Sep 1996

I I I I SEPTEMBER 1996 Rs 22 Lady Mehri Tata Social VisionSeptember 1996 Volume 19 Number 2 EDITOR Jehangir R. Patel MANAGING EDITOR Arnavaz S. Mama 2 Readers’ Forum EXECUTIVE EDITOR Parinaz M. Gandhi SENIOR EDITOR Dina K. Mehta ASSOCIATE EDITOR Roxana A. Driver DESIGN Kranti M. Shilotri, Jayshree R. Ghosh MARKETING DIRECTOR Veera Patel 10 Events and Personalities 18 Zoroastrians Abroad 25 Dolly’s devotion by Mehroze Pochkhanwala ADVERTISING MANAGER Zarin Mistry ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES Niloufer Panthaky, Susan Hadvaid FINANCE B. L. Arora 26 BPP Elections: A clean contest by Arnavaz Mama 33 Dinshaw Tamboly: “If they need help, I want to help them’’ EDP Rohinton E. Daroga MANAGEMENT Jasmine Driver 38 Lady Mehri Tata: grace and graciousness by Parinaz Gandhi DTP Bakhtavar R. Batliwalla, K. P. Ravi SUBSCRIPTION MANAGER Khurshid Panthaki ASSISTANT SUBSCRIPTION MANAGER Swarupa Kamat ASSISTANT PURCHASE MANAGER Bindu Pillai 41 Prof K. D. Irani: “The future of Zoroastrianism is very bright” * 44 The Parsi Punchayet Case -- 3 48 Books ACCOUNTANT Anagha Korde SENIOR ACCOUNTS ASSISTANT Chetan Haiani 50 Milestones ACCOUNTS ASSISTANT Indu Pillai OFFICE ASSISTANTS Umesh Poojary, Selvan Mark, Sunil Sakhare, Govind Salgaonkar, Mahipat Jadhav Cover: Portrait of Lady Mehri Tata, courtesy N. R. Tata Agiary, Bandra Photograph: Homyar Mistry, Homz Prints Parsiana is published by Jehangir R. Patel for Parsiana Publications Pvt Ltd at C/o H. L. Rochat, Navsari Chambers, ground floor, 39 A. K. Nayak Marg, Fort, Bombay 400001 and printed by him at Kaiser-E-Hind Pvt Ltd, 300 Perin Nariman Street, Bombay 400001. Color processing. Comart Lithographers; black and white processing, Samir Scantech. All rights reserved. ISSN: 0971-3786. Phone: 2078730, 2072624. Fax: 2074541. For editorial enquiries phone: 2078183. E-mail: parvo@giasbm01 .vsnl.net.in. For subscription enquiries and payments; C/o Kaiser-E-Hind Pvt Ltd, 300 Perin Nariman St (Behind Reserve Bank of India), Bombay 400001; Phone: 2658619, 2665661. Fax: 2654585. Annual inland subscription for one year (10 issues) Rs 200; for two years (20 issues) Rs 375. Foreign subscription rates: Seamail for one year Rs 375AJS $ 14/UK £ 9; for two years Rs 700AJS $ 23/UK £ 15 (please allow six months or more for delivery from the time of publication). Airmail for one year Rs 700/US $ 23/UK £ 15 (for Pakistan, Indian Rs 500); for two years, Rs 1,300/US $43/UK £ 27 (for Pakistan, Indian Rs 950). For Indian upcountry cheques add Rs 10 for bank charges; for US cheques add $ 5; for UK cheques add £ 3. Cheques and drafts are to be drawn In favor of Parsiana and posted to GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001.READERS' FORUM 100 1 <825 ; I Marzban Giara and Ervad Peshotan Peer, thought it fit to bring the WZO into what was purely a local election. These gentle ­ men made statements which were inaccu ­ rate and quoted out of context. We have no desire to reply to these ill-founded state ­ ments as our colleague Dinshaw has done so admirable well already. Finally, we wish good health and long life to Dinshaw and his equally dedicated and charming wife, Bachi, so that they may continue to serve Zoroastrian inter ­ ests with dedication, honesty and integ ­ rity. S. F. CAPTAIN Chairman, WZO, London the Zarathushtrian Tradition. ” R. DUBASH Jt Hon Sec, WZO, London Mr Z. Sethna ’s letter (Readers ’ Forum, Parsiana, June 1996) reveals his sheer ignorance of the constitution and opera ­ tion of The World Zoroastrian Organisation (WZO). His statement that the WZO, by obtain ­ ing charity status, has ceased to represent Zoroastrians worldwide, shows a total lack of understanding. The purpose of seeking a charity status was to safeguard the finan ­ cial resources of the WZO. Since Mr Sethna feels the way he does, would it not equally apply to the Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe (ZTFE), of whose committee he is a member, as it too is a charity? Taking Mr Sethna ’s argument therefore, the commit ­ tee of the ZTFE does not represent the Zo ­ roastrians of UK and Europe. Let us take this argument of Mr Sethna further and ask the question: Is any Zoroastrian institution from the Bombay Parsi Pun- chayet to the associations in Australia and “Captaining the WZO” In his letter (“Captaining the WZO,” Parsiana, June 1996) Mr Zal N. Sethna refers to The World Zoroastrian Organi ­ sation (WZO) obtaining charity status and allowing non-Zoroastrian spouses and their children to become members as his grounds for the WZO not being a world body. The purpose of seeking charity status North America anon-charitable body? The was to safeguard the financial resources of the WZO. It has not in the slightest dimin ­ ished WZO’s function of representing Readers' views are welcome on any subject Zoroastrians the world over, which it con- 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. /q: answer is an emphatic “n^ ” thereby nulli ­ fying Mr Sethna ’s spurious objection. Mr Sethna ’s derisory statement that “Over here, i.e. in London, WZO is con ­ sidered no more than a private club... ” reveals not only his ignorance but also his 4’ * tinues to do. We are sure that your readers know full well that all Zoroastrian institutions from mendacity. He knows too well that this is the anjumans in India and Pakistan to associations in Australia, North America and UK are charitable and registered with the appropriate local authorities as such. This is natural as the community should a blatant untruth and that the WZO is held in high esteem by Zoroastrians of the UK and is well supported. The aim of the WZO 1 rp u -- .uv,.. is to act globally and it is not to have local Congratulations, lamboly This is natural as the community should functions, which is the responsibility of lo- I write this letter on behalf of the World not fritter away its scarce resources through cal anjumans/associations. In fact, in Lon- Zoroastrian Organisation (WZO) commit- taxation. don there are two other associations besides tee to congratulate our colleague, Mr The change in the membership clause ZTFE and all three, of them are precisely Dinshaw K. Tamboly, on his election to was introduced on the persistent demand what Mr Sethna states — “a private club, ” the position of trustee of the Bombay Parsi of numerous Zoroastrians throughout the where people come to the functions because Punchayet (BPP). We are certain that Dinshaw will bring that of (other organizations) beneficial to The purpose of the WZO is to serve the to bear his considerable experience of work Zoroastrians. In the same way, other ac- Zoroastrian community ’s interests globally and the fact that it does so admirably well is the reason why some Zoroastrians, like Mr Z. N. Sethna, find it difficult to accept Middle Eastern countries to settle in the that the WZO is a truly global body of Zo- West, for holding annual seminars on taxation. The change in the membership clause was introduced on the persistent demand world. It also aligns the constitution with food is served to attract them, that of (other organizations) beneficial to for the community, gained as a WZO committee member, on the affairs of the BPP. We wish him well and success in his helping displaced Zoroastrians from the new position. We also take this opportunity to offer our commiserations ’to Ms M. Bengalee Zoroastrian religion, culture and history, and hope that she will continue to contrib ­ ute her expertise as an educationist for the benefit of the Zoroastrian youth. Whilst writing this we have to state, with regret, that during the electioneering first ever international conference on process, a couple of individuals, Mr tivities of WZO are also well-known. For example, the WZO is well-known for roastrians for Zoroastrians. The WZO’s charitable activities are renowned through- for organizing very successfully their out the Zoroastrian world (a fact recog- " ’ ~ - nized by Mr Z. N. Sethna) and so also are other activities of the WZO. For example. first ever Gatha Colloquium in London and, continuing in the tradition of being first, holding in November this year the the WZO is helping displaced Zoroas ­ trians from Middle Eastern countries to “The Religious and Secular Literature of settle in the West, holding seminars on 2 Parsiana September 1996 «Zoroastrian religion, culture and history, biting within the committee. In view of all People who live in glass houses organized the first ever Gatha Colloquium this, Mr Z. N. Sethna is the least qualified shouldn ’t throw stones at others and Ervad at London (which incidentally Mr Z. N. to point the finger at The World Zoroas- Sethna and his ilk did not attend, revealing trian Organisation. rumi sethna their interest in the Zoroastrian religion, Surrey, uk but others from all over the world did) and for holding in November of this year an international congress on “The Religious trian Organisation (WZO) and the Zoroas- LiteratureoftheZarathushtrian Tradition. ” ' “ _ - It appears that Mr Sethna finds it diffi ­ cult to accept the changes in the constitu ­ tion of the WZO with regard to allowing WZO in London. non-Zoroastrian spouses married to Zoro ­ astrians and their children to become mem ­ bers of the WZO in line with the constitu ­ tion of other Zoroastrian associations. What removal of clauses (g), (h), (i) and (j) from years of stagnation, a catalogue of incom- a flight of scaremongering on the part of the WZO’s memorandum and articles of petence combined with diminishing hu- Mr Z. N. Sethna to think that a non- association somehow diminished the abil- Zoroastrian would become chairman of ity of WZO to represent Zoroastrians world- WZO when in the last three years only a few non-2Soroastrian spouses have become In fact these clauses were considered out members! This exaggeration reveals his mental attitude. Besides, Mr Sethna for ­ gets that the change was placed before the Zoroastrian members of the WZO world ­ wide and passed by an overwhelming ma ­ jority. Further, since this change is diffi ­ cult for Mr Sethna to accept, may we ask how is he going to cooperate in another world body with associations having simi ­ lar provision in their constitutions? Mr Z. N. Sethna complains about the accounts of the WZO and about the prox ­ ies. Once again, Mr Sethna reveals his total ignorance of the constitution and the laws transparency works, pertaining to such matters. I would like to end this letter by reiter ­ ating the fact that the committee of the ZTFE, of which Mr Sethna is a member, does not represent the Zoroastrians of the United Kingdom and Europe. The total membership of the ZTFE is no more than 1 ,(KX) of which perhaps 100 odd members are from overseas. In my estimation the lar provisions in their constitutions. As Ervad Sethna appears to belittle and total Zoroastrian population of the UK and In the UK there are two further local sneer at the fundraising activities of the Europe is in the region of 7,500 and there- organizations: the Zoroastrians of South WZO, perhaps he would tell us why funds fore, the membership of ZTFE is roughly London (whose membership is larger than from non-Zoroastrians in the past and 12 percent of the total population of Zoro ­ astrians in this part of the world. In addi ­ tion, ZiFE committee is elected by no more than 100 to 150 individuals (out of a total membership of say 1,000) who attend its annual general meetings. Therefore, the committee is elected by no more than 13 to 15 percent of its total membership. The Z l'FE committee is dead scared of giving proxy votes to all its members and that is because Mr Z. N. Sethna and his friends on the committee know that they will be voted out if the proxy vote was given. Finally, I have to state with regret that the last few AGMs of the ZTFE have -become spectacles of infighting and back- biting within the committee. In view of all I am a life member of The World Zoroas- trian Trust Funds of Europe (ZTFE), our local so-called “representative body. ” Also, I am currently on the committee of the In my personal view Ervad Z. Sethna ’s complaint (“Captaining the WZO,” Read ­ ers ’ Forum, Parsiana, June 1996), that the Sethna should first put his own house in order. The last 10 years or so of the ZTFE have been the most chaotic and traumatic this association has ever seen. Power struggles have seen the installation of five presidents. Trustees of the organization have had to step in qnd attend committee meetings to act as referees. Trustees have even found it expedient to take the plat ­ form at AGMs to explain their actions against the president. Moderation and con ­ sensus politics have gone out of the win ­ dow. This community has endured over 10 man and financial resources. Ervad Sethna is out of tune and out of wide, shows a total lack of understanding, step with the community ’s needs. Contrary to his statement that the WZO has only one annual function, there are in fact three or more functions held each year of date and unrepresentative of the com ­ munity on a global scale. Their removal, together with the granting of charitable — Jamshedi Navroze, Gala Charity Ball, status, enhanced the Organisation, its stand ­ ing within the wider community and safe ­ guarded its resources. When these changes were proposed they hard-working committee members with were placed before its Zoroastrian mem- the help of many WZO supporters and bership worldwide which voted and passed donors. Apart from the good food and the new resolutions with an overwhelming merriment, all these venues are opportuni ­ majority. It was not done behind the scene or surreptitiously. Ervad Sethna may find it difficult to understand that openness and and Christmas functions, of the 200 or so ’ . who attend 95 percent are Zoroastrians. The Gala Dinner Dance, because of its Shehenshahi Navroze and if possible Christmas/New Year and Barbecue. All these functions are arranged by ties for fundraising for (jbjarat, medical, etc. In the case of the Navroze, Barbeque As regards the question whether the WZO could affiliate with most of the high ticket price and distant venue does existing Zoroastrian bodies as a conse- need, and attracts, a large number of non- quence of the membership changes, this Zoroastrians willing to participate and will prove more of a stumbling block to him and his ideology than it ever could to the WZO, since most of the North Ameri ­ can associations and anjumans have simi- annually, lar provisions in their constitutions. In the UK there are two further local organizations: the Zoroastrians of South contribute to the good causes supported by the WZO. Somewhere in the region of £ 8,000 (approx Rs 4,40,0(X)) is collected that of the Zoroastrian Association of present continue to be accepted by the Metropolitan Chicago, USA) and the Har ­ row Zoroastrian Association. So far as I am aware, both these organizations have constitutions accepting non-Zoroastrian spouses and their children as members. In addition to the local activities of the WZO, both these organizations play their part in the life of the community with consider ­ able success. No doubt in Ervad Sethna ’s eyes they too were no more than “clubs ” which he would prefer not to see exist. The truth is they exist because of the short ­ sighted and unrepresentative policies of thing it can to keep its membership in- the ZTFE of which he has been a past presi ­ dent and a committee member for too long. ZTFE or will he debar all non-Zoroastri- ans from attending/donating to fundraising activities of the ZTFE in the future? Ervad Sethna states proudly that he was a founder member of WZO and a signatory to the memorandum and articles of WZO as they then stood. With the new constitu ­ tion one day there could be a non-Zoroas- trian president of the WZO. He also criti ­ cizes the members attending the AGM held in London. As a world body the WZO does every ­ formed within its finite resources. Proxy voting has existed since the formation of 4 Parsiana September 1996 Iing feature anywhere in this seemingly interminable encomium and hope it is not a case of calling off the dogs and putting up FURHOK K. TANGREE La Roche-sur-Foron, France By changing its constitution, the WZO is striving to make us aware that we cannot continue to ignore the present unsatis ­ factory situation, that radical thinking the poodles, should be our outlook to build the step ­ ping stones for the future generation be ­ fore it is too late. To conclude, Ervad Sethna should un ­ derstand clearly that there is only one World Zoroastrian Organisation. If he and Parsiana, February-March 1996) regard- others like him wish to create divisions “The Farohar” I refer to the letter by Ervad Hormazd M. Pavri (“The Farohar, ” Readers ’ Forum, the WZO and is necessary as the member ­ ship is scattered worldwide. The members are hardly likely to make trips to the UK for the purpose of voting. As a founder member he is also aware that the WZO has 41 Zoroastrian commit ­ tee members worldwide who have com ­ mitted themselves to serve the Zoroastrian community equitably. I do not think Ervad Sethna ’s prognosis will ever come about, but even assuming it did, I would rather rely on their combined within the community, then we can see the wisdom, should they ever propose or ap- man for what he really is: destructive prove of a non-Zoroastrian president, than rather than constructive. According to him to rely on Ervad Sethna ’s ill-informed opinion. To date only a handful of non-Zoroas- irian spouses have become members. What this statement when the WZO committee is interesting is that many Zoroastrians " ' .................. " ’ have joined and supported the organiza- ing the correct facing of the Farohar. It may interest readers/advertisers in your magazine that their advertisements are not in keeping with the explanation the class of leadership currently in the given by Ervad Pavri. WZO is unsuitable to represent Zoroastri- ans all over the world. How ludicrous is •Feb/March ’96 issue: Page 9 - Capricorn Travel; Page 104 - Federal Services; Page 105 - State Bank of India; Page 162 - Parsi consists of stalwarts like Mr Nani Pal- Zoroastrian Flag. khivala. Dr Farhang Mehr, Mr Mehraban 'June ’96 issue: Page 6 - American flag; lion since the change in the membership Zartoshty, Mr Mehraban Farhangi, Prof Page 33 - Zoroastrian flag designed by Dr clause and they are not all necessarily Kaikhosrov D. Irani, Ms Roda Mistry, Dr Jehangir Madora of Canada. married to non-Zoroastrians. (Ms) Shirinbanoo S. Kutar and many others. If, as stated by Ervad Hormazd M. Ervad Sethna has failed to grasp the nettle. Every year for the last 10 years between 150 to 200 individuals, predomi- body, nantly Zoroastrians accompanied by a small number of non-Zoroastrians, have been attending the privately organized Farvar- dian prayers by a true Zoroastrian who was married to a Zoroastrian. These are held at Brookwood Cemetery (UK) out in the open, come rain, sleet or snow because he and many like him feel anger and revulsion at the pathetic behavior from those in our community who have re-introduced pra ­ ctices of segregation and division which are best consigned to history. The conse ­ quences are a community embittered and truly split down the middle in the UK. TTiis is not just some local difficulty this stance may be debatable and it is not which can be brushed under the carpet the purpose of this letter to engender it. year after year. It is now a global problem (Ms) Shirinbanoo S. Kutar and many others. Ervad Sethnapresumably considers himself Pavri, the correct facing of Farohar is as a suitable candidate for the next new worldindicated by him, then it would be alarm ­ ing to have the Farohar facing the wrong I for my part would like to say that if direction on “Zoroastrian flags ” in par- such a body is ever formed I would wish it ticular. dossabhoyh.bhiwandiwala every success, for it will need to be made of the stuff of revolution or it will be nothing more than a damp squib or a “private club ” for the likes of Ervad Sethna. S. BHIWANDIWALLA Surrey, UK ticular. * The Editor replies As with Zoroastrian te^s and with the Farohar, there are various interpretations. We may note however that at Persepolis, the Farohar is shown facing different di-* rections. ivirz^ai ocuiiiti r'uiuiii,r j j June 1996) focuses on WZO (London) ’s Igstpuri IICCQS lUIlQS opposition to the formation of an interna- The Igatpuri Agiary was founded by the tional Zoroastrian body/world federation late Dinshawji Maneckji Petit and the late of Zoroastrians. The merits or otherwise of Nanabhoy Faramji Kharadi 110 years ago. At that time Igatpuri was a thriving railway junction with a large Parsi community. Today the picture is different and there are for all of us. claimed/seemingly “vehement support ” for barely a dozen Parsi families living in As far as the UK is concerned, the the formation of a global Zoroastrian body, Igatpuri. Needles^to say that there is hardly Zoroastrian population is in rapid decline. .................... ........................... ... ' j .. a Each year large numbers of our young marry outside the fold and turn their back committee of the Zoroastrian Trust Funds on the community because of the injunc ­ tions placed on them by the local “repre ­ sentative body. ” Even the navjotes of chil ­ dren of Zoroastrian fathers have been aban ­ doned by the mobeds for reasons best by the Federation of Zoroastrian Associa- build up a fund from the interest of which known to themselves. tions of North America (FEZANA). the running expenses could be met. What hope can we offer non-Zoroas- Could this be another evidence of double Kindly address your donations to The trian spouses to assimilate and integrate speak, indicative of a facilitator of narrow Igatpuri Zarthosty Anjuman, Parsi Agiary, into the community and help them to bring sectional interests aiming at reflecting the Igatpuri 422403. p. echaporia up their children as Zoroastrians, when ’ '' ' ' their presence at religious ceremonies are an opportunity to hurl abuse at them or ask them to sit outside or at the back of them a pretext to do so. Such a scenario the hall? does make it hard to find a single redeem- MrZal Sethna (Readers ’ Forum, Parsiana, If there be any veracity in Mr Sethna ’s claimed/seemingly “vehement support ’’ for meaningful clarification is called for for any income and'^the Agiary is existing the reported cooling off by the managing entirely on donations to meet the running expenses of kathi, diva, mobed ’s salary, electric bills, mail ’s salary, etc. My fellow trustees and I appeal to all of Europe (ZTFE), London — of which he is believed to be a member — to the Zoroastrian Federation of EuropeAVorld our friends and philanthropically inclin- CouncilofZoroastrian Federations mooted ed Parsis to donate generously so we can by the Federation of Zoroastrian Associa ­ tions of North America (FEZANA). Could this be another evidence of double wisdom of the entire Zoroastrian commu- , nity? Limpets have been evidenced to A rational Calendar attach themselves to any cause which gives The solar year, which is universally adopted throughout the world, is the interval be ­ tween two equinoxes (vernal or autumn. 