Feb 1996

« tte . FEBRUAR Y-MAF?CH-1 996 Rs SB ’^*>4 I • M ’>V I '¦'f'. '¦»< Wv-i' •<- . < sTs' ’ ‘2 Readers’ Forum February-March 1996 Volume 18 Number 7 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 Nilouter Panthaky, Susan Hadvaid FINANCE B. L. Arora EDP Rohinton E. Daroga ADMINISTRATION R. S. Pingle MANAGEMENT Jasmine Driver DTP Bakhtavar R. Batliwaila, K. P. Ravi SUBSCRIPTION/CIRCULATION Khurshid Panthaki, Bindu Pillai ACCOUNTS Anagha Korde OFFICE Swarupa Kamat, Indu Pillai, Chetan Halani OFFICE ASSISTANTS Umesh Poojary, Selvan Mark, Sunil Sakhare, Govind Salgaonkar, Mahipat Jadhav Parsiana is published by Jehangir R. Patel for Paisiana Publications Pvt Ltd at C/o H. L. Rochat, Navsarl Chambers, ground floor. 39 A. K. Nayak Marg, Fort, Bombay 400001 and printed by him at Kaiser-E-HInd Pvt Ltd, 300 Pertn Nariman Street, Bombay 400001. Color processing. Comart Lithographers; black and white processing Samir Scantech. Al rights resen/ed. ISSN: 0971-3786. Phone: 2048730 Fax: 2042922. For editorial enquiries 2048183. Tlx: 11-85710 RABO IN. For subscription enquiries and payments: C/0 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; Seamall for one year Rs 375AJS $ 14AJK E 9; for two years Rs 700/US $ 23/UK £ 15 (please allow six months or more for dellvety from the time of pubHcation). Airmail for one year Rs 700/ US $ 23/UK £ 15 (for Pakistan, Indian Rs 500); lor 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. 34 Events and Personalities 44 “Finger on the pulse of the city” by Arnavaz Mama 50 Zoroastrians Abroad 56 The Federation and the Sixth Congress 66 BPP Trustee Rustom Tirandaz: “A man in a hurry” 73 Awareness at Doongerwadi 78 Winning over the king by Capt Hormazdiar Desai 86 “Tradition lives... in the present” by Kaikhosrov Irani 92 Zoroastrianism at the UN by Dastur (Dr) Firoze Kotwal 96 Mentors at the Madressa by Horn! Rog ers 99 The Priest as a Pillar 102 “If you choose wrongly, you will be corrected” by Khusro Ru stamji 108 Status of women: sacred and secular - 4 by Dr Ketayun Gould 116 Favoring Funtimes by Parinaz Gandhi 120 C. R. Irani: Spokesman for The Statesman by A. Patel 124 Jehangir Cama: Hospitality marked by Quality 129 The Udvada Hotels by Gustasp Irani 138 More Room in Paradise * 142 Dawn at Pasargadae by Keki Daruwalla 144 Viraf Mulla: Toying with trains by Anuradha Guptan - 148 Piccadilly Restaurant: Chello deligh ts 152 Recipes: A touch of sweetness by Bhicoo Manekshaw 164 Books 172 Milestones Cover: Madressa photo by Homyar Mistry/Homz Prints, inset of Rustom ancJ Jalamai Panthaky by Dolly Divecha I «READERS' FORUM ¦ 100 Hi Congress. The Congress Hotel and Convention Center has limited space availability. Though larger than previous congresses asked me to see him again after two or we would urge you to book early to avoid . disappointment. On his inquiry, I told him that there was some difference in the angle of the/eziZa on the forehead. He heard me patiently and three days. I met him accordingly and was much satisfied. I made some further Official registration brochure copies will suggestions. He asked me to see him late in be available with your local anjuman soon, the evening that day and when I saw him You can also contact us at the Arbab accordingly, the painting he had completed Rostam Guiv Zoroastrian Temple, 10468 Crothers Road, San Jose, CA 95127, USA (Tel and Fax: 408-272-1850). GODREJ KERAWALLA Secretary, The Tenth North American Zoroastrian Congress — 1996 satisfied me fully. What I desire to convey is that the illustrious artist took so much trouble to satisfy his client even though the work was of a minor nature. I had the good fortune to come in con ­ tact with other illustrious artists like Shiavax Chavda and Ms Kumi Dallas. “Nuggets in a nutshell” Chavda prepared a painting of the Surat I have read with great dismay Mr Aspi Parsi Panchayat ’s (SPP) past president Mr Moddie ’s review of S. A. Nigosian ’s book Nusservanji Kavasji Vakil which was pre- The Zoroastrian Faith (“Nuggets in a nut ­ shell, ” Books, Parsiana, November 1995). Ifonly the reviewer had glanced through Vakil was the vice chancellor. Dallas did the latter ’s bibliography on p.l33 ff., he several portraits for the SPP. In my capac- would not have snubbed Parsi scholarship ity as the Panchayat ’s secretary I came in as he has done. Had it not been for his close contact wjfh her and my wife and 1 forefathers ’ scholastic efforts, the hard became very good friends with her. She work of copying hundreds of manuscripts presented us two landscape sketches in and a fund of knowledge and learning, no 1959 and 1965. They remind me of her Humbach, Boyce, Shaked, Insler, Haug attainments and of her good nature. I have and West would have been able to work on happy memories of my visits to her studio the Zoroastrian faith. It is not my intention to belittle Western scholarship or the research work Western scholars have been accomplishing, but it is temple of Bombay. She prepared a paint- a fact that they have to refer to the works of NA Congress in Frisco Parsi scholars all the way — from the time The Tenth North American Zoroastrian of Neryosang to the present day. In fact. Congress 1996 will have as its theme, Nigosian ’s book is also based on the works Zoroastrian Leadership — Past, Present of Parsi academicians. and Future. Jointly hosted by the Zaithusti Dastur (Dr) kaikhusroo m. jamaspasa Anjuman of Northern California and the Persian Zoroastrian Organization on July “Prophctic Paintings” 5 and 6, 1996 at the Cathedral Hill Hotel ¦ Homi Rogers ’ “Prophetic Paintings ” and Convention Center in San Francisco, the Congress will provide simultaneous happy experiences I had with Sorab, the courses) they have been adorning the walls Farsi translation at sessions through son of the illustrious portrait painter of the Ratanji Manekji Enti Dharamshala, wireless headsets, hearing and speech Manchershaw Pithawalla. So many years managed by the Panchayat. Dallas was so impaired telephones in guest rooms and a choice of vegetarian cuisine at all meals. We invite you to join us celebrate the Congress, deliberate meaningfully at ses ­ sions, foster fellowship and develop new picture I gave him my father wore a Parsi and lifelong friendships, have a memo- cap: because of his serious eye trouble, the rable good time and take optional pre and then renowned eye-specialist Dr Banaji post Congress tours. We are not only looking forward to accepted the work and asked me to give your active participation but also appealing him the fenta my father used to wear, for your support by donations and adver ­ tisements in the Souvenir Program for the iEA I sented by the Panchayat to Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda where Mr 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. where I saw the painting of Dastur Khurshed Dabu which, after his demise, if I am correct, adorns the wall of Wadiaji Fire- * 2 Parsiana February-March 1996 ing of my mother Shirin which hangs on the walls of her family ’s Homawala Daremeher in Bharuch. Some excellent portraits by Jehangir Lalkaka and Pithawalla were presented to the SPP by those who donated liberal amounts to its S. N. Panick Parsi Polytech ­ nic Institute, Since the closure of the Poly ­ technic (because of the apathy of Parsi (Parsiana, November 1995) recalled the youths to go in for technical and industrial “Prophetic Paintings' back I had approached him with a picture good as to come to Surat, stayed here for of my father Rustomji with a request for a small painting. I desired the painting with a Parsi fenta (headgear) though in the Dharamshala, named after an illustrious son of the community. Besides these painters of repute, I also came in contact with illustrious sculptors had advised him not to wear afenta. Sorab like Kamath of Bombay and Govind Kolhatkar of Baroda who executed a few busts for the SPP. It was my good fortune to meet such artists and hold happy memo ­ ries of them. One who works with the pen Sometime thereafter, when I went to his studio to see the painting, I was satisfied. some days and touched up the old paintings before they were transferred to the EntiJL palazzo Hotel feels happy when he comes in close contact with artists who work with brushes and chisels for he realizes that pen, brush and chisel can bring much joy in the lives of those who care for culture and work for its advancement. ratan r. marshall Surat Shirinbai Davierwalla Marg Panchgani 412 805,Dist. Satara Tel: 02168-40226,40266 A king amongst hotels, on the queen of the hills Newly renovated rooms 24 hours hot & cold water 6 channel STAR & Cable TV Garden Restaurant Children's playground Delicious vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals Fully equipped Gymnasium and slimming centre Tennis court, Table Tennis, Badminton, Darts Carrom and Chess 5 Located a mere stone ’s throw from the market 'LL PnLnzzo is one of Panchgani's oldest and finest hotels which combines old world charm with the most modern amenities and conveniences. “The Priests’ Rebuttal” The article “The Priests ’ Rebuttal ” {Par­ siana, November 1995) by four High Priests in connection with the navjotes of Mr Neville and Mr Nusli Wadia gives cause for more confusion than enlightenment. It is to be noted that it took more than a year for the four High Priests to delve into the writings in the Videwdad to substanti ­ ate their stand on this issue. It is admitted by them that ‘inward ’ or ‘outward ’ conversions are illegal and in ­ valid because Zoroastrianism does not approve or sanction conversion. They have also not stated who is to be considered as a Zoroastrian. It is also stated by them (under the sub-title ‘Zoroastrian Groups ’) that those who have adopted an alien faith “only a generation ago ” may be called “Zoroastrians who have gone astray ” and may be “allowed to revert to the ancestral religion after ceremonial repentance ” if they sincerely repent the past action and express their honest desire to revert to their ancestral religion. According to the above views, it may have been proper for the late Sir Ness Wadia (father of Mr Neville Wadia) who converted to Christianity before Neville was born, to opt to rejoin the Zoroastrian fold into which he was born. In the case of Mr Neville Wadia, both his parents were Christians at the time of his birth, he was brought up in the Christian faith, he him ­ self has praised the Church of England. Is it justifiable to reinduct him now as a Zoroastrian by a navjote ceremony by imploring a very doubtful precept of “be ­ longing to an alien faith only a generation ago? ” - This concept of “only a generation ago ” may be stretched in future to more than a generation in which case a sizable number of citizens of Turkmenistan and Kazakhis- tan may lay claim to join our religion on the plea that their ancestors were Zo ­ roastrians who migrated to these countries a few generations ago. Our community is very grateful to the Wadias who have done yeoman service to our community, especially in areas of hous ­ ing. Mr Neville Wadia is a worthy scion of a well-known family and he himself is a kind, considerate and charitable gentle- HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM HOMI & Company Opticians and Contact Lens Clinic Authorised dealers of Bausch and Lomb Raybans and soft tontact lenses and solutions. Varieties of frames lenses —CR39 plastic multifocals, photochromatics tinted — high index and UV for ultra violet protection from computer glare. For complete eye-care, a trusted name for over 50 years. Only at Grant Rd ® 3823980 Peddar Rd ® 3861073 Girgaum Rd ® 3879629 3823564 4 Parsiana February-March 1996Falkland Rd Post Office, 400008; February 29 Saam Noshir Nanabhai (Master) (70), 724, Society Bldg, Dinshaw Master Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; February 29 Boman Darabsha Pithawala (63), 25/5, Godrej Clny, Vikhroli (E), 400079; February 29 CALCUTTA BORN A boy, Nikhil, to Gina and Dikky Shrestha; December 11, 1995 A boy. Chirag, to Lisa and Varun Shukla; January 1, 1996 A boy to Tehnaz and Arun Punwani; February 23 MARRIED Farida Jeejeebhoy and Savindar Singh; January 7 Naomi Daroga of Delhi and Percy Mis try; January 28 DIED Nergez Sethna', January 6 Najoo Sorabhji Batliwalla, sister of Behram, late Heera Dubas, Sarah Batliwalla, Moti Dubash, Boman, Framjee, Hirjee and Palon; January 20 Dinshaw Rutton Kotwal, husband of Pilloo and father of Shiraz and Firoze; January 26 Jaloo Navroji, husband of Ami and father of Aban Confectioner and Jimmy; February 14 DARJEELING DIED Jehangir Kaikhushroo Gora; January 26 DELHI BORN A boy, Mehrab, to Margarita (Cookie) and Armin Shroff, brother to Sheriar and Maneck; January 9 MARRIED Sharu Dhunta and Malcolm Anjirbag of Bombay, son of Najoo and Framroze; February 8 JHANSI MARRIED Roshni Bhagat, daughter of Aban and Jimmy and Zahl Feroz Tantra of Dehradun; October's, 1995 JAMSHEDPUR MARRIED Persis Daraius Antia of Bombay and Zubin Diky Mody; December 26 DIED Perin Gheyara, mother of Kelly; August 19 NASIK BORN A girl, Shaanaz, to Veera and Rohinton Mehta, sister to Benaisha; September 7 NAVSARI MARRIED Tenaz Bhagalia, daughter of Shahbanoo and Parvez and Kaizad Dumasia, son of Firoza and late Dinshaw; November 19 POONA BORN A boy to Benaifer and Phiroze Suratia', November 20 DIED Homayum Kekashru Namiryani (82), Asiatic Bakery, Opp Police Chowky, Yerwada; January 9, 1996 Pesi Ardeshir Bharucha (90), A/2, Hermes Classic, 3, Mangaldas Rd, 411001; January 26 Nargis Homi Patel (60), 941, Nana Peth, 411001; January 26 Homai Khodayar Kayani (84), 624, Sachapir St, 411001; January 29 Behramji Hormosji Pestonjee (98), 257/2, Makki Villa, Green Park Soc, Baner, 411045; February 1 Piroja Burjourji Vakil (90), 11, Pushpak Soc, Kalyani Ngr, 411014; February 4 Rohinton Dinshaw Aga (60), Boat Club Rd, 411001; February 16 Khurshid Bezon Vakil (91), 23, Gidney Park, 411001; February' 17 Bacha Eruch Behramsha (78), 2064, Jan Mohammed St, Camp, 411001; February 19 SECUNDERABAD BORN A girl, Shiraz, to Parizad and Fthangir Pilcher; October 5, 1995 MARRIED Dilnawaz J. Batliwalla and * With Best Wishes from Mr Rusy M. Shroff, M.B.E. and Mrs Purviz R. ShroffI k FROM A LL WISHER 8 Parsiana February-March 1996 by the Wadias. Sadly the learned Dasturs are now trying to justify the navjotes of the Wadias on religious grounds. This will inadvertently turn an exception into a rule. This may seriously also jeopardize our religious and legal status in future as Parsi Zoroastrians. I humbly appeal to the four [now that Dastur Noshirwan M. Dastur of Surat has through his letter seen the light and with ­ drawn his support (“The Priests ’ Rebut ­ tal, ” Parsiana, November 1995)] learned Dastur sahebs to think again. FILLY K. MAR AV AL A Essex, UK “Happenings in London” The global Zoroastrian community is very satisfied with the thoughtful and apt deci ­ sion of our scholarly High Priests who have concurred with the navjote of Mr Neville Wadia and unequivocally pro ­ claimed him a full Parsi Zoroastrian. There is no room apparent for doubt that these scholarly Dasturs ’ advice to the commu ­ nity is entirely in line with the general understanding of Zoroastrian precepts. Hence, Mr Zal Sethna ’s apparently tena ­ cious enthusiasm for his own views and displaying a tendency to present issues in black and white are merely an engagement in a marathon contest with reality (“Hap ­ penings in London, ” Zoroastrians Abroad, Parsiana, October 1995). These are scarcely the ideal qualifica ­ tions for the task of judging the well- reasoned decision of our scholarly High Priests. Could this be another instance of a group of the mobed class responsible for holding back the community from advan ­ cing and for accentuating the divisions within it? Or is it simply a case of the mediocre preaching mediocrity? FURHOK K. TANGREE La Roche-sur-foron, France “Boys’ Town: lessons...” Thank you for publishing Roni Khan ’s beautiful write-up on our school (“Boys ’ Town: lessons on living, ” Parsiana, Sep ­ tember 1995). Unfortunately Zoroastrian children are not taking advantage of all the facilities we are offering them. We have just built a new dormitory for 180 children with modern facilities, bath ­ rooms, toilets, etc. We have advertised and offered in local papers that we are willing to accept children of Zoroastrian priests free of charge and also of very poor parents from the mofusil. Further we are also of ­ fering five to 10 seats at Rs 5,000 per year all inclusive against our standard boarding With Best Compiiinents From SEAL OL HINDUS TAN LIMITED * •«JAMVA AVOJH N/S. SAVAKSHAW M. PAMTHAKY CATERERS J DELICIOUS / MOUTH - WATERING PARSI CUISINE V for Navjotes • Weddings Festivals • Parties and anyone and everyone who loves good food TELEPHONE KITCHEN 4928592, 4966574 TELEPHONE OFFICE 3072973,3852276 fee of Rs 1,500 per month. Please bring this to the notice of Zoroastrians. keki p mehta Trustee, P. N. Mehta Educational Trust 0 “Why did he die?” “Why did he die? ” {Parsiana, September 1995) is a sad commentary on the state of affairs in Karachi. The city, which men like Jamshed Nusserwanjee, Harchandrai Vishindas and Abdullah Haroon had claimed as ‘one of the cleanest and most peaceful cities of the East ’ needs the prayers of all lovers of humanity. Ardeshir Cowasjee ’s article reveals a phase of Feroze Kanga ’s life. Noshir Mana ’s column in the Parsi Sansar (November 14, 1995) adds to the lustre of Feroze, who followed in the footsteps of his wonderful mother, Ms Dhunmai Kanga, an insurance agent of Sun Life Assurance Co of Canada trained under the great entrepreneur Dinshaw Byramji Avari. A letter received from his beloved wife Khorshed reveals the innate personality of Feroze Kanga. “For Feroze, life was meant to be lived with joy and happiness — life, he said, is too short to grouse and grumble about — so he always tried to lighten it for every one. “I knew he lived it the way he wanted to and enjoyed every moment granted to him. He has left many, many happy memories with all who knew him. Guess, we have to follow his smiling, cheerful, kind way of dealing with life, as best we can... ” BEHRAM RUSTOMJl ^^^Ahd-nameh authentic?” * I consider it undignified to keep responding to letters on the 'Ahd- nameh as they have degenerated into personal attacks, not at all With Best Wishes Nandiroyce International Limited Suite 1000, 1235 Bay Street, Toronto M5R 3K4, Canada and Boyce Associates Suite 1000,1235 Bay Street, Toronto M5R 3K4, Canada 10 Parsiana February-March 1996 I/y -rf\ Vi TARACHAND & Company Suppliers of the meatiest of Venky's Chicken Products Mafco ’s Pork, Dairy, Meat Cold Cuts, Sausages Al Kabeer ’s Mutton and Tender Meat Products this side of town We give free home delivery for bulk orders K & D Distributors Exclusive suppliers of Venky's Chicken Products for South and Central Bombay 80, Sleater Road Grant Road (West) Tel 3883691/3871277 12 Parsiana February-March 1996 relevant to the topic which originated long ago from my review of Dr Jamsheed K. Choksy ’s Purity and Pollution in Zoroastrianism, Triumph over Evil (“The Purifying Prescriptions, ” Parsiana, November 1990). However, at the strong insistence of my friends, I would like to clarify that I have never described Omar Khayyam as “lech ­ erous ” or “drunkard ” to Ms Mistry or to anyone else (“’Ahd-nameh authentic, ” Readers ’ Forum, Parsiana, October 1994, January 1995 and April 1995). I have such high regard for Khayyam and other Iranian scientists, thinkers, philosophers, scholars, historians and artists that I cannot conceive of portraying them in such terms. I have had little contact with Ms Mistry. After my discourse at the youth conference in Toronto, I was approached by many from the audience. She may have over ­ heard me — or even asked me — about wine in Khayyam ’s/?MZ>aiyar. I might have replied that wine is wine in Persian poetry unless it is clearly used as a metaphor. This is what I say when asked. Wine has always been respected and enjoyed in moderation by Iranians — scientists, poets and lay ­ men. That by no means makes Khayyam a “lecherous drunkard, ” but then, there is no limit on some people ’s capacity to distort truth knowingly or unknowingly. With this note I end this controversy. I stand by what I have written about the so- called ‘Ahd-nameh, the precise Iranian calendar, Khayyam, and any other subject that has been published in Parsiana or any other publication. ali a. jafarey California, USA The temple Lovji built In the second half of the 18th century, Lovji Wadia, an immortal name in ship and naval yard building, constructed an agiary in Siganpore, his ancestral place. A village on the outskirts of Surat, Siganpore is now a part of this historic city. Though the structure had been rebuilt by his family member Navroji Jamshedji Wadia and re ­ paired from time to time thereafter, it urgently required major repairs. The origi ­ nal estimate of about six lakh rupees had to be revised to about eight and a half to nine lakh rupees when work on the ancient structure was taken in hand. Our earlier appeal had netted about four lakh rupees which amount has already been spent. We badly require about three lakhs more. The Lovji Wadia Parsi Agiary of Sigan ­ pore satisfies major religious needs of the Parsis of this place. Besides them. Parsis With Best Compliments From CADBURY INDIA LIMITED 19, B. Desai Road Bombay 400026 ll f; IJal’s Detective and Protection Service.s Security Consultants Conducted and Operated By Jal B. Contractor Proprietor Dy. Commissioner of Police, Bombay (Retd.) No Branch Office We provide all your requirements for confidential investigations, security-guards, bodyguards (armed and unarmed) in plain clothes. Armed guards in uniform for property protection. Escorts for cash and valuables, dog squads with handlers for land-patrolling, etc.Well train^, disciplined and experienced staff. Reasonable rates, round the clock services. Contact. Office: 293, Jer Bang, Dr Ambedkar Road, Byculla, Bombay 400027(Under the Fly Over) Tel: 3760707/3728549 Residence: G-1, Fariyas, Cumballa Hill Kemps Comer, (Next to Shalimar Hotel, Bombay 400036 Tel: 3634161/3641581 residing outside Siganpore have their religious ceremonies performed in this fire-temple. It is in the interest of the community that this place of worship is thoroughly repaired so that it can satisfy its religious needs for many more years to come, especially as there is still a sizable Parsi population here. As such, we appeal to the members of the Parsi community and to the trustees of Parsi charitable trusts to extend a helping hand. This fire-temple, registered in the office of the Charity Commissioner with registration No.C 158, has a limited mainte ­ nance fund and as such it is difficult to make two ends meet. Cheques and drafts in favor of “The Siganpore Fire Temple Trust ” may be sent to the managing trustee Minocher Sorabji Siganporia, 12/1284 Machhlipith, Surat 395003. MINOCHER SORABJI SIGANPORIA, RUSI HORMASJl PATEL, KAVASJI NUSSARWANJI PATEL, PESI NUSSARWANJI PATEL, J ALEJAR MANECKJI BEJANJI SIGANPORIA, TEHMURAS JALEIAR SIGANPORIA, NOSHIR M. SIGANPORIA Trustees, The Siganpore Fire Temple Tnisi. Chikhli Agiary appeal A fast developing town in south Gujarat, Chikhli is a taluka capital 10 km away from Billimora Railway Station, situated between Valsad and Navsari on National Highway No 8. It is a business, medical and educational center for 86 villages around it. The iale Mr Dinshawji Dadahhoy Italia has made a number of charities for primary schools for boys and girls and the Italia High School at Chikhli. A number of drinking water wells were contributed by various Parsis. After the departure of the British^any Parsis lost their liquor and toddy business. Further they suffered from policies like the land ceiling act and Ganot Dhara (land to the tiller). The majority of literate Parsis went to Bombay or other citic> for jobs. Those * With Best Compliments From Mercury Iron & Steel Company Private Limited Engineers, Founders & Manufacturers Century Bazar Lane, Hanuman Nagar, Prabhadevi P .0, Bombay 400025 Phone: 4221317/4226376/4222000 14 Parsiana February-March 19Q6tables and other necessary items required Donations of Rs 7,35,547 have enabled in the hall, we need Rs 5,00,000. Parsi charitable trusts and individuals two rooms for the dharamshala and a flat are requested to donate generously to our for the priest ’s residence on the first floor. We have also rebuilt the kitchen of the agiary. Thus, the first phase of our work is who were not educated remained in the Chikhli Parsi Anjuman. villages and did farming or later on sold their land and went to Navsari, Billimora us to construct a hall on the ground floor, or Valsad, the nearby towns. Fortunately, some Parsis remained in for the priest ’s residence on the first floor, deserving cause. Your donations in favor the interior villages and now the young We have also rebuilt the kitchen of the of “Renovation Fund, Chikhli Parsi Parsi generation with their good educa- agiary. Thus, the first phase of our work is Anjuman ’’ may be sent to any of the fol- tional background, have cultivated the land complete and the hall was inaugurated on lowing: with much higher productivity than their January 28,1996, {roj Adar, Shehrevar, forefathers. With the introduction of mod- '' ’ " em techniques for farming and the facility of canal water throughout the year, they agiary and providing accessories like fans 02632-54024); have converted their farms into greenery and other electrical appliances, chairs, ‘Adi M. Italia, B/13, Navroz Baug, with more than one crop per year. These developments togedier with the problems of cities have attracted many young people back to the villages. Once again there is an inflow of Parsis in South Gujarat. Looking at the above scenario, the trust ­ ees of the Chikhli Parsi Anjuman decided to rebuild their dharamshala and mobed ’s residence which were nearly 120 years old. The agiary and mobed ’s residence, ad ­ joining the old dharamshala building, be ­ long to the family trust of Mr Jamshed N. Guzder, chairman of the Bombay Parsi Panchayet. Mr Guzder has been kind enough to hand over both structures to the •Yazdi M. Italia, joint managing trustee, Chikhli Parsi Anjuman, Valsad Clinic, 20, f ¦ For the second phase of renovating the Stadium Road, Valsad 396001 (Phone u Y.Z. 1365) by Mr Jamshed N. Guzder. and other electrical appliances, chairs. 3 81 If; ft II •5' M 1« I 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 Ca^ds. On one hand there is I I grandeur - on the other economy 8 . . and there is a point where both come together Located in the heart of Bombay's business area, you'll find the answer to your every need, from a friendly smile to personalised service, from tastefully appointed rooms to the varied restaurants. The reasonable tariffs and convenient location will ensure your stay with us a pleasurable and grand one. GRAND HOTEL Ballard Estate, Bombay-400 038. Tel.: 261 8211/12/13/14.Fax: 022-262 6581. 16 Parsiana February-March 1996 I. ISKYHIGH AIR/SEA CARGO CLEARING & FORWARDING AGENTS 13, Adarsh Industrial Estate Chakala, Andheri (East) Bombay 400099 Tel No: 8378601-5 18 Parsiana February-March 1996 Lalbaug, Parel, Bombay 400012; •Dinyar D. Mehta, G/18, Cusrow Baug, Colaba Causeway, Bombay 400039. Y. M. ITALIA Valsad Deolali-Nashik directory This is to request the courtesy of your columns for helping our Deolali-Nashik Parsee Zoroastrian Anjuman compile a directory whose purpose is to incorporate the names of all Parsi/Irani Zoroastrians who fall into either of the following two categories: •Full-time residents of the sister towns of Deolali, Nashik and Nashik Road. •Those who are not full-time residents but have some connection with these sister towns through business/occupation, trus ­ teeship, landed property, relatives, ances ­ tors, etc. Those residing abroad are also welcome in this category. In either case, we seek the name (in ­ cluding spouse and children), birth date (of each), present address (and/or local Deolali- Nashik address where applicable) and tele ­ phone number (if any). The idea is not just to attempt a headcount of local residents, but to cover all those who are connected in some way with the Deolali-Nashik belt. In this man ­ ner, we hope to enhance the scope and usefulness of the directory. The requested particulars may please be sent to The Deolali-Nashik Parsee Zo ­ roastrian Anjuman, 216 Lam Road, Deolali 422401. The facilities of our Adaran Saheb at the Bai Ratanbai J. Chinoy Agiary, the Towers of Silence, and the Bai Shirinbai M. Neterwala Rest House and Memorial Hall are available to all Parsi/Irani Zoroas ­ trians in India and abroad, whether or not they are connected with Deolali-Nashik. DHAN B. PATEL Trustee, The Deolali-Nashik Parsee Zoroastrian Anjuman Agra Dharamshala I had gone to Agra in the last week of December 1995 and on reaching there I was shocked to find the Parsi Dharamshala fully occupied by non-Parsis and on going preparations for a non-Parsi wedding that was due to take place on the premises. Also the name Zoroastrian Prayer Hall near the premises of the Dharamshala is really mis ­ leading as the ground floor is occupied by the Bharat Gas Agency. I had to run from pillar to post along with my family to find accommodation elsewhere. It is really very disgraceful to see the way in which the Parsi Dharamshala is functioning in Agra. ¦w * Fully air-conditioned hall with, 560 seats for Marriage Ceremonies^ Annual General Meetings, Prayer Meetings, Prize Distribution Functions, Lions Club's Meetings, and Ground Floor Exhibition Hall, etc. Contact: The Ihistees Framjee Cawasjee Institute Anandilal Podar Marg 1st Marine Street Opp Metro Cinema Bombay 4(K)002 Phone: 2013654 * I1995 MARINA FOR FOOD AND COMFORT Stay in the home of a Fbrtuguese lord At prices you can afford! Snuggling in the heart of Daman where the Portuguese once held sway, Hotel Marina ’s 12 rooms offer the comfortable intimacy of a home and the amenities of a well run hotel... breezy rooms with attached bath, TV & telephone. Plus a restaurant that serves sumptuous cuisine. Is the Agra Parsi Anjuman aware of this or is it turning a blind eye? On the other hand, when I had gone to Delhi along M with my family in October during the Dassera holidays, my visit BlU was very pleasant. The Delhi Parsi Dharamshala was a HH very pleasant expe- HBI rience. The rooms Agra Dharamshala: financial crunch were airy and com ­ fortable, the service excellent. Credit goes to Ms Dhun Bagli for keeping the Dharamshala well maintained and also the Agiary next door was really very beautiful. I have yet to see an agiary like this. Keep up the good work Ms Bagli and the Delhi Parsi Anjuman. God bless people like them who are doing yeoman service for the Parsi community. Ms roshnijamshed sadri Kanpur For bookings contact: HOTEL MARINA Behind Police Station, Small Daman, Daman - 396 210, Telephone (02636) 34420 The Agra Parsi Anjuman replies: After taking due permission from the donor, the prayer hall along with a room have been rented to M/s Bharat Gas Co since last three years to meet the maintenance expenses of the Dharamshala and the aramgah amounting to nearly Rs 48,000 per year. During 1995 there was no income from the Dharamshala at all. \ . J 1 "Pay to use my own money?" Mymoney The deposit you can draw on without paying to use your own money. Mymoney is designed to give you high returns in interest plus the freedom to draw from your deposit. How? The amount you save is held in deposit units of Rs. 1000 each. You can draw one or more of these units. The rest of your Mymoney deposit continues to earn the same rate of interest. The units withdrawn will be treated as partial withdrawals and interest thereon will be subject to RBI directives. Find out all about Mymoney. Just walk into any ANZ Grindlays Bank branch convenient to you and meet our Customer Services Officer. OSM 4119 ANZ Grindlays Bank The Relationship Bank 20 Parsiana February-March 1996 b- i'The Gourmet' Restaurant Buffet Breakfast from 8 a.m to 10 a.m Buffet Lunch from 12 30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Tea Time Snacks Occupancy was hardly two percent.- Of the 10 rooms available, one room is rented out to M's Bharat Gas Co, three rooms have been rented for temporary May to a Parsi Zoroastrian family of Agra, one room was occupied by a Zoroastrian college student from Indore and five rooms were booked by Mr Dadi Sorabjee for his guests. It is incorrect to state that a non-Zoroastrian wedding was taking place at the Dharamshala. Further the complainant had not reserved any accommodation in the Dharamshala which one has to do if one desires to stay as per the Agra Parsi Anjuman rules. HOSHANG R DEBARA President, Agra Parsi Anjuman Continental Food including Sizzlers Tatifioori Food Take away Fish Specialities Pure Vegetarian Food West Bud Hotel OPEN FROM 8 AM. TO 11.30 PM. 45, New Marine Lines, Bombay ¦ 20. leij 2038121,2057484. Fax 81-22*20S7506 There was no advance booking for any passengers in the said period. The Agra Anjuman books rooms on payment of one day ’s advance rent. We regret the inconvenience caused which could have occurred even in the case of total occupancy by Parsis. I am sure they had an advance booking for the Delhi Dharainshala which is usually fully occupied. The Anjuman had allotted the use of five rooms and courtyard to a senior member of the Anjuman for residence for his near ones, who were non-Parsis. The wedding did not take place here. This was done as a very special case for the first time seeing his and his family ’s help to the Agra Anjuman for the past 70 years. Please realize that our small anjuman of 23 Parsis (of whom 10 are over 60 years of age) has to maintain harmonious and helpful relations in the non-Parsi milieu of this north Indian city. At the same time Room No 2 was occupied by Mr Kaiyan of Indore, Room Nos 8, 9 and 10 were in possession of Ms and Mr Khambatta, a Parsi couple residing there. The matter therefore has been totally misrepresented. i FOR BUSINESS ! FOR STUDIES FOR HOLIDAYS FOR A DOZEN EXCITING REASONS!! Your Travel Plans for India and Abroad cannot be in safer hands than with ASIATIC TRAVEL SERVICE THE HOUSE OF TRAVEL BOMBAY 12, Murzban Road, BOMBAY 400 001 Tel: 2048151/2851162 Fax: 022-2873355 Telex: AIRA IN 011-83151. Crams: AIRASIA PUNE C-3 Konark Apts., 175 Dhole Patil Road, PUNE 411 001 Tel: 626431/621493/621746. Tlx: 145-472 AIRA IN Fax: 0212-627934: APM/ATS/93-2 23 Parsiana February-March 1996Sficentup cimios roactoi f 1923-1996 Seventy-three years of clean service! DIANA-ECLIPSE For all your carpet and upholstery cleaning ? “Parag” 27, Peddar Road, Bombay Tel: 4941987,4945302 Agra never had a prayer hall functioning as a dar-e-meher or agiary. We have no mobed for the past 15 years as no one is willing to come so far and quote very high rates. For 23 members (only five of whom are earning members) to maintain a dharamshala and aramgah was difficult. So the hall was given on rent, after prior permission of the donors, on the same lines as the Delhi hall is used for Indian cultural programs. I take this opportunity, through Parsiana, to request every Parsi visiting Agra to only use the Dharamshala. Consider it an act of charity as it will help us in our struggle to maintain the Parsi identity in Agra. Dr rati khambatta Secretary, Agra Parsi Anjuman A memorable visit Among the many delightful aspects of my recent trip to Bombay, during which I was engaged in research for my MPhil thesis in Zoroastrian studies, was my visit to the Athornan Boarding Madressa at Dadar. The entire occasion of this visit was a paradigm of the hospitality, kindness and warmth I was shown during my time in B ombay by the many members of the Zoroastrain community I was privileged to meet. May I, through your letters column, express my gratitude to all those Zoroastrians, priests and laity, in Bombay and in Ahmedabad, who made my trip worthwhile, who granted me interviews and allowed me to ask what may have seemed to be naive and even impertinent questions; to those who invited me to their homes to share their company and cooking; to those who guided me around Bombay, who arranged and provided me with accommodation — to all those I give my thanks, which comics with all sincerity from -t SKYLINK FREIGHT FORWARDERS PRIVATE LIMITED Air Cargo Agents Specialized in International Import, Export Clearance and Domestic Booking 4 9-11 Swamp Nagar, Opp Om Nagar, Near Import Warehouse Sahar Pipeline, Andheri (East), Bombay 400099 Tel: 8390365/67 & 8392885 24 Parsiana February-March 19961 I LONDON a student and admirer of the ancient and noble Zoroastrian faith. And lastly, to the staff of the K. R. Cama Oriental Institute, where I sit on the last day of my visit writing this letter, a big thanks for assisting with my research. peter clark Cardiff, UK • Rpd - Breakfast ';;nuteswalkto central' . Congenial • Three i- Tube stati^on surroundings .Twenty minutes^o reasonable tenbS invited preferably London by Tube • Very i- . Visitors 7oroasthans CONTRACTORS Bombay Phone Nos: 3634161,3641581 10.00 a.m. to 12 noon, 8.00 p.m. to 10 p.m. 3760707, 3728549 11.