Dec 1996

f P4?m DECEMBER 1996 Rs 22 i Li it iv Qfi^BE|B|B'u”*^:: .'J¦.••.'¦!4'•V'^7- ' •rf lV The Bapunas of NagpurDecember 1996 Volume 19 Number 5 EDITOR Jehangir R. Patel MANAGING EDITOR Amavaz S. Mama EXECUTIVE EDITOR Parinaz M. Gandhi SENIOR EDITORS Dina K. Mehta, Hilla P. Guzder ASSOCIATE EDITOR Roxana A. Driver DESIGN Kranti M. Shilotri, Jayshree R. Ghosh MARKETING DIRECTOR Veera Patel ADVERTISING MANAGER Zarin Mistry ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES Nibufer Panthaky, Susan Hadvaid FINANCE B. L. Arora EDP Rohinton E. Daroga MANAGEMENT Jasmine Driver DTP Bakhtavar R. Batliwalla, K. P. Ravi SUBSCRIPTION MANAGER Khurshid Panthaki ASSISTANT SUBSCRIPTION MANAGER Swarupa Kamat ASSISTANT PURCHASE MANAGER Bindu Pillai ACCOUNTANT Anagha Korde ASSISTANT ACCOUNTANT Varsha Godbole SENIOR ACCOUNTS ASSISTANT Chetan Halani ACCOUNTS ASSISTANTS Indu Pillai, Satwant Kaur OFFICE ASSISTANTS Umesh Poojary, Setvan Mark, Sunil Sakhare, Govind Salgaonkar, Mahipat Jadhav 2 Readers* Forum 10 Events and Personalities 21 Zoroastrians Abroad: Keki Bhote and Maneck Mehta 24 BomGay. Cast in a different mold by Kamalini Parpia 27 Leaves from an 1896 diary 36 Nagpur ’s Bapunas: In high spirits by Dilnavaz Bhagwagar 40 Hlila Mazda: Bordering the beautiful by Parinaz Gandhi i 44 Books * 48 Ingenious internet by Daleara Jamasji 50 Milestones 55 In Memorlam (for my father) by Hoshang Merchant 56 in Memoriam Cover: Dinshaw Bapuna with sons (from left) Abad, Aspi and Adil Parsiana is published by Jahangir R. Patel for Parsiana Publications Pvt Ltd at C/o H. L. Rochat, K. K. (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. Comarl 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@glasbm01 .vsni.net.in. For subscription enquiries and payments: C/o Kaiser-E-Hind PVt Ltd, 300 PerIn Nariman St (Behind Resen/e Bank of India), Bombay 400001; Phone: 2658619, 2665661. 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 375/US $ 14/UK £ 9; for two years Rs 700/US $ 23/UK £ 15 (please allow six months or more for delivery from the time of publication). Airmail for one year Rs 700/US $ 23/UK £ 15 (for Pakistan, Indian Rs 500); for two years, Rs 1,300/US $43/UK £ 27 (for Pakistan, Indian Rs 950). For Indian tqjcountry cheques add Rs 20 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. i IREADERS' FORUM Readers ’ views are welcome on any subject of interest to the community and should be sent to the Editor, Readers ’ Forum, Parsiana, G.P.O. Box 892, Bombay 400001. Letters are subject to editing for reasons of space and clarity. Unsigned letters or those without an address will not be published. “Honing for excellence” Your article titled “Honing for Excellence This is acutely relevant in the priestly sphere; the overriding requirement for true _____________ spiritual leadership is Asha, which knows (Parsiana, June 1996)” on the Holiday not inconstancy or compromise in matters Programme for Youth (HPY) function was of religious principle. The practice of righ- most encouraging and interesting to read. " ' ’ However, I found Ms Arnavaz S. Mama ’s unnecessary comment — “...lest (Kho- teousness is not taught in the ivory towers of academe and does not automatically accompany degrees in theology and phi- jeste)Mistree ’s lology. Though these do have their own worth, in the sight of Ahura Mazda not all the world ’s university qualifications and scholastic skills can match the merit of a single righteous person. Welcome, Vada Dasturji Nadirshah Unvalla! roni k khan Nasik message fur ­ ther reinforce the trend to ­ wards ghettoi- zation in the community... ” — most crass and unprofes ­ sional. MrKhojeste Mistree has for the last 10 years Mistree: “religious unflinchingly perspective ” given the HPY and other Zoroastrian youth the Zoroas- “Parsis of Hong Kong” In my letter “Parsis of Hong Kong (Read ­ ers ’ Forum, Parsiana, July-August 1996),” I had requested any knowledgeable Parsi to throw light on the fate that would befall the Parsis of Hong Kong when China takes over the colony from the British in 1997. As per the particulars forwarded by the trian religious perspective and mechanism president, the Incorporated Trustees of the to excel in Aeir own secular fields of Zoroastrian Charity Funds of Hong Kong, interest. The HPY religious sessions with ' - - ----- - Mistree have by far been the most dynamic and interactive, judging from the written feedback that is received from the a sense of pride and identity with a solid Kong will continue to flourish, maintain ­ ing its present prosperity and stability. 