6 Parsiana September 1996 ILORD’S CENTRAL 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 8 Parsiana September 1996 each falling oir21-23, March and Septem ­ ber respectively of every year) or the time taken by one revolution of the earth round the sun, which is 365 days, five hours, 48 minutes and 45.5 seconds which works out to approximately 365.25 days. This is a universally established, authenticated fact. For simplification and practical purpo ­ se a year is normally made up of 365 days but it is short of one quarter day per year, therefore, every fourth year one day is add ­ ed (known as the leap year). Alternatively, after every 120 years one full month of 30 days is added to make up the shortfall. The Gregorian calendar is normally made up of 365 days and is divided into 12 months, seven months containing 31 days, four months containing 30 days and one month containing normally 28 days (29 days every fourth year). The Zoroastrians follow three calendars. The Fasli (Iranian) calendar takes into account 365 and a quarter days which is considered to be correct according to all internationally accepted and proven ways of thinking. The Fasli New Year starts from the 21st day of March according to the Gregorian calendar or Farvardin mah and Hormazd roj according to Fasli calen ­ dar. All the Zoroastrian calendars contain 12 equal months of 30 days making a total of 360 days and at the end of each year, five days known as Gathas are added to make a total of 365 days. The Fasli calendar takes into account the quarter day per year and at the end of every four years adds one day (following the same system as the Gregorian calendar) to make up the exact period of time required to complete one revolution of the earth round the sun. The Fasli New Year, known as Jamshedi Navroze (also followed by Shia Muslims of Iran) is the beginning of the spring season. The other two Zoroastrian calendars namely Shehenshahi and Kadmi also con ­ tain 365 days per year, having 12 equal months of 30 days. The Kadmi New Year starts exactly one month or 30 days ahead of the Shehenshahi New Year. The Kadmis and the Shehenshahis have forgotten to take into account and add the quarter day per year which is required to exactly com ­ plete one revolution of the earth round the sun. They are neither adding one day in every four years nor are they adding one full month of 30 days after every 120 years, with the result that the Shehenshahi and Kadmi new years are now left far behind, losing a quarter day per year. The Kadmi new year is now celebrated in the third week of July. All the new years should have been coinciding on Fasli mah Farvardin and roj Hormazd (March 21 — the vernal equinox), the start of the spring season, but the community is not prepared for it. It is a pity that a civilized, cultured, sensible and 100 percent literate commu ­ nity is not prepared to face reality, accept the universal fact, take note of the phe ­ nomenon and adopt the Fasli calendar. The members of the Zoroastrian community (not all, but many of them) are indifferent and are not concerned. There seem to be some persons who are not fer change and are trying to blackball the proposal for adopting a common calendar, for reasons best known to them. The common calen ­ dar will greatly help the different sects of the community to come together. If the clergy and the punchayet have no time to waste on ’this issue, one may leave them alone, and resolve on our own to follow the Fasli calendar, provided one is fully convinced regarding its correctness and authenticity. In the end, we request our readers to let the community members know through the medium of your paper the method of conversion of Shehenshahi and,KadmizMa/i and roj into Fasli mah and roj. If a ready reckoner is available, the ^eme may kindly be made known to the community. Ervad DINY AR VAJIFDAR DAU J. GUNDEVIA % Whither, Parsianal I was getting bored by Parsiana. Reading for the umpteenth time the same contro ­ versial topics like housing, dwindling popu ­ lation, conversion, etc. In the June issue I enjoyed reading the letter, “T m a man in a hurry ,” from Jehangir R. Disney of Secunderabad. He throws a different light on the community ’s hous ­ ing problem, that inspite of new housing schemes coming up, the Parsi population is dwindling. The boys want a flat, a good job and other perquisites before they think of mar ­ riage and having children. But there are exceptions to the rule like my friend Mr Dumasia who stays in a room, where he can hardly fit two beds, one small kitchen and one toilet and bathroom and he has fathered three lovely daughters on a bank clerk ’s salary. How long are we going to use the crutches of the Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP)? I feel the funds and accommoda ­ tion provided by the BPP have made the community spineless and docile. Did the Jejeebhoys, Petits, Tatas, Wadias depend on the BPP to succeed in life? II i ! With Best Compliments From PERKS ENGINEERING Pioneer and leading manufacturers of shrink and stretch wrapping machinery and systems in India Address: Perks Engineering B-24, New Empire Industrial Estate Shri Ramakrishna Mandir Road Andheri (E), Bombay 400059 Tel: 8326349/8347745 Fax: 8384001 9 Parsiana September 1996 Thank God the Parsi settlers in the USA and Australia and Canada cannot, and do not, make demands on the BPP funds. They have burned the bridges behind them and are doing very well on their own. It is high time the housing problem was seen in a different perspective. We can still bring back the pioneering and enterprising spirit in the youth of the community by having a pragmatic coordinated program for the youth. The second interesting letter, “The Mahatma on the Parsis, ’’ was by Mr R. A. E. Cama. I wish from the letters of Mahatma Gandhi, the passages where he appreciates the Parsis, could be xeroxed and made available so we can frame them in our homes. One last thing. I was pleasantly sur ­ prised when I went to the Anjuman Atash Behram and found that the picture of Za- rathushtra in the hall was painted in 1917 by the famous Pestonjee Bomanjee — the same painter whose works can be seen at Bombay ’s Prince of Wales Museum. ZEND M. ZEND I am sorry to inform you that I do not wish to renew my subscription towards the maga ­ zine for the following reasons: •It gives stale news. After the events have taken place, your articles appear inviting the readership to take part, e.g. the article on Boys ’ Town Public School, Nasik (“Boys ’ Town: lessons on living, ’’ Par­ siana, September 1995) informing parents from rural areas to enroll their wards for free education when the school had already reopened after the summer vacation and the new academic session had already started. •Same is the case with matrimonial adver ­ tisements. In almost all the cases, the ads of the boys/girls who work outside India and prefer to marry Indian Parsi girls/boys appear after they have gone back after their vacations. •The magazine does not provide interest ­ ing reading material. You seem to give more weightage to the obstinate high priests. They have never performed/solved any problems facing the community and they ’ll never do anything for the commu ­ nity in the future also. •The magazine should be such that the readership should look forward to it. e.g. your June ’96 issue was received in Sep ­ tember ’96 and so on. I do not think that there is shortage of articles. Your maga ­ zine is full of (more than half the pages) advertisements from companies and prod- continued on page 16 Investment in Property: Pune is the best city Booking of apartments, duplex flats, and bungalows now opened in Palm Groves Apartments, a luxury complex only two to three km from the Race Course and Camp, in green and quiet surroundings. Amenities include a club house, swimming pool, children’s play ground, lifts with stand-by gen-set, a car-wash, and security arrangement, etc, all at very competitive rates. Take advantage of the initial concession bookina rates, before further increases. No brokerage charged by us in this scheme, instead collect a gift from us on booking. Many attractive new schemes are coming up in and around Pune within about 15 km radius, at rates ranging from Rs 850 to over Rs 5,000 per sq ft (built-up^area). Modern commercial complexes are also available with shops and offices. For particulars write to: Minoo Bhathena BySel Estate 302 Devika Apartment 2010 West Street Pune 411001 Tel: 650757 * IEvents and Personalities Minorites and maintain the community institution. The surplus of the sale proceeds will also be used to build a corpus to finance the salary of a priest whom they are keen to engage following the demise in 1993 of Calcutta Parsee Club, will now also head The Iran Society in Calcutta which pro ­ motes harmonious social and cultural rela ­ tions between India and Iran, mentions the press release is- Panthaky Darabshah Karkaria who had sued by Dr Russi served the Anjuman for 40 years. To aug- Anklesaria. At the ment the corpus for a priest, an appeal is elections held last being made to philanthropists to donate to July, Rabadi was unanimously elec ­ ted president of The maintains Bajan. However he is expected Iran Society where H. A. Halim, spea ­ ker of the West Ben ­ gal Legislative Assembly and Justice K. year-old Anjuman whose jurisdiction ex- M. Yusuf will serve as vice presidents. this cause. Since there is no adarian there, the priest ’s work will be “quite light, ” to handle the responsibilities as manager of their Dharamshalla which is the other property a<^ministered by the nearly 100- Their voice is heard Nearly 50 percent of the Parsis in Calcutta continue to favor dokhmenashini as a mode of disposing dead bodies, as per the results declared by The Parsi Zoroastrian Asso ­ ciation (PZA) in May 1996. For the re ­ maining 35 percent who would prefer cre ­ mation and 14 percent who indicated a choice for burial, the PZA which con ­ ducted the survey will convene another meeting to decide on the future course of action. According to a report on the survey carried in Calcutta Gavashni (April-June member Rabadi 1996), 709 circular letters were issued to which 588 responses were received, indi ­ cating an 83 percent feedback. The vice president of the PZA and trustee of the Calcutta Zoroastrian Com- Gaining ground in Jabalpur munity ’s Religious and Charity Funds, - - Adi Bapuji Rabadi was appointed member been granted permission by the Registrar, estimated to number 85. Katni is down to of the West Bengal Minorities ’ Commis- sion constituted effective August 30, 1996 as per a communique from the Home De ­ partment, Government of West Bengal, reconstructing the boundary wall and a with a few exceptions who were running On the 10-member body announced by the new bungli, states president Dorab Bajan their business in liquor, jewellery and sta- Govemor of West Bengal “this is the first time that the Parsi community has been the vandalization of the old graves and The two main pillars responsible for given representation, ” informs the PZA bungli, the Anjuman had, on the advice of shouldering the Anjuman ’s activities over president Dinsha Surty. Rabadi, who is trustee of the D. B. Mehta Atash Adaran and president of the Registrar ’s permission for sale to protect shalla cum prayer hall tends to the towns of Katni, Damoh, Maihar and Satna. The Zoroastrian population in Jabalpur The Parsi Anjuman, Jabalpur has finally comprising mainly retired individuals Madhya Pradesh Public Trusts, to sell off three families, Damoh to two families; 45,000 sq ft of surplus land on its aramgah none exist in Satna and Maihar. The early property to enable it to finance the cost of settlers were mainly railway employees in his write-up on the Anjuman. Following tionery, says Bajan. the vandalization of the old graves and the then Minorities Commission member Homi Taleyarkhan in 1989 sought the Jabalpur's aramgah (left) and Dharam- * 10 Parsiana September 1996 1 Ithe years were its president Khan Sa- Adcil pfltroil heb Rustomji Mehta and secretary Bhikaji In the course of its platinum jubilee cel- Patel both of whom held their respective ebrations the Bombay Parsee Association J posts for several years. Presently on the (BPA) paid homage to its erstwhile patron •- mahaging committee, assisting president Sir Hormusji Cowasji Dinshaw Adenwala | Bajan is vice president Aspi Daruwalla, on his birth anniversary on April 4, 1996. I honorary secretary Furrokh Homji, joint His statue which stands near the Bhikha | secretary Jamshed Mehta, treasurer BehramWell was garlanded by BPA presi- j Boby Patel who is the seniormost member dent Vispi Dastur who recalled Aden wala ’s R on L.. . „ - - • Dadi Dossabhoy and Phiroze Panveli- walla. Donations from Parsis in and around Jabalpur made possible the construction of pists lest their contributions be forgotten, the priest ’s quarters and prayer rooms in — - - 1916. Eight years later were erected the Punchayet (BPP), Jamshed Guzder, the prayer hall and the Dharamshalla thanks president of the Navsari Parsi Association, to toe munificence of Pirojbai Bhiwandi- Burjor Antia, and Adenwala ’s descendant walla and her children. The Dharamshalla Cowasjee Dinshaw highlighted the bene- compound also accommodates two resi- factor ’s deeds when addressing a select dential blocks. Once considered a very gathering that included BPP trustees, mem ­ serene location, the materialization of the tempo and mini bus stand just outside the compound a few years ago has caused substantial disturbance. Unable to succeed advancement of Bombay Parsis, ” Aden- in their efforts to relocate these conven ­ iences, the Anjuman is planning to de ­ velop this property to generate the much needed revenue as also accommodation Aden he had established an Anglo-Gujarati school and endowed it with a fund of Rs 50,000. Besides heading the Parsi commu- on his birth anniversary on April 4, 1996. • •A die committee, and members at large multifarious services especially in Bombay I and Aden, and urged the representatives of | other Parsi associations to similarly obser- " ve the anniversaries of other philanthro- !«¦ The president of the Bombay Parsi i bers of the BPA and Adenwala ’s family. Known to have taken “a very active and useful part in all activities relating to the Commemortiting Adenwala: Bengalee, Guzder, Dinshaw, Jejeehhoy and Dastur wala was, according to the Parsi Lustre on Indian Soil, “persona grata with the orthodox section of the community. ” In for its members. Among the regular activities of the Anjuman is a jashan organized every nity in Aden, Adenwala also served as ferred to Kutar ’s oratory and his ability to keep the audiet^e enthralled with quota ­ tions and anecdotes during the "course of his religious discourses, (^ara read out quotes and verses from the book Words of VI. J J 1 rrn . - . . . - - --------------------- Wisdom, a subjectwise compilation that f Khordad Sal. This occasion is utilized to consul for Portugal and Austria in Aden. In included Kutar ’s favorite thoughts, recognize and encourage academic ex- hisfather ’sfirmAdenwalawasmadesenior “Educate men without religion and you cellence among the youngsters in the partner and his business standing led to his make them but clever devils. ” presence of the community that gets to- ' gether for a round of games and a con ­ tributory dinner. his father ’s firm Adenwala was made senior ‘Adversity is the greatest teacher of mankind. ” These and many such quotes were oft repeated by Kutar who was described as “ a crusader 12 Parsiana September 1996 Kutar: orthodox crusader appointment as trustee of the Aden Port Trust and member of the Aden Port Commi ­ ssion. He additionally enjoyed the distinc- ________________ _ ____ tion of representing the Aden Chamber of for religious orthodoxy ” by Ms Aban Commerce at the Fifth International Con- ~ ' - gress, Boston, reports the Parsi Lustre. Kutar’s conviction Yazdaan panahbaad (may God be your College established in Navsari in 1945 to protector) ” was the blessing he invoked to ’ ........................ greet everyone. A man of principles, he never minced words; yet he never abused his opponents, never made verbal public One man’s meat assaults. Such traits and convictions of With mutton costing over Rs 100 per kg Dastur Kaikhushru Mahiyar Kutar were i ' ' •• • - recalled by his students at a commemora- price, would it be a sin for Zoroastrians to tion meeting organized on his 21st death partake of beef considering that all other anniversary on March 12, 1996 at Dadar ’s types of meat and fowl are permitted? Rustom-Faram Agiary. While some are under the impression that Following the jashan, and a humbandagi eating beef would cause a man to be led by Rustom Chothia, the same as was recited in Kutar ’s religious classes, trib ­ utes were paid to this savant by his grateful students, according to a write-up from Marzban Giara. Ms Khorshed Sidhwa re ­ Sethna. Besides religious education, he was conversant with English literature and history, she added. Kutar was also founder president of the Sorabji Burjorji Garda impart higher education to the younger generation. and beef available at almost half this price, would it be a sin for Zoroastrians to shunned by Sarosh Yazd in the event of his death, others argue that this custom was adopted only out of deference to the sentiments of the Hindus who gave the ancient Zoroastrians shelter in India. The Zoroastrian religion enjoins indi ­ viduals to make their own choice guidedby the good mind. On this debate of mutton vs beef the BASZA (Borivli and Suburban Zoroastrian Association)M ’vv.s letter sought the opinions of Dasturs (Drs) Firoze Kot- wal and Kaikhusroo JamaspAsa, and Er ­ vad Nadir Modi. The question posed to them was: “Looking to the exigencies of the situation, is it really a cardinal sin if a Zoroastrian chooses to eat beef instead of mutton? ’’ Responded Kotwal and Jamasp ­ Asa jointly: “From scriptural evidence it is apparent that there was a school of thought during the Sassanian regime which advo ­ cated non-eating of meat. “But we have references from theAvesta which clearly indicate that partaking of any kind of animal meat was allowed. “As such it is not a cardinal sin if a Zoro ­ astrian opts to eat beef instead of mutton. “Zoroastrianism does not forbid con ­ sumption of any type of edible meat what ­ soever. ’’ Mentioned Modi: “Shakespeare has told us that nothing is either good or bad but thinking makes it so and very little knowl ­ edge of history is required to convince us that human thinking in matters of morality and religion is time-conditioned and is relative... “From Bertrand Russell in his Sceptical Essays we get the interesting thought that, ‘it seems that sin is geographic. From this conclusion it is only a small step to the further conclusion that the notion of sin is illusory. ’ “With this explanatory background I ited with Air Freight, S. Guzdc/and can only say that for myself I would not... “ ‘choose to eat beef because mutton is unaffordable... On the other hand, I find it difficult to believe that Ahura Mazda will cast into hell all people who are beef eaters. ” Navy ’s arsenal, Cawasji ’s untiring efforts, courage and innovativeness, during the two years he has been at the helm, have contributed to substantial saving of time and expense, mentions his associate. "’•i f The performance of Cawasji ’s subma ­ rine during the recently conducted Indo ­ US naval exercise, led to “enhancement of i national prestige, ” writes Postwalla. Officiating as commander of INS “ Agnibahu as also squadron commander of a missile vessel squadron is Marker who took up both the assignments in January 1996. Besides these posts he presently serves as chairman of the Naval Public School in Bombay, states a write-up. During his 25 years of association with the Indian Navy he has commanded front line operational ships and additionally served in inter-sS-vice training establish ­ ments like the National Defence Acad ­ emy, Khadakwasla, the Deface Services Staff College, Wellington ana the College of Defence Management, Secunderabad. Five years earlier when Marker was in command of INS Khukri, it was a signifi ­ cant event for the army and the navy when his ship was formally adopted by the army ’ s Gorkha Brigade. Custom House chief For the third consecutive year Sorab Engi ­ neer was elected president of The Bombay Custom House Agents ’ Association at the organization ’s annual general meeting in June 1996 when the union minister of surface transport T. G^Venkatraman was the chief guest, according to a press release. Freight forwarders and custom house agents form a vital link in international trade and commerce, acknowledged Venkatraman who assured them of his support. Partner of Messers S. D. Engineer and Son, a leading international freight for ­ warding and custom house agency, Engi ­ neer has played an active role in different organizations involved in these operations. In the apex body, the Federation of Freight Forwarders ’ Association, Engineer serves as treasurer. Recently he was appointed trustee of the Mumbai Port Trust by the Government of India and functions in the same capacity at the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust, mentions the release. 