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. London contact: Beroz Mody. No 10 Court Farm Road, Middlesex, UB 5—5 HQ Tel No: 00441-0181-8413491 The GIF Railway Terminal Rail history reveals that the Great Indian Peninsula (GIP) Railway Provisional Committee in London, formed a Provisional Bombay Committee in July 1845 to give character and credit to this oldest rail-line in India. Two Europeans were appointed as chairman and secretary, with 15 other ordinary members, including Cursetjec Cawasjee, Bomanjee Hormusjee Wadia, Vicajee Meherjee, Jaggnathjee Sunkarsett, Cursetjee Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy, Dadabhoy Pestonjee Wadia. On the board of trustees, were two Europeans and one Indian — Jeejibhoy Dadabhoy Mooghana. Further, it is said that “...it redounds greatly to the credit of our enterprising native contractor, Mr Jamsetjee Dorabjee, that this important object has been accomplished with unqualified success, with extraordinary despatch and at a cost which, considering all circumstances, must be regarded extremely moderate. ” Therefore, with malice towards none and charity to all, V.T. should be renamed the Great Indian Peninsula Railway Terminal (GIP Rly Terminal). D. R. maneckji President, Central Railway Motormen ’s Association, Bombay V.T. ling Bombay Time: 12,30 Midnight to 2.30 am or 11.00 am to 1.00 pm The Farohar There has been some misunderstanding and controversy regarding the correct facing of the Farohar. Originally, this figure dates from the days of Achemenian and Sassanian rulers of ancient Iran and is seen very conspicuousl^on F •<' For over 50 years, our master craftsmen have excelled in maintaining a rich tradition of excellence in fine quality furniture Exquisitely hand-crafted in contemporary as well as authentic period style designs using the finest quality wood.. We meet all your decorating needs. SlJfe Draujing IRoom I 14 Oricon House, K. Dubash Marg, Bombay 400023 Tel: 2842986 26 l^arsiana February-March 1996 b jBhikhaji Behramji from Broach came on long years his descendants maintained the foot to seek his fortune in Bombay circa well as a charity. Cart loads of water ever 1715 AD. On the way he was waylaid by since then have been carried to the suburbs the Marathas who were at war with the of Bombay as well as to the surrounding Muslims and imprisoned in a fortress; When locality and for providing water for ani- he could convince his captors that he was not a Muslim but a Parsi by showing them the mountains of Persepolis and Naksh-e- Rustom. Accompanying illustrations of the fig ­ ure, as have appeared in old books, will give the correct idea to the readers. The Farohar as seen here is facing towards its S right, its right hand raised in prayer to || Ahura Mazda and holding a circle in its ff left. The circle is a symbol of Ahura Mazda, q meaning the Creator, and has no beginning or end. Nowadays, on invitation cards, maga ­ zines, newspapers, etc the Farohar is shown facing its left. Hence, this brief explana ­ tion, which I believe, will prove useful to your enlightened readers. Ervad HORMAZD M. PAVRI Nagpur tC w Bhikha Behram Well Photo: Homyar Mistry The Parsi well The Bhikha Behram well has an interest ­ ing history. A Parsi gentleman named mals. Ever since then the well has been held as a sacred place of worship by Parsis to whom it is one of the primal creations of Ahura Mazda. Considerable land around the well was at one time the asset of this holy well. In those days, when Powai and Tansa lH lakes did not exist, charitable persons sank wells and no less than 18 wells were said to have existed in the maidan area. SiM Dr VIRAF J. KAPADIA A touch of verse Years ago, so many magazines, journals and newspapers used, to regularly carry poems. I have myself written so prolifi- cally for many of them, in fact, most of them. I find that as less and less poems get printed, I seem to write less and less. The same must be the case with so many others like me. Optimistic as I always am, I never give up trying. So here I^m penning this letter. his sudreh and kusti, he was released. Bhikhaji opened his merchandise busi ­ ness at Hormiman Circle then known as “Angrej Bazar. ” Being of charitable dis ­ position he sank the well known after him as Bhikha Behram Well jn 1725 and for wondering whether you would be'inter- With Best Compliments From THE WHITE CLOUD PAPER MILLS 412, Gultekdi Road Poona 411037 Pioneer Manufacturers of Best Quality Base Filter Papers in India Imitated by many Equaled by none Gram; WHITECOULD Phones: 461078, 462236 Fax:91-212-467923 28 Parsiana February-March 1996N DAVAR & Company Painting Contractors Interior Decorators 2, Commerce Centre Tardeo, Bombay 400034 Tel: 4944856, 4943210 ested in keeping one column of your magazine for poems. I know Parsiana basically carries community news, and may not be programmed for carrying poetry. I could not, however, restrain myself from making this suggestion. If you could carry one or two poems (just one column) in each issue, it would go a very long way in encouraging people to write poetry. I would myself contribute, and if you invite your readers to send in their contributions I would be more than happy to even edit them for you. Ms thrity e. bharucha The Editor replies: Poems pertaining to the community are welcome. A spur for posterity A few days ago during discussions an elderly Parsi gentleman referred to the Parsis as living on “past glory. ” Does this imply that we, as a community, are not doing anything at all in the present? Does it mean that the present generation of Parsi men, women, youth and children are all non-achievers? Why should the Parsis forget the achievements of the past? Past glory serves a vital purpose. When niy wife and I visited Greece after Granada 92, Spain ’s World Philatelic Exhibition, we were indeed thrilled and rejuvenated with pride on being Parsis, the descendants of those great Persian Emperors Darius and Xerxes whose names were mentioned at several places in Greece starting with the Acropolis. One has the same deep sense of history when one visits Persepolis, Cyrus ’ tomb, Yazd and other places in Iran. In fact each Parsi should Endeavor to visit Iran at least once in his/her lifetime just as a devout Muslim makes a Haj pilgrimage to Mecca or a devout Hindu to Kashi. Parsis are a very secular community, ever loyal to^e land that * With Best Wishes J. M. SHROFF TRANSPORT Private Limited TRANSPORT CONTRACTORS For Bulk Liquids, Petrochemicals, Petroleum Products, Acetic Acid and other Chemicals all over India. Special Fleet of Stainless Steel “MINI-TANKERS” for loads upto 6.5 KL or 4.5 KL Sita Estate, “A” Wing, No 1, 1st Floor, Unit No 1, R. C. Marg, Chembur, Bombay 400074 Tel: 5555425, 5519359 BRANCH BARODA: Tel No 329924, 329818 30 Parsiana February-March 1996 bgave them refuge and have given their all for the country. The contribution of this community of meager numbers is worth recalling. The first civil hospital, medical college and the first free cosmopolitan home for the aged in India were started by a Parsi, Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy, the first Indian baronet; the first Indian professor, the first Indian to be a member of a Royal Commission, the first Indian to be elected from Great Britain to the British Parliament was E>r Dadabhoy Naoroji who coined the word “Swaraj ” and was the president of the Indian National Congress for three terms. He was also the mentor of the fathers of India and Pakistan i.e. Mahatma Gandhi and Mohammedali Jinnah. All the three Indians to be elected to the British Parliament in the pre-independence era were Parsis — Naoroji, Shapurji Saklatvala and Muncherjee Bhownaggree. The first President (Mayor) of Bombay was Sir Pherozeshah Mehta who is known as “the father of local self-government in India; ” he was President for four terms. The first Indian to design and unfurl an Indian national flag was Madame Bhikaiji Cama; the first modern industrial steel plant in India was set up by Jamshedji Tata; the first newspaper in India was started by Furdoonji Marzban; the finest shipbuilders in the British Empire when “Britannia ruled the waves ” were the Wadias. The first Indian philanthropist to be honored by independent India by issuing a postage stamp was Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy. The first non-Muslim to be honored by Pakistan on its postage stamp was Jamshed Nusserwanji Mehta who holds the unique distinction of being the Mayor of Karachi for 13 long years; the father of atomic energy in India is Homi Bhabha; the first Indian aviator was J. R. D. Tata who was also the first Indian businessman to be awarded the nation ’s highest honor, the Bharat Ratna. The first cancer hospital in India was also founded by the Tatas. The community has given the country chiefs of the three armed services, the army, the navy and the airforce; the first Indian to be a Field Marshal is Sam Manekshaw; the first Indian modern organized bank was started by Sorabji Pochkhanawalla, the first Indian and Asian to be awarded the Roake International Trophy of U.K. for original research in philately is also a Parsi; the first organized cricket team to tour Great Britain was a Parsi team. If the Parsis do not remember their great persons, their J,„u; -------- - . , , - _ sister communities to remember? The attendance of Parsis f .. . is indeed dismal. One wishes they would spare a few these stalwarts. achievements, etc how do they expect the Government and the sister communities to remember? The attendance of Parsis at functions to honor and remember the great sons of the community is indeed dismal. One wishes they would spare a few moments from their busy schedule, nay leisure hours, to pay homage to these stalwarts. Even today we have several Parsis — men and women who have made their mark on the soil of this great country as well as abroad. Every year in some walk of life Parsis are contributing significantly as despite today ’s cut-throat competition the pages of Jam-e-Jamshed Weekly, The Bombay Samachar, Parsiana, Mahila and thenon-Parsi press attest. So let ’s give our youth and others large doses of encouragement. Let the past glory be an inspiration to greater achievement in future. Let us honor the achievers not only so that they know that their community cares but also that their achievements can be an inspiration to the youth who are the real trustees of posterity. VISPI S. DASTUR President, The Bombay Parsee Association continued on page 160 33 Parsiana February-March 1996 CRO RifVNOLDS TWO-STAGE VACCUM PUMPS *5 o k\ Ip Ip I 1 i! ^^7 ¦¦ . V’ ''’*<*11^7 # at the function at the Seth Aslaji Bhikaji Launching the cassette: Panthaky, Antia, ------ — — ---------- ’’ —• — f^atvak and ^dadon Photo: c. c. Osnctsvis House, 19 Gunbow Street, Fort, Bombay Ervad Burjor Antia and former principal of Engineer receiving the Udyog Excel- 400001 (Tel: 2661971). AmavazMama Dadar ’s Athornan Boarding Madressa lence Award to contact Soli Vajifdar, the focal coordina- t ' " ting member of the NPA committee, at Sheri Wadia Dar-e-Meher were noted solicitor Dadar ’s Athornan Boarding Madressa Ervad Rustom Panthaky. The cassettes that were distributed free of cost were shortly out of stock, according to Katrak. Abridged versions of compositions, among others by lyricists Dastur Mulla further adds, “Even though there is a --------------------------------------- Feroze, Kavi Khabardar and Adi Dhondy, ..................... * ' ' ' ber 17,1995. Among the dignitaries present the devotional songs are “a source of plea- “Feel the fervor” Zarthosti Devotional Songs, an audio cas ­ sette by Parvez Katrak in praise of Ahura Mazda, Zarathushtra and atash, was re ­ leased by Ms Dhunmai Madon on Decern- sure, a treat of intense sincere emotion, ” writes Dastur Kaikhusroo JamaspAsa, High Priest of the Aij^uman Atash Behram. He tremble in his voice, one can feel the deep fervor in it. ” With Best Compliments From DINSHAW SHAPOORJI & COMPANY 414/3, Kasarwadi, Bombay-Poona Road Pimpri, Pune 411034 (212)779656 0146 204 DIN IN 662052 “Truck ” Pimpri Phones 778373.778055 Fax Telex Poona Phone Poona Grams Branch Office 92C Mohamedali Road, Bombay 400003 Phone 3432497,3423977, 3435392 Telex oil 76597 DS A IN Bombay Grams “Motor Truck ” TRANSPORT CONTRACTORS LUXURY COACH & STAFF BUS OPERATORS 38 Parsiana February-March1996 I.. I I I j ?¦ I ! -r Commending Katrak ’s zeal and com ­ mitment for the last 23 years, JamaspAsa mentions, “Music is only a catalyst; it is a medley of sounds.. . having melody, rhythm and harmony which are soothing to the ears and inspire one ’s spirit. But more important are the words and poetic rhythm, measured by quantity or accent that ele ­ vate the emotional fervor of a listener. Beauty business _______ _____ x a».uvii There were 50 awardees from all over the shows in the city 60-year-old Engineer country and some NRIs (non-resident In- ’ ’ - • - ¦ dians). Only two of us were women. I was really in a tizzy, ” admits Ms Katy Engi ­ neer, among the recipients conferred the __________.law uu vimii c uic Udyog Excellence Award in 1995 by the look of the model to suit the next outfit “It “Beauty consciousness is on the rise, ” clients, many of them celebrities, receive _______ ____ _ attention from trained personnel. “Beauty Aquarian Age ’ it is perhaprSiTbest'intro- is serious business. A raw hand or an inept ’ . . - person can butcher your hair or your face, ” states Engineer who had been fascinated by this profession since her childhood in Bombay where she was a student of the Cathedral and John Connon School. At the Co-optex and Leather Fashion Beauty consciousness is on the rise, ” searching for truth, believing in truth, un- observes, and makes sure that her derstanding truth. Thus when Marsala describes itself as ‘The Magazine of the duction to itself. As Rusi Daruwala, editor and publisher of Mandala says, ‘‘It will be a time when team effort will override individual salvation. ” Explaining the magazine ’s name, Daruwala says, “A mandala is a mysteri ­ ous diagram used for meditation. ” The accompanying logo, very much like Leonardo da Vinci ’s anatomical sketch of the human body, is a reproduction of a 16th century painting of man and the universe. Published by Maitreya Founda- Econo^c Fon,m in New Delk £ ISSSS work," she repons. She is wary term plans of publishing books and Ll a^Jd,"f fehd,eaw.dre ‘’e:rni^X^^ wtd. its A,„aHan Age ide Parlour, reportedly the earliest beauty and Mvstic Mandala illumination of western and ss;==s sBssss ssgs 55==== iassSS in evils, goodness, health, relationships). >? takes charge of the hairstyling and make ­ up of the models. That is a new challenge altogether when within five minutes Engi ­ neer and her assistants have to change the ‘ ‘ ‘ ----------------- J is interesting work, it ’s fun, but it ’s also a ______ ____ l uuuuauuu uas lun She is wary term plans of publishing books ^d ho"l of handling additional responsibilities the rationale: “This is a personalized vice and I need to be around constantly. ” als. Mandala attempts to share with the on ser- beginning of group consciousness. In short, the buzz word of the Age will be ‘truth ’ — STERLING AND WILSON ELECTRICALS PVT LTD Leading Electrical Engineers & Contractors City Office Esplanade House, 2nd Floor Hazarimal Somani Marg Fort, Bombay 400001 Telephone: 2041882, 2044177 Telex: 011-85153 SWIL IN Fax: 2853741 New Delhi Office Flat No 205, Ansal Chambers 11 6, Bhikaji Cama Place New Delhi 110066 Telephone: 608250, 6882454 Telex: 031-72291, SUPR IN Fax: 6888878 Registered Office 70, Nagindas Master Road (Medows Street), Fort, Bombay 400023 Telephone: 2653287 38b Parsiana February-March 1996. I £ 4 f *1 I1 I I Thus the bottomline is ‘Know yourself and DoctOPS Unplugged be at peace with yourself. ’ Daruwala prefers not to slot the maga ­ zine as a spiritual one because of “the invariable association with religions. ” But there is no doubt that Mandala does fall in the more all-encompassing defini ­ tion of spirituality. “We ’re not promoting self improvement or religion, ” says Daruwala. “Essentially we just try and cover vast subjects — the idea being to give people a wider understanding. ” Strictly “not an organiza ­ tion man ” (by which he means he doesn ’t subscribe to any particular group or guru), Daruwala ensures that this aspect of his personality guides his magazine. “We don ’t ad ­ vocate a cult or teaching. We want to point out what is constructive in all systems. ” The origins of the magazine stem from open classes on Mandala-like subjects that Daruwala used to hold many years ago. “I noticed a great interest in the students but information available was meager, ” says Daruwala. And so in March 1995 Mandala was born. Its editor is very much like the magazine — with varied interests and a searching intellect. Fifty-seven-year-old Daruwala is a chartered accountant by profession but has worked in publishing and journalism. His father, Jehan, is editor Jehangir Wadia. Last year ’s performance of The Bombay Samachar. To read Mandala you need to have a sense of adventure similar to when you enter a bookshop and pick up a book on world economics even though you know you ’ll struggle through it. For a broad ­ minded reader who isn ’t stuck in a rut Mandala offers a chance to expand your mind. If there is one criticism against the publication it is against the dry style of writing and presentation. Bordering on the academic, the magazine seems to imply that to be with it in the Aquarian Age you should be pedantic. One word of caution. Don ’t pick up the local personalities who are sporting enough magazine because you see ‘astral projec ­ tion ’ on the cover and you expect the issue to contain lurid stories of people recount ­ ing hackneyed incidents of floating out ­ side their bodies. This is precisely what Mandala doesn ’t offer. In fact as a bearer of the Aquarian Age it would look with a nity to pick up a lot of new talent, ” men- mild scorn on such expectations. tions surgeon Pardiwalla. The evening ’s entertainment consisted of skits, gags and a short play — Cleopatra — which were interspersed with songs by good actors was evident when they staged Dr (Ms) Villie Bamboat, sometimes as- Doctors Unplugged in early 1995. The ” ” ’ "* i--.-n shows netted them approximately one and a half lakh rupees, reports Dr Fardoon P. Soonawalla, president of the Parsi Medi ­ cal Amateurs Association (PMAA). The Association has been performing stage That the community ’s medicos also make sisted by Pardiwalla, and dances by all the performers, young and old. Readying for the show two-and-a-half months before it was staged, the medicos used to come twice a week for practice at the PGH at the end of their private shows for the last 25 years. Usually they consultations for the day. Center stage stalwarts were Drs Homi Dordi — the darling of the crowd as he always received the most applause from the audience — Rustom Patel, Bamboat, Ms Armaity Amin, Ms Zenobia Framroze, Dara Gandhi, Tehemton Bhathena and Pardiwalla. The fresh faces Merriment and sobriety with Parsi doctors (above, L to R) Katrak, Framroze, Pardiwalla and Amin; Soonawalla with entrepreneur Parvez Damania (right) Photos: Farokh Jassawalla have been versions of the plays of Dr Roshan Mehta 40 Parsiana February-March 1996 i I- I'-J t I! 1? was a variety revue compered and con ­ ceived by Dr Bomi Pardiwalla. The pro ­ ceeds from the first show held in March ’95 was earmarked for the B. D. Petit Parsee Suraliwalla, Ms Anita Pundole and General Hospital (PGH) and from the sec- Marzban Katrak. The cast was ably assisted ond show which was staged a month later backstage by Ms Aban Pardiwalla, Ms the beneficiaries were the poor Parsi medi ­ cal students to help them defray the costs of their text books and other educational expenses. The overall idea of the whole show was with the overall arrangements and executed by Pardiwalla who conceived the characters, dialogue, sequences as well as the lighting and sound. “We do take-offs videography was done by Bomi Patel of on various items and always incorporate Superstar 'Video Labs and Farokh Jassawalla provided the photographs. The services of Patel and Jassawalla were free on stage were those of Drs (Ms) Hufrish Diana Bharucha, Ms Piloo Mehta, Ms Farida Green and Ms Shireen Vakil. Bomi Pardiwalla credits Dr Marzban Nalladaru PGH PMO (Principal Medical Officer) coordination. Sarosh Bhabha provided the studio and sound recording, to let their names be incorporated in the show, ” he says. Directed by Sam Kerawalla of cost, acknowledged Bomi Pardiwalla. and assisted by Pervez Mehta, Doctors Unplugged unearthed a lot of young talent, the doctors ’ entertainment and charity. “Some senior doctors opted out for per ­ sonal reasons, so that gave us an opportu- Bombay is not the sole beneficiary of The PMAA have taken their shows in earlier years to Poona, Baroda and even to Karachi where they have raised funds for local charities with their histrionics. Roxana A. Driver i I I 5S;5¦Zfi'j (4 ¦¦ I / L 1^-. •J iiili 1^ k i II Pl Investment in Property: Pune is the best city Table tennis pro At the Nehru Stadium in Indore, one gate is named after Jail Godrej. Six years ago the Madhya Pradesh Table Tennis Asso ­ ciation organized an all-India Jail Godrej Felicitation Table Tennis Tournament. Presently he is chairman of the selection committee (senior) of the Table Tennis Federation of India. Not many may know of 72-year-old Godrej who was one of India ’s best table tennis players, represent ­ ing India all over Europe, writes his brother Bomy Godrej. As acknowledged then Union minister MP Flying Club Ltd, Indore and Bhopal. Madhavrao Scindia, in the souvenir brought out on the felicitation occasion in 1989, “Jail Godrej has been a big name in Indian sports, particularly table tennis. His contributions to sports have inspired a large number of youths to take up sports as a career both for individual excellence as well as national pride. ” It was at the age of 16 years that Godrej started playing the game at the residence of Col C. K. Naidu whom he recognized as his first mentor. Within two years he showed the performance was by Ms Khorshed Avari his mettle when he won the men ’s singles, men ’s doubles and the mixed doubles at the Central IndiaTableTennis meet. There ­ after he went on to make a name for Vesuna. himself at national meets and was even chosen to represent India at international meets, mentions Om Soni sharing his recollections of Godrej ’s prowess at the game as a “half volley. ” “My brother stirring vocal performance, ” as notes the has won so many trophies that my parents had a special showcase built Dalal-Paghdiwala and her Crystal Choral for them which to this day adorns our house, ” says Bomy. Godrej ’s dedication to sports does not end with table tennis. He is on the selection committee of the MP Carrom Association and the finance committee of the MP Cricket Association. Though once very keen to pursue a career in aviation, he had to yield to his parents ’ wishes. Ultimately however he took up flying as a hobby and serves as honorary secretary of The He was formerly president of the Areo Club of India and vice-president of the Federation Aeronautique International, Paris, as speci ­ fied on his visiting card. We accept bookings in exclusive schemes in Pune, like a Bungalow ­ scheme near the Pashan Lake, 6 km from Pune University. It is a small township consisting of: 17 Independent Bungalows — Rs 38 lakhs 4 Twin Bungalows — Rs 16 tb 19 lakhs 22 Rowhouses — * Rs 17 to 39 lakhs Possession around March ’96. Payments by cheque. J i t 43 Parsiana February-March 1996 “Stirring” sound The First Noel, depicting the nativity scene, and Nov ember Nuance were pre ­ sented by Crystal Choral, the choir trained by Ms Freny Dalal-Paghdiwala, at the Blavatsky Lodge in Bombay on November 19, 1995. The scripting and direction for We also offer flats (small and large) at prices ranging from approx Rs 900 to Rs 5,000 per sq ft (built-up area), besides bungalow-plots, offices and shops in exclusive Commercial Complexes coming up in Pune. For details write to: while music accompaniment on the piano came from Ms Dowlat Dhalla, according to a press release sent by Ms Soonoo Teacher of voice production and sing ­ ing, Dalal-Paghdiwala had toiled for months to train over 30 Parsi children whose combined effort “resulted in a Minoo Bhathena BySel Estate 302 Devika Apt 2010 Janmohmed Str Pune 411001 Tel: 650757 I I I s i write-up. Compiled by Parinaz Gandhi p f! f? *ZOROASTRIANS ABROAD “Finger on the pulse of the city” Arnavaz S. Mama Labor politician and social worker Tehmtan Framroze has carried his concern for the common man into the mayoralty was allowed to live in a country which welcoined me. We must pul back, notjust takeout My guiding principle is what should we do for the local commu ­ nity, to improve the quality of life where we live..., improve the environment, the educational conditions, the economic con ­ ditions ((hat determine) the happiness of people. ” Cunently deputy mayor and former mayor of Brighton (the seaside resort of 18th century British society so deftly por ­ trayed by W. M. Thackeray in his classic novel Vanily Fair and now synonymous with the annual conventions of the Conser ­ vative Party) Tehmtan Framroze explained his preiwcupalion with local politics to Parsiana in the course of a brief visit to Bombay. The Zanzibar bom politician had last been to India as a child, 42 years ago. A Labor councillor since 1986, Fram ­ roze ’.s job is mayor consisted of innumer ­ able speaking engagements and presence at local functions and occasions as the representative of thacrown. “As a mayor, you are above politics. You represept the entire town which is Conservative, Liberal and Labor. ” This aspect requifts special discipline while making speeches, Fram- roze notes, adding that he considered it his first duty to encourage people and thank those who “never get thanked ” like the staff of the hospitals, the utilities, etc. Responding to as many invitations as pos ­ sible, Framroze says, “The smaller the organization the more I felt I should honor the invitation." Describing the mayoralty as an 18-hour job which demanded extreme punctuality, Framroze was grateful that he had a chauf ­ feur driven car and didn ’t have to “worry about parking ” — the. “only perk! ” as added his British wife Marian with a wry smile. "Sometimes you can't help feeling like a parcel, ” Framroze laughs but calls it “an enriching experience. You have your fin ­ ger on the pulse of the city. You meet such a wide variety of people, it's a privilege. ” According to the prevailing system, invi ­ tations that a mayor is unable to honor devolve on the deputy mayor or a former mayor is called to help out. The mayor ’.s parlor (or office) is housed in Brighton ’s Royal Pavilion structure that is Indian Moghul outside and Chinese inside, as Framroze describes it, tracing the strange combination to the playboy whimsies of King George IV who a fantasy >1 4 * A' AAPBrsiana February-MarcniSdSViiHili had seen pictures and wanted them repro ­ duced. The office is equipped with 200- year-old furniture — impractical but facilitator has been sought is to create a beautiful! The Labor Party made inroads into Brighton, a very conservative town, for the first time in 1986. Shortly after being bers who feel threatened by their presence, elected county and borough councillor, Framroze says he was approached by the independently and protected them from Framroze was asked to chair the housing directors of different agencies to create a patronage, corruption or bullying. ” Faced connunittee. It was a particularly tough job forum incorporating the police, educational with the government ’s axe “we had to fight — to try and get houses built and maintain authorities, social services and the youth to protect the staff, ensure reasonable pen ­ sions. ” Framroze says he was part of the delegation to Sir Keith Joseph, Thatcher ’s “mentor ” and • her minister of education. The Labor member was further incensed by the introduction of higher ' fees for overseas students. A believer in the rights of the Commonwealth, Fram ­ roze says he felt this treat ­ ment of Commonwealth students was doing harm to British interests. “Economic forces have always tried to dominate. The basic premise of most countries ’ foreign policy is self-interest. Most states believe it important to pro<> tect themselves from perceived threat^ . Anything different — different language, culture, religion — becomes a threat. Lack of understanding and respect breeds suspi ­ cions... There is no distinction between benefit of society as a whole. right and wrong in economic terms. People These forays have strengthened Fram- will happily cut off your livelihood though roze ’s resolve “to try and bring together they won ’t cut off your arm! groups which would otherwise never ap- opposition is a waste of time. Another sector where his expertise as a Continuing with the University, Fram ­ roze said he got involved with its politics as the British universities were then facing rapprochement between unemployed “cuts ” from the Thatcher government; “bored ” youths who congregate on the university lecturers had hitherto enjoyed streets and the community ’s aged mem- authorities, social services and the youth a system of tenure by act of Parliament. This enabled them “to carry out research the existing stock when the Margaret Thatcher government “was forcing us to get rid of them. ” A part of the Conservatives ’ policy to privatize, county homes, hitherto on rent, were sought to be sold to the occupants. Though Brighton ’s Borough Coun ­ cil was locked in battle with the government, “saying we have to provi ­ de social housing for those who can ’t afford (to buy their own homes), Brigh ­ ton has become one of the biggest homeless areas outside London, ” avers Framroze. His distress is evident as he reviews the scenario that then prevailed: People with- Deputy mayor Framroze inspecting out the means were beguiled into buying members of the Princess of Wales’ their homes by taking mortgages from the Regiment (Photo: Evening Argus, Brighton) bank. When the economy took a down ­ turn, many people lost their jobs and to work out sustainable solutions to the therewith, their ability to meet their mort ­ gage instalments and the creditors “repo ­ ssessed ” the dwellings, turning families out into the street. Simultaneously, home values crashed and there were no buyers proach each other, ” create understanding when job opportunities elsewhere required and find common objectives and then lobby agitations in the UK against the export of live animals. Since the animals were “be ­ ing exported from a port five miles from my office, I joined the protest as mayor of the town. I was told by the demonstrators that the police behaved since the mayor was there. ” Framroze says he asked the invited by the University of Sussex to work Church of England vicar to use his church at the library of its School for African and to allow people to come and pray peace- Asian Studies. His job was to assist in the fully against the way animals were being il i! ilj te ’ pj r J w3 I.. kiwih OIB nq Vi “What we need is a world moral order, ” continues Framroze, referring to the recent a family to move to another part of the Parliament for legislative support where country: “People were stuck in jobs since required. they couldn ’t sell. It affected the mobility of employment! ” Framroze says his policy land to study at the university and return — that both rented and ownership housing to Zanzibar. After a year in London, he sectors should co-exist —is getting alot of mo?^ to Brighton in 1968 when he was support and that he has succeeded in get ­ ting together tenants, banks and the admi ­ nistration in a common forum to discuss their problems and seek mutually accept- provision of research material covering treated. “We were told by the politicians able solutions. “In the past these people the Indian subcontinent and Africa. The and farmers that we were all mad and that were not talking to each other... It ’s very initial contract was for a year, but Fram- farmers needed to export this way because satisfying to be involved in something that i works. ” Wherever there is quarrel and the responsibility to plan a major exten- despair Framroze says he tries to create sion to the library building, a job normally understanding at the grassroots and is undertakenby the chief librarian. The offer the pulpit. My message was that 100 years therefore not interested in a political level was “too attractive for a junior to refuse, ” ago human beings used to be sold. Nobody that does not help the common man. Hence, recalls Framroze. Political crises in East in power then believed it was wrong! To- being a member of Parliament (MP) in Africa also precluded his return there. day we are treating fellow creatures cru- Framroze had initially arrived in Eng- the Indian subcontinent and Africa. The initial contract was for a year, but Fram ­ roze stayed on since he says he was offered if we didn ’t, some other country will. I’d never been into a church until I became mayor. I addressed the congregation from was “too attractive for a junior to refuse, ” recalls Framroze. Political crises in East Africa also precluded his return there. 46 Parsiana February-March 19961 elly. The test of a civilization is how it 5,000 Zoroastrians in the UK and refuses treats vulnerable people, animals. ” Fram ­ roze says he made about 20 speeches in bleofestablishing an atash behram there. ” two or three months and most people in Though living away from London has the area were of the opinion that it is high curtailed his interaction with the Zoroas- time people in position spo ­ ke up. But Framroze notes that people tend to cling to their legal rights, preferring to ignore the moral aspect of an issue. It was when his father ’s leg was amputated that he became conscious of the suffering of those who had physical disability, says the politician cum social worker. Becoming involved in the problem at a generic level, Framroze cofounded and chaired “Access ” — a group devoted to help those who live with various disabilities. He realized ling the Ismaili that “buildings are often designed by healthy young men who have no notion of disability. ” Now Access has developed should do it (too). ” enough moral standing to vet the plans of ~ ' new public buildings to ensure that there is a way for people on wheelchairs and crutches to get around. As a councillor, Framroze has pursued an equal opportunity policy for and the disadvantaged. In his bid to power women he says he has promoted the creation of more creches and a system of job sharing that works particularly well among women solicitors. “Men have put a lot of barriers in front of women. When we took over, the directors (of all the public services) were men. Now 50 percent Brighton area) ” enunciates his credo' are women. To empowfer people you have — • to promote such policies. It doesn ’t just happen. Now fathers are entitled to pa ­ ternity leave and it is illegal to ask a wo ­ man questions at a job interview that are unrelated to the job. ” Framroze felt sorry that with “all the prosperity, all the acumen of the Parsi community it has not been able to main- Mayor ’s invitation to tea in his fantasy tain Its buildings in splendor and glory (in pavilion ! Bombay) ” and considered the Roxan Shah episode “a denial of human rights. ” He said he had done his bit to support agiaries in Panchgani and Pune whence he had just returned to Bombay. He was particu- 1 ’ ¦ • • ¦ - Atash Bahram where his Igatpuri born to accept that “the community is incapa ­ ble of establishing an atash behram there. ^^Buildings are often designed by healthy young men who have no notion of disability^^ women em- 11 I trian community to a rare attendance on special oc ­ casions, Framroze says he is friendly with the leading lights of both feuding groups — the Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe and the World Zoroastrian Organisation —and refuses to be drawn into their controversies. In fact he is nursing a fond hope of get ­ ting them together some day, to pull together to ­ wards a common goal, on the lines of his facilitation work in Brighton. Extol- i community ’s social co ­ hesion and dynamic institutions, Fram ­ roze is sure “British Zoroastrians can and To that end Framroze feels it is impor ­ tant for Zoroastrians in the UK to acquire new, larger premises “which are accessi ­ ble, not so much now as in the next cen ­ tury, ” incorporating residential facilities for out of town Zoroastrians. Lack of park ­ ing facilities at Zoroastrian House at Com- payne Gardens is also a very real problem for those who live in other parts of the country, according to him. The man who has had “a role model effect on young colored kids (he says there are about three percent immigrants in the “Don ’t complain about discrimination. You have to survive in the world and fight it. ” They are surprised and energized to see a man of Asian origin discharging the regalia of authority — as surprised as were top Indian civil servants attending a special course in public administration held at Sussex University who responded to the Prince Charles ’ speech wherein the Prince of Wales spoke of himself not as Defender of the Faith, meaning the Angli ­ can church but as “defender of faith ” that is, the religious faith of all his subject in ­ trains, etc has given a new dimension to UK Zoroastrians. Framroze, as the only Zoroas ­ trian politician with such a visible presence, is determined to capitalize on it, to the grea ­ ter benefit of Zoroastrians and Asians. 11-, A J • I n ’ ‘vugluuo laiiii ui all Ills SUDieCl IFl- Sh"?T Dadysett eluding Catholics, Bahais, Hindus, Zoroas- father and Zanzibar born mother had been wed. His two brothers are settled in Ken ­ ya, a sister married and settled in Pune. He estimates the existence of about 49 Parsiana February-March 1996 LORD’S CENTRAL i i i i i HOTEL Matheran 410102 Enjoy the mountains^ • antics of the monkeys and our hospitality Matheran telephone number 021483-0228 Fax 021483-0595 Bombay telephone number 3867776 1 b '¦i r JASTRIANS ABROAD Captaining the WZO of a Parsi who has already spent a year in BPP. They said they wanted control! ” The World Zoroastrian Organisation a lockup in another country. It will be Captain decried the attempt to classify (WZO) Medical Benefit Fund instituted addressed by the WZO, assures Captain, the body as a social service league by re- by Dr (Ms) Shirinbanoo Kutar in memory of her late husband, Dastur (Dr) Sohrabji recently welcomed philanthropist Neville London at a time when Iranian Zoroastri- Kutar of the UK, has exceeded its initial Wadia as its grand patron and Bombay target of £ 100,000 and is now on its way Dyeing chairman Nusli Wadia as a patron to doubling its corpus, informed WZO president Shahpur Captain. Speaking briefly on the phone to Parsiana in the course of his annual visit to India, Cap ­ tain noted that the three-year-old Fund had helped approximately 50 agenda... An attempt is being made... from Zoroastrians so far, most of them being from India. Specialized treat ­ ment for heart and body. Captain says, “None of the people _know how many Zoroastrians live in rural kidney ailments, involved have ever come forward to say Gujarat and Maharashtra; we can ’t take rehabilitation of whatthatbody is going to do. Networking? only the cities, ” he continued. “The paralysed people. That can be done by the WZO. Our con ­ stitution allows for everything. The an ­ jumans don ’t want to join (the WZO) because they have their own political axe to grind. ” [The Federation of Parsi Zoro ­ astrian Anjumans of India and the Bom- addressed by the WZO, assures Captain, who also notes that the Organisation has counting how the WZO was set up in an lives were in jeopardy due to the politi ­ cal tumult in Iran. “Just because it ’s bra ­ nched into social activity in India to do what anjumans didn ’t do, ” referring to its in the wake of their navjotes in Bombay. Captain expects to attend the Sixth World Zoroastrian Congress in Tehran in June, though he doesn ’t expect a general WZO representation there. “I am not in fa ­ vor of such meetings (but) the possible (another perceived field of work for the formation of another world body is on the projected international body) could be undertaken by the WZO and was on its list of priorities. Captain indicated, to be undertaken by total professionals in every center of Zoroastrian population at an estimated cost of £ 30,000. “None of us work in rural Gujarat, “was no reason to delimit its capabilities, ” he contested. A world demographic survey cum census the American angle. We have to be careful as we believe it to be divisive of the com ­ munity. ” Questioning the need for such an apex population in the US and Canada — and hip replacements and specialized medi- stitution allows for everything. The an- also in the UR — is a shifting population, cine for cancer patients accounted for jumans don ’t want to join (the WZO) We have to be very careful... ’.’ most of the requests, he added. because they have their own political axe Captain estimates that there are 7.5 The aid is proffered from the invest- to grind. ” [The Federation of Parsi Zoro- thousand Zoroastrians in)he UK, but “not ment income of the Fund and “we seek astrian Anjumans of India and the Bom- many have given their names (for inclu- special donations when we can ’t (meet) bay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) have looked sion) in the UK directory. ” Reverting to ’ .............. the WZO, Captain noted, “We are more ’’ representative than anything you can imagine. Take the example of the ZTFE: it is certainly not representative of the Zo ­ roastrians of London. Nobody is interest- the constant demand, ” Captain said, indica ­ ting that much of the effort was the dedi ­ cated work of an anonymous WZO mem- _bers, allowing an anjuman body and a lone ber. Zoroastrian one vote each. They have also Thanks to an overseas donor, the WZO complained that the WZO has withheld its instituted the Creation of Wealth Scheme membership list from them. “The list of ed. Nobody goes there (to "Zoroastrian House in London). People who live in London know it. Notions of such repre ­ sentation are fallacious. Their idea of ano ­ ther building is causing problems (The ZTFE managing committee is working askance at the WZO constitution which equates anjumans with individual mem- * by providing cheap loans to the tune of membersisavailable.I ’llsendyouacopy, ” Rs 5 lakhs each to 10 Zoroastrians setting Captain told Parsiana}. Referring to the up small-scale industries, notes Captain. - One Zoroastrian has already received the financial aid under this Scheme. In addi ­ tion, through the kindness and generosity (Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of towards a £ 2 million plus project for a of a Zoroastrian trust in India, a Self-Em- North America) and Zal Sethna, former new, bigger Zoroastrian House with ade- ployment Scheme has also been started, president and currently managing com- quate car parking facilities and, hopefully, and to date about Rs 1.5 crores have been mittee member of the ZTFE (Zoroastrian an agiary). At a special meeting called by utilised for this purpose, revealed a grate- Trust Funds of Europe) who have all the ZTFE committee, members asked nu- ful Captain. questioned the bonafides of the WZO as a merous questions on this project, which “It is a part and parcel of the activities • • • • - of the world body on the world scale. We ’re in India because the need here is the greatest. If the need arose elsewhere, we ’d address it there, ” Captain says, referring posed for the WZO at the Fourth World to these as also to their amelioration pro ­ ject in rural Gujarat where 250 Zoroastri ­ an families have been helped so far to re ­ cover their economic balance. According to Captain, “terrible new cases keep coming up in godforsaken places. ” On a different level is the predicament BPP, the Federation ’s honorary secretary Keki Gandhi, Rohinton Rivetna, the fo ­ under and former president of FEZANA North America) and Zal Sethna, former president and currently managing com ­ mittee member of the ZTFE (Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe) who have all questioned the bonafides of the WZO as a world body. Captain says, “We ’ve told remained unanswered. The present location them, we ’re quite prepared to consider all reasonable propositions. ” Reminded of the bicameral system pro- Zoroastrian Congress (in Bombay in 1985) which allows the present individual mem ­ bers to constitute one body and the anju- mans/associations to constitute another, somewhat on the lines of world democratic legislatures. Captain was emphatic, “The bicameral system was turned down by the is central... To say that (ZTFE president) Rusy Dalal or Zal Sethna is representative of the Zoroastrians of UK is absolute non ­ sense. ” Turning his thoughts westward, Cap ­ tain indicated that FEZANA cannot be considered a representative body from comments made to him by many American and Canadian Zoroastrians, adding, “People outside don ’t know this. ” Referring to the impromptu meeting of international 50 Parsiana February-March 1996 ki “Dishing up a mess o ’immunity ” is how the prestigious U.S.