombay. January 1996 should see Roller Magic marketed on an all-India basis for which a distributor has been appointed. Once a strong foundation is built in India, they hope to reach the export market. Another venture proposed by Satya Health Farm (of which the other promoters Ten Tata scholars Of the 10 Parsi students, five males and five females selected as J. N. Tata scholars for the year 1995-96, eight have a back ­ ground in science and will pursue higher studies in fields like medicine, engineer ­ ing, environment, geology and synthetic chemistry. Management studies and inter ­ national relations/policy studies have in­ terested the other students, according to a press release issued by the J.N. Tata En­ dowment, giving the particulars of these 10 scholars. Dr Firdaus Hi^i Adenwalla who did his MBBS and Doctorate of Medicine from the Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore Tata scholars from left: (top row) K. Desai and Irani; (second row) Mehta, Adenwalla, S. Desai and Palsetia; (third row) Mulla, Bajana, Mulla-Feroze and Pardiwala family. Vegetables and fruits, as also me- and music therapy. A Sai Baba temple is coming up at the site which will be open to all faiths, informs Beramji. This unique health farm will have all five star facilities, at the same time main- J 11 Parsiana Novemoer 1995 IA background in chemical engineering notwithstanding, Kaiser R, Mulla-Feroze will be pursuing a master ’s degree in man ­ agement at the prestigious Stanford Uni­ versity where he will be specializing in Raiomand Mulla. After completing his strategy and operations. After his bachelor ’ s MSc in organic chemistry from the Uni­ tantship to do a further master ’s following which she will do her doctorate in petro ­ leum geology. Organic chemistry and synthetic chem ­ istry are the fields explored by Hormuzd College of Physicians. Aden walla had ear ­ lier worked as resident medical registrar at Bombay ’s Breach Candy Hospital. The other student of medicine is Dr (Ms) Dilshad M. Irani who did her bache ­ lors in dental surgery from the College of . ... Dental Surgery, Manipal. She has chosen MSc in organic chemistry from the Uni- in chemical engineering from the Univer- to do her master ’s studies in oral pathology versity of Bombay, Mulla ’s interest in sity Department of Chemical Technology , at the University of Adelaide, South Aus- synthetic chemistry made him join the Bombay, he worked as senior consultant tralia. Organic Chemistry Laboratory of the In- with Anderson Consulting, Arthur Ander- Following her post graduation in life sciences from the University of Bombay, Ms Parynaz F. Mehta will be focussing on environment and law at the Tufts Univer ­ sity where she will be doing a master ’s program in urban and environmental policy. synthetic chemistry made him join the Organic Chemistry Laboratory of the In­ stitute of Science, Bombay. Fascinated by son and Company for three years. his mentor Dr M. S. Chande ’s work on ' ‘ sulphur and nitrogen heterocycles, Mulla management is Shyarsh Xerxes Desai. A is keen to pursue this research. He will be second generation Tata scholar, he has doing his doctorate from the University of joined the Kellog Graduate School of Man- Kentucky where he has been offered a full Another life sciences graduate inter- teaching assistantship, ested in environmental studies is Ms Rash- neh N. Pardiwala, a product of Bombay ’s St Xavier ’s College. She has secured ad ­ mission to the University of Edinburgh, UK for a master ’s course in environmental science, resource protection and manage ­ ment. After obtaining the first rank at the MSc . _ geology examination from the University secured admission to the Case Western bay University, Desai is proficient in French of Bombay, Ms Tinaz Furdoon Bajana has Reserve University but opted instead to go joined the Bowling Green State University to the University of Massachusetts, Lowell, where she has been offered a partial assis- where the annual expenses are lower. Another student to opt for a master ’s in agement, Northwestern University. Ear ­ lier he did his master ’s in management studies from the University of Bombay from the University of Bombay, Jamshed after which he joined Tata Industries as manager-finance. Ms Kaynaaz f. Desai has been admitted to the Montery Institute of International Studies for an MA in international rela- wards the subject that demands sound math- tions/policy studies. A postgraduate in ematical and analytical skills. ” He had English language and literature from Bom- A graduate in electrical engineering Hoshang Palsetia is, according to his pro ­ fessor, “one of the very few students who can think and write fine algorithms and programs. He has a strong inclination to- and has also done basic Japanese. Compiled by Parinaz Gandhi ** * 12 Parsiana November 1995 With Best Compliments From PENOSH 94-A, M. G. Road, Pune 411001 Tel: 645162-65 Fax: 645166 Telex: 145-7418 \DEMOGRAPHY The 1991 Census — A cause for rejoicing or reflection? Only if the 0-14 age bracket shows an increase in numbers should the community be elated with the latest Indian census findings Ava Khullar ing out. At a rough guess, this could be 25 phic characteristics noted by community to 30 percent, but no exact estimate has The census report figures for 1991 have come as a surprise, and a very pleasant surprise it is for the Parsi community. That been prepared. The community being the figures show we are up by 4,752 per ­ sons is by itself a meagre increase, but if mothers married out are not accepted in this number is added to the 20 percent decline that had been anticipated in view of progressively declining trends since 1951 this and other similarly placed Parsi groups . (from 1971 to 1981 alone the census showed a drop from 96,735 to 71,630, a fall of well Why else have community watchers been over 20 percent), then its significance is that the decline has been arrested, and birth rates, increased death rates, escalat- meetings and discussions. A few years ago there has been a decennial growth of 19,(XX). ing out marriages, late or no marriages and it organized a four-day Parsi Festival, which And, if we carry our sense of euphoria subsequent loss of childbearing capacity? perhaps inspired the Parasika festival in further to the next census, we can look And now this census revelation. How Bombay. But such efforts extelld the expo ­ forward to a healthier demographic situa- does one explain it? Some observations by sure and awareness of Parsis to select tion in the 21st century. way of conjecture may be attempted: groups of upper strata elite and leaders of But let us not get carried away. The • Could it be that the earlier censuses other faiths, rather than the not so reported figures require careful scrutiny, under-reported the number of Zoroastri- enlightened enumerators who come to Some general comments regarding ob ­ served demographic trends in recent de ­ cades may help us to understand better this new phenomenon and place it in a proper Bombay and Gujarat, and the possibility lady told him she was a Zoroastrian. perspective. Let us play the doubting Cas- that census enumerators did not record the Observers of the census process have sandra first. religion correctly would be very under- noted that the chances of coverage of all The figures belie the community ’s sta- standable. Moreover, some may have writ- members of a family are better in the case tistics regarding births and deaths pub ­ lished by Parsiana, showing deaths ex ­ ceeding births by around 500 in a year! analysis. For the 1991 census, the Bombay These figures give as accurate a picture as Parsi Punchayet (BPP) and other anjumans of all family members. This advantage is is possible for B ombay , but not so for other had specifically asked Zoroastrians to state lost by nuclear families where both parents areas unless the concerned anjumans feed the necessary data to Parsiana. filled, and so more accurate reporting could gives up after a couple of visits on finding One may assume that this trend is more have resulted. a locked door. The former favorable situ- acute in smaller groups outside Bombay This would mean that the number of ation is more possible in old settlements where the communities represent old settle- Zoroastrians even in earlier years was like Bombay and Gujarat. However, for ments and the structure is aging. Take, for higherby,say,afewthousand(whoknows, Zoroastrian families in other towns, like example, the case of the once thriving it may be so even for 1991), but there was for example Delhi, being mostly nuclear Parsi community which had grown around systematic under-reporting, a situation the first textile mill of the Tata empire in partly remedied in 1991. This could ex ­ Nagpur. Now, in 1995,inagroup of around plain and reconcile the higher figures for 700, there are over 10 percent deaths in a 1991, with a declining trend over the de ­ decade. The decline is further aggravated cades: i.e. the figure of the total population India can be sacrosanct. A substantial as difficulties in finding suitable partners in 1961, 1971 and 1981 would have been within the group leads either to an unmar ­ ried state or a growing percentage marry- observers. Under-reporting is definitely there. For mainly orthodox, the children of Parsi example, Delhi has around 700 to 800 Zoroastrians, but the census records only 41 persons in 1991! This is because very few sister communities in North India know who a Zoroastrian is. The Delhi Parsi Anjuman is conscious of this lacuna and its efforts over the past few years have crying themselves hoarse about declining been to participate in inter-religious the fold. We have cause to shudder when we look beyond to another 100 years for Such trends are observed in most places. And now this census revelation. How Bombay.Butsucheffortsextelldtheexpo- does one explain it? Some observations by way of conjecture may be attempted: • Could it be that the earlier censuses ans? Not many people in India are aware of collect census data. In my personal expe- the existence of our minuscule group or the rience one enumerator wrote “Australian ” Zoroastrian religion, expecially outside against the religion column when a Parsi that census enumerators did not record the religion correctly would be very under ­ standable. Moreover, some may have writ ­ ten “Parsi ” and others “Zoroastrian ” on the of the larger joint family structure, where census form, further confusing the census the enumerator is sure to find some older members at home who^will provide details their religion clearly when the form was are probably working and the enumerator filled, and so more accurate reporting could have resulted. This would mean that the number of and dispersed all over the city, the latter scenario is more common. After all, no figures collected under such a massive operation as the Census of margin of error has to be built in. Census higher than reported by several thousands, results show trends and not exact figures, not withstanding the declining demogra- Often even the trends are misleading. Ex- 14 Parsiana November 19951991 figures? Is such a trend growing among the more community conscious perience in the United States, for example, survey of Bombay in 1984. Such compa- showed that the rate of participation in the rable data would also establish the magni- work force was reported highly inaccurately tude or otherwise of this phenomenon in young couples in Bombay and Gujarat during the census, because the personnel Bombay. also? Are couples who are unable to have undertaking the operation were ill-equipped • There is also a growing number of in- children — we suspect there is a substan- for the task. Worried about the findings, further sample surveys were undertaken with professional expertise which resulted these children come under the Zoroastrian selling and help of fertility clinics to ben- in a clearer picture, negating the earlier findings. • Another possible explanation could be the more accurate reporting of mixed mar ­ riages in 1991, with the Zoroastrian women married out having consciously stressed their religious identity instead of referring to their households as Hindu, Muslim or Christian — the better known religions. The setting up of The Association of Inter- Married Zoroastrians is an indicator of the positive attitude of Zoroastrians married fold, thus compensating to a certain extent out staking their rightful claim to be recog- f nized as such. < If similar data on the mixed marriages i for the 1981 census were also available, bers? If so, this could affect favorably the But finally, on a positive note, let us the picture would show if this aspect was crucial 0-14 years age-group. assume the census figures are a true reflec- largely under-reported in earlier years and • As I had noted in my article in Parsiana’s tion of a growing trend in the community ’ s rectified in 1991. The reason for this is that thirtieth anniversary issue, (November population. How meaningful is this in- Parsi women married out have non-Parsi 1994), in smaller more open Zoroastrian surnames and are therefore largely left out when a counting of heads for the commu ­ nity is undertaken, a lacuna noticed in the • There is also a growing number of in­ stances where children of mixed couples tial percentage of couples who are invol- are having their navjotes performed and untarily childless — seeking medical coun- One enumerator wrote “Australian against the religion column when a Parsi lady said “Zoroastrian » » the numerical loss to the community due to such out marriages. Could accurate report ­ ing of this aspect have added to the num ­ bers? If so, this could affect favorably the crucial 0-14 years age-group. • As I had noted in my article in Parsiana’s efit from the vast advances medical sci­ ence has made in this field? • There is also a possibility of a shift in migration patterns, with a lesser number moving out and some coming back. The general leveling down of skills among the average Parsi youth due to economic con­ straints, lack of aspiration, or lack of incli ­ nation to move out of Bombay, etc, is further likely to reduce the percentage migrating out. With the globalization and liberalization of the Indian economy in the 1990s, and newer arid more lucrative av ­ enues for gainful employment opening up, this trend may possibly increase. groups, young Parsi couples are consciously going in for two and sometimes three children. Is this reflected in the increased crease? * A well-known Swedish statistician, A. G. Sundbarg, has worked out a measure which, if applied to the age coihposition of -i Por Pure Diamonds JEWELLERS 324, Grant Road, Bombay 400007. Telephone 3099648 Fax 3073483 APPOINTED VALUERS BY THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA 16 Parsiana November 1995< a population, reveals whether it is a growing, stationary or a declining population. The following are the model proportions of the various age-groups in seek greener pastures out of India, or alter- his three types of population: natively that a growing number of women ----------------------------------------------------------- marrying out are consciously stressing their presence in the Zoroastrain fold and get ­ ting recorded as such in the census. ¦ If, on the other hand, the increase falls mainly in the 50 years and over category, then we may safely poke a pin into our balloon of excitement as that would re ­ confirm the earlier trend of a progressively thorities and the very basis of the census aging population. This would also confirm figures must raise serious doubts, our speculation regarding under-reporting in earlier censuses. In the final analysis then, the 1991 changes between 1981 and 1991 on some census figures raise more questions than key demographic indicators, such as birth give answers. So where do we get our answers? Ef­ forts need to be made to get available data nity and navjotes performed of children of from the census office, and persuade them as a special case to give access to important data which is collected but not tabulated each of these aspects as it prevailed in 1981 for very small religious communities like ours. But ultimately we need to do our own homework. A comprehensive, penetrating show if there has been a positive change in and exhaustive survey of the community the population stmeture. in Bombay and the rest of India is needed Until some furmer light can be thrown not only to get our numbers straight, but to inquire into our socioeconomic conditions, our needs and attitudes regarding the fu- ¦ If, however, there is more than a normal increase in the 15 to 45 age-group, this apathy, could reflect a lesser number migrating to ture, have lost interest due to leadership Category of Population Under 15 years 40 26.5 20 Progressive Stationary Regressive Percentage of Population 15-49 years 50 50.5 50 50 years and above 10 23 30 Two earlier studies sponsored by the BPP in Bombay in 1961 and 1984, and a study carried out in Delhi in 1978, showed the following percentages in the three age- groups. However, some specific action could be undertaken with smaller inquiries to test the validity of the census findings. • Comparison of 1991 census with figures maintained by punchayets and anjumans in cities such as Nagpur, Pune