1 cc 111 Beauties at Rustom Baug: Siganporia, Kolah, Khambatha and Balsara. (Right): Marker and Cawasji (far right) second runners-up. The title of Miss Viva ­ cious was conferred on Huffish Balsara. The six-member panel of judges included Jamshed Guzder, Karl Divecha, Dr Keki Turel, Arif Patel, Ms Ruma Chandra and Ayub Khan. Tehmina Sholapurwala bag ­ ged the prize for the best female model, Khushroo Sarkari for the best male model and Ms Zeenia Tafti was the best dancer. The chief sponsor for this year ’s event as in the years past continued to be Bombay Dyeing and Manufacturing Company Lim- Company, REPL Engineering Limited, Colgate Palmolive (India) Limited and Indu Nissan 0X0 Chemicals Industries Limited joining in as co-sponsors. The unstinting support of all these organiza ­ tions was acknowledged by Turner in his IkJalrinn Speech that evening. The recorded music M 1 May and special lights by Sam Poonawala, video Nearly 1,500 merry makers gathered at shooting by Sarosh Daruwala of Mazda Rustom Baug for the May Queen Ball 96 Audio Video Labs, and cocktails and ca- organized by the Sir Ness Wadia Club. In tering by Ms Pervin Mistry were the other addition to the May Queen contest was the highlights of the function, states Turner, fashion show coordinated by Ms Hutoxi Dudhwala with the assistance of choreog- Notable in the Navy rapher Roomi Madon. The youngsters from Distinctive among the Parsis presently the colony who were specially trained by ’ ' Shiamak Davar and his assistant Henri put up a jazz dance show while the rest of the /serv ­ ing the armed forces are Captain Aspi Marker and Commander Aspi Cawasji, both affiliated with the Indian Navy. The crowd got a chance to dance to the beat of only Parsi in the Indian naval submarine ^e band. Harmony, informs Dr Porus arm, Cawasji was awarded the prestigious the colony who were specially trained by the band, Harmony, informs Dr Porus arm, Cawasji was awarded the prestigious Turner, president of the Club, in his report Nao Sena Medal by the President of India on the function. From the 14 contestants for the May ______________________ Queen tiara, Parized Kolah was adjudged Commanding officer of INS Shishutnar, (U- ----- Nilufer Siganporia being declared first and conventional submarines in the Indian Shankar Dayal Sharma on January 26, 1996, mentions Commodore Jal Postwalla. the winner with Farhana Khambatha and regarded as one of the most sophisticated 14 Parsiana September 1996 *./ Bhavan. Though he originally suffered from stage fright, with the encouragement of his biology teacher he overcame that handicap and now enjoys performing be ­ fore an audience. Give him your date of birth and within seconds he will tell you which day of the week you were born on. A first year BCom student at Bombay ’s Hinduja College, Jokhi is not pursuing mathematics at the academic level, can ­ didly admitting that while “I am good at quick calculations, I have never liked ge ­ ometry and algebra. ” The secret of his calculations is not some mysterious codes but “sheer instinct, ” says Jokhi who con ­ fessed to Express Newsline that he has two hobbies: maths and lawn tennis. Ms D. Engineer presenting flowers to the Secretary, ministry of surface transport, Shri Supraj. Sorab Engineer (center) was reelected president of the Bombay Custom House Agents ’ Association for the third consecutive year Further to these posts Engineer is also a member of the custom advisory commit ­ tee and the public grievance committee of the Mumbai Customs. In addition, he is actively involved in the activities of the cargo facilitation committee of the Airport Authority of India, states the write-up. Numero Uno Five years earlier he was extremely weak in mathematics. “So it made me deter ­ mined to catch up with the rest of the students in my class. When I became as good as the others, I thought ‘why stop now? ’” 19-year-old Minoo Jokhi explain ­ ed his rare mathematical prowess when interviewed by The Afternoon Despatch and Courier of September 14, 1996. Whether it be finding the square or the square root, the cube or the cube root, Jokhi can reportedly give the solution in a few seconds without the help of a calcula ­ tor or a computer. Multiplication of two three-digit numbers too he can manage within a few seconds, while his timing for two four-digit numbers is one to 1.15 minutes, and for two five-digit numbers is 1.30 to 1.45 minutes, says Jokhi who is constantly striving to improve his performance. Like the well-known Shakuntala Devi, Jokhi too has started giving demonstra ­ tions of his incredible ability in schools, the first being his alma mater, Hindi Vidya SPOTLIGHT London ’s Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecologists conferred its Solvay Award for 1995-96 to Dr Ruzva K. Bhathena of Bombay, notes a press release. Last July, Bhathena was reportedly invited by the British Menopause Society to relate his experiences of Hormone Replacement Therapy in Indian women. I Bhopal Parsi Anjuman president Dara Pavri was recently installed as president of the Rotary Club of Bhopal So^)th for the year 1996-97 when Rotary International has , adopted for its theme “Build the future { with action and vision, ” mentions a press release. Three years earlier Pavri had been adjudged the best secretary in his Rotary district for zealously promoting the organization ’s goals. _________________ Compiled by Parinaz Gandhi * READERS’ FORUM continued from page 9 ucts. And considering all these ads the cost should not be Rs 200 (per annum for 10 issues). There is hardly any reading mate ­ rial worth Rs 20 per month. I had brought this in brief to your kind notice last year also but there is hardly any change in the style of your functioning and you expect wide publicity and readership. In this current, fast moving age people want fresh news and you provide us with stale news and petty squables. People want result oriented discussions and look for ­ ward to the Bombay Parsi Punchayet as a guide but it seams that the guide has lost his way or been influenced by someone. For all the above stated reasons, and many more, I am disassociating with your magazine and wish to discontinue my read ­ ership. N. S. MOBEDJI Indore Ms R. A. Vaadoliwala, in a huff, decides to discontinue subscribing to Parsiana as she receives the current month ’s issue after a gap of about two to three months (Readers ’ Forum Parsiana, April 1996). The Editor in a footnote to her letter, explains the reasons for the delay in pub ­ lishing the issues on time. I take Ms Vaadoliwala and other read ­ ers further, courtesy Jam-e-Jamshed Weekly and Mr Dara Kadva. Writing under his column — “In My Opinion ” — in Jam-e-Jamshed Weekly (June 16, 1996), Mr Kadva states that Parsiana is probably the best magazine being published by any single community in India, particularly so because we are numerically so small. It is owned and manned by Parsis and is meant to be read by Parsis world-wide. The magazine is well-written, well-edited and has first-class production values. Whilst Mr Kadva laments thatParsiana suffers from a deep-rooted malaise —short ­ age of funds, its Editor Mr Jehangir Patel blames the shortage of staff more than the ¦ dearth of funds. Ml Patel says features, write-ups and reports have necessarily to be on Parsi matters only whose collection, research, compilation and editing take up lot of time to be flawless and show a high standard of journalism. Mr Kadva concludes that Parsiana is the only medium in English which links Parsi expatriates with the mother commu ­ nity in India and with each other in differ ­ ent parts of the world. I would urge Ms Vaadoliwala to recon ­ sider her decision and restart subscribing to Parsiana and exhort her acquaintances and friends to also subscribe to it. BHIKHAJIM. ADENWALLA Edited by Arnavaz S. Mama 16 Parsiana September 1996 •ItZOROASTRIANS ABROAD North American Achievers Prof Kaikhosrov Irani, Homi Minocher Homji, Adi Dastur, Dr (Ms) Mehroo Jussa ­ walla, Dr (Ms) Katy Driver and Arash Anoushiravani shared the limelight at the awards ceremony in San Francisco on July award in 1994 in recognition of the latter ’s 6, 1996, informs the FEZANA Journal contribution as FEZANA architect. (Fall 1996). They represented the cream of Zoroastrian achievers in North America as profession recognizes the Zoroastrian announced by an awards committee con ­ stituted under the Federation of Zoroas ­ trian Associations of North America (FEZANA) and chaired by Dinshaw Joshi. Joshi ’s six-member team, comprising Ms Dhunmai Dalal, Ms Villy Gandhi, Ness Lakdawalla, Farrokh Mistree, Dr Iradj Pourkarimi, and ex-officio Mehraban Zartoshty, was required to orchestrate the definition, selection and presentation of the biennial awards as notes the Journal. The Lifetime Achievement Award rec ­ ognizes a great North American Zoroas ­ trian “who has not only achieved excel ­ lence in his chosen profession but has enhanced the cause of Zoroastrian faith and religion throughout the world and contributed immensely to Zoroastrian com ­ munities all over the world in general and the North America Zoroastrian commu ­ nity in particular, ” notes Joshi in a letter to Parsiana. The winner, Irani, was the only Four of the awardees: (L to R, top) awardee directly selected by the Awards Jussawalla and Dastur, (below) Committee (see “The future of Zoroastri ­ anism is very bright, ” pg 41) and received it at the hands of the day ’ s chief guest, Dadi Balsara. For the other four awards, nomi ­ nations were invited from FEZANA’s member associations, prominent North by Bombay Parsi Punchayet chairman American Zoroastrians and through a notice Jamshed Guzder and his wife Shirin by a the detection and prevention of child abuse, in the FEZANA Journal. The committee personal donation of $2,000 to FEZANA, her sensitivity and regard for subtle inter ­ appointed four five-member panels of was jointly presented to Ontario resident actions that can destroy or heal families judges to select the respective winners from among the 29 nominees. Three awards were presented by FEZANA president Ms Dolly Dastoor. Minocher Homji of Toronto was de ­ clared the winner of the Rohinton Rivetna Outstanding Zoroastrian Award. A former eral) and Hawaii based telecom economist United Nations (UN) advisor for regional Jussawalla. Dastur ’s leadership in devel- community development in the Asian re ­ gion and chief of the social and develop ­ mental division of the Economic and So ­ cial Commission for Asia and the Pacific region, Minocher Homji is a past president Award in 1994. Dastur is said to have ofthe Zoroastrian Society of Ontario (ZSO), developed many of the computer codes service, Joshua Lederman Award for aca- < founding vice-president of FEZANA used in CANDU. The citation credits Dastur demic excellence in human biology and ! whose charter he helped formulate, and a prolific writer and contributor on the sub ­ ject of the Zoroastrian community ’s need trous Chernobyl accident in the USSR. The CANDU design won international for reform. In Minocher Homji ’s absence the trophy was received by ZSO’s Jamshed Mavelwala, also a former ZSO president acclaim because it is not susceptible to this and an “Outstanding Zoroastrian ” awardee kind of accident, noted the CNA citation, before Rivetna ’s name was prefixed to the (According to his Bombay-based sister Ms Nergez Mehta, Dastur has been affection ­ ately dubbed “Young Einstein ” by friends The award for excellence in business or and colleagues.) Jussawalla is cited as “one of the fore ­ most authorities ” in her field. As senior fellow in the communications and journal ­ ism program at Honolulu ’s East West Cen ­ ter for the past 18 years, she has fielded numerous teaching assignments at univer ­ sities in Germany, Japan and the USA. Having graced the boards of the Interna ­ tional Institute of Onwards Communica ­ tion in London, Information Network Cor ­ poration, AT&T and Motorola, Jussawalla presented a paper on “Women in the me ­ dia ” at the invitation of UNESCO at a seminar jointly sponsored by the UN body and the Friedreich Ebert Foundation. As author and editor, her contributions to books and joBrnals in her field are legion. FEZANA’s Humanitari-an Service Award, named after the late Jamshed Pavri of Vancouver whose Humanitarianism made him a legend in his lifetime, was^^ presented to pediatrician Driver by Ms^ Roda Pavri. Driver “harkens back to the old school medical practitioner — a rare commodity these days believes in the Hippocratic oath and in selfless dedication and humanitarian con ­ tributions which all embody the true spirit ¦s' Ri 18 Parsiana September 1996 Minocher Homji and Anoushiravani who sincerely whose career achievements have been na ­ tionally or internationally recognized. The revolving trophy for the award, sponsored of Zoroastrianism, ” notes the citation. Extolled for her 22-year involvement in and nuclear physicist Dastur (received on affected by the preblem, Driver ’s helping his behalf by FEZANA congress commit ­ tee chairperson Ms Bella Tata, herself the recipient of the Commemorative Medal for the 125th anniversary of the Canadian received for the Outstanding Zoroastrian : Federation from Canada ’s Governor Gen- hand has been sought and received by families in need, notes the citation. The largest number of nominations were Student Award which was presented to | California ’s 24-year-old Anoushiravani along with a one-time scholarship of $ 1,000. Currently studying at the Harvard i oping Canada ’s deuterium uranium (CANDU) reactor had been recognized by Medical School, Anoushiravani is a hu- ? the Canadian Nuclear Association ’s (CNA) man biology graduate from Stanford Uni- i prestigious Outstanding Contribution versity who won three prestigious awards in 1994 — James W. Lyons Award for used in CANDU. The citation credits Dastur for his innovative technique for reducing Phi Beta Kappa Award — even as he long-term toxicity of used nuclear fuel and the identification of the cause of the disas- served in various capacities asapeer acade- i mic advisor, health program volunteer, etc. i *fliHi Defining a Zoroastrian “A Zoroastrian is a person who attests to be a true believer and follower of the religion as propounded by Asho Zarathushtra in the Gathas, and who subscribes to established Zoroastrian habitual or customary prac ­ tices. ” This definition was accepted by the 2k>roastrian Society of British Columbia (ZSBC) in an extraordinary general meet ­ ing chaired by Ms Bella Tata on June 16, 1996. A majority of over 75 percent of the members approved the constitutional revi ­ sion of the definition on the second ballot, informs the FEZANA Journal. Four pro ­ posals had been put to vote after over tluee years of meetings and discussion. The constitutional revision further opens eligibility for ordinary membership to the ZSBC to “Any Zoroastrian, his spouse or his child residing in British Columbia, who is either: •bom of both Zoroastrian parents and who has been initiated into the Zoroastrian Harvesf religion; or •bom of both Zoroastrian parents, but who has not been initiated into the Zoroastrian religion due to circumstances; or •bom of one Zoroastrian parent; who has not been initiated into the Zoroastrian re ­ ligion and who is not practicing another religion; but declares his willingness to be initiated; or •not bom of Zoroastrian parents, but who 09* ^Wl ? ¦ BHiI I i »%¦ * I / \ 1 '4 * '1% «» FEZANA at work (from left): Collector, Kapadia, Das too r, Sepehri, and Keikhosrow •External infrastructures to develop links with non-Zoroastrian and Zoroastrian com ­ munities beyond the NA ambit and “put our religion back on the map of the world. ” Group leaders have been assigned to Dastoor ’s strategic planning initiative was organized into three sessions, the first two chaired by California ’s Mehran Sepeh ­ ri, Zoroastrian Association of Houston ’s Farrokh Mistree respectively. The entire exercise was chaired by FEZANA Journal carry the process forwardk, provide reports editor Dr Rustom Kevala. Having articu ­ lated and discussed the vision of the com- --------------------------- --------------- ------- __________________ munity for the next 30 years as presented three months, one year and after that. ”* has been initiated into the Zoroastrian by over 16 community members in the first Thus Ms Khorshed Jungalwala is the focus religion. ______________________________ session, the second session “analyzed the for all comments/suggestions on leading a visions, identified ‘shared spaces ’ or col- Zarthusti life: Ms Anahita Sidhwa for the FEZANA annual meet lective goals for the community and its thousand points of light; Kevala for exter ­ nal infrastructures. Considering the vast ­ ness of internal infrastructures as envis ­ aged here, Adi Davar is the focal member , on the topic of organizations, Gev Nentin for economic activities and Kayomarsh Mehta for ecumenical affairs, as notes the egy, identify milestones and document Journal. personal commitments to secure the shared The FEZANA AGM recorded two sig- with specific objectives and timetable: j “what needs to be accomplished in the next session, the second session “analyzed the visions, identified ‘shared spaces ’ or col ­ lective goals for the community and its organizations, ” notes the FE7ANA Jour­ nal (Fall 1996). Each participant was asked The Federation of Zoroastrian Associa ­ tions of North America ’s (FEZANA) two- day annual general meeting preceded the to write down his/her personal goals within Tenth North American (NA) Zoroastrian these shared spaces and what they would Congress in San Francisco. The theme of personally do to enhance those goals. ” The the Congress was “Leadership, past, present third session was devoted to discuss strat- and future. ” And the FEZANA AGM, where representatives of 14 of its 21 mem ­ bers attended, held a strategic planning goals, session “designed to enable the commu ­ nity to look at itself and plan for the next 25 years, ” as noted FEZANA president Ms Dolly Dastoor in her president ’s message. “To the best of my knowledge this is the first time the Zarthusti community any ­ where in the world has deliberated collec ­ tively for its future and taken responsibil ­ ity for its implementation, ” noted Dastoor. anyone down). Yasmin Ghadiali, Ms Firoza Fitch, Teshtar An essential aspect ofthe exercise seems •The development of internal infrastruc- Irani and Kaika Clubwala was galvanized to have been a “moving away from (the) tures like community organizations to by Zoroastrian Association of Greater New preoccupation with survival ” which as channelize energies, economically em- York ’s Noshir Langrana, details the Jour-; ¦ ¦ • ¦ ¦ ¦ ' naZ. Copies are available from Langrana,j 19 Brookfield Way, Robbinsville, NJ i 08691, USA. The FEZANA AGM recorded two sig ­ nificant breakthroughs. Two-years of co ­ ordinated effort paid off in the publication and distribution of Zoroastrians in North \ Surprisingly, “‘survival ’ did not even appear in anyone ’s vision, ” notes Kevala ’s report in the Journal. The four collective America. The first edition of the NA direc ­ goals were classified as: tory and business yellow pages, priced at ; •Learning to live a Zarthusti life. US $10, was launched at the Tenth NA f •Thousand points of light (indicating that Congress. FEZANA’s census/directory each individual would be free to follow his project team comprising Viraf Commis- ; dream but without acrimony or knocking sariat, Ms Sheroo Kanga, Sidhwa, Ms i anyone down). •The development of internal infrastruc- channelize energies, economically em- bastoor amplified, leads to defensive and power the aged and the youth, and bolster confrontational attitudes, stifling of voices and frustration for the youth. the priests to meet the community ’s spiri ­ tual and religious needs. 20 Parsiana September 1996The other achievement belongs to FEZANA’s education committee chaired by Mehta and co-chaired by Ms Villy Gandhi who distributed a comprehensive Zarthusti Religion Education Curriculum. Divided into six levels on the format of the Zoroas ­ trian Association of Metropolitan Chicago, the curriculum covers doctrine, scriptures, prayers, rituals, ethics and history. Each level is expected to be covered in two years. Adults can use the same curriculum at an accelerated pace, as notes the Journal. The curriculum had been circulated to all NA associations, groups and both mobed councils, informed Mehta in an earlier issue of the Journal. Based on the inputs received, the education committee ’s revised draft #3 was presented at the San Francisco meet. A “train the teacher ” plan, correspondence courses for dispersed members and a Web Page on the electronic forum are other goals beckoning the committee. The ambition and serious ­ ness of the project is exemplified in Mehta ’s words: “Eventually, we envision the establishment of a certified university in North America, where one can engage in research and study for a higher degree in the Zarthusti religion. ” The FEZANA Journal, published by Ms Roshan Rivetna, is itself a success story, its size varying between 76 and 80 pages full of news and information on history, traditions and tenets pooled together from knowledgeable community members. That over the past year its income exceeded its expenditure by over $4,000 speaks as much for the efficiency of the Publications Committee chaired by Kevala as for the NA Zarthusti community ’s sturdy support! The officebearers FEZANA president Ms Dolly Dastoor and treasurer Sarosh Collector were reelected to their posts at the Federation ’s annual general meet in San Francisco. Ms Maharukh Motafram was elected assistant secretary in place of the outgoing Mehran Sepehri. Framroze Patel and Ms Katayun Kapadia continue as vice president and secretary, respectively. A clinical psychologist, Montreal based Dastoor is also cur ­ rently president of the Zoroastrian Association of Quebec where she has had a seven-year term as president, earlier. Deeply committed to community and social affairs, Dastoor has been FEZANA’s first secretary, Zonta International ’s (Montreal Club) president and founder president of the Alzheimer Society of Montreal. A founder member of ZAGNY and its president in the early ’80s, Patel is a professional cost accountant and business valua ­ tion analyst. He had earlier served FEZANA as treasurer for seven years. Collector, an engineer and certified public accountant, hails from Houston where he helped draft the association ’s (ZAH) charter, is a member of its board and of its building fund committee. Kapadia has been FEZANA secretary since July 1993. A certified internal auditor, certified fraud examiner and chartered accountant, she presided over the 550-member Philadelphia chapter of the Institute of Internal Auditors 1995-96. In 1994 she had co-chaired the IX NA Congress hosted by the Zoroastrian Association of Pennsylvania and New Jersey (ZAPANJ) where she has been president; secretary and treasurer several times over. A bio-organic chemist from the university of Illinois, Chicago, Motafram is involved in school and community affairs and currently also serves as chairperson of FEZANA’s Small Groups Committee. Conqjiled by Arnavaz S. Mama VACUUM REFRIGERATION CHILL-VACTOR’' SYSTEMS Outperforms lithium bromide vapour absorption and mechanical refrigeration systems, in price, simplicity, efficiency, reliability and we can prove it. Designers and manufacturers of Quality Vacuum Systems, since 1917 and experience of over 800 units in operation Worldwide. 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AmbmwKM, AhmMtabM 380006 Phon*. 408967,408014,408654 Fax: 0272-427394 Telex: 0121-6620 23 Parsiana September 1996I COMMENT Dolly’s devotion Dr Sujata (Dolly) Dhawale sees failures as an incentive to improve her usefulness Mehroze N. Pochkhanwalla Stable Center for People ’s Energies and Expressions (SCOPE) was founded, which functions as an impetus to a constructive society. At Latur, Osmanabad, when the earth ­ quake occurred, it was this lady who left with just one pair of clothes and medicinal stock for the relief of the needy. During the atrocious Mumbai riots she moved out to The postman knocks on the door with an Government Law College. All this was help people in the affected areas when they envelope addressed to Dr Sujata Dhawale, managed along with her medical practice feared to get out of their houses. Such Opera House, Bombay, and asks eagerly, in the evenings. selfless service did not go unnoticed and "Taai hai kai (Is elder sister in)? ” "Nai Acutely conscious of the lack of medi- veteran leaders urged her to contest the (no), ” comes the answer. Conveying his cal facilities and infrastructure in our rural recent 1995 Maharashtra state legislative heartfelt regards, he leaves. Just then a areas, she moved on to serve in the country- assembly elections with the Congress I short man aged around 30 comes in with a side. In the mushrooming polyclinic en- ticket from the Opera House constituency, big smile and a box of sweets and asks, vironment in the cities, few medical practi- Unfortunately, she lost. She considers this “Taai kuthe aahe (Where is elder sister)? ” She ’s held up somewhere, comes the re- they ve taken. But like her lather. Dr J. K. more. sponse. He bows at the marble Sai Baba Irani who runs a clinic at Rajaram Mohan She has also taken a failed marriage in statue and declares that his wife delivered Roy Road opposite the Cama Baug, Sujata her stride (she is divorced from Dr Ashoke a daughter an hour back, and he can ’ t leave till he has given the first sweet to his Taai. He sits on the bench to wait for her. Jasmihe, a young Parsi girl comes in posts: secretary of her medical college; and asks, “Where ’s Dolla aunty? ” She has president of the staff association at Bhatia come to thank her for helping her set up a Hospital; general secretary of the P. G. all her activities, for her son, medical small business and recalls the day she Students Union, Bombay; president and student, and a daughter who studies at the casually spoke about it to aunty at an joint secretary of The Students Federation Queen Mary High School. 1 When asked what makes her tick, this is secretary of the Maharashtra Gazetted Dolly ’s response: “It is in the Zoroastrian Acutely conscious of the lack of medi ­ cal facilities and infrastructure in our rural areas, she moved on to serve in the country- vironment in the cities, few medical practi ­ tioners remain faithful to the oath of succor failure fortunate, as an incentive to do they ’ve taken. But like her father. Dr J. K. Irani who runs a clinic at Rajaram Mohan has vindicated her profession by her selfless Dhawale) and this circumstance has not service. Dolly/Sujata has held numerous elected alienated her from the more conventional and essentially simjle folk who turn to her for guidance. She continues to be a- good mother and finds the time, in t|je midst of all her activities, for her son. informal meeting. She carries a ‘thank of India; founder president and general you ’ card in her hand. < .......................... ~ _______ A humble, dedicated and no-nonsense Medical Officers ’ Association; founderand culture to be benevolent and serve society, lady is aapri Sujata, nee Dr Dolly Irani, ' ' " - also known as Taai and the ‘lady of the masses. ’ She heads a number of organiza ­ tions that work for the underprivileged and promote intellectual communication, The people. ” is a live example of the true Zoroastrian attitude that protects the weak and helps the needy. She is loved and respected by all. A student of the Queen Mary High School, Bombay, Dolly acquired a first division in her Senior Cambridge exami ­ nation. Sports and other extra-curricular activities weren ’t neglected either and she bagged a number of interschool trophies in athletics, dramatics, elocution and debate. In college she added public speaking as one more feather in her cap. She decided to become a doctor and completed her MBB S at the Topiwala National Medical College and Nair Hospital. In 1975 she did her BA in English literature and history from Elphinstone College, topping the list in history. She followed this up with an MA degree and ended with an LLB from the Addressing Congress party gathering 25 Parsiana September 1996 4^^ * chief convener of the Confederation of In fact, even in death we give our bodies to Doctors ’ Associations (CODA) consisting the vultures... The country has given me so of 25,000 doctors, and others besides. To much, I intend to give it all back to the , - Il J ¦ Si# - 9POLITICS AND POLICY A clean contest I li In sharp contrast to prior trends, even infirm members ofthe Anjuman Committee came to vote Arnavaz S. Mama f 4 > ¦ xA ' i » ¦ i ..M ; J ¦'>.Y ik'A ..' ’r ft . '1 ¥ A Punchayet) had vacated the area to enable dent-Teacher Association (ZOSTA)—the the supporting teams of the two candidates Byramjee Jeejeebhoy f arsi Charitable In- —sitting trustee Dr (Ms) Mehroo Bengalee stitution (B JPC), Girton, Alexandra, Pan- and World Zoroastrian Organisation day, etc. They had been extolling the claims (WZO) Trust Funds managing trustee of Bengalee for a second term in the The Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) trus ­ teeship election on September 28, 1996 made history of sorts when 200 voters exercised their ballot within the first hour. Even Rustom Hormazdiyar, elected presi ­ dent of the election as per the High Court Dinshaw Tamboly — to set up shop; the Punchayet in letters to thcJam-e-Jamshed scheme and a veteran of innumerable BPP elections since 1981, was taken aback. This is “exceptional — it ’s never hap ­ pened before, ” he declared. As the day BPP employees enabled elected and donor ceivers alike, Tamboly was the man of the, i wore on, 618 more voters exercised their - - - - — franchise. Just as the gates were closing at 5 p.m. one lady arrived to cast her vote and insisted that her husband be admitted after he parked the car! The BPP had made the usual arrange ­ ments: the hawkers on the sheltered pave ­ ment outside the J. J. Parsi Benevolent Institution building (which houses the police were in attendance at the kerb to and several of them were present in person enable a fleet of cars to come and go unhindered. Three tables each, staffed by on election day. But to the community ’s givers and re- voters of the Anjuman Committee (AC) to hour. They made no bones about where clear the registration formalities and cast their preference lay and, at the end of the their ballot without undue delay. day when the votes were counted, he re- There was no doubt in anyone ’s mind ceived three votes and more for each one [ about the loyalty of Zoroastrian educa- that Bengalee got. Thus, of the 818 total i tionists to Bengalee. The former vice chan- votes cast, Tamboly received 618, { cellor of the Bombay University had the Bengalee 195 (five were invalid) and laid support of the principals of Zoroastrian to rest the prevailing myth that the sitting schools who comprise the Zoroastrian Stu- trustee always wins. 26 Parsiana September 1996* Facing page: BPP trustee Silloo, Kavarana, Bachi Tamboly, Guzder, Tamboly and Jesia. Bengalee (seated, backing pillar), ambulance in the background Right: On the pavement, Tamboly’s supporters (top) and Bengalee’s (below) including Taleyarkhan and principals Silloo Commissariat, Nawaz Sanjana and Roshan Driver controversy suddenly erupted at 4.50 p.m. even as the scrutineers and staff readied to count the votes. Rustom Tirandaz, the BPP’s juniormost trustee who had arrived on the scene a while earlier, demanded of that the demand be Hormazdiyar a consolidated list of the AC A prominent notice at the entrance to the building outlawed any electioneering inside its precincts. And Hormazdiyar, a stickler for propriety, insisted that Tam- boly ’s supporters remove a badge with his photograph which they wore, before they entered it to assist aged or ailing voters. Though the day had been peaceable, a names at the end of the day was, he maintained, unfair. The controversy generated an increas ­ ing decibel level with Mehta advocating - ----------Le met as on “earlier occasions it had been done. ” Hormazdiyar members who had voted that day. While stoutly maintained that it had been done BPP trustee Dinshaw Mehta supported the only once — at the Dadi Engineer-Rustom demand, the rival candidates and their Tirandaz election — and then too as a supporters kept out of the fray, special favor to Tirandaz with the proviso Hormazdiyar, who ^seemed upset by the that it would not be used as a precedent, accede to it. He contended that if the that at “every election they used to give special favor to Tirandaz with the proviso timing and tone of the demand, refused to Mehta nonetheless continued to maintain accede to it. He contended that if the that at “every election they used to give requirement had been notified at the start numbers of the candidates on the list. ” shortly Seasoned politician Homi Taleyarkhan, thereafter, he would have asked the candi- who was also present, declared himself dates to nominate one supporter each at “not in favor ” of any such demand It is every table togather the required data. To believed that Hormazdiyar lodged a subse- — - ’ - quent protest with the BPP against such. of the election at 10 a.m. or expect the staff to produce two lists of 818 27 Parsiana September 1996 who was also present, declared himself “not in favor ” of any such demand. It isI •Wfi- I |! .--3 'a I I Top: Tamboly and Bengalee (ext right) I at the hustings • Left: Getting the ballot in hand tutions currently avail of the scheme. Reelection for me is a concern because on-going program?may be disturbed, ” she I told the small gathering. A side-effect is to get “young boys and girls together, ” to provide “continuity of rapport/ ’ an envi ­ ronment for them to meet and to combine every meeting with some education in Zoroastrianism. A simultaneous emphasis “ on vocational guidance from standard nine and the development of Zotarians — a project of the Federation of Parsi Zoroas ­ trian Anjumans of India which Bengalee I said she had been pursuing — has led to a ' roster of 200 Zoroastrians from a variety of professions and walks of life expressing their willingness to help young people. As an example she mentioned a workshop interference from the trustees in the con ­ duct of the election. There is no provision in the High Court scheme governing BPP _, _ _ trusteeship elections for such a list to be Baug were unallotted and that the new willingness to absorb young"entrants7n7o presented to the candidates. ------ —- ------- ~ When the results were announced by BPP chairman Jamshed Guzder, the jubi ­ lation in the Tamboly camp reached a new ____ ______ high. A bottle of fizzing champagne made Mugaseth, a CER supporter in the audi- the rounds and photo flashes popped in all parts of the building ’s foyer even as the rotund, balding Tamboly was hoisted on his supporters ’ shoulders, albeit briefly! Bengalee had left the venue even before the counting was completed. Earlier, at a Cusrow Baug meet on September 21, 1996 Bengalee had main- the past three years the Punchayet has been the electoral support of the Committee for Economic Revival), ” Bengalee told her 15 member audience that 60 flats in Godrej with chartered accountants who stated their merit rating scheme for allotment of flats the profession. was “not in action because trustees want Bengalee had the support of a number the subjective element. ” This led to a of Zoroastrian heavyweights. Sir Jamsetji vehement argument with Ms Daulat Jejeebhoy, Cowasji Dinshaw, retired Jus- Bakhtawar Lentin, noted lawyer Shiavax Vakil, homeopath Dr Sarosh Wadia, former BPP chairmen Dr Aspi Pi^nchayet has becn, predictably, in the Golwalla and Eruch Desai, well-known I tax consultant and former BPP trustee Homi Ranina, among them. It may be pointed ence. Bengalee ’s biggest contribution to the r • • ¦ J I---------------------------------» — vx.w Miiw I^AUVII WC1I-MH field of education. The success of the physician Dr Kekobad Mody, noted BPP’s 10-year-old star program, the Holi ­ day Programme for Youth, has been attrib ­ uted to her promotion and guidance. As of out, however, that during her trusteeship . ... -- . - .------ . . I Bengalee ’s participation had been tamed, I nave been very positive in my tutoring SSC and HSC students in the fine perceived as erratic during her years as . I ir-- . r . . vice chancellor. Thereafter it was said that she left the long-drawn out BPP board meetings at a particular time. approach. ” Describing herself as the “only art of answering board exams in a manner non-CER member of the BPP (several guaranteed to gain maximum marks, trustees are party members or had received Bengalee said 177 children from 17 insti- 28 Parsiana September 1996 * jiJ 1^: « ft I. ***W,i. Tamboly ’s rainbow-hued supporters included the CER’s heirarchy, a number of mobeds and orthodox spokesmen like Noshir Dadrawala and Adi Doctor plus a host of WZO beneficiaries. Even the In ­ corporated Trustees of HongKong and other outstation anjumans like Nagpur wrote to the Jame in Tamboly ’s support. But per ­ haps Tamboly ’s main electoral assets were Ms Mithoo Jesia, the Dadar Parsi Colony social worker with her penchant for orga ­ nization who had a string of more than 100 volunteers working for his cause (“We worked on a war footing for one month... divided the city into quarters, ” Jesia later described her strategy.) and the Union Press ’ Rohinton Chinoy who used the cen ­ ter spread of Jam-e-Jamshed (September 22, 1996) to showcase 22 opinions favor ­ ing Tamboly apart from his own. Paterasp Patel, Dara Marfatia and Nariman Mehta were other stalwarts Tamboly had reason to thank. But what may have been the most rel ­ evant factor in the landslide towards Tamboly was said to be his easy sociability and low-key, straightforward responses to Top row (Left): Incapacitated donor voting from her Maruti 1000. (Right) BPP trustees Dadi Engineer and Mehta bantering with BPP joint secretary Sheroo Master Second row (Left): Tamboly’s poster and volunteers; (Right) BPP chief executive Behram Laskari, Hormazdiyar and scrutineers Rusi Bhumgara and Homai Modi double-checking invalid votes questions. Tamboly ’s approachability con ­ trasted with Bengalee ’s reserve — which many people interpret as hauteur — to the latter ’s detriment. Apart from the allegation of money power made by his opponents — a fleet of 16 cars belonging to his supporters sported the Tamboly banner on September 28 and an ambulance on standby made five or six trips with infirm supporters — this elec ­ tion had no salacious undertones of any kind. As Dadrawala remarked at a con ­ gratulatory dinner hosted by Rohinton and Dinaz Chinoy at the Radio Club on Octo ­ ber 15, 1996, “Not only was this election keenly contested but cleanly contested. ” The only reserve in peoples ’ minds concerned die WZO’s liberal stand vis-a- vis non-Zoroastrian ‘^pouses who can now be members of the world body. At Bengalee ’s meeting in Dadar on Septem ­ ber 16, and in a subsequent letter in the Jame (September 22) her supporters, nota ­ bly Marzban Giara, had attributed the pre ­ ference of various priests for Tamboly to the WZO donation to the Athoman Mandal (the two bodies are cooperating to eco ­ nomically uplift the Zoroastrian priest ­ hood). Virtually every orthodox-liberal controversy was referred to and laid at Tamboly ’s door — the WZO’s constitu ­ tion, the Delhi Anjuman ’s liberal stand on the navjote of children of Parsi mo ­ thers, the donations by Babubhai Shah (whose late wife had been a Zoroastrian) to continued on page 36 30 Parsiana September 1996 IPOLITICS AND POLICY “If they need help, I want to help them” Incoming BPP trustee Dinshaw Tamboly ’s non-judgmental attitude towards aid recipients reaped a harvest of support Arnavaz S. Mama I ' a I “Ideological differences don ’t come in the nized person, ” he declares. “When I started social worker had steered clear of making way of our work, ” says incoming Bombay with the WZO (in 1985), I made sure it any statements on the Punchayet. “I do not Parsi Punchayet (BPP) trustee and World wouldn ’t clash with my professional work, know anything about the Punchayet ’swork- Zoroastrian Organisation (WZO) ing in any area, ” he told a querist managing trustee atameetingatKhareghatColony. Dinshaw Tamboly who has “I will tell you after a few months emerged as a focus of Zoroas- (afterjoiningtheBPPboard)af- trian charity and social work in ter objective study. ” Claiming to recent years. His appeals on be- “systems oriented person, ” half of indigent mobeds and ru- L he said he would aim at making ral Zoroastrians, of ailing indi- .1 .J9 “the Punchayet w<^k as corpo- viduals in need of expensive S rate entity, ” believing that when medical treatment they cannot youaresystems-oriented,youare afford, of young entrepreneurs dependent on individual k searching for seed capital have netted crores of rupees from Zo- Unlike the traditional bastions roastrians and non-Zoroastrians, Bi* of Zoroastrian charity like the from India and abroad. His open- IML I BPP and the Surat Parsi Pancha- ness and accountability in the I yat (SPP), the WZO in India has form of regular articles in the consciously created an image of community Press providing up- itself as a source not of doles but dates on each project tand in of philanthropy aimed at restor- case of medical help, on each ing self-esteem and helping major case) has established his people to stand on their own feet, bonafides in the community ’s perception The Tambolys: "two trustees for the price Thus, the uplift of rural Zoroastrians in as one who can be trusted with public of one" Photo: Arnavaz s. Mama Gujarat — the WZO’s pilot project in funds. And his supporters include propo- India (initially in conjunction with the SPP nents of warring groups and conflicting Now it ’s so well established that it ’s al- and the Federation of Parsi Zoroastrian viewpoints. most routine, ” he justifies his decision to Anjumans of India) on the heels of the Tamboly was in his shirt sleeves as he expand his activities to include BPP in- Kashmira Bhayya report describing their spoke to Parsiana on the sweltering after- volvement where he says he will spend abject poverty and immediate and long- noon of October 10 in his small office, in three to four hours of every working day Bombay ’s Jeejeebhoy Towers, whose pan- when he is in the city, oramic view of the city contrasts with the congestion within. Here, aided by a per ­ sonal computer (PC), telephone and fax, a “healthy in body and spirit; a community couple of assistants and much readily avail ­ able information, Tamboly functions in his professional capacity as marketing and but which does not dwell there; a commu- export consultant as well as the generator nity which concentrates on the present and of funds for the WZO’s growing social plans for the future. ” involvements. “Basically I’m a well-orga- term needs — provided the recipients with pumps, pipes, building material and, even more relevantly, with professional train ­ ing at the Tata Institute of Marginal Farm ­ ing in Navsari. And they are expected to return the cash In his manifesto, Tamboly had spelt out his “dream ” for the community as one free from want, a community with vision, a community which takes pride in its past equivalent of the inputs that enabled their recovery (a “sea change ” as Tamboly de ­ scribed it) in about a decade (with leeway for the vagaries of weather). The loans for During his electoral campaign the burly entrepreneurs, about 200 so far, are ex- 33 Parsiana September 1996 II pected to be repaid in 45 to 48 months. In they need help, I want to help them... More maiiy cases repayments have begun though than 99 percent of the donors don ’t turn the instalments vary in size. “The way our demographic trends are progressing is a cause for concern, ” concedes Tamboly, acknowledging the problem of keeping up with a growing demand for non-refund- ______ ________________ _ able moneys — like the payments for Her people didn ’t know who I__ 1? .z . -- ___ * * exceptions, it is largely availed of by the tamboly? ” A series of videos have main- 60 plus category), the doles to retired tained an update on the Gujarat farmers mobeds, elderly, ailing, or incapacitated individuals, etc — as the community con ­ tinues to age and the workforce that can support it dwindles further. “Ours is a modest effort. We are doing our bit in whatever way we can. Even if we save 50 percent from becoming destitutes... ” the soft-spoken Tamboly indicates he ’d be gratified. Some of the rnedical cases Tamboly has aided have led people to question his dis ­ cernment Like the case of YazadMobedji by-pass suroarv not — a child bom to a young mobed with a / JZ i „ multitude of congenital defects whose Tunerai expenses costly and recurring surgical treatment abroad has been enabled by the generation of Rs 25 lakhs in India plus substantial contributions from the community abroad. „______ __________ “I try to take a compassionate view, ” says acknowled°ges, noting that last y^r alone ------------- ----------- the child ’s Spastics Society school told him that “this child has leadership quali- ----------- _______ ______ ____ ties. ” It seems the boy often helps rally his the apex body. Parsis should look up to it depressed peers. Even in Tamboly ’s little (We must) make a sincere effort to revive office the now five-year-old child showed much interest in his surroundings, wiping __________ ___ _____a out some material from the PC as Tamboly private trust in India under WZO auspices grandfather Naoroji Framji Tamboly recollects with amused indignation. Simi- is the establishment of a five-storyed se- tablished the Sankat Nivaran Fund to pro- larly, he says he collected Rs 25 lakhs for nior citizens ’ center in Navsari. The shell vide rations to the needy Navsarians dur- a girl who needed a bone marrow trans- of the 20,000 sq ft home with a capacity to ing World War I. While his father owns plant. Tamboly ’s normal modus operand! is to make recommendations to his regular ___ donors for the full amount required by a become operational by this time next year. come. “Why did you change the muktads from 18 days to 10 days? ” he asks, by way them back. ofexample. He is similarly pragmatic about Tamboly says he keeps “pumping the the shift/amalgamation of sacred fires and donors with information. Nothing is kept prefers to leave matters of rituals and cus- secret. Messieurs X YZ can go and see the toms in the jurisdiction of the clergy. “When cases for themselves in the villages... Ear- you are ill do you go to a doctor or a ----------------------- J we were — lawyer? ” he asks, driving home his point medical treatment (with a few notable (What was the WZO?) Who was Dinshaw that matters of specialist concern should be left to the professionals. A product of Christ Church and Dr even as letters and articles apprise on other Antonio D’Silva Schools and Khalsa projects and individual cases. “Earlier, College, Tamboly has no formal university more funds came from overseas. Today it degree but business oriented diplomas from has taken the, imagination of the aristocrats institutions abroad. His own professional expertise centers round providing market surveys to client exporters among whom are international names like Macy ’s and Littlewood. There are quite a few Indian Parsis in the export business, we learn, three or four being, in Tamboly ’s parlance, “very substantial. ” (There is also a Parsi businessman in the UK who imports from HongKong, Indonesia and India.) What are their chances of growth? “When you (read India) are doing only two percent of (the world ’s) export trade, you can only grow! ” Tamboly is optimistic. His other “If a man comes for by-pass surgery, I’d like to pay for funeral expenses” of the community in India and they have „ ______ _________ been very generous with their support, ” he commercial interest is*^in textiles ret^ling .u ,.Navsari. TheTamboly family ’s involvement with social work goes back to the 18th century to gift away the family house (along with 15 or 16 other like-minded individuals) to its past glory, he says. provide land for the construction of the Another project being financed by a Navsari Atash Behram. Dinshaw ’s great ..... ........................ Tamlwly adding that the social worker at he received Rs 5.88 crores in donations for various causes. His next priority is to pro- ____________________ __ mote the Punchayet ’s image: “If the BPP is when the then patriarch of the dan decided is the establishment of a five-storyed se ­ nior citizens ’ center in Navsari. The shell of the 20,000 sq ft home with a capacity to house 52 individuals in single and double Mazda Elevators, his two uncles are leading rooms with attached baths and common ......................................... messing is ready and he expects it to particular case, though where the amounts Thoughtfully located in a Zoroastrian are very high, the donations come from a mohalla in close proximity to an agiary ...... ..... ____ multitude of SQurces including the Federa- and bazar, the facility is meant for low strength ’] had said that when we are well- t' -----¦;: * ____ ¦ ¦ America (FEZANA), the WZO’s arch critic, the Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Eu ­ rope (ZTFE), the Hongkong anjuman and decongestion of Bombay, ” says Tamboly from trusts and individuals everywhere, adding, “Ahmedabad is after me. They are (He refuses to be dragged into the contro- i versies and animosities that dog ZTFE and there. WZO officials, and says that when he goes to London he makes it a point to meet and share a meal with ZTFE president Rusy ist — (with) an ability to get along with Dalal and other committee members.) His people. ” He sees “no need to change cus- faithinthecommunity is high. That “people toms which don ’t need change. ” Con- _______ _____ _ _____ «.wav..v...vw* respond has b^n a repeated experience, versely, he believes that when the need of rehabilitation required greater infrastruc- “I don ’t sit in judgement on people... If the times require certain changes, they will ture than the Surat Panchayat could legiti- are very high, the donations come from a mohalla in close proximity to an agiary tion of Zoroastrian Associations of North l». lights of the Navsari Malesar Behdin Anju ­ man. “Perhaps involvement with social work is in my genesy,. _ “When we got married, Bachi [his kaka- ni-dikri (first cousin), wife and ‘pillar of income retired people who could move off, we must do something for the commu- there from Bombay leaving their flats for nity. In the 1980s we were comfortable their children ’s use. “The whole idea is and opted to help the WZO...’’ These “fortuitous circumstances ” which led to the Tambolys ’ involvement with willing to give space ” for a similar project WZO activities have resulted in the forma ­ tion of three new trusts to promote various social service programs. Initially, dona ­ tions for the Gujarat rural uplift project were accepted through the SPP account. “They used to give money whenever we need^ it. ” But the pursuit of the scheme of Tamboly describes himself as “a prac ­ tical man — neither orthodox nor reform- t I I I r i i I 34 Parsiana September 1996 IJ their country initially congregated. Meant trustees for the price of one! ” exults Din- to provide individual membership to Zoro- shaw . astrians in diverse parts of the world who felt the need to belong, the WZO was loyalties, conflicts of interest and other mately provide on the basis of their exist ­ ing objects and the WZO Trust was regis ­ tered in 1991. The SPP’s Dr Sam Bhacca as chairman with Tamboly as managing trustee, joint managing trustee Firoj originally framed on the lines of a public such bugbears, Dinshaw Tamboly is san- Panthaky and Parvez Italia, Shahpur Cap- limited company which entailed a tax li- guinely unconcerned: “For me, the com- tain,DaraDeboo,FarrokhKasadandDavar ability on the organization. To offset this munity is more impprtant than either the Kavasji Modi formed its board of trustees as on March 31, 1996. Its trust deed in ­ cludes help to farmers, education of chil ­ dren, relief from poverty and medical re ­ lief among its objects. Set up as a cosmo ­ politan trust, it received the 80G certifi ­ cate from the income tax authorities which in India. Specifically, non-Zoroastrian led to greater donations coming in, ex- < plained Tamboly. As the project matured and more cases stantial heartbum among its orthodox mem- came to their notice, they found the need to bers leading to a number of resignations. As for the mixed priorities, divided liability its constitution was altered in 19,93 BPP or the WZO.” to bring it into charity focus with concomi ­ tant tax benefits by deleting clauses which restricted the membership to Zoroastrians A CLEAN CONTEST only, explained Tamboly who is a com- continued from page 30 mittee member of the body in London and Tamboly ’s philanthropic work, the re- ¦ ¦¦ “ —¦ ¦¦ ~ ‘1 cent resurrection of the Navsari Parsi As- spouses and their children were accorded sociation, where Tamboly is joint honor- \ full membership rights. This led to sub- ary secretary, as a cosmopolitan trust, etc. mittee member of the body in London and Tamboly ’s philanthropic work, the ary secretary, as a cosmopolitan trust, etc. Referring to the Bengalee meeting when the aspersions were initially made, set up the WZO Trust for Women and among them Dastur Meherji Meherjirana Tamboly wrote in Jame (September 22): | Children in 1993 with Bachi as settlor. It of Navsari who had been settlor of the “It is only fair that the community should j was a cosmopolitan trust though a women WZO Trust and Noshir Dadrawala who know that a group of individuals, which * and children ’s trust enjoys 80G exemption had been editing the WZO mouthpiece included Mr Marzban Giara had met me from income tax even if it is restricted to j — . the community. Its board includes Rustam where the magazine was printed, was “one Gae as chairman with Tamboly as manag- of the dissenters ” when the WZO memo- ing trustee, Bachi, Captain, Panthaky and randum was altered. Modi. The third trust with 80G exemption, the WZO Trust Funds, was registered in 1995 as the specific objects of aiding self ­ employment and running a senior citizens ’ ________ home did not feature among the earlier bility (he has a penchant for diffusing “These factors will seA^e to establish trusts. According to Tamboly it is much aggressive opposition) and the perception that the intent of Mr Marzban Giara has easier and faster to set up a new trust than that he addresses donors and donees in the been to play mischief. I find it very surpris- to revise or extend the objects of an exist- same tone of voice. People were surprised ing that my competitor in the election Dr ing trust. This trust is run by Tamboly as chairman with Bachi, Panthaky and Kasad Jam-e-Jamshed had been so positive. “All Marzban Giara to continue for some time on the board of trustees. our trusts were registered by Noshir to attack me, before Hon. Justice (Retd) Bakhtawar Lentin advised Mr Marzban Giara to cease and step down. ” And so ended what may be the last BPP Hamazor. Rohinton Chinoy of Union Press, informally on Monday, September 9,1996 to ascertain my religious beliefs, which were made known to them. “If Mr Marzban Giara had any ques- J It had been expected that Tamboly tions to pose to me he could have very well j would receive substantial flak on the above done so at thartime, or even at my election : score. What had been omitted from the meeting held in Dadar on Wednesday, calculation, perhaps, was Tamboly ’s affa- September 11, 1996. same tone of voice. People were surprised that Dadrawala ’s interview with him in the (Ms) Mehroo Bengalee allowed Mr *( our trusts were registered by Noshir The new registered trusts are said to be (Dadrawala), ” Tamboly responded mat ­ better patronized because of the tax ex ­ emption that donors receive as also be ­ cause the donors are reassured as income tax returns must necessarily be filed. The new trusts have not only given Tamboly more elbow room but increased pace: though “every case is investigated, speed entirely due to Mithoo (Jesia, well-known 21st century! is of the essence. If a man comes for by- social worker from Dadar Parsi Colony), pass surgery. I’d like to pay for by-pass She organized the entire campaign; en- surgery, not funeral expenses, ” he notes. When asked about moves to form a World Council of Zoroastrian Federations, Tamboly says he is yet to get to grips with the idea: “I have been involved with one side of the coin, ” he admits, adding, “but (I touching experience. ” [Jesia, with charac- can ’ t see why) it can ’ t be established within the framework of the WZO constitution, with a few modifications to it. ” Though a world body of Zoroastrians had been mooted at the First World Zoro ­ astrian Congress in Iran in 1960, there was no progress until the WZO was hurriedly had been reluctant about the BPP trustee ­ set up in 1980 in London where Iranian emigres fleeing the Islamic revolution in ter-of-factly. “Everyone ’s been very sup ­ portive. Rohinton Chinoy did all the print ­ ing. I know for a fact that he spent a couple trusteeship election this century. While of nights in the press. It touched me a lot... the AC’s seven-year term will end in 1999, “I was always confident of winning (the BPP trustee Ms Silloo Kavarana ’s trustee- Punchayet election) but the margin was ship term will continue into the brave new sured that I could sleep in peace; took all the problems on herself. (She involved) 108 volunteers from all the bangs and colonies. It made me feel very humble, very small. It was a very moving, very teristic modesty, shrugged off her contri ­ bution: “I was only a campaign mukadam (labor overseer)! ”] Solid support was also available at home. Bachi and Dinshaw Tamboly have worked as a team on the WZO trusts. Though she ship initially, “once decided, (she) has given full support... The BPP is getting two MATRIMONIAL Matrimonial alliance invited from Parsi boys willing to settle in Leicester, UK for a 28-year-old girl, 5’3” tall, working and settled in UK having her independent house (presently staying with parents). Girl visiting Bombay second half of December. Apply/contact with detailed bio-data and photograph to: Hoshang/Mani Rana J-44, Cama Park, Andheri (West) Bombay 400058 Tel:6248767/6212604 36 Pars/ana September 1996 J ¦HISTORY COVER STORY Grace and gracbusness Lady Mehri Tata believed in using her social position to better the prospects of Indian women Parinaz Gandhi “Your personality with its dignity and poise, its charm and graciousness has in ­ fluenced me profoundly. To me you are an example of a woman whose intellect and emotions are perfectly blended. I shall be very proud if I can acquire qualities such as yours. They are what I shall strive for continually —keep ­ ing you in mind... ” These sen ­ timents addressed to Lady Mehri Tata were from Ernad Christiansen, a student of the Battle Creek College in the USA. As wife of Sir Dorab Tata and daughter-in-law of Jamsetjee Tata, Mehri had suf ­ ficient resources for idle pur ­ suits and luxuries to last a lifetime. But she elected in ­ stead to exhaust her energies for the cause of the under ­ privileged strata of Indian society, as attested by the many friends and admirers who contributed to the vol ­ ume, Lady Tata, A Book of Remembrance published in 1932 on her first death anni ­ versary as a “tribute to her untiring efforts for the uplift of Indian womanhood. ” It is from this book, gifted to Parsiana by Jamsetji Khambatta, that we have been able to piece together this ar ­ ticle on Lady Tata. Lady Tata: dedication to the underpriviledged Barely a few months before her demise, Tata, who was considered the life and soul of the National Council of Women in India, had written to Ms Brijlal Nehru, chairman of the Women ’s Committee of the Commonwealth of India League (the book consistently uses the term ‘chairman ’), “I have always held that when the women of a country take their just share in the affairs of their coun ­ try, that country and that nation must rise to be one of\he great coun ­ tries and nations of the world. And so it wi 11 now be with our beloved In ­ dia... As for the part played by women in In ­ dia today I have no words to express my admira ­ tion of their courage, their steadfastness and determination, their willingness to suffer, their single-minded spirit, and their noble example to stand by their cause unflinchingly and untiringly at much sac ­ rifice of time, health and bodily discomfort. ” Social service and welfare work is essen ­ tially women ’s work, commented Tata in the course of her speech de ­ livered as president of the Bombay Presidency Women ’s Council. “Give of your best, and give freely whether it be money or service... It is not an easy matter — this service for others. It * 38 Parsiana September 1996i requires courage, patience, perseverance, human understanding and sympathy, tol ­ erance, tact, the ever constant desire to serve and to help others, and the setting aside of one ’s self in the performance of this labor of love. ” India then being under the British yoke she felt the Englishwomen “could do a vast amount of good if they would; women whose children are at school in England and therefore are free to devote themselves to any good work they may fancy, instead of living their lives entirely apart in a little groove and coterie all their own, and spend ­ ing their time in lunches and teas and dinners and club-life and dances from year ’s end to year ’s end... The Englishwomen in India owe it as a duty to the country from which their husbands and their sons derive their living — those comfortable hand ­ some salaries (excuse my plain speaking) which the vast majority of them would never dream of getting in (their own) or perhaps any other country... “Let us women of both countries join hands and determine to work for the good of those poor ignorant unhappy millions whose lot is a hard one — not in a conde ­ scending, patronizing spirit but with sym ­ pathy and genuine love. Let us unite in this great work and surely we ourselves will derive as much benefit and gain as much happiness as those for whom we work. ” Tata realized that Indian women ’s up ­ lift and their participation in international life were related. As chairman of a small committee of Indian women entrusted with the mission of deciding whether the time was ripe for forming a national women ’s body in India, Tata had recommended that a beginning be made and also suggested a constitution in consultation with Ms Palmer (wife of the then Bishop of Bombay) and Ms Cornelia Sorabji (India ’s first lady professor). As chairman of the executive committee of that Council until her de ­ mise, she presided over its meetings in India and led the Indian delegation at meetings in Geneva, London, Vienna and elsewhere. She was also on the committee of the International Council of Women in Europe. The chairman of the International Coun ­ cil, the Marchioness of Aberdeen and Temair, who had journeyed two nights in the train to attend the public condolence meeting in honor of Tata had remarked, “It is hard to believe that we can no longer look for that gracious presence amongst us, so full of vitality and attraction, whose every movement was instinct with dignity and rhythm and whose serene lack of self- The dole system, in particular, was anath ­ ema to her and she conveyed in no uncer ­ tain terms how some “foolish and ridicu ­ lous Parsi charities ” were extending aid similar to the “wretched dole system. ” In a letter to Ms Serenbai Maneckjee Cursetjee, Tata wrote forcefully, “Where necessity must and there is no choice left, one has to make the best of things and to undergo any hardship in order to earn an honest living rather than be dependent on relations and friends or receive doles from any chari ­ table concern or individual. There is not only indolence in our Parsi poor but also a sense of false pride and snobbishness in refusing to take up any work or profession which should be severely knocked out of them... ” Proud of her Persian roots, it is reported that when she was a student of the Bishop Cotton School in Bangalore she chose to spell her name as Mehri, instead of Mary, I contrary to the wishes of her father i“ Hormusji J. Bhabha who was influenced I considerably by his education in England. £• Her father who was formerly the vice i principal of the Central College in Banga ­ lore and subsequently appointed principal of Mysore ’s Maharaja College monitored her progress in English and Latin until she matriculated and in his library she was later able to expand her mental horizons. A talented pianist she was one of those in ­ variably selected to perform at every pub- ' ‘ lie concert in Mysore. In fact the Bhabhas, who were the only family to move in both English and Indian society, were regarded as an important link in the social circles of Mysore. When Jamsetjee Tata, the pioneer of industry in India visited Mysore and got to know the Bhabhas, he took a special liking for Mehri and later announced that his eldest son Dorab would like to wed her. Married to Dorab when she was 18 years of age, and Jie 38, their common enthusiasm for sports is supposed to have laid the foundation of their marital happi ­ ness for 33 years which developed into “almost complete identity of outlook and interests in life. ” In tennis Mehri could hold her own with expert players and had won over 60 prizes in the different tourna ­ ments in which she had played in India and Europe. What distinguished her at the courts was her costume, insisting on wearing a sari and showing impatience with the younger members of her community who opted to wear the Western attire. A good rider, she rode her own horses and her own motorcar. Among her pets were two blue Persian cats, dogs, a deer, a parrot and a myna. She could not bear to see a boxing consciousness of her beauty added to her charm. Her entry into any assembly clad in those graceful garments of harmonious hues which she knew so well how to blend, and which seemed to be part of her very self, always brought distinction to any gathering... and that first impression was <1 IWI ¦MM ¦Ml I ¦ Mehri’s husband, Sir Dorab: shared enthusiasm for sports (Courtesy: Tata Agairy) I heightened when she took part in the dis ­ cussion in her rich full voice, ever speak ­ ing to the point and showing the mastery of one who had thought out the subject of her remarks. ” And yet, this charming lady — who possessed the 245 carat Jubilee Diamond, then the largest privately owned diamond in the world — had once astounded the mayor with her remark, “We ladies did not come here to be graceful, we came here to be useful. ” This comment had been pro ­ voked when, during the Bombay riots in 1929, members of the Women ’s Council offered to sell food at cost price to resi ­ dents of Byculla who were finding it diffi ­ cult to procure their provisions. The mayor insisted, “My volunteers would not con ­ sider it graceful for ladies to sell food. ” But a determined Tata proved him wrong and donated the monies collected to the Red Cross and hospitals as also to the soldiers and sepoys who were posted in the dis ­ turbed areas. Earlier her active work to raise contributions during the War years had earned her a CBE [Commander of (the Order of) the British Empire]. “Blessed are those that give, but still more blessed are those that give wisely, generously and selflessly, ” believed Tata. * 39 Parsiana September 19967afa,- riding side saddle in Matheran (left) and with her tennis trophies (below) be completed by the next generation. The Institute of Science was set going, the iron and steel industry expanded into the city of steel at Jamshedpur, the rainfall on the Western Ghats was harnessed to serve the millowner in Bombay... “But this would never have been accomplished if Dorab Tata had not seen his purpose with wide- open eyes; if he had not had always at his side a wife who was as staunch in the pursuit of these filial and patriotic duties as himself, ” credits Sir Stanley Reed, then I editor of The Times of India, in his fore ­ word to the book. Despite a valiant fight, Mehri finally succumbed to leu ­ kaemia at the age of 51 at a nursing home r.n' at Ruthin in North I Wales. Within a year of Mehri ’s demise. Sir Dorab died. But t not before he dc- ik cided to put his I wealth, estimated at I one crore rupees into I a trust-for cosmo- I politan use for the I advancement of I learning and rc- I search, the relief of^ I distress and other I charitable purposes, g; writes R. M. Lala in ¦ J. . comfort and command. ” hI SCHOLARSHIP w The future of Zoroastrianism is very bright // North American Zoroastrians publicly affirm their appreciation of Prof Kaikhosrov Irani ’s pursuit of the Zoroastrian vision Arnavaz S. Mama I Photo; Nazneen Vajifdar, Spectre Vision “For his dedicated service to the Zoroas- City College, New York, trian faith, for manifesting the attributes of (where he taught for 41 years before retiring four years ago) Irani continues to hold believer, to be adopted upon ^ue reflection classes in philosophy of science and as worthy of acceptance. ” In his philosophy of mind. He has researched in Vohu Mano, Asha and Armaity as he has traversed through life, for his sterling and unique achievements in the cause of Zoro ­ astrianism unparalleled by any living Zo ­ roastrian on this continent, the Awards Committee proudly and gratefully recog ­ nizes Prof Kaikhosrov Dinshaw Irani. ” As the quintessential professor was be- shawled in “typical Parsi-Iranian tradi ­ tion ” and presented the Federation of Zo ­ roastrian Associations of North America ’s tailor his discourse to the level of his spirit of evil (Angra Mainu, not so named (FEZANA) Lifetime Achievement Award audience... (has advanced) the knowledge in the Gathas but in the later literature) — Trophy on July 6, 1996 at San Francisco, ofour faith, religion and community among in juxtaposition with Asha, “the ultimate California the audience rose to salute the those who know so little about Zoroastri- truth, that is the ideal form of existence of man whom Dinshaw Joshi, chairman of the Awards Committee had described in his preamble to the citation as “the only Nobel Laureate Prof Albert Einstein in as worthy of acceptance. introduction to Understanding the Gathas the history and philosophy of ancient (introductory lectures on Gathic themes by thought — religious, moral, mythical and his father Dinshaw Irani), Kaikhosrov technological for the past 25 years. As summarizes Zarathushtra ’s concept of the noted Joshi, Irani ’s “Knowledge of world as a theater of conflict between two Zoroastrianism, especially the Gathas, his diametrically opposed moral spirits — the wit and sense of humor and his ability to spirit of goodness (SpentaMainyu) and the tailor his discourse to the level of his 4 of our faith, religion and community among in juxtaposition with Asha, “the ultimate those who know so little about Zoroastri ­ anism... He is perhaps the only Zoroastrian the world as envisaged by Ahura Mazda; in the world who was associated with the form the world would have had but for ¦ ¦ I the spirit of evil ancThence the form the scholarly voice of reason and moderation Princeton. Kaikhosrov was known well world ought to have... ” ~ In the course of an interview with Par- siana in January 1995 after the conclusion of the Second International Conference hosted by the K. R. Cama Oriental Institute, Irani reiterated his view “that the most significant part of (Zarathushtrian) worship is to lead the moral life.. . take responsibility for our actions and of the consequences among Zoroastrians in both written and enough to Prof Einstein and Einstein had spoken word. ” high enough regard for him to write out a Bespectacled, balding, often bemused personal letter of recommendation when by the ways of his coreligionists (“What we need is the ability to talk to each other without rancor. I don ’t know if that can happen, but I don ’t see why as rational human beings we can ’t do it, ” he had once told Parsiana), Irani is “modest to the frequently vilified by the orthodox lobby which follow ” and that the ideal society point of self-effacement, ” noted Jehan whose protagonists stress the Sasanianritu- ............................. " Daruvala in The Bombay Samachar (Au- **"" ** gust 11, 1996) endorsing the award. Pre ­ dictably, Irani considered Joshi ’s intro ­ duction “unduly laudatory. ” Emeritus professor of philosophy at so requested in support of Kaikhosrov ’s application for a new job early in his pro ­ fessional career. ” Popular and respected as Irani is in academic circles, he has nonetheless been which would result from our moral actions would be a “society of justice. ” In the course of his long teaching career sor, however, Zarathushtra ’s is a reflective Irani has found that students in the West religion which fuses “a view of the world arealwaysveryinterestedintheZarathush- and a way of life offered to the prospective trian message. He recalls a student who alism that has been the lay community ’s concept of Zoroastrianism. To the Profes- 41 Parsiana September 19961 i 1 commit ourselves to certain agreements without charging all kinds of impropri ­ eties to each other and without trying to was so impressed with the Ashem Vohu, he commit ourselves to certain agreements “our upbringing which, in matters of reli- carried a translation of it in his wallet in without charging all kinds of impropri- gion is dogmatic, ” ventures Irani (stress- later life and recited it in translation at the eties to each other and without trying to ing, “it is only my suspicion ”). “The other beginning of an important government shut people up. Any sincerely held belief aspect of our upbringing is that we make level conference. “If the religion of should be heard. ” Zarathushtra — not the practices we are committed to in Bombay, but the message objectivity intact, Irani examines the so- of the Prophet — becomes widely known, cial issue that increasingly overarches the then the future of Zoroastrianism is very bright, ” he believes. Referring to the “complex poetic struc ­ tures... the multiple meanings, poetic reso ­ nances between lines and suggestions rather than fully literal statements ” which the Prophet has employed in his hymns, Irani notes that a “completely literal translation of the Gathas would be utterly useless. ” The spiritual insight, the idea presented in each verse, is what needs to be grasped, he says, drawing an analogy with the Psalms in English which he had first heard sung in a church across the street where he lived as a youth with his family in England. “They were poetic and significant and they meant something to the congregation (but) they proffering his reasons. “It is suicidal with were not literal translations of the Hebrew Bible." According to Irani, scholarly interest in Zoroastrian study has not waned in the West. He perceives the field as three ­ pronged: There are those who study the Zoroastrian, we should welcome it... practices of Zoroastrians, both Parsis and Iranians, from a socio-anthropological viewpoint best exemplified by London ’s Prof Ms Mary Boyce and Colorado Uni ­ versity ’s DrJames Boyd; those who pursue anybody has the right to tell him or her the linguistics of Zoroastrian scriptures what to believe or not to believe... To and aim at the most accurate translations reject someone who accepts Zoroastrian- like Profs Helmut Humbach and Stanley ism because of (our) wrong conviction is Inslerj and those who ask for the ultimate contrary to Zarathushtra ’s message... content of the religion (“There are not — many who are interested in this and there religious community because of his ances- are some very divergent views, ” cautions try is just inhuman. I know very few Zoro- Irani) where again the leaders in the field are Humbach and Insler. Though Irani abjures ritualism as the basis of religion, he does not discount the value of rituals as “the external social Jafarey (Zoroastrian scholar and founder commonplace turn of events! affirmation of (a community ’s) unity and of The Zarathushtrian Assembly in Cali- identity... They express our continuity with fornia) gets? One whose navjote was per- generations of past belie vers which is some ­ thing very worthwhile. But it would be a mistake to think that rituals constitute the core of religious belief... We do not ignore rituals (but) one does not want to make ritual the foundation of our (reflective) religion. It is merely the expression of our religiosity. ” Pondering upon the fractious Zoroas ­ trian community and its future, Irani be ­ lieves we must “recognize our differences and similarities and make adjustments. our children extremely sensitive to criti ­ cism. As a result we get personalities with brittle self-images. They present a self ­ image which they want validated: present Zoroastrian community scene in the last divergent views, are given to sarcasm and decade of the 20th century: Can our orga ­ nizations afford to be ethnically exclu- A humanist at heart, his intellectual “The most significant part of Zarathushtrian worship is to lead the moral life” sive? “I don ’t think they can, ” he says invective instead of being open and flex ­ ible. When you criticize children and say, ‘What will others think of you? ’ you get extremely argumentative people (who view their) religion... as something to be de ­ fended rather than something to be lived! ” Kaikhosrov ascribes his interest in Zo ­ roastrianism to his father Dinshaw, a law ­ yer with a deep and abiding interest in the religion, who attended lectures by K. R. Cama, studied Avesta-and Gathic (the lan ­ guage of \h&GatKasy, translated ihzGathas into English and prevailed upon Prof Poure Davoud of Tehran University to translate them into Farsi which, says Kaikhosrov, “opened Iranian consciousness to Zara- thushtra ’s message. ” His mother Mithibai so much intermarriage — which is inevi ­ table though I don ’t cherish it. In fact I (nee Sethna) too came from a family of would very much prefer that both partners lawyers. “Herrfather practised in Gujarat be of the same faith. But if the non-Zoro ­ astrian partner is interested in becoming and knew Gandhiji when he practised there, ” recalls Kaikhosrov. The interest planted byDinshaw fructi- “I do not believe that any .. .person should fied when a seminar on world religions and engage in proselytization. I however be- cultures was planned under UNESCO lieve that if someone of his/her free will (United National Educational, Scientific * chooses a religious position, I don ’t think 4 42 Parsiana September 1996 “To reject someone as part of your and Cultural Organization) auspices in the 1950s. “They were looking for a Zoroas ­ trian and they got hold of me and so, naturally, I began to discuss with schol ­ ars, ” Irani recalls. Among them were the team ’s chairman Dr Moses Jung, Rabi Max Artz, “a very fine and humane scholar of Judaism, ” and Dr D. Suzuki, the world authority on Zen Buddhism. “We met two weeks for a few hours every evening. I had astrians who have the dedication of Joseph Peterson (the American engineer who chose to read extensively, to make sense. I got to convert to Zoroastrianism in New York interested in the community... ” Irani trails in 1983). And what about the treatment Ali off as though it were the most natural, most After his basic education at Bombay ’s St Xavier ’s School and College Irani says his life has been that of an “intellectual wanderer ” through several universities and institutions abroad. A consistent thread was a “semi-conscious but insistent drive to reach and disclose the fundamental be ­ lief systems underlying various disci- formed, who recites thcGathas regularly... And there are people at FEZANA meet ­ ings who say we will become a laughing stock if he speaks on Zoroastrianism be ­ cause he (was) a Muslim! I can ’t believe that Zoroastrians are so morally blind! ” he exclaims, then adds more optimistically, plines. ” In physics, Irani says he shared “I think in a short while we ’ll come to ­ gether and agree to live with our differ ­ ences. ” The controverting, argumentative char ­ acteristic of the community may be due to “the outlook of Einstein and not (that) of most living physicists, that no matter how well we predict phenomena and solve com ­ plex problems, our task is not complete until we have a description of the underly- I1 ing reality which gives us understanding. This is nowhere in sight in physics. ” Irani is said to have raised this issue in several papers on the Reality Problem in Quantum Physics. “I hold the ‘Enlightenment ’ view that the Divinity has not shut us off from the comprehension of this Reality and that the human reason is capable of disclosing its inner physical and moral structure, ” elabo ­ rates Irani, acknowledging the influence of Zarathushtra, Kant and Einstein on his thinking. Irani considers Zarathushtra “the pioneer Enlightenment thinker, ” although the Enlightenment movement which, in Irani ’s words, “liberated humanity from servile obedience to mystery-mongering ” was a European phenomenon of the 1 Sth century. This inquiry into the workings of the human mind, “its phenomenal reach and its easy susceptibility to error, ” has led Irani to publish nine papers and edit three books on the philosophy of mind and the mind-brain relation. In addition he has written 10 papers on moral values and their roots in Reality as learned from theGathas. Thoughtful even in his food habits, Irani is vegetarian though “not fanatically so; there are social contexts where I make adjustments. ” His wife Piroja had once humorously described the first dhansak she had made with the usual complement of meat and Irani ’s urbane response: “Is it possible to have, er, vegetables instead of the, er, meat? ” Irani himself acknowl ­ edges Piroja ’s unflagging support. With her he discusses “every, even mildly origi ­ nal, idea to come to (his) mind. ” And the support and affection of his family, he says, have enabled him “to sustain a life of study and reflection. ” At the time of the interview Irani said he was working on the philosophy of religion, applying it to Zoroastrianism, Buddhism, Christianity. Frequently invited to speak to the Buddhist Society of New York and now a member of their board, Irani is “impressed by their simplicity and open ­ ness. ” He has also been associated with philosophical projects with “moderately liberal Christians — the kind of Christian ­ ity promoted by the theologian A. Harnack in the early 20th century whose works are very influential in the moderately liberal tradition. ” One of the most distinguished members — and former president — of the Zoro ­ astrian Association of Greater New York (ZAGNY), Irani feels that the Association pioneered on two fronts: to produce a forum for the religious education of chil ­ dren including Sunday school classes and text books and of adults through organiz ­ ing conferences and seminars; and the provision of communal get-togethers. “We want to maintain both these without con ­ fusing them. ” Though Iranian Zoroastri ­ ans have formed their o\vn association, “it does not mean they are religiously di ­ verse. ” Irani does not believe the two are in conflict any more and rapprochement is a continuing agenda — “(We) promote these goals as best we can, ” he says. Irani has also been a functionary of the World Zoroastrian Organisation (WZO). It organizes international forums to go into various aspects of Zoroastrianism (the first World Gatha Conference was held under WZO auspices) and can arrange the inter ­ change of information, he says. “I don ’t think we need any other body... “What we need in (our) leadership is openness to ideas — not a formulated stand. Religious conviction is not a matter of a political stand. Fundamental human ­ ity is needed... I believe in the use of reason in human discourse. In no way (is it) ini­ mical to our religion. We need leadership with a commitment to the prestige of the community, not the prestige^,! positions... ” REQUIRED A Sales Executive for magazine publishing concern. Write to: The Advertiser (Sales) GPO Box 892 Bombay 400001 MATRIMONIAL Parents of educated daughter, 28 years, well domesticated, residing in UK, invite matrimonial correspondence from educated, Parsi men with outgoing and friendly personality with a view to settling permanently in UK. 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The Advertiser Parsiana, Matrlmonlal(Sept/31*96)* GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 *Please make sure the reply envelope bears the reference number cited here. * t- 22 Carat Guaranteed Gold KUMAR JEWELLERS House of Gold, Silver & Diamond Jewellery Specialist for: Asho Farohar & Lord Zarathushtra Medals in Gold and Silver 596, Chira Bazar, Near Wadia Fire Temple, Bombay 400002 Tel: 2017707/201 fl 894 We buy old Gold, Silver and Diamond Jewellery We accept Master, Visa, Diners, BOB & Inter cards Always remember TATA BATA ? KHAMBATA Ketayun & Bomi 22/A, Wellington Tenrace Wellington Street, Bombay 400002 Tel No; 2069636, 2057242 Pager No: 9602-104007HISTORY ) The Parsi Punchayet Case — 3 The muted voice Once the trustees arrogated to themselves the right of appointing successor trustees, the community was denied a say in the affairs of the Punchayet Bombay Punchayet funds and properties. The judgment on this topic is being Cama and Bomanji Dinshaw Petit. The verdict on the latter issue had been serialized over 16 issues of Parsiana from carried almost in its entirety barring those i Should the entire community have a say in the election of trustees of the Bombay Par ­ si Punchayet? There is a constant fear that by disregarding the present scheme for October 1981 to March 1983. In four epi- references which are technical, or of com- I election of trustees, a time-honored insti- sodes, beginning with the June ’96 issue, mon knowledge to the community, or rep- 1 tution may be abused and po- , etitions of statements made wer may vest in the wrong " earlier. Minimal editing and hands. ' stylistic corrections have been Many community members .-.annfr. undertaken to facilitate smooth j may not be aware that original- ..... reading. ; ly the Punchayet whose selec- nt tion was ratified by the entire Wf anjuman and in whose hands the affairs of the community V were entrusted, were invari- I* ¦ ably accountable to the anju- L man or the community at large. ; «= Though the Punchayet mem- bers could suggest new names L ,.*-* on its body as replacements or j •' additions, it was only after the ’ * anjuman sanction was obtained that the Daver and Beaman: in agreement changes were recognized as official. These facts come across clearly in The Parsi Punchayet Case (Suit No 689 of opinion (fully supported by Justice Bea- *rhe first instalment gave an i account of the origin and nece ­ ssity of estab^shing the Pun- j chayet as a governing body to k regulate the internal affairs of J the community. The nature and constitution of the earlier Pun- j chayets was analyzed in the f second instalment such that it establishes “beyond all doubt that the right of electing members of the Punchayet always was in the general body of the Parsi community of ( we are carrying at length Justice Daver ’s Bombay. ” In this third instalment we learn how 1906) when in the historic plaint filed by man) reflecting the careful scrutiny he exigencies of administration necessitated Sir Dinsha Manockji Petit, II Bart and others against Sir Jamsetji Jejeebhoy, IV Bart and others. Justices Dinshaw Dhan ­ jibhoy Daver and Frank C. O. Beaman ruled on two issues in 1908: whether the Punchayet trustees were validly appoint ­ ed and entitled to fill up vacancies in their ranks; whether the funds and properties in the custody of the trustees were intended for all Zoroastrians (including converts) or only the bom Zoroastrians. The six others who joined Petit as petitioners were Sir Cowasji Jehangir, Rustomji Behramji Jijibhoy, Ratanji J. Tata, Bapuji Sorabji Patel, Ratanji Dadabhoy Tata and Nana- bhoy Naoroji Katrak. Arraigned as the defendants were Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy, ^OTTTl'USjee XTVJless, ^amsetjee irameA, Tiaver authorized the surviving ta)cen from Sapur Desai ’s History ofthe Cursetjee Jamsetjee, Merwanji Muncherji trustees to once again take charge of the Bombay Parsi Punchayet: 1860-1960. s; made of varied documents. In his words, the appointment of the first four trustees i “The members of the Punchayet were the who assigned to themselves the power to h appointees of the community...They had nominate successor trustees, an authority i themselves no legal right to appoint trustees later codified by the deed of 1851. How- of property that belonged to the commu- ever, as per the court ruling, “nothing that | nity, and they had certainly no right is subsequently done can validate an act whatever to confer on others the power which in its inception was invalid and which they themselves never had. ” The court however noted that the defen ­ dants were of impeccable integrity and immovable properties, analyzed in depth unauthorized. ” The original intention of the donors of honor “and their management of proper- by Justice Daver, has been summarized • ties devoted to charity have been so fair and carried in the fourth instalment in par- and faultless that not a complaint has been enthesis. Parsiana has also abridged the heard against them. ” The judges observed last part of the judgment that refers to the that they were forced to remove the trust- status of the defendants. The develop- ees from office on technical defects. Thus ments in the Punchayet after the judge ­ while ordering a scheme of elections to be ment, presented in the article, have been 44 Parsiana September 1996 ¦I 1 It I* I I t appears that, previous to the year 1823, there were no trustees. The member.s of the Punchayet or some or one of them used to act as the custodian of the funds of the community and the immoveable proper ­ ties that existed then were also managed by them in conjunction with the other leaders of the community. In 1823, the fund,s amo ­ unted to about Rs 18,000, the bulk of which was in the possession of Wadiaji Hormusji Bomanji. Although he had agreed perties belonging to the Parsi community to pay six percent interest, he actually allowed nine percent interest on these char ­ ity funds. In November 1823, he desired to be relieved of the responsibility of keeping these funds any longer, and accordingly, on November 21, 1823, he addressed a letter to “the Akabars of the Punchayet and the entire anjuman ’’ asking them to take away the moneys that were with him and deposit them elsewhere... On this letter reaching Mr Framji Cowasji Banaji he, on the following day, writes a letter to his colleague,s of the Pun ­ chayet suggesting that they should all meet and “should forthwith appoint three mem ­ bers so that those members for the period of one year should look after these moneys. ” In this letter... Framji Cowasji Banaji makes various other suggestions as to how these funds are to be deposited and how the trustees are to act, etc... (At) the meeting of the whole Punchayet held on November 28, 1823, four of the only other property previous to 1823 was Punchayet business. ” This document is a members of the Punchayet — Wadiaji Hormusji Bomanji, Framji Cowasji Banaji, Wadiaji Nowroji Jamsetji and Jamsetji Jejeebhoy — were appointed “trustees for the purpose of taking care of the Punchayet beyond all reasonable doubt that, accord ­ moneys. ” They were to receive the moneys ing to ancient usage, the Punchayet was from Wadiaji Hormusji and deposit the appointed by the whole anjuman, that is, same with Messrs Remington Crawford and Company, a well-known firm, then, of Bombay assembled in a meeting; that till merchants in Bombay; and accordingly on that day they received from Wadiaji Hor ­ musji the sum of Rs 15,863. It was at this meeting also resolved that all sundry sums appointed four of themselves as trustees of moneys that may come in from time to ostensibly of the funds but practically of bers of the Punchayet. time were to remain with Framji Cowasji both the funds and properties. This appears On December 4, 1851, a trust deed of as a deposit. That out of those sums he was to have been done for their own conve- the funds and securities was executed, to meet sundry expenses, and when the sums so collected amounted to a thousand rupees he was to add the sum to the deposit account with Messrs Remington Crawford and Company. In conformity witR these resolutions, a sum of Rs. 18,062 was', in the beginning of December 1823, deposited with Messrs Remington Crawford and Co, who accep ­ ted the deposit on certain terms and agreed to pay five percent interest and not charge their usual commission on receipts and , payments, as appears from their letter to ment, such as a trust deed evidencing the .there were no trustees. The member.s of Jamsetji Jejeebhoy in reply to his letter to appointment of trustees vesting the funds and properties in them, empowering them to manage the same, and defining the trusts and the uses for which these funds were subscribed and to which these properties were dedicated. In 1850, the necessity for such a trust deed seems to have occurred to the members of the Punchayet, and a circu ­ lar, dated July 12, 1850, was issued by the then secretary of the Punchayet addressed to the “shethias of the Punchayet. ” That circular states that it was “extremely nec ­ essary to make a trust deed of the funds of the Parsi Punchayet, ” but that there was a “difficulty in preparing the said trust deed in the names of 12 Adhikaries; ” that there ­ fore it was “intended to make the same in the name of five or seven sahebs ” arid these sahebs are invited to name the persons they wish to have appoirited as trustees under the deed. The circular states that the trust ­ ees at that date were: Sir Jamsetji Jejeebhoy, Kt, Wadiaji Nowroji Jamsetji, Framji Cowasji Banaji, and Wadiaji Bomanji Hormusji. It will thus be seen that out of the four persons appointeit trustees for one year in 1823, three had continued to be trustees till 1850. The fourth trustee, Wadiaji Hormusji Bomanji, died on March 12, ^826, and, as appears from an exhibit, his son Bomanji Hormusji was appointed to “look into our them... These documents show very clearly how trustees of the Parsi Punchayet Funds came into existence for the first time in 1823. These four gentlemen, although they were appointed trustees of the funds alone, seem to have managed all the immoveable properties belonging to the community. Previou.s to 1823, the immoveable pro- •g according to Mr Modi were the Towers of Silence land at Malahar Hill with three Towers therein, namely, Mody ’s Tower, Maneckji Seth ’s Tower and the Anjuman ’s or Punchayet ’s Tower. There was on that land also a Sagdi in connection with the Towers, known as Maki Shroff ’s Sagdi and a Sagdiwalla house. Besides these, the They had certainly no right whatever to confer on others the power which they themselves never had * 45 Parsiana September 1996 the Fort Nasakhana... The four trustees appointed in 1823 practically became trus ­ tees also of these immoveable properties. Thus it seems to me to be established letter dated May 5, 1826, addressed to the Parsi Anjuman of Surat, by the “whole Anjuman ’’ of Bombay. It is not quite clear from this whether Bomanji was appointed merely a member of the Punchayet or whether he was also appointed a trustee in his father ’s place, but from (another) ex- the general body of the Parsi inhabitants of hibit it appears that he succeeded his father as a trustee and was acting as a trustee in 1850. On October 22, 1851, another circular was issued and with it a draft deed of trust was circulated for approval of the mem- 1823 the possession and management of the funds and properties of the anjuman was in the Punchayet; and that in 1823 they both the funds and properties. This appears to have been done for their own conve ­ nience and for more effective control of Framji Cowasji Banaji had, in the mean- the funds. The object of appointing trustees a.s appears from the documents before us, seems to be to have some duly authorized persons empowered to demand and get in many religiou.s and charitable donations announced at uthamna or third day cer ­ emonies of dead Parsis and on other auspi ­ cious and inauspicious occasions, which, in many instances, were never paid and became lost to the community. Up to 1851, there was no formal docu- while, died on February 12, 1851 — after the date of the first circular and before the trust deed of 1851 was executed. By this deed, five members of the then Punchayet were appointed trustees of the funds and securities of the Parsi Punchayet. One of the recitals of this deed is ex ­ tremely important. It runs as follows: “Whereas no deed or deeds of trust has or have been executed concerning the said trust funds and securities, but it is nowconsidered desirable that certain new trust ­ ees should be appointed and that these presents should be executed for the pur ­ pose of distinctly defining their duties and of conferring all necessary powers for appointment of new trustees and for deal ­ ing with the said trust funds, etc. ” It will be observed that here, for the first time, the idea of conferring upon the trust ­ ees the power of appointing new trustees takes birth. This idea is given effect to by a proviso in the deed, which runs thus: “FYovided always and it is hereby agreed and declared between and by the parties to these presents that if the said trustees in and by these presents nominated or either of them or any future trustee or trustees to be appointed as hereinafter is mentioned shall die or be desirous of being discharged of and from, or refuse or decline or become incapable to act in the trusts or powers hereby in them reposed or to them given as aforesaid, then and in such case and when and so often as the same shall happen it shall be lawful for the surviving or con ­ tinuing trustees or for the executors or administrators of the last surviving trustee by any deed or deeds, instrument or instruments in writing, signed and sealed and delivered by them, him or her from time to time to nominate, substitute, or Up to 1851, there was no formal document evidencing the appointment of trustees appoint one or more person or persons to be a trustee or trustees in the stead or place of the trustee or trustees so dying or being abroad or desiring to be discharged or refusing, declining or becoming incapable to act as aforesaid. ” I have set out this clause in the deed of 1851 at full length to show what wide and comprehensive powers are conferred by the deed on the trustees to fill up a vacancy in their ranks whenever one occurs. This is the foundation of the defendants ’ case and this is the provision in the deed which the plaintiffs most vigorously attack. The sig ­ natories of the deed are six persons, pre ­ sumably members of the then Punchayet, and these six people appoint five of them ­ selves trustees of the funds and securities belonging to the community, and purport to confer complete and absolute power on these five individuals and their successors to fill up all vacancies amongst them ­ selves..Had these six persons the right to confer such powers and had these five persons the right to arrogate to themselves the powers which this deed purports to confer on them? The answer is obviously in the negative, and even Mr Strangman, who argued this part of the defendants ’ case with great confidence, was constrained to admit that if a suit had been filed in or before 1851, the court would have granted a scheme for the nomination of new trust ­ ees as vacancies should arise. It is possible that this power of appoint ­ ment was inserted in the deed with the best of intentions as was argued before us, but that cannot affect the question as to the legality or validity of such an act. The members of the Punchayet owed their ex ­ istence to the anjuman — they derived their authority from the anjuman. They had, in the first instance, no right whatever to appoint trustees in any manner binding on the con^nunity. The appointment, in the first instance, was clearly for the pur ­ poses of their own convenience. The mere appointment of trustees'^as, in a sense, the i Ad fact ors-Q nantum Di recl/IR/94-929 46 Parsiana September 1996 M4 GLOBE THEATRES Pvt Ltd f I 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 DOLBYSTERgQ | delegation of their own duties to a smaller number of their body. That may be justifi ­ able; but they had not a shadow of a right to confer on those whom they elected the power of for ever excluding everybody else from having a voice in the future election of trustees. The insertion of this power in the deed is wholly unjustifiable. The members of the Punchayet were the appointees of the community. The com ­ munity never conferred on them any pow ­ ers with regard to its funds and properties other than those of managing the same The members of the Punchayet... derived their authority from the anjuman With best wishes from while they served on the Punchayet. The community evidently was never consulted when they appointed some of themselves as trustees. They had no right or power to appoint their own successors in the Punchayet itself. They had themselves no legal right to appoint trustees of property that belonged to the community,, and-they had certainly no right whatever to confer on others the power which they themselves never had... Let me here examine the arguments addressed to the court by the defendants ’ counsel in support of his contention that the defendants are validly appointed trust ­ ees of the funds and securities. We have seen that in 1823, when trustees were first appointed, the funds amounted to about Rs 18,000. In 1851, by means of additions and accretions to the existing funds and the creation of new funds, the amount in the hands of the trustees had increased to a lakh- and-a-half. This sum belonged to 15 different funds which were in existence at the date of the deed of 1851... With further additions and accretions of interest, etc, the amount to the credit of these 15 funds at present is somewhere about six-and-a- half lakhs of rupees. Mr Strangman argued that the worst that the court can do is to declare that the defendants are not validly appointed trustees as to these six-and-a- half lakhs of rupees, but as to the rest he said, with considerable emphasis, “the court can ’t touch us. ” What is the rest? and why can ’t the court touch the defendants as to the rest? To be continued ¦> * Farah & Tanya , A,7 Parsiana September 19961 BOOKS To teach, more than entertain Dina Mehta TheZarathushtrianSagaby Tina Mehta. Published in 1995 by Writers Workshop, 162/92 Lake Gar­ dens, Calcutta 700045. Pp; 711. Price: Rs 400. eagle ’s feather and accompanying chants from the Ardibehesht Yasht. This method In The Zarathushtrian Saga author Tina Mehta has developed her memories of a traditional Parsi childhood in India into a whopping novel. She makes no bones about her reason for writing it; she is concerned that a lazy community is losing touch with its customs and religious beliefs and the novel is her ingenious way to make it conversant with its own traditions. From this anxiety has emerged a work of fiction which is overshadowed by its purpose; and while that purpose is laud ­ able, one wishes that some of the instruc ­ tive passages propagating the faith had been more skillfully edited to make this a less preachy and wordy book. The shorter propagating beliefs novel, I have no doubt, would have sent and customs out a stronger message. So this novel is the fruit of deliberation, and perhaps should not be located on a scale of fictive merit, but in terms of its avowed aims. Yet the writing i§ sometimes Ahuric (initiated by God and therefore so fluent and lucid, some of the characters good) and those which are Ahrimanic (in- so alive, credible and sharply different!- stigated by Satan and therefore evil), ated (e.g. Grandfather, Banoomai, Hor- The child, Pouruchista (named after Zara ­ thushtra ’s own daughter), finds solace in a lamp-lit picture of the Prophet, but her of banishing malefic forces is based on the mother never gets over the pain of aban- ' " ' ” donment. Pour ­ uchista goes to a Catholic sc ­ hool where she has learnt about author, “the recitation of the Ardibehesht Jesus whose fa ­ ther, too, seems to have ignored ills is deemed by the faithful to be most his son ’s agony, efficacious. ” And so the trauma of the first So, where does kiss is exorcised! all the suffering come from? Who ’s respon- people, and that allegories and parables sible for the evil underpin and shore up me faith and resil- in the world? ience of a community, these must be rein- And Pouru- terpreted in the light of reason and know^ chista is taught ledge by each new generation “lest one early by her go6d custom should corrupt the world. ” For example, take menstruation and its Tina Mehta: legend of abandoned prince Zal who is nurtured by an eagle until his repentant father recalls him and makes him king. In times of distress Zal used the feather and the prayer and to this day, comments the Yasht using a clean handkerchief instead of a feather to whisk away fevers and alien While it is acceptable today that myths unfold and explain the world view of a mt ience of a community, these must be rein ­ terpreted in the light of reason and know^ grandfather (head of a teeming family and custodian of the household fire, dadgah), attendant taboos. Because the fiend Jahi, to differentiate between acts which are the story goes, was so full of envy of women being able to procreate, “she cursed them. ” Since then women feel cursed each month, and in that unclean state they are segregated and forbidden to participate in mazdj that one wishes the novelist had ruchista from childhood to courtship (her religious ceremonies or sometimes even in allowed her creativity full play and not clipped her own wings with conscientious dissertations on ancient concepts and ritu ­ als and taboos — all of which, one sus ­ pects, she not only tacitly approves of but succeeding generations with the experi- hopes to perpetuate forever. When the story is not so bogged down and encumbered by recitals of prehistoric justments needed to maintain the Zoroas- exploits and the raison d ’etre of customs and ceremonies, it appears to flow natu ­ rally from the vicissitudes of the dramatis The novel traces the fortunes of Pou- heart is broken by her cousin Hormazd who their routine housework. In ancient days takes to drugs), to marriage, motherhood the enforced retreat from housekeeping and life in England with her husband Viraf once a month for women who did exhaust- (Hormazd ’s twin). The saga continues into ences of.Pouruchista ’s daughter and then of her grandchildren, and dwells on the ad- ing physical work must have been a wel ­ come one. That made sense. But to still think ,of a female biological function — ovulation —as unclean or Ahiimanic or as a pollutant, is to acquiesce in the inferior status accorded to women in the patriar- trian way of life in a modem, alien setting. Throughout the narrative the characters chai scheme of things. Mehta appears to take sides in the ongoing battle between personae introduced by her and not from a the polarized forces of good and evil. Tak- predetermined schema of a plot. Which is how good fiction is written. Mehta begins her story in the 1940s. have no regrets on that score. By reacting to such taboos and other questionable beliefs and customs as an orthodox traditionalist, Pouruchista (the author ’s mouthpiece?) appears to defend them even when she does not uphold them Grandpa, the cure-all metaphysician, dusts in toto. And indeed, at times she comes ing drugs is Ahrimanic, melancholy is Ahrimanic, vegetarianism is Ahrimanic,ill- nesses are Ahrimanic, etc; and when Pour- The world is at war. On the very first page uchista is in shock over her first kiss, a door slams and a father walks out on his (_____, teary wife and seven-year-old daughter, off Ahriman with the soothing strokes of an perilously close to being a bigot. Fortu- 48 Parsiana September 1996I» nately for her, her zeal is tempered by the intention of acquainting a section of the counsel of the more liberal Viraf; and community — boys, girls and a few elders, challenged by her own daughter Tushna- too, who claim to be ignorant of their maity when she falls in love with a juddin, mother tongue, Gujarati — with Jarthosti the Jewish Dr Joseph Levi, a university _prayers. Since they do not know the alpha ­ professor researching ancient Zoroastrian bet of the language, they cannot read it, texts. It is interesting that it is Uncle and subsequently are unable to say their Hormazd, the black sheep of the family, prayers from the prayer books printed in married to the American Jo (she helps him Gujarati. Again, because of this primary kick his drug habit and practically saves handicap, they do not even comprehend his life) who advises Tushnamaity not to the meaning oftheirkusti and other prayers, adopt the local way of life, including the marry outside the community. She had To solve such a knotty problem to some language. They kept their word to a large Later the Parsis unwisely pursued the British way of life, and the English fanguage marry outside the community. She had — • •• -- _ . - . . hoped to hear Uncle say that “his marriage extent, Dabu has ventured to versify the extent. Not only did they learn GujaraVi, had worked out well and it could be the Avestan prayers of Ashem Vohu, Yatha they also acquired proficiency in Sanskrit, apart from Persian and other languages in which they wrote very useful works. It is a matter of pride that Parsis are not k> same for her and Joseph and that the wis- Ahu Vairyo, Kemna Mazda, Jashame- dom of khaetvadath (marriage with your Avanghahe Mazda, and some others. Even own kind) belonged to the past. ’’ But his Khorshed, Meher, Atash, Mahabokhtar answer had been: don ’t. Why? “Alas, the Niyaesh and Ardibehesht, Vanant, Hom, only pioneers of Gujarati journalism, but are also the pioneering authors of a number of prose and poetic .works. The names of believes can be sung. In all, 40 versified BehramjiMalabari and ArdeshirKhabardar prayers have been listed by Dabu. In his own words, he has made “a humble effort to capture emotions into words. ’’ The first section of the work covers other journalists, writers and playwrights. ¦ " ¦ Later the Parsis unwisely pursued the Brit ­ ish way of life, and the English language. They are now pi^ud to be proficient in French, German or Russian languages, but A world hasn ’t arrived at that happy stage Behram, Fravardin and other Yashts are when we can mix and match our beliefs rendered by him in verses which the author and live happily ever after. ’’ But when will that stage come, if the first bold step in that direction is not taken? Yet the author is not unaware that “the old order changeth. ’’ At first it was thought preferable, she tells us, to marry your own cousin (before medical science warned against the dangers of inbreeding). That or commentary on the prayers, was stretched to include the union of like- minded Parsis. So why should it be Ahri- manic to stretch that to the “mix and match ’’ of like-minded people? While too much space is taken up in the novel to edify co-religionists in an un ­ abashedly didactic manner, the sincerity of the effort is evident in all the 711 pages. And what shines through the verbiage is that good for goodness ’s sake is excellent cited with music on the organ by a group of counsel and infinitely worth perpetuating. - ¦ • That there is something so joyous about this faith! That it is life-affirming and compassionate and contemporaneous in Subsequently, however, it picked up again its concern for the health of the planet we ' inhabit. And that it is perennial because of its dedication to good thoughts, good words, the prayers, which are now sold at a few good deeds. events in the life of Prophet Zarathushtra, while the second part deals with the sareh I 4 are outstanding in the history of Gujarati literature along with the names of Fardunji Marzban, Kaikhushru Kabraji, Pijam and The poetic form has been employed by Dabu because he thinks that ignorant souls consider it below their dignitjT to learn a |1Z111 !»/ offT'or'fff ai** f > 4 4- -Pa.** . _ 1 _ _ ___________ • i « and also because the essence of the prayers will be readily attracted to their faith by it, few simple languages of their adopted and also because the essence of the prayers would be easily understood. This reviewer is reminded of a new wave that had swept over a small section of this community in Bombay in the mid ’50s and ’60s. Zarthosty prayers were then re- motherland. One wonders how many Parsis know that apart from Gujarati, our Zoroastrian prayers are available today in English, Hindi and Marathi, with scholarly expla ­ nations. Where then, is the question of . . _ . saying our daily prayers without under ­ Parsis in a small agiary at Churchgate. The standing their meaning or, for that matter, movement ebbed away when the origina ­ tor of the wave migrated to the USA. not being able to say them at all? Dr Irach Taraporevala ’s publications of . _ our prayers are well-knoWn to the faithful, when a few musicians and their groups of They are easily available. Similarly, other singers came out with cassettes of some of Oriental scholars have also published them with faithful interpretations in Hindi and Marathi. The best work is the Khordeh Avesta, translated and transliterated into English Gujarati, how will they read or sing these Kanga. It was published by the trustees i summarized Gujarati verses presented by the Parsi Punchayet Funds and Properties, him? And two, those who know the Ian- Bombay 1993. The question therefore, is of making sincere efforts to know and understand one ’s own prayers in the right spirit, rather than looking for shortcuts like following _ . , °------------------------ the prosaic, mediocre versification Quick on the heels of P/ioo/C/i/iaZ? - Guru such a pass that they have lost touch with sented in Prasad, we have Jarthostni Jindagi Sam­ jati Bandagi from Noshir Dabu. As mentioned by the author in the intro- ______________________ duction, the book is written with the noble had promised to the then ruler of Sanjan to Prayers made poetic Hormazdyar Dalal Jarthostni Jindagi Samjati Bandagi by Noshir Dabu. Second edition published in 1996 by Homi, Bombay (author’s address: Gandhi Block, Parsi Sanatorum, Ashram Road, Ahmedabad 380009). Pp: 92. Price: Rs 20. places in Bombay and elsewhere. Anyway, I hold Dabu ’s contention to be Tallacious. Its premise is flawed. For one, __________________ if some Zoroastrians are unable to read by the late Prof Ervad Maneck Furdoonji summ^ized Gujarati verses presented by the Parsi Punchayet Funds and Properties, guage, do not need them, as they would not like to substitute the original Avestan prayers with Dabu ’s ineffectual verses. It is a pity that the descendants of the ancient Iranian immigrants have come to pre- Jarthostni Jindagi Samjati easily express their thoughts. On landing by dubious musicians. At best, such tapes „ are good enough to be played for creating a pleasant atmosphere on auspicious days. the Gujarati in which they could once Bandagi, or playing jazzy tapes produced on the western coast of Gujarat, the Parsis 49 Parsiana September 1996 * IMILESTONES The age of Zoroastrian brides (as another death. Two stillborn listedinthisissue)rangedbetween babies were lost to the community. Tehmina Minocher Amroliwala 23 and 25 years, the arithmetic The age range fluctuated between mean (the total number of 50 and 1(X) years. The Zoroastrian individual ages divided by the total number of brides) being 23 years. The corresponding figures years, for the grooms were 29 and 32 years, averaging at 30 years. There were 89 Zkiroastrians who were consigned to the Towers various newsletters and anjumans 400007; August 31 of Silence in Bombay in Septem­ ber as against 17 births. Heart disease claimed 33 lives, 12 of whom were 80 years and above. Fifteen deaths were attributed to pneumonia and lung disease while furnish the particulars; the birth cancer and old age and general figures for Bombay are supplied Parade, Colaba, 400(X)5; debility took a toll of seven vic­ tims each. Five patients succum­ bed to kidney failure and three each to septicemia and brain disease. Two Zoroastrians each fell prey to hypertension, head injuries and high blood pressure. Uremia, diabetes and liver dis­ ease, dementia (deterioration of the mental faculties), Alzheimer’s disease, gastro-intestinal blee­ ding, anemia, malaria, hypertro­ phy (excessive development of often due to a combination of an organ) and atherosclerosis (deposition of fatty substances in the arteries) were the isolated marriages/deaths they would like cases registered in September. In published, some proof to ensure the case of one death the coroner’s report was still pending. “Death due to multiple injuries’’ was the cause mentioned in the case of BOMBAY BORN A girl to Zenovic and Jimmy Vazifdar on September 4, 1996 A girl, Ayesha, to Meher and Noshir Marfatia, sister to Zarir; September 6 A girl to Nawaz and Dinyar Medhora', September 7 A boy to Mahrukh and Hoshe- dar Cooper, September 14 A girl to Niloofer and Maneck Daruwala', September 14 A girl to Jasmine and Aspandiar Sethna', September 30 Kharas', September 14 A boy to Yasmin and Sarosh Chothia', September 18 A girl, Niyosha, to Parinaz and Minoo Gandhi, sister to Berezida; September 18 A girl, Jenai, to' Yasmin and Rummy Khan, sister to Sheroy; September 23 A girl to Dinaz and Dinyar Jehani', September 24 A boy to Kamal and Manzar life expectancy at birth, in Bombay in September, was 77 Perin Hormasji Arajanwalla (86), 88, Walkeshwar Rd, 40()006; August 31 Tfie data on births, marriages and deaths has been compiled Dina Faramji Patel (74), Fakhri from information supplied by Manzil, Bhaji Gali, Tardeo, in India and abroad, courts and Dinbai Fakirji Vajifdar (93), hospitals. This information is not .................. " " always complete or consistent: we are unable to carry data from areas where the anjumans do noC"' Tloshang Dhanjishaw Baldawala (87), 7, Cuffe by four hospitals — births in September 1 suburban hospitals and private Framroze Bomanji Mistry (90), nursing homes are not included unless individuals send us infor­ mation together with a copy of the birth certificate. There may be an inadvertent repetition of Girgaum, 400002; September 2 names in the marriage list when a Jangoo Dorabji Bhada (73), civil marriage precedes areligious G/1, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, ceremony. In the breakup of 400039; September 2 deaths according to illnesses, especially of the elderly, death is several diseases. If readers have any births/ the veracity of the report would be required. We are sure our readers Dossibai (Dolly) Rustamji would appreciate this require ­ ment and cooperate with us. Ajmerwala', September 25 A boy to Daulat and Goshtasb Jamas bi', September 25 A boy to Pervin and Ratan Mistry, September 26 A girl to Yasmin and Percy Karkaria', September 27 A girl to Tanaz and Sarosh Patel', September 28 A girl to Dilnawaz and Hormuzd Mogralia', September 30 A girl to Roshni and Berzin MARRIED Senaz Sam Irani of Poona and Berzee Pestonji Damkevalla', September 15 Rukshana Jehangir Amalsadiwala of Surat and Jamshed Dara Davur; September 21 Zarin Hoshang Daruwala of Surat and Percy Feroke Rustomji; September 29 DIED (86), residing at B, Merwan Bldg, Grant Rd, 400007; August 31 Wadia Agiary Compd, Dr S, S. Rao Rd, Lalbaug, 400012; August 31 C, Botawala Bldg, Tardeo, 400007; September 1 Piroja Maneck Barsivala (80), 489, J. Shankerseth Rd, Nergish Bomanshah Nadirshaw (63), Room 33, 189, Hirabai Petit Bldg, Opp Grant Rd Stn (E), 400007; September 2 Sher a Dhunjishaw Pesikaka (80), B/30, Godrej Baug, Off Nepean Sea Rd, 400036; September 3 Chanda (87), Wadia Hse, 22, Hughes Rd, 400007; September 4 Bakhtaver Jehangir Irani (80), Shirin Mans, Sleater Rd, 400007; September 5 Arnavaz Sorabji Bhaisa (50), Crompton Greaves Ltd, Dr E. Moses Rd, Worli, 400018; September 6 Dhanjishaw Fakir show Bharucha (78), Multani Bldg, Khambatta Lane, Khetwadi, 400004; September 6 Shavak Sorabjee Vakharia (80), 803/D, Ghatlia Mans, Dr Ambedkar Rd, Dadar, 400014; September 6 Rustom Jamshed Dadachanji (69), C/o F. D. Daruwalla, Tehmi Ter, Dr Ambedkar Rd, Dadar, 400014; September 7 Aspi Khurshed Irani (79), 21, India Hse No 4, Kemps Corner, 400036; September 8 Hoshang Merwan Irani (67), C/o Firdos Irani, E/3, 1/2, Cidco Clny, Sector no 18, New Panvel, 410206; September 8 Ami Burjor Bhagwaghar (68), Shop no 21, Maharashtra Hindu Hotel, Govandi (W), 4(X)046; September 9 Shirin Kaikhushroo Daruwalla (86), 739, Cama Bldg, Rd no 5, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; September 9 Khodadad Sheriar Irani (73), Merwan Mans, J. V. Rd, Opp Ghatkopar Rly Stn, Ghatkopar (W), 400086; September 9 Purviz Naval Barsivala (65), 616, West View (Out Hse), lame Jamshed Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; September 10 Khorshed Shapurji Bulsara (76), 3/2, Petit Sanatorium, Cumballa HiU, Kemp’s Comer, 400036; September 10 Guloo Minoo Cooper (53), 135/B, Sindhi Clny, Chembur, 400071; September 10 Aloo Mehervanji Karanjia (89), 724, Dr Dinshaw Master Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 4(XX)14; September 11 Phiroze Faramroze Kavina ^8), A/23, Durlabh Bhavan, Jalbhai St, 400004; September 11 Adi Shavuxshff Batlivala (80), Guzder Mans, Princess St, 400002; September 12 Phiroze Rustomji Kerawalla < (83), 2, Marine Chmbs, Marine Lines, 400020; September 12 Bachan Kaikhushroo Mehta (85), Alpaiwalla Bldg, M. M. C. Rd, Mahim, 400016; September 12 Naju Pesi Paghdiwalla (62), 4, Marine Chmbs, ^ir Veer Thackercy Rd, 400020; September 12 Dinshaw Ardeshir Merchant (80), Casa Cama, Gandhigram, Juhu Beach, 400049; September 13 Bomi Framroze Minbatiwala (70), Rubans Apts, Setalvad Lane, 30, Nepean Sea Rd, 400036; September 13 Mani Jimmy Patel (62), G/8, Nowroz Baug, Lalbaug, 400012; September 13 Baby of Pervin H. Variava (stillborn), D-2/25, S. B. Bharucha Baug, S. V. Rd, Andheri, 400058; September 14 Phiroze Rustamji Bhesania (58), 4/A, Memorial Block, Marzban Clny, Gilder Lane, Lamington Rd, 4(X3008; September 15 Burjorji (Buji) Bapuji Chinoy 50 Parsiana September 1996 4' * Iit' (74), Dina Lodge, Garden Rd, Apollo Reel, 400039; September 15 Khorshed Khodaram Irani (50), Piroja Mans, Grant Rd (W), 400007; September 15 Meherwan Dinshaw Irani (64), 14, Bina Apts, Ceasar Rd, Amboli, Andheri (W), 400058; September 15 Piroja Dosabhai Sukhia (100), 788, Avanbai Mans, Jame Jamshed Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; September 15 Baby girl of Benaifer Khusrav Bajan (stillborn), B/2, Sai Ashish, Turtulian Lane, Off Peter Dias Rd, Bandra, 400050; September 16 Banoobai Framroze DcpoUwalla (71), 13, Dana- walla Bldg, Ganesh Lane, Lalbaug, 400Q12; September 16 Minoo Nadirsha Jalncnvalla (86), 3, Doctor Bldg No 2, Panthaky Baug, Andheri (E), 400069; September 16 Naju Jehangir Karbhary (76), 9, Tata Bldg, Dhunbaiwadi, Dadabhai Rd, Vile Parle (W), 4(XK)56; September 16 Rusi Furdoonji Kutar (61), F/2, Daswani Co-op Hsg Soc Ltd, 4 Bglws, Andheri (W), 400053; September 16 Hoshang Pirojsha Mirza (76), Q/2, S. B. Bharucha Baug, S. V. Rd, Andheri (W), 400058; September 16 Banoobai Dinshawji Mistry (74), 15, Daruwalla Hse, Ardeshir Dady Cross Lane, Khetwadi, 400004; September 16 Savak Cooverji Wadia (79), F. S. Parukh Dharamshalla, Hughes Rd, 400007; September 16 Nergish Edulji Daruwalla (65), Batliwalla Villa, 44, East Sleater Rd, 400007; September 17 Pesi Pirosha Dubash (76), A/1, Florida, Mount Mary Rd, Bandra, 400050; September 17 Sheroo Darabsha Mistry (66), 422/A, Dubash Bldg, Ncvelty Cinema, Grant Rd, 4COOO7; September 17 Neville Dadi Mody (56), B, Yusuf Mans, Khetwadi Back Rd, Grant Rd, 400004; September 17 Adi Eruchshaw Tantra (73), 645, Najoo Villa, Khareghat Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; September 18 Maneck Ardesar Vazifdar {92), Mistry Bldg, 2nd Marine St, Dhobitalao, 400002; September 18 Rohinton Jehangir Bharucha (58), 215, Amroliwalla Hse, N. M. Joshi Marg, Lower Parel, 400013; September 19 Roda Barjor Karkaria (64), Room 12, 209/F, Opp Gamadia Clny, Tardeo, 400007; September 19 Bahadur Savaksha Kapadia (74), 12/8, Rustom Bang, Victoria Rd, Byculla, 400027; September 20 Perin Minoo Madan {'TT), 448, TPS III, 14th Rd, Bandra, 400050; September 20 Khorshed Dady Mistry (84), 607, Sohrab Hse, Dr Ambedkar Rd, Dadar, 400014; September 20 Freny Aspundiar Aga (90), Bhagat Manor, Jame Jamshed Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; September 21 Alamai Bapuji Golwalla (80), 2/7, Rustom Baug, Victoria Rd, Byculla, 400027; September 21 Darabshaw Dhunjishaw Homavazir (86), F. S. Parukh Dharamshalla, Hughes Rd, 400007; September 21 Tehmi Kaikhushroo Lilaoowalla (87), C/o Hector Mehta, Empress Court, 126, Backbay Reel, 400020; September 21 Jini Nariman Dastoor (68), 17, Kanga Bldg, Dr Ambedkar Rd, Dadar, 400014; September 22 Arnavaz Dhunjishaw Lam (75), 222/E, 4-B, Rustom Palace, Tardeo Rd, 400007; September 22 Sam Sorabji Master (67), 9, Malcolm Baug, Jogeshwari (W), 400102; September 22 Paterasp Nariman Vazifdar (68), 14, Tarachand Bldg, Khareghat Clny, Hughes Rd, 400007; September 22 Khorshed Shiavax Bhamgara (72), 401, Silver Cascade, Mount Mary Rd, Bandra, 400050; September 23 Tehmurush Sheriarji Daruwala (74), Munsiff Bldg, Captain Clny, Tardeo Rd, 400034; September 23 Behram Vafadar Irani (87), 21, Anil Bhuvan, Jerbai Wadia Rd, Parel, 400012; September 23 Dara Jaf^agdiwala (61), 2, Peace Castle, Dominic Clny, i With Best Wishes from Mr Rosy M. Shroflf, and Mrs Purviz R. Shroflf 51 Parsiana September 1996 M.B.E. T 4^ 4Orlem, Malad (W), 400064; September 23 Jehangir Eruchshaw Palkhivala (82), 604/B, Laxmi Sadan, Dr Ambedkar Rd, Dadar, 400014; September 23 Dhunbai Shapurji Ragi (90), 61, Punita, S. B. Rd, 400005; September 23 Bapsy Rustomji Batliwala (89), 14, Dharbhanga Mans, Carmi ­ chael Rd, 400026; September 24 Roda Keki Dordi (64), R/29, Godrej Baug, Off Nepean Sea Rd, 400026; September 24 Jamshed Cawasji Sanjana (79), Patel Agiary, S. V. Rd, Andheri (W), 400056; September 24 Armaity Sorab Dalal (74), 26A/31, Takshila, Mahakali Rd, Andheri (E), 400069; September 25 Minoo Rustomji Bilimoria (74), H/2, Tarachand Bldg, Captain Clny, Tardeo, 400034; September 26 Noshir Jehangirji Damania (57), 12/11, Rustom Baug, Victoria Rd, Byculla, 400027; September 26 Khorshed Pirojshaw Gadialli (85), Repon Bldg, Balaram St, Grant Rd, 400007; September 26 Banubai Burjorji Jesia (92), 20/7, Panthaki Baug, Sir M. V. Rd, Andheri (E), 400069; September 26 Kensa Dadabhoy Wadia (81), 10, Heera Meher, Wodehouse Rd, Colaba, 400005; September 26 Phiroz Sohrabji Kapadia (86), Ratti-Villa, Motibai St, Tardeo, 400007; September 27 Jamshed Hirjibhoy Bharucha (86), Shanti Kuteer, Marine Drive, 400020; September 28 Perin Kaikhushru Daruwala (54), C/16, Bldg no 2, Saksaria Compd, Gollanji Hill Rd, Parel Tank Rd, 400012; September 28 Pesi Savaksha Olpadwala (76), 15, Wadia Block, Old Khareghat Clny, Hughes Rd, 4(X)007; September 28 Hirabai Jamshedji Sanjana (80), 22/A, Wellington Ter; Wellington St, Dhobitalao, 400002; September 28 , Dina Dinyar Madan (92), 8, Lady Dorab Tata Bldg no 3, S. V. Rd, Bandra, 400050; September 29 Kali Darabsha Nania (63), 5, Rustom Baug, Victoria Rd, Byculla, 400027; September 29 Homi Rustomji Dadina (76), BORN Boys Girls A MARRIED Parsi Intercommunal 3 DIED CONSIGNED Males Females CREMATED Males Females 5 12 46 47 A: Total numbers in this issue B: Running totals for 1996 (February-March 1996-September 1996 issues) Males married out — 9 ¦ Males — 2 * Males — 0 Females married out—8 Females — 2 Females — 2 ¦Males— 2 Females — 2 o Overseas deaths are listed in the consigned column as Parsiana does not have a breakup of those cremated. These figures pertain to information provided to or collected by Parsiana. They do not represent the total number of births, marriages and deaths in the Zoroastrian community in India and abroad. 692, Goolbai Chinoy Home, Dr Dinshaw Master Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; September 30 Jal KaikhusrooHathikhanawala (76), 34, Jhaveri Bldg, Opp Albless Baug, Raja Ram Mohan Roy Rd, 400004; September 30 Jamshed Sorabji Khambata (76), A/26, Nowroz Baug, Lalbaug, 400012; September 30 Alamai Sorabji Panthaki (91), c/o Noshir M. Patel, 16, Dubash Bldg, Gamadia Clny, Tardeo, 400007; September 30 Shavak Pestonji Patel (84), Lyndewoole Hse, B. Petit Rd, 400026; September 30 CALCUTTA BORN A girl, Roshnee, to Farida and Kersoo Indorewalla; May 2 MARRIED Anita Rao and Jessie Kanga; April 13 Jarin Chaudhuri (nee Engineer) and Behram D. Jila; September 16 DIED Goolbai Ruttonshaw Hilloo, TOTALS FOR 1996 Bombay B B A 74 69 6 3 1 130 17A 1 1 351 378 India 4 4- 73 61 4 7 mother of Homai Nariman Gyara, Mehru Kersi Sutaria, Perin Dinsha Munshi and Hilla; September 16 Loujee Katrak, husband of Dolly and father of Zarin; September 19 SURAT DIED Rodaben Fakirji Ichchporia (71), Village Ichapore, Dist Surat, 395003; September 7 Silla Jamshedji Bhrucha (82), I. P. Mission Compd, Muglisara, 395003; September 8 Jalamai Dosabhai Rao (67), Sugam Soc, Adajan Patia Rd, 395003; September 11 Jer Firoze Crowford (83), Nariman Home and Infirmary, Shahpore, 395003; September 12 Minoo Darabsha Khambhata (82), Maihar Apt, Athwa Lines, 395001; September 13 Alanmai Maneksha Anklesaria (71), Vejalpur, Parsiwad, Bharuch, 392001; September 14 Pestanji Firoshaw Darbari (69), Sayed Manzil, Kugi Medan, Gopipura, 395001; September 18 Ketty Ardeshir Bhathna (87), Anand Mangal Apt, Uymno St, 395003; September 87 World B A 4 7 18 21 2 1 10 2* 5 4 44® 32 Darasha Ratansha 'Ghadiyali (66), Mota Parsiwad, Valsad, 396001; September 24 *** 4^ AUSTRALIA New South Wales BORN A boy, Rohahn, to Mahrukh and Raj Mundul', June 25 A girl, J ay den, to Hilla and David Knight, sister to Ranelle; August 9 A girl, Priyanka, to Preeti and Keki Mazrai; September 7 DIED Arnavaz Kerr, wife of Sam and mothe£ of Elizabeth and Naaz; August 20 Hoshang Tantra, husband of Mahrukh and father of Jamshid and Arzan; September 7 CANADA Ontario MARRIED Maneck Akhuna and Jamshed Homiar; April 27 Toronto MARRIED Michelle Engineer, daughter of Roshan and Yezdi and Ron Patel; September 1 Compiled by Roxana A. Driver 52 Parsiana September 1996 I