1 • f J? much in China ’s interest to Hie elevation OI... ensure that the promised ‘one country two With reference to “The elevation of system ’ concept is allowed to develop and Nadirshah Unvalla (Parsiana, July-Au- be successfully implemented in Hong Kong, gust 1996),” it is relevant to recall the eternal message of Yenghe Ha- tam, one of our three most sac ­ red manthras (free English rendering by Dr Irach Tarapore- wala); “Those men and women both do we adore,/whose every act of worship is alive Unvalla: “righteous ” with Asha (rig ­ hteousness), the eternal law of life;/Who are in sight of Mazda Ahura/as best and noblest mortals recognized;/These are the truest leaders of mankind. ” Canton and Macao, Mr Jal S. Shroff; “No one can accurately predict the fu­ ture but based on the evidence available to us at present, I am pleased to say that the youth, as it offers them for the first time local Zoroastrian community is confident that after the change of sovereignty, Hong religious knowledge base at a very critical age in their young lives. How this know ­ ledge and encouragement can lead to “ghet ­ toization ” is completely unfathomable. The comment, unnecessary as it is, is in very poor taste and does not behove well for an objective journalist ’s standards of ‘excellence ’ or professionalism. Ms M. H. COOPER Dubai * 2 Parsiana December 1996 “Our community has been in Hong Kong and China for many generations contribut ­ ing in a small way to the success of the region and God willing we will be here for many generations to come. ” Mr Shroffwas also good enough to send The trend towards ghettoization among a copy of the historical outline of the above Bombay Zoroastrians has been noted and Trust, its activities and its people. It makes interesting reading. We find that at least three roads are named after the Parsis — Disney Road, Kotewall Road and Mody Road, the last named after the outstanding philanthropist and a true Hong Konger, Sir Hormusjee Nowrojee Mody, one of the founders of the Hong Kong University and him could accomplish for his youth audi- the Kowloon Cricket Club. A Parsi cem ­ etery in Macao is located on “Estradia Dos Parses ” or “Parsee Road. ” Readers interested in the historical out ­ line may contact me on telephone no. 3087606. BHIKHAJI M. ADENWALLA Arnavaz Mama replies commented upon by community leaders at various fora and programs. Even as Ms Cooper refers to Mr Mis­ tree ’s “dynamic and interactive ” religious sessions at the HPY and the feedback of “a sense of pride and identity, ” we feel that there is much that a persuasive speaker like ence by helping them place their Parsi Zoroastrian heritage within the larger fra ­ mework of India and the world. It was not our intention to make any dis­ paraging remarks but to point out the shift in emphasis between the two speakers.Whither, Parsiana'i I am inclined to agree with Mr N. S. Mobedji of Indore (“Whither, ParsianaT' Readers ’ Forum, Parsiana, September 1996) on almost all counts. Newswise, much of the contents be ­ comes outdated due to its late arrival at our doorstep. Also, the magazine would do well to inject a lively serial or two on the- mes/subjects which are relevant and also insteadof losing readers — and their inter- which, given sufficient time and coverage, could be eagerly looked forward to by its readership. The serial I have in mind could be based on Firdausi Tusi’s Shah Nameh, related in Spread true knowledge lively prose form, so that Parsiana read- ' - - - ers, both young and old, would come to _ __________________ ___________ know about our community ’s ancestors of many wrong beliefs and narrow-minded quite a while, who lived in ancient Iran (Persia). The =¦* serial would go a long way in not only re ­ vealing our antecedents but also make the community proud, especially the youth, after they had professed Christianity for about belonging to a race that has outlived most other civilizations over the ages, and Alternatively, Parsiana could print the safe return of our men who as missionaries serial, under its masthead, as a separate leaflet or folder or even booklet, depend ­ ing upon the length of each episode. Per ­ haps a small, extra, nominal charge could be fixed for this approach as it entails prin ­ ting a separate publication as such. May I invite your other readers to air their views on this suggestion? Who knows, est inParsiana — you may stand to gain by winning over more readers! ADI F. MERCHANT We are happy to find that over the years Parsiana has helped to rid the community ideas. The latest example of this is Dastur Hormazdyar Mirza ’s acceptance of Neville Wadia and his son in the Zoroastrian fold have gone to distant lands to spread the great truths of religion about the creation, the Creator, man ’s place in the creation and his duty to live in accordance with God ’s will and the laws of Nature. Let us hope that Zoroastrians who are now migrating to fbreign countries will be helping to spread the divine truth. God sends his prophets, philosophers, scientists and artists to spread true knowl ­ edge and also to purify old knowledge when it gets corrupted. d . r. ediram Religion renamed For over a year I have enjoyed reading Parsiana and hope to continue to do so for One thing bothers me — the consistent use of the terms Zoroastrian and Zoroastri ­ anism. Both these terms derive from Zoro ­ aster, which is the Greek corruption of the name Zarathushtra. The derivations from Zarathushtra are Zarathushti (follower of several years. Our prayers, specially the Gathas, and Yashts such as thcHaptan Yasht, definitely Zarathushtra) and Zarathushti din (religion ....... I