and Banga ­ lore may show if there are significant differences. If these are very glaring as in the case of Delhi, then a strong protest needs to be conveyed to the census au- • A 10 percent sample survey in Bombay and Delhi may be carried out to ascertain Place of Survey Under 15 years 17.8 12.14 16.7 Bombay 1961 Bombay 1984 Delhi 1978 Percentage of Parsi Population 15-49 years 50 years and above 51.6 43.86 49.8 30.6 44.0 33.5 and death rates, in and out migrations, marriages within and outside the commu- The conclusion: all three came under the regressive category. While most populations, especially in developing countries, show a pyramidical structure, with a wide base of young people, tapering up to a lesser number in older age- groups, the Parsi population structure rep ­ resents an inverted pyramid. Unless the pyramid is put back in its proper position, the ultimate survival of the population is threatened. If therefore we are hoping that the cen ­ sus findings are bringing us glad tidings, it would be important to get more detailed information and statistics about certain crucial parameters, particularly the age carried out into relevant aspects from time structure and marital and fertility patterns. ¦ If the increased figure, or a substantial portion thereof, falls within the 0-14 years age-group, thereby signalling a virtual re ­ birth of a dying community, we have cause excellently qualified to lead such for great rejoicing. It would imply that in spite of a large percentage of annual deaths reported by Parsiana, there is adequate replenishment by way of births to keep the community fires burning. In fact an in­ crease of 19,000, as mentioned earlier would be more than a 25 percent increase over the 1981 figure of 71,630. But in order to gauge the change, it would be necessary to obtain the age breakup of the 1981 census to compare and see exactly where the increase has come. Since the major increase is noted for Greater Bombay (out of the additional 4,752, 3,741 are accounted in Bombay ’s population which has gone up from 50,053 in 1981 to 53,794 in 1991), figures for Greater Bombay alone would give a good indication. mixed married couples. The families fall ­ ing within the sample may be asked about and then 1991 in their household. This would act as a sample crosscheck and the population st^cture. Until some on the census findings, hopefully with our own efforts, we have to holc^our excite ­ ment until the next census, or the next, to ture of the community. be sure that we are indeed seeing the light The call was given at the Fifth World of survival at the end of a very dark tunnel. Zoroastrian Congress in 1990 for the es ­ tablishment of a Zoroastrian Global Data Centre where data would be collected, stored, updated periodically, and surveys to time. Unfortunately the project has not taken off in spite of persistent efforts over the last five years from some of us; and those demographers and social scientists a ven- Ms Ava Khullar (nde Kanga) has a master ’s degree in political science from UCLA. She has worked with the research officer at the Centre for Study in Deve ­ loping Societies, Delhi, par ­ ticipating in the program for the study of minority com­ munities, where shehad un ­ dertaken the study of the Parsi community. hlAHEND^ Gold 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 Diners, BOB card, American Express, Taj Premium, Visa & Master Cards. 17 Parsiana November 1995 4' ?» 1 POLITICS AND POLICY BPP Elections: Trusteeship and voter fatigue While Rustom Tirandaz fought his way onto the BPP board, Jamshed Guzder ’s election was a walk-over Arnavaz S. Mama W ith the holding of three trusteeship been reproduced in elections of the Bombay Parsi ofDecember 3,1995 witheditorialplau- Punchayet (BPP) in the course of six months dits for his sensitivity and restraint which it was understandable that there was a bit have become rare commodities of voter fatigue. With 867 votes being cast Parsi politics. in the close tussle between solicitor Dadi Guzder ’s letter, explaining his decision Engineer and municipal councillor Rustom to seek reelection, as reproduced in the Tirandaz in July to 822 being polled in the Parsi Press on December 10, notes in part, fray between Tirandaz and chartered ac- z ¦ “I was not actually planning to stand again countant Kersi Limathwalla in October to for reelection. However, I was touched by only 646 voters out of a total of 1,534 ¦« the fact that so many people took the voting in the lopsided contest between ?''w trouble of phoningp me; meeting me, writ ­ present chairman Jamshed Guzder and ‘ ing to me, urging me to stand forjeelec- underdog Dr Syrus Irani in December, a mHRQ-, ’ tion. They said that by not standing I would trace of disinterest was evident. ' be doing a disservice to the Community. An element of confusion had prevailed This was one of the factors which prompted as Guzder ’s term came to an end. He had me to change my mind and file my nomi- had an intention to retire and had men- nation. tioned it at the executive council meeting “Another was that the affairs of the of the Federation of Parsi Zoroastrian Parsi Punchayet are passing through a tran- Anjumans of India in Bombay in June ‘ sition. One very important development is 1995. There were also indications on the | that within a short time — perhaps two grapevine that the near octogenarian was V | months — the Parsi Punchayet will be not keeping very good health. Indeed, his ...... j BMI earning about Rs 22 crore by sale of land, fabled sprightliness seemed to suffer from “I therefore felt that in view of my the fatigue of his hectic schedule in recent experience as a trustee for many years and months. .ia , . with my background as a businessman and In light of these indicators Dinshaw industrialist for over 40 years, I should Tamboly of Navsari and Bombay, the busi- continuetoplacetheb^efitofmyexperi- nessman who successfully spearheaded the ence at the disposal of the Punchayet. It World Zoroastrian Organization ’s ame- will be my responsibility to ensure that this lioration program in rural Gujarat and es- large sum of Rs 22 crore is well invested tablished its medical and entrepreneurial and well utilized for the benefit of the help facilities, had filed his nomination for community and the various projects of the trusteeship. Tamboly had made it quite Punchayet. clear months ahead that he was interested “In this connection I may mention that in Punchayet trusteeship. He had also, on the retirement of Mr Eruch Desai on simultaneously, indicated that he would December 4, 1995 I took over again as never fight Guzder in an election. His president and chairman of the Parsi words had been, “I respect the man too B Punchayet. ’’ much to do that. ” Hence, when Guzder », ,3 The reference to Desai ’s retirement adds changed his mind, Tamboly withdrew: The victors: Guzder (top) and Tirandaz a touch of realpolitik to the otherwise staid “Mr Jamshed Guzder, apart from being a story. Guzder ’s ‘election ’ as chairman of sitting trustee, is a very illustrious and Jamshed Guzder, I do not feel it proper to the BPP board by a majority offour to three respected member of our community. In stand for an elected office in which he too on the retirement of Dr Aspi Golwalla in view of the esteem in which I hold Mr professes interest. ” Tamboly ’s letter had March 1993 deprived Desai of the position 19 Parsiana November 1995 j 1 i IB 1 it. f'' J »> ¦ J / ji I 4’ fei 77ig victors: Guzder (top) and Tirandaz I ?‘elect ’ a chairman seems to have been dropped for want of the need to pursue it. This was the second attempt for lone ¦ ¦i R L t-! if ;S ¦ until the Bombay High Court ruled that, I according to the BPP constitution, senior- I ity and not election is the legal mode of transmission of the office of chairman of contender Dr Syrus Irani to seek BPP I the BPP board. Though the verbal ruling trusteeship. His earlier attempt to gain I was received in April 1994, it was only in Anjuman Committee membership in 1992 I July 1995 that the High Court furnished the as an elected member had also proved J written order providing the logic behind it. futile. What had propelled him to stand i Guzder and his supporters had sought a against an all-out favorite? The doctor stay on the order until an appeal was heard. The High Court admitted the appeal but singly from voter to voter said he declined to grant a stay on the original order and the Supreme Court upheld its decision. Thus Desai became chairman nity with him: “In Parsi politics nobody during the last four months of his tenure. Desai informed Parsiana that the pending appeal, which had not come up until the end of his (Desai ’s) term, has since been withdrawn. Guzder, the second in senior ­ ity hitherto, now functions as chairman according to established usage and custom and the question of the board ’s right to support to many a family in its hour of who had pursued his electoral campaign was “confident of winning ” though he was not sure of even carrying the medical frater- can say exactly. Basically, I’m not a poli ­ tician, ” he noted. One of the late Darvish Irani ’s 11 child ­ ren Syrus has perhaps imbibed some of his father ’s commitment to the community. A one-man institution at doongerwadi, Darvish was said to have been a source of ¦ 20 Parsiana November 1995 Mur 1 % SVSISM IlHAMti! 0 II I I tragedy. Hence Syrus was justified in say ­ ing that he has been “looking at the affairs of the BPP and knowing it from my child ­ hood. ” He has been one of those who feel that Parsis need reservation in educational and professional institutions. When he sought the help of the government of Maharashtra ’s minorities cell, he says he was told by its chairman, Zafar Saifullah, to come through the Punchayet. He be ­ lieves that a community ‘think tank ’ needs to be established. The scenario he has in mind for the coming years is of a minuscule community “sandwiched between two major warring communities. ” To avoid that he prescribes unity within the commu ­ nity and says that only those who truly work for the community should be trustees of the BPP. “Those who only want to warm chairs should leave the Punchayet. (Also,) the basic filament of religion can ’t change with time... Rites, customs, dokhmenashini must continue. ” A religious council is his answer to the current problems. He would like the Punchayet to help with loans to youth entrepreneurs so that they can stand on their own feet and not be dependent on the Punchayet. “I didn ’t depend on anyone for my election campaign. The battle should be fought alone; then you can talk to the voters freely. ” The only suspense at this election came by way of a technical hitch after the voting was over. The earlier figure of 661 total votes had to be rectified after a retally of the voting registers to synchronize with the 646 votes in hand (four votes invalid), delaying the proceedings by almost an hour. Scrutineers Ms Homai Modi and Russy Bhumgara, the BPP’s chief execu ­ tive Behram Lashkari, joint secretary Ms Gool Tata, additional joint secretary Ms Sheroo Master and other senior personnel I Top: The bell heralds the beginning and end of I the voting I Center row (from left) BPP trustees witness the I counting of the votes: Ms Silloo Kavarana and I outgoing chairman Desai; Dadar stalwart Jesia; I all hands at sorting the votes; candidate j Limathwalla; Armaity and Rustom Tirandaz with I Zarine and Kersi Limathwalla i Bottom row (from left) President oftfte election gathered around the table to sort out the votes under the eagle eye of Rustom Hormuzdiar, president of the election for the nth time. Thereafter it was smooth sailing until the last votes were counted. While 20 years ago Guzder ’s supporters had ritually hoisted him to their shoulders in his hour of triumph against Jimmy Shroff, this time, in deference to his age, the celebration was less boisterous with win ­ ner and loser feeding each other chocolate cake! Tirandaz vs Limathwalla From a total of 822 votes cast at the Octo­ ber 14 election to determine the successor to retiring trustee and BPP chairman Eruch Desai, Rustom Tirandaz (with 454 votes) trounced his rival Kersi Limathwalla (with 360 votes) by 94 votes (eight votes were invalid). 21 Parsiana November 1995t -11* ’ % it unless he withdrew now and sought its support in December when Guzder ’s term was due to end. But, according to Limath- walla, Tirandaz said, “I am a politician. I Despite the suspense, it had been a low key, gentlemanly contest. In his hour of victory Tirandaz couldn ’t but refer to his hero Sir Pherozeshah Mehta, the ‘Lion of Bombay ’ and architect of the Bombay Municipality who was nonetheless rejected by his community when he stood for BPP trusteeship not once, but twice! Noting that his electoral victory was a “victory not of Rustom Tirandaz but (of) the collective effort of each and every human being who wears sudreh and kusti, ’’ Tirandaz thanked “each and everyone of those who can ­ vassed for me and for my worthy oppo­ nent ” ere the champagne popped to the chanting of Chaiye hame Zarthosti. Tirandaz ’s electoral campaign had con­ tinued on the trend he had set in July when he lost the seat vacated by Jamsheed Kanga to solicitor Dadi Engineer. Fresh thinking had to be undertaken by Limathwalla, a vice president of the- CER (Committee for |||||||||||||||^^ Top: security outside, Economic Revival) careful scrutiny inside, who had led its youth Guzder & Irani with wing initially and was well-wishers • . . best known for the Left: election officials with may lose but I don ’t withdraw! publication of the CER 1 scrutineer Modi Limathwalla told his supporters at Nowroz blood donors directory J in the foreground Baug that he had evelT offered Tirandaz the whose revised third I luck of the draw but the latter had turned it edition is currently 1 Framroze Mehta. down. under print. "' ‘ * Initially there had been As it turned out, Tirandaz s instinct Not too surpri- , some dissonance at the prevailed. That Ms Mithoo Jesia, the re- ; singly, considering hustings: Tirandaz who doubtable social worker of Dadar ’s j that the community " had sought CER support in Mancheiji Joshi Colony and a Tirandaz j tends to look askance the earlier election against supporter was active in the organization of at the growing number Engineer, had been told then his campaign, helped to turn the tide, though of CER sympathisers that he would be the party ’s on the BPP board, candidate at the next elec- . _ Limathwalla chose to - tion if he allowed Engineer had been out of station almost until elec- stand as an inde- ' ’• ^o come in unopposed, tion day. ............................................. i pendent, being pro- ‘ Tirandaz however chose posed by Associated Cement Companies to fight the election and lost. When he now (ACC) director Pesi Jagus and seconded reminded the CER of its earlier offer, the party did not feel itself bound to honor •5; * (ACC) director Pesi Jagus and seconded by foreign exchange dealer Pheroze 22 Parsiana November 1995 Framroze Mehta. Initially there had been some dissonance at the hustings: Tirandaz who had sought CER support in she personally disclaimed any such com ­ pliments. During the earlier contest Jesia Tirandaz ’s main plank has been the institution of adult franchise in the elec- ; tion of trustees. Limathwalla had some continued on page 34 j I___ ART _ COVER STORY I^opl^efic pai lAti ngs Manchershaw Pithawalla and his son Sorab ’s portraits of Zarathushtra adorn many fire-temples Homi J. Rogers 3' i? & ,»3 The Pithawalla story begins on October 26, 1872 when Manehersliaw was born to Dinbai in a poor peasant family at Eiiha, a 'Ihis may seem an exaggeration, but the one family of Parsi artists whose paintings most Zoroastrians have seen, are the Pithawallas. There is usually a signed small village 18 km from Valsad. The Pithawalla portrait of the Prophet hanging middle child in a family of four brothers in most bouses and agiaries, or a represen ­ tation based on how the father or fils Pithawalla separately conceived of the providentially stumbled upon his Prophet. Then there's the portrait of a “ ' Framji Patel painted by the senior Piihawalla. Manchershaw, that one sees between tasty morsels of dhanshak at The Ripon Club, Bombay. More recently, when India observed the 100th anniversary of her famous Zoroastrian son Dadabhai Naoroji wresting a seat in the British and one sister, Manchershaw came to Bombay to help support his family and voca ­ tion. Then just 16 years old, he would stroll down to the Chowpaity beach after a day ’ s letter-writing and relax by sketching there, according to his daughter-in-law, Hira. a social worker attached to the Ratan Tata Institute, among other bodies. On one such foray into the world of art, he was observed by John Griffitlis, principal of Sir J. J. Parliament a century ago, the publication School of Art. Impressed by young Man- released on the occasion had a Man- chershaw's talent, Griffiths asked him to chershaw Pithawalla painting of the Grand join the School. Much as he would have Old Man on the cover. Manchershaw Piihawalla's paintings. and later those done by his son Sorab, have farsighted Griffiths persisted, offered Pitha- been acclaimed for their almost photo- walla a freeship for the first year and graphic faithfulness to the subject. A sharp enrolled him. Pithawallapaid for his seven ­ eye for detail and a vivid delineation of physical features have been the hallmark liked to, Manchershaw had to turn down the invitation for want of money. But a year stint at the art School by winning scholarships year after yeai'. His progress of Pithawalla portraiture. Yet. oddly under his competent teacher, Mr Chiran- enough, painting was fioi ihe first vocation jilal, was quite marvellous, nole,s H. D. of either Manchershaw or Sorab. For the senior Pitliawalla, the first source of live ­ lihood was the writing of letters for illiter- Darukhanawala in his book. Parsi Lustre im Irulian Soil. In 1894, Pithawalla exhibited several ates for the fee of two pice (half an anna) portraits at the Bombay Fine Arts Exhibi- each in Bombay, the city he migrated to at a lender age on the demise of his father Fakirjee. And .Sorah, who inherited his father ’s penchant for art. was an architect by profession. tion for the first time, and won a silver medal and a eash award of Rs 70. From then on there was no looking back lor the 22-year-old lad. Within the next 17 years, he exhibited his works al Simla, Darjeeling, 24 Paisiwis NovomOcr 19i>5 I-*' * Ia Ji Sorab Pithawalla (above) and his rendition of father Manchershaw (ext left) ??''j Manc.herxhaw’s portraits of Sir .lamse.tji Jejeebhoy I left) and Philip IV of Spain (far left) from earlier paintings and Dadahhat Naoroji (below center) Paintings phningraphed hy VafQhc&e Femande? 1907,1908 and 1909; I Poona, Madras, Bombay, picking up plau- I dits and collecting 24 gold and silver med- I als. Tlicsc included liirec gold medals from I ihc Bombay Art Society. The Society's I gold medal, insriiuled in 1894, was consi- I dered to be the highest honor for artists in I India and, “of the Indian artists," to quote I from ihcCentenary Volumeof the Bombay I Art Society authored by Dr Baburao Sad- I walkar, "M. K Pithawalla created history L by winning the gold medal for three I consecutive years I an achievcKienl which has never been I equalled." I The record, cxpceledly. created quite a I sensation amongst the artists, but not one I grudged Pithawall^thc honor. He had cov- I cred himself with glory tin the canvas of I life without family riches or influence to I support him. I Tlie best, though, was yet to come. A I self-made man, Pithawalla remained 'he I eternal student and set off in March 1911 to I sec the inaslcrpiecc.s of the Western world. I After visiting Italy, he anived in London I in June 1911. By October, reported The Graphic, "he has painted no fewer than 2S pictures" in oil, water and pastels. Though it had not been his intention to exhibit his works in England, with the support of friends, noiahly .Sir Mancherjee Bhownaggree. the second Parsi member of the British House ol Commons, Pilhawalla held an exhibition of his paintings at the Dore Galleries in London. Hira Pithawalla has carefully preserved a copy of the pub ­ lication brought out on the oc­ casion, and goes through the booklet briiniiiing with justifi ­ able pride. She draws our atten ­ tion to the press notices which selected for praise, from among the 25 exhibited work.s, portraits of K. R. Cama. a certain Mr Logan, and a self-portrait. The Standard’s review lauded Pitha ­ walla for being a “good colorist ..and (having) a rare feeling for character. ’' The I? • - .• Manchershaw ’s self-portrait (top left) and as depicted in Parsi Lustre on Indian Soil (top right) Below: Queen Elizabeth and the Maha- kumari ofBurdwan at Manchershaw’s exhibition (Parsi Lustre on Indian Soil) He would stroll down to the Chowpatty beach after a day’s letter­ writing and relax by sketching there I* Globe declared that “the artist ’s best work is that accomplished at home, upon sitters of his own nationality, especially the late K. R. Cama, a grey-bearded old gentleman clad in a violet robe and turban. ” The souvenir reproduces the 25 paintings in black and white, including the self-por ­ trait, and though we cannot see the colors, the expressions convey the artist ’s dexter ­ ity and keen powers of observation. And one tends to go along with the remark of art critic Sir George Birdwood that barring two Britons, “I would rather have my head painted by Mr Pithawalla than any other artist in the United Kingdom. ” Though Pithawalla was comfortable with portraiture in the European style and could duplicate the works of the old mas ­ ters, he depicted Indian figures with as much felicity. A collection of 14 water colors of Indian women done by him was the Prophet, depicted holding a ball of fire ercock atop) Agiary. presented to Queen Mary when she visited in one hand and a nine-notched stick in the Manchershaw ’s contribution to Zoro- India as Princess of Wales in 1905. The collection showcased the different attire worn by women in various parts of the country. Pithawalla ’s versatility and talent are obvious in this set, which includes an interesting contrast of the old Iranian style painted half-Zoroasters, ” his widow Hira of dress of a Parsi lady with the later informs us, and one such painting of Zoroaster half rising from fluffy clouds is framed at the entrance to the inner sanctum modifications introduced by subtle West ­ ern influences. Equally outstanding are his portraits of of Pune ’s Kadmi (Komra after the weath- in one hand and a nine-notched stick in the other. An original Manchershaw painting astrianism through his delineation of hangs in the Navsari Atash Bahram; and Zarathushtra with the features and dress a large painting of the Prophet by his son that all of us recognize today, may have can be viewed, among other places, at been prompted by his deep faith in the Bombay ’s Boyce Agiary. “Sorab also religion. “He was a true Zoroastrian by nature, ” recalls Hira, remembering her father-in-law ’s affable and humble per- t > E 26 Parsiana November 1995 II JAMVA AVOJII nZS. SAVAKSHAW M. PANTHAKY CATERERS DELICIOUS MOUTH - WATERING PARSI CUISINE for Navjotes • Weddings Festivals • Parties and anyone and everyone who loves good food L TELEPHONE KITCHEN 492 8592. TELEPHONE OFFICE 307 2973, 307 6951 0 sonality. “He was also very charitably inclined, ” she adds, bringing to fore another Zoroastrian trait. His charity was not restricted to his pocket, but he generously gave of his time and energy to budding artists. Manchershaw had close connections with the Bombay Art Society, being a committee member for 30 years. He was also a member of the first executive committee of the Art Society of India, which was set up in 1918 to assert India ’s artistic identity, and served as its chairman from 1921 to 1933. His paintings still inspire a new generation of artists^ and almost all J. J. School graduates are familiar with Pithawalla and hold him in high esteem. “You must visit our School, and see his work hanging in the library, ” enthuses a young artist we met at the Jehangir Art Gallery. Unfortunately for the world of art, neither Manchershaw nor Sorab (his second son) were blessed with a particularly long life. Manchershaw died in 1937, when he was 65; and Sorab, in spite of “his athletic and muscular body, ” to quote Hira, succumbed to a massive heart attack in 1959, when he was only 48. But the two Pithawallas succeeded in leaving behind a legacy. Manchershaw, whom Hira recalls as being a nationalist, got back from England the paintings he executed there during his 1911 visit. It is possible that some of them are with the National Museum of Modem Art which acquired many of his paintings only a few years ago from his ailing daughter Piroja (since deceased) residing in Pune, There is a chance, according to Sadwalkar, of many of Manchershaw ’s paintings returning to his city of adoption, Bombay, once the Gallery of Modem Art to be housed in the Cowasjee Jehangir 4Iall gets operational. Sorab ’s works can be seen in the Bombay High Court and in the Freemason Hall. His portrait of Sir Sorabji Pochkhanawala graces the Central Bank of India ’s head office. ! & f * With compliments from B. B. GARDA & SONS 10 B. J. Road Poona 411001 f j- f 28 Parsiana November 1995 H)RELIGION i The Priests^ Rebuttal Four High Priests defend their decision to permit the navjote of community doyen Neville Wadia Dasturs (Dr) Hormazdyar K. Mirza, (Dr) Kaikhusroo M. JamaspAsa, (Dr) Firoze M. Kotwal and Hormazdiar N. Dastur •he issue of Neville and Nusli Wadia ’s initiation is being publicly discussed in our community with the usual accompa ­ niment of ignorance, misunderstanding, irrelevant quotations, suppression of truth and feelings of enmity and animosity. We therefore feel obliged to make the following observations: 3. A Zoroastrian may be a thief, criminal or sinner, even a murderer, still he is regarded as a Zoroastrian enjoying all rights in the community. Such a person is free to attend religious ceremonies, visit places of wor ­ ship, in some cases apparently for prayers but in reality to steal what is available there. After death, too, dokhmenashini is allowed and all ceremonies are performed without any criticism, objection and oppo­ sition, leaving everything to divine jus ­ tice. He is still considered a Zoroastrian. 4. There might be Zoroastrians who are married to non-Zoroastrian ladies or who have kept non-Zoroastrian mistresses; such persons enjoy every right as Zoroastrians in the community. • 5. There are some Zoroastrians who are attracted to alien rites, philosophy and even alien religion. Till only a decade ago non-Zoroastrian religious ceremonies were openly performed by some Zoroastrians in various places including Nargol, Udvada, Pardi, Valsad, N^vsari and Surat. The Zo­ roastrians involved in these alien ceremo ­ nies were not regarded as non-Zoroastri- ans. They have not been debarred from any Zoroastrian institutions or ceremonies. Some Zoroastrians might have formally adopted an alien faith only a generation ago. Such Zoroastrians may be called Zo­ roastrians who have gone astray. If such Zoroastrians realise their mistake in later life, sincerely repent the past action and express their honest desire to revert to their ancestral religion, without any ulterior motive, then they are allowed to revert to the ancestral religion after ceremonial The principle works both ways “Here raises voice —false-speaker or truth ­ speaker Learned or unlearned — by his belief and mind: So following Rightmindedness (Armaiti) — through Spirit inquires where the fault (lies)! ’’ (Y.31.12) These are prophetic words — prophetic allegorically and also in reality! These words tell the eternal truth of this worldly life. So long as man ’s understanding is incomplete, there will be controversy and Left to right: Dasturs JamaspAsa and difference of opinion in worldy life. In fact, controversy honestly entered into by knowledgeable persons without an ciple, if a non-Zoroastrian is converted repentance, ulterior motive is necessary, as it is to Zoroastrianism, that conversion is ille- conducive to advancement of knowledge gal and invalid. This may be termed Scriptural evidence and learning. One striking point in this matter is that the above quoted prophetic words apply converted to an alien religion, that fittingly to the present Parsi community, particularly in Bombay. At present contro ­ versy is raised mainly by uninstructed persons with ulterior motives. This is dis ­ tressful and harmful to the community, as such debates keep it afflicted and divided. But we have to bear and suffer in this life, as the prophetic words tell us. The only satisfaction is ‘Rightmindedness through Spirit inquires where the fault (lies) ’! Mirza (top), Kotwal and Dastur ‘inward-conversion. ’ The same principle According to Videwdad (Vd) 3.38-39, if a also lays down that if a Zoroastrian is conversion is also illegal and invalid. This can be termed ‘outward-conversion. ’ Hence, the principle works both ways. for them; for those who have faith in the Mazdayasni religion (and) those who are not committing thereafter the untimely (ie The Principle The principle is: Zoroastrianism does not neglect religious rites. Still they are con- accept conversion. According to this prin- sidered Zoroastrians in every respect. Zoroastrian commits an unpardonable sin, normal repentance is not applicable to such a person. Then what is to be done? This is explained in Vd 3.40; ‘If one has faith and instruction in the Mazdasyasni religion, then if one has no faith and no Zoroastrian groups instruction in the Mazdayasni religion. The present Zoroastrian community may (then) it (ie the religion) wipes out (the sin) broadly be divided into the following groups: 1. Those who lead a good life of virtue, observe religious rites and lead a benevolent sinful) acts ’. See also H. K. Mirza, Com er- life according to circumstances. sion Caucus (Bombay 1971, p. 12). In this 2. Those who lead a good life of virtue but Avesta passage, the words ‘one having no faith, no instruction ’ clearly refers to those Zoroastrians who have gone astray, and T 29 Parsiana November 1995I Investment in Property: Pune is the best city this Avesta precept should decide the present problem. The above passage is further supported by Vd 3.42: ‘The Mazdayasni Religion prescribes repentance for the full-aged. ’ This also appropriately applies to those Zoroastrians who have gone astray. Evi­ dently the Pazand prayer of repentance, the Patet, is based on this Avesta precept. In the Patet, a Zoroastrian repents for all sins including heresy and sins in respect of Hormazd and the Amshaspands. I We accept bookings in exclusive schemes in Pune, like a Bungalow ­ scheme near the Pashan Lake, 6 km from Pune University. It is a small township consisting of: 17 independent Bungalows — Rs 38 lakhs 4 Twin Bungalows — Rs 16 to 19 lakhs 22 Rowhouses — Rs 17 to 39 lakhs Possession around March ’96. Payments by cheque. Vie also offer flats (small and large) at prices ranging from approx Rs 900 to Rs 5,000 per sq ft (built-up area), besides bungalow-plots, offices and shops in exclusive Commercial Complexes coming up in Pune. For details write to: Minoo Bhathena BySel Estate 302 Devika Apt 2010 Janmohmed Str Pune 411001 Tel: 650757 Dhup Nirang In the Pazand prayer of Dhup Nirang, recited in the third day ceremony just before individual judgement at the dawn of the fourth day, there is a reference to ‘those who have eaten food of bad offerings ’ (dus-myazdan). This is a reference to those Zoroastrians who have gone astray, even adopted an alien religion. This prayer ex ­ presses a wish that such Zoroastrians may revert to the Mazdayasni religion, but even if they do not, that prayer may reach ‘quicker, nearer ’ to the Divine Judge (Mihr)! In Pahlavi-Pazand writings the religion of the rulers of those days (9th century) in Iran is not mentioned by name. For obvious reasons it is referred to in guarded, veiled language. This prayer is offered with a hope that they may come back to the Zoroastrian religion, and even if they do not come back, it is prayed that ‘the great hope ’ (the prayer) may reach ‘faster, nearer ’ the divine judge: The prayer is offered at a very approporiate time in the ceremony, just before the time of individual divine judgement. With best wishes from * Farah The Benefactors So far as Zoroastrianism is concerned, we have to judge a person not by his individual actions (good or bad), but by the sum total of actions in his life, as laid down in the Avesta: Thus by these which (are) the laws of the first life. So shall the Judge act with most upright action Towards the wicked and towards the holy. And (also) towards one whose wrongful (deeds) mixes with the rightful! ’ — Yasna 33:1 Here ‘mixes with ’ means ‘is equal to’; the wrongful deed should be weighed against the rightful. In similar strain in the Arday Wiraz Namag (Hoshang Jamasp, Bombay 6.8), Srosh Yazad and Adar Yazad instruct Arday Wiraz: ‘Dost thou tell people of the world & Tanya 30 Parsiana November 1995 1 I * 'New Year LORD’S CENTRAL HOTEL Enjoy the mountains, monkeys and our hospitality not to consider (even) a trifling meritorious deed as greed and trouble, because every ­ one whose meritorious deeds exceed (his) sins (even) by three scruples (least quan ­ tity). (goes) to heaven. ’ A benefactor by dint of his/her high spiritual merit and munificence occupies a special place in the community as also in heaven. To quote converted to an alien religion, that con- Arday Wiraz again in connection with his visit to Garothman (highest heaven, 12.1 -6): “And I came to a place (in highest heaven) and I saw the souls of charitable persons who walked emitting brilliance, and above other souls, with all light. And Ohrmazd always exalts souls of charitable cerely repents and honestly wishes to revert persons, bright and exalted and courageous! to the ancestral religion, he can do so I said: ‘Bliss unto thee who art souls of through ceremonial penitence (nahan and charitable persons, so above other souls! ’ And to me it appeared exalted! ” The Pahlavi Rivayat of Adurfarnbag expressions of genuine wish and sincere and Farnbag Sros, p 70-71, Q 52: “The acts repentance. and works of merit which he performs do become (his); the sin of walking without high priests of India have been consulted the sacred girdle has originated with him, and the majority decision has been demo- (but) if he is absolved from sin (when) he cratically upheld. dies, they turn him over to the wicked existence; and if they carry to water or bury his dead body... ‘Penitence is the rem ­ edy ’... if he spoke unto a person through a shah Dastur of Surat. On January 9,1996 message: ‘If they carry to water or bury my Parsiana received a hand-delivered copy (dead body), do you offer penitence unto of a letter addressed to the l^itor, Jam-e- the Dasturs through his message on my Jamshed, stating that he had had a change behalf; and if he shall be penitent in this of view. Parsiana publishes the letter: way... the penitence is appropriate, they are to perform his three nights With great regret I refer to the article ceremony...and are to perform other acts ‘Communal Controversy ’ which was and works of merit (on his behalf) as much published in your issue of Sunday Decem- as they can. ” ber 24, 1995 and which unfortunately For a detailed study of this vexed bears my signature alongwith the other problem we refer readers to Conversion Caucus by Hormazdyar K. Mirza. Conclusion We once again firmly affirm that the present case is not one of conversion but of reverting to the ancestral faith, which is permitted in our religion. Zoroastrianism does not approve or sanction conversion. Hence, if a member of a Parsi Zoroastrian family is version is invalid from the Zoroastrian viewpoint. The person concerned can revert to his ancestral faith if he wishes. More ­ over, if a member of a Zoroastrian family goes astray , even practises an alien religion, and later in life realizes the mistake, sin- patet). Even if the navjote is not performed at the proper age, it can be performed after In this strictly religious matter all the The above article had initially also been endorsed by Das^ur Noshirwan Mancher- four ‘High Priests ’ of our community. On reflection, I find that I have mis ­ understood the contents and the implications of this article and feel that I was not made fully aware of all the facts I* Matheran 410102 Telephones Matheran 021483-0228 Bombay 3867776 Navjote after 15 It is argued that navjote cannot be performed after 15 years of age; but this is before obtaining my signature, a mistaken idea. The relevant Avesta text is quoted below from Videwdad 18.54: “Question: Who impregnates evil? points.expressed by my Answer: When a man, a woman after 15 colleagues on‘Conver- years (of age) moves about ungirded, sion’are strictly against without sacred shirt and (sacred) girdle. ’ the Parsi Zoroastrian From this it is concluded that navjote religion, its precepts, should be performed before 15 years of tenets, customs, tradi- age. This is correct; but from this conclusion tions and usage. I also it is popularly assumed and believed that feel that these unpre- navjote must not be performed after 15 cedented views ex ­ years of age. This notion is incorrect. Not pressed by my four colleagues will greatly to perform navjote at the proper age is endanger our community by opening the wrong, but to obviate that navjote floodgates to all sorts of illicit ‘Conversion, ’ should be performed even at a later age, if it resulting in the end of our existence as is so required, as in the present circumst- .ances. On further realizaTion in this matter, I feel that the observations and the view- ‘Parsi Zoroastrians. ’ I firmly affirm that the present case of 32 Parsiana November 1996 I* GLOBE 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 Controllins: REGAL BOMBAY CAPITOL BOMBAY jjc GLOBE CALCUTTA The above three cinemas < installed with nniOOtBYSTCTTO are Mr Neville and Nusli Wadia ’s (navjotes) is BPP ELECTIONS: that of conversion and therefore not ac- continued from page 22 ceptable according to the fundaments of new agenda on offer: “Housing projects the Parsi Zoroastrian religion. In this case, increase the liability of the Punchayet, ” he I am more in agreement with my two other says, appalled at what the institution will colleagues Dasturji Kekobad Dastur, the face by way of repair and renovation of High Priest of Udvada and Dasturji Godrej Baug 15 to 20 years hence. He Meherjirana, the High Priest of Navsari, proposed instead a scheme to help people who have both already expressed their own their own homes by providing long- dissent in this matter. term loans where individuals can stake In my capacity as the High Priest of the their own funds to begin with (supplanted Surat Parsi Zoroastrian Anjuman, I wish to by loans from the BPP and other trusts), make my above expressed views clear to come together and construct. “The resi- all concerned and withdraw my support dents would become owners in time and and my signature from the article published the Punchayet would have no future by you on December 24th, 1995. liabilities, ” he says. Another aspect of community behavior which, he was emphatic, needed change is the tendency to drop out of the educational stream on graduation. “Today you can get a secure job after graduation but you can ’t become economically competitive. ” Insti­ tutions which had been locked over the years like the hunnarshala and the rural homes should be revitalized with programs and courses tailored to suit today ’s busi ­ ness needs and requirements, ” he urged. His agenda also included the provision of old age homes “flot only for the poor, but to cater to those who can afford (it).” A perennial cause of coiK^ern and inter- ' est remains housing and the BPP’s allot ­ ment system. As CER managing commit- tee chairman Pali Poncha had noted at 1% Limathwalla ’s Nowroz Baug meet, “A system is as good as it is practised... The trustees are asking for ideas for a revision of the merit rating scheme. Not a single letter has been received despite the adver ­ tisement appearing a year ago. ” Hitting on target Poncha added, “Tum^ saat far^sta ne bi mooko taubifarak. nuthi purwano [Even if you install seven angels (on the BPP board) it will make no differ ­ ence] until the community changes, be ­ cause the community does not discharge its obligations. ” The voting at the trustee elections seemed to support Poncha ’s contention. Of the 1,534 extant members of the \ Anjuman Committee, 54 percent voted in October (290 donors, 532 elected mem- f bers); and 42 percent in December (231 donors, 415 elected members). Despite this being the third BPP election in six months, 43 voters required duplicate certificates. In July and October the respective numbers had been 148 and 74. Punchayet personnel say that the cost of each election approximates Rs 70,000 at present. Is the community ready for adult franchise with its concommitant cost or is j it just an expensive butterfly to chase? MATRIMONIAL Correspondence invited by parents for their son, 24 years, M S Meeh Engineering, well-settled in USA, 6'1", 85 kgs, strong and muscular (body builder), fair, handsome with an independent personality. Girl should be educated, broad-minded, home-loving, tall, fair, beautiful and willing to settle in USA. Write with recent photograph (returnable) to: The Advertiser Persians, Matrimonial (Nov/41-95)* GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 'Please make sure the reply envelope bears the reference number cited here. MATRIMONIAL Alliance invited from good natured, attractive, graduate Zoroastrian girls of about 21 to 24 years, for a 25-year-old boy, resident of Uttar Pradesh, 5’8”, MCom, doing his MBA, working with a corporate company and have his own accommodation. Please write with bio-data, birth details (date, time and place) and recent photograph (returnable) to: The Advertiser Parsiana, Matrimonial (Nov/40-95y GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 'Please make sure the reply envelope bears the reference number cited here. 4* 34 Parsiana November 1995 ISCHOLARSHIP Status of Women: sacred and secular - 2 Born impure Dr Ketayun H. Gould i; I r/ I 3'- !' 11 Women were governed by a set of religious and societal decrees under which they were but passive subjects The image of a liberated Zoroastrian to make it simpler for the lay reader, we female on par with the male is only an will not be detailing the sources that the illusion, an ideal that has yet to be realized. There is no denying that in certain spheres she has been granted equal opportunities but she has had certain divinities perceived as female to suffer discrimination too. This article which will run into six instalments analyzes the relevant texts and tradi- female figure on its upward journey, tions to study the status of women in Yet within the stronghold of the aris- the ancient, medieval and modern tocracy and priesthood in the pre­ periods. ~ ' A.S it originally appears in Religion and Women (a publication of the State University of New York Press, 1994) the men and women were deemed allies of paper entitled “Outside the discipline, Ahura Mazda to fight the evil forces, inside the experience: women in Zoro- The domestic routine though was con- astrianism” is a researched, academic sidered to be of prime concern to the presentation. Since Parsiana will be females in the ancient period, as is carrying an abridged version of the text elaborated in this second episode. to make it simpler for the lay reader, we author painstakingly cites at each in­ stance. In the first instalment we learnt that entities were venerated, that the soul of a dead man was said to be met by a Zoroastrian era, paradise was denied to women. With the advent of Zarathushtra, both to paradise by its own daena in the form of a lovely young damsel. But if the soul is that of a wicked person, it is met by its conscience, a hideous hag, who plunges with it off the bridge down into hell (Jal Dastur Cursetji Pavry). The break from past traditions is evident in the Prophet ’s attempt to provide an ethical connotation fo a previously amoral figure of the wel ­ coming maiden. The imagery, however, of a damsel and a hag to personify goodness and wickedness, seems to be an acceptable vehicle to introduce radical ideas in tradi ­ tionally understood sex-linked stereotypes. The Avestan texts provide further elabo ­ ration of the fact that on some counts the Prophet did provide a vision of equality between women and men in the religious experience. Even when the transcendent was imaged as a supreme male being (the wise lord — Ahura Mazda, often referred to in the texts as the “father ”), his first creative act of bringing into being six lesser beneficient divinities (the Amesha Spentas) in the struggle against evil in­ cluded three female yazatas. The scrip ­ tures (Yasna 39.3^ talk about worshipping the “bounteous immortals ” both-females and males. Each of them protects one part of the total creation in the material world against the onslaught from the evil spirit (Angra Mainyu). The assignment of fe ­ male yazatas to guard over earth, water and plants can be explained easily as a reference to the females ’ capacity for nurturance and growth. What is more interesting, however, is that in the later, more conservative, era, the Pahlavi literature fully sets out the -n. 1- r, associations of Spendarmad —theAmesha The revelations ofthe Prophet Zarathushtra ception of the morally good life went Spenta who protects the “lowly suh missi vp or Zoroaster (lived 1500-1200 BCE) rela- beyond a design for ethical human beha- and fecund ” earth (Mary Boyce) __ with ting to the religious status of women con- vior; it implied an eschatology. Paradise that of protector of “virtuous woman, ” attainable by all those who had And Ohrmazd (wise lord) is said to preside * or Zoroaster (lived 1500-1200 BCE) rela- beyond a design for ethical human beha- ting to the religious status of women con- vior; it implied an eschatology. Paradise tain some of the Indo-Iranian elements was now i ‘--___ 1-___ mentioned previously that became blended chosen to live the righteous life — whose with the Prophet ’s own teachings. But it is good thoughts, words and deeds outnum- safe to say that despite the fact that the bered the bad. Thus, the Prophet pro ­ religion retained the patriarchal character- ...................... istics that were part of its pagan past and its own male-dominated society, it also chal ­ lenged the status quo by introducing a more gender-inclusive philosophy — even if it still reflected a male worldview. The bridge illustrates how most significant departure from the pagan tradition was that Zoroaster promised the hope of salvation to both women and men. Paradise was no longer the exclusive do- with the Prophet ’s own teachings. But it is good thoughts, words and deeds outnum- religion retained the patriarchal character- over “just man, ” which seems to divide up the protection of women and men between female and male immortals. It is also worth noting that the sex-linked attributes — virtuous and just — might be the appropri ­ ate role models that the religious world considered worthy to be singled out for claimed: “Man or woman... whomever I shall impel to your invocation, with all these shall I cross the bridge of the separa ­ tor ” (Yasna 46:10). In fact, the Prophet ’s _____ _______ ___ handling of the belief in the maiden of the attention. Again, the degree of correspon- u_;some 1 _ ¦ ¦ ¦ .___________ were accepted and harmonized with his of the day and religious imagery gives us own teachings. The stress on righteous living as the main of men who had the means to achieve foct that the maiden is now seen as personi- it. From the Gaf/wJ (hymns or songs be- f ' lieved to be composed by the Prophet (daena). If the person has led a good moral himself), it is clear that Zoroaster ’s con- some pagan ideas dence between the societal arrangements ia chance to understand how far ^e Prophet went in presenting new ideas, to what passport to paradise is emphasized by the extent these beliefs retained the patriarchal ’ . structure, and how the combination might fication of an individual ’s conscience have helped followers to accept his mes- life, then the soul is guided over the bridge sage. The sacred liturgy reveals another area 35 Parsiana November 1995where the Prophet included women in the of the sacred shirt and girdle {Vendidad religious tradition. Veneration is offered 18.54, 58). Women as well as men were to the fravashis (the Indo-Iranian/ravartii asked to fulfill their duty to proclaim and referred to earlier) of the just women as well as men (Yasna 37.3). The inclusion of the former seems to be a specifically Zoro ­ astrian conception. Fravardin Yast (Yasht 13), which preserves the names of those who upheld the faith at its inception, lists the names of a group of women whose fravashis are worthy of worship. In fact, Ahura Mazda is said to have created women who, through following the path of righteousness, aid him in the vanquishing of corporeal and spiritual evil. In this sense, Ahura Mazda needs women along with taking part in the holy ceremonies and men to be his allies in seeking salvation for solemn offerings, women were considered the world — to defeat Angra Mainyu — and restore the world to its pristine state. Thus, in the initial stages of the spread of Nusserwanji Dhalla). Zoroastrianism, women and men were ide ­ ally considered to be equal partners in the struggle against evil. These egalitarian ideals, however, were ample, the conception of woman “advanced not completely translated into religious doctrine or everyday practice, since Iran was basically a male-dominated society. It to an offering ceremony, includes the re is true that according to the Avestan texts, both women and men were entitled to be initiated into the religion by the investiture teach what is true and good (Yasna 35.6). Her work in the home is so vaiuable that it may itseif serve as prayer In fact, there is some evidence that besides fit, under certain circumstances, to offici­ ate for the minor priestly duties (Maneckji At the same time, it has to be recognized that the language of the sacred texts re ­ flects a patriarchal world view. For ex- in the same invocation is not qualified by his sex-role definition. In this sense, the texts symbolize the sacralization of the social order. Through ­ out the scriptures, there is subtle differen ­ tiation between the sexes that seems to reinforce the traditional patriarchal sys­ tem. And this is true despite the fact that there is enough evidence that the duty to marry and procreate is thought to be not only desirable, but a holy pursuit for both women and men. The Zoroastrian strong ethnic self-consciousness made the beget- , ting of children for the propagation of the race and the spreading of the faith a reli ­ gious function — to further the kingdom of Ahura Mazda and cripple the power of Angra Mainyu. Hence, the Avesta declares that a married man is far above him who is unmarried; he who has children is far above him who has no offspring (Vendidad 4.47). Thus, to be without children is the greatest calamity that can befall a family. Moreover, childlessness is perceived as being a curse visited upon the impious by in her holy thoughts, and words and deeds, ” who is considered worthy of being invited the good spirits (Yasna 11.3). Undoubt ­ edly, within a patriarchal framework, this “blaming the vtetim ” philosophy must have quirement that she also be “well subordi ­ nated, whose ruler is her lord (Visperad weighed more heavily on the woman who 3.4).” The conception of the righteous man must have wondered how she had sinned to With Best Wishes from Mr Rusy M. Shrofif, M.B.E. and Mrs Purviz R. Shroff 36 Parsiana November 1995I j > t’l I t deserve such a punishment. i A further pressure on the Zoroastrian objectives. Moreover, her involvement in wife in fulfilling her religious destiny was the family and the rituals plays a pivotal not only to bear children, but specifically role in the cosmic battle against evil. The bear “male children, ” “a troop of male children (Yasht 8.15).’’Having a son is a daily prayers to the wise lord and her co­ blessing bestowed by the benevolent spir- presence in the domestic and public rituals its upon the righteous (Yasht 10.65), and lends credence to the importance of the again, the gift is denied to a woman who does not follow the proper rituals (Yasna 10.15). Moreover, sons were necessary to have the proper ceremonies performed af ­ ter death to aid the departed family mem ­ bers ’ souls on the upward journey to para ­ dise. In fact, the importance of the cult of the performance of rituals. Because the ancestral dead required that provision be religion, which catered to the well-being made for the adoption of a son in case a man had none borne to him. Interest ­ ingly, although the texts are silent on the issue of praying for female children, or receiving the blessings of female children part of the larger cosmic picture. In fact, from the good spirits, some authors seem the texts specifically mention the fact that to display the defensive cultural attitude although the housewife is encouraged to discussed earlier by interpreting the omission as a “lack of displeasure ” at the birth of daughters (Darab Dastur Peshotan Sanjana). The ethnic self-consciousness of the required Nyaishes (H. Michael Simm- the Zoroastrian community about their ons). Furthermore, in the daily cleaning of past accomplishments, plus the protective the home, the housewife is thought to tendencies of scholars who might be overidentified with their subjects, tend at times to present a somewhat idealized Ahura Mazda ’s good creation (John R. picture of the laudable manner in which Hinnells). women were treated in this religious tradi ­ tion. Perhaps, a more accurate description of the status of women in the religion and everyday life might be that the Zoroastrian society. What is surprising, however, is religion represented a significant step up that even in today ’s academic environ- in the recognition and appreciation of the traditional roles of women — an improve ­ ment on patriarchy in the Indo-Iranian context. Furthermore, the religion empha ­ sized the mutual responsibilities of hus ­ band and wife, albeit within a patriarchal tivity to the private sphere. Even in the structure. This is illustrated by the lan ­ guage used to denote the status of the wife (nmano-pathni, “the mistress of the might have been the “minor partner of man house ”), while the husband is addressed as in the religious life of the family. ” For nmano-paiti (“the master of the house ”), example, the domestic hearth was also the Zoroaster ’s advice to the bride and bride ­ groom sets forth the injunction to “let each one cherish the other in righteousness, thus had to tend to the fire as part of her alone unto each shall the home life be household work (and see to it that it was happy ” (Yasna 53.5). Thus, marriage and the family unit become part of the divine order of the world and the begetting of the mistress at night, when it sought fuel children contributes more hands to do battle against the evil spirit and achieve the reno ­ vation promised to humanity. In this context, the traditional duties of (Dhalla). ” Dhalla continues to make his woman as wife and mother become an point about the low status of women in the important instrument to achieve religious hierarchy of the household by showing \ . 1 that the texts mention that a physician shall “heal the master of the house for the value of an ox of low value... he shall heal the co-participation ofhusband and wife in the wife of the master of the house for the value of a she-ass (Vendidad 7.41, 42).” To be continued Dr (Ms) Ketayun H. Gould is professor emerita in the School of Social Work, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in the United States. She is a partner, along with her husband, in Independent Scholars sociated in Staf ­ ford, Virginia. She opted for early retirement to pursue her re ­ search and scho­ larship. Her writ ­ ings have dealt with two main areas: feminist theory, models and practice frameworks in the area of women and ethnic minority concerns, and historical and demograph- housewife ’s role in the total religious ex ­ perience. Besides, in certain aspects, the housewife ’s contribution must have been paramount in the preservation of the reli ­ gion such as the religious instruction to children, and fulfilling the requirements of of the family, was centered in the home, it must have provided a degree of recogni ­ tion plus sustenance for many women ’s faith that their home-centered work was pray with her husband, her work in the home is so valuable that it may itself serve 37 Parsiana November 1995 A As- as prayer if her duties preclude her reciting studies of the Parsi Zoroastrian community in India. Currently she is authoring a book on the historical and demographic decline of the Parsi Zoroastrian comri^nity in the rural and urban areas of Gujarat. sweep away the dirt and decay that are part of the weapons the evil spirit uses to spoil The reinforcement of women ’s tradi ­ tional roles and the emphasis on the “cult of domesticity ” is understandable in the historical context of a male-dominated ment where women ’s issues are part of scholarly consciousness, no one in the area of women in Zoroastrianism has com ­ mented on the negative impact of these belief systems in confining women ’s ac ­ home environment, there is enough evi ­ dence (Dhalla), illustrating that the woman family altar around which the family gath ­ ered for its devotions. Although the woman never allowed to go out), it is said that the fire awoke the master of the house and not for its nourishment (Vendidad, 18.18-21). This is because as the head of the family the man was the “chief of all family worship 4- 4* * Juke Box Music all the time. Wide choice of Beers Near Regal Cinona, Colaba Causeway, Bombay 400 039 Phone; 2020591 § o IHISTORY RUSTAM MANECK: THE BENEVOLENT BROKER - 4 TTje opemtions of the opportunist Dr Homi Eduljee By timing his moves Rustam Maneck ensured that his services were indispensable to the English As broker to the Portuguese and the Eng- < ’ ' lish, leader and benefactor of the Parsis of Journal. Along with this piece there is Surat, Rustam Maneck holds a prominent another dissertation in the same publica- place in the early history of the Parsis of tion, “The Zoroastrian Calendar: an Over­ India. A diplomat and an influential man, many were the occasions when he was called upon to negotiate peace between Bombay Samachar Marg, Bombay400023. warring factions. Even during his lifetime Rustam Maneck was celebrated in a Per­ sian poem Kisseh-i Rustam Maneck. His personal details concerning Rustam sons founded the Seth family in Bombay Maneck’s background and his efforts to abridged version of the text from their Moves were now set afoot to act on the King’s recommendation, and on July 22, 1702 a charter of'.union was entered into between Queen Anne and the two Compa ­ nies. The charter laid down the procedure view” by Keki Shroff. Priced at Rs 50 the Journal is available at the KRCOI, 136 for merging the two Companies, and they . ' '" „ , • were given seven years in which to com- We are serializing this feature overfive plete the formalities, after which the instalments. The first episode related some merged Company was to be known as “The United Company of Merchants of England tradifl^ to the East Indies. ” Sir assist the hapless victims when Shivaji John Gayer, Governor of the oldGompany j raided Surat and Aurangzeb imposed the at Bombay, was appointed Governor-in- ( . . " ............. ~'f chief of the United Com^ny with resi- I several books on Rustam Maneck and the position Rustam Maneck enjoyed as agent, , dence in Bombay. Sir Nicholas Waite of J .Seths viz Jalbhai Seth’s in 1900; J. J. ' ' ¦ ¦ • ¦ - . _ Modi’s study in 1928; andS. K. Hodivala ’s book in 1931. Subsequently substantial reference has come to light on the family's commercial activities. We now have the intermediary, was expected to secure the English translation of P. S. S. Pissurlen- i ’ car’s Portuguese Records on Rustam broker of the English East India Company sons founded the Seth family in Bombay Maneck’s background and his efforts and played a leading part in community affairs in that city. The fame of the family was kept alive by poll tax on all non-Muslims. The favored broker and administrator of the Portu­ guese was recounted in the second instal­ ment. Sea trade brought him prosperity and occasionally anxiety too when he, as pai the new Company was appointed to act as < Governor-in-Chief till Gayer was released from his imprisonment, and he was asked to try his best to get Gayer released. As Waite had been responsible for Gayer ’s release of a captured ship. As official predicament, it was hardly likely that he J- would make any effort to get him freed. Instead, he sent Rustam Maneck to the range a meeting between their English Governor ofSurat with a bribe of Rs 27,000 ambassador and Emperor Aurangzeb, a Manock (1936); H. R. Das’s accounts of Rustam Maneck was called upon to ar- the Norris embassy (1930, 1959); M. S. Commissariat s study (1953) of Nowroji ambassador and Emperor Aurangzeb, a to insinuate to him that Gayer had been Rustam’s visit to England; and A. Das Job that requried great tact, diplomacy and displacedandthathe,Waite,wasthegen- Gupta’s Indian Merchants and the Decline patience, as seen in the third instalment, eral of the United Company. Further, he o{S\iia.i(1979).Acarefulstudyofallthese But greater manipulation Gupta’s Indian Merchants and the Decline patience, as seen in the third instalment. was required of suggested that the Governor should place a proper guard over the old Company ’s and many other sources has resulted in the Rustam Maneck later when he had to se- i ’ ’ - - - * compilation of an article by Dr Homi cure the release of the ambassador who factory. The Deputy Governor of Bombay, Eduljeeon“RustamManeckandHisSons: I • ¦ • • ' - . . . - -- - Brokers of Surat” carried in the Journal of accede to their demands. the K. R. Cama Oriental Institute (KRCOI), No 60. To acquaint our readers with the vicis­ situdes in the lives of Rustam Maneck and continued to befavored as a broker. This, i ......... ....................... ... . his Parsiana has been permitted by the fourth, instalment finds him negotiating Governor of Bombay in 1709 and secured KRCOI trustees to reprint an edited and new deals even at the age of 86 years. his release in 1710. Gayer died in 1711 on -----------------------------------------------—------------------------------------------------—-------------- his way home to England. In November 1704 Waite went to n 1699, when the charter to the new London East India Company) should Bombay to take up his post as acting English East India Company was being seriously consider uniting as, in his Governor and wrote to England that he had granted, the King had recommended that opinion, this would be in the best appointed Rustam as broker to the United the two Companies (the new and the old interest of the Indian trade. Company. In one of his early reports Waite cure the release of the ambassador who factory. The Deputy Governor of Bombay, /laJ offended the Mughals by refusing to Mr Burniston, wrote to the Governor of Surat that Waite ’s and Rustam ’s assertions were false and-Gayer was in fact the gen- Barring a temporary period when were false and-Gayer was in fact the gen- Rustam Maneck wa.s dismissed from the eral of the United Company. To complete employment of the English Company, he the story of Gayer, he remained in confine ­ ment till William Aislabie was appointed new deals even at the age of 86 years. I 38 Parsiana November 1995 <•1 wrote that “in future a factor or two and a from the English Company ’s employment. ” few writers would be sufficient for the management of the United Trade at Surat, as Bombay must be made the center of UnitedCompanyowedRustamRs 1,40,(XX) their power and trade. ” This decision of Waite ’s, to make Bombay the chief center of English trade instead of Surat, led to a break between Rustam and Waite. Rustam feared that shifting the center of trade to Bombay would damage his interests in Surat. The rest of the story may be told in the words of John Bruce in his Annals of the Honourable East India Company. “While he (Waite) was president at Surat, Rustam, whom from his first arrival he had em ­ ployed as broker, continued, from inter ­ ested motives, attached to his (Waite ’s) views; but after he assumed the office of general at Bombay, this cautious native, English East India company in Surat were obviously been either ignored much vanity as to think that he shall at last Rustam must have been dismissed in by such means bring the Company to truckle to him; he sticks at no cost, and whatsoever the Governor (of Surat) bids him do he and the separate Companies Rs 5,50,000 frankly doth it, however prejudicial to the public, which recures him from his credi ­ tors; but certainly it can never be for the Company ’s interest to constitute such a broker, tho’ he be a useful tool at present for the private interest. ” As Gayer was aware of Rustam ’s part in his confinement, his sentiments are under ­ standable. Rustam ’s dismissal did not last very long and he was perhaps reinstated as ; was back in his old position as broker to the United Company in Surat but with his 1705. At the time of his dismissal, the At the age of 86 years, he entered into a new contract discovering that his object was to make urging that Rustam be reinstated as broker, that island the center of trade, explained to Gayer supported his dismissal. Writing on Mr Bonnell and Mr Proby, the English April 25, 1706 to the Court of the old, the Company ’s servants at Surat, that Sir London East India Company, Gayer and, Bruce adds, “if the Surat Council had ' _ not prevailed on the merchants to take their broker in late 1706 or early 1707. He bills, the whole property of the English would have been seized. ” Although Proby and Bonnell of the positiongreatly strengthened as Waite had 1 or over ­ that island the center of trade, explained to Gayer supported his dismissal. Writing J . .. ' re ­ Nicholas Waite had promised Rs 50,000 to ports: “Tho’ the Union affairs be at such a use his influence with the Governor to full stop, yet by means ofRustam ’s bribery ...................... and one of his assistants... there hath been more goods stript off, of late for account of keep Sir John Gayer confined, which sum was to be paid to him (Rustam), individually, by advances on the prices of private shipping, who undoubtedly must the Company ’s goods to that amount, bear the charge one way or other, but by When Sir Nicholas Waite was informed of such bribery he keeps all the officers fast to ------------------------- 1 his interest, and perhaps is master of so this conduct of Rustam, he dismissed him ruled. Waite ’s days were now numbered; his arrogance and extravagance in Bombay were becoming intolerable and the Bombay Council demanded his resignation and on November 19, 1708 arrested him and sent him off to England and the United Com ­ pany dismissed him from their service. With Gayer dead, Waite dismissed and sent off from India, Rustam ’s position as broker of the United Company wjould ap ­ pear secure and unassailable. However, this was not to be; his riv^ry with the * I * With Best Compliments From LEACH & 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 39 Parsiana November 1995 IParekhs, which had been simmering for April 1715 in straitened circumstances, many years, now came out into the open. The Parekhs were a Visha Shrimali Jain English and his star reached its zenith. In family and the hereditary nagarsheths of February 1711 Rustam Maneck was given Surat. The foundation ofthe family fortune - - - was laid by Bhimji Parekh who was broker to the old Company in the 1660s. On the death of Bhimji in 1686, his brothers pany. ” In September 1712 the Council at 1713 upwards of 5»/i lakh. It has been Vithaldas and Keshavdas took over the Bombay decided that as Banwalidas had formerly under examination before the businessandassociatedwiththemBhimji ’s - eldest son Banwalidas and his brother Shankardas. Banwalidas, a dynamic and ruthless operator, soon ousted his uncles and brother and became sole broker of the old Company. Samuel Annesley , who was president of the old Company in Surat at that time, has left us his opinion of the Parekhs: “The Parekhs (with whom chiefly we have to do) are the head of theGentoos (Hindus) in this place, and the whole body of them moves at their back in any dispute with the oppres ­ sive officers. They are wealthy, subtle and malicious, as well as powerful; can bribe. Bombay Council favored Rustam, there were some who did not approve of this. One of them was Stephen Strutt who wrote to the secretary of the Court of Directors in “aplace in Surat Factory ofthe United East London: “Lately was passed Rustam ’s India Company as he had when under the Lascarees account, the principal almost denomination of broker for the new Com- two lakh with interest to the 31 st December pany. ” In September 1712 the Council at Rustam was now the sole broker to the “proved himself a notorious villain, ” and General went to Surat and then I objected against several articles but particularly yt (=that) of Rs 60,000, for obtaining a par ­ don for Sir William etc coming from camp without leave for I am sure that such a sum was never paid on yt account but it coming on the stage where we were obliged to be passive, it was passed as above. ” Rustam Maneck ’s position in the Surat factory was now completely secure. With friends in the Bombay Council and the Parekhs defeated, there was no one to gainsay him. There was no change in this when Aislabie retired as Governor in 1716 c and was succeeded by Charles Boone; divide, menace and by ill acts remove with the Government of Surat by wh. in fact Boone became a close friend of those that oppose them, being above shame (=which) means consequently the more Rustam and his family. The Parekhs ’claims and uncontrolled by conscience. They will capable to serve the Company in this grand on the Company had not been completely suppress or forge accounts and back it with affair (i.e. the quarrel with the Moghuls settled by Aislabie in 1712. Vithaldas, witness or stifle evidence, and know how pVAr fklf* iccilfk rt-f ” Diipfnrvi rUzAiilJ + U ___ 21 _^1I I_____ 1________ *.*.1 _ _1 1 • to time any such artifices as their occasion 1 serves; and when hardly pressed, will fling dismissed, a part overboard to save the remainder. And what can ’t such persons do, so quali ­ fied, with an arbitrary government where settling the piracy problem, and the*Com- money answers all things.” pany was duly grateful to him. Rustam claimed that he had to pay large sums to Rustam feared that shifting the center of trade to Bombay would damage his interests in Surat as Rustam was “a person much in vogue with the Government of Surat by wh. and uncontrolled by conscience. They will capable to serve the Company in this grand affair (i .e. the quarrel with the Moghuls over the issue of piracy), ” Rustam should brotherofBhimji, still had unsettled claims, be appointed sole broker and Banwalidas but he had not pursued them as vigorously ¦¦ as Banwalidas had done. In '^arly 1718 Boone came to Surat to settle these claims. Vithaldas was dead by now and his son, Laldas, Banwalidas ’s cousin, argued his - - . „ case before the English. The Parekhs ’total Banwalidas now started a feud with claimed that he had to pay large sums to claim amounted to nearly Rs 7.37 lakhs, Rustam which was carried on by their sons Moghul officials. This ‘laskari ’ account but Boone conceded only Rs 50,000; Laldas and grandsons into the middle of the 18th ' ' ............... — ' century. In 1707 Rustam was appointed broker to the United East India Company together with, ironically, Banwalidas the matter was quickly resolved; most of Parekh. Rustam was now reaching the peak of his influence with the English. The piracy issue still bedeviled relations bet ­ ween the Moghuls and the European trad ­ ing companies; Aurangzeb ’s death in February 1707 had plunged the country Bengal and sold them there at a profit. In into turmoil and trade was suffering ¦ - - - badly. Rustam and Banwalidas were claims for Rs 3.5 lakhs. Rustam Maneck WeknowverylittleofRustamManeck ’s helping the United Company with their was clearly becoming a wealthy man now. trading activities outside the English investments, and Banwalidas considered However, the ‘laskari ’ account was not Company but we do know that his activi ­ ties were not confined to Gujarat but ex ­ tended to the coastal trade and even across India to Bengal. On March 9, 1715 the Rustam must have j ustified the Council ’ s encomiums for he played a decisive part in % had not been settled as long as Waite was in India, but now with Waite dismissed and _________ Rustam clearly in favor with the Council, personally had made a very good impres- was in no condition to put up a fight and was forced to accept it. However, Laldas sion on the English and in 1718-19 he was offered a chance to participate in the Eng­ lish trade; but any investment was now these claims were settled in Rustam ’s fa ­ vor although again the payment was in bales of English woolen goods. Perhaps it beyond his means and he had to refuse, thus was from this payment in kind that in 1713 Rustam sent 100 bales of broadcloth to giving Rustam the opportunity to step in and take up the offer.T'he blow to the Parekhs was severe and for some years 1715 the Company settled another set of they disappeared from the scene. claims for Rs 3.5 lakhs. Rustam Maneck was clearly becoming a wealthy man now. the Company to be greatly in his debt. In settled fully to Rustam ’s and his sons’ 1712 Aislabie, the Governor in Bombay, came to Surat to settle the question of this debt and to restart the English trade. He went through Banwalidas ’s accounts ruthlessly cutting it down; a claim for Rs 13 lakhs was cut down to Rs 4.5 lakhs, and that too was to be paid in woolen goods; also, he dismissed Banwalidas as broker to the Company. This proved too cruel a blow for Banwalidas and he died in satisfaction, and the matter dragged on for some years after Rustam ’s death. Another sign ofRustam ’s high standing Bombay Council passed the following with the Bombay Council came in 1715 when an Arab trader, Ali bin Sultan, re ­ vived an old complaint against Rustam and unlashing our shipping and other neces- went to the Moghul Court to get an injunc ­ tion against his property. The Company intervened on his behalf to save him. While the majority of members of the having a very strongSurat built boat which resolution; “Being in waint of a good boat for sary uses having at present no more than two for that purpose and other times obliged to hire boats for that purpose and Rustamji 40 Parsiana November 1995 I *'some days in mourning, so that the agree ­ ment cannot be signed now. ” A postscript to the agreement adds; “Whereas Rustomjee Maneckjee departed to encourage them in a faithful provision of the investment and the discharge of the custom and superstition with these people great trust that is now devolved on them. ” I *^1 i A standing in the Moghul court and with the merchants of the city. The Factory there ­ fore agreed to meet their request “thereby his son Nowros by his order makes us a tender of, for Rs 15,000 about 20 tonnes completely furnished with mast, yard, sails, oars, etc, agreed to purchase the same at that price on the purser marine ’s and ship this life on the 31st of July, yet it being the carpenter ’s survey thereof. ” Rustam apparently enjoyed robust health to continue the name of their father on the Accordingly, a coach accompanied by two for, in 1719, at the age of 86 years, he Right Hon’ble Company ’s Books, his sons senior English officials was sent to their entered into a new contract with the Surat Framjee (Bomanjee being at Bombay) and residence and the brothers were ceremoni- factory to supply goods in the next trading Nowrojee Sign and Seal this contract — season. The Bombay Council approved the Surat, August 8, 1719.” agreement on July 16 and their letter reached Surat on July 29, but before the formalities could be completed, Rustam how the Rustamjee brothers, Framjee and died on July 31. The Surat Factory Diary Nowrosjee, were appointed brokers in place respected as the leader of the Surat Parsis. for August 3,1719 records: “According to of their father. The four days of mourning He was succeeded in the English Factory the directions given us by the Hon’ble having expired, the brothers informed the by his three sons — Framji, Bomanji and Charles Boone, esquire, president and Factory that they wished to pay their Nowrosjee — talented men but unpopular. Governor of Bombay in Council, in their respects to the Factory and, as was the Bomanji was described as “a sad fellow, ” letter of July 16 last, and received in Surat custom, they expected to be given some on the 29th, for Rustamjee Maneckjee, our presents in token of their appointment, chief broker, to enter into articles neces ­ sary for his performing the investment negotiated with the Company he had agreed spilt between the brothers later played a lately concluded with his son Bomanji on his behalf at Bombay, we have drawn out compared with his fees for the previous and fairly wrote the articles to be inter- year. In appreciation of this, the Bombay changeably executed between the Right Council had instructed Surat that they Hon’ble Company and our said broker, but his decease happening on the 31 ultimo, his sons Framji and Nowroji are by the custom Factory that these gifts should be presented of their caste obliged to spend at home ously brought to the factory and, in the presence of many of the principal mer- The Surat Factory Diary for August 4, chants of Surat, presented with the horse 1719 gives us an interesting account of and sarpaw. Rustam died a rich man and highly obstinate and pervdrse. Although, at that time united in their hostility to the Parekhs, Now, in the agreement that Rustam had they were not the best of friends and this to reduce his brokerage fees by 10 percent part in the feud between the Rustamjees and the Parekhs. Dr Homi Eduljee w^s associated with the K. R. Cama Oriental Institute both as a joint honorary secretary and as a trustee for a number of years. A chemical engineer by profession he is also well read on Indo-Iranian topics and fhe Zoroastrian to them as this would help to maintain their religion. should present Rustam with a horse and sarpaw. The brothers now hinted to the ion f J Ihi CONTMC'TJI.Bi.M. 41 Parsiana November 1995 4^ * I i IBOOKS Nuggets in a nutshell Aspi Moddie The Zoroastrian Faith: Tradition & Modern Re­ search by S. A. Nigosian. Published in 1993 by McGill Queen ’s University Press, Montreal and Kingston, London. Pp: 154. Price: Not mentioned. At a meeting of the Federation of Zoroas- again we are largely dependent on non- trian Associations of North America Zoroastrian scholarse.g. HelmutHumbach, (FEZANA) in June ’95 at Washington, under the chairmanship of the new presi ­ dent Ms Dolly Dastoor, it was felt that in the greater part of the Zoroastrian world, parents and teachers together performed a reasonable job in educating Zoroastrian children up to the navjote age, though Henry perhaps limited in reach. Admittedly, more (British orientalist), can be done, especially by way of elemen- dangling precariously tary Zoroastrian history and religious sig­ nificance. The old cry was for the mean ­ ingful essence, a significant guide to the Zoroastrian religion in the contemporary inscriptions which glo- world. Most individuals were mere inheri ­ tors of the navjote ‘primary, ’ and a few rituals and customs picked up later. In the last 20 years however from India/Iran at the old hub, to Australia and North America, the new global periphery, there was a and teachings of Zoroaster, which are so important to Zoroastrians. They are the role of God ’s hamkar or co-worker in the creation; and the very relevant principle of frashokerati or renewal in a changing and to have been ignored by the early Zoroas- challenging world. trians. We know of no Zoroastrian equiva ­ lents of the Greek historians Herodotus and Thucydides or the Roman historian Nigosian suggests the co-existence of three Tacitus. And for contemporary research, religious cults, Zoroastrian, Magian and Persian, each inheriting the legacy of the Indo-Aryan group. Zoroaster, he avers. Dr (Ms) Mary Boyce, Shaul Shaked, brought “the new Zoroastrian movement Stanley Insler, et al, apart from Hawg and to the forefront, ” which was welcomed by West earlier. No Zo­ roastrian in the last century has ever dreamed of being a Rawlinson from a sheer cliff face in Iran, copying the trilingual Behistun rified Darius. So let contem ­ porary Zoroastrians turn to this one-book education for a range of needs, from a grop- As to the historical question, how far the Achaemenid period was Zoroastrian, We lack a historical analysis of the collapse of the Zoroastrian empire in the seventh century AD after almost a millennium the Achaemenid Per ­ sians. It is a reminder of the pluralist beliefs of people in many societies, even today. Nigosian reminds us that we owe the gathering of such rem ­ nants of the Zoroas ­ trian scriptures as we have to King Valaksh (51-79 CE) of the Parthian period; and to Ard^hir I (224- 240) and Shapur I (240-272 CE) of the Sassanian period. Tra- * growing cry, and far greater need, for ing for the historical placement of Zoroaster meaningful Zoroastrian education for ado ­ lescents and adults. If one book fulfils that need in a re ­ searched, readable,modern idiom, it is S. A. Nigosian ’s The Zoroastrian Faith. Mark, the grant for such a work did not come from any Zoroastrian source, but their past, before sleep, but do not have the from the Canadian Federation for the Humanities. The writer is a research asso ­ ciate at the University of Toronto ’s Victoria jectively to know when Zoroaster lived. College. One reality we must honestly recognize at the start, is that Zoroastrians have lacked the rich intellectual tradition of the Jews, the Christians and the Muslims. Admit ­ tedly, much of the reason rests with the burning of Persepolis by Alexander in the fourth century BC and the destruction of empire, records and believers by the Arabs in the seventh century AD. Nevertheless, to this day, even after more than a century of relative affluence, the urge for a strong intellectual tradition, with a scholarly com ­ mitment to research, is weak. It is ironical, that for past research we are largely depen ­ dent on Jewish, Greek, Christian and Is­ lamic sources. Zoroastrian history seemed dition names a high priest Tosar (or Tansar) “as the artisan of reform and the principal agent for establishing Mazdayasnian or- ‘ thodoxy as the state religion. ” But again, no history of what he did. In the midst of the growth of Judaism, to the checkered history of Zoroastrian ­ ism, to an informative review of Zoro ­ astrian scriptures, teachings and obser ­ vances — all compactly in 118 pages. A good bedside book for Zoroastrians who wish to know more about their religion and Christianity, Manichaeism, Hinduism and Buddhism in the early centuries after Christ, after 200 AD, Kartir, the chief organizer of Zoroastrian orthodoxy and Shapur II cur- tailed the earlier Zoroastrian tolerance of other faiths and cults, with a more assertive state Zoroastrianism. The political wars of stomach to read a shelf of books over time. Nigosian records various sources ob- 42 Parsiana November 1995 We are left with a guessing game over about five centuries prior to the seventh century BC. Why did no Achaemenian religion in what is now called West Asia Herodotus delve into this basic? Has the absence of an intellectual tradition made us an unhistorical people? In the controversy between an “appar ­ ent dualism ” and an imperfect monothe ­ ism, Nigosian has a unique response. He barely survived in remote Iranian commu- concludes in “Zoroastrian Faith, ” that Zoroaster “perceived two distinct ages: this present “dualistic age (between Ahura Mazda and Ahriman) ” to be followed by an eternal “monotheistic age, ” thanks to the responsive choice of human beings. I cannot understand Nigosian ’s two major omissions in his interpretations of the faith had begun, rising to a crescendo with the Arabs after the seventh century AD, and the crusades half a millennium later. In those wars, the Zoroastrian empire was extinguished, and the Zoroastrian faith nities. We however lack a historical analy ­ sis of the collapse of the early Persian/ j Zoroastrian empires in the seventh century j AD after an almost continuous existence of about a millennium. Ever since, Zoroas- i trians have had to reconcile themselves as minorities in stronger host communities, j There is a general assumption that all | bV 11 even as from roj Hormuzd mah Ava to the end of the year has been explained as: “during this period Ardibehest Amashaspand, who is the presiding deity, goes underground to give warmth to God ’s creation there. ” This is nothing but religious fanaticism and one wonders if Ahura Mazda is impressed by such gimmicks. Religion should be simple and come from the heart. The same re ­ marks apply to the recitation of the five gahs. The story about Nairyosang Dhaval and the gold ring which he is said to have dropped into the milk pot does not bear out with the story of sugar being put in the milk pot to sweeten the milk. Further, Nairy ­ osang Dhaval was perhaps not even there at the time, as he is said to have much later translated the entire Avesta into Sanskrit for the benefit of yindu scholars of his time. These translations are still extant. Who the “frail old priest ” was who bar- Jehangir Road, Dadar, Bombay 400014. Pp: 180 gained with Jadhav Rana is not known. It 4 xxi. Price. Rs 120 (for reprint). will be interesting to learn where this author got her references from, and why The price of Rs 120 for this interesting they have not been mentioned in the book. The book ends with a reference to early saints and martyS, to Dastur Kookadaru and the jashan ceremony, the full-signifi ­ cance of which might have been explained. It also contains a pictorial depiction of the Roman script and followed by brief sum- days of the month, a glossary of commonly maries in English. used words and short notes on religious The author apparently has been unable subjects. Gilt-edged art paper, sturdy bind- to get away from prescribing the repetition ' ‘ ‘ of Ashem Vohu and Ahunavar innumer ­ able times, as for instance in the “prayer after a meal ” on page nine, which calls for Ashem Vohus, two Yatha Vairyos and, to crown it all, the full range of Ahmai Raescha, Hazangarem, Jasa me Avangahi good health for ever. Prayer as pathway Noshir Vajifdar the Gathas were the work of Zoroaster himself. Nigosian reminds us that only the first five Gathas (Y 28-34, 43-51, 53) “are generally considered to be the work of Zoroaster himself. The Yasna Haptaghaili. sometimes referred to as the sixth Gatha is not ascribed to him^^'because its content differs theologically from the rest though it is written in the same dialect the other Gathas.'' The author tells us of various Pahlavi versions of the Avesta (Gathic and Avestan) from the third to the 11th century. In the 13th century, a Zoro ­ astrian priest, Naryosangh, son of Dhaval, translated a large section of the Pahlavi version into Sanskrit. In addition, there are three later translations, a modern Persian translation between 1600 and 1800 AD, and two Gujarati translations in 1818 AD. These are the few threads by which the ancient texts came down to us in the last seven centuries. It is interesting to see the list of similari ­ ties between Zoroastrianism and Judaism, Christianity and Islam, ideas which the author believes it is “hardly conceivable ” that they could have come into being with ­ out Zoroastrian influence. These cover the aspects of God and Satan, angels and de ­ mons, heaven and hell (Christianity added simplest Ashem Vohu mid Ahunavar purgatory), resurrection of the body and Setayash-i-Shaherevar, transcribed in the life everlasting, arrival of the Messiah, Roman script and followed by brief sum- cosmic events during the end of the world and the Armageddon battles. I wish he could have gone into these in more depth. Of striking interest to Zoroastrians is that one of the Dead Sea Scrolls is known as “War of the Sons of Light against the Sons of Darkness. ” Does it have a Zoroas ­ trian origin? In contrast, Nigosian says that ideas of _______ ______ __________ fatalism, of original sin, of asceticism, of Mazda and Ke^e Mezd. One wonders if there is anyone who follows this routine! __ ____ Similarly, the reason for the second symbolic explanations of the Zoroastrian Ahura Mazda Unto Thee I Pray com­ piled by Shernaz D. Talati. Published and printed in March 1995 (first edition) and August 1995 (first reprint) by Jenaz Printers, #10, Sethi Ballard Bombay 400038. It is also available from Marzban J. Giara, Dhunmai Bldg, 667, Lady Mansion, Estate, little compilation by Ms Shernaz D. Talati of Bombay may seem a bit high, but it includes important prayers from the • to to get away from prescribing the repetition ing and clear plastic packaging attest to the book ’s production values. A welcome message comes from the author to respect all religions, including our own; and the book ends with wishes for our happiness, peace, contentment and * mysticism, of contemplation in God or Nirvana, and of rebirth, “are all foreign to Zoroastrian teachings. ” As the book is for Zoroastrian educa ­ tion, may I suggest it be framed in a wider contemporary dimension; First, that of sci­ ence. Second, of the host Christian, Hindu and Islamic communities in which Zoroas ­ trians live. Third, in the context of over ­ secularization and excess materialism. Fourth, the inertia and lack of an intellec ­ tual tradition in the community. Fifth, the situation of ‘apathy ’ in Zoroastrian homes. Sixth, the past and future roles of Zoroas ­ trian priests. Thinking, busy, modern Zoroastrians are likely to find Nigosian ’s book a good handy education in one book. It obviates the need to hang from the Behistun cliffs of historical research! 43 Parsiana November 1995 Above: author Talati and (below) Havan gah being substituted for Rapithvan calendar featured in her book 1. Horma/.d 6. Khordad 11. Khorshed uworshed Sun 16. Meher 21. Ram 26. Ashtad Lord of the World 2, Behman Good Mind 3. Ardibehshi .If" Perfection 7. Amardad Oneness with God 8. Dae-pa-Adar 12. Mohor Friendship 17. Saroajh Obedience 18. Rashne _______Moon 13. Tir Peace, Joy 22. Govad ______ Wind 23. Dae-pa-Din Justice 27. Asman Sky 28. Zamyad Tru^ ! order 4. Shaherevar Spiritual Strength 5. Spandarmad Devotion Dedicated to God 9. Adar s _______ Fire 10. Avan t ________Star_ 14. Gosh Soul of the Earth 15. Dae-pa-Meher Judge 19. Farvardin Guardian Spirit ?(nBehram Dedicated to God 24. Din Religion 25. Ashishvangh Water Dedicated to God ?Victory Wealth amyad o Earth 29. Marespand Holy words 30. Aneran Endless Light'Dusts with treasure? Dr Jamshed A. Modi Parsi Public Trusts Directory (1990-93). Printed and published by P. A. Bana (author) and Kainaaz, Post Box No 9350, Bombay 400026. Pp: 134. Price: Not mentioned. Gandhi, Patel, Dubash, Mody, Bhabha, Bhiwandi walla, Mehta, Gamadia, Banajee — and then Tata! Then Sethna, Dadabhoy and several others. The data in these listings is just the name, address, and objects of the trust. That ’s all. No mention of who the trustees are, what is the corpus, what is the last reported income or expenditure, or any other data which might be useful to a reader to ascertain the status or perfor ­ mance of the trust, or what it is currently doing, or even whether it is alive or de ­ funct. One wishes the author had aimed at creating a database. If he had done that he There seems to exist for our community an aura of splendor and mystery surrounding would have been forced to answer ques- the subject of our community trusts. Our people talk as though fabulous wealth is locked up in these trusts, and at the same time they accept that nobody really knows retrieved and accessed? ” This would have which trusts have how much, and what is being done with it. The situation is similar to that in a tale of a prince ’s treasure of bygone days, which is thought to be buried “out there, ” nobody knows exactly where retrieval, analysis and dissemination so or how much, which if unearthed would much easier, enable the finders (in our case, the commu ­ nity) to live happily ever after. I suppose struggle, not the prize. ” Bana deserves to this is what motivates community-lovers from time to time to go after this mystery, and the result is another directory of Parsi trusts,Parsi Public Trusts Directory (1990- 93) hereafter referred to as PPTD. The PPTD is a soft-cover book of 134 pages, 18 cm x 24 cm. I first attempted to see how the Directory is organized. Is there organization by size (of corpus)? Is it by the objects of the trust — educational, medical, housing, etc? Is it alphabetical by and remain “out there ” intact. For what- name of the trust? I couldn ’t discover any order, and the author (the cover of the book emphasizes P. A. Bana as the author, it does not say who Kainaaz is) has not announced any order in his “A Word from The Author ” on page five. There is an “Information ” section on page 20, which seems to suggest that the PPTD is orga ­ nized by “Total Assets. ” That may be, but the only evident organization, if such it can be called, seems to be according to the PPTD’s own serial numbering system which, strangely enough, starts with “PPTD (5),” which is the Avabai Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy Navsari Agiary Fund. The list ­ ing proceeds numberwise up to PPTD (905) A popular and award-winning advertise- on the last page. - Along with this ordering by its own serial number, there is the grouping by trembles against his score. The selectors family name. The first group comprises the trusts of the Jejeebhoy families, followed by those of the Petits, Vatcha and Vatcha girl nibbles nervously on her Cadbury with just the right touch of pathos. Surti, it tions such as, “What purpose should my database serve? ” “What sort of queries Surti: the 99 butterfly syndrome should it answer? ” “How will the data be Courtesy Rusi Surti, The Nervous Nineties inevitably led him to think in terms of chocolate bar. The fielder misjudges the well-defined “records ” and “fields, ” and in terms of computerization of the data ­ base, which would have made its storage, special moments in life) sings the sound ­ track, capturing those nervous, naughty } moments. In his ne^ compendium of records, Kersi Meher-Homji leads the reader j be commended for his struggle, which he through a similar tightrope walk as he j has single-handedly undertaken, as he him- details the. stories of batsmen who have, uot i self declares, “with one foot in my grave... ” But the task which he has attempted re ­ quires a small taskforce of young co-reli ­ gionists, with both feet on the ground, well something which makes its almost-there funded, with backgrounds in data-gather- quality just as tragic as being out for a ing, accounts, law, computers, etc. Unless we do this soon, our trust funds may not even enjoy the fate of the prince ’s treasure. catch, and the girl runs onto the field. § 'Kuchkhas hai, zindagimein...' (For those j i 44 Parsiana November 1995 Sages have taught that “virtue lies in the details the stories of batsn^n who have got out, or remained unbeaten, when their scores were in the nineties. There is something special about this figure, ‘duck, ’ the subject of Meher-Homji ’s previous work (see “Heroes famed for Zeros, ” Books, Parsiana, January 1995). And aapro Kersi, who seems to have made a success of recounting tales of ‘failures, ’ ever else we may or may not know about our trust funds, one thing we do know: they comes up with a winner once again as he are being eroded at an unconscionable crystallizes the anguish, the drama and the rate. heartbreak inherent in such situations. He has delved into statistics to produce a work on a seldom rec ’orded phenomenon of cricket, bypassed even by the all-knowing Wisden. According to Meher-Homji ’s study, 276 batsmen have recorded 485 nineties in 1,260 test matches as on June 1, 1994. Forty-six of them have scored 99 runs on 50 occasions, the doubly unfortunate four To the nines Homi J. Rogers The Nervous Ninetiesby Kersi Meher-Homji. Pub ­ lished in 1994 by Kangaroo Press Pty Ltd, 3 Whitehall Road, Kenthurst, NSW2156, Australia. Pp: 128. Price: Not mentioned. in the 99 list being Mike Smith of England, West Indian Richie Richardson, New Zealand ’s John Wright and Geoff Boycott of England who was dismissed for 99 in one test, and remained not out on that figure in another. Our own Rusi Surti shake their heads in disapproval, the crowd figures in the ‘Gang of 99,’ and Meher- looks tense and disappointed, and a young Homji recounts this particular sordid saga ment on Indian television shows a crick ­ eter skying a ball, while the figure 99i i i • I **¦ I seems, suffered the 99 butterfly syndrome, talking to the criketer(s) or checking cycled to a nearby village to hear the radio and was let off twice at this score in the through published material for references Auckland test against New Zealand in 1968. “Still not chastened, he nicked again and was snapped up... for 99! Nervous 99 in excels is." Surti failed to ever score a century in test cricket. commentary of a game in Calcutta. Indian captain Vijay Hazare was stuck at 97 runs for 20 minutes before he galloped to 175. Those 20 minutes of suspense initiated Meher-Homji into cricket addiction! The Nervous Nineties is a fitting tribute Meher-Homji ’s work records not just nings when his wicket keeper Rodney to that bunch of cricketers and fans of the the nineties, but the ‘super-nineties ’ as Marsh was batting on 92. “Even his own game whose hearts skip a bc;W when the plundering bat is stilled for what seems an eternity when in the nineties. As one gath ­ ers from the book, the tradition of ‘out-in- the-nineties ’ is itself now in its nineties. Clem Hill of Australia pioneered the ’99 Club ’ in 1902 (93 years ago), when he scored 99, 98 and 97 in consecutive test innings. Almost reflecting most cricketers ’ feel ­ ings on being dismissed for a duck (zero) or in their nineties, the English language to the ‘90s’ in their career. Another interesting tale cricket aficio ­ nados will enjoy is from the 1970-71 En­ gland vs Australia series when the Austra ­ lian captain Bill Lawry declared the in- Marsh was batting on 92. “Even his own well. These are records and feats of batsmen who have got out on scores of 190s, 290s, 390s, missing the next century milestone. The most interesting case of a batsman being out in this bracket is Pakistan ’s Mohammad, who was out for 499 — the highest score in first class cricket till West Indies ’ Brian Lara Hanif Twenty minutes of suspense initiated Meher-Homji into cricket addiction! partisan Melbourne crowd remain faithful to him ’’ for this act, for Marsh, who did score a century later in his career, could have reached the landmark during his maiden test series. Meher-Homji has other mortifying tales has a common root to'define legal infancy to narrate. Gerald Crutchley had to re ­ tire with his score at couldn ’t 99, because he contracted measles. Allan Knott was denied his century by four runs because rioting in Pakistan compelled the abandonment of the final test in Karachi in slammed his 501 some 35 years later in June 1994. To find out why Mohammad got out when he seemed all set for his fifth century, Meher-Homji had his colleague Qamar March 1969. “Surely, the rioters could Ahmed, Pakistan ’s cricket correspondent, have waited for 10minutes, ” muses Meher- talk to the cricketer on his behalf. The tale of the strange dismissal is now recorded for posterity right from the horse ’s mouth, thanks to Meher-Homji ’s perseverance. It seems that the scorekeepers had got the score wrong, and so showed 496 instead of 498. With just two balls left to end the suggest that the remaining 41 pages are day ’s play, Mohammad intended to take two runs off each of the two balls. He played into the covers, took a single, and while going for the second run was run out. Had he known the right score, he would have adopted different tactics, and averted this ‘cri-gedy ’ (cricketing tragedy). Not that all the nineties recorded in the book are of the nervous or enervating kind. Some are gallant, others philosophical, some even weird. Boycott, probably the only batsman to score 99 and a century in the same test, had reason to feel pleased into the nineties but fails to get out of them, with his 99, but unhappy with his century which was responsible for England win ­ ning the test, and the series, but in the process probably denying him the cap ­ taincy, which may have gone to him had country. England lost. It is insights such as these that give Meher-Homji ’s books the cutting edge We even found Udwada in it and on hastily over other cricketing compilations. Meher- opening the page discovered that no test Homji proves that he is not content just century or 99 was scored here. The genesis reporting the event, but must record its possible repercussions as well, by either Homji, tongue-in-cheek. Significantly, despite the fine collec ­ tion of anecdotes and photographs to match them, Meher-Homji ’s book itself misses making it to the nineties mark. It comes to a natural end on page 87. This is not to worthless, but they are more a statistician ’s delight than a lay reader ’s or, for that matter, anyone with even a mild interest in the game. In these appendices, Meher-Homji gives break-ups of batsmen scoring 90, country by country (England tops with 122 bats ­ men), modes of dismissals (over 55 per ­ cent were caught), and other permutations and combinations that would make the book an ideal quick reference manual for cricket buffs every time a batsman gets All the 485 nineties scored in test cricket are recorded, giving details of how the batsman was out, at what score, the venue and year, and while playing against which The index of five pages at the end is complete and competently cross-checked. of this book begins here, as it was from Udwadathat 11 -y ear-old Meher-Homji had 45 Parsiana November 1995 (nonage) and a person in his nineties (no­ nagenarian). But unlike triskaidekaphobia, which is used to describe the fear of the number 13, there is still no word in the dictionary to define this phenomenon in cricket. And it may be remembered that before the curvaceous Nordic actress Bo Derek immortalized 10 on the scales of judgement, it was the phrase ‘to the nines ’ that signified ‘to perfection. ’ Always remember TATA 0 BATA KHAMBATA / Ketayun & Bomi 22/A, Wellington Tenace Wellington Street, Bombay 400002 Tel No: 2069636, 2057242 Pager No: 9602-1046’07 MATRIMONIAL Wanted groom for a graduate Parsi Zoroastrain girl, 31 years, home loving and well-versed in the art of cooking. She is at present personal secretary to a MD in a reputed concern. Correspondence invited from educated, well placed Parsi Zoroastrian bachelors up to 34-36 years. Please write with recent photograph (returnable) to: The Advertiser Parsiana, Matrimonial (Nov/39-95)* GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 'Please make sure the reply envelope bears the reference number cited here. * IMILESTONES The age of Zoroastrian brides (as listedinthis issue) ranged between 21 and 38 years, the arithmetic mean (the total number of indi ­ vidual ages divided by the total number of brides) being 26 years. The corresponding figures for the grooms were 24 and 58 years, averaging at 30 years. As compared to 77 Zoroas ­ trians who died in Bombay in November, there were 15 babies born. The major killer, heart disease, took a toll of 30 lives of whom 15 were above the age of 80. While nine deaths were attri ­ buted to pneunomia and lung related diseases, cancer and old age/general debility claimed five victims each. Hypertension was the cause of four deaths. Three Zoroastrians succumbed to mala ­ ria; two each to septicemia and brain diseases. There were 14 iso­ lated cases registered last month: Parkinson ’s disease, kidney fail ­ BANGALORE DIED Piroja Jal Lentin, mother of Hirji on October 10, 1995 BOMBAY BORN A boy, Jahan, to Sooni and Firdaus Bativala; June 28 A girl, Kaynashnin, to Jeroo and Kaizad Bhaya, brother to Mehrab; September 19 A boy, Shahzad, to Shahnaz and Shiamak Soonawalla; October 18 A boy, Farzan, to Parizad and Neville Gandhi, October 28 A girl to Tanaz and Khushru Mirza; November 2 A girl to Veera and Navroze (Joy) Patel; November 6 A girl to Kashmira and Adil Kakalia; November 8 A boy to Shirin and Dara Mogal; November 10 A girl to Hutoxi and Farokh Wadia; November 12 A boy to Homai and Cyrus Irani; November 15 A boy, Mihran, to Sanober and Jimmy Umrigar, brother to Kerafrid; November 15 A boy to Farida and Rohinton Daruwalla; November 16 A boy to Nikki and Rohinton Maloo, brother to Nairika; November 16 A girl to Sherry and Sarosh ure, diabetic coma, arthritis, liver disease, paraplegia (paralysis of the lower limbs usually including the bladder and rectum), hemi ­ plegia, haemoptysis (the coughing up of blood), urinary tract infect ­ ion, anemia, gastro-intestinal bleeding, dementia, uremia and bronchitis. “Osteogenesis imper ­ fecta ” and “asphyxia due to gagging and smothering ” were mentioned as causes of deaths of two individuals. A still-born baby was lost to the community. The youngest to breathe his last was a 22-year-old man as compared to the oldest: a 96-year-old lady. The Zoroastrian life expectancy at birth, in Bombay in November, was 74 years. The data on births, marriages and deaths has been compiled from information supplied by various newsletters and anjumans in India and abroad, courts and hospitals. We are unable to carry Doodhmal; November 17 A boy to Niloufer and Gev Katgara; November 18 A girl to Persis and Surendra Sharma; November 18 A boy, Rishad, to Zenobia and Farhad Unwalla; November 20 A boy to Faranak and Mario Braganza; November 22 A girl to Nilufer and Kersasp Sidhwa; November 30 MARRIED Benaifer Eruch Bhoja of Surat and Behzad Adi Bhola; November 3 Shahin Firoz Irani of Bordi and Jimmy Nozar Amrolia-, November 5 Mithra Ardeshir Bakhtiary and Mahyar Dorab Engineer; November 5 Maha tab Noshir Patel and Zubin Rusi Mistry; November 6 Dilnaz Phiroze Katrak of Secunderabad and Kersi Keikhushru Machhi; November 7 Kamal Bomi Sethna and Percy Rusi Harver; November 9 Armaity Behram Gowadia and Mahyar Peshotan Antia; November 10 Rukhshana Noshir Khan and Baheram Homi Guard; November 11 Firuza Dhunji Daruwala and Homiar Jimmy Kateli; data from areas where the anju ­ mans do not furnish the parti ­ culars. This information is not always complete or consistent. For example, the birth figures for Bombay are supplied by four hospitals; births in suburban hos­ pitals and private nursing homes are not included unless individuals send us information together with a copy of the birth certificate. There may be an inadvertent repetition of names in the marriage list when a civil marriage precedes a religious ceremony. In the breakup of deaths according to illnesses, especially of the elderly, death is often due to a combination of several diseases. If readers have any births/ marriages/deaths they would like published, some proof to ensure the veracity of the report would be required. We are sure ourreaders would appreciate this requirement and cooperate with us. November 11 Mahrukh Jehangirji Panthaki and Farukh Jamshed Bhuri; November 12 Shehnaz Hoshang Balsara and Zubin Dinshaw Bilimoria; November 12 Monaz Kersi Master and Zubin Kersi Dalal; November 12 Tanaz Pheroze Daver and Zubin Peshotan Wadia; November 12 Shiraz Rohinton Tengra of Mhow and Adil Adi Sukhia; November 13 Bakhtaver Viraf Parekh and Khushroo Framroze Engineer; November 14 Khurshid Jahengir Daruwalla and Kaiyomarz Homi Irani; November 14 Pouruchisti Jehangir Sattha and Shahrukh Eruch Meherhomji of Thane; November 14 Dilzaar Homi Bhathena of Secunderabad and Kerman Dara Deboo; November 16 Shehnaz Pallon Doctor and Karl Feroze Mistry; November 16 Vahabiz Noshir Engineer and Zubin Phiroze Bhathena; November 17 Roshni Keki Tavadia and Marazban Mehernosh Pithawalla; November 17 Jeroo Adi Daver and Percy Rusi Gyara; November 19 Ryna Bomi Zaiwalla and Dinyaar Dinshaw Karani; November 19 Roshni Adi Gowadia and Percy Bahadur Master; November 19 Rashna Jal Seervai and Khushrow Pheroze Munshi of Thane; November 19 Tanaz Kersi Karkaria and Rohinton Faramroz Patrawala; November 19 Zarin Cawas Cooper and Berzin Fall Irani; November 20 Homai Jamasp Pagdhiwala of Damoh, Madhya Pradesh and Jehanbux Rustom Irani; November 20 Shernaz Bomansha Dubash and Viraf Minocher Dhalla; November,21 Aban Adi Cooper and Manek Kharsedji Patel of Thane; November 23 Zarina Jimmy Anklesaria and Jal Eruch Bulsara; November 24 Rati Vicaji Taraporwalla of Poona agd Cyrus Dali Mehta; November 24 Khurshid Phiroze Makujiha and Jamshed Khursh^d Darukhanawalla; November 26 Tannaz Farrokh Lawyer and Cyrus Dhunjishaw Doomasia; November 26 Dilnawaz Boman Irani and Hormuzd Dhunjishaw Mogrelia; November 26 Daisy Jamshed DadyBurjor and Farrokh Dinyar Wadia; November 27 Shahnaz Siroos Najmi of Dahanu and Yezdi Khodaram Irani; November 28 Bakhtavar Hormusji Santoke and Dinshaw Burjor Jamshedji of Hyderaba4^ November 30 Maharukh Murzban Umrigar and Percy Dara Rana; November 30 Nainaz Maneck Shroff and Viraf Dinshaw Tengra; November 30 DIED Minocher Rustomji Damania (81), residing at 22, Sea Breeze Apts, Bullock Rd, Bandstand, Bandra, 400050; November 1 Sarosh Vistasp Balsara (47), Sidhwa Bldg, Princess St, Dhobitalao, 400002; November 2 Sorabji Hormosji Gagrat (89), C 15/3, Pirojsha Ngr, Godrej Clny, Vikhroli (W), 400079; November 2 46 Parsiana November 1995 Ii ( Behram Jehangir Irani (79), 25/3, Old Khareghat Clny, Hughes Rd, 400007; November 2 Keki Framroze Engineer (70), Soona Mans, Opp Shankersheth Temple, Nana Chowk, 400()07; November 3 Mehroo Jimmie Engineer (74), Noorie Castle, 14, Nepean Sea Rd, 400036; November 3 Shireen Rustom Unvala (86), 179, Prince Chmbs, S. B. Rd, Colaba, 400005; November 3 Keikhasroo Faramji Vania (86), Jalbhoy Seth Bldg, Tardeo, 4(X)007; November 3 Villamai Phirozshaw Billimoria (93), 3/21, A. H. Wadia Baug, Parel Tank Rd, Parel, 400033; November 4 Dara Rustomji Hakim (91), 183, Dial Mhl, Dalamal Park, Cuffe Parade, 400005; November 4 Aloo Ardeshir Irani (61), D, Petit Bldg, Dinbai Petit St, Grant Rd, 400007; November 4 Kaikhushroo Ratanshaw Khambatta (75), F. S. Parukh Dharamshalla, Hughes Rd, 400007; November 4 Dins haw Jal Kharas (70), 50, Piroja Mans, Alibhai Premji Marg, Grant Rd, 400007; November 4 Firoze Maneckshaw Bharucha (75), D/6, Dinshaw Bldg,' Dadabhai Rd, Dhunbaiwadi, Vile Parle (W), 400056; November 6 Siloo Homee Mistry (73), Britto Villa, St Pauls Rd, Bandra, 400050; November 6 Erach Rustomji Patel (81), B/8, Ben Nevis, B. Desai Rd, 40(K)36; November 6 Hoshang Jal Daji (50), G/48, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039; November 7 Aloo Dinshaw Panday (96), C/o R. M. Driver, 25, Sai Ashish, Dr Peter Dias Rd, Bandra, 400050; November 7 Jehangir Ardesar Nikorawala (82), R/18, S. B. Bharucha Baug, S. V. Rd, Andheri (W), 400058; November 8 Kaizad Keki Sukhadwalla (22), 30, Vaibhav, Union Bank of India Staff Co-op Hsg Soc, Barkatali Darga Marg, Wadala (E), 400037; November 8 Soona Eruchshaw Mamlatdar (75), B/25, Nowroz Baug, Lalbaug, 400012; November 9 Amy Soli Mehta (65), 705, Cumballa Crest, 42/A, Peddar Rd, 400026; November 9 Banoo Nariman Mistry (80), 23/1, Bethi Chawl, Pirojsha Ngr, Vikhroli, 400079; November 10 Goolcher Rustomji Sirvala (11), Maravoo Chmbs, 30, H. Bomanji Lane, Fort, 400(X)l; November 10 Khorshed Sorabji Bagwalla (81), Damania Bldg, Chikalwadi, Tardeo Rd, 400007; November 11 Najamai Sheriar Govadia (68), 19, Godrej Bldg, Contractor Baug, Mori Rd, Mahim, 400016; November 11 Dina Keki Miller (84), 3, Shroff Villa, Malcolm Baug, S. V. Rd, Jogeshwari (W), 400102; November 11 Khurshed Dhunjisha Mistry (89), Readymoney Bldg No 2, 17, Ratan Tata Rd, Tardeo, 400034; November 12 Rohinton Maneckshaw Munshi (57), 12-A/5, Panthaki Baug, Sir M. V. Rd, Andheri (E), 400069; November 12 Dinoo Rustom Mistry (82), 54, Deepak, Peddar Rd, 400026; November 13 Jimmy Kaikhushroo Commissariat (84), Rajesh Mans, 140, M. Karve Rd, 400026; November 13 Goolbai Kaikhusroo Engineer (92), D/6, Captain Clny, Haji Ali, 400034; November 14 Mehera Jalbhai Fatakia (83), 611, Pateti Blocks, Jame Jamshed Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 4(X)014; November 14 Banoo Keki Engineer (79), D/8, Nowroz Baug, Lalbaug, 400012; November 15 Khudahux Rustom Irani (66), 2/30, Khareghat Clny, Hughes Rd, 400(X)7; November 15 Dinabai Dinshawji Fanibanda (75), 3/9, Shayadrinagar Bldg, Charkop, Kandivli (W), 4(X)067; November 16 Gustad Dhunjishaw Patel (88), J/15, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039; November 16 Munc hers haw Burjorjee Damania (93), 65, Amin Villa, Malcolm Baug, Jogeshwari (W), 4(X)102; November 19 Cawasjee Jehangirji Kanga (88), G/1, Nowroz Baug, Lalbaug, 400012; November 19 Naval Jahangir Meherji (66), A, Shirin Mans, Tardeo, 400007; November 19 Hoshang Maneckshaw Havewala (70), 103, Highland Park, C.T.S. 410, Near Charkop Village, Kandivli (W), 400067; November 20 Hillamai Nadirshaw Italia (80), 13, Sidhwa Bldg, Balaram St, 400007; November 20 Jalamai Phirozsha Mehta (85), West View, Uranwalla St, Grant Rd (E), 400007; November 20 Phiroze Kersasp Daruwalla (65), 6/14, Sir Ratan Tata Clny, Tardeo, 4(X)034; November 21 Tehmina Sohrab Desai (85), 53, Sunita, 165, Colaba Rd, Opp Colaba Post Office, 400(X)5; November 21 Ratan Rustom Mistry (86), Queens Chmbs, M. Karve Rd, 400020; November 21 Sillamai Framroze Daruvala (75), Second Kashinath Bldg, Kashinath St, Tardeo, 400034; November 22 Shavaksha Navroji Marolia (79), F. S. Parukh Dharamshalla, Hughes Rd, 400007; November 22 Tehmina Faramroze Munshi (84), A/15, Mehta Bldg, Captain Clny, Tardeo, 400034; November 22 Faramroz Eruchshaw Tarapore (52), 766, Minoo Mans, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; November 22 Shera Beheramsha Tavaria (72), F/5, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039; November 22 Piroja Sorab Doctor (74), 201, Oceanside, 16, Chimbai Rd, Bandra (W), 400050; November 23 Ratamai Nusserwanji Pithawalla (84), 1/23, Contractor Chawl, Sussex Rd, Byculla, 400027; November 23 Percy Jehangir Khatow (61), Station Ter, 54, Sleater Rd, Grant Rd, 400007; November 24 Eruch Hormusji Kodia (66), B/4, Shirin Manzil, Dinbai Petit St, 400007; November 24 Alan Sorabji Parelwala (95), B/26, Jer Baug, Dr Ambedkar Rd, Byculla, 400027; November 24 Freny Sam Rabady (67), Jaiphal Ter, 31, Foijett St, 400036; November 24 Dinoo Jamshedji Vaghaiwalla (80), Gamadia Clny Ladies Hostel, Gamadia Clny, Tardeo Rd, 400007; November 24 Mani Cooverji Avari (69), A/2-2, Soonawalla Bldg, Tardeo, 400007; November 25 Silloo Khurshed Contractor (76), 23/25, Captain Hse, Shankersheth St, Nana Chowk, 400007; November 25 Freny Jehangir Balaporia (75), 301/A, Cosmos-Ill Cross Rd, Lokhandwala Complex, Andheri (W), 400058; November 26 Freny Eruch Engineer (73), Engineer Hse, 85, Tardeo Rd, 400034; November 26 Mehera Dorab Tarapore (84), Chinoy Mans, August Kranti Marg, 400036; November 26 Eruch Darabsha Umrigar (55), Multani Bldg, Khambatta Lane, Khetwadi, 400004; November 26 Dali Nariman Bhesania (73), 20, Benett Bldg, Old Khareghat Clny, Hughes Rd, 400007; November 27 Ratanbai Dorabji Daruwala (83), 15/3, Contractor Bldg, Gamadia Clny, Tardeo, 400007; November 27 , Darabsha Pirojshah Dordi (74), 12-A/3, Kashinath Bldg, Kashinath St, Tardeo, 400034; November 27 Dinbai Hiraji Hansotia (90), C. D. Baug, Opp Jawhar Ngr Baug, Goregaon (W), 400062; November ^7 Jerbai Kersasp Bhicaji (80), Dhanabad, B. Desai Rd, 400026; November 28 < Pillu Sorabji Choksey (w), 4, Vimala.Niwas, Ganesh Ngr, Near Navjeevan Vidya Mandir, Bhandup (W), 400078; November 28 Minocher Sorabji Engineer (63), B2/504, Unique Plaza, Shanti Park, Mira Rd (E), Dist Thana, 401104; November 28 Meherbai Shapoor Irani (80), 18/94/4, Madhav Bhavan, Delisle Rd, 400013; November 28 Perin Jimmy Khodaiji (77), C/3, Shivsagar, Amboli Naka, S. V. Rd, Andheri (WJ, 400058; November 29 Baby boy of Pinaz and Rohinton Mahuvawalla (stillborn), 2/6, Divecha Block, Charai, Thana (W), 400601; November 29 Meherbai Dossabhai Mukadam (91), Saraswati Coop Hsg Soc, 15th Rd, T. P. S. Ill, Khar, 400052; November 29 Rustom Bomanshaw Karkaria (78), 32/41/43, Police Court Lane, Fort, 4(X)(X)1; November 30 Shirin Dinshaw Talati (72), 628, Turel Ter, A. Homavazir Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; November 30 * 47 Parsiana November 1995CALCUTTA MARRIED Feroza Vatcha and Pervez Masani', November 5 DIED Sakerbai Framjee Rustomjee, mother of Jeroo and Shirin Hodiwalla; September 20 Homi Mancherji (Khursigara), husband of Hilla and father of Bomy, Shemaz and Manchi; November 7 Homi Keki Balaporia, husband of Roshan, father of Yazed and brother of Nelu, Minoo, Mehroo Masani and Maneck; November 17 POONA BORN A boy to Tehnaz and Shahvir Chothia; October 9 MARRIED Sherine Poonawalla and Sam Mehta', October 16 DIED Jeerbai Hormasji Daruwalla (85), 3O3/A-5, Neelkanth Ngr, 384/A, Bhavani Peth, 411042; November 5 Kaizad Shahrukh Irani (19), lll/B-3, Amar Preet, Veduwadi, Hadapsar, 411013; November 6 Homai Noshir Baliwalla (58), 155, Old Bazar, Kirkee, 411003; November 26 SURAT DIED Jamshedji Faramroz Bhesania (73), Village Olpad, Dist Surat, 394540; November 4 Manackbai Jahangirji Munshi (75), Village Akhakhol, Dist Surat; November 5 Rustamji Ardesher Harwar (90), Village Amroli, Dist Surat; November 9 Keikhushroo Coonverji Amalsadiwala (79), Village Amalsad, Via-Kim, 396310; November 13 Pervez Bapuji Amaria (58), Village Champawadi, Songadh, 396425; November 14 Jerbanu Eruchshaw Gandhi (75), 403, Sterling Apt, Athwa Lines, 395001; November 16 Dinu Dadi Shroff (70), Shahpore, 395003; November 26 AUSTRALIA New South Wales BORN A boy, Justin, to Carol and Jamie Dover, May 11 A girl, Soriah, to Farah and John Maclean', July 8 A boy, Aaresh Hormuz, to Jasmine and Farrokh Madon', September 28 CANADA Toronto BORN A girl, Emma, to Khorshed and Darrin Tooth, sister to Zara; September 2 Vancouver MARRIED Maryam Osanloo and Ardeshir Shahpour Darabi', August 26 Mehrbanoo Kadkhoda, daughter of Parvin and Rostam and Ardeshir Mayan', September 2 White Rock, British Columbia BORN A girl, Kayla, to Behin and Shafique Dhanani', November 12 BORN Boys Girls A MARRIED Parsi Intercommunal DIED CONSIGNED Male Female CREMATED Male Female A: Total numbers in this issue B: Running totals for 1995 (February-March 1995-November 1995 issues) Males married out -- 27 Females married out - 34 * Overseas deaths are listed in the consigned column as Parsiana does not have a breakup of those cremated. These figures pertain to information provided to or collected by Parsiana. They do not represent the total number of births, marriages and deaths in the Zoroastrian community in India and abroad. IRAN Tehran DIED Manouchehr Mauwandad (69), husband of late Shirinbai and father of Mehrdad and Farhad; October 31 PAKISTAN Karachi DIED Pestanji Maneckji Magoi, November 20 USA Alexandria, Virginia BORN A girl, Sydney Fiona, to Sandra and Rustam Dalal, sister to Margo; August 8 Boston BORN A girl, Eyra, to Roxane and Yezdi Dordi, sister to Zal and Ava; October 31 Chicago BORN A boy, Farhad, to Selena and Vispi Jijina', Novemlier 25 A boy, Raiomand, to Shiraz and Spitaman Tata', November 30 TOTALS FOR 1995 Bombay B A B 10 8 98 91 1 6 3 40 225 61^ 2 5 1 35 42 440 430 3 1 India 82 81 7 7 MARRIED Kamalrukh Kotwal and Minoo Gandhi', October 28 Columbia, South Carolina MARRIED Allison Taylor and Zubin Bamji, son of Roshan and Esadvaster of Maryland; November 25 Northern California MARRIED Rushna Kerawalla, daughter of Ruby and Godrej and Ardeshir (Ardi) Sidhwa, son of late Ruby and Jehangir; September 10 North Potomac, Maryland BORN A girl, Anahita, to Shehemaz and Farhad Verahrami', Novem ’ber 20 Parlin, New Jersey DIED Ivy Faroke Gandhi (51), mother of Natasha and Nozer; October 16 Woodland Hills, California BORN A boy, Behram Gustasp, to Mr and Ms Gustisb Ostad', July 28___________________ Compiled by Roxana A. Driver A * World B 6 7 27 20 3 2 13 10 2 1 25* 31 I 48 Parsiana November 1995 I