- News and World Re- Zoroastrians, including WZO representa ­ tives in Chicago after the Second Parlia ­ ment of World Religions in 1993 that Ri- vetna had called together to discuss the question of an international Zoroastrian port (USN & WR) body and where different draft constitu- titled its story on the tions incorporating the WZO had been research development presented. Captain challenged: “Rohinton that promises to pro- Rivetna does not have the authority of vide edible vaccines FEZANA. Ask people in New York, Chica ­ go, etc whether such an authority had been given (to Rivetna)... ” “We ’ve been misunderstood and mis ­ represented everywhere, ” Captain charged jab or a pill but a and reiterated, “What net-working? The concept is very much flawed. They ’re pu- eating a normal shing it, out of sheer jealousy. The WZO looking and tasting will do its utmost to see that such a body is not formed as the WZO strongly believes protected that it will divide and harm the community globally. ” against the world ’s most virulent scour ­ ges. “Tomorrow ’s vaccine will be not a banana. Simply by eating a ¦ —F bilities for delivering vaccines, hot only for hepatitis-B, but for diseases such as ma ­ laria or leprosy. Ide ­ ally, the genetically engineered foods would be grown locally in each coun ­ try, and their distri ­ bution controlled by physicians and other healthcare workers. “There may even be a market for gar ­ den-variety vaccines in industrial countries, such as the United States. What child — or adult, for that matter — wouldn ’t prefer a banana to a needle? ” asks Thanavala. “It would take researchers five years to increase the amount of protein produced banana, people will be against AIDS, hepatitis and other diseases at a tiny fraction of the cost of today ’s vaccines, ” amplified the BBC World Service. The innovative technology that could revolutionize disease prevention is the by the plant and its power to elicit an im ­ mune response. At that point, a vaccine may be ready for tests on humans, ” Henry Fruity fighters “Medical science has the technology and know-how to produce effective vaccines. What ’s missing is better access to the ‘un ­ vaccinated ’ and an inexpensive method of working in tandem, one of them headed ________________, ____ vaccine delivery, ” notes researcher Dr by Bombay born Thanavala at New York Davis quoted Thanavala ’s estimates in (Ms) Yasmin Thanavala. state ’s Roswell Park Cancer Research In- Buffalo News (April 11, 1995). stitute in Buffalo. The other team is led by Dr Charles Arntzen of Texas A&M Uni ­ versity. The research was launched in 1992 under the World Health Organisation ’s Children ’s Vaccine Initiative with backing from a consortium of philanthropic insti ­ tutions including the Rockefeller Foun ­ dation in an effort to find cheaper, easier ways to provide immunity in the third ptoms until it attacks the liver. “Untif world countries where diseases of all kinds significantly reduce the number of carriers, are rampant. Thanavala and her team began by in ­ serting the “DNA extracted from the hepa ­ titis-B virus (HBV) into tobacco leaves ” because the genetics of the plant are well- known though the plant itself is not a food Requiring refrigeration and medical infra ­ source in the known world, as notes Thanavala in an article. The protein anti ­ gen it yielded was partially purified and unaffordable/impractical for the poor countries where 20 percent of the popu ­ lation is said to be carrying the virus. The bio-engineered, vaccine-laden banana could cost as little as five cents a dose. result of two US teams of microbiologists With best compliments from DINSHAW DINSHAW ENGINEERS & CONTRACTORS 390/286, Bootee Street Poona 411001 Tel Nos: 634746-633930 52 Parsiana February-March 1996 Thanavala ’s team has^concentrated on hepatitis-B as some 30(7 million people are known to be carrying the virus which is a leading cause of liver cancer, note news- * paper reports. Spreading through contact with contaminated blood or blood pro ­ ducts, sexual intercourse or from mother to baby, it is said to show few or no sym- 1 we )(T this global epidemic will persist, ’’ says Thanavala. The currently available commercial vaccine, produced from yeast, has to be injected in three doses over six months. structure that hikes up its cost (variously estimated at between $80 and $150), it is injected into mice, eliciting the same res ­ ponse as produced by the current com ­ mercial vaccine. The team then introdu ­ ced the vital protein in potatoes and found that mice fed the raw bio-engineered hopefully estimates the USN WR. “It is potatoes developed similar antibodies. “The breakthrough will be to express the antigen in foods, such as bananas, that are widely eaten and require little or no coo ­ king or processing, ” said Thanavala. “Po- Thanavala graduated with microbiology tatoes are usually cooked before eating and chemistry from Bombay University. Her masters under Dr Shanta Rao on “The effect of hormones on antibody pro ­ duction ” in Bombay and her doctoral the- not a question of whether we can do it. It ’s a matter of how long it takes us, ’’ Thanavala told Davis. Daughter of Katie and the late Maneck, and we don ’t know what cooking does to the vaccine... “Our research opens up limitless possi-j eral manager of Brunswick Technetics, says it all : “In my opinion Hoshang handled a very tough project with great profession ­ alism and sensitivity. Above all, I admired the self-confidence and pride of achieve ­ ment instilled into a team who have never really worked together. ” Zebco Corpora ­ tion president John Charvat adds, “In Hoshang... your department is uniquely blessed with individuals who do their jobs not only because they have to, but seem ­ ingly because they want to... Their pride shows.... ” The son of Bapai and the late Rustom Karani of Bombay, Hoshang reached Illi ­ nois in the 1960s where he has made his home with wife Bonnie and daughters Su ­ san and Sabrina. Zoroastrian Kurd Ilhan Kizilhan The Karanis: Susan, Bonnie, Sabrina and Hoshang (left) sis on “The role of antibody affinity in the military missile systems, to NASA space regulation of fertility by immunological shuttle components — have felt the im- The Zoroastriail KurdS methods ” under Prof Ivan Roitt at London pact of relentless competition and been University delineated her chosen field of catapulted from losers to winners by a research and teaching, initially at London ’s judicious dose of value technology (VT) Middlesex Hospital Medical School ’s strategies. Heading the transforming teams Department of Immunology and thereaf- has been Chicago based Zoroastrian ter at Roswell Park. With more than 40 Hoshang Karani. articles published in various scientific jo- / ' ' urnals, Thanavala has been invited to speak five people representing various areas at national and international symposia, within the company. Through cost studies She has simultaneously nurtured several and consumer feedback, brainstorming, students successfully through to their evaluation and development under the di ­ Masters and PhD degrees. A member of rection of an experienced value specialist s. After the last visit of a>delegation of Zoro ­ astrian Tajiks in 1993 not much was heard of our religious bretheren in Eastern Eu ­ rope. But in February this year Ilhan Kizilhan, a 30-year-old television journa ­ list originally from Turkish Kurdistan was A typical VT study involves a team of in Bombay doing a television documen ­ tary on the local ^oroastrians for MED T.V., a satellite television. A Zoroastrian by birth Kizilhah says that there is no conversion to tho^eligion in Kurdistan. “You are born a Zoroastrian, ” professional bodies like The New York (in these cases, Karani) the goal is reached he says. While still a baby the Peer or high Academy of Sciences and the British •“ ‘--------------- -- ’ • •• .............. Society for Immunology, among others, Thanavala has received several honors and awards, notably the Indian Council of overall cost reduction of 20-25 percent but Medical Research ’s gold medal in individual cases have registered more than reproductive biology, the Eisenhower 65 percent, notes the write-up. Returns on Medical Center ’s Distinguished Speaker Award and the Dr Louis Sklarow Memo- range from 10:1 to 30:1. in August and October they make a pil- rial Award. In conjunction with fellow Karani, an MS in mechanical engineer- grimage to worship at the lalesh or temple, scientists, Thanavala has applied for two ing from the Tennessee Technological They believe in one God who has seven patents on aspects of HBV immunization. University and an MBA in international angels. During their festive season they Married to fellow researcher Dr Arvind business management from Loyola Uni- ' - ¦ Thakur, a professor at the University of versity, has been a former president of the Buffalo, with whom she has co-authored Metropolitan Chicago chapter of the Soci- some of her published articles, Thanavala ety of American Value Engineers and se- has preserved her Indian citizenship though rved as general chairman of its world con- she enjoys the status of permanent resident ference in 1983. His 25 years ’ experience both in the UK and the USA where she has been garnered in management positions at corporations like Imperial Eastman, Pullman Standard and at Brunswick where he coordinated interdivisional activities as its corporate director of technology. Now having launched Karani Value Tech- in six to seven meeting days spread over priest sprinkles water on the child and four to six weeks, informs a press release. The average result of the exercise is an initiates him into the fold. “We pray twice a day in the morning and in the evening, ” he says. Their prayers are in Kurdish lan ­ guage but their world for God is Khoda. They observe March 21 as the New Year, investment in value technology is said to They fast for three days in December, and range from 10:1 to 30:1. Karani, an MS in mechanical engineer ­ ing from the Tennessee Technological They believe in one God who has seven dance and sing and a group of Zoroastrians go from village to villag^singing religious songs. Kizilhan who is married to a Zoroas ­ trian and has two children aged two and six, says that the Kurdish Zoroastrians are divided into three groups, the Sheikhs, the Peeras and the Murids or lay people. Mar ­ riage between the three sects is prohibi ­ ted. Kizilhan puts the number of Kurdish Zoroastrians at over half-a-million. The purpose of his documentary is to increase _ „ awareness about Zoroastrianism amongst Seal, Filterite — and a host of others — an international client base. his viewers in Kurdistan and neighbor- have in common? At some point in time Many a compliment attest to Karani ’s ing countries and to thereby start a dia- their prc^ucts — ranging from bowling leadership credentials. Referring to the logue between the Zoroastrians there and in India. Compiled by Amavaz S. Mama finds time to steer high school and college students during the summer breaks. Winning teams What do companies like Brunswick, Ar ­ gyle, Lancer, Mercury, Sea Ray, Circle nology Strategies, Karani is thirsting for an international client base. Many a compliment attest to Karani ’s balls and golf bags to laboratory and sur- value analysis study of the space shuttle gical instrumentation, to luxury yachts to collector assembly, F. Konigsdorffer, gen- 55 Parsiana February-March 1996 ’z 'J I *1 ? ¦ r i1 POLITICS AND POLICY A round 1,000 delegates are expected to .attend the Sixth World Zoroastrian Congress in Tehran from June 19 to 22 1996, of which about 250 will be from outside Iran. Ms Homai Modi, India ’s representative to the Congress while speaking to the representatives of 11 anjumans assembled in Madras on December 23 and 24, 1995 for the executive council meeting of the Federation of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of India, said that the applications from India and elsewhere would be screened by the executive council formed in Tehran to host the Congress. This is the second world congress to be held in Iran. The first, held in 1960, was the first of the world con ­ gresses. All the other congresses have been held in Bombay. Rusi Dalal, president of the Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe (ZTFE) said the World Youth Congress will be hosted in London from July 4 to 7, 1997 and would be open to those between the ages of 18 to 40. There was no limit on the number of delegates who could attend from India, he stated. With the fate of the ninth all India youth festival then uncertain (it was later held in Surat, January 5 to 7, 1996), the Poona Parsi Panchayat (PPP) offered to host the next youth congress if a sum of three lakh rupees could be assured. Over two lakh rupees was pledged by Federation members for hosting the tenth youth festival in Bombay with the Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) offering to chip in the amount required to reach three lakhs should the youth be unable to collect the amount. Federation and BPP president Jamshed Guzder personally pledged an amount of one lakh rupees and said that for the next five years for every youth festival held he would pledge a lakh each. Thirty-two nominations have been ceived by the Federation for the annual awards for 1994, stated former chief exe ­ cutive of the BPP Rustom Anklesaria, a coopted member and now a consultant on the Federation projects being implemented by the BPP. The Save Udvada Committee, ’s project preparations are awaiting funds from the central and state governments, said Modi, a member of the Committee. The sea has been eroding the beach on the coastal Gujarat mecca of the Parsis. ¦ ¦ ¦ re- 56 Parsiana February-March 1996 * g ¦¦ ¦ J I . j II ¦i w I R i R The Federation and the Sixth CongressThe Federation of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of India discusses the arrangements for representation at the Sixth World Zoroastrian Congress in Tehran No solution has been found towards 1' utilization of the 1,500 acres in Palghar formation of a world body of federations belonging to the Iranian Zoroastrian Anjuman. According to Aspi Irani, vice president of the Anjuman, the matter is at noyance when Delhi Parsi Anjuman (DPA) a “stalemate. ” Guzder stressed the need to “do some ­ thing ” for the rights of Parsi women mar ­ ried to non-Parsis and their children. He another world body when they believed said he had advised those who had married that the World Zoroastrian Organisation out to form an association which they had (WZO) was serving the purpose. Mistry done as “you can ’t go to the Supreme court without that. ” However the courts he said may not intervene in the personal law of Parsi Anjuman had expected to attend the . XT ... , Federation meet, only 25 showed up caus ­ ing Mogrelia to voice his “disappoint ­ ment ” and to sarcastically comment at the end of the two day meet, “Thank you for which saw Federation ’s honorary secretary Keki Gandhi leave the main table in an- Adi Sethna, and Modi, who had assisted in organizing earlier congresses, visited Iran. Guzder stated that the Iranians would make accommodation available at lower charges for delegates from India and also reduce the delegate fee for those from this coun ­ try. He said that the Ir^ian government would be “very liberal with visas ” and he the executive council meeting was the urged Zoroastrians to go to Iran “to help our fellow Zoroastrians. ” Speaking about our mader vatan, the motherland where Zoroastrianism has its roots. Modi said that the World Congress vice president Dadi Mistry and coopted would be “a happy occasion to be with our member from Madras Ms Mani Clubwala co-religionists. ” However she added that questioned the need for the formation of only around 100 to 120 people “will be allowed to go from India. ” Registration forms, which almost double as visa appli ­ cations, would be available from the anjumans. The requirement for birth cer ­ tificates to be attached with the forms may be waived for Indians as not all Indians communities. I don t know what to do. Federation meet, only 25 showed up caus- have that document. God willing something should happen. ” ing Mogrelia to voice his “disappoint- “Sending the form does not mean you The controversy over the Federation ’s ment ” and to sarcastically comment at the go to theCongress. ’^^aid Modi. The forms invitation to former Parsi Zoroastrian end of the two day meet, “Thank you for will be vetted by the executive council of Anjuman of Secunderabad and Hyderabad coming in such large numbers. ” the Congress inTehran and invitations will (PZASH) president Bezon Dittia figured be issued to those selected. If a f^frm is sent in the closing minutes of the Federation Sixth World Zoroastrian Congress directly, the party will receive a direct meeting, with the Madras Parsi Anjuman Guzder explained that the Sixth World reply. If the form is sent through the BPP president Nariman Mogrelia stating that Zoroastrian Congress was to be held in or another anjuman, the reply would be the Federation would have to take a deci- Tehran as Iran had requested that India not sent to the concerned anjuman. Modi, who sionone way or the other. Dittia and PZASH monopolize the congresses. The Con- has been appointed the representative in have been at loggerheads for sometime gress ’ executive council also requested India for the Congress, said three passport and the anjuman has objected to Dittia ’s ---------- > • ¦ -- " ¦ and Clubwala ’ are members of the WZO. Of the 75 delegates that the Madras Sixth World Zoroastrian Congress president Nariman Mogrelia stating that Zoroastrian Congress was to be held in Tehran as Iran had requested that India not “monopolize ” the congresses. The Con ­ gress ’ executive council also requested that two people be sent from Bombay to photos would have to accompany the form. presence at the Federation meetings. assist in the hosting of the Congress. Ac- Women must wear a scarf while being The last item taken up for discussion at cordingly, DPA president Lt Gen (retired) photographed but not all the hair need be :* I »«- J GUZtJEff SSi J, covered. PPP trustee Eruch Irani questioned, “Why should they (the Iranians) decide who should attend? We should decide. ” Left to right (above): Guzder, Ankle Sana, Gandhi, (below) Dastur Hormazdiar N. Dastur of Pune, Laskari, Mogrelia and Kavarana Facing page: Members of the Madras Anjuman together with Federation representatives on the steps of the Jal PhiroJ Clubwala Dare Meher f? LASXAUI .. ! I7 can be sent ac ­ cordingly so that there is a redu ­ ction in the num ­ ber of rejec- Left to right: Mani Cluhwala with Zarin Mistry and Freny Byramshaw and with Dadi Mistry and Homai Modi likely to Yazd, Isfahan, Shiraz, Teh ­ ran and Hamadan. “This is still open to suggestion by the tour agent ” said Modi. “I will ask, ” said Modi, “but I don ’t (Friendly Tours is the official agent though think I will get an answer to that. They riiay other organizations are also known to be not want to state reasons. ” Aspi Irani said the Iranian Anjuman “I agree, ” said Modi, “but because of security reasons they want to decide. ” “Eruch ’s point is valid ” said Gandhi. “The Federation should get a quota. We want people to go who will make the Congress effective. It should not be only tions. ” those who can afford 39,(X)0 to 40,000 rupees who should go. ” “The anjumans will use their discre ­ tion, ” Modi noted and agreed to a sugges ­ tion that the Iranians should favourably would “try and help to vet applications. ” consider recommendations from the Fed ­ eration. When asked whether the limit of 1(X) to 125 delegates from India included accompanying spouses and children who may not at- tend the Congress, Modi ¦¦Oil 9 replied that she would seek clarification. ZTFE’s Rusi Dalal, while stating that the Congress would be “an eye opener, ” said there may be a problem for Zoroastrians from the UK and the USA in obtaining Iranian visas. He also felt it would be “dangerous ” for Iranian Zoroastrians residing abroad to go back to Iran. Dalal expected “around 25 delegates from England and a handful from Australia ” to attend the Congress. Modi clarified that the “quota limita ­ tions came Only yesterday (December 22, 1995).” So she did not have an opportunity two weeks in Iran as the Congress itself cording to her, the anjuman authorities in to seek further clarification on the subject, begins on a Wednesday and ends on a She said that Rohinton Rivetna, former president of the Federation of Zoroastrian Associations ofNorth America (FEZANA) later to June 19 to 22.) Thus a person would had mentioned that 30 to 40 delegates have to arrive the Friday prior to the hold- would come from the USA. Rusi Gae, former joint secretary to the Government of India Law Ministry, in ­ quired, “What are the norms for an appli- booking tours.) The delegates travelling by Iran Air would leave Bombay on June 14, 1996 ajd return on June 28, 1996. Registration fees which are $ 300 (Rs (It was proposed to hold a Federation 10,500) for adults and $ 150 (Rs 5,250) for meeting on the weekend or week days students have been reduced for delegates prior to the departure.)>The proceedings of the Congress will be in Farsi with simultaneous translation in English antf Rafsanjani “has gone out of his lUfaailf make the Congress a Air for the Bombay- success” from India and Pakistan to Rs 4,000 and Rs 2,000 respectively. The charges vice versa. The subjects to be covered aA; which are not refundable •Increase co-operation among the world include daily snacks and associations in order to preserve our cul- afternoon tea, said Modi, tural and religious heritage; promoting Registration forms should progress and improving the living condi- reach the concerned authorities before March 31, 1996 after which date ting the priests (mobeds); and allocation of the registration fees will special funds to send outstanding priests to be doubled. The cost of a regular air ticket on Iran tions of Zoroastrains (especially our youth). •Reinforcement of the schools for educa- well-known universities. •Promote religious education to the Zoro ­ astrian youth. •Make decisions on the future of Zoroas- Tehran-Bombay sector is Rs 23,000 to 24,0(X), said trians (especially our youth); including Modi. “We are trying for investments and the use of assets for future concessions (between 30 to 40 percent). ..we generations . are also trying for the pilgrimage fare. ” She noted that Iran Air flies every Friday to agreed to demography, ” being one of the Tehran thus delegates would have to spend subjects at the Congress, said Modi. Ac- The Congress authorities “had not Iran placed the Zoroastrian population in Saturday. (The Congress was originally that country at around 60 to 65,000 as slated for June 20 to 23 but was changed verses the census figure of around 90,0(X). Those who wish to present papers (maxi ­ mum time, 20 minutes) on the topics should ing of the Congress and leave the Friday send theirpapers or abstracts by March 31, after. Eruch Irani noted that Emirates 1996 to Dr Khoshrow Dabestani, general Airways also flies to Tehran though similar secretary. Sixth World Zoroastrian Con- discounts to Iran Air may not be offered. cation to be accepted? The applications Tours of Iran would be arranged most gress, Number 8 Zarthoshtian Street, Mirza Koochak Khan St, Jamhori Ave, Tehran I 58 Parsiana February-March 1996¦ 11316, Iran. Participants elected to speak at the Congress will not be charged regis ­ tration fees. The temperature in Iran is expected to be around 25 to 30 degrees Celsius. Women should wear loose clothing, long coats, a scarf and socks. The coat or dress should be below the knee. Women can speak and participate in the Congress. Mistry questioned if Iran “is the right place to hold the Congress. ” Seeing how the numbers of delegates was to be re ­ stricted, he asked, “How beneficial is it to the Zoroastrian in India? ” He also ques ­ tioned what the Congress would achieve. Modi replied that a congress gives an opportunity “for us to rub shoulders with our co-religionists. We will not achieve anything in Iran which we have not achieved in India. Whatever you achieve at any other congress you will achieve here and you also get to see your homeland. ” Aspi Irani said that by going to Iran will be helping Zoroastrians in Iran. ” Iranian President A. H. Rafsanjani “has gone out of his way to give a message to embassies all over the world (for issuance of visas). He is most anxious to make it a success. If you have any respect for your community go out of your way to help, ” noted Guzder. •we 59 Parsiana February-March 1996 I Oi I BM ¦ Modi described how she and Sethna were taken to eight to 10 Zoroastrian schools where Zoroastrian prayers are taught to the students. She noted that Iran had a Zoroastrian Council of Women and a Zoroastrian Council of Mobeds. “Here we have no council no head or tail. ” She said the meetings there worked “like clockwork... everyone spoke to the point. ” “Unlike here, ” quipped Gandhi. Pervez Irani, vice presi ­ dent of the Federation of Zoroastrian Youth Associa ­ ¦^r li ¦¦ j J. i J h t E' r 1 9 i^if Left to right: (top) Pervez Irani, Gae and Dandiwalla; (center) Farokh Irani, Eruch Irani; (below) Dalal and Aspi Irani r' tions (FOZYA), sai^ the Congress was a good excuse to visitTran. ” He said youths from Dahanu were also planning to book seats for the Congress through dje Iranian Zoroastrian Anjuman. Modi informed that a person was coming from Iran in the first week of January to prepare travel packages for the Congress. Youth festivals Dalal assured the delegates that the youth congress to be held in the UK would also differentiate between the fees charged to Zoroastrians from India and Pakistan as versus the rest of the world. He said FEZANA would not hold any all American meets in 1997 and requested India not to do so either. This would increase the partici ­ pation at the London meel. Dalal said he was “not worried about numbers. Ten or 20 is no problem. If its 40 or 50 we have to look at it in a different way. ” When asked whether married people could attend the Congress, he said certainly, “we are not a marriage bureau. ” The ZTFE would orga ­ nize trips in and around London, he stated. As regards the youth festivals in India, Pervez Irani said “Surat is struggling for the finance, ” to host the ninth all India Youth Festival in that Gujarat city. Eruch Irani said his Panchayat was ready to orga ­ nize an international youth festival in Poona if he were assured three lakh rupees. “If we raise enough, we will refund the three lakhs, ”hesaid. Pervez Irani then reiterated his commitment to host the tenth youth r ! I; i? Bf I in 1980 to 76,382 in 1990 was welcomed Irani, trustee of the PPP, asked about those . Gandhi said that they Parsis married to non-Parsis and urged the Federation “to take a decision. ” Gandhi noted that in the last meeting of the Federa- congress in Bombay and asked for funds. 1___ _ ________________ Rs 50,000. Mogrelia promised Rs 25,000 were 1 , „ . . - . • • r ---- — DDD “convince the government to give data. _ He said that the government told him that tion people tooj< ^objection to wha^ the Parsis were a small community and . Mistry promised to raise advertising worth by the delegates - -¦ • ----- trying to get more details and to . . ______ X " worth of advertising from Madras. BPP trustee Ms Silloo Kavarana pledged Rs 25,000. Hoshang Debara from Agra of- ------- fered Rs 3,000 from his anjuman. Aspi you should “get Irani offered Rs 10,000 from the Iranian Zoroastrian Anjuman. Guzder offered Rs 50,000 initially and then another Rs 50,000 offering . The purpose^ from a women <--------------------- said if the youth “were holding congresses for the next five years I will give one lakh every year and, in the event I die in the next five years, I will request BPP chief execu ­ tive Behram Laskari and Rusi Anklesaria In Bombay we will manage to request the amount from my children. ” ” ’ Anklesaria suggested that in the event of a shortfall the BPP could advance Rs 1,50,000 and if the youth collect the amount fore the Punchayet since required they could refund this amount to ' -^ **---* the BPP. Laskari suggested that the BPP should offer as much money as the youth could raise. Thus if the youth raise 75,000 the BPP would contribute another 75,000 if there was a shortfall. was printed in thsFedNewsletterregaiding the definition of Parsi Zoroastrian as stated uu/.uci nwtvu V..C.V _ ________________ _ in ihe judgement of the Bombay High power committee of workers was in the Court judges Frank Beaman and Dinshaw - • > was to take an all Daver. “Keep the sentiments of the older and children trust fund and India census ofParsis. They need to collect ^e^bers^o£the^ community in mind, PZASH trustee and former president of FOZYA Jehangir Bisney noted, “The cen ­ sus people didn ’t come to our house. ; but outside FOZYA could help you with the survey. ” Bombay you all will have to work. ” Pervez Irani said “many youth orga- J BPP, Guzder said 14 cases had come be- advised the delegates to get statistics of AvaKhullar had felt that amateurs may not Parsis married to non-Parsis. “Ours is a be suitable for.the job and retired census democratic community . People ask, ‘Why officials would be more effective as^sojne is it that the brother who marries out has his children considered Parsis while the sister cannot? ” he said. Gandhi countered by noting that the orthodox group also be ­ lieves 111 vijuaiiij vx vi.v, - --------- - ----- J . . J , the children ofboth men and women barred two weeks earlier, Pervez Irani listed the Guzder noted that the formation of a high was to take an all 10 lakh rupees, he said, adding “I have counselled Gandhi, personally decided to contribute three to four lakh rupees. We can raise the money, but where will we get dedicated workers? As regards the third child policy of the nizations have carried out surveys. In __________ Bombay, if the BPP helps, we can mobilize June 1993. He youths. ” Modi noted that demographer Ms Demography Sieves in equality of the sexes and wants I LtllJUJ llgUiV ------------------------ 1 1----------------------------------------- in the Parsi population from 71,630 from becoming Parsi Zoroastnans. Farokh The 1991 census figure which showed an increasei be suitable for.the job and retired census of the information to be collected was of a sensitive nature. In the absence of FOZY A president Porus Karanjawalla whose father had expired projects that FOZYA intended to under- With best compliments from TIME WATCH MAKERS Empress Mahal, Block-A Khodadad Circle Dadar TT Bombay 400014 Tel: 4143898/4141610 60 Parsiana February-March 1996 MARCKS AND co 97/103 Shetty House Opp Bombay University M. G. Road Bombay 400023 Tel: 270999/276412! I interested in helping us. They say "'Ke bapdadanu ayuch to ayuch, hoi tau hoi, nahi hoi tau nahi hoi [We have inherited .u ...... -___ __ _______ _____ '^and) from our forefathers. As long as crickeTmatch'in March. Delhi ’s Young Saplings are being nurtured for replantation it is destined to exist it will exist]. It is a Farohars had taken a tour of Gujarat and on the shore line but the problem is that very disheartening attitude. ” Among the actions the Save Udvada Com ­ mittee has considered for preventing fur ­ take. Among these was an all-India draw ­ ing competition, an all-India Mr and Ms Zoroastrian competiton along the lines of ther erosion of the coastline are afforesta- the Miss India Pageant and an all-India tion and building of walls, said Modi. tziiV*^*** —----- --------------- 1 • 1 Farohars had taken a tour of Gujarat and on the shore line but the problem is that Bombay, mentioned Gandhi. In Bombay villagers may start cutting the trees for they were hosted by Guzder at the Parukh firewood, she noted. “Security over a very Dharamshalla. Mistry recalled that Delhi large area is required] ’ said Modi. “We are had hosted 30 youth from the BPP Holiday trying to involve the villagers in our ef- Youth Program and among those who ad- forts. ” The other precaution is to build six- dressed the youth was noted lawyer foot walls — three feet above and three Rohinton Nariman who spoke on the sig- f --------- ----- -------- — nificance of the kusti prayers. Thanking be hollow from inside, and rounded, will Delhi for the “services, hospitality and last for several years and will have to be sight seeing, ” Anklesaria lamented that replaced in due time. Two or three walls though Bombay has a lot of youth activi ­ ties there “is no coodination, no central authority. ” He felt even a part time person -------------- could perform the function of coordinating given in stages. “This is only a temporary Gandhi pointed out that of the last four youth activities. The name of Ms Yasmin solution. Every time a wall goes down meetings held in the south the attendance ” ¦ ’ - was between 10 to 11 anjumans at each meeting. “We have not done badly, ” said Gandhi. The meeting being held over the whether tetrapods would work, she replied Christmas weekend may also have affected in the negative, noting that one needed a deep fall in the shore line as at Bombay ’s Mogrelia stated he was “disappointed ” at the poor turn out for the Madras meet: “If we are spending money to go to other cities for the Federation meeting, others should reciprocate. ” He noted the preparations, feet below the sand. The walls which will pains and expenses incurred by the anjuman to host a successful meeting. Commenting on the “slow implementation ” of the Fed ­ eration projects ” Debara noted, “At the are to be erected in the first phase said beginning people attend from enthusiasm. Modi. Funds are expected from the gov- Now there is a lack of attendance. Why are ernment in three to four months and will be members not attending the meeting? ” ~ ” I solution. Every time a wall goes down Charna who helped organize the youth another wall has to be put up. The congress on behalf of the Damanias in Ahmednagar in November 1994 was suggested as one who had the potential to assume the role. An inter-city youth meet in the negative, noting that one needed a the attendence, he noted. In response to between Madras and Secunderabad was deep fall in the shore line as at Bombay ’s suggestions from members Gandhi agreed mooted by Mogrelia and agreed to by Marine Drive; otherwise the tetrapods to write to anjumans asking them why they Disney. The Madras Anjuman would would be washed away. Modi bemoaned were n6t attentftng the Federation meeting contribute for the train fare, said Mogrelia. that “some of the local Zoroastrians are not and to please do so. community cannot afford this kind of ex ­ pense, ” she noted. In regard to a query would be washed away. Modi bemoaned that “some of the local Zoroastrians are not 4^ * With Best Compliments From PENOSH 94-A, M. G. Road, Pune 411001 Tel: 645162-65 Fax: 645166 Telex: 145-7418 62 Parsiana February-March 1996 ? ¦Gandhi also voiced his disapproval at the limited number of nominations received for the Federation awards for 1994-95. “Only two nominations have been received president of the Federation ’s south zone. Dittia and the anjuman trustees have been at odds for sometime with the anjuman ~ . ...................." •• i to Rohinton Rivetna will be as an indi- referring to the controversy between vidual... why promote another world PZASH and its former president and ex vice body? ” he asked. Gandhi countered that what Golwalla had said was “without consulting the Fed ­ eration ” and the all-India body was not bound by his statement. Gandhi also as­ sured the members that before the Federa ­ tion accepts any drafts, the whole body would deliberate on it. Clubwala and Mistry, however, alleged that from the manner in which Gandhi mise that was not acceptable to the spoke, “I have done this, this I am going to anjuman ” said Mogrelia. “The anjuman - ‘ — feels strongly on the subject. We have to Dittia is justified or not, ” said Gandhi for sports. The anjumans are not doing their jobs. There must be many illustrious youth. We should not go by just these objecting to his continued attendance at nominations. ’ Federation meetings as a special invitee. Gandhi said efforts have been made to arrive at a compromise but there seemed no “motivation ” to compromise on either side. “Dittia offered a conditional compro- Individual aqjumans In other anjuman news Agra ’s request that a board be put at the Delhi Dharamshalla stating that Parsis could reside at the Agra Dharamshalla while visiting the historical city was conceded to by Mistry after Fed ­ eration members pleaded with the DPA representative to put up such a notice in the dining hall. Mistry said he would convey the message to his co-trustees. Debara complained that Parsis only took a one day bus tour to Agra and that many of them are not aware of the dharamshalla and its facilities. He noted that the anjuman was pondence and decide on a line of action, spending Rs 16,000 every year, over and above the Rs 7,400 income from travellers, for the maintainance of the dharamshalla. Capt Homi Dandiwalla, president of for a world ^body of Federations with a rotating presidency between India, Iran and the USA. He said that one meeting of meeting were: Hoshang Debara from Agra; the world body each year would be held in Capt Homi Dandiwalla from Allahabad; India. He gave further details, adding that Jal Irani from Bhavnagar*Jamshed Guzder, these were his personal views and were Ms Silloo Kavarana, Behram Laskari, only the basis for discussion. Clubwala Rustom Anklesaria and Ms Homai Modi^ “objected ” to Gandhi ’s efforts to form a from Bombay; Darius Marshall from parallel body and said this should not be Calicut; Dadi Mistry, Keki Gandhi and brought up in the Federation meeting. “We Rustom Gae from Delhi; Aspi Irani and already have a world body. ” Gandhi re- send, ” it meant “as if the Federation has agreed. ” Mistry said the matter was of decide one way or the other. Gandhi said great importance and should have been raised that anjuman should write to the Federa ­ tion giving their reasons for wanting to bar Dittia from the Federation. Their letter would then be passed on to Dittia who creating a “hallal (quarrel) ” everytime would then submit his written reply. The the subject of the world body came up and Federation could then study the corres- 1 „ . earlier in the meeting. “Is the Federation democratic or autocratic? ” asked Mistry. Gandhi accused Clubwala and Mistry picking up his papers left the main table. It was left to Guzder to thank the host for the hospitality extended to which Mogrelia replied, tongue in cheek, “Thank you very In the closing minutes of the meeting on December 24, Gandhi said he had written to Rivetna regarding the proposed structure much for coming in such large numbers. ” the Allahabad anjuman, noted that as interest rates were down, the anjuman would have to resort to cost cutting. He was going to suggest to his members to hold meetings at each other ’s residence to cut down on the expense of hiring a hall. Eruch Irani said that the PPP had “stopped talking and started working, un ­ like in the past. ” The “very, very active ” PPP had started a newsletter to communi- already have a world body. ” Gandhi re- Pervez Irani from the Iranian Zoroastrian cate with the community. The doongerwadi torted that FEZANA has sent drafts to Anjuman; Nariman Mogrelia, Ms Mani land had been demarcated and no en- individuals for comment. He had only Clubwala and Ms Zarine Mistry from croachment has taken place todate. Fen- offered his suggestions. Clubwala stated Madras; Farokh Irani, Eruch Irani and cing and a gate had been installed on part that former Federation and BPP chairman Hormazdiar Dastur from Poona and of the property. Thdse attending the executive ciuncil “We are not here to debate who is right or wrong or whether the request of Bezon individuals for comment. He had only offered his suggestions. Clubwala stated that former Federation and BPP chairman Dr Aspi Golwalla had said at the fourth Jehangir Bisney from Secunderabad. Rusi world congress inauguration that no para- Dalal of the Zoroastrian Trust Funds of llel world body would be created. Mistry Europe was a special invitee. The press clarified that “whatever you (Gandhi) write was represented Jjy Parsiana. Always remember TATA BATA n KHAMBATA Ketayun & Bomi 22/A, Wellington Terrace Wellington Street, Bombay 400002 Tel No: 2069636, 2057242 Pager No: 9602-104007 MATRIMONIAL Alliance invited for a 28-year-old lady, well-educated, of pleasing personality, mature and independent by nature, working for a foreign multinational, interested in outdoor sports and activities, from well-accomplished, good-natured, Zoroastrian gentlemen from India or abroad. The Advertiser Parsiana, Matrimonial (Feb-Mar/5-96)* GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 ‘Please make sure the reply envelope bears the referencenumber cited here. MATRIMONIAL Alliance invited from well-to-do and professionally qualified boys, up to 37 years for our good-looking, professionally qualified and working daughter, 5’7”, aged 30. Reply with photograph (returnable) to: The Advertiser Parsiana, Matrimonial (Feb-Mar/6-96)* GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 ‘Please make sure the reply envelope bears the referencenumber cited here. j 64 Parsiana February-March 1996i r POLITICS AND POLICY BPP trustee Rustom Tirandaz aims at reviving the community ’s Zoroastrian ethos Arnavaz S. Mama I W I'm a man in a hurry // “They slouched; they offered their hand software experts. ” The problem, as he sees (for a handshake) as though they ’re afraid you ’d rape them! ” Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) trustee and municipal councillor Rustom Tirandaz “because the spirit of the top Parsis is dead, was i from among the 25 youths, several MScs their promotions. That is why the Central and PhDs among them, whom he had met prior to this interview with Parsiana. He singled out a girl who “held herself high ” and another youth whose grip spelt self ­ confidence. These two will go places, he predicted. And the rest? “If we don ’t start developing human resources in the com ­ munity, we ’ll be swept under the rug in the 21st century, ” he responds. Public speaking and personal development courses in the BPP is Tirandaz ’s answer to help our so-called educated youth who “can ’t make a 10-sentence speech in front of five people. ” As the grizzled corporator sees it, Parsi abilities “haven ’t nose ­ dived. We ’ve been brain-washed into believing they have. ” Out of 1(X) outstanding lawyers 15 to 20 are Parsis. Of 100 doctors at least two or three outstanding ones are Parsis, he notes. “We are producing hardware experts. suiiwaic cApcii5>. 1 lie piuuiciii, aa iic Indisi like the late Therinax chairman it is that “the community is no longer pulling Rohinton Aga (“such a fantastic brain, (atopportunities) and pushing (at obstacles) class by himself in international econo-' together. ” Indifference has set in, he says, - - - mics ”), Russi Mody (who “ran TISCO for 20 years without labor problems ”) and impressed by only two handshakes They are thinking only of themselves and others who have not been “used by the ¦ community, ” Tirandaz says, “I refuse to believe any great leader wouldn ’t like to leave hi^amp behind. ” According to his analysis/ The community ’s affairs have Bank of India is now a South Indian insti ­ tution. They (Parsis in high places) must have the courage to say ‘Employ him, he ’s ? my friend. ’ The spirit of pulling and push- ' become self-perpetuating since persons in ing together must be revived. ” Referring to Zoroastrian individuals power remain in power till they die or fade away. Therefore the community is not able who have dominated cosmopolitan life in j to get the best people during their prime/> iKfV According to Tirandaz, a good leader is one who surrounds himself with superior and better people, is accessible to the flock and makes sure that only what is in the best interest of the flock is implemented. Such a man ‘‘has the courage and conviction to take hard decisions without giv­ ing in to vested interests or sentimental attachments to the past. ” And, the democrat elaborates, a good leader ’s de ­ cisions ensure “the maximum With Armaity and sons Darayus and Faredoon 66 Parsiana February-March 1996benefit to the largest number of people, for ties. “Dadi Engineer, Dinshaw Mehta, the longest duration of time. ” Moreover if Rustom Tirandaz can ’t go running from you take such decisions you are accepted pillar to post. We must create local leader- within the community and without, he adds. “The community will throw up its own leaders, ” he predicts, citing the example of hood needs to be bailed out of trouble, the late Rajiv Gandhi: “Who expected an “We have stopped functioning collec- airline pilot to be one of India ’s greatest lively as a community, lost our camarade- leaders? ” Crediting the late prime minister ....................... with being a “very democratic person ” who created leaders within his party and outside it, Tirandaz recalled that Gandhi had had the courage to do some very plain lose, ” he reminds us. speaking during the Congress centenary function which was one of the first major public events of his term. “He had said that the Congressman has become a ‘dalal, ’ which needs to change. He said we need to rid ourselves of this ‘agency business. ’” According to Tirandaz, this was in stark contrast to Jawaharlal Nehru ’s style of auspices, to count “every single Parsi in functioning: “Towering as he (Nehru) was, he castrated his colleagues and they re ­ mained in opposition. ” The effort to get the Punchayet and the community together was kicked off on March 3, 1996 with an invitation to the ghambar atDadar ’s Parsi Colony, Tirandaz community for a guided tour ofDoonger- wadi. The idea was to acquaint the com ­ munity with the extent of the estate and seek its help to stave off the creeping encroachments. Tirandaz is seeking vol ­ unteers for new anti-encroachment sub ­ committees which would then, hopefully, keep tabs on various community proper ­ housing and there is much in the BPP’s way of tackling this issue that Tirandaz would like to change. Referring to the ship, ” acquaint them with procedures when 2,400 applicants still on the waiting list there is an accident, a dead body to be Tirandaz says, “If they had any spirit of disposed of, when anyone in the neighbor- enterprise, they ’d go to the HDFC (Housing Development Finance Corporation). ” But there is nobody, no institution to guide them or give them financial support. De ­ spite the existence of the Zoroastrian Co ­ called quality folk from “hapenny-tuppeny operative Bank, of the BPP’s own funds, a “We have stopped functioning collec- rie ” in the snobbery that differentiates so- i. 11^ i caiieu quality lUlMIUIIl liapcimy-iuppcny upciauvt Jjaiin., U1 uiv m 1 ? UVJII luiluo, « Si Parsis, ” says Tirandaz. “But the rich people system of guarantees for venture capital 1 • and the well-to-do have the maximum to has never been explored to help the community find and fund its own accom ­ modation, he says, adding, “It ’s a shame Once the ball starts rolling atDoonger- wadi, Tirandaz hopes that the community that the BPP can ’t have funds but Dinshaw will come forward to take its own census Tamboly can get crores ” to implement the under the BPP’s aegis. Acknowledging WZO’s self-employment project. The case that his attempt to do so on his own “got no more than 1,000 responses, ” he accepts the need to try once more, under Punchayet peculiarities of the community ’s housing problems. (A young man of limited means was promised a Godrej Baug flat if he could find a bride. When he did, she turned of “the man who was crying because he had a wealthy girlfriend ” highlights the the world. ” For Tirandaz says, “I don ’t believe in approximations. Approxima ­ tions have been used against us. ” Hoping out to be the only child of fairly affluent that an announcement of the BPP’s census can be made at the Jamshedi Navroze parents with substantial accommodation. On realizing this, the Punchayet withdrew its offer of the flat. The girl ’s parents however refused to house their daughter and son-in-law ^fter marriage. In the Punchayet boardroom for the' initial V K J i. I i A charged moment at the scrutineers ’ table on October 14, 1995 (L to R) Rusi Bhumgara, Rustom Hormuzdiar, contenders Tirandaz (winner) and Kersi Limathwalla and Perin Adrianwalla With fellow contenders Dadi Engineer (winner) and Viraf Kapadia on July 8, 1995 notes that the envisaged data would in ­ clude name, sex, date of birth, educational qualifications, blood group, address, tele ­ phone number and whether self-employed interview appointment in Fel^ruary 1996, or salaried. People have already contri ­ buted money for the forms, etc, he informs. So far Tirandaz says his fellow trustees attempt to seek the intercession of Tirandaz have been “very happy, have let me have my way. ” Anticipations of conflict bet ­ ween proved baseless and the two trustees have been working in tandem. They go together in coordination with the N. M. Wadia to scout for land for new residential colo ­ nies. BPP chairman Jamshed Guzder and trustee Ms Silloo Kavarana join them on weekends, he notes. The community ’s obsession has been Parsiana was witness to the anguished groom-to-be and his mothers ’ last ditch and Mehta with the wedding barely a fortnight away. On Mehta ’s re- him and Mehta have so far been commendation the boy agreed to live in the sanatoria for about a year until the BPP, charities could find a flat for him and his bride.) According to Tirandaz there were about 300 vacant flats of which 150 were avail ­ able to the BPP for allotment when he was 69 Parsiana February-March 1996 r f ¦ L B *3 4 elected on October 14, 1995. In the two- and-a-half months since then, 100 have been allotted, “since my election created awareness and therefore a sense of guilt that we could have 200 babies by now. ” There are plans, he says, to create funds Godfather, adding, “People who can give i the high land cost which, if it had taken into consideration, would have helped raise monies to help others who had no re ­ sources... Behind every great fortune is a Engineer he had made a public declaration crime, ’ Tirandaz quotes Mario Puzo ’s that he would contest every succeeding _ ‘ election until he was elected or the system from the remaining flats to acquire land large amounts for housing are those who of adult franchise was adopted by the BPP. and/orready buildings for community hous- have black money. Now he views universal adult franchise as “I don ’t consider that a man who comes a means of interesting the common man in Another reform of the housing allot- to ask for a flat is asking for charity. It ’s his the affairs of the community. Kindling _____ enthusiasm in the community, he - considers the first phase of his f; program of rejuvenation. The next one could be the revival of the Punchayet ’s ancient function i as community arbitrator. Al- i ready. Engineer has arranged for advocates to review pending lit- igation. An effort is underway [ to “decide one way or the other ” | and settle the disputes that were i “unnecessarily put on the back- ’ burner ” for the past 15-20 years. ¦* In the meantime the man with | the ready tongue and loud voice t (the heavy wooden doors that I modest chap. I told them ‘I’ll be a mill ­ stone round your neck since I’m not going to give up!When he lost to solicitor Dadi crime, ” Tirandaz quotes Mario Puzo ’s ¦f L ment system that Tirandaz is pushing for, is a homogenized, monolithic waiting list instead of the competing lists main ­ tained by the BPP, the Wadia have black money. “I don ’t consider that a man who comes to ask for a flat is asking for charity. It ’s his i. k “It’s a shame that the BPP can’t have funds but Dinshaw Tamboly can get crores” Trusts, the Rayomand Commi ­ ttee, etc. He is hopeful of ac ­ commodating them all by 2001! Nor does the businessman/ exporter approve of the community ’s penchant for selling real estate. “God made land and he stopped making land. God made people and people continued to make people, ” is Tirandaz ’s descrip ­ tion of the housing problem. “Whenever right. It ’s the duty of the state government there is encroachment, the attitude is to (to provide) but if the BPP calls itself the sell the property. My belief is that property ‘apex body ’ it has the responsibility to should not be sold. If (architecitj Noshir house community members who don ’t have have replaced the swinging half doors on I the Punchayet ’s board room are largely due to his presence, he smiles unabashed) *' says he continues to be the “s^piormost ” Talati can get buyers, the BPP can do so — housing. ” member of the Bombay Municipal Corpo- and keep the profits, ” he says, alluding to Tirandaz has no reservation regarding ration (BMC) and the only one without a the recent transfer of a plot at Khareghat the movement of atash padshahs from the backward class certificate in line for the Colony to developer Talati for Rs 11 crores older localities with diminishing popula- mayoralty. “Because of me they are setting for the construction of ownership flats for tion to areas where the community has out a new building repair policy, ” he claims Parsis. now moved like the farther suburbs — and banters, “I will try and get a ticket for The man who describes himself as a F .............. . ~ . - -¦ “custodian of the 300-year-old hopes and been quashed through legal action by small aspiration ofthe Bombay Parsi Punchayet ” groups of beneficiaries perhaps because and wants to bring to it “management by objectives; ” rues the ad hoc and antiquated systems that prevail at that august body, state ofdecrepitude to which some agiaries and his wife Armaity, a trained phsio- the lack of amenities that should be basic have succumbed. As he sees it, the “agiaries therapist who works at the Jai Vakeel now to institutions of standing like a fax were built by community lovers ” but suc- machine or a modem to link the BPP ceeding generations of those families have computer to the international information highway. “There is not even a fridge! ” he laughs. Referring to Mahatma Gandhi ’s phi- stalls on agiary properties in the Fort area. At the inception of his trusteeship term losophy — strengthen the weakest link and to prove his point. One young entrepreneur when Tirandaz was introduced to the you strengthen the whole chain —Tirandaz known to him has offered to organize help Punchayet staff one of them challenged: “Would you be able to differentiate bet ­ ween crocodile tears and real tears? ” He Tirandaz has no reservation regarding older localities with diminishing popula ­ tion to areas where the community has now moved like the farther suburbs — Borivli and beyond. Such movements have ?¦ in,a * Parliament. After all, my name is not in the ; ‘hawala ’ list. A weight-lifting champion of Bombay University during his years as a science c. the community was not taken into confi ­ dence, he reasons. But he is averse to the undergraduate at Ruia College, Tirandaz state of decrepitude to which some agiaries School for children in need of special care, have two sons — FaredSon and Darayus used their position on the governing trusts (their eldest, Behram, succumbed tragi- as a source of patronage. He cites instances cally to rabies in 1993) — and Bruce, BP where smugglers have built permanent (Bombay pariah)! stalls on agiary properties in the Fort area. believes that “the community needs to be to the tune of one lakh rupees every year taken into confidence... It is a matter of for any agiary that needs repair. “Eva to great shame, at least to me, that people ketlamalse (You will find many more such have to come begging and pleading and volunteers) ” if the community bigwigs showing their worst since the BPP has only given and never allowed people to gener ­ ate assets for themselves — their time, energy, resources versus the BPP’s bank guarantees... The BPP has built on ances ­ tral lands and handed over properties to tenants and cooperatives, not considering 70 Parsiana February-March 1996 i- says he told his querist, “My mission here i is to eliminate real tears and crocodile tears. ” Amplifying that statement the opti ­ mist claims, “The trustees say they are the welcome community involvement in their affairs, he adds. Former BPP trustee Dr (Ms) Nelie Noble apex body. Even if one Parsi is disgruntled, and some others had urged him to contest for Punchayet trusteeship nearly 15 years it...rmamaninahurrylwanttoimplement ago, recalls Tirandaz. “In spite of my tremendous ego, I thought of myself as a it ’s the job of the seven trustees to redress my projects in seven years and get out so a younger man can come in... ”POLITICS AND POLICY Awareness at Doongerwadi Preventing creeping encroachments at Doongerwadi and elsewhere requires the community ’s active vigilance Arnavaz S. Mama 'V It could have been a paidust. Except that House slum dwellers had been known to the cortege of about 250 Zoroastrians took trespass and, comparatively recently, when a different route and was not so well disci ­ plined. Was this the avant garde of the pukka pedestrian link between Doonger- community ’s movers and shakers answer ­ ing the Punchayet ’s call? “It is our moral duty to save Doongerwadi from erosion and encroachment. Think and consider pavilion adjoining the AlblessBungli, BPP what you can do for the community, ” urged the invitation in Jam-e-Jamshed (February 25,1996) announcing “Doonger- preserving the assets we have. ” According Engineer, Mehta and Rustom Tirandaz wadi Awareness Day ” on March 3, 1996. to Engineer, not only was a certain group Lest people got carried away, a footnote ofpersons living on the property in a pukka added, “No one shall be allowed to enter house with phone and TV but had a vehicle table with microphones. The fact that there the dokhmas. ” repair workshop. Engineer described the was no funeral at the Doongerwadi that Encroachment of Zoroastrian proper- occasion when the trustees had visited the morning was interpreted by Tirandaz as ties has been an oft repeated plaint. Each site in the course of an earlier trip round the meeting of the Federation of Parsi Zoroas- premises, building up to the denouement: The Doongerwadi-Godrej Baug pathway trian Anjumans of India ’s executive coun- “When trustee Dinshaw Mehta got excited skirts this non-BPP construction (left) cil has recorded the woes of mofussil (Engineer told the listeners) a woman Among the trees, on the slope between anjumans. On occasion, the Bombay Parsi emerged to lecture him ‘Aye tau hamaru Spenta and Khareghat Colony, stands this expanding hut allegedly occupied by a kharwa family had pleaded to come in, as per your sugar- in-the-milk story. Do you remember?) ”’ the contractor charged with constructing a Engineer had made his point: the audience gaped and gasped at the unexpected turn to wadi and Godrej Baug had been allegedly its favorite legend! harassed by such elements. The morning began with Dadar Parsi As the community congregated in the Colony stalwart Ms Mithoo Jesia calling the meeting to order at 9.45 a.m. and trustee Dadi Engineer revealed that he was humbandagi led byt Ervad Jal Kooka (ex “bewildered by the fact that we ’re not Hong Kong). Trustees Ms Silloo Kavarana, and BPP chief executive Behrlmi Laskari faced the audience across a sheet bedecked i repair workshop. Engineer described the occasion when the trustees had visited the site in the course of an earlier trip round the premises, building up to the denouement: “When trustee Dinshaw Mehta got excited Punchayet (BPP) has conceded its own che. Tame tau doodhma sakar nakhi ne problems at Doongerwadi where the Simla avela. Yaad chel (This is our land. You I 73 Parsiana February-March 1996 B >I God ’s tacit compliance with his idea that the community must be acquainted with the developments that are occurring on or threatening its properties. Alleged en ­ croachment at the Towers were only a case in point. “Properties were donated for the Parsi downtrodden, ” he declared, adding, “When there is encroachment, it takes the fortune of a lifetime to remove. ” The list of encroached properties that he reeled off included the BPP’s Khareghat Colony- Spenta area, the Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy Trust ’s property at Kandivli-Borivli, Wadia Then one sold out to a brothel keeper. The Trust property at Santa Cruz... “These properties could accommodate half the people on the BPP’s waiting list. The F. E. Dinshaw Trust has a single Zoroastrian trustee who has inducted a Mr Raheja on the Trust as though there were no Parsis And then the young man saw himself in a Shanmukananda Hall (at Sion). Visualize available...The Zoroastrian Co-operative mirror and committed suicide. “Such was the two together, ” Tirandaz suggested gran- Bank was conspicuous in having more non-Parsi patrons, ” he added tartly. (The that the case was registered as a suicide Bank lends to those who approach it and only. ” There was no reference to the acid ­ meet the lending criteria — Editor.) According to Tirandaz, “Trustees were afraid (to confront the encroachers) or for tragedy, other reasons looked the other way. ” (Ac­ cording to Punchayet scources, the BPP has filed legal charges against all Doongerwadi flats. Engineer is said to have instituted a Doongerwadi a ’Fid Godrej Baug) where and Spenta/Khareghat Colony encroach- group of legal assistants to review the several BPP personnel reside, may perhaps ers — Editor.) Now it was time for the innumerable petitions pending in the courts, community to help itself, by being vigi ­ lant; the courts were already too over ­ burdened to provide relief to litigating Parsis, he contended. That the pursuit of individual gain has had repercussions on the community at many levels was exemplified by a case history: A Parsi girl who had met Mehta and Tirandaz at the BPP in search of a flat had recounted that her family could no longer continue at their Foras Road flat. In an area now synonymous with commer ­ cialization of sex, there had been origi ­ nally 16 Parsi families in the building. “When there is encroachment, it takes the fortune of a lifetime to remove ” are latter then cajoled and threatened other tenants — all except two — into leaving. The other family comprised a man and his young son. One day the youth was seared with acid. It was a long, painful recovery. tage. The obverse of this policy is to create vigilance committees in each colony to prevent unauthorized inductions/encro- achments. Spearheading the movement the residents of Godrej Baug whose spokespersons Manek Dastoor and Ms Shiraz Gotla volunteered to look after Doongerwadi as well as Godrej Baug. “We ’ll do all that ’s possible to see that there is no further encroachment on lands still left. We ’ll act as watchdogs, ” de ­ clared Gotla. Many more such groups may be required, implied the trustees. A project that Tirandaz is rooting for is the Mazdayasnan Cultural Center with carparking, auditorium (and swimming pool?) in Bombay. “Think of the Y. B. Chavan Centre (at Backbay) and the the brothel keeper ’s clout with the police diosely! Cost estimates were elastic rang ­ ing from a few lakhs to a couple of crores; the location was also a matter of some throwing, Tirandaz noted, emphasizing conjecture. The Doongerwadi grounds are the frustration of those who survived the legally off limits for any except obsequial requirements and hence may only be used to accommodate mobeds and khandhias. Referring to the BPP’s legal attempts to regain hijacked properties, especially But the Amba Wadi area (adjacent to. pressing those where necessary or expedi ­ ent and settling others to mutual advan- be more promising for the project. The group that started tne tour like a Roman phalanx gradually disintegrated Hr” ft r isl t 4 * a* "i pi - 74 Parsiana February-March 1996 Breaches in the BPP property's outer wall (left) adjacent to the Hanging Gardens and inner wall (above) into clutches of stragglers. There were not enough informed guides to lead the way. Some of us saw that a resident of Grand Paradi had allegedly taken over the BPP area behind his wall to create an extended garden. At another location the newly built footpath had taken an obsequious detour to avoid treading on allegedly encroached land!! Though most people instinctively i. .1iir thinking, ” their minds are “in a groove. ” “If our numbers don ’t increase, whatever we make or do will have little significance ” And, whatever the Punchayet does, “i does very slowly, ” noted Engineer who said the board now wants “to form sub ­ committees, delegate, decentralize the BPP.” Seizing the opportunity of a receptive, cooperative audience. Engineer referred ¦¦ r t I to certain community behavior that has V; adhered to the trustees ’ repeated exhorta ­ tions before, during and after the excursion to maintain a dignified peace, aggressive ­ ness on the part of some community mem ­ bers who insisted on trespassing on the trespassers raised qualms. Journalist Sarosh Bana noted a “rallying around of (the alleged) encroachers . It is likely that they ’ Il try to strengthen their position. ” Punchayet sources subsequently reported murmurings among (the alleged) encroachers that if the Parsis can summon 300, they could field Godrej ’s signal help in land development, 3,000. roads and infrastructure of the property — The projected Godrej Baug Agiary ’s when the Punchayet ’s coffers were bare — slow motion construction is marking time until someone, somewhere, agrees to do ­ nate a fire to enthrone therein. According to current gossip, it is likely to be one of the two fires from Lonavla ’s Adenwalla Dare Meher. (The Adenwalla Agiary ’s manag ­ ing trustee Cowasji Dinshaw denied this — Editor.) Some of the community ’s queries - and the answers they evoked — seemed almost out of a Zoroastrian Alice in Wonderland. “Does Godrej Baug belong to Godrej? ” asked one. “Oh no! Godrej built only these two buildings and demanded that the place members of the Indian cricket team were be called Godrej Baug. ” Considering that Parsis ”) and suggested that one lakh rupees the response came from a trustee, it was al ¦ ¦ - matter of distress that the late Naoroji sports in the colonies, Bombay Parsee Asso- consistently riled the Punchayet: Why are there two — feuding — associations in each baug? Why do people avoid paying even so little as 50 paise per month towards the cost of colony security, making ex ­ cuses whenever the designated collector comes to the door? Ms Rati Peer recalled meetings spon- Chindhy INDUSTRIAL Su DECORATIVE PAINTERS 4-, East Street, Camp Pune <41 1 OO1 Phone: BBSS'?4 Res: B3SO27 Fax: BBOO1 2 was so brazenly swept under the carpet. “If our numbers don ’t increase, what ­ ever we make or do will have little signifi ­ cance, ” opined plant biologist Dr Ardeshir sored by the erstwhile Sanj Vartamm Damania. Having lived for many years in where Parsis could get the information Syria, working on the UN’s Agriculture in they required. “Nowadays people run from Arid Areas project, Damania noted that pillar to post because they don ’t know Armenians there had maintained their com ­ munity identity despite their minority sta ­ tus. When Engineer bemoaned the designate one or two persons to sit in community ’s lack of sportsmen/athletes particular spots in each colony from whom of national standing (“At one time four community members can seek help and; ... ..... guidance. She also dilated on the 90-year- old Cama Convalescent Homes at Band] be earmarked from ]^P funds to promote Stand, Bandra, where genefation.s ofParsis had holidayed and recuperated and were now, lamentably, lying dilapidated andl closed. Tirandaz, who had been the prime mover of the “Awareness Day, ” paid tribute to J two stalwarts the community had recently! lost — industrialist Rohinton Aga and! politician/social worker Ms Aloo Chibber. j As he urged the gathering to stand in a| minute ’s silent remembrance of them,! members of the audience reminded the] trustees of other outstanding Zoroastriani the achievers who had dominated their respec-l tive cosmopolitan Jields of endeavor —I The suggestion recalled Engineer ’s elec- legal luminary Hormusji Seervai, banker! toral proposal to invite the trustees of Manek Goiporia, and art historian and! various Zoroastrian trusts to dovetail their activities with the Punchayet ’s, seek cy i iranoaz aiso usea tne opportunity to ap-j pres dispensation from the High Court predate the quiet efforts of co-trusted where possible to divert funds for projects Kavarana: “She does more work for thd ofcontemporary urgency. The idea, mooted Zoroastrian community than all the trust! by many an earlier trustee, had flopped: ees put together. She ’s not a jawbone but J trustees of private trusts preferred to guard backbone. ” 1 theirfiefdoms.Engineernowreportedfrom Ere the meeting disbanded, Tirandaa personal experience: “Many trustees are assured the gathering that there was neithiJ competition among trustees nor competi] tion between the trustees and the commu] where to go for admission to the AvabaiB Petit School or for sanatoria bookings, ” It she noted in Gujarati, urging the trustees toB 76 Parsiana February-March 1996 ciation president Vispi Dastur informed, “For the last few decades FOZAWAC (Federation of Zoroastrian Associations for Welfare and Culture) had been regu ­ larly conducting athletics, billiards, table tennis competitions and providing aca ­ demic and cultural help. The foundation is there; it needs funds. (However) Parsi girls and boys sit glued to the TV... We have the Parsi Gymkhana, ” Dastur noted, propos ­ ing the need for the institutions to get together with the BPP to build on existing infrastructure. criminal counsel Karl KhandalawalaJ Tirandaz also used the opportunity to Ere the meeting disbanded, Tirandi old fashioned. (They) won ’t do anything, won ’t allow others to do so. The trustees (of private trusts) don ’t cooperate. ” The nity. “We have come here today to discuss^ Punchayet itself emerged with a more posi- not to debate. .. The quality of good leaderl tive assessment: “We have an absolutely ship is that it makes no claims to superiorl honest staff, people of principle. ” On the ity (but has) the ability to surround itseli debit side, “they ’re used to acertain type of with giants in their respective fields... ” jCOMMENT Winning over the king Manekii Hataria ’s words and deportment enlightened Shah Naseruddin Qajar on Zoroastrianism Capt Hormazdiar J. M. Desai ....................... after waiting till about 3 p.m. he alone was And his sweet reasonableness seduced all summoned. After making his obeisance who came in contact with him. ...................... several times, Manekji stood at a distance of about 20 steps from the king. — " , His Majesty exclaimed, “Is this Manekji had excellent relations with Sir Manekji? ’’ • Henry Rawlinson, British ambassador to Manekji bowed low and said Yes. Lam III ivvv.... «.o. . _______ Iran and well-known explorer, author and the one who is always wilhng to sacnfice Maiestv Shah Naseruddin Qajar of traveller. Through the good offices of Sir L ckohkaa J y j Henry, an audience with Shah Naseruddin Majesty s feet. At this stage, ±e Shah had respectfully and lovingly called by the Qajar was arranged. Manekji was asked to Zoroastrians of Iran. In this interview ---------------------------- -— between the two, Manekji explains | ‘ While reading a booklet published by the Iran League entitled Hataria, the Parsi Missionary to Iran, containing excellent articles by the late Mr G. K. Nariman (in English) and by the then secretary of the First audience Iran League, Mr Kaikhushru A. Fitter (in Gujarati), I came across a unique conver ­ sation piece in Farsi — Persian — between His ] , , ' - — • Iran and ‘Manekji Saheb ’ as Hataria was to His Majesty some basic funda ­ mentals of the religion of Zara- thushtra. On March 31, 1854, when Manekji was 41 years old, he went to Iran and toured the country exten ­ sively. He fully familiarized himself with the sad plight of the Zoroastri ­ ans of Iran — particularly of Yazd and Kerman; the tyrannies to which they were subjected, the maltreat ­ ment from corrupt j azia tax collecting authorities, the discriminatory and humiliating circumstances in which they were compelled to live. He returned to India in 1863 and reported to the Parsi leaders the sorry state of the Zoroastrians in Iran and the need to ameliorate their lot. Manekji ’s objectives were the total abolition of the obnoxious j azia tax and to finally remove all dis ­ crimination against the community. To achieve these laudable aims, he worked with a missionary zeal and the tact and diplomacy befitting an elder statesman. He established contacts with people who mattered in court circles, made respectful submissions and repre ­ sentations and, keeping his goal always present himsdf in court wiA the petition before him, with great patience and perse ­ verance ultimately succeeded in his objec ­ tives. He would give the ministers, court officials and governors lavish presents solely with the view to achieving his goals. Henry Rawlinson, British ambassador to '1 ‘s. Hataria: master of court etiquette Photo: Russy M. Davar from Indian Zoroastrians on May 14,1860. With six other behdins, Manekji waited in court all day to see the king, but in vain. The next morning he was there again and I himself in the bejewelled dust at Your a short conversation with his courtiers. S Meanwhile Manekji advanced step I by step towards him and placing the I silver casket at his feet, removed the I cover. He opened the address I (wrapped in broca ¦ * BHARUCHA & MOTIVALA s Builders & Engineers Boat Club Road, Poona 411001 82 Parsiana February-March 1996 I .I ? Navroze Mubarak The Virjees of Panchgani * 7, 1865, Bombay Parsis presented to Manekji a manpatra (scroll of honor), a pair of shawls and a purse. Responding to the address, Manekji said that whatever little he was able to achieve, was due to the liberal assistance he was getting from Bombay. From his younger days, Manekji was fond of collecting old and rare coins, manu ­ scripts, out-of-print books, antiques, etc. It is reported that the coins collected by him are now with the British Museum. His collection of rare books and manuscripts are in the Manekji Hataria Library in. the upper hall of the Anjuman Atash Bahram, Bombay. Perhaps young oriental scholars will one day go through these carefully to throw more light on the life and work of Manekji Saheb. This great Parsi missionary, who was born in 1813 in Vesu — a village near Surat —passed away in Tehran on February 15,1890 at the age of 77. His achievements were unprecedented. He had undertaken a task reported to be “beyond human capa ­ city. ” Gobineau had said, “There was needed nothing short of a miracle to save the gabrs (infidels) as the Zoroastrians were called by the followers of Islam. ” Manekji Saheb performed the miracle. 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It should involve nothing more than the expression of willingness and the promise of the marrying partners, the ad ­ monitions of the Prophet in Ha 53 of the Gathas and, perhaps, some short blessings. Many of the practices which generate controversy within the community are so- Discussions and writings on religious is ­ sues within the community emerge with varying frequency. They arise when some ­ body believes that the tenets of the faith are being violated, and texts of various periods tions are called righteous; and one who are cited with ambiguous consequences lives such a life is an Ashavan in Zara- when the spirit of humanity and moderate thushtra ’s doctrine, common sense could indicate the appro ­ priate course of action. In these discus ­ sions, people frequently tend to identify tions — they explicitly reinforce commit- real or imaginary opposition against which ment to the ideals and practices of the become religious practices. Social prac- vile accusations are casually made. Most faith; the public rituals emphasize the of these differences are not genuine dis ­ putes, although the disputants believe so. It is toward this clarification that these remarks are formulated. A religious community shares beliefs and practices along several different di ­ mensions: • an accepted doctrine, ea way of life or — in other words — an ethic, • rituals, communally participated in , or individually performed, • social practices. In any scholarly study of a religion, it is imperative that we recognize what the Core of the religion is. Within a religious tradition it is frequently the case that dif ­ ferent denominations will identify the Core along different dimensions. The Core is taken to be the most historically stable element, and the other dimensions are made to adjust to the stable Core in varying historical circumstances. In the Zoroastrian tradition, the Core is the fundamental doctrine as taught by the quite distinct from the Indo-European ritu- Prophet in the profound verses of the Gathas. The doctrine gives us a view of the world and a related way of life: The world was meant to evolve to perfection in accor- a reflective religion such as Zarathushtra ’s. There is, of course, another, social, dance with an ideal principle, the ideal Today we call this the navjote. The decla- matter: whether a person who has made truth, i.e., Asha. The actual world we live ration was originally in theFravareti Ha in such a religious choice and made an appro- in became, however, a field in which two the Yasna, and is now incorporated in the priate declaration of the same (as in the conceptual vectors are manifested; they Mazdayasno Ahmi recitation. Also, the navjote ceremony) would be accepted as a operate as forces of good and evil. Our way ritual of marriage ceremony can be traced of life in this morally conflicted world in back to the last chapter of the Gathas. But All religious traditions contain rituals. They perform three religio-communal func- cial practices. Social practices of a reli ­ gious commuMty do not automatically tices result from the social forces and necessities of historical situations; reli ­ gious practices must perform the functions we identified above. What many find most disturbing is the practice which predicates shared participation in belief and life; and lastly, the rituals focus our minds upon our belonging to the tradition, sharing in activ ­ ity in which generations of past believers have engaged. It will be clear that the first religious belonging on parentage. This limi- function of commitment to religious ideals requires that the ritual and its recitation be understood. For there can be no commit ­ ment to what is not comprehended. There are some who hold that uncomprehended his view of the world and lives the life of recitation has some religious consequence. Asha (Truth) as grasped by Vohu-Mana Such a magical notion is inconsistent with (the good mind) and inspired by Spenta- Zarathushtra ’s theology. There may be, of Armaiti (benevolence). Any human being course, some psychological effect on the who comprehends this religious vision can reciter; the value of such recitation is for choose to accept U or not. His or her each reciter to judge — it cannot be made parentage or blood-type, or other genea- a requirement for religious practice. Though we do not know the exact his ­ tory of rituals, we can be reasonably sure that from the earliest days there were ritu ­ als consistent with Zarathushtra ’s doctrine. tation demotes Zarathushtra, one of the very first universal, non-tribal religious preceptors, into a tribal prophet. For Zarathushtra, the believer is one who holds logical or biological factors, are irrelevant. The choice is a spiritual one. And once such a person accepts the faith as the Prophet desired people to do, nobody else ’s views or feelings have the slightest rel ­ evance on the matter. Religious conviction is an intensely private relation between a human being and God. This is called the als of bloody sacrifices that prevailed be ­ fore him. There must have been a cere ­ mony of declaration of faith, called for in acceptance of a religious faith, a reflective religion such as Zarathushtra ’s. Today we call this the navjote. The decla ­ ration was originally in the Frcfvareti Ha in the Yasna, and is now incorporated in the co-religionist within the religious commu ­ nity. This is religio-communal acceptance. 86 Parsiana February-March 1996For best Dhanshak Kabab in town every Wednesday and Friday Many nnore Parsi dishes We also serve Chinese IDEAL CORNER 12/F/G, Hornby View Gun bow Street Fort, Bombay 400001 Tel: 2621930 This is a social issue, wrongly formulated as a doctrinal issue. This particular prac ­ tice of the Parsis of the last few centuries is made to look like a divine injunction of the early religion, and the social bigotry of a fearful community is ascribed to the dis ­ pensation of a tribal god. The great inno ­ vation of Zarathushtra was to regard Ahura Mazda as a transcendent Lord of the Uni ­ verse, not a protector of a tribe. Similar social problems arise in mar ­ riages between Zoroastrians and non-Zo- roastrians. The cultural resistance against such marriages is understandable. Thus we notice that in the Sassanian period it was recommended in the Zoroastrian tradition that the non-Zoroastrian spouse be invited and initiated into the faith. And in any case, the children be instructed and initiated into the faith. Such was the practice in Zoroastrian Iran from Achemenian times on. However, the present Parsi practice often extends rejection in these situations, damaging the bonds of familial ties, almost to the limits of inhumanity. My purpose here is not to propose social action. I expect my preferences are clear enough; all I wish is that discussants recog ­ nize what they are doing, and not confuse doctrinal — and hence fundamental — A Happy Jamshedi Navroze From An Anonymous Well-Wisher ¦> ¦ With Compliments From JEENA & COMPANY IATA approved Air Cargo, Clearing, Forwarding & Warehousing Agents 10, Veer Nariman Road, Fort, Bombay 400001 Cable: “JUSTITIA” Phone: 2042032 Telex: 82313, 83495 Fax: (22) 2026853 i? 