in the which is still going great guns! ________ _ _ _ _____ The only drawback as I see it for such a demand the members of our community to of Zarathushtra). As mentioned serial is the very vehicle it is expected to be spread the true knowledge of God among FEZANA Jouit^I of Winter 1996- earned in. Parsiana must make it a point to men. The Haptan Yasht tells us, “If you “Dastur Khurshed S. Dabu in his book Zarathushtra and His Teachings mentions that the three syllables of tjie name meant pray for the Zara: golden, thush: shining, and stra'. serial is the very vehicle it is expected to be spread the true knowledge of God among bring out the issues every month so that the foregoing episode(s) could be recalled eas ­ ily by readers. men. The Haptan Yasht tells us, “If you know something that is good and true, teach it also to others. ” Also the same Yasht further states that we * Best Wishes on Jamshedi Navroze from M/s RUSSI S. KHAMBATTA Sebi-Regd. B.S.E. Share and Stock Brokers Serving our Parsi and Indian community for the last 70 years All your investments in shares and stocks will be performed with great care 10, Homiman Circle, Botawalla Building, Ground floor. Fort, Mumbai 400001, India Telephone Nos : 265-9762/63, 266-4287/0767 Fax No : 265-4652 Telephone Nos : 265-9762/63, 266-4287/0767 4 Parsiana December 1996Star. The Greeks dropped the middle syl ­ lable and translated it to ‘Zoroaster. ’ “The Persian religious books were taken by Alexander of Macedonia during his conquest of Persia around 330 BC and later given to the Greeks. The Greek writings influenced the West... ” The FEZANA Journal has already adopted Zarathushti and Zarathushti din as needs of harmonizing our faith to the chang- standard nomenclature for some time now. It was also endorsed by the Gatha confer ­ ence, at which Dastur Firoze Kotwal and Ervad Rooyintan Peer of Bombay were orthodoxy and liberalism. The exodus of from coming together to work out population continues due west or south. A total demographic extinction is clearly written on the wall, but who cares? The universe is rapidly changing all around us at a vastly accelerated rate; but we, the Rip van Winkles, heirs to an ancient and noble tradition, continue to be oblivious to the _ _ a proper solution. Our traditional and respected, though limited (trust fund managing) leadership is ing milieu. The Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) is interested in housing a diminishing present. May I persuade you to adopt these barring some good educational work for standard terms in your magazine also? I grew up in Bombay and Parsis always used Zarathushti and Zarathushti din when they spoke in Gujarati but switched to the rectly educating the community in under- other terms when they spoke or wrote in standing religion. The knowledge, skill or English, under the mistaken notion that more population than in our ultimate survival the youth. Our priesthood is more inter ­ ested in scriptural translations, doctoral theses and performing rituals than in di- other terms when they spoke or wrote in standing religion. The knowledge, skill - --------------------- -------I use of techniques of community organiza- those were the English translations. tion and development is lacking or ig­ nored, except by the academe. Each indi ­ vidual believes that he/she has the right solution and that all opposing views are wrong. The right of ‘choice ’ inherited by us in a different context, is contemporarily playing havoc with our unity and survival. JAMSHED R. UDVADIA Lansing, USA Readers ’ views are welcome — Editor p,, , I . 11 us in a different context, is contemporarily (jlooal umbrella playing havoc with our unity and survival. The global Zoroastrian community lacks Strong egos, power politics and vested I interests are inhibiting the global diaspora unity and leadership. We are split between vested in the BPP. If the BPP has to assume this vastly enhanced responsibility, then it will need to restructure itself as a fully democratic elected body, change its con ­ stitution and objectives as well as its geo ­ graphic scope (global), induct competent men/women in the fields of community organization and social development, en ­ sure priestly support and invite the Zoroas ­ trian diaspora around the world to join the new structure. It could start on an experi ­ mental basis for a limited period of time and continue upon evaluating the results. Failing that, a new global democrati ­ cally elected body will need to be consti ­ tuted by a select, capable leadership acting as the founding directors, leaving the BPP to continue in its trust affairs but extending financial support to this new global body. Elected or nominated representatives would be invited to its membership from all over the world, wherever a stable, substantive community Exists and has formed into a local association. This must include Ira ­ nian Zoroastrian associations too. MATCH YOUR AMBITION TO A CAREER To do so we offer you; ? Diploma Course in Business Management (Postal) (IMC) Executive Secretarial Course Private Secretarial Course ? