Dec 1995

k r tl 1 I 1 t I v: 1^'- ^^•i J. <- / f A 1905 Ri «- e * i: ^1 » t • d > V J W > I z < w .t « X *- < -1 J' I < I I 5v *<. s 1 * ¦¦^^<1 1u • > <3December 1995 Volume 18 Number 5 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 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 2 Readers’ Forum 10 Events and Personalities 16 Zoroastrians Abroad 20 Tehran Beckons World Zoroastrians 25 The Masanis: Flower Power by Parinaz Gandhi 30 The Federation and future fears by Arnavaz Mama 39 Status of Women: sacred and secular - 3 by Dr Ketayun Gould 43 Rustam Maneck - 5: A family In decline by Dr Homi Eduljee 50 Milestones Cover: Flowers exported by the Masanis Parsiana is published by Jehangir R. Patel for Parsiana Publications Pvt Ltd at C/o H. L. Rochat, Navsari Chambers, ground floor, 39 A. K. Nayak Marg, Fort, Bombay 400001 and printed by him at Kaiser-E-Hind Pvt Ltd, 300 Perin Nariman Street, Bombay 400001. Color processing. Comart Lithographers; black and white processing, Samir Scantech. All rights reserved. ISSN: 0971-3786. Phone: 2048730 Fax: 2042922. For editorial enquiries 2048183. Tlx: 11-85710 RABO IN. For subscription enquiries and payments: C/o Kaiser-E-Hind Pvt Ltd, 300 Perin Nariman St (Behind Reserve Bank of India), Bombay 400001; Phone: 2658619, 2665661. Annual inland subscription for one year (10 issues) Rs 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. 3 I I IREADERS' FORUM 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. article, he never indicated his complaint or any objection to it. In his letter Dastur Noshirwan vaguely objects to misunderstanding the implica- modernization make you forget your race, your roots, and above all, your religion. In one or two generations, do not wipe yourselves out and please, please do not wipe out the magnificent achievements Please, please, do not let this poison gas of pseudo-liberalism seduce and suffocate you; please do not let this tidal wave of tions of the article. But he does not point out or quote any paragraph, sentence or word in the article which he misunder ­ stood or found objectionable. Further, DasturNoshirwan complains and the innumerable sacrifices of our fore- against ‘observations and viewpoints ’ on fathers. What tortures they suffered to ‘conversion ’ without quoting any evidence, keep their race and religion alive — and to He does not state his own observations and keep you alive. Will you throw away your entire history and your entire heritage, just because of your ignorance of, or indiffer ­ ence to, our religion? We need reforms, but not such reforms as will result in the extermination of our views on conversion, and does not explain why what he thinks (but does not state in this matter) is correct. In the article signed by all five Dasturs, scriptural evidences from the Gathas, Avesta, Pahlavi and Pazand texts have community, and worse, in the extinction of been quoted. These are simply ignored by Dastur Noshirwan. He does not state whether he agrees or not with the scriptural interpretations, and if he does not, offers no correct translation or interpretation. Dastur Noshirwan writes about his ‘re ­ alization ’ and ‘furtherrealization, ’ but these occurred to him evidently much after the article was published on December 24, 1995.1nhis ‘realization, ’ DasturNoshirwan qualities, our future in a w6rld of savage adopts a negative attitude. He observes competition will be bleak, very bleak. -.1 . , Let us prepare for this future, let us get our priorities and institutions right. Let us concentrate on priorities, not on triviali ­ ties. But, above all, let us, in shaping our future, not forget our past. Let us, in pro- t to commisioner, Bhopal, M. P., has issued us promote religious education, for, if the salt a letter that donors to our anjuman from April 1, 1995 to March 31, 1998 would be entitled to relief under Section 80-G of the our religion. We need to get our priorities right. We need modern education such as will enable our young men and women to be in the forefront of economic progress and job opportunities. We need to launch financial institutions (miltual funds, banks, trusts) so as both to promote education and to foster entrepreneurship, for without these silence on important matters and does not explain what his views are in the matter. Dastur (Dr) HORMAZDYAR K. MIRZA For self and on behalf of my colleagues “New home for Mhow fire” We are happy to state that the income-tax moting modern education, not forget 4' * “The Priests’ Rebuttal” This refers to the letter of Dastur Noshirwan Manchershah Dastur of Surat following the article “The Priests ’ Rebuttal, ” (Par- siaria, November 1995). The article was originally published in the Jam-e-Jamshed Income-tax Act, 1961. and The Bombay Samachar of December 24, 1995 with the signatures of five High Priests (including his own). We wish to state the bare facts in this matter. The said article was prepared in Bombay and sent by courier service to Dastur Noshirwan at Surat who signed and returned it to Bombay. The said article was in his possession for seven clear days to read, consider and approve it, or if he had Setting priorities right any reservations, to reject it. After seven ' • • - days of consideration and understanding, our colleague decided to approve, and signed the article. During these seven clear days and any ­ time thereafter, our colleague never raised any question nor demanded any explana ­ tion. Even after the publication of the and be likewise. has lost its savor, wherewith shall it be salted? Liberalization does not mean licence. Shaping the future does not mean burying the past. Secularism-does not call for sui ­ cide. Our greatest enemies are not non-Parsis — our greatest enemies lie within. At a time when almost every ethnic and reli ­ gious group in the world is prepared to die to preserve its identity, we are the only community in the world dying to die. Let a mass movement for conversion be __ _ started — the conversion of Parsis into To be patriotic Indians does not mean that Zoroastrians. we must cease to be Parsis. To be secular Indians, does not mean that we must sur ­ render the immortal glories of our religion. Remember what Sir Pherozeshah Mehta Parsis and the 1991 CCnSUS said: “I am an Indian first and an Indian last, but in between, I am a Parsi. ” Go ye. We have posted certificates to this ef ­ fect to our donors. In case, however, any donor has not received the same, we would request such donors to write to us. We are confident that intending donors will now help us in our project of complet ­ ing our Adran Saheb. b. m. masani Hon Secretary, Parsi 2;oroastrian Anjuman, Mhow Reforms... yes, revolt... no, extermina ­ tion... never ! Ms KETI and Dr FREDIE A. MEHTA The report that the Parsi population in India has registered an increase according to the 1991 census in spite of an excess of 2 Parsiana December T995 INew Year LORD’S CENTRAL HOTEL Enjoy the mountains, monkeys and our hospitality 500 deaths over births per year (Parsiana, •From Christians (as represented by the July-August 1995) is indeed intriguing. I Jesuits) celibacy which was extolled, and believe there could be two reasons for this: •Intermarried Parsi ladies may have shown their offspring as Parsis through clandes ­ tine ‘navjotes. ’ These data would be re- •From Zoroastrianism (represented by fleeted in the census but not in our commu ­ nal figures. •Decrease in emigration (i.e. those going making light (Sun and Fire) the object of abroad for studies and those coming back). Most of these boys and girls are unmarried and hence this effect is not reflected in our birth rates. Over the last five years I have main ­ tained in several letters in Parsiana as well of each religion prevented the actual imple- as Jam-e-Jamshed Weekly that emigration mentation. Each of the religions believed is the root cause of our dwindling popula ­ tion in India because it has a cumulative effect on the decline, not only because of Din was never accepted. The Din was emigration per se but also by decreasing regarded by Akbar ’s contemporaries as the number of families and also by leading to intermarriages due to the created short ­ age of educated boys earning good sala ­ ries. If this trend of decreasing emigration continues, the Parsi population in India will show further increase in the next cen ­ sus in 2001 AD. Dr p. d. sunavala carnal sin condemned; •Like Jainism, the slaughter of animals was forbidden; Dasturji Meherji Rana and another dastur from Kerman) was borrowed the ritual of divine worship; and, •From Hinduism he borrowed the recital of 1,000 Sanskrit names of the Sun. Though the motive was lofty and noble, and the Din praiseworthy, the orthodoxy that their own faith was truly superior and worthy. This led to a lot of discord and the Matheran 410102 Telephones Matheran 021483-0228 Bombay 3867776 “Muslim apostasy ” or heresy, and Akbar himself had soon to abandon the idea, to prevent further deterioration. One can therefore appreciate that at best the Din was a set of loosely put together ethical doctrines collected from various religions, which functioned to build up a personality «ult, contrived by the “Priestly tales” superior intellect of Akbar, to attract full I read Mr Kersee Kabraji ’s letter with great allegiance to himself rather than a religious interest (“Priestly tales, ” Parsiana, Sep ­ tember 1995). Though I lay no claims whatsoever to being a scholar, I have a smattering of knowledge about this subject which I humbly share not only with Mr principles of the Dih compare with our Kabraji, but with readers who may find it informative. The Din-E Ilahi (Divine Faith) was compared at all, for the simple reason that never an established religion fdr the masses, while accepting the ritual of the divine even during Akbar ’s lifetime, but at best, worship of light, he appeared not to have as. Mr Kabraji quotes, was an “ecletic grasped the basic beauty of our religion cult. ” viz., righteousness, purity and the immor- Akbar used to invite scholars to his tality of the soul, nor even its practise in court from among the Muslim, Hindu, simplicity through humata, hukhta, Parsi, Christian and Jain communities of hvarashta. his empire, and encourage them to hold free and scholarly debates and discourses there is a traditional belief in my husband ’s before him in the court, because at first he family that a physician by the name of was genuinely interested in and curious MeherVaid accompanied Dasturji Meherji about all the faiths in his empire. Soon, however, with his keen intellect he real ­ ized that most of the religious tenets were payment, he was given a grant of land at common, but if he could get them to have others imbibed into a common system, he could bring about a practical and social unification of all the religions. He, there ­ fore, went about including various tenets from each religion, and loosely unified them into his ethical system of Din-E Ilahi: •Thus from Islamic Sufi mysticism he North American directory enjoined constant yearning for God to The most comprehensive directory of North purify the soul; American Zarthustis ever produced is near system. Even during his lif^ime there were just 19 followers actively professing and practising the Din. To answer the query “How do the basic Lord Zarathushtra ’s teachings? ” I would comment that I don ’t think they could be Though it is irrelevant to this topic, Rana to Akbar ’s court and was responsible for curing the Emperor ’s lame horse. As Navsari, which was passed on from eldest son to eldest son. The last holder of this “Tamrapatra ” was the late Mr Bomanji Pestonji Master, who passed away a few years back. Dr (Ms) roshen s. master Pune 4 Parsiana December 1995 ¦BOYS’ TOWN Public School Nasik 2 Recognised as a Public School by the Department of Educa ­ tion for Indian Merit Scholars. Excellent Climate -- All- round Education. A new two-storeyed dormitory with attached bathrooms, study and lounge rooms has just been completed to house 180 boys. All Academic Subjects — Technical Subjects: Work ­ shop Technology, Mechanical & Electrical Maintenance, Carpentery & Farming. Train ­ ing in Self-Government through Elected Boys ’ Office bearers. Games — Physical Training - Daily Assembly with Congregational Prayers — Weekly intensive Zoroas- trian —Geeta —Koran classes - Excellent Modern Kitchen and Dining Room facilities. Moderate Fees. Concessions to Deserving Students. Apply to THE MANAGING TRUSTEE P. N. MEHTA EDUCATION TRUST Cooks Building 324, Dr D. N. Road Bombay 400001 ing completion. It will contain over 3,000 entries of Zarthusti households in USA and Canada (a household is defined as a family with children under age 18, or a single person over the age of 18). The directory will be an important reference book for all Zarthustis not only in North America but also around the world. The publication of the directory and compilation of census data is a 10th anni ­ versary project of the Federation of Zoro- astrian Associations of North America (FEZANA). We request you to support this grass-root volunteer community project by advertising in it. The directory will be available at a very nominal cost, so that no Zarthusti home will remain without it. We invite you to advertise your busi ­ ness or your profession in the directory. Since virtually all Zarthustis are highly educated with successful professional and business careers, the users of this directory will represent a tremendous buying power for the goods and services that you are offering. In addition to advertising your business, you could also support this project by inserting a commemorative or an “in me- moriam ” message. This would be an effec ­ tive vehicle to honor people, events and your community with your financial support. The success of this directory and of the Zarthusti community in North America will depend on the number of individuals and businesses that come forward with financial support. Your advertisement will not only maJte all Zarthustis aware of your services and products, but will also support present and future FEZANA efforts to promote Zarthusti enterprise. Our rates range from US $ 40 for a business card to US $250 for a full page. Half page and quarter page cost US $125 and 70 respec ­ tively. The cover rates are US $ 1,500 for the back page, US $ 750 for the inside back page and US $1,000 for the inside front page. Please contact any of the following individuals on the phone: Dr (Ms) Yasmin Ghadiali, New York (Res) 516-378-4516 Noshir Hansotia, Kansas (Bus) 913-469- 0077 (Res) 913-422-5915 Homi Davier, Houston (Bus) 713-270-5519 (Res) 713-242-3808 Homi Gandhi, New Jersey (Bus) 212-656- 5689 (Res) 201-445-3917 Pervaze Rabadi, Toronto (Res) 905-846- 6177 Ms DOLLY P. DASTOOR President, FEZANA With best wishes from * Farah & Tanya 6 Parsiana December 1995I i I and fire-temples were stoned and attempts were made to desecrate them. At this fearful time when other sethias were silent or went out of Bombay , it was Dhunjibhoy Bomanji who came out in support of and stood by the community, giving courage and de ­ fending them in several ways. He used his influence with the Government to obtain small arms to defend our fire-temples. Because of this, anticipated attacks against our atash behrams and places of worship were prevented. His baj is performed by grateful com ­ munity members every year on roj Zam- yad, mah Meher. He passed away on April 1, 1937. His photo appears on the reverse of the title page of the bookParjj Lustre on Indian Soil (Vol, I) by H. D. Darukhana- walla. This volume has been dedicated to his memory. Those interested in more details can read the dedicatory page in this book as also his obituary inParsi Prakash (vol, VII part IV, pp. 359-360); also Pam Virlao by N. H. Billimoria. For the benefit of your readers you may Iranshah’s anniversary As you know on Adar rof Adar mah NL Year 90 (i.e. November 24,720), our great ­ est Atash Behram, Pak Iranshah Saheb was of the fire-temples (below) consecrated. The role and significance of atash is the basis of not only the Zoroas- I ’ ‘ ‘ ' trian religion, but absolutely everything their goals only through you, because you like to give a feature article on this great which exists in this mortal universe (nisti). are my son (Aathro Ahurahe Mazdao son of our commdhity. He was a legend It therefore gives me great pleasure to Puthra), and next to me, you alone will be during his lifetime. It is said that he had inform you that for the first time in our omnipotent. ’” cyrusr . r.cooper engaged a European driver /or his car history, we celebrated the consecration of Essex, U.K. whom he paid a princely sum m Rs 900 in Pak Iranshah Atash Behr^ at the Zoroas- .. those days, marzban j. giara tnan House in London. On the evening of Late DhunjlSha Kalfati” November 24, 1995, approximately 40 Mr Bhikhaji M. Adenwalla has queried Zoroastriau influences adults and children attended a maachi cer- about the late Dhunjisha Kalfati (“Late It was heartening to read Kersee Kabraji ’s emony performed by Ervad Keki Kanga. pt—» r. ¦ , ................ J We recited the prayer of Atash Nyaish 1995). and then Dr Tehmtan Sepai gave a short Based on my research talk about atash. He quoted the following from the volumes of Parsi HH extract from Kshnaothra Ahurahe Mazdao: Prakash and other books, is Dadar Ahura Mazda emanated Khoreh some information for your from within himself and said — ‘Oh holy readers. Sir Dhunjibhoy Bomanji, the merchant prince of The Motlibai Wadia edifice that houses the Iranshah Sir Dhunjibhoy Bomanji: to the defence kings and prophets, for they will attain are my son (Aathro Ahurahe Mazdao omnipotent. ’” CYRUS R. R. COOPER Essex, U.K. “Late Dhunjisha Kalfati” Atash, I designate you as the supreme authority over Behest. You will descend to the earth and bring joy and prosperity to all Bombay, was the son of Seth through your illuminating appearance. To Bomanji Dhunjibhoy Mistry those who will respect and worship you, you shall have the authority to bestow _______ ____ upon them the deserving degree of Behest jibhoy is affectionately remembered by the Parsis about the late Dhunjisha Kalfati (“Late I ' _____;_________ Dhunjisha Kalfati, ” Parsiana, September letter highlighting quotes from Dr Percival Spear ’s History of India Based on my research (Vol 2) which reveal how Zoroastrian influences made a lasting impression on the mind of Akbar the Great. Although Shakuntala Rao Shastri is not so well- known (mainly due to the fact that the Bhararati Vidya Bhavan has thought it unfit to republish her excellent little book Women in Vedic Times),she. has highlighted how liberal Hinduism was before the ad ­ vent of Manu, and how this liberalism in Atharva Vedic times, was partly due to Zoroastrian influences! Ms SHIRAZ N. NANPORIA Looking forward The article on the khandias “Remains of the Prince. The non-cooperationists created Their Day ” appearing in India Today (No- a riot against the Parsis. Several Parsis lost ' ‘ “ their lives. Many Parsis were beaten up. Their shops were destroyed. Their houses (Kalfati). A naval contractor and philanthropist, Dhun- 1 7; and to those who disrespect you, you may give them any punishment that you may for the decisive role he played in providing deem fit. You will be known to the world ¦ as Ardibehest and Adar and the key to the ‘Behest ’ will always be entrusted to you. You will have supremacy over any form of light, because the existence of any light is ____ ________ __ _________ due to you alone. A person who worships bay. Ignoring Mahatma Gandhi ’s call for solid support and encouragement to the Parsis during the Bombay riots in Nov ­ ember 1921. In 1921, the Prince of Wales (later to become King Edward VIII) visited Bom- - ------------------------------ /a you, will acquire wisdom besides attaining boycott of his visit, the Parsis welcomed all happiness. A person doing charity on this day, will derive its benefit a thousand fold and will have all his wishes granted. ‘“You will be worshipped even by the vember 30,1995) makes sad and sickening reading. That a highly educated and west ­ ernized community like ours which re- 7 Parsiana December 1995 Imains in the forefront for all human rights and scientific advances, treats a small group of its own members as social outcastes the vultures on any roadside. It is also minutes in the region of Malabar Hill at a because their work involves transportation claimed that the bones get powder soft and comparatively lower altitude on the way to or two hours. This can be ascertained by ’The modern high speed jet planes after viewing any animal carcass devoured by takeoff from Santacruz Airport are within the vultures on any roadside. It is also and deposition of Parsi corpses into the ? dokhmas, speaks of our double standards I and hypocrisy. I Should not we Parsis consider it our | proud privilege to ourselves carry the dead i bodies of our dear ones to their last desti- ] nation, be it a dokhma, burial ground or jj crematorium? a The 13 odd families of khandias are a 8 rapidly dwindling group and in years to p come will be irreplaceable as their children I will take to better education and jobs with I higher social acceptance. It is also likely ’ that a majority of their children will marry outside the community as their social stand ­ ing within their own community is so low. In addition to the problem of non ­ availability of khandias, the community bones are one of the hardest tissues of the will have to face shortly or within the next body and the remains of the bones of dino- generation, the problem of utilization of saurs which became extinct 65 million the Malabar Hill property. The 50 acres of years ago are still found intact in the prime real estate on top of the posh Mala ­ bar Hill in Bombay where five dokhmas and one chotra are located, is no longer a “nearly inaccessible and remote ridge, buried in a nearby pit in a ritual called covered with jungle and inhabited by pan ­ thers, hyaenas, snakes and jackals, ” as described in The Times of India of in Iran. September 5, 1896. Dokhmenashini was advocated in an ­ cient times when dokhmas were situated on top of remote hills far away from be practicable, at least in Bombay, as a and conditions facing us. human habitation and not in the center of method of disposal of the dead due to the a bustling and expanding metropolis like following reasons: Bombay city. Besides, vultures on whom the disposal of our dead bodies is entirely dependent, will no longer find nesting and from Malabar Hill. breeding grounds favorable in a city envi- •Increased awareness from environmen- ronment of noise and pollution. It is also talists against the method of disposal of the not true that vultures could “pick clean ” a dead by exposure to carrion birds in the human carcass within a short period of one very heart of the city. ¦ 'll ” f W’lii ,mr. ii,. JIJi either southern or eastern destinations and are in great danger of bird-hit with vultures leading to catastrophic consequences. Preposterous as it may sound, we will have to accept the following alternatives. With Bombay harboring more than 70 ¦ ¦¦¦viiaaiffljB ir percent of the entire Parsi community and i. on an average three to five deaths a day, it is not advisable to convert the Malabar Hill property into a Parsi burial ground: in a short time the entire area will also be filled up with graves and it is very expensive to maintain such a big burial ground in an aesthetic condition. The only solution left is to build a modern electric crematorium in one corner of the Malabar Hill property and utilize the remaining vast area to house poor and middle income Zoroastrians. An electric crematorium does not defile fire as only the heat generated by very high Wyoming Desert in the USA. As far as wattage bums off the dead body. Besides, information is available, the bones left in the dokhma are periodically collected and A khandia: facing an uncertain future are washed away into the center well of the dokhma. This contention is also unlikely as the modern crematorium does not cause any environmental pollution. ’ While remainmg true Zoroastrians by “Astodan. ” This ritual was even done for following the teachings of our great Prophet Cyrus the Great more than 2,000 years ago Zoroaster and at the same tixpe practising the moral virtues and spirit of adventure handed down to us by our elders, it is also now time to mend our fences to keep It is thus very likely that within a few decades, the community will have to face a situation when dokhmenashini will not ourselves abreast of the changing times A recent review of Arun Shourie ’s book The World of Fatwas brings out the fact that fundamentalism and fatwas are not •Shortage or nonavailability of khandias. •Migration of vultures to areas far away rulings but opinions handed down by the clergy and should have no binding force against the introduction of needed change. Dr M. D. DISAWALLA Bangalore Edited by Arnavaz S. Mama .^1 MAHENDRA cP 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. REQUIRED Accounts Assistant tor printing/publishing concern in Fort area. Knowledge of computers preferred. Write giving full details to: The Advertiser (Accounts) GPO Box 892 Bombay 400001 8 Parsiana December 1995L. Events and Personalities Rapport Poona ’ _ ~ “ “The trustees bring to you Rapport as they proposal to initiate a chair for Zoroastrian found the need to involve the entire com- Archaeological Studies at the Deccan Col- munity in the working of the Panchayat to lege which involves an annual expenditure achieve long pending goals, ” states the of Rs 1.5 lakhs has been carried in Rapport registered an increase in their corpus over ". - course of the last 35 years. The nine trustees of the well-placed anjuman are entrusted with assets totally valued at Rs 82,634,569.27 of which Rs 13,373,003.45 constitute immovable property and Rs 69,809,364.38 are shown as investment. When it comes to parting with facts in the form of a newsletter, the SPP may be Archeologist Dr (Ms) Roxana Irani ’s augmenting funds. As per the detailed ~ financial statement sent by the SPP presi ­ dent Dr Sam Bhacca, all the institutions, trusts and funds under their control have chairman of the Poona Parsee Panchayat as also news of the ghambar scheduled for (PPP) Dara K. Irani in the first issue of their Zoroastrian men where “all the men are quarterly newsletter. “The ideas, the ob- requested to wear their sudreh-kustis and jectives and the performance of the Parsee topis without which entry will not be per- Panchayat will be portrayed to you. In turn you will have an opportunity to voice your opinions or put forth your queries through a column in the quarterly which will be gust 1995 have been published in the news- _________ duly responded to, ” assures the newsletter letterdated September 1995 which reached hesitant; but with figures they* are more ' ~ ’------ ------------------—than willing. One hundred and twenty next issue that was to be out in December sheets of paper sought to convey through the local community was asked to give figures the picture of the SPP and its information on births for inclusion in Rap- mitted. ” Names of the 45 Zoroastrians who died in Poona in the eight months ending Au- edited by Ms Nilufer Sirvala on behalf of the Parsiana office in December. For their the PPP trustees. The first issue of the newsletter gives an introduction to the present board of seven trustees who will serve for a three-year port. tenure and estimates the present strength ofthePPPtobe 1,210. Inviting others from Surst’s SOUnd investment the community to become members (the Those in the community who complain of fees being Rs 1,001 for donor member, Rs depleting resources and eroding assets 501 for life member and Rs 12 for ordinary should turn to the board of trustees of the Hospital and the Nariman Home; in the management of other bodies like the Alpaiwala Institute, Dastur Meherji Rana Trust, Dastur Darab Phalana Trust and the Sorabji Burjorji Dastui. Darab Pahalana Trust. The funds of the SPP which were Rs 4,185,822.91 on December 31, 1961 have increased by Rs 29,327,164.51 to give a total of Rs 33,512,987.42 on March 31, 1995. The other institution to record a substantial improvement in financial position over the same period was the Nariman Home which registered an increase of Rs 18,627,965.29 to bring its total to Rs 19,757,978.58. Even the least affluent of their trusts (Alpaiwala Institute) showed an increase from Rs 160,615.12 to Rs 224,653.96. The immovable properties under the in member), they clarify that women married Surat Parsi Panchayat (SPP) for lessons in to non-Parsis as also children whose either parent is a non-Parsi will not be granted membership. Maximum space in the four-page news ­ letter conveys news on the properties con ­ trolled by the PPP, especially the 68 acres of land near the Tower of Silence which have yet to be developed. As per the donor ’s wish, eight and a half acres of land were to be commercially exploited and the profits arising to be ploughed back into the deve ­ lopment of the remaining land where the trustees are proposing the construction of flats for the poor and needy, a dharamshala for Zoroastrians visiting' Pune, a hostel for Zoroastrian girls and boys, and perhaps a home for the aged. Involvement from the community is sought on this project as also for the beautification of the doongerwadi estate. 10 Parsiana December 1995 “m i 8 ' I •A i Li r ii' I f Hl >>l 1 I Si hii manifold activities in the field of educa ­ tion through the Surat Parsi Boys Orphanage, Nariman Girls Orphanage, the Patel School and the Polytechnic Institute; in the area of health and welfare through the Parsi General Hospital, Parsi Maternity The headquarters of the Surat Parsi Panchayat Photo: Ashvin Mehta.•5?;' &•? vA [i Hi Hector Mehta, Dr Dina Hakim, Jasmine and Zarir BhathenOj Homa and Aban Petit and Balsara out­ side the cafetaria Right: The self- service counter and (below) an economical mini meal '¦'! ¦< lT-Il !» I staff would be able to grab a quick bite (in I addition to their normal hospital meals), i the patients ’ own meals would continue to I be provided by the Hospital, as also for I those relatives who choose to order their I trays in advance, informed PGH vice presi- I dent Ms Aban Petit. I Joining the Hospital in the attempt to I provide nutritious, hygienic food to the I economically weaker section of the com- I munity is the Ratan Tata Institute (RTI). 'I Full meals and snacks as well as economy I lunches and dinners will be available to these caretakers to obviate the need to cart I everything from home or settle for un- I hygienic fare from streetside stalls. I The cafetana has metamorphosed from I an old godown adjacent to the RMO’s I office, sprightly in white and green with I granite table tops ahd assorted old fumi- I ture like redundant bedside tables and laun- I dry bins painted and refurbished to match I the new decor. Plants and old china on the I walls add color and ambience. n Under the arrangement, the equipment ' j® ®VPP1’!^ ’’y the PGH, food and service will accrue to the PGH. The food will j come in fresh twice a day. Mini meals consisting of one dry item, twk> chappatis, rice, vegetable and dal — both vegetarian and non-vegetarian — are available at Rs 15 to Rs 16, according to Bomi Balsara, a PGH committee member who has been deeply involved with the project. The Hospital ’s expenses in the venture have been defrayed from a specific donation from Ms Manijeh Pleader, he added. The cafetaria was inaugurated on No ­ vember 26, 1995 with a jashan led by Ervad Aspi Dadachanji, largely attended hy th^ommittee members of the PGH and having done much of^e spadework of getting the necessary permission from the authorities for the project. WWle the facility answers a long-felt need, its limited hours of work (11 a.m. to 8 p.m.) does reduce its effectiveness. For tru^s and Rs 37,691 from example, relatives who have attended i e S!» « 'll fcft' Ti ‘’uppiivu uj' uic rvjn, lotxj ana service Ww all items sold Rs 764,573.16; for the Boys Orphanage from Rs 5,169.16 to Rs 170,300; and for the Patel School from Rs 2,059.06 to Rs 127,536. Not only the totals but the audited state ­ ment of accounts and balance sheet for each of the institutions and trusts have been sent by the SPP. On analyzing the donations received by different bodies, it is apparent ±at the SPP is the largest beneficiary having earned Rs 52,444.02 from public trusts and Rs 158,676 from individuals during the last financial year. The highest expenditure incurred in the same period was on account of secular a rise from Rs education towards which the SPP spent Rs 3A1 5,146,676.07. The next largest beneficiary of donations was the Surat Parsi Boys cornparing the Re- Orphanage which received Rs 210,987 Panchayat banner inclusive of the SPP are the Surat Parsi Boys Orphanage, Nariman Girls Orphanage, Patel School, Parsi Gen ­ eral Hospital, Parsi Maternity Hospital and Nariman Home. Their consolidated financial position indicates __________ _ 2,115,528,83 in end 1961 to Rs 13,373,003.45 in end March 1995. When it comes to < ’ serve. Development and Sinking'Funds of from Tubfic these different trusts, the Surat Parsi Boys Orphanage appears to be the most com ­ fortably placed showing Rs 1,255,391.04 as on March 31, 1995. At the other end is the Patel School which shows Rs 70,332.23. The PGH’s Cafetaria 1 i 1 i the RTI. The latter have been credited with J hsvinty Haha «-Ua ____i_ a.m. to 'The Girk Orphanage received through the night on a patient undergoing Ks /5Urrom niihlir fnictc anrl Pc 11 1Q1 _______ __ . ... Rs 35,750 from public trusts and Rs 13,191 from individuals. emergency treatment are still unable to f ¦ ¦ when they most need it. find a much needed cup of tea or coffee - ------------- Arnavaz S. Mama , Cafetaria facilities are now available to PresS IVust chairman have been able to record a substantial relatives and friends tending their patienu C— ' CnMITOan 1995-96. this is the third time thal Lif ' persons can avail of the Cushrow Irani, editor-in-chief and manag- case of SPP nrefeTtnS^"^^ comfort. Those who ing director of The Statesman, has beel iVnoa P’^®^®'^‘^J^® ^'^ay are also in a position to chosen .0 do so. While the honoraries and Hospital news increase in the 35-year period under the head of “rent and income from land re ­ ceived are the SPP, the Boys Orphanage and the Patel School, In the ____ there was an increase from Rs 16,243.93 to Elected chairman of the Press Trust of to head India ’s leading English agency. He had earlier held that post 11 Parsiana December 1995 1 J 1 I >I Irani: news loyalty I bM his last on August 12,1995 at the age of 70. With his fingers and toes deformed, and wounds on the sole of his feet because of which he always wore socks, walking was difficult for Sidhwa. In addition, a depres ­ sion in the bridge of his nose had contorted his facial features too. When social workers Ms Freny Unwalla, Ms Arnawaz Mistry and Aspi Parekh came to know of his case, they regularly started visiting him and on persistent queries came to realize that he missed Parsi bhonu at the Hospital. So, with the finance organized by Ms Silloo Kavarana, they arranged for tiffins to be delivered to him in plastic GLOBE THEATRES Pvt Ltd (j 1973-74 and 1974-75. Irani has also served _______ _____ president of the Indian Newspaper bags. In the last two months of his life when he was not able to eat food. Mistry, visiting him every alternate day, would carry soup or other semi-solids that were comfortable for him. On one occasion the social workers as ] Society and the Audit Bureau of Circula ­ tion, according to a press release. On the international scene Irani is vice- chairman of the World Press Freedom Committee headquartered in Washington _____ _____ _ and a member of the advisory board of the organized an outing for him, taking Sidhwa Center for Foreign Journalists, USA. The to the Bandra Bandstand. They were also first Indian to be elected chairman of the contemplating shifting him to a hospice in International Press Institute (IPI), he is ' — presently its vice-chairman. His “outstand ­ ing services ” as chairman in 1982 had earned Irani honorary life membership of IPI, mentions his biographical sketch. Known for his relentless fight for the by Sidhwa ’s brother who is a priest at the freedom of the Press when emergency was declared in India in the mid 1970s, Irani was conferred the Freedom Award by the Freedom House, New York, and the Astor Aw^d by the Commonwealth Press Union Ervad Rustomji Panthaky of Dadar ’s to the Bandra Bandstand. They were also in Gujarat where he could be in the midst of Parsis, but Sidhwa was not inclined, fear ­ ing rejection by the community. The cost of his last rites and consign ­ ment at the Towers of Silence was borne Sethna Agiary. According to the press release, in between, Sidhwa had discontin ­ ued wearing the kusti since he could not tie it on himself. However, on the advice of ------- _j_ _ ..... —J ____ _ 3 for “distinguished service in the cause of Athornan Boarding Madressa the social Press freedom. ” For “highest loyalty to workers tied the kusti for him which he was democracy, ” Irani was made Knight Com ­ mander of the Order of Isabella Catholica by the King of Spain distinctions conferred on the journalist. < '' '--------\ Born in Bombay, 65-year-old Irani was homage. When the sociarworkers educated at the city ’s St Xavier ’s College and the Government Law College. Pres ­ ently based in Calcutta, the journalist has authored two books: Bengal — The Com­ munist Challenge and In Pursuit of Free­ dom. ^ess freedom. ” For “highest loyalty to workers tied the kusti for him which he asked to leave on even at bath time. Earlier he used to walk up to the as per the list of Rustomfaramna Agiary at Dadar and stand outside the premises to pay his silent suited Panthaky, Sidhwa was granted per ­ mission to enter within, but he preferred not to, lest he displease other coreligionists. Born in Gujarat, Sidhwa had studied at Bombay ’s Cama Athornan Boarding Madressa and was ordained a navar. To help his widowed mother, he first worked for a travelling agency and later at the Beach Luxury Hotel in Karachi. As he confided to the social workers, since he was 17 years of age he had noticed some skin irritation and spots. But want of medi ­ cine made him neglect the symptoms until Learning from adversity His fellow inmates at the Ackworth Lep ­ rosy Hospital at Wadala loved and res ­ pected him. The doctors and staff at the institute remembered his helpful and co ­ operative attitude, referring in particular to the assistance he rendered to two patients the germs had taken deep root, necessita- who happened to be mentally retarded, ting hospitalization, first at the Miraj Hos- The social workers who visited him found pital and subsequently at Ackworth. him to be contented, never lamenting or The services that he rendered at the asking for favors. The “Parsi Bawaji, ” as Hospital were acknowledged with an hono- Gustad Dinshaw Sidhwa was popularly rarium of Rs 35 that was given to him each addressed at the Hospital, finally breathed month. From his savings totalling nearly ting hospitalization, first at the Miraj Hos- 13 Parsiana December 1995 Established April 3, 1915 Pioneers of Show Business in India for the last 80 years We rededicate ourselves to the ideals we have cherished and practised all along - namely to show NOTHING BUT THE BEST to our ever increasing number of Patrons Controlling: REGAL BOMBAY CAPITOL BOMBAY GLOBE CALCUTTA The above three cinemas are installed with ??1 DOLBY STE^ 4’ J I 5 II f I 8^ ?! 1 I ..A 111. ¦; Xi a. •» the Paul has been donated for' ’us^by*th™XM ^iSe ¦' of Islamic Covenants of faith Ahd-Namaha Ms Mithoo Coorlawala was released by mijsjon Homi J. H. Taleyarkhan Cama Oriental Institute 1995. Giving a gist of the function orary secretary of the Institute, — day needed welfare, not warfare. Accorl mg to Taleyarkhan, when India is empha ­ sizing the imperative need of national in ­ tegration and the unity of all religions, Coorlawala ’s contribution should promote 1 _______________ V..V. ..11 pl=dgcsorcovenante;;;;ecTarte:rgS by Prophet Muhammad and by his sun-in- law Im^ Ali to the Ahel-e-Kitab, which like thl cSan^ J^ws,° ‘zo^oitrians drnts"f ’th ’T^°P'"‘®’ stu- whose religious teachings are contained in at D Athoman Boarding Madressa their sacred book). All Le covenanSof " Pall-bearers with their faith enjoin on the followers of Islam to .. fr®® "leal, according gran, protec,ion of personX^y, P-fhaky o’f dom of worship, exemption from paymen' or the jazia tax and from compulsory mili ­ tary service. “The spirit of tolerance, un ­ derstanding, generous outlook and healthy respect for the religions... runs through „„ sentence of these firmans, ” notes individuals As stated at the function by Dr (Ms) 15 Parsiana December 1995 .u Xavier ’s College, “Though the authenticity of these firmans has been quesuoned, this research provides unusual insights, disclosing a freshly perceived mg is unusually extens ’ive. Hei^ rese^ch sources have been meticulously investi ­ gated and the text reveals a positive and questioned, this research provides unusual Ms Mithoo Coorlawala v._ uy former member of the Minorities Com ­ mission Homi J. H. Taleyarkhan at a mnction in the Library Hall of the K. R. on October 30, , , -------—.^v.w.i and the book, Capt Hormazdiar J. M. Desai, hon ­ orary secretary of the Institute, recounted Zanders Aw p j’"". Taleyarl^an ’s message that the world to ^^0. ing to Taleyarkhan, when India'is empha ­ sizing the imperative need of national in ­ tegration and the unity of all religions, brotherhood and peace. Ahd-Namaha, which ]¦ \ __ ______ _ by Prophet Muhammad and by his son-in- law Im^ Ali to the Ahel-e-Kitab, which means the people of the book (i.e. those sources have been meticulously investi- uniformly mature underlying structure An interesting feature of this book i information footnotes used, where sary, to supplement the text. ” This 1----- --- *— r ””^**‘-’***'v* ij'i viiv Gania Oriental Institute is printed on /orkzlA«*» A Tfc_ . . * * are the ! neces- monograph published by the K. R. in- are Patel Agiary marks 151 The 151st i Nasserwanji Patel Agiary at Mazagaon on October 2, 1995 was observed with two Ae tmstees, and another in the evening on Almost 450 members of the community participated in a contributory dinner on the anniversary of the Framji j^hans (one in the morning on behalf of same day when thanks to the largesse of the Agiary Ervad Nariman Dalal. The een- payment erosity of the owners of Wibs Brfad Godiwalla Caterers, Khambatta Caterers ’ Saron Caterers and Ms Dhunmai Master, ’ as also the cooperation extended by the ”^^er committed : was gratefully acknowledged. Compiled by Parinaz Gandhi Godiwalla Caterers, Khambatta Caterers ’ as also the cooperation extended bv the triictoQr _ Investment in Property: Pune is the I best city I We accept bookings in I exclusive schemes In I Pune, like a Bungalow- I scheme near the Pashan I Lake, 6 km from Pune I University. It is a small I township consisting of: 17 Independent Bungalows — Rs 38 lakhs - I 4 Twin Bungalows — Rs 16 to 19 lakhs 22 Rowhouses — I Rs 17 to 39 lakhs Possession around I March ’96. I Payments by cheque. I We also offer flats (small I and large) at prices I ranging from approx I Rs 900 to Rs 5,000 I per sq ft (built-up area), I besides bungalow-plots, I offices and shops in I exclusive Commercial I Complexes coming up in I Pune. For details write to: I Minoo Bhathena BySel Estate I 302 Devika Apt I 2010 Janmohmed Str I Pune 411001 I Tel; 650757 I 4^ i j ) ! j j (ZOROASTRIANS ABROAD The Gathas on computeF “The days when simple devotion was the driving force, are long over. It is essential that we all, in our own mind, comprehend the message of the Gathas and live our lives by its precepts, ” notes Purviz Kolsa ­ walla, former president of the Australian Zoroastrian Association (AZA) of New post-Sasanian times. Also “Pahlavi gram- South Wales who mar and language are reasonably well un- has completed his derstood, ” Kolsawalla notes in a printout compilation nearly 19 transla ­ tions of the Gathas of Zarathushtra on four 3.5” HD dis ­ kettes. This marks the end of phase one of his four-part project to similarly actual thinking. Unfortunately, the Gathas put together the Yas- are full of deeply esoteric and allegorical na, Vendidad and the Yashts, each on four diskettes. The idea is to put them all toge ­ ther on one CD-ROM which he expects will cost approximately US $ 10,000 to tinged with Vedic Hindu ideas which are produce. Kolsawalla hopes that every wes ­ tern university offering a syllabus on Zoro ­ astrianism will opt for a copy which he says he is planning to produce with total “hyper-texting ” (cross-referencing) facility. Each verse of the transliterated Gathas (the original text in Roman script) is fol ­ lowed by translations arranged in alpha ­ betic order of the translators. Thus B. T. Anklesaria heads the list and is followed by Mobed Firouz Azargoshasb, Dastur of the abed Maghavans, (Chiniwala) has Framroze Bode and Ms Pilloo Nanavutty, Ms Mary Boyce, J. M. Chatterjea, Dr F. S. Chiniwalla, Stanley Insler, A. V. W. Jack- son, Ali Jafarey, Ervad K. E. Kanga, Kavi A. F. Khabardar, L. H. Mills (including his retranslation from Neryosangh Dhaval ’s Sanskrit text), Khodabax Punegar, Framroze Rustomji, T. R. Sethna, Arthur Bleek (retranslation from Spiegel ’s Ger ­ man translation) and I. J. S. Taraporewalla. After faithfully entering all these transla ­ tions Kolsawalla has given an interpretation of the verse in Khshnoomist terms. While Gujarati works have been trans ­ lated by Kolsawalla into English, linguis ­ tic barriers and/or unavailability of the text in Australia has precluded others. The selected translators fall into four separate schools.- Mills, Dhaval, Kanga together with many other western and Zo ­ roastrian scholars have relied on extant Pahlavi translations of the Gathas. Taraporewalla, Khabardar, Chatterjea and The diskettes (priced at Australian $ 15 others have relied on Vedic Sanskrit, a locally and US $ 15 elsewhere - postage 16 Parsiana December 1995 sister tongue to Zarathushtra ’sGathic (also extra), are available from the author, 16 known as old Avestan). The advantage of the Pahlavi based texts, says Kolsawalla, is that these trans ­ lations are believed to have been effected by very learned and spiritually evolved them being in Sydney. With their dar-e- Zoroastrian priests in the Sasanian and Tenison Avenue, Cambridge Park, NSW 2747, Australia. Kolsawalla estimates about 1,600 Zo ­ roastrians in Australia, more than half of of of the introduction given to Parsiana. On meher being well established and three young navars of the second generation joining the pioneers like Ervad Peshotan Katrak whose unceasing priestly help has enabled the community to weather its the other hand, he says, that by Sasanian inevitable crises, Zoroastrians in New times Gathic grammar and language were not only “imperfectly understood, ” their interpretations may have been “tinged by the AZA’s established schedule. other philosophies prevalent in Iran. ” The Vedic Sanskrit based translations ZoFOHStrianS ill Bahrain “are probably the closest to Zarathushtra ’s South Wales seem better settled, with reli ­ gion, history and Gujarati classes as part of references which could not be easily ex ­ plained by simple philology. Another po ­ tential problem is that the translations are The 1995-96 directory of the Bahrain Zo- roastrian Association lists 58 households, 17 of them comprising singles. The 41 married couples have as many children among them. The grand total of about 140 Zoroastrians includes nine non-Zoroastri- an spouses. later reflected in Theosophy. ” The xeroxed compilation, sent to The third school propounded by Parsiana by Neville Choksi, indicates that Khabardar, took the aid of Sanskrit as well service in the airways and at the air termi- as an astrological explanation. Considered nals, in trading compani^, petrochemical s establishments, bank and investment or ­ ganizations, hotels, hospitals and the uni ­ versity is what attracts and keeps Indian ’* Zoroastrians in the Gulf states. unorthodox by many scholars, Kolsawalla notes that it “provides a very deep chal ­ lenge to traditionally held beliefs. ” The fourth school is that of the Khshnoomists with their esoteric empha ­ sis. “Using the divine esoteric knowledge Flood tide fOF Bugli ... ................J , ; The Wyeth-Ayerst Research Laboratories in Princeton, USA, recently promoted Dr Jehan Bagli to the position of Distin- % given detailed explanations of these highly complex and esoteric terms. ” However, Kolsawallais foxed by Chiniwala ’s “highly guished Research Fellow. A press release i Persianized Gujarati and extremely long from Wyeth-Ayerst ’s assistant vice presi- ¦ sentences, replete with extensive foot ­ notes... A full coverage of his text is im ­ possible for a layman like me, ” he admits. The diskettes represent five years of business objectives of the corporation. ” work for Kolsawalla who dedicated two , Having “pro- and a half hours to it every night, entering j moted discovery it all on his computer. “My background in i ¦- <¦ science, engineering and analytical re ­ search has reinforced the fact that truth has many facets and knowledge has to be searched in any quarter where it could be found, ” he notes. “The Gathas provide us with a very high moral code to live (by) without any complicated ritual. A.s Jafarey has so aptly said, ‘Forward with theGathas.’ After all, that is what Asho Zarathushtra meant when he has asked (us) to think with our own mind and make the right choice. ” dent of chemical sciences Dr Majid Abou- Gharbia details Bagli ’s numerous contri ­ butions and their ^^rofound impact on the F research of new drug candidates 1 in various areas of medicinal che- > mistry, ” Bagli ’s creativity in the field of synthe- tics coupled with his for biological activ ­ ity have earned him an international re ­ putation, notes Abou-Gharbia. Author and co-author of over 100 publications and continued on page 22 ,1 ...***i * ''Sfc'i't*-' ii *ADVERTISEMENT ¦ H ¦I RM ¦ 1 THE PARSI FLAG ¦ i ¦ A Tribute to the Parsi Vexillographer Dr Jehangir R. Medora |i iB|Bb ¦ 1 ¦ ¦ I fl by Meher Master-Moos, MA (Oxon), LLM (Michigan) T he Flag decorates many Parsi homes around the World as the symbol of “Earth Friendliness and Universal Brotherhood.” Its three colours have beautiful primary shades for three countries with the Asho Farohar giving it a Zoroastrian touch. We Parsis never had our own flag (since we arrived at Sanjan in India on about November 22, 745 A.D.) but now we have taken an instant liking to the flag designed by Dr Jehangir Medora. It was flown at the convocation ceremony of the Zoroastrian College (January 30, 1995) in Bombay and also at the Zoroastrian College Building at Sanjan. It was unfurled every morning and saluted at the Zoroastrian children’s Leadership Camp organised by the Zoroastrian Stree Mandal of Hyderabad on October 21 -24,1995 where 121 Zoroastrian children from all over India participated. On November 22, 1995 the 1,250th year anniversary of our landing at Sanjan, the flag was exhibited on the speakers platform, at the Sanjan Stambh Anniversary Function. The Parsi children at Zoroastrian Studies take an oath using the same words inscribed on the walls of Persepolis by the greatest Zoroastrian Persian King of all times, Darius — the Achemenian Emperor (circa 521 BC-486 BC) “A great God is Ahura Mazda Who created this Earth Who created Yonder Sky Who created Man Who created Welfare and Happiness for Man Who made us all Zoroastrians.” But what really impresses me is the inscription which Darius has left about Zoroastrianism. In his book Religions of the World Gerald L. Berry said “Zoroastrianism led to a government in Persia more just than anywhere else in the ancient world. The Emperors were given a sense of obligation l. as witness the quotation from Darius. 'Ahura Mazda brought me help because I was not wicked (Good thoughts) Nor was I a liar (Good words) Nor was I a tyrant (Good deeds) I have ruled according to Righteousness.’” You will ask what went on in the year 1995, that had brought Parsis together to salute this flag and make them all excited J about it. It has to do with a Zoroastrian Parsi from Canada. JEHANGIR R. MEDORA, LLB (Bombay University), PhD (Zo- roastrian College), was born in Deolali, India. Now75 years old, ¦ the vexillographer has been living in Canada for the last 35 ' years. The six-footer felt a bit odd as a Zoroastrian, because he y had no Parsi flag to fly at the INTER FAjTH PEACE Meetings ’ of the different ethnic groups in Canada. Wherever he goes in i Canada he sees flags. Canada has a maple leaf red flag. Its ten provinces have their individual flags. Canadian cities have their own flags. The companies (Esso, Shell) and clubs (Rotary, Lions) each have their own flags. The religious groups, each have their own flags: Christians (Cross): Jews (Six-pointed Star I of David); Hindus (Triangular Safron Pennant); Mohamadans ¦ (Green background) ; butwe Parsi Zoroastrians have NO FLAG. It made him sad and made him think. He read books on flags; “Too many pictures and pages: too confusing.” He went to flag manufacturers: “Keep it simple,” they advised him, “and don’t steal designs from others.” He met Parsi friends (Canadians), but they were still thinking like backwoods country bumpkins: “Who needs a Flag?” they said. “Better give money to the poor.” After retirement he had one thing in plenty—time. Returned himself into an instant vexillographer — a flag designer. hADVERTISEMENT He saw flags in his sleep; dreamt of flags; all day and all night he saw nothing but flags. Being a bit of a pompous pioneering man himself, he jumped into the art and science of flag design­ ing for a proper Zoroastrian Flag. “The ladies like blue; the men like red and the white in the middle." His vexillographer friends stopped him, “Hey! that is Netherlands’ flag! Careful! Queen Juliana or is it Queen Beatrix! She will shoot you on sight for stealing the colors plus the design,” they warned him. So gold (yellow) was inserted in place of white and the Asho Farohar’s image was superimposed in blue on the golden yellow. All primary colors. That’s good! They will not fade so easily. A design, took shape, in his mind. After many trips to the manufacturers of flags he found out that it cost too much. Then he ran into a lady banner-maker and painter who suggested “make a banner first as a model.” He got a paper Asho Farohar from a Parsi home and got it enlarged. When the banner-maker/painter saw it, she recognized it immediately, as that “Hollywood spaceman from California.' She traced the Asho Farohar on a 4 feet wide and 14 feet long strip of gold colored heavy plastic (cost $ 250) and then they went to a store and bought blue and red coloured plastic strips to fit equally and to make it into a banner of about 14 feet by 12 feet (which cost $ 650). The lady did a good job of stitching (another $ 700) the whole thing together. At last a banner was formed — one from which flags can be made in any size. The banner cost a whopping $ 1,600. It has red on top for Canada, saffron gold in the middle for India and beautiful Persian blue indicating Iran. These three colours indicate the countries in which we Zoroastrians are largely concentrated. Itwas flown fromToronto to Bombay (at his expense) intime to be displayed at Zoroastrian College World Congress held at the Russian Cultural Centre (Bombay) in January 1995 and the Parsi Fiesta in October 1994. It now adorns the Zoroastrian College building at Sanjan. And it was used to model a flag. Again the same flag manufacturers were approached. These were the months of November-December 1993 and all of them were busy with X’mas orders in tens of thousands and it appeared that the flag would stay unmade. At last one manufacturer took pity on Jehangir (but kept calling it the Assyrian Flag—perhaps he had also never heard of Zoroastrians) and charged $ 1,000. In January 1994 the first run of the nylon flag (54" x 33") came down the assembly li ne to the strains of Thus SpakeZarathushtra by Richard Strauss. All six of them. That’s all. The next 25 would cost another $ 1,000. No more money to spare! Even today (January 1996) the number has stayed at six. The Flag brought unity and identity and a little pride too to us Parsis. But somehow Jehangir had a feeling that something was missing in the Flag. Nice colours and Asho Farohar did not indicate any Zoroastrian doctrines. Then suddenly, after reading about theseven earthly gifts of Ahura Mazdaand His Archangels and the seven spiritual aspects, he thought of putting two seven-pointed stars on both sides of the Asho Farohar. Australia and New Zealand are the only countries with seven-pointed stars on their flags. All these appeared in his mind, just in time before the laminated paper flags were about to be printed in November 1995. The seven-pointed stars also symbolise Meher Yazad and Behman Yazad (Mithraand Varuna). Now he feltthe flag was complete. In November 1995 the very attractive laminated and the beautifully crafted printed flag (11 ” x 9”) was made out with two seven-pointed blue stars astride the Asho Farohar. Ten thousand flags were printed at the Union Press in Bombay, at a cost of Rs 65,000 (all his own money) and were distributed free. He is happy that they are admired and exhibited in Parsi homes. Some are even framed and put up on the agiary walls. He calls it “The Zoroastrian Flag of Friendliness anc Brotherhood." A full color page advertising the flag with his comments, was inserted in Parsiana (July-August 1995) which was mailed in early December 1995. His comments were that the Friendliness — stands for a “Friend of Earth:" Use Ahura Mazda’s earthly gifts but preserve them for milleniums to come and do not abuse or pollute His environment. Brotherhood stands for “Brother to Mankind.” That means be of righteous behaviour towards our fellowmen based on Good Thoughts, Good Words, and Good Deeds. These are the main doctrines of our noble faith. Be proud! You are Zoroastrian! And finally (here’s abig plus) the flag has been well thought of and recognized as a good one—as flags go — by the most prestigious flag organization in the world—The Flag Institute of England. Jehangir sent a Zoroastrian Flag (printed and laminated) to England to seek their opinion. In reply Mr Michael A. Faul, Honorary Secretary and Flag Consultant of the Flag Institute, gave high praise for Jehangir’s vexillo- graphical skills: “The Design is very good and is a model of a Flag Designer’s art... It is distinctive and conveys the symbol­ ism it has sought to embody... The colours are bold and dear and not easily subject to fading... You have managed to employ most of the principles of good flag design... /^copy of the flag will be lodged in the archives of the Flag Institute in England.” And furthermore the Flag Institute has called him a“Vexi!lo- grapher” — the professional title of a flag designer. All these compliments have gone to Jehangirs head and he is so puffed up that he finds himself elevated to the seventh heaven and since then he has refused to come down to planet earth. That’s Jehangir for you! Besides printing the laminated flags which are quite attrac­ tive, his plan is to bring out nylon flags just like the ones he made in Canada. They are made of a single nylon cloth which cannot be made in India. The costs, in Canadian dollars (C$ 1 = Rs 26 approx) vary with the size of the flag: $ 4 for per flag of 3” X10” ($8,000 for a minimum order of 2,000): $20 per flag of 16” X 24” ($ 6,000 for minimum 300); and $ 5Crper flag of 36” X 54" ($ 5,000 for minimum 100). He has already spent more than Rs 1,00,000 and a few thousand Canadian dollars of his own money and now has become short of funds. He said he would very much like some capable party to handle the production of such quality flags and its distribution in an equitable manner to the members of our community. An application for a registered copyright (patent) has already been made in Canada in 1994 under the Industrial Design Act of Canada for world rights. A similar application has also been made here in India. There is a sequel to all this — an appropriate salutation for Parsis: Be Good (to the Planet Earth) and Behave Yourself (be a brother to men), shortened to BGBYE. Now don’t forget to say “Beejee bye ” to our fellow Parsis instead of goodbye or bye bye. And here's Beejee bye to you all! i 1 t-1 I6WZCONGRESS Tehran Beckons World Zoroastrians The Iranian government has assured all assistance to make the Sixth World Zoroastrian Congress a success The Iranian Government has given its “blessings ” for the hosting of the Sixth World Zoroastrian Congress (WZC) in Tehran in June this year, said Federation of Pakistan. “They have been kind enough to Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of India and bring the prices down to Rs 4,000 for India have known it to be in the recent past, ” said Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) chairman and Pakistan, ” said Modi as versus almost Modi. There is no discrimination against j Jamshed N. Guzder. Addressing a press Rs 11,000 for all others. women speaking and participating in the conference at the BPP office on February - - 12, 1996 Guzder said that the Iranian for ­ eign minister Ali Akbar Velayati had met with representatives ofthe BPP in Bombay but it is assumed to be between 17 to 30 and assured them that the Tehran Congress years, had the full backing of the Iranian govern ­ ment. The dates for the Congress, which was the registration fees will double, said Modi, originally to be held from June 20 to June 23, have been changed to June 19 to June Iranian Congress authorities will vet it and 22. According to Ms Homai Modi, the Congress representative for India, the rea ­ son for the change was a “miscalculation egates has not been disclosed, in date. ” When questioned by the press as to how this miscdculation had taken place formed in Bombay to assist with the Con- both Guzder and Modi said there were gress enrollment and formalities. The com- some errors in calculation. mittee consists of himself. Modi, BPP The venue for the Congress had not chief executive Behram Laskari, former delegate fees to the Congress of Rs 4,000, been fixed and will depend on the number of delegates attending. An air-conditioned and BPP joint secretary Ms Gool Tata, venue will be booked. Guzder said that the foreign delegates had voiced concern vited by the Iranian government and the about getting visas. But the Iranian authorities told him “Forget about it. We the organizing of the Sixth WZC under the Wednesday to Saturday delegates would will help you to get visas. ” The deputy chairmanship ofDrMahyar Ardeshiri. The have to arrive in Tehran the Friday before foreign minister Abbas Maleki and the quartet included Modi, who had helped the Congress and depart the Friday after, new counsel general in Bombay Seyed organize the fourth and fifth congresses in Emirates airlines flies thrice a week to Kamal Yasini promised the organizers Bombay as joint honorary secretary, noted Tehran but may not offer any discount, “whatever you want. ” Even visas for industrialist Sohrab Godrej, Delhi Parsi Group booking on the Emirates to Tehran Zoroastrians in North America would be Anjuman ’s president Lt Gen Adi Sethna costs approximately Rs 16,000, according “no problem, ” said Modi as long as the (retd) and his wife Khorshed. to Modi. application forms were routed through “In the past Zoroastrians in Iran were Friendly Tours have been authorised to \ the local punchayet, anjuman or associa ­ tion. Homi. Talyerkhan reiterated that the Guzder, “That has all changed. Zoroastri- Iranian government was “very keen to hold the Congress ” and that the meet would some restriction on what clothes women “open up vast areas of cooperation. ” may wear, the delgates “can go anywhere Delegate fees have been fixed at US $ they like. ” Permission has been given to 300 except for participants from India and organize tours. “Iran is changing a little from what we Rs 11,000 for all others. The delegate fees for students from Congress. Explaining the dress code for India and Pakistan is Rs 2,000. The age women. Modi said that “nobody knows limit for students has not been specified exactly what the attire should be. ” Women must wear a large scarf but it need not cover all the hair. She ^ggested that a loose coat or smock be worn over their i Delegates must send their registration forms by March 31,1996 after which date clothes. The salwar khameez is preferable * „ ¦ " ' . ¦ ”. to saris. Fitting or figure hugging clothes | After the application has been received the should not be worn. Women will have to wear socks and shoes. Men should prefer- issue invitations to those who they wish to ably wear long sleeved shirts. enroll. The basis for selection of the del- Guzder said a committee had been Iran Air would be offering “a special concession ” to those attending the Con ­ gress said Guzder. Modi estimated the cost of attending the congress and staying in i Iran for two weeks to be around Rs 50,000 per person. This includes the air fare, i BPP chief executive Rustom Anklesaria touring Iran and accommodation in Tehran during the Congress . The two weeks stay is necessitated by the fact that Iran Air flies from Bombay to Tehran and back only on Tehran Anjuman last year to help initiate Fridays. As the Congress will be held from Four Indian Zoroastrians had been in- { “In the past Zoroastrians in Iran were not at liberty to do what they liked, ” said make tour arrangements for groups of 25 ’ ‘ “ each to Iran. Those participating in the ans are given full freedom. ” Except for tours will be accommodated in two and three star hotels during their stay. The tour ) 20 Parsiana December 1995organisers will also provide loose coats for the women to wear. There is no limit on the number of delegates from India, said Guzder. Guzder and Modi expect “hope- Visas lor Zoroastrians in North America would be “no problem” fully a hundred ” delegates will attend from India. Four topics have been selected for the congress. These are; a) Increase cooperation among the world associations in order to preserve our cul ­ tural and religious heritage, promote progress and improve the living conditions of Zoroastrians (especially our youth). b) Reinforcement of the schools for edu ­ cating the priests (mobeds), and allocation of special funds to send outstanding priests to well-known universities. c) Promote religious education to the Zo ­ roastrian youth. d) Make decisions on the future of Zoroas ­ trians (especially our youth), including investments and the use of assets for future generations. Those wishing to present a paper on any of the above topics for not more than 20 minutes should send their papers or ab ­ stract by March 31, 1996 to Dr Khoshrow Dabestani, general secretary, 6th World Zoroastrian Congress, No. 8 Zarthoshtian Street, Mirza Koochak Khan St, Jamhori Ave, Tehran 11316, Iran. Speakers should be researchers in their respective topics, said Modi. If too many papers are received on the same topic, the executive council will evaluate the same and decide upon the speaker and whether other papers received should be printed in the proceedings. Participants who speak at the Congress will not be charged any reg ­ istration fee. The principle language at the Congress will be Farsi (Persian) but there will be a simultaneous translation facility into En ­ glish and vice-versa. The other trustees present at the press conference were Ms Silloo Kavarana, Din- shaw Mehta, Dadi Engineer and Rustom Tirandaz. Those wishing to attend the Congress may contact Modi or Tata, c/o The B ombay Parsi Punchayet, 209, Dr D. N. Road, Fort, Bombay 400001, tel nos. 2617421/22/23, 2620028 or their respective anjumans, punchayets or associations. 22 Parsiana December 1995 ZOROASTRIANS ABROAD continued from page 16 patents, the scientist is currently pursuing discovery research in cardiovascular areas, of particular interest to his organization. This is the first time in the history of the company that anyone in the chemical sci ­ ences was promoted to this highest scien ­ tific level, notes the press release. S. Hanessian, McConnell professor of chem ­ istry and NSERCC chair in medicinal chemistry at the University of Montreal, who is rated as Canada ’s number one scientist in this field, described Bagli ’s re ­ search as “characterized by its practicality and elegance. Jehan is an outstanding synthetic medicinal chemist and a true scholar. His contributions to the discipline Sarosh Zaiwalla (extreme right), senior partner of Zaiwalla and Company, solicitors, with British Prime Minister John Major and Ms Norma Major at the Prime Minister’s Huntingdon Consti­ tuency ’s Annual Christmas Ball and with Dame Barbara Cartland (below, right) who unveiled the sculpted head of Rabindranath Tagore as created by Shenda Amery •p w*u-. ,,4 have been significant and his dedication to the profession exemplary. ” After graduating in chemistry and phar ­ maceuticals from Bombay University, Bagli obtained his PhD in medicinal chem ­ istry from the University of London en route to postdoctoral studies at the Johns Hopkins University in Maryland, USA. Joining Wyeth-Ayerst in Montreal in 1960, Bagli ’s sustained work benefitted his com ­ pany and his community who elected him their founder president when the Zoroas ­ trian Association of Quebec was formed in 1967, was the founder-editor of its news ­ letter, Gavashni, for many years before agreeing to take on the FEZANA newslet ­ ter in a similar capacity. Though he has withdrawn from these positions in the past few years, he continues to contribute to Zoroastrian scholarship through lectures and articles, partitular zeal being reserved for the reformation and unification of the Zoroastrian calendar and its restoration to seasonal accuracy. Bagli was invited to move to Princeton in 1983 with his wife Freny, when Wyeth- Ayerst closed their Montreal laboratory for political reasons. In his new professio ­ nal position Bagli will continue as a major contributor “in expan ­ ding 'lhe boundaries of knowledge in his specialty, ” providing the drive and innova ­ tiveness to steer resea ­ rch projects to corpo ­ rate success while functioning as an “eminently regarded advisor and consultant of senior manage ­ ment, ” notes the press release. i Compiled by Amavaz S. Mama s t } i t ! t i 1 1J HORTICULTURE COVER STORY Their pioneering effints in the field of cut-flower exports have earned the Masanis interruttional and national recognition. the lortest being the Krishi Bhushun Parinaz Gandhi (^^f^ook behind... and there are blooms. C9t- “leave « Xtou"" :™,vc':"' ’hraXis:i S I" thTO^'a "" "’’',^'“’'2° '"f f™ •h' <>P«” focum to meMS^e SwSid bTpXreed ’’’“Itt a towards an assessment of the need for to enlighten the citizens. ”^*The Federation p ate body of those anjumans and change and the community ’s intellectual is not trying to hide anything from our punchayets where they can safeguard their discretion. In point, Bhacca related an vnmh tLv j:. said newsletter article, he said. However, among themselves, say different things at of time. ” He continued tongue-in-cheek. By 2005 there will be two crore Parsis V of FOZYA made a blanket “youth sup ­ ports Mubarakai ” statement. _____________ While R. Anklesiina. in his personal according to the Pundolites. Someone will come and look into your eyes and heart and , I are a Parsi) he ’ll convert you to Zoroastrian ­ ism... If that is not conversion what is? ’’ capacity appreciated the efforts of his children as Zoroastrians, he questioned, “Certain changes have to come. Is there a socioeconomic issues?... evolve... ” he advised. This led the focus of the open forum to shift towards an assessment of the need for Let things ting the subject in its right prespective; ” 1_______ z * .« • « a separate body of those anjumans and change and the community ’s intellectual religion. ” It was Patel ’s contention that by incident in the publication of such material our youths had sought admission in their orphanage ~ • took the cue that the road is now clear to The late Maneck Gheyara ’s experienced marry outside the community. ” He was f *' • • - also worried that Parsi trusts were unable a Parsi. The then president told her to bring poverty in the her father and mother with her and i‘ converts? First the child of Parsi fathers. Now children of Parsi mothers. Then Con ­ version. When other communities ( know that this community gives money to the girl performed and then admitted her to produce children... think about it. ” Patel C___ _____ concluded by espousing “great faith in this few months' ‘"8 facts from oir ^^eki Gandhi. Please con- was not performed though he wore the youngsters ’’” Gandhi read out nhiAPtc tmue wtft fte good work you arc doing sudrch-kusti. “Some fine%riest in Surat 0^*0 Seradon tarn S conXta to leave aside (these) controversial matters. ” performed his navjote. We knew nnthina r.rz^a,ra Aut j.,*.. _r . .. APP’s Porus Karanjawalla, president of about it. ” At the other end of the From left: Pardiwalla, Guzder, Marfatia and HPY club members eye told him that the girl was probably not a Parsi. The then president told her to bring community. “What about the influx of transpired that the mother was Hindu the parents were unmarried and no navjote had been performed. Gheyara made them un- come to dergo a civil marriage, had the navjote of the orphanage. Bhacca further noted that a Calicut ’s Darius Marshall. Gandhi felt impelled to defend his ar ­ ticle; “People have said ‘Who are you to talk about religi^. Ask priests and high it priests. ’ To answer the point, go'back to the High Court judgement. B speaks of a committee of experts report which noted that the Zoroastrian religion enjoins con ­ version. Even in 1908 the BPP trustees had admitted that Ms (Sooni) Tata was a Zoro ­ astrian and her navjote was valid. How can ago a 32-year-old man who they say the opposite now?... Are we say- came to Surat from Iran, said his navjote was not performed though he wore the performed his navjote. We knew nothing ------------------ ; spectrum, a Zoroastrian lawyer, an ordained priest who was the executor of a will whereby a bungalow had been bequeathed to the SPP, prove that “it is the duty of the Federation to promote true knowledge of Zoroastrian ­ ism. We are giving everyone a chance to speak, to express every point of view... Do not shut out intelligent debate. The objec- z- IP ’•cr- 34 Parsiana December 1995 1 i 1tions are raised because this article under ­ mines what has been preached wrongly by priests and the orthodox. ” Uran Anjuman, had made contact with the BPP. It is understood that if certain prop- _ ... ................ erhes are taken over by the Defence Pardiwalla said they Wuc wiih inistry (as the Uran dokhma is, for the gaged couples inviting them for _ — defence for the Bombay harbour), one can ~ Some homes and agiaries in the Udvada/ ask for equivalent land elsewhere, he noted. Surat region have been burgled, informed Mistry voluntered help and urged the BPP Bhacca and another Surat representative Davar Cawasji Modi. Their tales under ­ lined the problems of aging and progres ­ sively impoverished communities. One case pertained to the adanan in Surat ’s feo Defunct anjumans 1 kJ IR 1 Parsi Marriage and Divorce Act. Premari- U1 counselling was on the cards and ' were writing to en- j a session. The impact of a divorce on the children is evidenced by the severe behavioral prob- to respond quickly. Anklesaria agreed to lors filed for custody of the child as both pass on the relevant papers to him and Sethna. In the matter of the Mistry Adarian ’s trust property in Boisar where an lems they encounter. Twice the counsel- J parents seemed to manipulate and misuse the child, but “the court considers the natural guardian as the best, ” reported Pardiwalla. On other occasions the inter ­ vention of the counsellors has helped children. However, when they meet in-laws, the first question they are asked is “Will you give another house? ” Pardiwalla felt that the provision of housing does not sQem to have increased the number of children per family. The one child norm prevails. “It ’s a personal option, ” she adds. Ms Diana Marfatia who has been involved with school counselling says the program currently deals with about 120 to 180 children a year with a success rate of about 60 percent, courts, Its trustees Homi Mehta and Though there are currently six counsellors l to deal with the six schools under the program, dedicated community individuals are hard to find. Non-Parsis need to speak Parsi ways and empathise with them, Marfatia noted. These problems prevented on the land without informing his fellow (' ’ ^ustees or the charity commissioner and counselling from the further suburbs vestments had b^n given to a Hindu clerk. Gandhi informed the gathering that the i F' i 1 I w -W-’j . -fl .. ... From left: Dittia,R. Irani andPervez Irani internecine conflict has been Vakil Atash Behram compound. Also a Surat lady who keeps open house in Udvada _______ v,aa “was disagreeably surprised when two falsely claiming it to be a private^ trust priests came, used the house and pilfered i ' trom It, informed Bhacca. Behind the complaints are that Darabshaw had al- occurances in Surat and the Iranshah is ‘ “the hand of Parsis. Someone is out to harass the management... In Bombay two Parsis were arrested but no one came to give evidence, ” informed Modi. The report on defunct anjumans lacked SPP chief executive Sorab Katpitia ’s pres ­ ence and authority. While Dharwar and Hubli, Badnera and Amravati had ex ­ pressed a desire to opt for the Federation ’s custodianship, there had been no further progress. The memorandum of under ­ standing (MOU) drafted for a similar ar- ___ ,_______ _____________ rangement with the Mhow Anjuman was plete. “ We are unable to understand the yet to reach them. At Raipur where 10 to 12 Zoroastrians reside there is a community property of about 20,000 sq feet according to Palkhi- walla. Thnty and Rusi Wadia of Raipur are lacks proper light and water connections Reporting on the family counselling pro ­ fought in the Maneckshaw Mistry complained that managing trustee Darabshaw Mistry was trust Theif ’"ajor Gujarati. 'IheyfmditdifficdttoundVsS lowed a Sai Baba temple to be constructed the land without informing his fellow that the brokerage on the trust ’s UTI in- the inclusion of children in need of requested by Borivli ’s Khurshed Pastakia. An off-shoot of the Holiday Programme if < for Youth (HPY) and the Youth Club -'ex students, is four or five likely marriages, informed Anklesaria. - This was R. Anklesaria ’s last executive council meet attended as the chief execu ­ tive of the BPP. Also attending was Behram Laskari, his successor designate. R. Ankle ­ saria has, however agreed to continue to work on the BPP-Federation social service programs, announced Gandhi. Federation ’s mandate had already been formed under BPP auspices by the HPY given. “If the solicitors agree the Federa- • • - tion will implede itself. Mr Taleyarkhan will take it up at the political level and we ’ll take it up at the legal level. ” On his part Anklesaria noted, on the basis of the solicitor ’s letter, that the papers are incom- I scope and nature of the appeal, ” he added and requested the complainants to prepare a short resume from the many appeals and counter appeals. said to be looking after the property which Counselling programs lacks proper light and water connections Reporting on the family counselling pro- and the well has run dry. The place is said gram operated by the BPP under Federal t* ' ¦ ¦ ’ ; ___ ___________ deposit of a donation from Dali Chinoy. Anklesaria reported that Grindwell Norton ’s Noshir Sidhwa, a trustee of the to be maintained on interest from fixed AGM With the election of office-bearers on the anvil, Gandhi clarified that the general presumption was that the president of the major anjuman in the zone would auto ­ aegis, counsellor Ms Roda Pardiwalla noted matically become the zonal vice president that cases had been dwindling in the past ’ " - - few years perhaps because of the provision of divorce by mutual consent under the but according to the Federation ’s constitu ­ tion, the anjumans in a zone were free to elect any individual from any location as 36 Parsiana December 1995vice president of their zone. “The idea is to have five enlightened individuals as vice pres,den.s.-,„.heeve„,Se,h„,Mogre,ia, tor. 1 he High Court has granted a stay Dittia, who said it answer the call and Prof Farokh Vakil, head of the department of science at AP » J r. I Bodhanwalla and Bhacca were elected vice presidents from the north, south, east and west B zones. The vice president of west zone A comprising Bombay and Pune offi ‘cia ’ls~suspect7he hand of was E. Irani as proposed by his fellow i:„L vjaxiuiu ici trustee Ms Shiraz Anklesaria and president feud between the Anjuman : D. Irani - a development that led Gandhi ing back nearlv 13 to comment appreciatively on the latter ’s lack of ego that permitted him to step aside in favor of his junior colleague. The chair ­ man of the BPP is the ex officio president of the Federation. At the executive council meeting which trusteeship term expired in 1991 the Tov- continued after the AGM, Ms Mani ’ gov Clubwalla, R. Anklesaria, Peshotan Nargol-walla, Eruch Surti and Rustomji were co-opted on the executive council. Eruch Desai and Gandhi continued as jointhonorary secretaries and R. Anklesaria as Federation treasurer. With all paper prices having almost doubled in the past year and likely to go up substantially more, Bodhanwalla called discretion Jn the distribution of As he could increase in the sponsorship advertisement rate from Rs 3,500 to Rs 4,000 and the next 14 issues have been sponsored by the BPP (four), Guzder in his individual capacity (two) and one each by the DPA, Madras, SPP, WZO, ppp and Jamshedpur anjumans, Taleyarkhan and BPP trustee Silloo Kava ­ rana in their individual capacities. PZASH vs Dittia In Secunderabad, the trustees of PZASH have been suspended and an J ’ 1 _____ appointed by the Andhra Pradesh Endow ­ ment Board (APEB) which covers all chari ­ table trusts and Hindu religious trusts, Gandhi reported to the Federation. The Board is a said to have received complaints of financial and other mismanagement at PZASH and the anjuman was asked to produce its books of accounts. An agree ­ ment to sell regarding one of its properties is now being held up by the Board authorities as violatory because its permission was not taken and a show cause notice has been issued why an administra ­ tor should not be appointed. Since PZASH was advised that the Andhra Pradesh Endowment Act ruling did not apply to them, they did not answer the summons. Now the PZASH trustees face an ex parte order of suspension because they failed to BPP s Gool Kias and Sheroo Master with Modi (mike in hand) until the PZASH case is heard. The crux of the matter is that PZASH Mr problems. Gandhi^eiaSaMte 1 and Dittia go ­ ing back nearly 13 years when Dittia ’s supporters substituted the nomination of f ' - - ¦ with his own. The ensuing legal battle was going in Surti s favor but he passed away and the matter died with him. When Dittia ’s no right to interfere in its internal affairs. “Conversely, an anjuman has no right to interfere in matters of the Federation. ” - ---- i was “not very important for me to be invited, ” noted that he had attended almost every Federation meet ­ delegates of the constitutional position that any anjuman can invite any person even from another zone to be a vice presi- that any anjuman can invite any person tb^' tMT?Took with his own. The enciiiriCT UfTol kowl.. long point of view. Reverting to the genesis of his conflict with Surti, Dittia maintained that the managing committee “cannot constrict the right of the general body, cannot arrogate not the rights of the general body... the judge has misunderstood... If the General Body I’"" :::------j as president for six years, he should continue there for six years provided he was a trustee at the time of his election. ” Opinion on the issue was divided. E. Irani noted that the Federation ’s constitu ­ tion says that the anjuman must propose the individual wharwill attend the execu ­ tive council meet. “Since the anjuman is not seconding him, Dittia should stay away. ” Former BPP and Federation chairman Dr Aspi Golwalla, Sethna, Dadi Mistry, saw it as the Federation ’s right to invite individuals. Mogrelia and Bodhanwalla counselled a Compromise. “As the con- anju- cerned anjuman has put it in writing that he shouldn ’t be invited, sitting in judgment can be interpreted as taking sides, ” noted Mogrelia adding, “I understand Vakil is also a relation of Dittia... ” erning body blocked his renomination and Dittia, then PZASH president, could i continue to be president when he was no .x...u„ucisioou i longer trustee. The matter again went to has voted in someone court and strictures were passed against Dittia. The PZASH had notified the Federation that Dittia would not represent them and at the executive council meet in Calicut in September 1991 Dittia had stood down as vice president in favor of Marshall. 1 not be a co-opted member — — -- ’ c zones had their own nominees it was decided that Dittia attend Federation meetings as a special invitee like Taleyarkhan Federation: How can you invite a person who has gone against the anjuman in court? “Should we take cognizance of what the anju man says or not? ” Gandhi asked the delegates. Dittia argued that according to the Fed- . , eration constitution every anjuman is com- adrninistrator pletely autonomous and the Federation has the Fed Newsletter. Gandhi now sought an because each of the five SPP, WZO, ppp and Jamshedpur anjumans. s current poser to the 4’ * 37 Parsiana December 1995 b“I am ashamed to think that a man of my earth it. She has found a stone afarganyu xaiuaMmuicutoLiunKinaiamanormy earth it. She has found a stone afarganyu SherooMaster,MsHomaiModi MsDiana a„dbUso5ouerybu.„on,e.a>ofa„y«„d. Marfada, Ms Reda Pardiwalla, “S: jecting Mogrelia ’s compromise that he should get the APEB to withdraw its action and should himself withdraw his suits against PZASH in return for the vice presidentship of the Federation and in- _____________ ____ sisted that he be given a copy of the PZASH preserve it from erosion. R. Irani urged the community to con ­ tribute to found a chair in Zoroastrian re- Carbon dating of these, together with bricks Khushnooma Deboo, Ms Urvakshi Mistry and other items from the area has revealed T. them to be between 300 and 1,200 years Readymoney from Bombay; Khurshed old. Of Ajmalgad ’s three lookouts, only " • ¦ - one remains. A cemented watertank which was excavated now needs to be closed to Burzin Mehta, Delzad Captain and Dick Pastakia from Borivli; Darius Marshall from Calicut; Zarthosht Mubarakai and Pervez Irani from Dahanu; Lt Gen Adi Sethna, Dadi Mistry, Noshir Captain, Farokh Rustomji, Keki and Homi Gandhi from Delhi; EduIji Dumasia from Dumas; on the study at the Deccan College which will Aspi Irani from the Iranian Zoroastrian provide a salary of Rs 30,000 p.a. to enable Anjuman; Homi Bodhanwalla and Eruch her to continue her work. Asked what the excavation itself would cost, Irani noted had been researching at Ajmalgad recently not permit her to excavate unless she is affiliated to a college. She told the gather ­ ing that she would like to pursue these excavations together with explorations in Sanjan and Diu as a lifelong task. Barot they moved to the old fort at Ajmalgad Those attending the executive council meet where they spent 15 more years before were: Ms Dolat Debara from Agra; Porus related R. Irani adding, “Archeology is the Patel, Baman Cama and Homi Chothia only way to find history in the absence of from Baroda; Zubin Jambusarwala from written records... The Kisseh-e-Sanjan is the only document we have. ” A tunnel is said to have linked Bahrot to Ajmalgad and R. Irani is anxious to un- letter to enable him to give a written reply as the matters were in court. The council seemed to concur need for compromise. Surti from Jamshedpur; Ronnie Dick from Jhansi; Nariman Mogrelia from Madras; Pervez Mandviwalla from Mandvi; Dara Deboo from Navsari; Dara Irani, Eruch Irani, Firdous Kayani, Kersi Daruwala, Boman Irani, Farokh Irani, Ms Shiraz Anklesaria, Sarosh and Navaz Palkhiwalla and Ms Farzana Taraporewalla from Poona; Homi Palsetia and Ms Ruby Balsara from „. ,, ” , z -------°------------------------ — Saronda; Dr Sam Bhacca, Davar Kavasji where they spent 15 more years before were: Ms Dolat Debara from Agra; Porus Modi, Homi R. Mehta and Manekshaw ngjo Navsm and thence to Udvada Karanjawalla from Ahmedabad; Shavak Mistry from Surat; Rustom Cursetii and rftlatftn R Tram annino “ Aic DntAl _____ ______ i tt .1 • 7^ tm n Pervez Bhesania from Thana and Homi and Hoshedar Mehta from Zai Bordi. Homi Ajmalgad revisited Archeologist Dr (Ms) Roxana Irani who that the Archeological Survey of India will had been researching at Ajmalgad recently not permit her to excavate unless she is gave a brief talk illustrated with slides. The Zoroastrians moved the Iranshah from Sanjan to Bahrot in the 15th century to preserve the sacred fire from the defile ­ ments of war. After about 15-20 years in Bharuch; Jamshed Guzder, Minoo Shroff, Taleyarkhan, Dr Aspi Golwalla and Bezon Ms Silloo Kavarana, Dinshaw Mehta, ' — Rustom Anklesaria, Behram Laskari, Peshotan Nargolwalla, Ms Gool Tata, Ms Dittia were the special invitees. The press was represented by The Bombay Samachar and Parsiana. MATRIMONIAL Alliance invited for a 39-year-old, good-looking, well-settled, Parsi male, divorced and issueless. Previous marriage lasted for three years. The girl should be simple and home loving. Outstation girls are also welcome. Apply to: The Advertiser Parsiana, Matrimonial (Dec/42-9S)* QPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 ‘Please make sure the reply envelope bears the reference number cited here. A Zoroastrian Museum Always remember 4 TATA WS BATA KHAMBATA Ketayun & Bomi 22/A, Wellington Terrace Wellington Street, Bombay 400002 Tel No: 2069636, 2057242 Pager No: 9602-104007 is being planned by Ms Zerbanoo Gifford of London. Please donate Books, Magazines, Pictures, Artefacts etc, and send them to Ms Zerbanoo Gifford Herga House, London Road Harrow-on-the-Hill Middlesex - AWl 3JJ (U.K.) 38 Parsiana December 1995 I¦ SCHOLARSHIP Status of Women: sacred and secular - 3 Created to procreate Dr Ketayun H. Gould A Zoroastrian woman’s destiny lay in bearing a troop of male children The image of a liberated Zoroastrian that certain divinities perceived as female on par with the male is only an female entities were venerated, that the illusion, an ideal that has yet to be soul of a dead man was said to be met realized. There is no denying that in by afemalefigure on its upward journey, certain spheres she has been granted Yet within the stronghold of the equal opportunities but she has had aristocracy and priesthood in the pre- to suffer discrimination too. This article ~ ' which will run into six instalments analyzes the relevant texts and tradi­ tions to study the status of women in deemed allies of Ahura Mazda to fight the ancient, medieval and modern periods. As it originally appears in Religion and Women (a publication ofthe State period. 'University of New York Press, 1994) the paper entitled “Outside the discipline, inside the experience: women in Zoro­ astrianism ” is a researched, academic lent belief that menstruation causes a presentation. Since Parsiana will be woman to lose her ritual purity and carrying an abridged version ofthe text spread impurity if she comes in contact to make it simpler for the lay reader, we with others. Even though religious will not be detailing the sources that the equality was denied to females in author painstakingly cites at each instance. In the first two instalments we learnt Zoroastrian era, paradise was denied to women. With the advent of Zara­ thushtra, both men and women were the evil forces. The domestic routine though was considered to be of prime concern to the females in the ancient While marriage and the begetting of children is advocated in Zoroastrianism, the third instalment dwells on the preva- ancient times, within the confines of a patriarchal society women were ceded certain economic and legal rights. These passages display not only an interest in physical beauty, but a connection bet ­ ween youthfulness and virility, and the child-bearing capacity of the maiden. In her daily prayers, the maiden is said to ask for a boon of “a husband, young and beau ­ tiful of body, who will treat us well, all life long, and give us offspring; a wise, learned, ready-tongued husband (Yasht .15.40).” And what is the ideal of female beauty? The ideal is personified in the description of the maiden of the bridge discussed in the first two instalments: “beautiful maiden, brilliant, white-armed, strong, well-grown, erect, tall, high-bosomed, graceful, noble, with a dazzling fall, of 15 years (Martin Haug). ” The p2irents or guardians generally ar ­ ranged the marriage, although the girl was consulted in the choice of the husband. The ideal union was considered to be based on mutual affection. There is some evidence, however, that under certain cir ­ cumstances, there was some room for love marriages. Moreover, in this context, women were described as being capable of stepping outside the societal constraints of role definition and display the “force of character ” to “go straight to (their) objective without hesitation (P. B. Va^a). ”Thus, we read in the Shah Namah, that women like Manijeh, Rudabeh and Tahmina were “transported by love into making active advances, ” while at the same time protecting themselves and soothing their beloved ’s male ego by disclaimers about their “immodesty ”: “No one has ever seen me outside the purdah nor has any man ever heard my voice (Vacha). ” The fact that there were at least .a few Zoroastrian women who gave themselves permission to act in an unconventional manner though using conventional excuses (transported by love) cannot be seriously doubted. Nor can it be denied that the stories display a certain amount of grudg- * Other evidence about the ideal role of a delight of her husband in the future (Darab woman can be gleaned from the develop ­ mental highlights that are singled out for attention in the sacred liturgy. The Avesta ily life and begetting children led to the contains direct allusions to the status of a early marriage of girls at about the age of ing respect for women who are the respon- maiden in the “father ’s ” house (the patri- 15 — “at the age of puberty, with earrings sible parties in consummating the union, lineal and patrilocal family). She was given ' ~ ' training in the religious schools after the (Vendidad 14.15).” Obviously, chastity is age of seven so she could be initiated into her faith. Other than that, education con ­ sisted of preparation for the housewifely about the value of the same quality in a ized as proof of the “high ” status ofwomen in the Zoroastrian tradition. The general Zoroastrian view of sexual love is that within marriage, sex and pro ­ well, having her husband as her lord (Ga creation are virtuous acts, since the beget- A Q\ ” .l;ij__ i__ :_______ ____ ¦____ The texts also provide an instructive Dastur Peshotan Sanjana). ” This concern for building a stable fam- 15 — “at the age of puberty, with earrings in her ears... whom no man has known There is no reason, however, to believe as some authors have done (Sanjana), that these scattered instances of alliances bet ­ ween aristocratic lovers can be general- considered to be the most essential quality in a bride, although no mention is made role: “General training in moral and reli ­ gious precepts, the elementary rules of (Yasht 11.4)” is “receiving her instruction sanitation, the art of tending domestic ani- i ..............................................................~ mals, of spinning and weaving the sacred 4.9).” ting of children brings more people into girdle as well as garments, of superinten- The texts also provide an instructive the world to do battle against the evil spirit, ding the laborers in the field and the milking view of the ideal images of the maiden and Every new birth is seen as sending a thrill of the cows ... in short she aspired to be the her fantasies of the prospective bridegroom, through the whole creation of Ahura Mazda groom. Another characteristic that is praised besides a “mind absorbed in piety 39 Parsiana December 1995centered on the Zoroastrian belief that menstruation results in a woman losing her sexuality is viewed in the context of a child conceived of a stranger and presents ritual purity and becoming capable of it to her husband (Yasht 17.54).” Such a spreading the impurity to all those who woman is unfit to offer any prayers (Yasht have contact with her. Thus, husband and wife were strictly forbidden to have inter ­ course during this period, and for three days after she had performed her post- menstrual ablutions. Ignoring this taboo is listed as the fourth of the five sins that render one aPeshotanu (a high level of sin requiring a punishment of up to 90 lashes — Vendidad 15.7, 13-16). 'Hie Vendidad goes even further by declaring that such a man does not act better than “if he should burn the corpse of his own son, born of his own body... and drop its fat into the fire 17.54). The yazata Haoma is entreated to (16.17).” ¦ ! Obviously, the Zoroastrian conception harlot, with her magic minds o ’erArowing of menstruation and its relationship with and casting a shadow of gloom over the female: “the courtesan who destroys her wicked world of Angra Mainyu. In this ............... ... sense, i a religious duty, and as such, it is a pious act only within the confines of marriage. However, within this narrow definition, there is no downgrading of the physical needs of the human body compared to the higher status of the spiritual sphere. Hence, the celibate state is discouraged. In fact, Avesta recognizes the joy that the sexual encounter can bring to both husband and wife, although the language and imagery reflect a male world-view: “The men whom thou dost attend...have their ladies that sit on their beds, waiting for them: they lie on the cushions, adorning themselves... ‘When will our lord come? When shall we enjoy in our bodies the joys hurl her mace “against the body of the of love? ’(Yasht 17.10)” 1 . ' „..................................._ The patriarchal nature of the family and with (intoxicating) pleasures ” (Yasna the status of women is a far broader subject ................ ........ . ¦ ¦ ...... taboos associated with marital faithful or unfaithful, there is no difference relations. The notion that menstrual blood (Vendidad 18.62). Furthermore, the male is dangerous is widespread among many control of the family especially the “own- cultures and religions (Denise L. Carmody fruit ” and the “courtesan who brings forth All Zoroastrians are thought to be polluted by impurities associated with the birth process society during the ancient period is evident 9.32).” Whether she gives her body to the from the fact that conjug^ infidelity as a - - - - - -........................- sin and an offense is spelt out very care ­ fully in the case of a woman, but the texts are silent on how adultery is perceived ership ” of the female, is demonstrated by and H. R. Hays). In Zoroastrianism, all among men. The infnngement of chastity the fact that once the woman has borne on the part of a woman grieves Asi (femi ­ nine personification of piety), who is pic ­ tured as fleeing to the heavens or sinking Choksy). into the earth at the sight of an unchaste substances leaving the body are consi- children, she cannot be divorced for any dered ritually im|jure and polluting. Such other reason except adultery (Jamsheed K. substances include hair, nails, skin, feces, saliva, breath, blood, semen and menstrual Other taboos on sexual intercourse are blood. I*' If For Pure Diamonds JEWELLERS 324, Grant Road, Bombay 400007. Telephone 3099648 Fax 3073483 APPOINTED VALUERS BY THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA 40 Parsiana December 1995 Iih M 4 / C These substances are open to grave pollution by the corpse demoness, since creation of with unconsecreted bull ’s urine and water while saying the required prayers. Other prayers that specifically ask for expiation from sins were also recited. At menopause a woman was required to have priests which marked her rejoicing in “being able thus to prepare herself for eternity Although pregnancy gave a woman re ­ spite from the restrictions attendant on . Liidi uic z.oiuas- apan tor tMis purpose. Any Zoroastrian menstruation, the texts soecifv that child t^ine linked the origm of men- who had physical contact with her was birth also lesd^SS^^t^^ to a blight caused by the evil required to purify himself or herself with the mother and the child AJl taboos that h unconsecrated bull ’s urine and water. The apply to the menstruant are to be enforced IS w.tr era t .......1 m^struant was supposed to abstain from during this period. It would seem logical to everything she touched became polluted. r --------- uwiiiwiivaa, aiiivc Ahura Mazda. The texts specify that a any flow of blood out of the body is a menstruant should withdraw 15 paces from fro™ other Zoroastrians (Ven —---- < ’ • • — . . : . _ visit to England; and A. Das Gupta’s In ­ dian Merchants and the Decline of Surat ____ _____ _ (1979). A careful study of all these and accede to their demands. Barring a tempo- many other sources has resulted in the rary period when Rustam Maneck was compilation of an article by Dr Homi dismissedfromtheemploymentoftheEng- Eduljeeon“RustamManeckandHisSons: - Brokers of Surat’’ carried in the Journal of the K. R. Cama Oriental Institute (KRCOI), No 60. To acquaint our readers with the vicis­ situdes in the lives of Rustam Maneck and selves and waging a feud with their rival ------ KRCOI trustees to reprint an edited and sons fell out of favor with the English. The Rustam Maneck was called upon to range a meeting between their English and on Rustam job that requried great tact, diplomacy Rustam Maneck later when he had to se­ cure the release of the ambassador who had offended the Mughals by refusing to The attitude of tht>-Bombay Council towards the Rustamjees began to change in 1722. It had been customary to give pre ­ sents to the Rustamjees on the marriage of their children; in January of that year the . . . „ Council decided to stop these gifts. By lish Company, he continued to be favored now Laldas Parekh ’s fortunes had revived as a broker. The fourth instalment found and in April 1722 he told the Company that him negotiating new deals even at the age ' ~ of 86 years. Preoccupied withfighting among them- his sonsParsianahas been permitted by the brokers, the Parekhs, Rustam Maneck’. abridged version of the text from their supremacy that the family once enjoyed in Surat was no more and one after another the sons opted to settle in Bombay as is recounted in this fifth, and last, instalment. Journal. Along with this piece there is another dissertation in the same publica­ tion, “The Zoroastrian Calendar: an Over- the Ruslamjccs had committed fraud in the accounts of their investments and in the ‘laskari ’ account of Rustam. He also of ­ fered, to provide the annual investment for the next season on cheaper terms than that offered by the Rustamjees in the previous year. Laldas ’ offer was accepted and Phipps set up a committee to look into the allega ­ tions of fraud. The committee consisted of Robert Newlin who was neutral between 43 Parsiana December 1995Bombay account books clearly showing him to England his nephew Bhikaji the credit balance standing in the Rustam- the two parties; Robert Cowan, a staunch friend of the Parekhs, and John Hope, a _ friend of the Rustamjees. The committee jees ’ name. Armed with such information, was to meet in Surat and use Laldas to uncover the facts. The Rustamjees raised the obvious ob ­ jection that their accounts had been thor ­ oughly examined by Aislabie and Boone provide him with passage on one and nothing wrong had been found; more- ships, over, the old accounts books had been burnt and were no longer available. Laldas was not to be deterred. He found two Banias who had supplied cloths to the English (through the Rustamjees) who said they had supplied the cloths at a much lower price than what the Rustamjees had charged the Company. The committee also found that the brokers had gained almost complete control of the private trade of the English at Surat and had charged one per ­ cent commission on all such trade which did not pass through their hands. At about this time the Company became suspicious that Framjee and Bomanjee were in corres ­ pondence with the Mughal Governor of Surat to get the Company ’s trading privi ­ leges revoked. The Council overruled the Rustamjees ’ obiections and as punishment suspended against the pirates, but he did notice that . . them from the service ofthe Company and trade was very Jucrative. He Qu^elled belwve you toLe rescinded the award that had been made in favor of Rustam ’s ‘laskari ’ account. In their report the committee wrote: “The family of Rustam, in their prosperity, had carrv ’d verv hauehtilv and made use ofthe ---------rr ---------------- „ crX devolved upon them, from being help, for he demanded of the Bombay Company it may give room for reproacfr employ ’d in the Company ’s service, to Council that they release Bomanjee, tell- A week later Cowan again warnd Hope enrfch^themselves and depress all others. ” them that thev were only traders and not to be too solicitous about the Rustam- Troubles now heaped upon the Rustam ­ jees. In January 1723 Bomanjee went to Bombay to plead his family ’s case before the Council. The Council, instead of hear ­ ing him, first placed him under house arrest and then confined him to the fort. In August Framjee was arrested by the Gov ­ ernor (_____ , the instigation of Cowan and Phipps, and forced to pay Rs 50,000 to the Gover- besides Rs 200 per day for the supply to say we Khurshedji Wacha, 12 servants and, ever the merchant, a large quantity of merchan ­ dise to sell in England. He reached Eng ­ land at the end of April 1724. In the meantime Framjee appealed to Nowrosjee may have felt that he had a good case to plead. There was, however, one problem: how was he to get to London? He could hardly expect the Company to Delhi against his arrest by the Nawab and of their he eventually obtained an imperial order which secured his release in early 1724. J We have seen that the Bombay Council Matthews. The European Companies were knew by January 1723 that the Rustamjees still plagued by pirates and in 1719 the were in discussion with Matthews about United Company prevailed upon their gov- getting a passage for one of them to go to informed London about this, for in a letter dated September 7, 1723 Robert Cowan wrote to John Hope, president at Surat, about London ’s reactions to Phipps ’s pun ­ ishment of the Rustamjees and their at ­ tempt to go to London: “The letter from London is pretty tart according to Custom but more relating to former management than the present Governor Phipps. His measures are generally approved and par ­ ticularly the prosecution of the late brokers hews, to Indiato suppress piracy. Matthews strenuously recommended. They are pre ­ reached Bombay in September 1721; he pared to give Nowros a proper reception does not seem to have been very active when he arrives^. I laid before the Board Fram ’s petition which you sent me. It will ity in designing to come to'll fair account before you demand to have him released | for should he persist in his obstinacy and The problem was solved by Thomas still plagued by pirates and in 1719 the ernment to send a squadron of the Royal England. They must have immediately Navy, under Commodore Thomas Matt- ''If any dispute happens among you then you will ruin your business'' with both Charles Boone and William Phipps and let it be known that he would aid all those with whom the Company had a quarrel. Bomanjee (or his brothers in the Surat Government prove cold hereafter Surat) must have appealed to Matthews for when applied to for obtaining justice to the t Council that they release Bomanjee, tell ­ ing them that they were only traders and had no powers to punish anyone. The jees: “Your solicitations on behalf of that Council obviously ignored him. In appeal- f *, ’* - ing to Matthews, Framjee and Nowrosjee while they continue obstinate wKhout . wrote: “...when gentlemen here were in showing the least inclination or design of very great distress, (Rustam Maneck) was coming to an account. The hardships they first taken into the Company ’s service undergo from the Surat Government under merely for his abilities, his continual ap- the pretense of obliging them to do the family are not acceptable to the president. showing the least inclination or design of coming to an account. The hardships they the pretense of obliging them to do the of Surat, Momim Khan Dehlami, at plication to their affairs and his good Company justice tho probably the real success therein, continued him in their intent is something else, they can only service to his last day... We have the glory blame themselves for, but I smcerely think ¦ that after the insolent behavior they have shown to the President in the sundry steps they have taken, they have no reason to ; expect his patronage or protection, until J they expiate for their sauciness by a sincere | repentance. ” J Nowrosjee reached London in April 1724 and lost no time in arranging a meet ­ nor besides Rs 21x) per day for the supply to say we are sons of a father, who at least of food and water to himself and his family, deserved well of the English nation. ’ Nowrosjee seems to have escaped arrest. He now decided to go to London and personally place the family ’s case before passage to one the Court of Directors and seek redress ' ‘ from them. Nowrosjee may Lave been fortified in his resolve to go to London by the fact that the Rustamjees had friends in Bombay They then explained their case to Matthews and asked him if he would give of the brothers to enable him to go to England. Matthews agreed. The Rustamjees ’ letter was sent by Matthews to Bombay in early January 1723,anditwas probably this thatprompted ing with the Court of Directors, lhe Court the Bombay Council to have Framjee plac- Book records that at the Court of Directors who'^W "him^with valuable inside ed under house arrest in Surat. heldonMay ‘34724“Nowrosj«Rust^- - - ............ Nowrosiee sailed for England after the jee presenting himself to the Court dehv monsoon in __ Captain Braithwaite. Nowrosjee took with information about the Company. When he appeared before the Directors he surprised them by producing a duplicate set of the heldonMay 13,1724“NowrosjieeRustam- in the Salisbury, commanded by ered in a petition in behalf of himself and his brothers late brokers at Surat praying 44 Parsiana December 1995 *Uli that justice may be done them in relation to the demands which he alleges they have on the Company. Ordered that it be referred to the Committee of Correspondence to ex ­ amine into the allegations of the said peti ­ tion and to report from time to time to this Court how they find the same. He was called in and acquainted therewith. ” Having placed his case before the Di­ rectors, Nowrosjee now turned his mind to business. On June 19 he petitioned the Bomanjee and Framjee which being read resolved that this Court do agree thereto. Directors that the goods he had brought and debated. Resolved that this Court don ’ t and that the letters be prepared accor- from Surat be allowed to be sold with the think fit to make any alterations therein but dingly. And Nowrosjee was called in and Company ’s goods. This was agreed to. He that he may have them as they are or else acquainted therewith. ” then presented a petition “relating to his they shall be cancelled. And he being The letter was given to Nowrosjee on brothers Framjee ’s confinement at Surat called in was acquainted therewith. To August 19 and is dated that day. The letter and Bomanjee ’s at Bombay. ” The Com- which he replied he could not take them for mentions: “But however the case be, we mittee of Correspondence prepared a draft they would do him no good. Whereupon have at Nowrosjee ’s request consented of a letter to the President and Council of another motion being made resolved that and agreed and do hereby direct and order that you do give leave to Bomanjee, if he do yet remain at Bombay, to go to Surat Nowrosjee also presented a second pe- whenever he pleases without delay and _ I that you do your endeavor by proper “five thousand pounds for the reasons application to the Governor of Surat to get therein mentioned. ” In reply to his second Framjee released from confinement, and I the guards taken off from his late father ’s “two thousand pounds to be advanced him house. Our desire to bring to end all differ- for his present subsistence and on ac ­ count. ” The refusal of the Court ’s letter to He would aid all those with whom the Company had a quarrel Bombay seems strange as the letter gave instructions for Nowrosjee ’s brothers to be freed. Eventually on August 12 “Nowrosjee Rustamjee desiring to speak with the Court, was called in, and requested that he might have six letters to the President and Coun ­ cil of Bombay relating to his brothers ’ confinement at Surat and Bombay of the same tenor as those sometime since pre ­ pared, and the same being considered. The letter was given to Nowrosjee on I I Bombay, and this was read and approved the said letters be cancelled and they were and it was decided to give Nowrosjee six cancelled accordingly. ” copies of the letter as he desired to send T’ them to Bombay overland by different tition asking the Company to advance him routes. The letters must have been delivered to NowrosjeeimmediatelyfortheCourtBook petition, the Court on July 8 granted him records that on June 24 Nowrosjee deli ­ vered a petition “desiring to have alter ­ ations made in the six letters the Company gave him... about the releasing his brothers ences amicably f^jr we would not have him opprest. ” The letter was signed by seventeen di- Progressives Distance-- rhe /ens for uninterupted vision at different ranges distance, mid-distance & reading. Progressives are muitifocai 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, 2871762 • Dhobi Talao: 614, J.S. Seth Marg, Bombay 400 002. Tel: 201 4906 Parel: J.Merwanji Street, Parel, Bombay 400 012 Tel: 412 6051 45 Parsiana December 1995 * Ir rectors amongst them William Aislabie. It showed that the Bombay Council had given London a version that differed from the truth. The letter suggests that the Bombay Council had tried to get the Rustamjees to agree to the reasonable request to get the matter of their accounts settled by arbitra ­ tion, and they had the support of the mer ­ chant community of Surat, but that the Rustamjees were obdurate. Also, the letter suggests that the harsh treatment meted out to Framjee by the Surat Governor could have been avoided if Framjee had behaved civilly and “according to the Costume of the country. ” Nowrosjee, with his papers and copies of the Bombay ac ­ count books, must have presented the Court with a different picture and influenced them to order the release of his brothers. But why did Nowrosjee first refuse to accept the letter and then, a few weeks later, change his mind? Probably the tone of the letter suggested that the brothers were not entirely blameless and that they had brought the trouble on themselves by their behavior while he wanted the Court to completely exonerate them. Perhaps his friends in the Company — Aislabie was one such — may have advised him that he could not expect anything better, and that The Rustamjees had friends in Bombay who supplied valuable inside information he should accept the letter, specially as it served his main purpose, which was to secure the release of his brothers. On September 18,1724 Nowrosjee was informed that the claims and counter-claims made by the Rustamjees and the Company regarding the debts had been sent to the Committee of Correspondence. The Court minutes for November 18 record that the Committee had recommended that the matter be left to arbitration and Nowros ­ jee, on being so informed, agreed. Four arbitrators, two from each side, were ap ­ pointed and instructed to determine the issue in two months. The arbitrators did their work well, for the Court Book records under January 12, 1725: “Award given by the arbitrators between Nowrosjee Rustamjee (in behalf of himself and Framjee and Bomanjee his ! brothers) as also Rustamjee Maneckjee i their father deceased and the Company • dated this day was now read and published, whereby it appears that there was due from the Company to the said brothers either in their own right or as representatives of their said father Rs 5,46,390 which the Company are to pay. ” The payment was to be made in installments; £ 19,125 on Feb- j ruary 1, 1725 in repayment of two bonds taken out in 1716; payment to be made in i England;Rs l,88,195tobepaid ‘atBombay ‘ in the East Indies ’ on or before February 1, 1726 and Rs 1,88,195 to be paid in Bombay on or before February 1, 1727. It is inter ­ esting to note that as far as the records go, the Company made no claims on their brokers. Nowrosjee asked for, and was paid, £ , 15,000 out of the £ 19,125 that was to be paid to him in London; the balance he wanted in Surat. His business over, his thoughts turned to home. On February 5, 1725 he asked the Court to let him and his retinue travel by the Windham under Cap ­ tain Lyell. He^lso requested that the Com ­ pany should not charge him any fares and should allow free passage for 10 brass i C0HT«ACTIIUJ,4. 46 Parsiana December 1995 b4 1 i I guns, some copper pots, sheet lead and —— ....... . -.... provisions for himself and his servants. All this was agreed tn hv tho _____ ______t , . ---- — W (till this was agreed to by the Company. 1 xV' hitch arose. On March u ’ L Nowrosjee wrote to the Company that he was afraid that Mr Proby was going to have him arrested “on an old but unrea sonable pretense of an accompt between him and his late father. ” Also Commodore . - -------- ™hews was threatening to stop him inSOlenCC ima^inahlf^*^ from leaving England. Nowrosjee sought UUdginaOie the Company ’s intervention on his behalf and requested it to stand security for him. 1 me problem seems to have been sneedilv ;ii,i • icii seriously solved for, on March 17 the Coutt Bwk of thrnrel^S? records that the Company have settled his business of the honorably and much to his April 1725 and the Windham probably carried ietter that Charles Boone wrote to Framjee and his famili^ ' and Bomanjee at Surat; the letter is dated it March 25 1725. In this letter Boone tehs “ “ Nowrosjee: he also aavised the three brothers should live and \Vo ‘7 ’ “ “ "¦ =>uiiie styie. work amicably because “in a very short wrote ?'¦ mp.sc in a letter Cowan tiine It ’s to be hoped the Hon Company 1725-“You^Ho" ' will employ you all jointly as their broker hac not Perceives thatNowros but if any dispute happens among you then Hp l ™pudence by his travelling, you will ruin your business. ” From fh2 L'oach and a fine house in.. dance. I am told that he has bilked Matthi lews the Company ’s intervention on h the problem seems to have been letter that Charles Boone ----- ' " March 25, 1725. In"t ‘his leUeTBoone ’^ c* *¦-- ' ' ¦ brothers should live time it ’s to be hoped the Hon a tells your business. ” From the ’^They did constantly "Eighty sum he promised him. behave to their United superiors with aiithe of slpTemb? ^25°^^^^^ tion order, instructions to thTBombX of Directors, and a - -- ’s obvious that the Governor and his letter we see that Nowrosjee fell seriously dedsTol of ^the ill during his Slav in ---------J.uccision or the Comoanv tn npppnt behave to their arrogance and Co / in the last . ¦ . - bringing home h ’lumphant with the arbitra- bombshell for the Parekhs. ' his -— Company to accept the case in toto; however, they option but to obey orders and to take Rustamjees ’ 1—lno( ¦ th Rustamjees as brokers and to pay them the sums according to the arbitradon show their thefactoiy. ' from OnJanuary25, 1726 the Bombay Coun- “f? - LondoTwhh Ss n ±" 1°"' of the great pains he took ’ to settle the had , “every- great value and esteem for Company ’s debts, him because he has managed this affair to It is apity we have no record of Now- oil servants he must have live'd in some ’style' no record of Now- (illegible) Square wi,h whores in abun-' SnS'a were taken back into favor; On receipt of your orders the admitting (of) Framjee tv u, Surat, and to present him with (= an article of dr^s), for to give him paid and a general release i, we directed to the factory at -...-1 pamorines rosewater and beetle countenance as one taken ‘: is -------- is given us, the * SERSON Electrolytic Capacitors For All Electronic Applications From 12 VDC To 350 VDC Manufacturers: Serson Industries Pvt. Ltd. Pimpri P.F.P.O., Poona-18. Cable: Etchfoil Poona-18. Phone: 772379 & 774296 47 Parsiana December 1995 Ibrothers shall be presented with a sarpaw (= robe of honor) besides a horse to the elder brother, which as we take it is the time you intended it should be made... ” Bomanjee returned to Surat at the end of 1726 and the three brothers were again reunited. They were now riding the crest of the wave; not only were they reinstated in the factory but became wealthy as the Company paid them the amounts under the award. However, the last years of the 1720s were not tranquil ones for the Rustamjees; they quarrelled among themselves and by the end of 1727 they divided their father ’s estate and lived separately. Also, at about this time Sorab Ali, the Governor of Surat, had the three brothers arrested and put in jail on a false charge and released them only when they paid him Rs 70,000. The Governor was not the only one to cast covetous eyes on the Rustamjees ’ newly-found wealth. Others turned up claiming that they had lent large sums of money to Rustam Maneck, and they now wanted their money back. Surat was be ­ coming uncomfortable for the Rustamjees and in 1727 Nowrosjee shifted his base to Bombay, and by early 1728 Framjee and Bomanjee also settled there. The Rustam ­ jees concentrated their activities in Bombay where they played a prominent part in Parsi community affairs. Thus ended the family ’ s residential ties with Surat although as brokers of the Company, their business ties remained. The Court of Directors in London had ordered the Bombay Council to recover Rs 1,50,000 from the Parekhs (in connection with the claim made by Sir John Child ’s family), and the Council had settled the matter by recovering only Rs 28,571 from Laldas. This did not satisfy the Directors and in early 1728 they ordered the Council to recover the full amount, and if Laldas refused to pay, then the position of the broker was to be offered to Nowrosjee on condition that he bought over the Child claim. Laldas was unwilling to pay and the offer was made to Nowrosjee who wanted time to think over the matter. At the end of 20 days Nowrosjee put forward certain conditions for taking over the Child claim. They were: •Nowrosjee would try to recover the money from Laldas; if Laldas refused then the Company ’s navy must blockade the port of Surat to force him to pay; •the Governor and merchants of Surat must be informed of the Parekhs ’ debts and that if Laldas refused to pay then Surat and all its shipping would suffer by the blockade; •Laldas and all other Parekhs were to be turned out of the factory and debarred from j all English factories; •the factory must seal all the godowns belonging to the Parekhs; •while Nowrosjee was discussing with the Governor of Surat as to how the money was to be exorted from Laldas, if the J Parekhs offered any terms they were not to be accepted; j •his brothers were to be associated with Nowrosjee in the brokerage, and removed from it, at his pleasure; •Nowrosjee must nominate the brokers at Cambay and all other English factories in Gujarat; •he would not pay any interest on money claimed by the Company and would de- | duct the amount already paid by Laldas. The conditions are extraordinary by any standard. It seems that his success in London had gone to Nowrosjee ’s head. As one would expect, the Bombay Council flatly turned them down, describing them as “exorbitant, insulting and certain to embroil them with the Governor and mer ­ chants of Surat. ” Governor Phipps ’ com ­ ments on the PSrekhs and Rustamjees are revealing in showing the relative standing ] ___ >______ J I* With compliments from B. B. GARDA & SONS 10 B. J. Road Poona 411001 48 Parsiana December 1995 I I4 I I. -r i of the two parties in the Council: “Loldass... in general has shown a dis ­ position to acquit himself in his office with and kind treatment to the sons of Rustam in and their quarrels were conducted through credit and reputation so as not to risque case they should desire to pass through their sons. This enmity led Framjee and his that forthe sake oflucre and gain, behaving with their ships and transact business in son to bury their rivalry with the Parekhs always modestly and with the best man- any part of the State whatsoever; whence I and to become their allies against Now- ners to his superiors, Whereas the sons of will permit them to sail freely to any other rosjee. The date of Framjee ’s death is also Rustam have never been to our knowledge part convenient to their business. ” not known. Nowrosjee, as we have seen, been known to forego any advantage they could make of either the Company ’s ne ­ cessities or any others they have had deal ­ ings with; and the very reverse to the other, they did constantly behave to their superi ­ ors with all the arrogance and insolence imaginable... Besides the reputation of the different persons in the eyes of these coun ­ try people with respect to their caste exclu ­ sive of being the Hon ’ble Company ’s bro ­ kers, the Banian being Sheet or Principal Framjee ’s son Cowasjee looked after his (i.e. nagar seth of Surat) of about 400,000 people and the others only in common with their caste distinguished by a name of other, Nowrosjee ’s son Maneckjee went to infamy as that of Cawkry, which signifies Surat to put spokes in Cowasjee ’s wheels, facing in Surat; also, Cowan in February carrion crow. Further, Loldass in his pri- Nowrosjee himself seems to have main- 1734 (NS) was writing disapprovingly of vate character is looked and adhered to by tained good relationship with the Bombay Nowrosjee ’s behavior. He must have died all the substantial merchants in Surat as an Council. Robert Cowan, the Governor and in 1734; he was then 69 years old. honest man, which none of them esteem President at Bombay, had been accused of With the death of Nowrosjee, the con- either of the sons of Rustam to be. ” receiving a bribe from Nowrosjee. nection of Rust^ Maneck and his sons Laldas was continued as broker but pressure was brought on him to accept the Company ’s claim, which he very reluc ­ tantly did signing an obligation for Rs Bombay and the Company had forced him commercial center and the importance of 1,60,206 (inclusive of interest) and pleaded ~ — - - that the matter be kept secret. We get an interesting glimpse of the last and Maneckjee was able to pay them only with the help of some influential mer- wrote to the General on May 10, 1728: “On my behalf you will extend all help Nowrosjee had now become bitter enemies Company affairs were concerned. He and Obviously the Portuguese had not for- was actively involved in Company affairs, gotten the good service that Rustam and, through his friends on the Bombay Maneck and his father had rendered them Council intriguing against the Parekhs. over so many decades. The Rustamjees obviously did not accept the Portuguese jee died on April 13, 1732. The day and offer, and although they no longer held a month may well be correct for the corres- dominant position in Surat, they made ponding day and month according to the Bombay their main base and operated from Parsi Calendar would have been recorded there. Framjee and Bomanjee now drop by the family for carrying out the anni- out of the Bombay Council ’s records. According to Parsi Prakash, Nowros- versary ceremonies. The year is obviously wrong for, Nowrosjee was taking a loan father ’s interest in Surat and, the three from the Bombay Council in September brothers now being at odds with each 1733 and the Bombay Diary for Decem ­ ber 1733 mentions the problems he was Council. Robert Cowan, the Governor and President at Bombay, had been accused of receiving a bribe from Nowrosjee. Towards the end of 1733 a false rumour with Surat effectively came to an end. The had been floated in Surat that Nowrosjee 1730s were turbulent years for Surat and had lost Rs 1,00,000 in various ventures in marked the decline of SurM as a great to pay Rs 40,000. This led to a rush from Bombay grew. Rustam Maneck had been his creditors on his son Maneckjee in Surat, <1 addressed by the honorific title of Seth, and the title became the surname of his days of the Rustamjees in Surat in the with the help of some influential mer- three sons and their families. The services history of the Desai family. When Desai chants of Surat or — as the Bombay Diary that the Seths and their descendants Khurshedji Temulji ’s father died heavily for December 1733 notes — “Nowrojee ’s rendered to the Parsi community is another in debt, Khurshedji lived as a tenant in two credit would have been utterly ruined. ” story. houses owned by his mama (mother ’s — brother) Ratanji Maneckji. But later his referring to Nowrosjee. fortune turned and he broke down the two houses and built a new one there. In this work he was helped by two brothers who Bombay. The date of his death is not were prominent citizens of Surat: Framjee known. Framjee kept a low profile as far as religion. Rustamjee and Bomanjee Rustamjee. Be ­ cause of the intrigues ofLaldas Parekh and the fear of the Nawab, the brothers had to flee secretly to Bombay. They came to Khurshedji for help and he arranged to see them safely oft their way accompanying them up to Baida Pardi. On parting, the brothers gave him some gold coins and a gold necklace worth Rs 250 for his mother. The Rustamjee brothers must have left Surat in the middle of 1728. They appear to have contacted the Portuguese to find out whether they would be allowed to trade in their territory, and the General of the North informed Goa of the Rustamjees ’ request in a letter dated April 30, 1728. In reply, the Viceroy of Goa Joao de Saldanha da Gama, credit would have been utterly ruined. ” This is the last entry in the Bombay records Dr Homi Eduljee was associated with the K. R. Bomanjee and his family drop out of Cama Oriental Institute both as a joint honorary our story after they finally settled in 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 the Zoroastrian MATRIMONIAL Parents of a beautiful, fair, cultured, MBA, self-employed daughter, 30 years with a pleasant and friendly nature, who loves to travel and meet people, invite correspondence from like-minded, educated, smart, well-placed Zoroastrian bachelors settled in India or abroad. Please write with recent photograph (returnable) to: The Advertiser Parsiana, Matrimonial (Dec/43-95)*, GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 ’Please make sure the reply envelope bears the reference number cited here. 49 Parsiana December 1995 4^ * IMILESTONES I The age of Zoroastrian brides (as listed in this issue) ranged between 16 and 34 years, the arithmetic mean (the total number of indi ­ vidual ages divided by the total number of brides) being 25 years. The corresponding figures for the grooms were 24 and 42 years, ave ­ raging at 29 years. Twenty-eight Zoroastrian births were registered at four hospitals in Bombay in December compared to 66 deaths. Twenty- three of the deaths were attributed to diseases related to the heart, 11 of them being above the age of 80. While pneumonia and lung related diseases claimed the lives of 13 victims, eight succumbed to old age and general debility. Cancer was the cause of four deaths and tuberculosis, hypertension, brain diseases, kidney failure and bron ­ chitis of two deaths each. Intestinal obstruction, hypertension, athero ­ sclerosis (deposition of fatty sub ­ stances in the arteries), liver disease, septicemia, diabetes and malaria were the isolated cases registered last month. A stillborn baby girl was lost to the commu ­ nity. The oldest to die was a 99- . vear-old man as compared to the would appreciate this requirement youngest: a 43-year-old lady, lhe BARODA MARRIED Hutoxi Amrolia of Bombay, daughter of Mani and Dinshaw and Jarsis Bonesetter, son of Villoo and Pharokhsha on December 3, 1995 Monaz Bonesetter, daughter of Villoo and Pharokhsha and Adil Randeria of Surat, son of Nergis and Parvez; December 3 BOMBAY BORN A boy, Jehan, to Zenobia and Kersi Engineer, September 7 A girl, Afreed, to Shirin and Behziod Mehta; September 13 A girl, Zenia, to Nilofer and Jamasp Irani; December 1 A boy, Demavand, to Armin and Nosherwan Sethna, brother to Farhan; December 1 A girl to Silloo and Aspi Dubash; December 2 A girl to Benaifer and Noshir Surveyor; December 2 and Bomi Fitter, brother to Jenaisha; December 19 A boy to Auzita and Naresh Asrani; December 20 A girl to Farida and Nirmal Kejriwal; December 20 A girl to Kamal and Yezdi Mistry; December 20 A girl to Sanober and Yazdi Dastur, December 21 A girl to Havovi and Behram Kermani; December 21 A boy to Roxana and Massion figures for Bombay are supplied Pascal; December 23 by four hospitals; births in subur ­ ban hospitals and private nursing homes are not included unless individuals send us information together with a copy of the birth certificate. There may be an in ­ advertent repetition of names in the marriage list when a civil mar ­ riage precedes a religious cere ­ mony. 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 our readers Zoroastrian life expectancy at birth, in Bombay in December, was 76 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 data from areas where the anjumans do not furnish the particulars. This infor ­ mation is not always complete or consistent. For example, the birth and cooperate with us. A boy, Darran, to Roshni and Hoshang Contractor, December 5 A boy to Avan and Homyar Kasad; December 5 A boy to Keshmira and Sharookh Colabawalla; December 6 Twins (girls) to Persis and Dick Jasoomoney, December 9 A boy to Benaifer and Aspi Bilia; December 12 A boy to Kashmira and Sarosh Engineer, December 13 A girl to Niloofer and Rayomand Roxana Homi Ghandhy and Karkaria; December 14 A boy to Kamal and Bomy Damania; December 15 A girl to Delna and Jimmy Mistry; December 15 A girl to Gulshan and Abad Wadia; December 15 A girl to Pearl and Farokh Keravala; December 17 A girl to Khursheed and Jimmy Patel; December 17 A boy, Yavisht, to Daisy A boy to Shemavaz and Cherezad Bharucha; December 24 A girl to Rushna and Khushroo Forbes; December 25 A boy to Betty and Murzban Narsang; December 27 A boy to Khurshid and Khurshed Bharucha; December 29 MARRIED Rukhsana Phiroze Chowna of Ahmedabad and Zubin Dosabhai Sahukar, December 1 Daisy Navroz ^adia and Adil Rusi Jesia; December 2 Rukshana Namdar Irani and Kaikhosro Rustom Behjit of Ontario, Canada; December 3 Beniefer Daraius Patel and Nevil Dady Kavarana; December 3 Zenia Dhunjeeshaw Pajniger of Poona and Sarosh Homi Mody; December 3 Gulshan Aspi Bhathena and Khurshid Keki Pithawala; December 4 Binaifer Baji Bharucha and Karl Kersi Sahukar; December 4 Mahtab Ratan Bharucha and Darayus Hoshang Chhapkhanawala; December 7 Persis Rusi Bharucha and Sharukh Khudamurad Kohinoor, December 7 Viraf Homi Mody; December 7 Dilnavaz Phiroz Patel and Vispi Jimmy Pardiwalla; December 8 Havovi Jal Chothia and Khushroo Aspi Pastakia; December 8 Persis Navroz Dalal and Sam Dhanjishaw Cooper; December 9 Hufrish Tehmasp Munshi and Jal Dinshaw Mehta; December 9 Veera Khushru Delkha and Meherwan Dinshaw Pollard; December 9 Tanaz Farrokh Tata of Vasai and Rohinton Kariman Patel; December 10 Khushnum Phiroze Damania and Riyaz Homi Buhariwala; December 11 Shiraz Burjorji Elavia and Minoo Nariman Tarapore; December 12 Khursheed Sohrab Gimi and Rayomand Bahadur Ichhaporia; December 14 Dilshad Rustom Irani and Kuresh Rustom Manoocheri; December 14 Anahita Manchi Bomanbehram and Cherag Minocher Daruwalla; December 15 Natasha Dinshaw Nanavati and Rishad Sammy Lalla; December 15 Pearl Jehangir Irani and Khusj^ru Rustom Chothia; December 16 Jasmine Pesi Goiporia'and Hormaz Cawsi D<^walla; December 16 Kashmira Nariman Kasad and Dinshaw Adi Dastoor, December 17 Firoza Beji Bajan of Katni, Madhya Pradesh and Zarir Vispi Dalal; December 18 Rukhsheda Darayus Pagdiwalla and Vispi Jamshed Irani; December 18 Tozirjz Pesi Bhathena and Khushroo Hoshi Mody; December 19 Farida Eruch Bhote and Adil Gustadji Nasirabadwala; Decembejr 24 Tenaz Pesi Turner and Farhad Soli Sahiar; December 24 Binaifer Kersi Dubash and Aspi Rumi Daruwala; December 25 I t f 1 ( I* f DIED Jehangir Jijibhai Khambata (i2), residing at 36, Hampton Court, 154, Lower Colaba Rd, 400005; December 1 Jal Aderji Patrawala (85), Q/6, Cusrow Bang, S. B. Rd, 4(XX)39; December 1 Meher Jimmy Presswalla 1^2}, Presswalla Property, 190, Lamington Rd, 400(X)7; December 1 Perin Kaikhushroo Bhaya (43), 50 Parsiana December 1995I j ! i I Shriji Hse, 75, Mint Rd, Fort, 400001; December 2 Parinbanu Sham Irani (72), Post Gholwad, Tai Dahanu, Dist Thana, 401702; December 2 Minoo Sorabji Bilimoria (84), 583/2, Girgaum Rd, 400002; December 3 Jimmy Khurshed Irani (68), B/62, Rajkamal, Parel, 400012; December 3 Bhickaiji Sorabji Khambatta (90), F. S. Parukh Dharamshalla, Hughes Rd, 400007; December 3 Dhunmai Pestonji Parakh (88), 5/4, India Hse, Kemps Comer, 400036; December 3 Minoo Jehangir Bilimoria (78), Readymoney Bldg No 1, Ratan Tata Rd, Tardeo, 400034; December 4 Jehangir Bomanji Bilimoria (84), 202, Udharam Hse, Santosh Ngr, Hill Rd, Bandra (W), 400050; December 5 Ratty Phirozeshaw Chinoy (78), 5/36, A. H. Wadia Baug, Parel Tank Rd, 400033; December 5 Kersasp Hirjibhai Soonawalla (74), 13/15, Soonawalla Apts, Arab St, Comer of Grant Rd, 40(X)08; December 6 Meherbai Rustomji Tata (86), Shraddha, Om Ngr, G. F. Dhuri Complex, Ambadi Rd, Vasai (W), 401201; December 6 Shavaksha Nariman Ilavia (72), C/o Ms Khorshed B. Bhamcha, 18, Contractor Chawl, Sussex Rd, Byculla, 400027; December 7 Cover Jamshed Irani (69), 16/3, Tata Mills Co-op Hsg Soc, Elphinstone Rd, Parel, 4(X)012; December 7 Jasmine Kersi Mistry (72), 11/10, Tata Clny, Tardeo, 400034; December 7 Sorabji Behramji Pastakia (91), 658, Firdoshi Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; December 7 Minoo Nariman Ruwala (61), 12, Star Bldg, Uranwala St, Off Alibhai Premji Rd, Grant Rd, 400007; December 7 Faredoonji Kavasji Avari (69), 302, Madhuvan, Shrikrishna Complex, Vartak Rd, Virar (W), 401303; December 9 Dinabai Phirozsha Bhiwandiwala (94), 80 Quarters gate, Bhiwandi, Dist Thane; December 9 Aloo (Avaz) Phiroze Dastur (76), Empress Court, 142, Maharshi Karve Rd, 400020; December 9 Nargish Dorab Doctor (68), J/7, S. Bhamcha Baug, S. V. Rd, Andheri (W), 400058; December 9 Roda Bomanshaw Mughaseth (83), Cama Bldg, Kashinath Rd, Tardeo, 400034; December 9 Russi Faramroze Taraporewalla (71), 2, Sir Dorab Tata Bldg No 1, S. V. Rd, Bandra, 400050; December 10 Perin Nowrojee Hormusjee (84), 6, Band-View, 665, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; December 12 Freny Homi Kabir (88), Kabir Hse, Khambatta Lane, Byculla (E), 400027; December 13 Jehangir Darabsha Masala- walla (85), Bhiwandi Hse, 92, Cumballa Hill, 400036; December 13 Baby girl of Shirin Cyms Parestani (stillborn), B/7, Contractor Baug, Mori Rd, Mahim, 400016; December 13 Goolbano Jamshed Sahyar (95), 31, Foijett St, 400036; December 13 Rustomjee Limjibhai Sopariwala (91), 502, Happy Hse, Hastikar St, Prabhadevi, 4(X)025; December 13 Homai Rusi Dadachanji (60), B/1, Motta Mans, Bai Motibai St, Opp Bhatia Hosp, Tardeo, 400007; December 14 Zarine (Aloo) Navroze Vatcha (89), F/2, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039; December 14 Keki Pestonji Cassad (77), 196, Lotus Court, Jamshedjee Tata Rd, Churchgate, 400020; December 16 Sherry (Scheherazade) Dinyar Patel (47), A/3, Satyabhama Nivas, Kashinath St, Tardeo Rd, 400034; December 16 Nozer Fardoonji Dastoor (99), Mohamed Bldg, 56, Wodehouse Rd, Colaba, 400005; December 17 Tehmina Eruchshaw Karanjia (85), Muncheiji Seth Bldg, 2 62, Tardep Rd, 400007; December 17 Jalejar Edulji Mohta (83), 6/A, 26/B, Beristan Bldg, Opp Rly Stn, Vikhroli (W), 400083; December 17 Hillamai Munchershaw Bhathena (81), Dhenu Bldg, Dr Ambedkar Rd, Parel, 400012; Decem&er 20 Piroja Eruchshaw Mistry (91), 9, Widow ’s Chawl,Modi St, * With Best Compliments From LEACH WEBORNY When in Bombay Contact ir 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 51 Parsiana December 1995 ITOTALS FOR 1995 BORN Boys Girls A 13 16 Bombay B A India B A World B JALGAON BORN A girl, Dinaj, to Femaj and Rustom Adajania', May 28 A boy, Viraf, to Roshon and Firoj Darbari; September 16 111 107 3 2 9 5 3 2 30 22 MARRIED Parsi Intercommunal 31 256 61A 5 10 1 13 10 NAGPUR BORN A boy to Zubina and Percy Sidhwa', December 14 DIED CONSIGNED Male Female CREMATED Male Female 32 34 472 464 5 9 87 90 3 3 28* 34* A: Total numbers in this issue 3 1 B: Running totals for 1995 (February-March 1995-December 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. POONA DIED Minoo Nadershah Daruwalla (57), 1152, Saifee St, 411001; December 7 Jamshed Kayas (75), 9, Mody Clny, Synagogue St, 411001; December 23 Feradun Bakhtiyar Irani (62), Bakhtiyar Garden, Shahabad, Dist Gulbarga, 585101; December 26 Ardeshir Framroze Pardiwalla (82), 17, Abdul Coure Suryavanshi Marg, Bombay, 40()028, December 31 Fort, 400001; December 20 Nargis Minocher Daruwala (68), 275/J, New Cama Bldg, Tardeo Rd, 400007; December 21 Burjor Cawasji Kalyaniwala (84), B, Rustam Palace, Tardeo, 4(X)007; December 11. Gayomard Cavasji Mehta (82), F. S. Parukh Dharamshalla, Hughes Rd, 400007; December 22 Tehmi Behramji Mistry (72), 275/D, Soona Bldg, Chikalwadi, Tardeo, 400007; December 22 Shirin Framroze Rabadi (82), 401, Royal Gate Co-op Hsg Soc, Yari Rd, Versova, Andheri (W), 400061; December 22 Murzban Jamshedji Mistry (65), 784/B, Readymoney Bldg, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; December 23 Macca Naoroji Bhagat (78), Kaka Block, Marazban Clny, Gilder Lane, 400008; December 25 Behram Sohrabji Dubhash (93), 5, Nariyalwala Bldg, M. M. C. Rd, M^im, 400016; December 25 Eruch Rustomji Bhathena (84), 693, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; December 26 Dhunmai Hormusji Hansotia (77), 7, Lam Bldg, Delisle Rd, Lower Parel, 400013; December 28 Khodabux Behram Hormazdi (83), Behram-Abad, Rd No 4, T.P.S. IV, Opp Bhabha Hosp, Bandra (W), 400050; December 28 Mani Minoo Katrak (58), Forjett Hse, Foijett St, Gowalia Tank, 400036; December 28 Najoo Hormuzshah Chibber (75), Boman Hse, Homji St, 400001; December 29 Mehemosh Nariman Kajanwalla (74), Pundole Bldg, Opp Mithaiwalla Fire-temple, Sleater Rd, 400007; December 29 Eddie Hirji Nagarwalla (83), 645, Khareghat Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; December 29 Dali Nusserwanji Sethna (64), 15, Ardeshir Dady Cross Lane, Khetwadi, 400004; December 29 Katy Dinshaw Talaty (72), 307, Keravala Bldg, Nana Chowk, Tardeo Rd, 400007; December 29 Kersi Kaiki Tata (53), Ashoka Apts, Off Arthur Bunder Rd, Colaba, 400005; December 29 Naval Sorabjee Achadwala (80), B/16, Godrej Baug, Nepean Sea Rd, 400036; December 30 Edi Savaksha Contractor (80), 71, Dinath Court, Sir Pochkhanawala Rd, Worli, 400018; December 30 Perin Pirojshaw Karbhari (76), C/o Nargish F. Dumasia, Taher Manzil, Mahella Patel Agiary Lane, Grant Rd, 400007; December 30 Cyrus Shapur Mody (55), 8, St Anthony Rd, Bandra (W), 4(X)050; December 30 Ra tans ha EduIji Daruwalla (88), F, Adam Mhl, Wadia St, Tardeo, 400034; December 31 Piloo Keki Satta (83), Kala Niketan Bldg, Queens Rd, 400020; December 31 Behramshaw Bomanji Sethna (IS), Hirji Sethna Bldg, Zoroastrian Clny, Tardeo Rd, 400007; December 31 CALCUTTA BORN A girl, Tara, to Nilufer and Sanjay Prakash', December 14 MARRIED Kay Jehangir Master of Bombay and Khushrav Hiramanek', December 23 Rashna Godrej Dandiwala of Bombay and Phiroz Savak Sadrr, December 28 DIED Khorshed Nariman, wife of Dorab and mother of Burjor, Perin, Lily and Homai; December 30 SECUNDERABAD MARRIED Diana Feroz Mistri and ^ezdi Phiroze Bhagwagar of Bombay; December 14 SURAT BORN A boy, Zarath, to Prochie and Sairas Bhesania', October 29 * DIED Dolatbanu Tehmursap Dastur (78), Dasturbag, Nanpura, 395001; December 6 Jamshedji Rustomji Dustur (84), Adajan, Dist Surat; December 6 Mani Gustadji Vesuna (85), Por St, Nanpura, 395(X)1; December J 2 Coomibai Pirojshaw Engineer (85), Darani Chmbs, Sayedwada; December 13 Gulbanu Jahangirji Vaghchhi- pwala (87), Nariman Home and Infirmary, Shahpore, 395003; December 15 Ziniben Bamansha Dapotawala (65), Ranitalao, 395003; December 16 Banubai Pirojshah Vajifdar (79), Lalgate, 395003; December 22 Khorshed Dhanjisha Katpitia (67), Bhavnagri St, 395003; December 25 Pirojbai Eruchshaw Gandhi (91), Dehala St, Rustampura, 395002; December 26 Compiled by Roxana A. Driver 52 Parsiana December 1995 I