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Many of them belong to the Sassanian period and were adaptations appropriate to the atmosphere, language and ideas of that day and age. There is no reason why we cannot make similar adaptations, keeping in mind the purpose and function of the ritual, in order to preserve its essence, making it meaning ­ ful in our own day and age. That, I would suggest, is the way to keep the tradition alive. For tradition lives in the minds and hearts of the believers in the present. This is very < laOUVO VTXVl* ----------- ‘J* able. Indeed, the history of religion indi ­ cates that many rituals — the ceremonial acts as well as the recitations — were ±riife of the Prophet. Many of them adaptations appropriate to the atmosphere. There is no reason why we cannot make similar adaptations, keeping in mind the purpose and function of the ritual, in order to preserve its essence, making it meaning ­ ful in our own day and age. That, I would suggest, is the way to keep the tradition alive. For tradition lives in the minds and hearts of the believers in the present. This is very different from traditionalism which imposes, intact, a dead past on living consciousness. * Sawn Timber * Doors & Windows * Kiln Seasoning Chemical Preservative Treatment * Packing Cases & Pallets * Furniture Components * Kaikhosrov D. Irani, professor emeritus in philosophy at City College, New York and president of the Zoroastrian As­ sociation of Greater New York (ZAGNY), is the voice of reasonableness on the Zoroastrian lecture circuit. His understanding of Zarathushtra ’s teachings is contexted within the history of the world s religious thoughts and beliefs. B. F. Wadia & Sons 142, Reay Road Bombay 400010 Tel; 3721934, 3720235 Fax; 3739373 Tlx; 11-74571 BFW IN ' ¦** ! * i- S' With best wishes t from Nergish and Soli J. Arceivala 1 ! I ICOMMENT Zoroastrianism at the UN Zoroastrian tenets underlie the UN charter, says the high priest at the world body’s 50th birthday celebrations Dastur (Dr) Firoze M. Kotwal perfection and immortality — to generate rection of the physical body, are some the Zoroastrian triad of good thoughts, basic doctrinal tenets which entered post ­ words and deeds. Prophet Zarathushtra exilic Judaism, and thereafter into Christi- recognized that the use of these principles anity and Islam. of righteous living would enable man to bring about the eventual ineffectiveness of who first declared to the world what is today enshrined by the United Nations as Zoroastrianism is a “this-worldly reli- the first Bill of Human Rights. King Cyrus I am indeed honored that our world ’s fam ­ ily of nations has deemed it befitting to invite a high priest of the Zoroastrians — one of the tiniest religious communities in the world — to address this august body. In a sense, the jubilee of the United Nations is the jubilee of the entire human race. So evil in the world, let us unfurl the banner of fellowship and “ goodwill, and thereby the banner of religi- gion, ” where life is a celebration and the was followed by king Darius the Great OUS tolerance amongst each one of us pre- spiritual world is an extension of the physi- (522-486 BC), ^o in his charter epito- sent here today. We Zoroastrians are the followers of is not one embedded in monasticism, fast- the great Iranian prophet, Spitaman Zara ­ thushtra, known to the ancient Greeks as Zoroaster. Zarathushtra lived and preached generation of wealth which is to be shared in ancient Iran, parts of which today form - . — - the vast Central Asian Steppes. He lived some 3,500 years ago, which means more than a millennium before the advent of actions. Christianity, making Zoroastrianism one of the oldest revealed religions of the became the bedrock of three mighty dy- world. Prophet Zarathushtra ’s genius is to be found in his sublime hymns, the Gathas, in which he revealed that there was one, supreme, all-knowing, eternal God of the good creations — Ahura Mazda, the Lord of Wisdom. He saw Ahura Mazda to be Egypt in the west through Asia Minor and totally good, perfect and just. Ahura Mazda, he taught, was a friend to all and never to . be feared by man who, in turn, the Prophet strength of vast empires, the Zoroastrians religious pluralism today. Zoroastrians, by declared, should worship Him. In other appear to have shown an uncommon reli- being a non-proselytizing people, seem to words, Zofoastrians recognized the su ­ premacy of Wisdom from which no imper ­ fection, injustice or evil can emerge. Man, Ahura Mazda ’s finest creation, is believed to be the central figure in the cosmic struggle between Him and the forces monies from Zoroastrian coffers to rebuild of evil. The Prophet declared that it is - • - _ . during this period of conflict in the world that man, through free will, should choose to fight and vanquish evil by using the ethical paradigm of the spirit of goodness heaven and hell, the coming of the savior, — the good mind, truth, power, devotion, f ’ ’ .................. ' ~ It is the same king Cyrus (550-530 BC) spiritual world is an extension of the physi ­ cal world. To the Zoroastrians, spirituality mized the Zoroastrian credo: “By the grace of Ahura Mazda I am of such a sort that I am a friend to the right, I am not a friend to ing or celibacy, but one in which a Zoroas ­ trian is encouraged towards the purposeful the wrong. It is not my desire that the weak man should have wrong done to him by the mighty, nor is it my desire that the mighty man should have wrong done to him by the weak. What is right is my desire. ” The ancient Iranians protected the be ­ liefs and practices of the other non-Iranian faiths in the spirit of religious tolerance. Zoroastrianism has never sought to pros ­ elytize for it appears to have been the by continuous acts of charity. Thus Zoro ­ astrian spirituality is attainable in one life ­ time through right thoughts, words and It is this message of Zarathushtra which nasties of ancient Iran. The Achaemenians, the Parthians and the Sasanians created their empires from the sixth century BC to religion only of the Iranian people. Our the seventh century AC. Imperial Iran ex ­ tended from the shores of the river Danube to the river Indus in the east and from lower belief stems from the fact that if God is omniscient, then God places man. His finest creation, in the different great reli ­ gions of the world, atbirth. Therefore, in the name of religion we have not sought across most of central Asia to the borders of present-day China. Despite the political converts, reflecting what one might call appear to have shown an uncommon reli ­ gious tolerance towards their subject have influenced other cultures. Despite peoples. The Zoroastrian king Cyrus liber- political rivalry, for example, the Acad- ated the Jews from Babylonian captivity in the sixth century BC and not only allowed them to return to Palestine, but gave them clearly indicates how Zoroastrian thought “ ... . .. I seems to have influenced the Greek phi- their second temple in Jerusalem. For this losophers and, through them. Western civi- act of magnanimity, Cyrus was looked upon as the Anointed One sent by the Jewish God Yaweh. Zoroastrian beliefs of emy at Athens of Plato and Aristotle, had Zoroastrian Magians as its tutors, which lization as we know it today. Wherever my people have migrated to new lands, sometimes through choice, on other occasions due to persecution, they the Last Judgement followed by the Resur- have prospered, giving their all to where 92 Parsiana February-March 1996 ¦*they have continued to live. Ahura Mazda, trianism, for true goodness and knowledge the Lord of Wisdom, has been the sustainer would not lend itself to bigotry, hate or realizable in a single fifetimethr'ough'thi the right and the poor, the liberator of those in distress and averse to all that is harmful, as Ahu ­ ra Mazda is responsible for all that which is good and beneficial in the world. I believe that we should strive to make this suffering and needy world less of a home of grief and strife and more of a commonwealth of love, thus bringing about the Abode of Light here and now in the physical world. Alas, not every wrong can be righted, not every injustice can be reversed; but Zoroas ­ trianism offers a cheerful optimism of ________ ________ __ living life to the fullest by promoting flowers, making the human experience happiness in both the physical and the " ' - - spiritual worlds. Life indeed must be made ______ ____ _____ _ worth living, and a long and righteous life the spirit of understanding will develop, in the service of humanity should become where a person does not seek to convert as the clarion call in every man ’s prayer. The United Nations is perhaps uniquely suited to direct its member nations upon a new path of progress and self-discovery. Sectarianism, bigotry and fanaticism are all seen to be theologically bad in Zoroas ­ trianism, for true goodness and knowledge not beyond one ’s attainment but isl and helper of th^e helpless, the guardian of fanaticism. The bell that tolls in a church generation of good thoughts, words and! or a temple should be deeds, then indeed a new world order will] directed at banishing evil and all the unchari ­ table feelings which may exist between per- birthright and that pain, suffering and any] sons individually and form of evil is contrary to the Wise Lord ’s] between nations collec- divine nature, for only then will a new lively. Man should be chapter of awareness and fellowship be| freed from the shackles made possible. And the United Nations is] of a pre-determined fate undoubtedly the best world forum for main-1 taining and promoting not just world peace,] but for building a new world based upon] the foundations of social justice. Zoroastrianism offers a cheerful optimism of living life to the jullest be on the anvil as we move into the 21sh century. J Man must learn that happiness is one ’s! or destiny, as in Zoroastrianism man is the maker of his own destiny. The Zoroastrian contribution for the 21st century is one of hope and clear optimism. If members of each religion recognized that there is but one tree with a 21 stCentury. ” a United Nations Conference on common root but with many branches and one of variety and multiplicity, then it is conceivable that religious tolerance and where a person does not seek to convert a means to self-growth, but respects and accepts to grow in the tradition of one ’s own faith at birth. Secondly, Zoroastrian spirituality has much to offer the world of the future. If human beings realize that spirituality is Makers of fine jewellery since 1936 1^ •V 296, Raia Rammohan Roy Rd, Bornbhy 400004fl': i 94 Parsiana February-March 1996 Edited text of the paper presented at “Visions fort - 1] Regional and Global Issues on October21 and 22, | 1995 in New York. i Dastur (Dr) Firoze M. Kotwal, High Priest of the H. B. Wadia Atas Ba­ hram, Bombay, was for ­ merly principal of the M. F. Cama Athornan Mad­ ressa. Respected for his erudition, Kotwal has co-authored studies of Zoroastrain scriptures with distinguished Wes- terrkjcholars. Ir RELlGlOj^ COVER STORY A community^ gratitude ar^ devotion has followed Ervad Rustomji Panthaki and his wife Jalamai into retirement I* <* ¦ a^« .V ¦¦, ® « » r3 ’¦ ••n < r' if ff Ba 1 SV « a MENTORS tj J AT THE «. J I i fe MADRESSA Homi Rogers thaki was born on March 11, 1917 in Nargol. The Madressa was established in 5M^exXd^go^ work of Ervad Rustoniji N. Panthaki ^d 192 i„ k __and some- al the R. N. RustomFaramna Agiary in Jalamai, his devoted wife of 27 years. The enro is e e “t wanted to ioin Dadar Intheeveningshewouldcallonhis Boarding Madressa applauded and cheer- Aan y pe as the he was 35 Oan ihnki was persuaded to join “The Madressa ’s fall started around 1962,” stated Dastur (Dr) Hormazdyar Kayoji Mirza, the revered High Priest of Udvada who presided over the felicitation function. One of the first students to have passed out of the Madressa, Mirza's ac ­ count of its checked history and Panthaki ’s r single-handedly revived and strengthened interrupted service, the Madressa — a school for training ini- r up® «i dates into the Zoroastrian priesthood — and spread the message of love to his fellowmen. Asif ordained by the Lord, the destinies of Panthaki and the Madressa have been inextricably linked down the years. Pan- 1924__when he went with his father to enrol his elder brother in it — and some ­ thing stirred within him. “I wanted to join the Madressa, ” he recounted in his short thank you speech at the function held to honor him on his retirement as the Madressa ’s principal after 29 years of un- Panthaki ’s ties with the Madressa, in ­ spired by this first visit, fructified into an on-going relationship when he joined it in 1928 to train as afully ordained priest. And the ties did not snap with his passing out. After a stint with his father at the Poonjiaji Agiary at Nargol and a year at the Bai H. * 96 Parsiana Febnj9ry-MaKtyl9964 L a iMHtH 1 '4^ v l’’ !b ¦<1 The Madressa as landmark and classrooms (above and left); Panthaki felicitated by Mirza while Jalamai, Aspy Dadachanji, Yezdi Panthaki and Vispi Dastur look on: with successor Karanjia Photos: Homyar Mislry, Homz Prints ¦ The Madressa was back on its feet. “Dur- ¦ ing the last two decades, 70 to 80 students ¦ have passed their SSC examinations ¦ through the neighboring Dadar Parsee ¦ Youths Assembly High School, while they I learnt their prayers here, ” stated Ervad Parvez M. Bajan, an ex-student of Panthaki andjoint honorary secretary of the Athornan Mandal. the governing body oftheMa- dressa which had hosted the function, Wliat truly endeared Panthaki and his wife to all who came in coiiuct with them was the care and concern they exhibited at all levels. “He was like a father to us, ” slated Bajan. And incomingprincipal Ervad (Dr) Ramiyar Karanjia recalled Jalamai as having tucked him into bed and even bathed many a young ward. Ervad Jehangir Turel spoke of Panthaki ’s. bhalu tun, bhalu kartavyu, an^ bhala vichaar (good body that performed good deeds and held good thoughts) and recalled how he guided people in their times of difficulty. “By reviving and keeping the Madressa alive, he has kept the community going, ” re ­ marked Janished Guzder, chairman of the he has kept the community going, ” i 4 •a - I f. 6 4 J ¦ 1 -rls role in reversing its fortunes was heard with rapt attention by the audience. As students continued to leave the Madressa, as its funds depleted, closure was enforced in 1965; but its one devoted teacher stayed on. When Bombay Parsi Punchayct (BPP) trustee Manek Mistry took up the collec ­ tion of funds Panthaki, often foregoing Iris wages, “with£fln-ffm«.z/fcyj(body and soul) worked to build up the Madressa, ” and succeeded in doing Panthaki humbly attributes the school ’s I resurrection to God ’s will, and to his quiet j insistence that Madressa students be edu- J Gated up to the SSC (Secondary School I Certificate) examination in addition to be- ¦ ing taught Zoroastrian prayers and liturgy. SO- Illis rounded education strategy paid off. Parsiana February-March 1996 BPP, a.s he lauded Panthaki ’s good work f* — couple: a measure of the greafrespect'in which they are held as over a score of speakers from different walks of life went Mirza, who presented the honors end despite his age (he ’s in his 90s) and failing health, Panthaki is primarily a teacher; and as Ervad "Vispi Dastur, a trustee of the Athor ­ nan Mandal, commented in his introduc ­ tory address, “One does not know where teacher ’s influence ends. ” Panlhaki's res ­ ignation, accepted with great reluctance, Many more tributes were heaped on the which they are held as over c speakers from different walks of life on till well past 9 p.m. What ’s more Mirza, who presented the honors to Panthaki and his wife, stayed to the very a s res ­ can signal the end of an era, but not what he stood for and worked for, and certainly I not the institution he fostered and greatly augmented with the construction of an annex building (at a cost of Rs 35 lakhs) in its compound. The felicitation function also marked the passing of the baton to prot6g6 Karanjia, handpicked for the vacated seat by Panthaki himself. Speaking on the occasion on be ­ half of of the Madressa ’s ex-students Karanjia recalled his association with his teacher since he was a nipper of eight and a half. He remarked that Panthaki had addressed him as a child, a teenager, and as an adult. Not an eye was dry when young Karanjia and his wife Havovi presented a shawl to their mentors, and proceeded to touch their feet. It was a gesture that spoke a thousand words. More than a thousand words were nev ­ ertheless uttered. And each speaker had something new to say about Panthaki. Ms Mithoo Jesia, secretary of The Mancherji E. Joshi Memorial Trust, claimed that she found her pride in being a Zoroastrian from Panthaki. She revealed that he had scripted with Nadir Modi the revue Amar Jyoti Zarathushtra and even acted in it. Rustom Tirandaz, our intrepid municipal corporator informed the gathering that the Kirlian photographs his son had taken of Panthaki depicted him “asoneinamillion. ” Ervad Sharukh Dhalla, honorary treasurer and a trustee of the Madressa, recalled that Panthaki ’s suggestions to the architect helped in constructing the annex building in a very short time. Marzban Giara, trans ­ lator and publisher of books of interest to the community, spoke of the ways in which Panthaki contributed to his books, which included providing him aquicl place in the Madressa to compile a monograph. There was little doubt that the commu ­ nity which owed a great deal to this humble priest was anxious to repay its debt of gratitude. Guzder, when informed that the Madressa survives on contributions which by God'.s grace always materialize when needed, suggested that a corpus be built and initiated the fund-raising exercise with a personal donation of Rs 50,000. Thus, even as he walks away into the .sunset, Panthaki has started another round of col ­ lection for the institution to which he had contributed so immensely. Yet at the end of the evening, weighed down with shawls and scrolls, parikas (monetary gifts) and salvers, and smiling through his garlands, Rustomji softly said; j “I have not done all that has been ascribed I to me. God has done it. It wa.s His will and I the community ’s support that made it pos ­ sible. ” PILLAR g % 3 ¦1 Wi Principal of Dadur \ Athoman Boording Madressa for 29 years Ervad Rustomji Panthaki infused life and values to this community institution Homi Rogers "Zarthostijigarn^dhan chhe," .saysErvad Rustomji Panthaki in an interview to Parsiana, thanking the community for the support that made his Madressa mission an unqualified success. For Panthaki, ex-principal of the Alhor- nan Boarding Madressa in Dadar, life still centers round the community ’s younger generation. As we enter his second floor flat, recently allotted to him by a grateful Bombay Parsi Punchayet for his 40 years of dedicated service to the Madressa, a child receiving tuition in navjote prayers skips out after bidding fond goodbye to Panthaki, his wife Jalamai and his sister Perin. "Gnan daan (gift of knowledge) is the biggest daan of all, ” smiles Panthaki, The Panthakis: bonds of love and devotion Photo; Homyar Mistry, Homz Prims 99 Z^/s^ F&bnjary March J^6r the twinkle in his eyes belying his 79 years, and our sanskar (culture) must be given to stay in India and preserve their Parsipanu . Vn\\ke. moaV mobeds, Panthaki gravi- our children. Our ancestors left their home- ... ................. ........... * tated towards teaching, and the Madressa land to protect dharam and kom (faith and f ’ ¦ ¦ . • • - age. An ordained priest adept at perform- i Then God Almighty will look after us. _ . . . , , . . *. V----------- “The community should forgetits small A in^particul^, right from an early community); we too should adhere to that quarrels, and sit across the table and ing high liturgical ceremonies under stal ­ warts like Dastur Faramroze Kutar and Ervad Mahiyar Kutar, Panthaki had conse- by being conscious and proud of our heri- crated the fires at Nargol ’s Poonjiaji Dar- ( • - • - - - - e-Meher, and the Barashnum Gah at the should be able to impart to us, holds community is smart, ” adds Jalamai, who Banaji-Limji Agiary in Bombay. “I could Panthaki. “The Madressa is of great im- like him has seen through at least one have got a panthak, ” (charge of a dar-e- portance to the community, because by entire generation, “a little more on the meher) he reminisces on being asked why training priests it is the mediator between mischievous side, though, ” Yet the couple he opted for teaching, “but I was inclined the community ’s present and its future. ” ------ - ------- • towards education. In this my father too Panthaki, who not only breathed new life encouraged me, though it meant earning j - - - - arani rotli (less income). I m happy to building to provide more space for the confident that the new breed “jaasti zalki following this inner call. I’ve not made lakhs of rupees, pun lakhkho ni ijjat mel- vich (but earned a great deal of respect). ” when they are six and a half to seven years Though Panthaki has no string of de- < " “ grees tailing his name, his words are un- i u/wv uAow VX XXX^XCXX * LI A'fl XllCV Mn derstood and respected by a large section the educational curriculum offered at the accept superficial cultural ofthe community. Especially by the young neighboring school without facing Zoroastrians who have received know- «• ’ ledge of the faith through him notjust at the Madressa, but also through the many reli- _ *__ -I- ¦¦ . a . _ 1954, Panthaki imparted religious instruc ­ tion at Rustom Baug for a pittance of an honorarium, probably spending more than what he got as his advancing years required him to commute to and fro in a taxi to keep his date with the colony ’s children. “I was not going there to teach. I was going to see the roses in the garden, ” remarks Panthaki good-naturedly about 1 • ” • tended these gulabs with care is apparent appointment. ” by the love and respect that a whole group of middle-aged Parsis shower on him. Panthaki recalls a particularly bright young- re- soJve its differences rather than go to the Press with them. The priestly class should motive, in order to prosper... otherwise, we ’ll be wiped out. ” One way of retaining our Parsipanw is become one rather than belong to different tage and this knowledge our priestly class tolas (gtovips,')," advises Panthaki. “The present crop of children in our Banaji-Limji Agiary in Bombay. “I could Panthaki. “The Madressa is of great im- ’ . -7 - . - 7 portance to the community, because by entire generation, “a little more on the he opted for teaching, “but I was inclined the community ’s present and its future I - - - - encouraged me, though it meant earning have honored my father ’s words, for in physical and extracurricular activities of its resident boys, advocates that the com ­ munity enrol its boys in the Madressa that has wiped away tears, shared the joys and sorrows of their wards — and been into the Madressa, but also added an annex regarded by them as foster-parents — is ! nikalse (will be resplendent) ” if we teach them religion, and teach them properly. “The breakup of.the joint family sys ­ tem, and the emergence of two working old. “They would then learn, from the parents has caused children to be deprived right ^age, not just their prayers but also of moral education. They are then prone to ‘ ~ 1 norms. ” The . . . - J panacea for many of our problems could be difficulties of language or medium of in a return to our roots, mutual love and a communication. ” new understanding between partners. “It ’s More importantly, Panthairi stresses that more an impression than a fact that Parsi girls are brighter than boys, ” Panthaki tise the profession. After all, the Madressa defends his charges. “True, our girls are runs on community donations, and its stu- mehentu (diligent), but it ’s not that our dents have a responsibility to the commu- boys are not talented. It ’s time our girls nity. Besides, considering the present de- sought husbands for their human qualities ? mand-supply scenario, there is a good in- .................... come to be made in this line. And it ’s like an added qualification for those who mi ­ grate abroad. Many of my students ask me ____ ____ui vuuvouvn nc is Us Sunday «, d,e young.'lha. he ^ringlVr The traffic though, pleads Panthaki, should be two-way. The community too . . . - , X should support the mobeds. “Just like a ster, who on being told of the omnipresent doctor i: - - t on the need then of going to the fire ­ temple. Panthaki, perceiving the child ’s j * proceeded to draw an analogy with a car that has to be taken to a garage occasion ­ ally to recharge the batteries. “Even today, when this boy or those in his class meet me ..................................................................„„ when corning out of an agiary, they call out afargan-froksi-baj). Panthaki holds thatev- jjj ....... ‘I— —1----- I (we had gone to recharge our batteries). ’ similarly recharged, believes Panthaki, if believes the community can regain its lost to come. “Our community can < strengthened if religious classes are ducted in every baug and Parsi school, ” he asserts. “The knowledge of our religion will be lost, ” he fTO17 “ZoroM'triMnh7u'ld boys are not talented. It ’s time our girls That will form the key to true marital bliss and overall happiness. ” Panthaki should know. For besides be ­ ing a one-man dynamo of education, he is 4^ in life to his cousin, Jalamai, an equally devoted social worker and a good seam ­ stress who learnt under Burjorji Bharucha, then a well-known cutter in Nargol, the coiyle has worked shoulder-to-shoulder, serving one another and the community. "Maaru vaachan bhaari (I read vora- poet Ardeshir Khabardar his guru, and in his relatively free time now indulges in should be two-way. The community too ___ * 3 sharp inrellec,, didno. hush'hin, «p; bai “• through his ‘article days, ’ so also a priest commu ­ nity while he gains the experience which qualifies him to become yozdathregar (a priest who performs high wfth^*woridn7ws?hIs*feTori^ a full-fledged reading, listening to music, and keeping up • , ¦ - . * O........."''**'**•''’^3, iiioiavuillcIlUDDlCS. And liturgical ceremonies, i.e. those beyond then there are the memories, moments of you around the premises chanting... ” be ­ gins Jalamai, but neither completes the tale, for both of them are doubled up with ing couples, will have so much joy to reminisce about? such rituals for the community. Yet another way in which Panthaki , ' --------- — — —¦ w. vxxxxxxa va lax VUll IVKAlll IMdl spUndor is to stop migrating. “We are I a vast ocean by our going ___I rp, , ------ - ..wv. ux VXIVlll 016 UMUUlCU up wiin set has managed to laughter. How many of us, Mammon-chas- only be being lost in a : con- vast ocean by our going retain its identity, but the next generation ^QyPersiana February-March 1996i COMMENT a If you choose wrongly, you will be corrected ” Along with the natural world^s capacity for survival, man has an implanted yearning for nobility, says the author Khusro F. Rustamji It is to the sun that all plants and animals lopment of man was the same as in the turn with appeals for help. The plant in animals, the word of command of the your room bends to face the sun. What leader, happens to make it turn? The plant, in need of a new chemical unknown to itself, appe ­ als to the sun for it; and it is supplied. There is in nature an element of asking, asking for help, asking for support and phets and their doctrines based on the sustenance. That is the basis of prayer need for some type of spiritual solace, which all religions have in their ritual, and comfort and divine support. There was a is a carry-over from our animal origins. Every plant and animal prays to the sun for help to grow, to overcome trouble — drought, starvation, sickness. In animals, nature has developed the brain which meets many needs. The capa ­ city to endure emerges in all types of disasters. The inner spirit is awakened to overcome and satisfy the urges of change. There is a demand, a summoning of re ­ sources within a plant or animal, and an endeavor to reach out, to adjust, to settle down to a new environment. What powers exist in the sun to analyze, to work out answers, to supply needed _ __ _ chemicals, to direct all the activities of without malice or hatred, fantasizes and know if I can do anything for you. ” An life, we do not know in full. We do know, dreams correctly, the nobility in him or extension of the same can be found among however, that it was the deadly gas hy- her comes to the surface. That person the Zoroastrians of North America. The drogen cyanide which played an inter- spreads in the sphere of influence an aro- help that they extend to each other, and mediate role in synthesizing the amino . acids that are required for life. Mankind ’s propensity for strife and example of this. (Incidentally, his faith in Parsis was unbounded.) In the fight for freedom, he said to the people of India, self. If he harbors evil .thoughts about a member of his family, a neighbor, or a friend, his mind seems to find some way of Then, when community life developed, punishing him. He may lose his balance, and the command of the leader was not fall down and hurt himself, he may have enough, laws appeared, and in order to sleepless nights, forget important matters, enforce greater cohesion, came the pro- or sink into a depression. Deep in the in ­ ner consciousness of man there is a desire for nobility and righ^ousness. It may be implanted or developed by a mother, tea ­ cher, a film, book, even the scrap a song. Or perhaps it is, as many religions beli ­ eve, a spark of the divine that is in all liv ­ ing beings, a cosmic ray that lies in every human heart. The man or woman of good mind fol- need, and the prophets fulfilled it, pre ­ scribed a way of life which would harness the human need for love and friendship, enrich it with the sacrifice and protec ­ tion of mother love and the soldier ’s vir ­ tue, and control the basic instincts with his own mental powers, the laws of the lows up good thoughts with good words land, and the fear of divine wrath. Four and good deeds. In practical terms it means thousand years ago, the need for a simple prescription of good living was given by Zarathushtra in the form of a condensed doctrine — good thoughts, good words bay showed it in full measure: the Wadia and good deeds. charities are one example. In consequence What this doctrine stresses is that if the community prospered. To this day, a a man or woman thinks good thoughts Bombay Parsi says on parting, “Let me concern for others, particularly for those in distress, or those at a lower economic level. A few years ago, the Parsis of Bom- dreams correctly, the nobility in him or her comes to the surface. That person spreads in the sphere of influence an aro ­ ma of happiness, and in return life is filled especially to a newcomer, is the hallmark with unsought gifts. Gandhi was a supreme of a true Zoroastrian. What we now know is that the world violence is a carry-over from our animal Parsis was unbounded.) In the fight for is an ordered and comprehensible entity, origins. At that time the male used muscle freedom, he said to the people of India, part created by chance, part by an inbuilt to stake an area for food, lead the herd to they must think of freedom and the benefits design of incomparable worth. Obviously, face the enemy, or establish his right over it will bring, the chance to improve the it has been perfected by a mind which a female. Later when humans settled ” ‘ down, it was a continuation of the same process, which was called ruling, con ­ quest, and a refinement resulted in codes of conduct, which later became laws. The major influence in the control and deve- it will bring, the chance to improve the i ’ lives of the poor. If they brought hatred of seems to be the central theme of all life, the British into it and retaliated with violence, they would damage the struggle one connected with all the attributes of for freedom. There is a personal side to this doctrine which any person can ascertain for him- One side of religion, therefore, is the the sun. The other side is the one that has been developed over the centuries by men who wanted unity, peace and progress, and 102 Parsiana February-March 1996 II ............ - “There is only one God, God of infinite fected for example by ants and beetles wisdom (wisdom also means power) — (special favorites of God), and there are Ahura Mazda, creator and promoter of the various ways of living together in reptiles, world (Songs 8 and 9).” ¦ _ ¦ I The faith enjoins Asha (righteousness), the human race which requires a capacity cultivation of the mind, the ability to dis- for helping others and social decorum which criminate (in today ’s language we would call it education) and along with it there is emphasis on serenity (peace of mind), and a desire to improve the world, (The Parsis of Bombay in the past were prime expo ­ nents of this faith as all their charities prove.) In its pristine nature there is no threat of hell in this faith, no hopes of heaven. It only promises that humanity will correct you if you go wrong. It means that you will suffer for your sins, and in the end realize it and come back to the path of right ­ eousness. What the Gathas specially em ­ phasize is that happiness comes to him who gives happiness to others. It is to the holy spirit or holy mind Spenta Mainyu utilized man ’s intelligence and spiritual animal world, there are social habits, per ­ resources to establish religions. The proph ­ ets that appeared from time to time deliv ­ ered a message based on morality. . _ . Zarathustra did not conceive of a god fishes, birds and mammals culminating in who is like a human king, an elderly bene ­ factor, or a white-bearded saint living in , _ the clouds who controls the destiny of man produces serenity (constantly stressed in by doling out benefits and imposing pun ­ ishments, who needs constant prayer, pro ­ pitiation and sacrifice. That is, if it exists, clearly the creation of the clergy, who reserved the right to intercede with him as he was their creation. Such a god may be invented for solace, for comfort and for greed. But he is not a reality. On the other hand the symbol of Ahura Mazda —fire — is a faith which sustained life when the Iranian tribes were wandering in the bitter the Gathas). The message of Zarathustra cold of the ice ages in the vicinity of the is, therefore, in total conformity with na- Caspian and Aral seas, the ancient Arya ture. So brief, so precise, it appears as Varta, before seeking a home in Persia, bright and sparkling as the day it was given The practice of the disposal of the dead by thousands of years ago. It was given in _ _ the sun and birds may also have originated poetic language which has consequently that you take your problems and determine during those wanderings in Central Asia, endured uncorrupted. In just a few songs, in your mind what is right and what is If our life is in conformity with the sun, the Gathas spell out a way of living that is wrong. Song 3.2 says clearly, “Hear the like that of a plant on fertile soil, it is set in so simple that it has total application to- best... ponder with a bright mind... and the right direction. The emphasis in plants day. select either of the two, the good or the bad is on punctuality: correct nutrition, timely There is emphasis — deliberate, spe- course. ” The consqguences will follow, rp.nrndiip.tinn and a timelv death. In the cific and final — on the first principle: This is what makes the faith different Discern what is good or bad for society rather than for yourself The practice of the disposal of the dead by thousands of years ago. It was given endured uncorrupted. In just a few songs, the Gathas spell out a way of living that is so simple that it has total application to- is on punctuality: correct nutrition, timely There is emphasis — deliberate, spe- reproduction and a timely death. In the cific and final — on the first principle: 1 ^ede/iaG PROTECTION & INTELLIGENCE SERVICES Seeurity/Manpower Consultants * Armed/Personal Body Guards * Cash/Cargo Escorts (with vehicle) * Kennel squad Spot payment offered for Indian/ Imported cars For booking of flats under construction at Udvada (Near Iranshah) Main Street, Pune 411001, lel No: 631963 250,1/1 Perin Nariman Street, Fort, Bombay 400001, Tel No: 2611926, 2621281,2617331 Parsiana February-March 1996(t from all others. It does not claim to be the best. It does not claim perfection at all. It merely says that it is you with the culti ­ vated mind that must decide which path to follow. Songs 3.4, 11 and 12 make it clear that you have to discern what is good or bad for society rather than for yourself, and if you choose wrongly, you will be corrected. This means in effect that what you make of yourself, what you achieve, what you aim at, and the strength that you acquire, is all from your own mind. You are the captain of your soul. Four thousand years ago when mankind was just beginning to think, when worship often turned to magic and witchcraft, the Gathas said that “All superstitions, beliefs and false gods, goddesses and similar imaginary beings and the performance of rituals to appease them should be aban ­ doned and all irrational ideas and practices should be given up (Song 5).” Could any seer today have given advice which is more modern and scientifically correct? The fact that mankind was led to believe in the past that God was like a human saint that lived above in the sky should not prevent us from adjusting our vision, and accepting that God is the life force of the sun, with many attributes and powers that are still unknown to us. What is certainly not acceptable to a modern mind is that there is a court in the sky that de ­ termines whether it will be heaven or hell for every person that dies. Concepts that are contrary to reason and science have crept into religions because man ’s under ­ standing of the facts of life was vague and imperfect, and a simple allegory was required to keep men on the right path. The mistake that scientists make is to reject religion because some of the interpretations made in the past were untenable. In their own sphere scientists do not reject science because some scientist makes a wrong conjecture or puts forward a wrong theo ­ ry. The sublime truths that the prophets gave, which have been tested by mankind for centuries and inscribed on the tablets of eternity as the morality of man, cannot be discarded. The distinguished former chief of the border Secu ­ rity Force and a recipient of the Padma Vibhushan, Khusro F. Rustamji writes on a host of subjects from the functioning of the poli ­ ce and politics to Zoroas ­ trianism. Rustamji was also a former president of the Delhi Parsi Anjuman. 07 Parsiana February-March 1996 Our World of Vacations I ""K ^himla - Manali • Nainital-Mussourie • Delhi-Agra-Jaipur* Nepal • Darjeeling-Sikkim •Mysore-Bangalore-Ooty-Kodaikanal • Konark-Puri • Goa •Trivandrum-Kanyakumari • Bhubaneshwar* Andamans * Lakshadweep Destinations Far East Europe & UK U.S.A/Canada South America Africa Middle East Australia/New Zealand 4 No of No. of itineraries Days Rs. +US$ 9 20 15 6 2 Royai Caribbean Cruises (Payable in Indian Rs.) 6-13 7-31 5-21 14 7-11 8-13 9-14 15,950-33,950 -^¦200-1950 39,950 -1-475-2000 44,950-64,350 -1-345-1625 63,950 -1-2000 ' 15,950-39,950 -i-350c1400 27,950-33,950 4-630-690 42,950-52,950 4-800-1950 4 No. of Days 3-14 US $ 329 upwards +Applicable Air Fare Speciai Tours with indian Meais Destinations No of days Rs. + UK£ Europe U.S.A./Canada 4-17 18 39,950 61,950 +119-899 +899 N.B. All tours/cruises subject to GOI/RBI approval. H.K. LALA & CO. Capitol Cinema Building, Opp. New Empire Cinema, Murzban Road, Fort, Mumbai 400001. Tel: 2045744/5094/3006.Telefax:4-91 -22-2046925 Lalo toursSCHOLARSHIP Status of Women: sacred and secular - 4 “A woman is not inherently evil ” Dr Ketayun H. Gould While bigamy and adultery was permissible for Zoroastrian men, women dared not The image of a liberated Zoroastrian female on par with the male is only an illusion, an ideal that has yet to be realized. There is no denying that in certain spheres she has been granted both men andwomenwere deemed allies suffer discrimination too. This article Yet within the stronghold of the aristo­ cracy and priesthood in the pre-Zoro- astrian era, paradise was denied to women. With the advent ofZarathushtra, equal opportunities but she has had to of Ahura Mazda 'tofight 'th^lvUforcls. suffer discrimination too. This article The domestic routine though was which runs into six instalments analyzes considered to be of prime concern to the the relevant texts and traditions to study females in the ancient period. While the status of women in the ancient, ' ¦ - - medieval and modern periods. ________ Religion prevalent belief was that menstruation causes a woman to lose her ritual purity . „ comes in contact with others. Even though religious equality was denied to females in ancient times, within the confines of a patriarchal society women were ceded certain economic and legal rights. Women had to bear considerable The domestic routine though marriage and the begetting of children is advocated in Zoroastrianism, the and Women (a publication of the State c~:.6._____ University of Newjork Press. 1994) the and "spread Tm'purTty^ifshe inside the experience: women in Zoro- paper entitled “Outside the discipline, astrianism ” is a researched, academic presentation. Since Parsiana will be carrying an abridged version of the text to make it simpler for the lay reader, we will not be detailing the sources that the hardships and suffering in the medial relegated to the status of a minority > are the double standards that condoned remarriage and adultery among men author painstakingly cites at each period when Zoroastrianism instance. j ¦ In the first three instalments we learnt religion. Also noticeable in this episode that certain divinities perceived as t ¦ ¦ • • - female entities were venerated, that the remarriage and adultery '"amo^'i^n soul of a dead man was said to be met by but censured females who dared to take a female figure on its upward journey, the same liberties. a female figure on its upward journey. T he Zoroastrian religion represented significant step ud in the recoenitir period reflect the most conservative view ­ points since the Sasanians institutional ­ ized the Zoroastrian faith as the official religion of the kingdom. The establishing of temple worship created a powerful elite of chief priests who wielded considerable power — hereditary offices that were an exclusive male domain (Mary Boyce). Furthermore, Cyrus R. Pangborn and Maneckji Nusserwanji Dhallamaintain that under the Sasanians, the priesthood spent an inordinate amount of time dealing with cultic and theologial issues, which “de ­ scended to rigid formalism, stifled inde ­ pendent inquiry, stigmatized honest doubt as Ahrimanian, and sought to over-rule original thinking by dogmatic assertions (Dhalla). ” The post-Sasanian period, with the stress involved in change of status of Zoroastri ­ anism from state to minority religion (un ­ der the dominance of Islam) must have played its part in driving the religion to adopt a very patriarchal worldview. The stress of survival has often been correlated with the rise in male patterns of dominance toward women —J» an easy target since females are the most powerless members of a victimized group. Moreover, Zoroas ­ trian fear of an alien religion ^d culture, especially when it was tied to their status of being the subjugated sect (Boyce refers to many “stories ” of rape and abduction of Zoroastrian women — a common fate suffered by many conquered populations) must have encouraged the surfacing of extremely punitive attitudes toward wo ­ men. In addition, Dhalla demonstrates that religious dissensions, especially the growth of sects “had racked the Zoroastrian world ” during this period. One of these sects, Zurvanism, is known to have held a very perverse view of women (R. C. Zaehner). The ambivalence toward women ’s full religious participation is present in all patriarchal religions, although it is true that the initial vision does provide a sense of possibilities for women. If the societal forces change in the direction of conserva ­ tion, these forces usually dictate the course ¦¦ I in the Vendidad (“the law against the de ­ mons ”). However, it is very clear that it was the medieval period, which encompasses the of religious response. Therefore, tr^scend- Sasanian and Islamic centuries (third to ' sixteenth century CE), that witnessed the most dramatic change in the perceptions of women ’s religious and secular roles. In because of the impurity associated with knowledged, as H. Michael sframons hL Legends JVt Ano f «•! , nil Z-IM _ J _ 1_ . J • t ® Jamsheed K. Choksy believes that this elaboration occurred between the tenth to ________ _____ ___ _ the third centuries BCE and was codified Undoubtedly, the scriptures during this T uc z^orodsinan religion represented a significant step up in the recognition of the traditional roles of women as compared to the patriarchy in the Indo ­ Iranian context. At the same time, it is quite evident that the growing elaboration of beliefs and practices that regulated ritual purity and pollution must have affected women more disproportionately than men reaching this conclusion, it has to be ac- ing this phase requires ability on the part of women to have enough of a power base to deal with the politics of both the religious and societal institutions. menstruation, parturition and abortion, charged, that there is a tendency to place The convergence of patriarchal religious and societal forces with Zoroastrian con ­ ceptions of purity and pollution produced some elaborate legends that display strong an overreliance on texts, most of which are concerned with matters of ritual purity. I 'i 108 Parsiana February-March 1996ambivalence towards women. The asso ­ ciation of menstruation with the evil spirit (Pahlavi Ahriman) led to the following they were defiled, might defile the males, legend that is preserved in the Bundahishn and cause ( ' - ‘ ’) *’ ‘ (3.7): “the original creation. ” After the their proper function. ” Here, the female as mixture of good and evil. Jeh defiles women and Spendarmad blesses them. Simmons concludes this argument by sug- a he joined himself to her, that she might defile females, and the females, because (the males) to turn away from gesting that until the final renovation when Ahriman and Jeh will cease to exist, the purity codes are needed to protect women and the rest of the good creation from the evil of Ahriman. In this sense, a woman is not inherently evil, she is always a part of the good creation. Choksy is more convinced that the medieval period does represent a real (3.7): “the original creation. ” After the initial attack on Ohrmazd ’s perfect cre ­ ation, Ahriman had been in a 3,000-year swoon caused by the wise lord ’s recital of a sacred prayer and by the vision of . igh- teous man (Gayomard). Although his de ­ mons were powerless to wake him, the task was accomplished by the whore demoness - . (Jeh) She succeeded by promising to let the source of impurity, pollution and temp- change in the perceptions regarding loose affliction on the righteous man and tation is portrayed vividly. Therefore, the — - fme. ne.r- the primordial bull and all the creations of structure of the legend itself conveys a Ohrmazd. “And she so recounted those negative image of woman Aat is very evil deeds a second time that the evil spirit similar to some medieval Christian beliefs was t - confusion, and he kissed Geh (or Jeh) upon the head, and the pollution which they call menstruation became apparent in Geh. ” Menstruation, then, comes from the kiss of Ahriman, and it was created in order to render human beings unfit to do battle against evil (Choksy). The question arises as to how this original affliction was going to be transmitted to human beings. Ac­ cording to the Zadspram (34.30-31), the evil spirit joined himself to the whore demoness. “For the defilement of females Menstruation comes from the kiss of Ahriman women, that “women were, in time per ­ ceived as easily corrupted and beguiled by the forces of evil... women were believed to be inferior to men, who although also delighted and started up from that (Eileen Power 1975). susceptible to pollution and deception by Simmons goes back to the original cou- the forces of evil, are not afflicted by a pling; that Spendarmad, the bounteous pollution which periodically manifests it- "• ¦ ¦ ¦ self. ” These attitudes pervade the histori ­ cal and religious texts, and the best that can Simmons goes back to the original cou- immortal, is the guardian of both the earth and virtuous woman. Therefore, the virtu ­ ous woman, is the protege of Spendarmad, be said is that at times the attitudes reflect and not Jeh. Jeh can be perceived in the context of dualism as the demonic antith ­ esis of Spendarmad, and thus, the antith ­ esis of good woman. Thus, Jeh and Spend- Other texts armad are two opposing points on a continuum, both of which affect women, at least as long as the material world is in an ambivalence rather than outright nega ­ tivism toward women. Other passage^ in the texts are directly pertinent to the subject of women since they present Ohrmazd himself addressing Customer is, ^always Light ¦»_ When he entrusts his Household Packing, Shipping, Removal, Storage.... all his problems to B.C. Buhariwala & Sons. ¦0* * Make the right Move, Call: R^. Buheritvala & Sens 5 J. N. Heredia Marg, Ballard Estate, Bombay-400 03S. Tel.: 2615451/3, 2613137 Tlx.: 011-75139BCB IN. Fax: 22-2620785 BRANCH OFFICE: 1310, Pragati Towers, Rajendra Place, New Deihi-110 008. Tel. Nos.: 5711876, 5713540. Tlx.: 031-61928 BCB IN Represented throughout the World by more than 600 offices Door to door Service 110 Parsiana February-March 1996women: “I created thee, whose adversary examples: “Put not your trust in women is the whore species, and thou was created lest you have cause to be ashamed and to with a mouth close to thy buttocks, and repent; do not tell your secrets to women coition seems to thee even as the taste of lest your toilings be fruitless (Zaehner). ” the sweetest food (is) to the mouth, for thou art a helper to me, for from thee is man born but thou dost grieve me who am Ohrmazd. But had I found another vessel from which to make man, never would I have created thee, whose adversary is the whore species (Zaehner). ” The ambi ­ valence toward women and sexuality, as wanting in obedience to her lord; and Arda well as a grudging recognition of the Viraf pictures the soul of a woman wend- necessity of having women around in order to produce children, is quite striking. At the same time, as in the ancient period, it is also clear that the religion exhibited some flexibility in prescribing women ’s religious roles, albeit at a very peripheral level. The Sayest ne Sayest could have accompanied him to heaven (10.35), a compilation of “the proper and improper, ” specifies some limited condi ­ tions under which a woman can perform a few sacerdotal functions. She is “fit for priestly duty among women, ” having the reinforced Zoroastrian misogyny, ” since right to consecrate the barsom and perform liturgies. Still these functions by no means should leave the impression as some writ ­ ers have claimed (Ervad Rustam Shahzadi) Christian Church, originating in the writ- that “so sacred a work as that of...the chief priest... at a ritual was not denied to their sex (women). ” In fact, the Pahlavi writers of the period of marriages. The prevailing theme in this were quite explicit in delineating the fact categorization seems to be the woman ’s that women were expected to be silent primary role as the provider of children. A partners in the religious experience. A post-Sasanian work, the Sad Dar (59.1- 2.5), a treatise on “a hundred subjects, ” expounds: “In the good and pure religion of the against the wishes of the parents is called Mazda worshippers, they have not com- “self-disposing wife. ” A woman who is the manded the women to perform the only child of her parents, agreeing to give Nyayises. And their Nyayises are these, that three times everyday, at dawn, mid ­ day prayer, and evening prayer, they stand the “adopted wife ” of a youth who has died back in the presence oftheir own husbands, is then married to another youth with full and fold their arms and speak thus: ‘What dowry but is considered to be the wife of are thy thoughts, so that I may think them; what is necessary for thee, so that I may speak it; and what is necessary for thee, so that I may do it? ’... For the satisfaction of belong to the husband. A childless widow the sacred being is in a reverence for the satisfaction of the husband. ” Besides the religious texts, it is also instructive to examine the wisdom litera ­ ture, because the folk wisdom provides a clue to the kind of milieu that spawned the patriarchal religious perceptions of the Jamshidji Cawasji Katrak). Choksy klso day. In this context, statements attributed provides references to various Pahlavi to Adurbad, the son of Maraspand [a high texts to show that they contain discus ­ priest who lived during the reign of Shapur sions of the practice of consanguineous II (307-379 CE)] can serve as excellent marriages. Dhalla refers to other sources that echo the same sentiments: woman has no wis ­ dom, and therefore a man can thank his creator that he has made him a man and not a woman; a woman ’s first and last duty is to obey her husband, and she is to be condemned to suffering in hell if she is Wzfh best compliments from ing its way toward the infernal regions, reminding the pious soul of her husband that as her lord upon earth, it was his duty to have guided her on the path of righteous ­ ness and not allowed her to lapse into wickedness so that now after death she instead of going to hell. Choksy believes that “perhaps the in ­ fluence of Nestorian Christianity on Ira ­ nian society during the medieval period “the view of woman as an instrument of the devil, both inferior and evil, also deve ­ loped during the earliest period of the ings of St Paul. ” In describing the societal milieu, the Pahlavi texts mention five different kinds woman who is given in marriage through an arrangement made by the parents (the most common type of marriage) is called “privileged wife. ” A woman who marries the first child to her parents is called the “one wife. ” A woman who is chosen to be the dead man as far as it pertains to the life of her soul after death. In return, half her children belong to the dead man and half NARIMAN NALLASETH Pvt Ltd PLUMBING* ENGINEERS CONSULTANTS 27, Tamarind Lane 1st Floor, Block No 11 Rajabahadur Compound Apollo Street Bombay 400023 Phone Nos: 2650066 & 2652986 Fax: 091-022-2655834 4’ 4 who remarries is a “serving wife; ” for purposes of the afterlife and the respective ceremonies, her name continues to be tied to her first husband. Half her children by the second marriage belong to the first husband in the other world (Dhalla; m./’ars/ana February-March 1996to the harsh restrictions in public that the Bothincestuousmarriagesandpolygyny source ^TmensttualTo^^ commg of the Arab hegemony imposed on — a major source of impurity — that is, evil — in the material world. Women, by extension then, became inferior, sinful and evil. The medieval period witnessed a significant elaboration of taboos and ritu ­ als associated with menstruation and par ­ turition. The texts lay out the exact number are said to have persisted during the medi ­ eval period among all classes of Zoroas ­ trian society in both Iran and India. Again, as in the ancient period, there is no way to assess the effects of these practices on women, since it is impossible to circum ­ vent the problem of women ’s “silent his ­ tory. ” The texts mention the fact that marriage could be dissolved at the initiation of either the husband or the wife, but the way the laws were formulated and practiced is quite revealing. Usually both parties had to agree to a divorce,but the wife's agre ­ ement was not required if she was infertile wtsirA man. never or guilty of adultery. Once the wife had borne children, she could only be divorced would I nave on grounds of adultery. Generally,there thee were four reasons for which a man could CrtSOMSW divorce his wife; adultery, concealment of the fact that she was menstruating, practice of steps that a menstruant must distance herself from the “righteous man ” as well as other sacred elements. The period of con ­ finement after miscarriage or childbirth that females observed the menstrual ta- was extended to 40 days. During the period boos; “Pure-hearted men, whose females of menstruation, even her gaze and voice in menstrual period, become pure on the were believed to be capable of polluting seventh night; ^nd when) delivered of all of Ohrmazd ’s good creation. The main child pure in body after a month from the Had I found another vessel from which to of sorcery, and sterility (Choksy). A wife did have the right to seek redress in a court of law if the husband was seeking a divorce under wrongful circumstances. Dhalla adds an interesting footnote to this topic by pointing out that the Rivayat states that in order to have a male successor, a liWOl/Wll** - ---- - ----- -- wife is infertile, provided he is willing by the medieval period, women came to be to continue to support the previous wife. i The wife, however, was not allowed to faceted: god-created, yet periodically pol- divorce the husband if he turned out to be luted, easily tempted, and untrustworthy. impotent. ‘ ~ • r u Moreover, the same double standard is over evil, and the direct antagonists of the revealed in the texts on the subject of whore demoness, women were believed to • J 1 1 _ 1_ _____ _ .fX*l * 4. _ .J ylzAr> o ' adultery. When a woman married, she literally accepted the husband as her lord and master. She was, in effect, her carnal temptation (Choksy). husband ’s property. Thus, the Zoroastrian the subject of adultery can be understood has been that the authors have felt the need the Zoroastrian minority. Parsi settlements in India Although the early history of the Parsi Zoroastrian refugees ’ flight to India in about 936 CE, and the settlement in Sanjan is shrouded in legend, the story itself makes some references to women that are instruc ­ tive. The Kisseh-i-Sanjan was written in 1600 CE by a learned priest whose sources were old books, plus oral history. It claims that when the refugees came ashore, the local ruler was afraid of the large body of armed strangers, and asked the priest who had come as the group spokesperson to explain their religion and customs. The priest answered in 16 Sanskrit shlokas (stanzas). Interestingly, the references in these stanzas to women stress their tradi ­ tional roles — “(a community) whose married females are not (looked upon as) pure if devoid of husband ” — or the fact * child pure in body after a month from the husband may take a second wife if the first effect of these misogynist views was that day of delivery ; (whose females) are noble .................. -_____________________________ H on account of their graceful'conduct... are regarded, in rehgious doctrine, as dual powerful and strong and have always laugh- ...................... - ing faces (Rustom Burjorji Paymaster). ” The Rivayats (“traditions ” — a compi- Although essential for the victory of good lation of instructions provided by the Zo ­ over evil, and the direct antagonists of the roastrian priests of Iran to inquiries raised by the Parsi priests in India about ritual practices; Parsi emissaries brought back * have been afflicted with this demoness ’s . characteristics; menstrual pollution and 26Rivayatsbetween 1478 and 1773)reveal that the Zoroastrian doctrines regulating women ’ s behavior during menstruation and childbirth were conveyed in elaborate de ­ tail to the early settlers in India. In fact, it might be interesting to speculate if the Maybe part of the problem in evalua ­ ting the role of women in Zoroastrianism pronouncements in the medieval period on t --------------- . / : .... . . . , . only in the context of male property rights, to present an unidimensional view posi- Maganlal A. Buch refers to various texts which can be interpreted in this manner; one should avoid adultery since “everyone who beguiles the wife of another... that woman becomes, in a moment, unlawful as regards her husband; ” and “one should abstain from rape on another ’s wife and from causing a woman to occupy a sepa ­ rate bed from her husband. ” However, the the dilemma had to be resolved by provid greatest fear with adultery is the distur ­ bance of woman ’s main function; the pro ­ duction of rightful male heirs. Thus, the texts claim, “and by it all lineage is dis ­ turbed, control is put an end to, and without the authority of the husband an intermin ­ gling of son with son occurs (Buch). ” It appears that all these negative views of women seemed to ultimately find their tive or negative. The reality seems to point Parsi priests fear of jiot remembering the details of ritual practices, and the Iranian priests ’ stress on describing the most exact routines might not have resulted in even toward ambivalence — a much more un ­ derstandable stance since the male ecclesi ­ astical authorities must have realized that the initial equality preached by the Prophet more conservative traditions being pre- was at great odds with the male control of served during this period. For example, religious institutions, congregations and Choksy describes how the Persian Rivayats households in the medieval period. Hence, and Parsi writings in Gujarati cover such topics as the number of times the married couple were supposed to have intercourse per month if the wife was not pregnant, and the rituals that both parties had to follow after each act to cleanse themselves of ritual impurity. Scavveved vefoeuces to topics pettaiu- ing to Parsi women are also available in other sources such as foreign travelers ’ ing women some opportunities for flex ­ ibility in their religious and societal roles. Dhalla gives examples of these alterna ­ tives: women officiated at minor ceremo ­ nies; they owned property and acted as a guardian of the f amity when no mate itia- tive was living to guard its interest; women could succeed to the throne if the king had no male issue; and women were not subject accounts of what they observed in India. 112 Parsiana February-March 1996 I•r The Rev Edward Terry, chaplain in the service of the East India Company, 1616- 1619, noted about his visit to Surat that the “Parsis took only one wife who was chosen with priestly guidance (John R. Kinnells). ” Thus, the practice of polygyny must have been on the decline, although Zoroastrian men were still permitted to take a second wife if the first was infertile. Another priest. Rev Henry Lord, who was in Surat between 1615 and 1623, described the five forms of marriage that were prevalent among the Parsis, and the types match the medieval period marriages among the Zo ­ roastrians in Iran (Paymaster). The remaining citation relating to women ’s activities again falls in the area of traditional lore. An incident at the end of the 11th century describes the valor with which Parsi women, dressed as men, de ­ fended the settlement of Variav from hostile troops while Parsi men were away partaking in a feast — a fact that reveals that women did not participate in all public functions. As victory was at hand their disguise was discovered and the hostile troops rallied again. The women could not fight off this assault and knowing that they would be defeated, they preferred death to dishonor and drowned themselves (Paymaster). The legend does convey the impression that women were capable of taking independent action, albeit under unusual circum ­ stances. However, the reason for the action is protection — not some unfeminine cause like power, and in the end the women are revered for their sacrifice, not triumph through slaughter on a battlefield. In other words, the legend symbolically tries to solve the patriarchal society ’s ambiva ­ lence toward women. With Best Compliments From GALLERY CHEMOULD > A gallery of Contemporary Indian Art ) To be continued Dr Ketayun H. Gould is professor emerita in the School of Social Work, University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign in the United States. She is a partner, along with her husband, in Independent Scholars Associ ­ ated in Stafford, Virginia. She opted for early retirement to pursue her research and scholarship. Her writings have dealt with two main areas: feminist theory, models and practice frame­ works in the area of womfin and ethnic minority concerns, and historical and demographic studies of the Parsi Zoroastrian community in India. Currently she is authoring a book on the historical and demographic decline ofthe Parsi Zoroastrian community in the rural and urban areas of Gujarat. Selection of good paintings Tasteful Framing Care and Restoration of old paintings Jehangir Art Gallery, 1st Floor M. G. Road, Bombay 400023 Tel: 2844356/2833640 Fax: 2836058 11 SPa/s/ana February-March 1996 ¦I MEDIA yri k-’ * a iH 1 I Dcspite the lure of TV programs, children in India look forward to reading each issue of funtimes^ published by Feroza and Jersheen Madan Parinaz Gandhi * I eading four pages was a challenge for the kids. Wlien the four pages became six, then eight and then 10, the children did not shy away. After all tliis wasn ’t a drab textbook, but their Fun­ times, a tabloid brought out five times in a year with stories containing morals, mathematical puzzles, quizzes, general knowledge, games of intellect, cartoons bearing a message — all colorfully illus ­ trated to sustain readership interest. This preoccupation with Funtimes brought happiness to the children, their parents, their teachers, their principals. The happiest of all though were the edi- tors-publishers Fcroza and her sister Jersheen Madaii who launched Funtimes in 1992 under their banner of Ferheen Publications. Determined to “give back to society and the children of India what education and knowledge had given us — the fruits of reading and good learning, ” the Madan i sisters conducted a survey in Madras, | their home base. They found that “due to I the influence of TV and video, children 1 were not reading anymore. ” Their past ’ ;n, expects it. ” Within India itself, Cama estimates that nearly 2f)0*million affluent middle- class Indians want to travel, wantto move. To keep pace with the world trends in the service industry Cama* foresees the 124Piirsiana Fobruery March 1996 airports are definitely not international in quality: they are not user-friendly nor overly clean. The railway stations, the less said the better... The government has to consider travel infrastructure as a major priority (instead of) talking of idiotic notions like phasing out first class on the railways... socialions that can impart training to In ­ dian personnel. To this effect he has got a commitment from the European Union to run 40 three-day training workshops. He also expects that the American Hotel and Motel Asstxiialion will send their trainers into India as well. Such benefits should largely accrue to the independent and small hoteliers and not the chains which have .-Iquality J ! tlieir own training institutes, he believes, s Almost every city in India i.s building ' hotels. Even pilgrimage centers are deve- I loping hotels. Against this scenario, unles.s there is uained manpower “hotels will r never offer quality, ” notes Cama. There may be substantial scope for im ­ provement in India yet the optimist is firmly of the view that “this will be the country of the 21st century. ” This is not an issuejustfor academic discussion, siresses J Cania who with his paternal benevolence 1 punctuates his responses with the word I "beta (child). ” In fad, “I have just talked ’ one of my nephews into coming back to i India, ” he maintains. I Tlic hotel industry itself offers consi- I derableemployment avenues in India. With I ample job openings and fabulous salaries I there is constant job hopping to improve I career prospects. The number of Parsi en- I trants however is dismal, slates Cama who I is a member of the board of governors of I the Institute of Hotel Management, Cater- I ing and Applied Nutrition, Ahmedabad I and Bombay. Recently, in the course of his I interviews, he asked one Parsi male appli- I cant whether he was prepared to work I outside Bombay to which the boy responded I that he would have to consult his parents, I Cama shakes his well-groomed head in I CuNtt ¦I < 't'': 1 Hindustan Motors DBesr »AU WVtl PAR 1 i >5' 3 GAMA motors umsb OCM nwiim u w 9 * I « I Le/Z t(f rigIn (from top): I Parents, the late Rustam and Mini I Cama. Jehangir Cama. Mehroo. s son Rustom and daughter Laila; i the cars showroom, the family flagship Cama Hotel in Ahmedabad and the Mount Abu resort disbelief. Similarly Cania feels very disap ­ pointed each time he hears of a Parsi .selling off his hotel in India. “Our boys run ‘ hamburger joints in America, staying as second class citizens rather than help build their own nation, ” he laments. “A Parsi . young man who wants to go abroad will work harder there than in this country. 1 don ’t understand why. Is there an inferior ­ ity complex? Is there some belief that they cannot fit into this .society? ” wonders Cama. “Our .standards of integrity and honesty are SvI high and the opportunities are so vast that interests including dealing in heavy ma we can easily prosper." ' ' As the head of Cama Hotels Limited, Cama oversees the functioning of their four star hotel in Ahmedabad which has 50 rooms and their Rajputana Resort in Mount Abu which has 42 rooms and is classified as a heriuge hotel. While the hotel ¦- times a year because I like to and not because I have to." So also the perfor ­ mance of religious ceremonies like the navjote he advocates for he believes that chincry and power generators. What made him start tfie first four star hotel in Gujarat'.' “He was a businc.s.sman, he was an entre- ....... ..v .,^,,vvca umi preneur, he was a Parsi. Isn ’ t that enough?" “rituals are necessary for the continuity of reasonsCama."AParsibusinessmancould religion, ” He is dlso very keen that hi.s as a uciiiage notei. wniie the hotel in , Ahmedabad was started in 1960 by Cama ’s I father Ru.stom, when there were only four ' or five four star hotels in the whole of I India, the Mount Abu resort was opened ¦ last year and is reputed for its vast land ­ scaped gardens and the entire gamut of i sports facilities offered, informs the sports I enthusiast who .serves as the president of the Central Board of Cricket, Ahmedabad, I and as vice-president of the Ahmedabad I Military and Rifle Training Association. In the next three years they plan to start a ! hotel in Udaipur, Rajasthan. After that'. ’ “Enough," says 58-year-old Cama who, as director of Cama Motors Limited, also run.s four automobile work ­ shops and three showrooms. “Ke'tlu joiech (What more do you want)'. ’ It keeps me and my son (Rustom) busy, ” he notes. His wife Mehroo too i.s involved in Cama's ven ­ tures. In his word.s, “She is into everything. did 11 ,h= fabrics aiid^apes,:, ’' She = Kha;:^:S„r “A Parsi young man who wants to go abroad will work harder there than in this country ” children marry within the fold. As to the I mode of disposing (he body, he say.s he is indifferent. His late kaka (paternal uncle) I Uara Cama was a great votary of cremation but most of his family members have been i consigned to the dokhma, he reports. I "Times are changing so fa.st. The present generation is growing up in a rarefied I atmosphere," observes Cama citing Alvin I Toffie.r’sTheThird Wave as an indicator of I the days to come. As he foresees, “Funda- I mentalism will be our downfall... (It is the same) for any community or religious I group." For India, the businessman has greater hopes: "We have human and natu ­ ral resources. Since my teens I have always had an abiding faith in (he future of this country... ” I mode of disposing (he body, he says he I Uara Caiiia was a great votary of cremation venture into any field and make it go." If there ever was a role model in Cama's life, ] it was hi.s father who .stressed on ethics in i business, and building relationships, ad ­ vising, “Never look back if you have these two. ” It was also on his father ’s insistence that Cama was sent to the Gujarati medium I Tutorial High School to get a "pucca grounding in Gujarati." Tliough he had I ____ c I maintained, "You cannot afford tobehurra sahebs (big people)." After two years of i science at the M. G. Science Institute, ' Cama joined the family automobile busi ­ ness. _________________________________ I Vehicles had interested even Cama ’s i grandfather Jehangir Dadabhai Cama who ! came from Surat to settle in Ahmedabad. He set up the first cycle .shop in Ahmedahad, i selling Raleigh bicycles. He was also the ' sole distributor then of Singer sewing ..._ iJLmo't?! ’ f Pedcra\ion of famify ’s'^bXfs'Tonk^io.S W | Part-time into motors, for the Abu proiect J.,. ..... . ... '¦J also runs a travel agency. Their daughter Laila. trained in Salzburg, is the food and beverage manager at Cama's while an ­ other daughter Ayesha being handicapped is at home. In fact, the turnover from their automo ­ bile busine.s.s is seven time.s that from the hotel business, mentions Cama who hap ­ pens to he the president of the Ahmedahad Automobile Dealers ’ Association as also the Ahmedabad Petroleum Dealers ’ Asso ­ ciation and additionally serves as govern- i Automobile Dealers ’Association of India, as vice chairman of the local advisory board of the Western India Automobile Association and as member of the Traffic Advisory Committee of Ahmedabad city, Thefoundation of theirautomobile busi ­ ness too was laid by Cama'.s father who was appointed dealer for the Ford Motor Association Company until they withdrew from India. “I sit at the desk which was gifted to my feher by the managing director of Ford gives a tactful lepl^-rhel^whcncv^^^ . apparently a deeocr who had done his apprenticeship and vice chairman of the local advisory raa- successive generation the busines.s has expanded and now in 1996 they plan to go : public for “expansion waste paisa joie (money is the prerequisite for expansion)." i Despite his heavy business commit ­ ments Cama makes time for welfare work: I he is vice president of die Blind Men's — ...... —I as also the Gujarat Cancer Society. Does he also make time for aelivi- ' ties concerning the Parsi community? He gives a tactful reply, "I help whenever thev WHO naa done his apprenticeship and involvement in temsT^cpdng t^iTtw- ' JealCTship management training with Ford ship of the punchayet he shies ------- 1 IO 1 am deeply religious and the m..;: , - .in which he dreadfully God-fearing Parsi," claims born and prospered, Caina explains Cama. "hut I'm not rhe sudreh-kusii in UK in the 1950s. “My father wanted to give back something to the city was 1 tile genesis of his family ’s varied business away from. ‘‘I am deeply religious and the most _ ____ wear ing Parsi. 1 go to a fire-temple about 10-1.5 ' 127 Parsiana Febmary-March I9S6 Jamshedi Navroze Mubarak Get good value for your money Visit RAILWAY HOTEL 15-17, Charni Road Grant Road Junction Bombay 400004 Telephone: 3851028 Beer Parlour/ Permit Room I I I I > IINSTITUTIONS The divine destination Not only the Iranshah but the well-maintained, reasonably priced hotels in Udvada draw Zoroastrians to this center of worship Gustasp Irani Tabota par eedaa (eggs on tomato), fried boi fish, mutton pullao topped with two servings of double scoop ice-cream from hand-churned molds... This was tradition at its sumptuous best, served in generous helping.s on the balcony of our room that overlooked the central courtyard of Udvada ’s olde.st hotel — Globe. In most Udvada hotels wc discovered that while some old customs die hard, others — happily the warts of the past - have given way to amenities like attached toilets, hot water on tap 24 hours a day, clean linen, towels and soap on request and facilities you might expect in any no-frills happy chatter and laughter of guests; and modern hotel. again al mealtimes, the clatter of service, their inhibitions and move around in their sudreh and pajamas and nighties. The sounds filtered into our room — the instructions shouted to the hotel .staff, the modern hotel. Indeed, Udvada hotels have come a long way. And then again, they have tained their distinctive Parsi identity and and Majestic (top). Wadia Dkarumshala homeliness where guests feel free to shed and Dastur Baug (below) re- Vintage hostelries: Hotels Noshirwan si d -t*. 'm 'U > X / Udvada '^ hotels havc^ retained their distinctive Parsi \ identity & z ^^homelinesa^. L* 'j I Parsiana Pobruary-MarchtSSe i I «.?¦ s!t 1 die sighs and exclamaliDns of appreciation. It brought to mind the time when one guest at Paradise Hotel started to bang his chair impatient for his meal to be served, then expressed his appreciation at the gastro ­ nomic delights with a string of expletives. Tt is the same no matter where you stay, be it in the old-world charm of Globe and Noshirwan. the contemporary structure of Paradise or the simpler comforts of the dharamshalas. In May 1995 one more Parsi-run institu ­ tion, Hotel Sun-n-Sands, opened its doors to guests. Don ’t let the name fool you. Sun-n- Sands, comprising of six rooms grafted on to an old Parsi-owned beach front bungalow (set amidst ample lawns) opposite the old Globe Annex, is as old-worldly as you can get. According to tlie brother and sister d compromising the heady again. This lime it Ls being managed by management is tlie Jehangir Irani, lhe previous manager, died Paradise Hotel's modern counterpoint to the Sodawaterwala Hharamskala (center) and Globe Hotel (bottom) team of Noshir and Armaity Shroff who run the property, Parsi guests from the USA, Canada and Australia in search of their roots just love the place. The Shroffs, who migrated to Udvada from the congestion of their GraJlt Road flat in Bombay, plan to give a facelift to lhe cottage and add attached toilets to all rooms without nostalgia. Talking of nostalgia. Hotel Majestic which has gone through a .spell of on-off sequences over lhe past few years, is on again, Tlii.s time it is being managed by Dara Pardiwala who also runs Daiious Darba on the highway at Pardi, one station further down from Udvada, Also under new management is tlie Sodawatcrwala Dharamshala. After in early 1995, Dark Shroff, brother of the Shroffs who run Hotel Sun-n-Sands, has taken over one of the oldest dharamshala.s which provides good value for Parsis trav- clling in large groups and looking for budget accommodation. At the other end of lhe scale we have the fairly new Paradise Hotel, run on contem ­ porary lines that die older hotels have to emulate to pull in clientele. For instance, it provides guests with television and Star IV in every room. According to lhe hus ­ band and wife team of Hector and Farida Engineer, after doubling their capacity by adding 14 new room.s m May 1995, they the slack period. During the peak emulate to pull in clientele. For instance, it provides guests with television and Star IV in every room. According to lhe hus ­ band and wife team of Hector and Farida Engineer, after doubling their capacity by . ., are still running near capacity even during : season, 130 Parsiaiia Februaiy-Maroii ‘996 CLSTOMFH S*iUVl<.'L tbLLd: BUMfiAt III Uli 04/ .’I’/'. 0A.’IV/\LVf\e ...nBai Dhunmai & Cawasji Dadabhoy Sanatorium Trust C/o: D. Cawasji & Co., N M Wadia Building, 123 Mahatma Gandhi Road. Bombay 400023 The trustees of the trust are pleased to inform the Parsi Zoroastrian community, that the above trust has multifarious objects for giving financial aid to anjumans, other t-usts, and to individuals for religious, educational, medical and for any worthy cause for amelioration and upliftment of weaker and needy sections of the Parsi Zoroastrian community in India. The application forms are available at the above address on payment of Rs 15/- by cash or money order. day ’s stay, especially during the peak season. It ’s evening now and instinctively we head towards the sea. The beach is pep ­ pered with local residents and visitors, silhouetted against a setting sun. After the orange-gold orb has slid off the sky we make our way back to our hotel past old Parsi houses. Here residents sit on open porches conversing with neighbors across the street, while elderly ladies with scarves tied around their heads perfume the houses and the night air with loban or incense. As we approach our hotel we are greeted with the rich aroma of food. The family in the adjacent room is already in nighties and lengha/sudreh. We nod a greeting as we enter our room to freshen up for the evening repast. In the distance we hear the muffled striking of the maachi bell — one stroke followed by nine in groups of three — that announces the enthroning of Iranshah and the turning of the gah. We turn to pay our respects to the holy fire. As long as it remains in Udvada, we shall keep return ­ ing and as Udvada ’s hotels improve their facilities, there will be an added incentive to do so. For details of amenities available, see chart on the following page Administrative/ Secretarial Assistant required for Voyage magazine. Write giving full details to: The Advertiser (Admin) GPO Box 892 Bombay 400001 Add rain. Forest fires ... global warming ... Yes. The choice of the future is entirely ours. We at Tatas are ever conscious of the dangers facing the environment. And are involved ih its preservation. Be it planting of trees. Or installing electrostatic precipitators. So that we can leave behind a beautiful world for our children. TATA ENTERPRISES MAACOMMUNICATIONS-BOM-TE-292 A 134Fa/s/a/7a February-March 1996Xi I Pets acceptable * TS Si S I Safe deposit locker ^1 I I Generator - - - - - - - d I Conference facilities I 5| Rickshaw hire * M Laundry TV Towels Sheets Bathroom/Toilet facilities Hot water Dinner only Lunch only Breakfast only -§¦& c p o re -8 E re <£9 O’ igl^ •^1 re c c 3 5 Q g E E w5 g 3 ¦s ^-5 1 fi -a (Q No of Rooms o> £ .1 ° I i I I g g ?¦ §¦ 1 ,c a a> 6 ¦? ^¦S si re ” pS O ir* _3 d> "O O> O’ si ¦ f o g> a 3 8’^ e 8 ¦H 3 I I s cn .£ c c 9 o> £ -S?’ c c p O g E I CO g 6 ¦? __ Vi (0 £ Eg 1 3 O> I"® 1 § E E 8 E °° 8“ <0 i p 8“ 3 c o £ £ 8 E 8, 1 ‘I a a ___ <0 « ts (A S' 09 S u> a> fC cr S8 -S’ o I ¦<^ 9 * co X jO W3 r. X $** 8 E 8 >. A 8 CM (O X 6 ¦? 8 CM (O X i " 15 O o E s p «I, s^ „ —¦6 -€ I I I re S-H ” = S’ o p X p “s SdS Vi + X , 3® (A S it >A S z lO CM CM CO q: “f d ra Q de 6 ¦? 8 CM 15 O 8 de (O X i2 Is A 8 CM (O X QO CM fS £= CO a (O q>« CO co p o o 3 8 2 CM CM 8j § £ ¦« p § p c •u re lii -S £5 -S 2 2 -o “o o o o ii2< liili- 136 Parsiana February-March 1996 -2 iS « -8 § ala 8 re '^1 8 CO X 8 <0 X 8 U3 a: s w CC S' Cd .E -q- S CO to de !? V) X « t/J X 4 4 co Xi'S 5| ^1 « to ao^o ^"8 5 f <0 £ 5 ¦s g •6 <0 O _s.< a* ^¦S g _ >«^ a I -2' 5-5 § (O X 8 (A X I 8 CO X 8 t/) X co X _¦§ I S' a co X co CM (O CC de e X ~s 8de de * I ¦5 I' S' E O s oS 6 S 2 q? S X co *u X d —co CM de s 2, Q. a 11 ‘^¦“1 “fl iJ X & 6 ¦? co CM ¦»- o co *“ OC «> X £ I g. I E s § A “de “ + cc 8 CM (O X 4 8 Cd (A DC o cu o> o a> :? I w 5 s .S2 <0 ¦§1^ <§53 (Q p co § < I s a !§^£S si ™ 5 -S u -ijs-Ea, re Ih a> p s| if a o £0 2 Jd3 c J i8 o co 5L 8 I out In addition to ^33 Parsiana February-March 1996 r f •Sts * V. J i. -a V. It'd. i i 4." L iso we ask Farida whether they don ’t keep the lack of sea view from certain rooms separate candles in the section of the Hotel (actually. Hotel Majestic and Paradise are which they have converted into their resi- the only remaining hotels located on the dence. “He ’s not bothered about the house. ” beach). He had gone to make sure that candlelight is available to all the room occupants. When it is not customer satisfaction that Hector is involved with, it is staff settle in this town, though Farida who was interaction. Both of them are very appreciative of the cooperation they receive from their staff. Quite a few of the staff with the shift for the pace oflife in Bombay members have been with Hector from the time he was at Noshirwan. The moral support from the staff at the time of building Bengallee Girls ’ High School and two Paradise was tremendous. In fact, they years of commerce studies at the Lala foresook their salary for the first two Lajpatrai College, Farida joined DHL, the months, acknowledge the Engineers. The courier arm of Airfreight Limited. Hector ’s The peaceful ambience and the rustic cleanliness of Udvada appeal to the Engi ­ neers who are happy that they decided to educated in Bombay before marriage misses the city occasionally, she is happy “is too damn fast. You have to keep running all the time. ” After her schooling at the GLOBE THEATRES Pvt Ltd dedication with which they serve has earned them their employers ’ to ­ tal confidence, so much so that when the Engineers take a holiday once in a while, retreating to a nearby hill station, they leave the affairs of the Hotel for four or five days in the hands of their staff who have received Their staff foresook their salary for the first two months roots are in Ankleshwar. He had studied at the Ginwalla High School and thereafter chose to make a career in lampshades. When his father Faramroz opted not to continue as manager at Noshirwan Hotel in Udvada, Hector stepped into his father ’s shoes and later took over as contractor. Both Farida encomium from the public too for managing so ably. As a policy the Engineers believe in not the latter, imposing any rules — neither for the pub ­ lic, nor for the staff. And yet they find that everyone stays within limits. They do not even insist on adherence to timings with the result that food is made available at all reasonable hours. “Everyone comes to enjoy. Everyone comes in a jolly mood. ” , During Diwali time, about 60 percent of Farida too ls religious, praying with a book for two to four hours each day. The reli ­ gious fervor within the community itself is on the rise, they say. Having carved a niche for themselves and Hector are fond of reading and travelling, though constraints of time limits Since they operate in a pilgrim center are they both particularly religious? Hec ­ tor confesses that he has great faith in the Iranshah and Zarathushtra; “Whenever I have asked for any favors I have been blessed. Without the hand of God (we would not have been able to succeed). ” their clientele comprise Hindus but they are not as outgoing and fun-loving as the Parsis, has beenFarida ’s observation. Since the beach resorts on nearby Devka charge Rs 600-7(X) per person per day, they find the Engineers are now making efforts to enhance their popularity among their cli ­ ents. They are contemplating designing a Paradise Hotel ’s rates — Rs 250 for non ­ vegetarians and Rs 2(X) for vegetarians — very economical. Food, service and view garden or children ’s park on their pre- are what Paradise is reputed for. They ~ decided to name their hotel Paradise on Farida ’s recommendation, for the couple who believe that “the letters ‘P’ and ‘R’ sadech (are harbingers of fortune), ” had customers to frequent Paradise, they would also like more tourists to come to Udvada. They therefore maintain, “All the hotels in mises. Their dream project is a garden restaurant. Indoor games for children is also on their cards. Not only would the Engineers like more limited their choice initially. Before they were able to establish them ­ selves as leading hoteliers, they had to face Udvada are doing well. If there are two to adverse publicity too,-mostly from the three more hotels, more visitors would residents of Udvada, as points out Farida, who looked askance at the pathar na dholiya (stone beds within which mattres ­ ses are inlaid as per the decor), their dis ­ tant location from the other hotels, and come. ” They have room in their hotel as also in their hearts to accommodate new ­ comers. After all, if there is no place in Paradise, pilgrims can always knock at other gates. 141 Parsiana February-March 1996 Established April 3, 1915 Pioneers of Show Business in India for the last 81 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 nni DCXBYSTEReO I * I II guard them against the Arabs or Alexander. To imagine a hall from fwo piers isjtougfi^. To make an imperial precinct from some casi^ing Persian is beyond s « I Dawn at Pasargadae Keki N. Daruwalla h^S^ rmver austere In ornament and exquisitely proper- . -i^ned. White limestone capitals rose from a blaUc . plinth., \ finished k) a kind of stucco you can conjure up. But hat they we/® painted in turquoise green, copper red and lapis lazuli blue, the paint vivid and he tigures burnished is sornething I cannot come to terms with, lam ho alchemist to make he great crossing from the dross of the present to he gold dust past. . _______ _________, - I frea/3 the palaces were well lit oUongs 4» * The ground not crisscrossed by water channels now. There Is no thicket of trees around ifve hough across the road a thin ^rprped pc^ar grove flames in autumnal tires. Ati we see is the rasf plain ' and the low detritus of the Zagros range sleeping on the skyline like a dead python. lOs difticult to do a patch up job ofk^ few remnants you have leti b^lnd: an enbsnce hall with just the severed legs cri tiwwk^sd btril — ffraf gre^ concierge of he Zoroastrian faih, hough he could not One should have come here at sundown ember a^es quietly on the imdSix^wome and the colors of silence sweep the pfems of murghab like those mineral colored water fowl ¦ from fhe saft inlets of the Gulf. But who visits a dead king fence dtese days? I turn back. The poplar grove still flames. The breeze makes each leaf turn its face to the sun; each leaf has a bronzed side to its face I discover. Not a doudfwts strayed here to breach kie silence, this excess of qtdet, this excess of peace, this excess of dream. February-March 1996 ¦HOBBIES Toying With s trains 1 Anuradha Gupta Viraf Mulla places his money where his heart is — in steam engine miniatures ,r a 1 Spread out on rows of parallel tracks atop the dining table, the miniature trains look amazingly lifelike. You can almost hear a whistle go as you half expect one of them to slowly chug away. The tiny replicas, modelled after real trains, are a part of a private collection that has been acclaimed for its novelty by railway enthusiasts and collectors alike, through the school and college years. At Viraf Mulla, its owner, is a true-blue train buff. Trains are his ‘first love ’ and have been a part of his life ever since he can for his first year BCom. The location of his remember. Travelling by trains, reading college, Burhani College of Arts and Com- costs Rs 5,000 and the prices of some ofthe others go up to Rs 20,000. Seeing the small red lamps placed on each of the dining tables in the small five-inch coach and the detailed machinery replicated within the sleek engines, we can understand why. The models may resemble toy trains in size, but incorporate a wealth of detail from the original. One goods train model even sports a bright red carrier with Coca Cola written on it. “ Besides his forays abroad, Mulla has The beginnings of this interest in trains go back to when he was all of four years old. Confined to bed after a bout of jaun ­ dice, he recalls how a book on trains picked up by his father from the streets had kept _______ _____ _ ___ him amused for hours. P—*---1 - *-* ' ' Even after his family moved to Bombay models of the trains he had seen, as me- from Nagpur, this interest stayed with him times, it even took precedence over his studies. Like the time when he was reading experience of his life. On one occasion he even crossed the Arctic Circle. So enrap ­ tured was he by the place that he promised himself he would return. And he did, the next time with his wife. Once back home he started collecting mentos of his travels. Todayjiis collection of 10 odd trains consists exclusively of models from the Est region. And that ’s how he intends to keep it. The models don ’t come cheap, we learn. The smallest about them, watching them, collecting their merce along the railway lines in Byculla, models, Mullaenjoys just about everything proved to be an overwhelming distraction, to do with trains and can ’t seem to have enough of them. “It ’s a French original, ” he tells us, ally failed to clear the examinations. Get- holding one of the models in his palm for ting a clerkship with Godrej and Boyce, us to see, “made to scale, up to the last Mulla completed his graduation by corre- rivet. ” He waits patiently while we scruti ­ nize what looks like a silver grey toy before putting it down carefully amongst other such models of his modest but ex ­ clusive collection. Over a cup of tea at his flat in Borivli we listen intently to this bespectacled, soft- spoken gentleman in his late 30s as he speaks on his pet subject. Having spent his Est region of France. “They are, ” he says, “the most elegant, the creme-de-la-creme helped him take his interest beyond of steam engines the world over. ” In 1980 he got himself a Eurail pass and He spent much of his time watching the trains plying or being shunted and eventu- * spondence, diligently saving all his earn ­ ings for the various train travels he hoped to undertake one day. Mulla ’s fascination for steam locomo ­ tives has taken him all over India and to sampled practically every steam locomo- several places in Europe famous for their railway networks and trains. Of particular interest to him are the steam trains from the five in India, often ‘footplating ’ with the engine driver instead of travelling in the coach. As a member of the Royal Model Society, Pune, an association that has a mere hobby to a purposeful activity, he has been able to meet many other train enthusiasts like himself. Now a supervisor in Godrej ’s excise station, just watching the steam trains puff living in it for two months. It was, in his department, Mulla ’s main concern with old steam engines and coaches is to pre ­ serve them in running order. He does not approve of the way they are housed in museums, dismantled, the engines stripped early childhood in Nagpur, where railways are an integral part of the town ’s culture, it was, he says, difficult to remain indifferent to their charm. As a child he remembers journeyed across Europe on Le Mistral — spending hours at the railway yard and then the most prestigious train, practically by, the sky smoky behind them, their shrill words, “a dream come true. ” A few years hoots ringing in his ears. “There wasn ’t much to do then, you see, ” he adds play ­ fully, “no satellite or cable TV.” later he went to Norway. His travels in the beautiful terrain of this snow-covered, rug ­ ged country was the most exhilarating Parsiana February-March 1996 BI With Best Compliments From A WELL- WISHER 147 Parsiana February-March 1996 of all their machinery and the outer shells as mere show pieces. He believes India has a great railway history and the old steam locomotives are a national heritage which should be treated that way. , Apart from its historical value, he thinks this vintage rolling stock can help earn revenue for the country. “Indian Railways can preserve steam engines by scheduling special runs of trains with these engines which can be a great tourist draw, ” he suggests. He believes they are objects of public interest. The many enquiries he gets from train lovers all over the country and the tremendous response he received at the exhibition held during the Railway Week in 1995 are ample indications, he adds. In the future, “there are two things I would like to do most, ” he tells us. “One is to take the Trans-Siberian railway from Beijing to Europe. The other is to see the steam locomotives of South Africa. ” A supportive family (including his golden retriever Paettu, whom he fondly refers to as his second daughter), share his enthusiasm and have helped him pursue his hobby, he admits appreciatively. His wife Kashmira works with the Central Bank. Son Behzad, studying in the fifth class at St Francis School, shares his inter ­ est in trains and is crazy about cars too. And his daughter Farah who is in the second standard at the Mary Immaculate Primary School has her own collection of Barbie dolls. Mulla ’s father Feroz, who was with the Life Insurance Corporation and after retirement with Blitz, now de ­ votes most of his time to teaching children. From filling a bored schoolboy ’s idle hours with wonder and fascination, Mulla ’s affair with trains has become an all-con ­ suming passion. On our way out we notice luggage neat ­ ly stacked in one comer of the room. The family is leaving on a holiday to Shimla — travelling by the rail car, of course! Available at Panchgani, fully furnished two bedroom bungalow on hire for vacations or on long lease. Please contact: Mrs R A Bhiwandiwalla Tel nos: 2880344/4929658 Mahableshwar contact; Mr Bhiwandiwaia Tel no: 60366 1 M/s R. B. Godiwalla and Family Wishes all Parsi Patrons A Very Happy and Prosperous New Year 9 For the tastiest food in town; with moderate rates too; none to beat the Godiwallas! Just give us your budget and we'll fit you in. Telephone Nos 3765842, 3762065 3765360 V 4^1 BUSINESS I tv f Chello delights Gustasp Irani v True Iranian cookery at Piccadilly is a touch of home for the expatriate *s SJ« *}¦ a a *¦» 11. I — including their menu which listed con ­ tinental fare — a facelift. While Buzorg managed the business aspect of the restaurant, Mahdokht gave it a distinctive Iranian ‘as mother makes it ’ flavor. In fact, twice every week on Tues- After my five-year stint in Tehran, Iran, Bombay? Now there are no more than 300 day and Friday she personally prepares the I’ve always viewed chello kababs served left, ” says Buzorg. Iranian specialty Gurma Shabji (a veg ­ in Bombay with suspicion — the rice is a According to him, Irani restaurants and etable and meat dish served with rice) with touch too sticky and the kababs dry and bakeries were the economic backbone of a sprinkling of original Iranian ingredients bland. So when I finally succumbed to Zoroastrians migrating from Iran to India temptation and ordered the famous Iranian during the first half of the century. The dish at Piccadilly Restaurant, Colaba, I had my reservations. Happily, my fears enough: new migrants were invited to In- were misplaced. As I spread the butter over dia, made partners in a running business. According to him, Irani restaurants and — sent by her^other from Iran. Not surprisingly, Iranians flock to mechanics of the system were simple Piccadilly to gorge on these homemade delights. The consulate>staff of many Middle Eastern and other countries are the rice I noticed that each grain was well taught the trade (and language too), and regular clients and for them the Buzorgs cooked yet separate, and the first bite into the kabab made the gastric juices flow. Not surprisingly, by noon the restaurant was resounding with Farsi conversation as being established to justify the fragmenta- Iranians and a few locals tucked into the gourmet delights. Apparently, the broon- znaiia-c/wi (round, crisp bread — buttered that Zoroastrians were able to help mem- — with tea) days of the traditional Irani restaurants are over, at least at Piccadilly, problems began when further expansion of religious Muslims did not enter by mis- “To survive, you have to adapt. The old business — or the establishment of a new “ “ Irani style restaurant would no longer work one — became impossible. Then the part- in Colaba which is largely a tourist area, ” nership system, which had been a boon to says Parvez Buzorg, an Irani Zoroastrian thecommunity, became a curse, especially who runs the establishment with his Irani Zoroastrian wife, Mahdokht. So in 1987 joined the company, ” says Buzorg. Irrec- the Buzorg couple decided to give their oncilable disputes led to a number of res- restaurant a new identity. But first, they taurants being sold or shuttered, had to identify their new clientele and match them to their culinary skill. They Piccadilly, like many other Irani restau- resolved to specialize in Iranian and Middle Eastern cuisine and only later expanded between partners, was for a period under their menu to include continental fare. In a way, the change was notjust the end in 1987, the Buzorgs finally unscrambled of the Irani restaurant tradition but also of the tangles and started out afresh as a the culture that spawned a fraternity of specialty restaurant with Iranian and Middle tongue and eat food that stills the pangs of eateries that were an intrinsic part of Eastern cuisine. That year, they also reno- Bombay city. “Did you know that up to the vated the family rooms of the place and the 1960s there were around 3,000 Irani res- following year the entire kitchen area. taurants and bakeries in every corner of Then, in 1995, they gave the entire eatery Parvez and Mahdokht at Piccadilly (top) then encouraged to open new outlets. The have special seating facilities in the upper name of the game was partnership, and it level oftherestaurant, complete with tables worked as long as new restaurants were and chairs once characteristic of tradi ­ tional Irani restaurants. There is a touch of irony here that is not lost on the couple. “If we were in Iran we would have to put up a sign outside our restaurant saying that it is hers of the community to a better life. The Zoroastrian owned and managed, so that tion of the profits pie. “The other advantage of the system was take, ” says Buzorg. That aside, there is very little religious discrimination against Zoroastrians in the bigger cities like Tehran. In Yazd, however, it is another matter when the children of the original partners for, according to the Buzorgs, religious discrimination still exists. “For instance, take a Muslim run laundry. If he knows I am Zoroastrian, he will not accept my And Buzorg should know. For clothes even if I offer to pay double the regular charges. But in India, the same rants snared in disputes and legal wrangles person will forget his religious prejudice and gladly eat in my restaurant, ” Buzorg ’s comment is matter of fact, without malice. The owners of Piccadilly recognize the need to converse freely in one ’s mother- the management of a court receiver. Then homesickness. And Mahdokht livens up the setting 148 Parsiana February-March 19964. 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. Children of priests-freeship. Navar Martab facility. Also arrangement to send such boys at Trust expense to their vari ­ ous destinations, so that they are in touch with performing religious rituals. Also further studies after SSC can be ar ­ ranged if desired. Apply to THE MANAGING TRUSTEE P. N. MEHTA EDUCATION TRUST Cooks Building, 3rd Floor 324, Dr D. N. Road Bombay 400001 with her bubbly presence, speaking with the Iranian clientele in fluent Farsi and with others in accented English and Gujarati. “I love to talk, ” she states, “even if it is in my broken Gujarati. ” A homely restaurant that serves excel ­ lent food, Piccadilly ’s menu provides va ­ riety. Apart from staple snacks like pizzas (Rs 50-60), sandwiches (Rs 20-35) and burgers (Rs 25), a variety of French breads feature on the menu (Rs 20-30) stuffed with cheese, mince meat or chicken tikka, as per your desire. An Iranian mutton soup served with boiled potatoes (Rs 35) could be the precursor to continental fish, chicken, steak or lamb courses (average price Rs 50-60), salads and vegetables (Rs 25-35). Piccadilly is the new face of Irani res ­ taurants, a reflection of the tribe ’s resil ­ ience and will to survive. When the Irani Zoroastrian migrants first came to India they showed remarkable adaptability and ability to cater to the needs and tastes of India, even though they were alien to them. Piccadilly has gone the full circle: today it is an Irani restaurant that specializes in Iranian cuisine. And yes, I will be looking forward to re ­ discovering the delights of chello kahah all over again. Ife THE PARSIANA BOOK OF IRANIAN NAMES The Iranian names of boys and girls along with their meanings which originally appeared in Parsiana have now been reprinted in an attractive 24-page booklet. The book, which is priced at Rs 25, is available on sale at : Kaiser-E-Hind, 300 Perin Nariman Street, Behind Reserve Bank of India, Fort, Bombay 400001. Faredoon and Burjor Sandalwood Shop, Princess Street. \ \ Union Press, 13, Homji Street, Bombay 400001 150/’azsza/7a February-March 1996 With best wishes from Farah & Tanya I ! i I !* IFOOD 4' ¦< : rV A TOUCH OF The mandatory dessert can steal the show 4 Bhicoo J. Manekshaw Traditionally for Jamshedi Navroze, should start recipes with sagan no miththu dahi (sweet curd). Since I have given Parsiana my rava recipe, let me one ruvo or the onslaught of milk packets. But can use the full cream milk which we in packets today. give you an excellent recipe for miththu MITHTHU DAHI dahi as my mother-in-law used to make, Milk (1 Itr) which you could cut with a knife! It has Curds (3 tbsp) C. !.».». ... J. ,T ....................... we used to get in the good old day.s before Milkd Itr) one and whisk well or, pour the mixture from get one pan to another from a distance, (safe enough distance so that it does not spill). When well blended, pour carefully into the setting bowl. Cover with a plate and cover the whole with a towel. Leave undisturbed overnight or for a couple of hours till set. Place in refrigerator till well chilled. Serve with sev (or rava). Happy Navroze! to be bh^s nu doodh (buffalo milk) which Sugar (to taste) Add sugar to taste in the than necessary, as the milk is reduced. Reduce milk on a low flame to about 3/4 BEER SOUFFLE Itr, cool to room temperature or to blood Cf _____„ 1______ heat. Beat curds till smooth. Brush the heard of it, simply because I had not made inside of the bowl with curds in which the dahi ha.s to be set. Add rest of curds to milk milk, a little less Beer Snuffle (apex). Chocolate Carnation Cake (center), Milhlhu Dahi (left) and Mocha Cheesecake Desserts tor plotufes prepared from Ms Manekshaw's rac^s by Arnavaz Mama. Ptioto by Varghese Fernandez Of course you have not tasted it before, or •it before ! Nor would I have, had there not been an emergency at the Santushti Com- 152 Parsiana February-March 1996 IR- plex, where our restaurant, Basil and < Thyme, is situated. One morning after absorbed the water. Place the gelatine on instructing the various cooks on the menu of the day, just as I was putting on my apron, before going into the kitchen, there was a break in electric transmission. In ­ itially I took no notice as usually supply is restored after some time. This time how ­ ever I was informed that there was a major breakdown and the electricity would not be available till 2 p.m. and our generator had broken down just the day before! I was making a good souffle.) Add beer, mix to make beer cake for dessert! So as lunch is served at 12.30 p.m. I decided to make a beer souffle. It was a most delicious sweet, created out of necessity and panic! Please try it. It is very unusual. Beer 325 ml (Vi bottle — V4 Itr) Double cream (250 g — 8 oz) Eggs (4 — separated) Caster sugar (150 g — approx 5 oz) Salt (a pinch) Gelatine (216 tbsp) Dissolve gelatine in about 6 tbsp water on low heat. Keep aside. (It is important to know how to dissolve gelatine correctly. Eggs (4) Put water in a small saucepan, and hold it Caster sugar (125 g — 4 oz) in yoiu- left hand. Sprinkle gelatine with Flour (125 g — 4 oz) your right hand, shaldng the saucepan and Salt (a pinch) the right hand together so that no lumps Vanilla essence (*/2 tsp) occur. Keep aside till the gelatine has Line a cake tin (7‘/2” or 8” in diameter) with paper, brush with oil and sprinkle with flour and caster sugar. Sift flour with Salt. Beat eggs till frothy. Add caster sugar and beat over simmering water till thick and mousse like. The mix ­ ture will increase in volume and lighten in very low fire till dissolved or place pan in a larger pan of very hot water and allow to dissolve. Gelatine should not be boiled as it looses its strength.) Place beaten yolks and sugar mixture over barely simmering water and beat till light and fluffy. Add color and, when lifted on the whisC it will form a ribbon on itself. Lightly fold in flour, sprinkling a little at a time. Spoon mixture in prepared cake tin. Tap tin lightly on the table (to ensure the mixture'is well. Whip cream and spoon into yolk evenly spread) and place in preheated dissolved gelatine. Mix well. Cool over ice, stirring occasionally to mix the gelatine and yolk mixture. (This is the secret of f wvn. TTiup vicdin diiu spuuii iniu yuiK evenly spreaoj ana place in preheated oven. mixture. Whisk egg whites till stiff and Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes. ice, then spoon into prepared souffld mold or in a bowl and set. Cover with a thin layer of extra cream and decorate with rossettes along the edge. fold into souffle. Allow to semi set over Cool in cake tin for five minutes, then turn out on a cake rack. When completely cold, cut into half horizontally, and sprinkle with rum syrup. Rum syrup Sugar (‘/2 cup) Water (1 cup) Lime (16 — juiced) Rum (3 tbsp) Make a syrup with water and sugar. When sugar is completely dissolved, remove from fire and add lime juice and rum. Sprinkle on cake. Praline Sugar (90 g) Almonds (90 g with skin) PRALINE GATEAU Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) A light rum flavored sponge cake {IV2" to 8”) filled with praline. Cake WITH BEST COMPLIMENTS FROM SOn-HEARTED WIBS’BREAD WESTERN INDIA BAKERS' PRIVATE LIMITED KHODADAD BUILDING, 100 D'LIMA STREET DOCKYARD ROAD, BOMBAY 400010 154 Parsiana February-March 1996 K- I I: I? I I I I I IDouble cream (1 cup) Icing sugar (250 g - 8 oz) In aheavy frying pan place sugar and allow Plain chocolate (170 g — 6 oz) to melt and caramalize on a slow fire. Add Butter (250 g — 8 oz) almonds and cook for 1-2 minutes. Pour Vanilla essence (16 tsp) praline mixture into a well greased plate Brandy (1 tbsp) and allow to set. Remove hardened praline Walnuts (4 tbsp — chopped) and crush coarsely. Whip cream till stiff. Carnation spray Add half the praline. Spread on one half Almond paste (375 g — approx 12 oz) of the cake and cover with the other. Maiden hair or asparagus ferns (few — Spread sides and top with remaining pink, yellow) cream and sprinkle remaining praline on Almond paste top. Almonds (188 g — approx 6 oz) If desired, make rossettes with extra Caster sugar (150 g — approx 5 oz) whipped cream along the edge of the cake. Icing sugar (125 g — 4 oz) Egg (1 — yolk) Vanilla essence (% tsp) Almond essence (16 tsp) CHOCOLATE CARNATION CAKE Preheat oven to 180°C (35O°F) This is a recipe which I have been making Lime juice (16 tbsp) since the 1950s, often for the birthday Make almond paste first. Blanche and grind parties of my friends ’ children. almonds. Mix sugars together in a bowl. Cake Whisk egg with essence and lime juice. Butter (250 g — 8 oz) Add to sugar mixture along with almonds Margarine or vegetable shortening (like and knead well to extract a little almond Dalda in India) (250 g — 8 oz) Caster sugar (200 g — 716 oz) Flour (500 g — one lb, roughly) Cocoa (115 g — 4 oz) Digestive biscuits (250 g — 8 oz) Chocolate butter cream Eggs (4 — whites) With the back of a knife mark one edge closely to give a frilly appearance, but do not cut through the paste. Gather the uncut edge of strip together to form a carnation. Repeat with rest of the paste. Place on a tray to dry out. Tint the edges of carnations with pink and yellow, with a fine brush. Keep aside till needed. Tint the third portion with green and roll into stems for the carnations. Note: The carnations can be made a day before so that they can dry out and harden. Chocolate butter cream Cut finely or grate the chocolate, place in a pan over barely simmering water till the chocolate is melted and smooth. Whisk egg whites with icing sugar over a pan of simmering water till thick and forms a ‘ribbon ’ when the whisk is lifted from pan. Mix chocolate with egg white mixture. Heat butter till very soft and add to choco ­ late mixture a little at a time. Stir in essence and brandy. Refrigerate. Cake Beat butter and margarine together till oil. Keep in refrigerator for about one hour. Divide into three and tint lightly with pink and yellow leaving the third section light and fluffy. Crush biscuits coarsely, plain or tint it green. On a board lightly sprinkled with icing sugar, roll out each section separately into a rectangle. Cut parts. Take three shallow flan rings with into large strips about 2” wide and 4” long, loose bases. Brush bases and sides with oil. Mix with butter and add rest of ingredients and mix well^ Divide into three equal * I 4 *1 Happy Naim)ze to all Zoroastnans _ here and ah'ivad I i A: 154b Parsiana February-March 1996 La Boidagerie p* f 1 ’ - Cawasji Patel Street, Fort, Bombay 400001 ILine bases with brown paper. Roll out three rounds of cake mixture to fit in the flan rings. Or put 1/3 of mixture in each flan ring and smooth out with the base of a glass or pallet knife. Bake in preheated oven for about 20-30 minutes. Allow to cool before turning out from tins. To assemble Place a little of chocolate butter cream on a serving platter. Place a round on top of this so that the round stays intact and does not move. Cover this round with chocolate butter cream and place another round on top. Cover this also with the chocolate butter cream. Place third layer on top. Spread sides with chocolate butter cream pulling the pallet knife away sharply so that it stands in peaks. Add 116 tbsp cocoa to rest of the icing and pipe a row of stars with a star nozzle at the base of the cake. Arrange ferns on one side of cake, tied with a ribbon, and arrange carnations to form a spray on top of the fems. Take a smaller star npzzle and pipe the rest of the icing on the top edge of the cake. Now sit back and wait for the applause! HAZELNUT MERINGUE TORTE Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F) Eggs (4 — whites) Caster sugar (250 g — 8 oz) Vanilla essence (a few drops) Lime juice or vinegar (16 tsp) Browned ground hazelnuts or walnuts (125 g — 4 oz) Double cream (14 imperial pint — 5 oz) Icing sugar Decoration Hazelnuts (8 whole browned) or walnuts (8 halves) Whipped cream (90g — approx 3 oz) Set the oven at the right temperature. Pre ­ pare two sandwich tins with loose base by rubbing the sides and base with butter. Dust with flour. Place a round disk of brown paper or bakewell paper buttered and floured. Whip egg whites till stiff. Gradually add caster sugar and continue to whisk till very stiff (For best results use a copper bowl which has been rubbed with a cut lime dipped in salt then lightly rinsed out. The egg whites get stiff very soon and do not collapse). Add lime juice or vinegar and prepared nuts. Spoon into prepared tins. B^e for 30-40 minutes. Remove from pan and cool. Cover one round with whipped cream and cover with the other meringue. Dust with icing sugar. To decorate Pipe 8 rossettes with a star nozzle at the edge of the meringue, and place browned hazelnut or half walnut on each rossette. Variations For the filling use pureed strawberries, raspberries or chopped nuts with the cream. I shall never forget an incident that took place at the advanced certificate course that I was doing at the Cordon Bleu cook ­ ery school. There were not more than 10 pupils allowed in the course. We had to work in pairs. Every morning we had to make a three course meal. On one occasion we had to make this torte. One unfortunate girl put an unroasted hazelnut on the cake. We ate what we cooked and the rest was sent down for the staff. And the best one went to the Cordon Bleu Restaurant below the school. To cut a long story short, the unroasted hazelnut portion somehow went to the principal Miss Hume. She came up to our class and all hell was let loose, that the standard was not up to the mark and at this rate no one was going to pass! We listened in stunned silence, no one talked for at least 15 minutes. It only broke into hilarious laughteFwhen I said that I don ’t With best coiiipliiiieiits «f 1 t j Starlite Electrical £ Works ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS fit CONTRACTORS 104, Shree Hanuman Industrial Estate 42 B, G. D. Ambekar Marg, Wadala, Bombay 400031 Tel: 4140887. 4146424, 4147271 Fax: 4137729 - ^56 Parsiana February-March 1996 I 1 ¦Rwant to see or eat a hazelnut as long as I fee mixture. Run a skewer through the Crystallized orange peel (1 cup — finely live! mixture to create a marble effect. Set the diced) cake pan in a larger pan and pour boiling Decoration CHOCOLATE MOCHA CHEESE water to reach halfway up the side of the Crystallized cherries. Whole blanched al- CAKE cake pan. Place in preheated oven. Bake monds. Apricot jam. Whipped cream to Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) till center is just set, and the sides puffed serve with cake. Cottage cheese (500 g — 16 oz) up and slightly cracked. Remove cake Cream cheese (In India use Amul cheese from oven and cool. Cover with foil or spread) (250 g — 8 oz) Caster sugar (1*4 cups) Vanilla essence (1 tsp) Coffee powder (2 tsp — instant) Salt (*4 tsp) Eggs (4 — large) Chocolate (6 tbsp — grated and melted EGOLESS ALMOND AND SPICE for about 40 minutes. When done, cool with 4 tbsp brandy) CAKE Line one 8” cake tin with foil, and lightly Preheat oven to 150°C (300°F) oil. Sugar (150 g — 5 oz) Process cottage cheese in a food processer Honey (Vz cup) till smooth. Add cream cheese, one cup Water (2/3 cup) sugar, vanilla, coffee and salt. Mix well. Flour (1 cup) Add eggs and process again till smooth. Cinnamon (1 tsp) Pour two cups of the mixture in a jug. Add Nutmeg (Vi tsp) chocolate to the remaining mixture with Clove (14 tsp) the rest of the sugar. Mix till completely Bicarbonate of soda (14 tsp) blended. Pour 114 cup chocolate mixture Salt (a pinch) into prepared cake tin. Pour coffee mixture Almonds (375 g — 12 oz — blanched, in center of chocolate mixture. Pour re- peeled and lightly roasted, coarsely maining chocolate mixture on top of cof- chopped) Keep a well buttered 9” cake tin ready. Place sugar, honey and water in a pan, and clingwrap and refrigerate overnight. Lift stir till sugar dissolves; bring to the boil, cake from pan, invert on plate. Gently Remove from heat and add flour which is remove foil or clingwrap. Place a serving sifted with spices, a pinch of salt and platter on top and invert again. Refrigerate bicarbonate of soda. Mix thoroughly. Add till required. almonds and peel. Mix all well together and spoon into the prepared cake tin. Bake •4 I cake in pan before removing from tin. Spoon about 2 tbsp apricot jam into a pan, add 3 tbsp water and warm gently. Sieve. Brush on top of cake and decorate with cherries and almonds. Note: You may use any nuts besides al ­ monds, if desired, such as walnuts, cashewnuts, peanuts or even hazelnuts! Bon appetit Bhicoo J. Manekshaw, a graduate of the presti ­ gious Cordon Bieu School of Cookery, London, and author of Traditional Recipes of India, has been associated wi* many haute cuisine organi ­ zations in the country. i I s With Best Compliments From i FAG - Rolling Bearings How the world ’s greatest ideas get moving FAG Precision Bearings Limited, Maneja, Baroda 390013, Gujarat Tel: 442651-4, Tlx: 0175-6280 Gram: ‘FAGBEAR,’ Fax: 442197 I. ¦ 158 Parsiana February-March 1996 2The ZorOdStlTHn flag...’’ ism, Islam, Christianity, Zoroastrianism, ^am impressed by the “Zoroastrian Flag of You will appreciate and agree with me that the flag prepared' by me will be a more water, air and fire. As we advance further towards the core, - . . . we come across an extremely hot region of appropriate flag of friendliness and broth- flowing ashes followed by extremely hot erhood acceptable to all commu-nities as fluids. This region is recognized as its design embodies the tenets of all the apakhatar in the Avesta. As we go further towards the center of the earth, there come the extremely hot compressed vapor regions whose extreme temperature is almost unthinkable. Lastly, we approach the region Aipi Dakhyu which is almost triangular in shape. Friendliness and Brotherhood ” advertised in Parsiana (July-August 1995). I am in full agreement that we Parsis should have our own flag. The role which the Parsi Zoroastrians religions have played in building up the Indian nation by goodwill, friendliness and broth- The innards of the earth erhood has resulted in members of practi ­ cally all communities addressing Parsi males as ‘bawajis ’ and females as ‘maijis, ’ to express their love and respect. Parsis no doubt preach and practice their own Zoroastrian religion but at the mentioned in the Avesta. It is given in the Avesta that Ahriman is same time they show their respect and Our earth mea-sures 25,000 miles over continously trying to create a fifth anassar. reverence for all religions. I had prepared the equator, while its core is about 2,750 If he succeedes in doing so, it will be a a few years back a pattern with religious ' '' ' . . emblems of all the four religions —Hindu- SAMY ENGINEER The early Iranian concepts of Ilm-e- Khshnoom have conveyed the secrets of the earth long before modern science. ----- ............,.ioi.apv, Dastur Adarbad Marespand had said that and in its center is the seat of the Earth ’s there is nothing in the world that is not soul called Gaoosh-Urva. mentioned in the Avesta. Our earth mea-sures 25,000 miles over continously trying to create a fifth anassar. j miles deep. Scientists have explored only strange non-living thing, harder than solid about 12 miles within the earth. rock, which will be responsible for the Parsi Zoroastrian (left) and United Parsi flags about 12 miles within the earth. rock, which will be responsible for the According to Avestan scriptures, the destruction of our mother earth. But the earth ’s structure is made up of many lay- Almighty constantly nullifies his ill effort ers: One is solid rock including smaller through Gaoosh-Urva. The extremely hot fire mentioned above is always in motion, and is responsible for the evolution of life. It also supplies the necessary energy for survival of all living things of the earth, enabling life to go on. Ms FRENY BHARUCHA Jamshedpur particles of soil. It runs several miles below the surface and it is referred to as the infernal regions or Heng in the Avesta. Below the heng lie ocean-like layers called anassars made up of ul ­ tra elements of rock, Edited by Arnavaz S. Mama it i « h ZORO GARMENTS PVT LTD (An ElgMe Export Hooso Reco^iised by the Govt, of India) Manufacturers and Exporters of Readymade Garments, Made-Ups & Fabrics Address: C-3, Industrial Estate, Ambattur, Madras 600058 Phone: 652416/652497 Telex: 4122059 ZORO IN Fax: (91) 44-6257789 162 Parsiana February-March 1996 B i .. J ¦) 1 BOOKS Savoring the joy Burjor K. Karanjia TheJoyofAchievementiConversationswIthJ.R. 1 , ' . Z _______ D. Tafaby R M. Lala. Published in 1995 in Viking and explain to you, sir? ” said Lala by Penguin Books India (P) Ltd, 210, Chiranjiv Tower, 43, Nehru Place, New Delhi 110019. Pp: 194. Price: Rs 250. to enquire why. “May I come up “What explanation can there be? ” JRD retorted. “The PTA had to go 8 in time and the PTA has not gone in time. That is not the way we L R. M. Lala ’s The Joy of Achievement is by no means a substitute for his biography of work in Tatas. ” Lala comments: J. R. D. Tata, Beyond the Last Blue Moun­ tain. Nor is it, as Lala rather modestly claims, a supplementary to it. To this re ­ viewer its significance is deeper: it illumi ­ nates the reason for the success of the biography — its truth. Lalaquotes Samuel Johnson: “The busi ­ ness of the biographer is... (to) display the get the best out of them. As Ratan minute details of daily life ” A certain Tata confided to Lala, “He is very degree of hero worship is perhaps also an good at a one-to-one relationship. ” JRD ingredient of a successful biography. Of- ..................... ten it happens that this very hero worship distances the biographer from his subject. At other times, if the subject has passed away, the bio ­ grapher has to rely for in ­ formation on the recall of those who knew him or worked for him, and on the extant records of the man and his achievements. Lala was in the fortunate position of playing Boswell to Tata ’s Johnson for over a long period of time. He worked in the same office. He was not only in daily contact with his subject, but grdw to be on increasingly friendly terms with him. In this Lala was singularly “In later years he was more than generous with his compliments about my work but it was the chastizing that helped me the most. ” “ In fact JRD took people as he found them, but did his utmost to A F ¦ X'ife 8' fl Tata with wife Thelly and tTfkir dogs confirmed this: “I honestly think you cannot Digby (left) and Pinnochio. I While he was patient when big issues were involved, he tended to be impatient about small things get the best out of the man unless the man feels he has the freedom to have his own way, even if it is not my way. If I had asserted rather not risk our friendship. ” JRD replied: myself I would have sup- “it"™-. *„ u„...i _... t-----,.i—i pressed his originality. This I never did con ­ sciously. ” On another oc ­ casion JRD amplified this: “I am one who will make full allowance for a man ’s character and idiosyn- cracies. You have to adapt involved, he tended to be impatient about yourself to their ways and small things. Like most car drivers, he got deal accordingly and draw irritated by the blind tyranny of traffic out the best in each man. ” lights: “I will talk to Pasricha (Bombay ’s JRD certainly had a traffic chief) some day. Traffic lights should " never be so long, not more than a minute or two. ” Another characteristic that comes out Courtesy: The Joy of Achievement: Conversations with J. R. D. Tata you and I understand you bawl out people who are your executive assistants. I would “I know who to bawl out. I won ’t bawl you out. ” Masani was persuaded to join. JRD, whose links with France were never severed, gave him the designation of chef du cabinet or principal secretary. A certain peculiarity of JRD’s character which Lala often remarks on was that while he was patient when big issues were ? quick temper. One Sha- purji, later secretary to Sir Homi Mody, recalled JRD - ------»---------------------------- --- ---------- * vllkUMVVVllUVlV UlUl VUlttVO VUl blessed and, as a consequence, both the throwing “files at us, ” but being at the strongly is his infectious sense of humor biography and the sequel to it are twice same time “kind-hearted and extraordinar- His favorite joke, concerning Lord and blessed. , . . , thoughtful. JRD admitted he had a Lady Linlithgow, Viceroy of India at the A great man ’s friendship isn ’t easily quick temper, but didn ’t recall ever having outbreak of World War II, is such a gem won. Soon after joining Tatas, Lala was flung files! There was an interesting sequel instructed to despatch the Prepaid Ticket to this. When Minoo Masani, former am- ___________ ........... ...... Advice (PTA) to a professor in Paris whom bassador to Brazil, was offered the post of The Viceroy was being shownTound a'stud JRD had invited to India. But the PTA did .......................................... not reach Paris in time. JRD phoned Lala same time “kind-hearted and extraordinar ­ ily thoughtful. JRD admitted he had a that this reviewer cannot resist the tempta ­ tion of sharing it with Parsiana readers. JRD’s executive assistant he declined farm by the manager, followed by his Lady saying, “Jeh, I value my relationship with with the assistant manager. “The assistant saying, “Jeh, I value my relationship with 164 Parsiana February-March 1996 I . «manager pointed out the farm ’s stud bull to that they were both ailing — and caring — For most of us, Homi Jehangir Bhabha was the Vicerine and said, ‘Your Excellency, men. When their common physician the the tremendously gifted scientist who fa- this is our champion bull. He performed 365 times last year. ’ ‘“Is that so? ’ said Lady Linlithgow. ‘You must go and tell His Excellency that. ’ “So the little man ran up to the Viceroy sought his advice: “I would like to get your and, almost breathless, spluttered, ‘Your advice as one who too had to face a medical Excellency, Your Excellency, Her Excel- problem and adjust to life, but above all as lency wants me to tell you that this bull that a friend. ” Later, at the Tata Memorial we ’ve just passed has performed 365 times Hospital when Lala thanked him for taking last year. ’ ‘What! With the same cow? ’ roared Lord Linlithgow. ‘No Sir, ’ stam ­ mered the assistant manager. ‘Go and tell that to Her Excellency, ’ replied the Viceroy firmly. ” JRD’s constant concern as an enlight ­ ened industrialist was not so much what profits his companies made, but what the nation needed. His one regret was that his wide and varied experiences as India ’s most successful industrialist men. When their common physician the late Dr (Ms) Gool Contractor told JRD thered the country ’s atomic energy pro- about Lala ’s recurring symptoms, he ex ­ claimed: “Oh God! Keep this man going for some time. I need him. ” In a despairing moment, as one sick man to another, Lala gram, and died in an air crash above Mont Blanc. Apart from his involvement in Coming home to India for a short holiday in 1939 altered the course of his life time off to come and see him, JRD cut him short: “Don ’t thank me. I’ve just come to see a friend. ” It was through this spontane ­ ous care and conern, concludes Lala, that India ’s atomic program, little is known JRD took Tatas “beyond being just an industrial group and lifted it to the level of a family. ” Putting down this book, one gets the warm feeling that in spite of the dread nificent Obsessions. This book is one of disease which the sensitive author has not the ‘Vignettes in Physics ’ series being once named, Lala was sustained through- were never availed of out by his invigorating encounter with by successive prime greatness. And it is surely a testimony to ministers when plan ­ ning the nation ’s eco ­ nomy. He deplored the off on his readers, so that they too savor, destruction of the mosque at Ayodhya, prophesying that it would not be easily iting, printing, proof-reading, binding and search Centre, then spent ovd» a decade at the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Re ­ search at Kalpakkam. He is hence one of India ’s more erudite and experienced physi ­ cists. His book is a befitting opportunity about his contributions to physics. This lacuna in our scientific heritage has now been filled with the publication of G. Venkataraman ’s Bhabha and his Mag- his evocative skills as a writer that the greatness that rubbed off on him also rubs for a brief spell, the joy of achievement. A word needs to be added about the book ’s excellent production values — ed- brought out by the Universities Press with the intention of capturing in simple words the drama and excitement of great discov ­ eries for the serious reader. The choice of Venkataraman as author for the monograph on Bhabha could scarcely be bettered. Venkataraman started his career in the 50s with Bhabha at the then recently formed Bhabha Atomic Re- forgotten by the designing — such a rare occurrence in Muslims or by Hindu secularists. “I cannot Indian publishing that one cannot but say understand how erecting a temple is more important than building a great literature or making India into a prosperous and peaceful country. ” But it was the growing intimacy bet ­ ween the biographer and his subject that, as suggested earlier, imparts to the book its most touching and exalted moments. The love of poetry they shared naturally brought them together. Often, in moods of relax ­ ation, the two would read out or quote from memory their favorite poems. JRD would share with Lala his thoughts on children, his fondness for them and his regret at never having had any of his own; on the problems of aging and the approach of death; the possibility of life after death and the existence of God... On several occasions JRD expressed his perplexity how a kind and wise God could be so indifferent to the suffering and degrada- Homi J. Rogers tion all around. Behind the great man, respected and revered by all who knew him, was 'this even more endearing inner Bhabha and his Magnificent Obsessionsby man with his dilemmas and conflicts, his agonizing over things left undone, and the high reaches of his spirit. What brought them even closer was alleluia! * 166PafS/az7a February-March 1996 Bhabha: the man and his mastety :C- JSS' Obsess®*®, a V, itlOw- G. Venkataraman. Published in 1994 by Universities Press (India) Limited and distrib ­ uted by Orient Longman Limited, 3-6-272, Himayatnagar, Hyderabad 500029. Pp: ix + 209 + 12 photo pages. Price: Rs 70. > ¦--‘1’^7 •»would help to make him aware of the magnitude of Bhabha ’s work and his deep understanding of science ’s myriad listener) the heart ’s response to impres- mysteries which he unlocked for the betterment of the world. Merchant's miniature muses Haiku: An Ode to Nature by Adi F. Merchant. Published in 1994 by Hoshang K. Bulsara, Hoshie ’s Books, The Reward, 2nd floor, 220Tardeo Road, Bombay 400007. Pp: 43. Price: Rs 45. Brevity, said the Bard, is the soul of wit. verse of only 17 syllables, yet within this contracted structure give the reader (or sions of the eye and ear. The haiku. Merchant informs us in his ‘note, ’ “does not make a complete poem in the usual sense: It is a lightly-sketched picture the reader is expected to fill in from his own memories. ’’ Much like a Japanese painting where empty spaces on the canvas only serve to emphasize the lines drawn by an artist, the haiku is not intended to be an explicit statement. It is, as R. H. Blyth, who has translated the haiku from Japa ­ nese into English says, “an open door which looks shut. ” For those amongst us who are used to conventional poetry, it could well have remained a shut door but for Merchant ’s short and illuminating introduction to his collection. Merchant has a way with words and images. A copywriter for more than 30 years, he seems to bring the same crispness to his post-advertising literary pursuits as to work tailored for market consumption where one ’s attention must be grabbed without unnecessary verbiage. However, ’I, for him to pay tribute to his mentor, and to so present Bhabha ’s contributions to physics as to encourage the scientific tem ­ per in his readers. The book has been developed on the lines of the celebrated Feynman lectures, so named after a scintillating physics teacher of the 20th century whose dis ­ courses stirred the interest of students by their simple language and chatty style. So, we have the theories postulated by Homi Bhabha sandwiched between his bio ­ sketch; and a concluding piece on lesser- known aspects of his personality inter ­ spersed with interesting vignettes from his life. Bhabha ’s short biography should be of interest to the Zoroastrian reader. A mod ­ ern-day Leonardo da Vinci, given his pro ­ clivity for art and music, literature and painting, in addition to his dedication to science, Bhabha was born in Bombay on October 30, 1909 to a lawyer father and a mother tracing her ancestry to the Petit family. As a child, he was fond of meccano But can brevity express the depth of a soul? and music, and read voraciously from the A difficult task, no doubt. Yet one that has family library, even mastering, it is said, been accomplished by generations of Japa- Einstein ’s theory of relativity by the age of nese poets who have been writing the while the message is spelt out in advertis- 16. He enrolled at the Cambridge Univer ­ sity (UK) at the behest of his parents for a with the publication of Haiku: An Ode to in the picture himself, taking off from the degree in mechanical engineering, but Nature, Adi Merchant joins the ranks of landscape provided by the'^oet. A sensi- managed to convince his father to let him this select group of poets who attempt this tive reader will find ample opportunities pursue his true love, physics, where his aptitude lay. Coming home to India for a short holi ­ day in 1939 altered the course of his life. The outbreak of World War II made re ­ turning to England futile as research work had ceased in western European countries. Bhabha was hence sucked into work in India; first as a reader at the Indian Institute of Science founded by Jamsetji Tata in Bangalore and later, in the establishment and growth of the Institute for Fundamen ­ tal Research, which the Tata trusts funded at Bhabha ’s behest. Venkataraman ’s book chronologically carries the reader through the many ex ­ periments Bhabha conducted, right down to the formation of the Atomic Energy Commission. An overview of cosmic rays is provided before describing Bhabha ’s , contribution to this sphere. In a similar manner, offering considerable background material, other sterling contributions of Bhabha are set forth with ample diagrams and illustrations to simplify the study and to stimulate the reader. ' For anyone interested in physics and hoping to follow in Bhabha ’s footsteps, the book would make inspiring reading. But even for the layman, a quick scan hokku, or, more correctly, the haiku. Now ing copy, the haiku invites the reader to fill with the publication of Haiku: An Ode to AN ODE TO NATUt^E by API F. MERCHANT 4'- * for this, given Merchant ’s finely-honed skill for creating a mood and a mystique. Take, for example, the first poem in this slim collection of 172 haikus, which Mer ­ chant claims to have written 20 summers ago, and with which he embarked upon his experiments with this form. Breads: “Sun ’s fire dies: clouds glow/In pageantry the day ends/Yellow moon lights night. ” In just three lines, with a total of 17 syllables traditionally arranged so that the first and third lines contain five syllables and the second line seven, Merchant captures the quintessence of a peaceful evening after an eventful day. There are other fine examples where Merchant creates soothing nature images that remain in one ’s mind long after the 17 syllables have vanished. Sample this haunt ­ ing image association: “A single cricket/ Chirps, chirps, chirps and is still/My candle sinks and dies. ” Or, marvel at the harmo ­ nious relationship Merchant builds up bet ­ ween man and his landscape with; “Fall- < ing, drifting leaves/Cover up the wooden bench/Preserving our warmth. ” Similarly, one can share the poet ’s joy in a new day: “Sunrise, when day breaks/Time to pick roses, bring smiles/To a child ’s bright eyes. ” Parsiana February-March 1996Such evocative verses abound in the collection, and amaze one that so much emotion and meaning can be packed in such few syllables. If this work is Mer ­ chant ’s entire collection since he began writing haiku two decades ago, it is a pretty small output. Yet considering the depth he imparts to each haiku, he needs to be complimented for not sacrificing profun ­ dity at the altar of prolixity. Nevertheless, probably because of the limitations of this verse form and the long period devoted to this collection. Mer ­ chant tends to repeat himself. To quote three such cases in point: “The quiet of dusk/I hear in the far distance/Frogs in the lotus. ” And, “In dusky silence/Standing Belonging to the Aryan race has become a still and listening/The croak of old frogs. ” Here is another pair: “On Mount Everest/ Cherry cumulu.s ring top/Like friar ’s bald pate. ” And “Cloud rings mountain-top/ Like soft, white cherry blossoms/Friar ’s bald pate shines. ” Then again: “The world is like dew/To evaporate in time/A world so dear, fresh. ” And “Dew evaporates/And this world of ours is dew/So close, so fresh, weak. ” Tighter editing may have elimi ­ nated such repetition, and though that would have made for an even slimmer volume, the pleasure of reading and re-reading every haiku would have been heightened. Also, the capitalization of all words thr ­ oughout the book could have been avoid ­ ed as it makes the reading a bit tiresome. The spiral binding of the book adds a fine complimentary touch, and consider ­ ing the popularity of such books as gift items, publisher Hoshang Bulsara, also a Zoroastrian, could well explore this av ­ enue to give Merchant ’s thoughts a wider audience. Merchant ’s is a fresh new voice in the original inhabitants of the country who world of Indian poetry. His images may not be very Indian, given the fact that he has chosen to remain loyal to the landscape of the haiku ’s mother country. Yet, in those occasional pieces when he turns his gaze homewards, as in “Raised to pure love: Taj/Symphony in veined marble/For eternity, ” Merchant displays the surety of his craft. He has the potential of being a winner should he choose to write against the Indian backdrop, as demanded of Indian the Zoroastrian community as it delineates poets. He could even experiment with the haibun, a similar Japanese form of minia ­ ture verse of 17 syllables, but dealing with Avesta. inter-personal relationships. Let us make bold to say, “Merchant of images/Keep King Darius of Persia called himself fond hopes alive/For your next collec ­ tion. ” How ’s that for a start? Or rather, the end? H. J. R Aryans _ -Tynans ana the Avesta kind of cross its descendants have learnt to bear. Hitler had postulated that the Ger ­ mans were a pure Aryan race, and hence entitled to hegemony over the world, a view occasionally shared by some mem ­ bers of the Zoroastrian community who consider themselves superior to other com ­ munities. Yet many authorities have con ­ sidered the Aryans to be no more than a Those who speak the same tongue need not necessarily belong to the same racial stock conquering race. In India, the Aryans have been thought of alternatively as aliens or, as Bhagwan Gidwani now claims in his new book The Return of the Aryans, the went to different parts of the world and then returned to India. Who were the Aryans? Where did they understanding of history and culture with- come from? Were they a race at all? These out the blinkers of fatraticism. h. j. r are the core questions considered in Look­ ing for the Aryans, a publication brought out by Orient Longman as the first in their new series, ‘Cameo.s in History and Cul ­ ture. ’ Authored by historian R. S. Sharma, the book should be of particular interest to the similiarities between Aryan culture and Vedic civilization, and draws many parallels between the Rig Veda and the According to the book under review, an Aryan in the sixth century BC, the term arya meaning a master or person of noble birth in the Avesta. Sharma points out that the characteristics of Aryan culture, which he affirms is a post-Harappan cult, are the horse, pastoral life, and use of iron, all of which are mentioned in the Avesta. Cattle wealth is important in 7end Avesta, “both the horse and chariot are repeatedly men ­ tioned in prayers made to Mithra. ” The adjective ‘swift-horsed ’ is applied in the Avesta to another divinity called Apam Napat, who is also a Vedic deity. Further, aspa or horse forms a part of several names of chiefs or warriors in ancient Iran: LookingfortheAryansby R.S.Sharma. Published Vistaspa, Pourusaspa, Karesaspa, Gus- in 1995 by O.ient Longman Limited, 3-6-272 Himayatnagar, Hyderabad 500029. Pp: 106. Price: Rs 50. taspa. Sharma ’s work also points out that the cult of Soma, called hoama in the Avestan language, occupies an important place in the rituals of both the branches. An interesting sidelight is that crema ­ tion is seen as a trait of pastoral people who did not bury their dead in the earth. Though the Avesta forbids.cremation, the author quotes Geiger ’s conjecture that the dokhma was originally a place for cremation, and suggests that the original Mazda-worship- pers did not recoil from cremation. Looking for the Aryans is a slim mono ­ graph of 74 pages with 32 additional pages of notes and a bibliography. Written in simple language it use.s a variety of ar ­ cheological and linguistic sources to guide the reader through acadertyc labyrinths down the ages to conclusions which are commonly known, but challenged in re ­ cent times. The footnotes are assembled in one place at the end of the book so that a layman may read it without being bur ­ dened by purely scholarly interest. Sharma ’s lucid study identifies the main traits of Aryan culture, and advances the argument that those who speak the same tongue need not necessarily belong to the same racial or ethnic stock. An eye-opener for many staunch racists within the com ­ munity, the book provides for a better % out the blinkers of fatraticism. statement of Ownership & Other Particulars about Parsiana: Form IV (See Rule 8) Place of Publication: Bombay Periodicity of Publication: Ten issues in a year Printer, Publisher, Editor: Jehangir R. Patel Nationality: Indian Address: 285, J. Dadaji Marg, Bombay 400007 Proprietor: Parsiana Publications Pvt Ltd, 39, A. K. Nayak Marg, Bombay 400001 Shareholders holding more than one percent of the total capital: Jehangir R. Patel, Veera J. Patel and Simin J. Patel, address same as above. I, Jehangir R. Patel, hereby declare that the particulars given above are true to the best of my knowledge and belief. Sd. (Jehangir R. Patel) 1 March 1996 70 Parsiana February-March 1996i Khushmand Behram Screwvala and Nimish Dhirajlal Mayani', December 1 Priti Pravinchandra Kothari and Mahiyar Kersi Mirza', December 1 Meherveena K. Mistry and Vikram V. Rangnekar', December 1 Rashmi Jaibhagwan Sharma and Adi Behram Sethna', December 4 Kainaz B. Gandhi and Shilpi S. Shyamani', December 8 Havovi Aspi Tampal and Hanoz Minoo Mistry ', December 11 Yasmine Lovejoy Mehervanjee and Hoshang Kali Katrak', December 13 Nandini Ranjitkumar and Zareer Contractor, December 18 Anita Vishwanath Deshmukh and Cyrus Rusi Gandhi', December 19 Zarin Dara Gonda and Md Parwez Khan', December 20 Dilkash Nozer Mazda and Par'shid Sheriar Falahati', December 21 Mehr Sorab Poonawalla and Avinash Ganpat Gujar, December 22 Jagruti Zota and Zubin Phiroze Patel', December 22 Nergish Meher Dalal and Khusru Rustomji Italia', December 25 Soonu Homi Ghadially and Rohinton Rustom Mehta', December 25 Armin Rohinton Sachinwalla and Nauzer Jimmy Mistry, December 25 Rozbeh Mehelly Karbhari and Adil Faramroz Patrawala', December 25 Meher Khushru Wadia and Hormuzd Neryosang Sinor, December 25 Heena Sadrudin Bilawala and Adil Aspi Engineer; December 26 Vahbiz Homi Kasad and Fersosh Phiroze Mistry, December 26 Caroline Mitchelle Soans and Zubin Rustom Mullanferoze', December 26 Jehanara Behram Dalal and Rusi Noshir Namerian', December 26 Armin J. Rangoonwala and Najeeb Ali Yousuff Ali Mirza', December 27 Priya Kumar Sharma and Manek C. Pardiwalla', December 28 Armine Cawas Tukina and Firdosh Sam Mehta', December 28 Kamal Dhunji Sidhwa and Kaikhusru Vicaji Taraporevala', December 28 Sotoudeh Namdar Shahvir and Mehrban Baman Afsaddizadeh', December 29 Parizad Homi Muns hi of Umarsadi, Gujarat and Paurasp Peshotan Patel', December 29 Zubeen Minoo Mehta and Meheryar Noshir Rivetna', December 29 Diana Robert Viegas and Rayomand Kersi Tijoriwalla', December 29 Farzine Adi Parelwala and Hormuz Soli Adrianwala; December 30 Hilda Firoze Elavia and Neville Sam Deboo', December 30 Daliah Kersaspe Solina and Porus Homi Kermani', December 30 Behroze Minoo Mistry and Yezdi Dadiba Patrawalla', December 30 Binaifer Bahadur Soonawalla and Tehmtan Framroz Irani', December 31 Monaz Rohinton Davar of Ahmedabad and Homiar Kersi Kadodwalla; December 31 Roshan Allahmurod Khushitami and Sanjay Niranjan Maniar, December 31 Farzean Aspy Mistry and Anil Devanand Kamaria', January 1, 1996 Meher Dhanjishaw Billimoria and P. D. Baburaj; January 2 Ferzana Faredun Madan and Zubin Soli Behramkamdin', January 2 Shireen Pasy Dinshaw of Pune and Shiavax Jal Vazifdar, January 2 Tanaz K. Bhagat and Rajiv Yadav, January 2 Persis Bomi Jehangir and Viraf Dhunjishaw Mistry, January 4 Dilnaaz Adi Patel of Massachusetts, USA and Eruch Rusi Rustomji', January 4 Rukshana Mehraban Demehri and Nozer Minoo Doctor, January 5 Smita C. Khergamker and Xerzes Antia', January 6 Tinaz Furdoon Bajana and Xersi?Dadi Cooper, January 7 Bachi Adi Mistry of Vasal and Available on Ownership Office space for corporate offices in Pune Cantonment. 1,000 to 10,000 sq ft. Residential one bedroom flats, 625 sq ft in "Kulpit at Kondwa Kurd, Pune. Possession in July 1996. 99 9 Pune Office: 617, Sachapir Street, Camp. Tel: 638136 Bombay: M/s Aspi Irani 80, Janmabhomi Marg, Fort, Bombay 400001. Tel: 2040094, 2040267 174 Parsiana February-March 1996Tempton Rustom Hathiram', January 7 Naznin Noshir Bulsara and Shapoor Faredoon Shokrekhoda', January 7 Zenobia Feroz Taraporewala and David C. Campbell', January 8 Jesmin Cavas Bharucha and Adil Farrokh Dalai, January 9 Dilmeher Soli Irani and Tehmul Rusi Mistry, January 9 Lyla Jangoo Bativala and Sam Erach Todywala', January 10 Parvana Farokh Irani and Raten Dorab Patei, January 11 Nilloufer Minoo Dastoor and Rohinton Jal Irani, January 12 Roxanne Parvez Hakim and Nicholas John Jchiro Kumol Pilgrim; January 12 Niloufer Noshir Palkhiwalla and Cyrus Dara Shroff', January 12 Zeeba Keki Karanjia and Darayus Jangoo Shroff', January^ 12 Hufriz Baman Irani arid Hosheder Adi Jehangir, January 13 Jasmin Rustom Zandbaf and Rustom Jamshed Jamsheedian', January 14 Kaneejeh Dara Kadva and Vispi Dinshaw Patei, January 15 Natasha Padam Sethna and Rahul Nityanand Singh', January 15 Kashmira Sarosh Todiwalla and Vispi Jehangir Vesuna', January 15 Homai Ardesir Umrigar of Mira Rd, Thane and Noshir Mondegar Irani, January 16 Minaz Naozer Kavarana and Jimmy Nauzar Maneckshaw; January 16 Parizad Manek Daruwala and Farad Adi Modi, January 16 Harsha Nalinikant Kilachand and Mehernosh Ardeshir Heeramaneck', January 17 Sambhavi M. Kadam and Nevil R. Darukhanawala', January 19 Zinobia Behram Mehervaid of Mhow and Neville Hoshang Jilla', January 19 Archana Srichand Kukreja and Sarosh Bomy Dabhoiwala', January 20 Jeroze Faramroze Bhadha of Jamnagar and Dinyar Jal Gilder, January 21 Tanaz Pheroze Chikhliwala and Burjis Dadi Sethna of New York, USA; January 21 Dimple Noshir Karanjia and Hoshang Dara Vevaina; January 21 Hemamalini Kadambi and Zarir P. Gandevia-, January 22 Kashmina Nevil Jokhi and Kersi Phiroze Pavri\ January 22 Armin Keki Patel and Bhavinkumar Tuljashankar Vyas-, January 'll Havovi Bhikhaji Adenwalla and Pervez Jal Daruwalla'. January 23 Pallavi Joshi and Cyrus Jehangir Shroff, January 24 Maharukh Eruchsha Billimoria and Nevil Phiroze Gandhi', January 25 Perin Kavas Jamula and Noshir Darabshaw Hathiram', January 25 Zenobia Percy Pastakia of Thane and Dick Hosy Mody, January 25 Armaity Kekobad Mody and Parimal Prabhubhai Patel', January 25 Veera Freddy Shroff and Neville Minoo Sanjana', January 25 Kamal Ardeshir Karkaria and Farokh Kershasp Anklesaria', January 27 Aileen Andrade and Zubin C. Watchmaker', January 27 Shum Menglin and Adil Tehemasp Kelawala', January 28 Pouroochisti Dara Wadia and Shahzad Firoze Dorabshaw, January 29 Kerban Erach Avari and Mahemosh Jehangir Humranwala', January 29 Bakhtdvar Boman Bapooji of Secunderabad and Adil Noshir Mehta', January 29 Firoza Sorab Masani and Rohinton Soli Dadyburjor, January 30 Bakhtawar Sorab Bhesania and Viraf Navroz Kapradewala', January 30 Kumudini Pandurang Lanjekar and Marazban Ardeshir Mogrelia', January 30 Jasmin Soli Lacca of Navsari and Burzin Homi Shahana', January 30 Havovi Adi Anklesaria and Rayomand Nariman Irani', February 1 Jasmine Percy Bharucha and Adil Aspy Bhathena', February 2 Farida ^inocher Sherdiwalla and Farokh Hirji Chaiwalla of Pune; February 2 Dilshad Rohinton s- H^ewala of * With compliments from B. B. GARDA & SONS 10 B. J. Road Poona 411001 17 6 Parsiana February-March 1996 I *Pune and Bomi Kersi Rana; February 2 Thrity Kersi Rana and Rohinton Dara Vaid; February 3 Rukhshana Hosang Adajania and Darayush Jimmy Batiwalla\ February 4 Kashmira Hormuzd Minocherhomji and Behram Framroze Billimoria; February 5 Kermeen Dadi Bharthania and Shahrukh Adi Kanga of Thane; February 5 Zeenaz Jamshed Irani and Dinyar Rustom Tat ary, February 6 Maharukh Noshirwan Dastoor of Sanjan and Percy Navalshah Khandhadia oi Achad, Dist Thane; February 8 Jasmine Jamasp Palia and Cusrow Minoo Damania', February 9 Simone Jehangir Dubash and Farokh Dinshaw Pandole; February 9 Parizad Hoshang Bilimoria and Rumi Hoshang Ranji; February 9 Rukhshana Firoze Batliwalla and Hoshi Sohrab Edulji; February 10 Avan Jamshedji Patel and Zubin Keki Bhumgara; February 12 Shazneen Pestonji Aspar and Zubin Murzban Mehta; February 13 Delna Jimmy Bulsara and Jamshed Pervaz Mistry; February 13 Farzana Kersy Tata and Sharukh Minoo Baria; February 16 Meher Dinshaw Dadina and Adil Phiroze Master of Calcutta; February 16 Binaifar Noshir Buhariwalla and Hoshang Jehangir Nazir; February 19 Anaita Faredun Delkhah and Yazad Jehangir Boga; February 22 Roshni Polly Udwadia and Darayas Edulji Palsetia; February 25 Kamal Aspi Medhora and Kersas Hoshang Vesuna; February 26 Vahbeez Dara Bhavnagri and Yezdi Tehmurasp Shroff, February 27 Maharookh Adi Dumasia and Pourusasp Burjor Sidhwa; February 27 DIED Behramshaw Bomanji Sethna (IS}, residing at Hirji Sethna Bldg, Zoroastrian Clny, Tardeo Rd, 400007; December 31, 1995 ' Baby girl of Nilofer Noshir Bhiwandiwalla (stillborn), F/2, Bhiwandiwalla Ter, Dhobitalao, 400002; January 1, 1996 i Khurshid Behram Havewala (39), Above Chakala Post Office, Andheri-Kurla Rd, Andheri (W), 400093; January 1 Najamai Navroji Karadia (85), 6/A, Kaka Block, Marzban Clny, Lamington Rd, 400008; January 1 tf Roshan Pesi Masani (13), 9, Malbari Bldg, New Khareghat Clny, Hughes Rd, 400007; January 1 < Jaiji Minocher Batliwala (93), 30, Sleater Rd, 400007; January 2 t/ Banoo Fredoon Bhownagri (1\), 11, Deluxe Apts, 664, Altamount Rd, 400026; January 2 •1 Kaikobad Rustomji Dalal (68), Banoo Mans, Cumballa Hill, 400026; January 2 5-, Soli Cawasji Dhalla (79), Meher-Behram Bldg, Khetwadi 7th Lane, 400004; January 3 ? Homi Hiraji Kapadia (78), D, Bhatia Soc Bldg, Princess St, 400002; January 3 ’ Kairsas Nariman Daruwalla (82), 3, Maneck Mans, Station Rd, Mahim, 400016; January 4 Adi Maneksha Kapadia (78), Queens Chmb, Queens Rd, 4(X)020; January 4 Dinamai Jehangirji Achhadwalla (85), 5/2, Kendra- Side, Godrej Clny, Vikroli (E), 400079; January 5 Palonji Rustomji Bhathena (60), N/12, Nowroz Baug, Lalbaug, 400012; January 5 I 'Rattanshah Rustomji Choksi (68), Albless Bldg, Chikalwadi, Grant Rd, 400007; January 5 ' Mani Fakirji Randeria (65), 162, Mody St, Fort, 400001; January 5, ! Freny Keki Sethna (68), 4, Rustom Baug, Victoria Rd, Byculla; 400027; January 5 I ' Maneck Ratanji Karkaria (79), 166, Sir J. J. Hse, Bora Bazar St, Fort, 400001; January 6 ' sMehra Manchershaw Madon (75), 3/28, Todiwalla Bldg, Sunmili Rd, Lower Parel, 400013; January 6 I yVith Best Compliments From 4' Manize Estd: 1959 Ladies Department Store JEUNESSE: Total beauty care and hair dressing Cumballa Hill - Flyover, Bombay 400036 Telephones: Shop: 3877833, 3869855. Resi: 2151900 Spin Weave Textiles Philco Industries H.O: Piramal Mansion, 235, D. N. Road, Bombay 400001 Telephone: 2616781. Fax: 2611744 178 Parsiana February-March 1996¦ Freny Homi Irani (79), Sea View, Opp Shivaji Park, Mahim, 400016; January 7 -1 Rati Jal Marker (82), B, Satya Bhama Nivas, Kashinath Rd, Tardeo, 400034; January 8 - ' Tehmi (Tehmina) Rustom Bharucha (70), Alpaiwalla Bldg, M. M. Chotani Rd, Mahim, 400016; January 9 • Minoo Shapurji Screwvala (70), B/24, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039; January 9 Dally Meherji Vazifdar (58), Dadiseth Bldg, Wadia St, Tardeo, 400034; January 10 Rustomji Limjibhai Patel (95), 152, Dr Jal Vakil Bldg, Dr Ghanti Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; January 11 Minoo Erachsha Bharucha (69), D/17, Rustom Baug, Victoria Rd, Byculla 400027; January 12 Bahadur Jehangirji Kapadia (70), 303, Sunder Baug Co-op Hsg Soc, Opp Jain Temple, Mathuradas Rd, Kandivli (W), 400067; January 12 ‘ Navroze Bhikhaji Panthaki (79), C/o Rustom Faramna Agiary, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; January 12 . Mitha Jamshed Subedar (85), Gool Manor, Near Colaba Telephone Exchange, Colaba, 400005; January 12 ¦ Freny Ratansha Dadachanji (96), Bilwa Kunj, Pandita Ramabai Rd, Gamdevi, 400007; January 13 Noshir Sorabji Ghaswalla (76), 14, New Mistry Bldg, Balaram St, Grant Rd, 400007; January 13 Dolat Keki Marfatia (54), 8-7/C, Sir Ratan Tata Clny, Tardeo, 400034; January 13 Loveji Motabhoy Contractor (76), 17, Heera Meher, Wodehouse Rd, Colaba, 400005; January 14 ’ Jehangir Darabsha Engineer (75), 8/5, Tata Clny, Tardeo, 400034; January 15 's jan Hormusji Framji Manekshaw (87), 45, Valentina, N. Gamadia Rd, 4(X)026; January 15 Kercy Rustomji Mistry (85), A/8, Satyabhama Niwas, Kashinath St, Tardeo, 400034; January 15 . Edul Hormusji Soonawalla (75), 605/B, Venus, 4th Cross Rd, Lokhandwalla Complex, Andheri (W), 400058; January 15 Temina Keki Bas la (83), 3, Bandstand Apts, B. J. Rd, 400050; January 16 Goolbai Behramsha Contractor ' Bhikha Faramroj Jokhi (71), (85), Kotwal Hse, Sleater Rd, Grant Rd (W), 400007; January 16 Sohrabmasa Merwan Irani (13), Hirabai Petit Bldg, Opp Grant Rd Rly Stn, Grant Rd (E), 400007; January 16 Khors bed Jehangirji Kotwal (80), B/57/551, M.I.G. Clny, Gandhi Ngr, Bandra (E), 400051; January 16 Tehmina Manekshaw Laly (86), J/13, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039; January 16 Perin Minoo Master (78), Sky Scraper, 143, Breach Candy, 400026; January 16 ' Freny Dara Bativala (59), 4/31, A. H. Wadia Baug, Parel Tank Rd, Kalachowki, 400033; January 17 Perin Framroze Billimoria (78), 707, South Wing, Bridge View, Hansraj Lane, Byculla, 400027; January 17 Minoo Dhunjishaw Daruwala (60), 20, Hormus Bldg, Sussex Rd, Victoria Gardens, Byculla, 400027; January 17 Sorab (Soli) Aflatoon Irani ((>2), A/12-A, Ness Baug, Nana Chowk, 400007; January 17 41, Soonaiji Mans, 66/K, Forjett St, Gowalia Tank, 400036; January 17 ^Jini Sorabji Bhathena (52), Tapia Bldg, Jalbhai St, Charni Rd Jn, 400004; January 18 Tehmi Dhunjishaw Gazdar (92), 45, Gazdar Hse, Bhulabhai Desai Rd, 400026; January 18 Burjor Phirojshaw Mistry (70), 219/A, Amroliwala Bldg, N. M. Joshi Marg, Lower Parel, 400013; January 18 ' Sam Navroji Patel (59), F. S. Parukh Dharamshalla, 34, Hughes Rd, 400007; January 18 Roshan Rehram Engineer (58), Seth Nusserwanji Block, Tata Blocks, Bandra, 400050; January 19 Shapurji Nowroji Adajania (76), Awabai Mans, Henry Rd, Colaba, 4(X)039; January 20 Ala Rustom Dadyburjor (83), Banot^Manor, 12/B, Dadyseth Rd, Cnowpatty, 400007; January 20 Padam Pestonji Depnugara ^nC Progressives * - Mc/-( 'Vc. _ Distance _ - '^'^^cince The lens for uninterupted vision at different ranges distance, mid-distance & reading. Progressives are multifocal lenses without the tell-tale lines of bifocals. Progressives need professional care . For the best results come to Baliwalla & Homi. One of the finest optometrists & contact-lens practitioners In the country. 1^) Baliwalla & Homi Private Limited Flora Fountain: 365, Dr. D.N.Road, Bombay 400 001 Tel: 287 4916, 287 1762 • Dhobi Talao: 614, J.S. Seth Marg, Bombay 400 002. Tel: 201 4906 Parel: J.Merwanji Street, Parel, Bombay 400 012 Tel: 412 6051 180 Parsiana February-March 1996 I‘ Homayun Dhunjishaw Setna (87), 34/A, Jolly Maker Apts No 1, Cuffe Parade, 400005; January 22 Kaikobad Kaikushru Bengali (90), 1^, Bhagya Apt, Bhardawadi, Andheri (W), 400058; January 23 < 'Mehera Ratanshaw Cooper (86), 8/16, Rustom Baug, Victoria Rd, Byculla, 400027; January 23 (94), 608, Khareghat Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; January 20 A Manijeh Cawasji Ghadialy (80), 8, Hormuzd Bldg, 33, Sleater Rd, Grant Rd, 400007; January 20 * Baby girl of Navaz Sarosh Palkhiwala (stillborn), 785/A, M, Joshi Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; January 20 : Keki Jijibhoy Santoke (85), Pandey Dharamshalla, Colaba, / • Dina Keki Engineer (13), 22, 40(M)05; January 20 " . ~ . ' Aloo Noshir Tata (lA), G/16, Nowroz Baug, Lalbaug, 400012; January 20 Soli Nowroji Bharucha (80), 4/7, Himalaya Hse, 109, Worli Sea Face, 400018; January 21 Homai Bamanshaw Karkaria (87), 789, Kerawala Bldg, Jame Jamshed Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, Motion Dhanjisjiaw BJiagat 400014; January 21 Soona Phiro^ Daruwalla (12), F/14, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039; January 22 Khurshed Eruchji Desai (78), B, Wassiamull Bldg, Grant Rd, 4{X)007; January 22 -Sakar Hormusji Motiwalla (73), Banoobai Maneckshaw Morena Qazdsi Hse, 45, Bhulabhai Desai Rd, 40(X)26; January 22 Station Ter, Naushir Bharucha Marg, 400007; January 23 ' Keki Bomanji Jasoomany (70), S/5, Dalal Est, Lamington Rd, 400008; January 23 Mehra Kaikobad Katila (83), D-1/302, Jumbo Darshan Soc, Andheri (W), 400069; January 23 (81), Umrigar Bldg, Zoroastrian Clny, Chikalwadi, Tardeo, 400007; January 24 ¦ Daulat Minocher Master (86), T/16, Dalal Est, Bhadkamkar Marg, Near Bombay Central, 400008; January 24 (78), 730, Jehangir Vimadalal Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; January 24 iTehmina Bamanshaw Daruwalla (84), 691, Albless Bldg, Dinshaw Master Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; January 25 Goolamai Khodayar Irani (80), Old Wadia Bldg, Chandanwadi, Dhobitalao, 4(XX)02; January 25 ", Pesi Hormusji Karkaria P12), 40, Gopal Mans, Turner Rd, Bandra (W), 400050; January 25 ' ’Manek Edulji Patel (83), Fakhri Manzil, Shankerseth Rd, Grant Rd (W), 400007; January 25 ; Dinshaw Behram Zack (15), 190, Princess St, 400002; January 25 Framji Ferdoonji Bode {11), Princess Bldg, 275, Princess St, 4(X)002; January 26 Behli Bomanshaw Dastoor (53), Silver Arc Apts, T. P. S. Rd, Borivli (W), 400092; January 26 .! Aloo Jamshed Kapadia (76), Bag-E-Sara, 16, Nepean Sea Rd, 400036; January 26 Jer Kekobad Palkhiwala (92), Patel Wadi, Hathi Mohalla, Vasai, Di st Thane, 401201; January 26 Vistasp Jehangir Punagar (84), Rajesh Mans, 109, M. Karve Rd, 400020; January 26 Hormasji Maneckji Seervai (89), Shiv Shanti Bhuvan, 146, M. K. Rd, Churchgate, 400020; January 26 Minoo Ratanshaw Medhora (45), 508, Vikas Tower, Amboli Fatak, Andheri, 400069; January 27 Jamshed Jehangir Colah (41), 63/C, Kismet, Bhulabhai Desai Rd, 400026; January 28 Dolly Cawasji Tukina (11), Y/6, Cama Bldg, Cama Rd, Andheri (W), 400058; January 28 , Mahafreen Burjoo Chinoy (9), Bhesania Bldg, Fort Market, Fort, 400001; January 29 '¦ 'Doly Parvez Daruwala (65), A, Mistry Park, S. M. Rd, Antop Hill, Wadala (W), 400037; January 29 Coomi Minoo Mistry (79), 620, Rajiv, Jam-e-Jamshed Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; January 29 Meherbai Dinshawji Bharucha (94), 35/C, Jairajbhai St, 40000^January 30 Homai Katanshah Karanjia (95), 524, Commissariat-Bldg, ______________ 1 For Pure Diamonds JEWELLERS 324, Grant Road, Bombay 400007. Telephone 3099648 Fax 3073483 APPOINTED VALUERS BY THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA t 1S2 Parsiana February-March 1996 IAdenwalla Rd, Matunga, 400019; January 30 Jalejar Dadabhoy Kudyaniwalla (88), Room 89, 189, Hirabai Petit Charity Bldg, Opp Grant Rd Stn, 400007; January 30 Jal Kaikhushroo Makhania (80), 1/26, Dhunbaiwadi Parsi Clny, Dadabhai Rd, Vile Parle (W), 400056; January 31 Dhun Nadir Vania (78), A/14, Rustom Baug, Victoria Rd, Byculla, 400026; January 31 I Homai Ardeshir Bharucha (12), Putla Rustomji Anklesaria (87), A-1/7, Shapoor Baug, V. Patel Rd, 40(XK)4; February 1 Khorshedbanoo Rustomji Irani (85), D-2, 61, S. B. Bharucha Baug, S. V. Rd, Andheri (W), 400058; February 1 Motibai Framroj Panthaki (74), Tehmina Eruchshaw Vatchha Mota Mans, Motibai St, Tardeo Rd, 400007; February 1 Dorabji Dinshaji Sadri (82), 286/A, Bhatia Society Bldg, Princess St, 400002; February 1 Rd, Andheri (W), 400061; Golanji Hill, Parel, 400012; February 2 February 6 Dorabji Keikhusru Panveliwalla ’; Amy Soli Irani (52), D-2/91, S. (76), 628, Turel Ter, Homavazir Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; February 2 r Nargesh Pesi Dastoor (69), 15/4, Contractor Bldg, Gamadia Clny, Tardeo, 400007; February 3 Hilla Darabsha Shroff (11), Petit Widows ’ Chawl, Thakurdwar, 400002; February 3 648, Kaka Bldg, Firdoshi Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; February 4 Pesi Ardeshir Kanga (92), 34, Boyce Bglw, Sleater Rd, 400007; February 4 400005; February 12 Phirozsha Darabsha Pundole (?il), 6/4, Rustom Baug, Victoria Rd, Byculla, 400027; February 12 ; Pherozeshah Behramsha Wankadia (66), 1/803, Gulshan, Juhu Lane, Andheri (W), 400058; February 12 Pali Dinshaji Mistry (79), Atash Apts, 3, Mehella Patel Agiary Lane, Grant Rd, 4(X)007; February 13 Ramyar Dadabhoy Tata (81), 50, Hill Rd, Bandra (W), 40(X)50; February 13 Navroji Bomanji Patel (80), 104-A/2, Chabia Park, Kapoor Bawadi, Thane (W), 400601; February 14 (90), G/44, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039; February 4 Jimmy Bapuji Dubash (85), Wagla Cooper Bldg, Opp Super Cinema, 400{X)4; February 6 Aimai Jivanji Vesuna (84), 672, Mary Nasserwanji Kanny (90), Society Bldg, Rd No 14, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; February 1 Khorshed Dadabhai Mistry (85), 612/C, Janak Deep, J. P. South Ville, 106, Nathalal Parekh Marg, Colaba, 400005; February 6 Behmanshaw Hormiisjee Mehta (66), 2, P. B. Mody Bldg, B. Bharucha Baug, S. V. Rd, Andheri (W), 400058; February 7 Bachan Boman Kohinoor (68), F/3, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039; February 8 < Darayesh Rashid Badshah (41), Phirozshaw Bldg, Next to Soonaiji Agiary, Gowalia Tank, 400036; February 10 Aspi Behram Irani (70), 9/3, India House, Kemp’s Comer, 4(XX)26; February 10 Firoze Jamshed Nariman (82), 10, Kalpana Villa, Viman Ngr, Pune; February 10 i Minocheher Nusserwanji Lala (79), 14, Tarachand Block, Old ' Sorabji Godrej Sopariwalla Khareghat Clny, Hughes Rd, 400007; February 11 Dhunjishaw Nanabhoy Sethna (80), 34/A, Jolly Maker Apts No 1, Cuffe Parade, 400005; February 11 Amavaz Phiroz Bulsara (69),- 10, Mehta Bldg, Panthaki Baug, Hargovindas S. Lane, Andheri (E), 400069; February 12 Jer Sorab Mody (64), 19, Colaba Chmbs, Colaba Rd, (76), C/d, H. S. Sopariwalla, 286, Sweethome, 102, Sher-E- Punjab Clny, Off Mahakali Caves Rd, Andheri (E), 400093; February 14 Maneckshaw Edulji Mistry (89), D/2, Jer Baug, Dr Ambedkar Rd, Byculla, 400027; February 15 -Adoo^l Chibber (75), Mayo Hse, 9, Cooperage Rd, 400039 February 16 Banoo Bomanji Ckoksey (9Q), * r” ' 1 COHTUC-TJI >5J M AM Parsiana February-March 1996126, St Cyril Rd, Bandra, 400050; February 16 ', Manecksha Pirojsha Deboo (75), 83/A, Mazda Mans, S. S. Gaikwad Rd, Dhobitalao, 400002; February 16 Najoo Minoo Hodiwalla (IS), F/20, Navajbai Contractor Baug, Mori Rd, Mahim, 400016; February 16 Rustom Rattanshaw Cooper (73), 348, Fence Piece Rd, Chigwell, Essex, IG 75 DY, England; February 18 Meherwan Merzban Dalal (74), 422/F, Panchseel III, Raheja Township, Malad (E), 400097; February 18 Meharbai Dhunjisha Hazary (96), C/o Jer Jussawala, Besant Villa, Theosophical Clny, Juhu, 400049; February 18 Dara Pali Master (60), G/2, Nowroz Baug, Lalbaug, 400012; February 18 Khurshid Cawas Bhabha 42, West Minster, 294, M. N. Purav Marg, Sion, 400022; February 19 Boman Darabshaw Dubash (74), Firuz-Ara, 160, M. Karve Rd, 400021; February 19 Bomi Jamshed Irani CIQ), F. S. Parukh Dharamshalla, 34, Hughes Rd, 400007; February 19 Homai Kaikhasroo Khajotia (67), 12/3, Lentin Bldg, Gamadia Clny, Tardeo, 400007; February 19 , Gool Kekhashru Marolia (82), A, Shirin Manzil, Dinbai Petit St, Grant Rd, 400007; February 19 Pali Shapurji Master (78), Motiwalla Mans, 66/B, Gowalia Tank Rd, 400036; February 19 Sherbanoo Cavasji Patel (93), 0/13, S. B. Bharucha Baug, S. V. Rd, Andheri (W), 400058; February 19 Viraf Khodahux Irani (43), Kuka Sadan, Sopari Baug, Parel, 400012; February 20 Baby boy of Nilufer Neville Patel (stillborn), P/4, Godrej Baug, Off Nepean Sea Rd, 400036; February 20 Dali Rustomji Dastur (69), M/57, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039; February 21 Mehera Homi Doctor (92), 73/A, Faredoon Ct, S. B. Rd, 400005; February 21 Rohinton Behram Irani (37), 1/B, Petit Bldg, Avabai Petit Lane, Balaram St, Grant Rd, 400007; February 21 ' ^.Darabshah Khursedji Karanjia (84), 78, Acharya Hse, 1st Marine St, Dhobitalao, 400002; February 21 Bacha Jamshedji Sarkari (69), 504, Mahavir Apts I, Off J. P. Rd, Andheri (W), 400058; February 21 • Jal Maneckshaw Doctor (90), 610, Jame-Jamshed Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; February 22 Dara Hormusji Ghadially (55), Wadia Fire-Temple, Princess St, Dhobitalao, 400002; February 22 Amy Homi Katki (66), 2/12/A, A. H. Wadia Baug, Parel Tank Rd, 400033; February 22 Perin Cawasji Tengra (69), 4, School Bldg, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039; February 22 Dhunjisha Jirozsha Vesuna (66), 3/12, Bhedwar Bldg, Chotani Rd, Mahim, 400016; February 23 Roshan Adi Irani (70), B/35, Meherzin Soc, 109/A, Wodehouse Rd, 400005; February 24 Goal Jal Mehta (87), Dhana Patel Bldg, 232, Tardeo Rd, 400007; February 24 Sheroo Sorabji Patel (75), Maneck Mans, M. M. C. Rd, Opp Canosa Convent, Mahim, 400016; February 24 Behram Dorabji Contractor (85), 203, Jupiter Apts, 41, Cuffe Parade, 400005; February 25 Jaiji Jehangir Shroff (80), 32, fame Jamshed Bldg, Dadar T. T., 400014; February 25 <Banoo Hormusji Antia (80), 9, Lentin Bldg, Gamadia Clny, Tardeo Rd, 400007; February 26 Eruch Pardunji Minbatiwala (63), 2, Mayflower, Carmichael Rd, 400026; February 26 Maneck Nariman Mobedjina (69), 681/B, Firdausi Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; February 26 Tehmurasp Kaikhushru Divecha (83), 10/12, Bhiwandiwala Bldg, Wadia St, Tardeo, 400034; February 28 Cawasji Pirozsha Batliwalla (89), 815, Engineer Bldg, Jame Jamshed Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; February 29 Phirozeshaw Jehangir Dumasia (83); Gool Mhl, Sleater Rd, 400007^february 29 Perinbanu Dinshawji Fitter (83), 148, Abbasi Bldg, Opp V 4' * 4" With Best Compliments From A WELL-WISHER 186 Parsiana February-March 1996Mehernosh M. Irani', January 5, 1996 DIED Soona S. Mistry (78); October 8, 1995 Burjor B. Baria (86); October 21 Pirojshah Pestonji Debara (83); November 11 Tehmurasp Motahji Dastoor (83); December 2 Goal Pesi Bodhanwalla (63); December 6 Bomi Rustomji Mehta (64); December 24 Rashid Hormusji Debara (75); January 11, 1996 Rusi Dadi Banaji (73); January 20 Jal D. Bengalli (64); January 28 SURAT MARRIED Jasmin Amalsardiwala and Sairus Minoo Aibara of Nagpur; December 26, 1995 DIED Eruchshaw Shapurji Dumasia (84); Paliga St, Nanpura, 395001; January 2, 1996 Jamshed Piros ha Coo par (72), Station Rd, Pardi, Dist Surendranagar, 396145; January 6 Sheramai Minocher Dumasia (84), Alahi Baug, Rustompura, 395002; January 9 Marzban M. Sigpurwala (45), Village Sigpur, Dist Songadh; January 12 Ketty Pestanji Patel (68), Mota St, Rustompura, 395002; January 16 Beroz Hevil Pithawala (35), Vadi St, Rustompura, 395002; January 16 Jerbanoo Rustamji Menina (82), Vanki Bordi, 395003; January 19 Roshan Eruchshaw Italia (52), Bibini Wadi; January 20 Aspi Earamji Elavia (40), Village Timbarra, Taluka Magrole, Dist Surat; January 24 Palonji Barjorji Meer (74), Nariman Home and Infirmary, Shahpore, 395003; January 24 Goolbai Faramji Bhesania (95), Taxshila Apts, Nanpura, 395001; February 15 Ardeshir Nasarwanji Bhethna (82), Rustompura, 395002; February 19 Soli Beharamji Patel (69), Sangawad, Navsari, 396445; February 21 Firozshah Rustamji Elavia (,52y, February 28 AUSTRALIA Sydney DIED Jal Pavri, husband of Shera and mother of Vahbeez Boman Kalapesi and Rayomand; January 3 Behmane Jamshidi, mother of Fariborz, Khushroo, Kourosh and Dolly Bhopti; January 27 Kolamai Doctor, mother of Behram; February 1 Neelu Chinoy, February 2 Rustom Demehri, father of Faredoon and Jamshid; February 7 CANADA Kelowna, British Columbia DIED Shirin Guiv (64), wife of Keikhosrow and mother of Guiv, Freny and Shahpur; December 14, 1995 Toronto DIED Khorshed Pevekar, wife of Indu and mother of Mehroo Sattha; December 6 Jerbai Khodabux Divecha, mother of Daulat, Goolcher Farokh Bharucha, Ruby Meherwan Dubash, Navaz and Soli; December 17 Manouchehr Akhtar Khavari, son of Khorshidchehr and Bahram and brother of Faroukh and Esfandiar; January 6, 1996 Vancouver DIED Homa Djamtorki (68), wife of Kaikhosrow and mother of Parviz; November 27, 1995 Sirous Shahriari (70), husband of Firoilzeh and father of Shahriar and Minoo; December 13 HONG KONG BORN A girl, Zoe, to Fizzy and Kawas Pavri, sister to Tina; Janttary 10, 1996 4* % With Best Compliments From LEACH WEBORNY When in Bombay Contact For attending to your laundry. They are Launderers & Dyers of repute. They will also attend to your carpets for cleaning or dyeing. 66, Off E. Moses Road, Worli, Bombay 400018 Phone: Head Office 2654294 Factory: 4924384,4925644 190 Parsiana February-March 1996 ?IRAN Tehran DIED Azar Farahmand (71); January 3 TOTALS FOR 1995 AND 1996 Yazd DIED Shiringoal Lohrasbi, mother of Homa Yazdgerdi; February 6 A Bombay C B A India B C A World B C BORN Boys Girls 14 15 112 108 13 14 5 2 11 6 3 1 8 37 24 1 3 < KUWAIT DIED Noshir Ichaporia (58); November 29, 1995 PAKISTAN Islamabad DIED Jamsheed Savak Poonegar (18); October 23 MARRIED Parsi Intercommunal DIED CONSIGNED Males Females CREMATED Males Females 91 50 80 83 283 94^ 473 464 3 1 64 17* 79 83 7 3 15 2 2 2 13 10 24 16 91 94 20 12 21 8 36* 36* 13 6 I Karachi DIED Shirian Jal Dhunjibhoy (96); November 17 Gulbanoo Jamshed Bamji (73); November 27 Sheryar Jamshed Irani (92); November 29 Minoo Framroze Golwalla (fl)', December 17 Keki P. Panthakey (67); January 2, 1996 Miloo E. Sidhwa (81); January 3 Siloo P. Sidhwa (74); January 3 Jamshedji S. Daruwalla (86); January 11 Rustom Merwanji Irani (64); January 11 Bezonji Dinshaw Bhagaria (95); January 15 Noshir Jehangir Cooper (80); January 28 Navroji Rustom Dubash (57); February 5 Shera D. Kapadia (76); February 7 Eruch P. Nicolwalla {liy, February 12 SINGAPORE BORN A boy, Rayan, to Shemaz and Kaizad Heerjee, brother to Rushad; October 21, 1995 UAE Dubai BORN A boy. Rehan, to Bakhtawar and Gev Ayrton-, October 21 UK London BORN A girl, Tishtrya, to Avi and Vispi Jamooji', February 9, 1996 A: Total numbers in this issue B: Running totals for 1995 (February-March 1995-February-March 1996 issues) C: Running totals for 1996 (February-March 1996) '' Males married out in 1995 - 43 ‘Males married out in 1996 - 9 Females married out in 1995 - 51 Females married out in 1996 - 8 * Overseas deaths are listed in the consigned column as Parsiana does not have any breakup of those cremated. These figures pertain to information provided or collected by Parsiana. They do not represent the total number of births, marriages and deaths in the Zoroastrian community in India or abroad. A boy, Zubin, to Vera and Farraokh Parekh, brother to Darius; October 7, 1995 DIED Piloo Jal Vajifdar (84), mother of Farrokh; November 24 USA Atlanta, Georgia BORN A boy, Rohan Cyrus, to Niloofer and Swapan Mondab, August 23 Bethesda, Maryland BORN A boy, Neville, to Firoza and Mark Fitch, brother to Cyrus; October 21 California DIED Daulat Rustom Jangi (79), mother of Faramarz, Sohrab, Kaikhosrow, Parvin Dastaki, Banoo Irani and Kharman Dehmobed; January 1, 1996 Bomi Challa (58), husband of Soonu and father of Mahtaab and Nazneen; January 11 Chicago BORN A boy, Darayus, to Bepsi and Pesi Sanjana, brother to Avvan; January 25 Colorado BORN A girl. Monaz, to Rashna and Hoshi Engineer, January 11 Dallas, Texas DIED Gulbanoo Rustom Irani (73), mother of Goolkhursheed, Aspi, Naazneen and Neenaaz; October 23, 1995 New Jersey BORN A girl, Farzana, to Behroze and Navdeep Jaikaria, sister to Darius; February 14 DIED Rumi Chavda, husband of Aban and father of Eric; December 9, 1995 Olney, Maryland DIED Jehangir Boomla, husband of t Freny and father of Pearl Soli Choksi; September 26 4 * San Francisco DIED Dhun Pocha (93), husband of Godafrid and father of Jehangir and Mike; August 28 Stuart, Florida BORN A girl, Nina, to Almitra and Darius Desav, December 8 V Texas BORN A boy, Armand, to Saghar and Kamran Behroozi; November 10 Washington DC BORN A boy, Farhad, to Persis and Mehernosh Choksy, October 28 A girl, Anya, to Avi and Darius Lilaoonwala', November 1 Weirton, West Virginia DIED Nergish Edulbehram-, October 18 Compiled by Roxana A. Driver 192 Parsiana February-March 1996 I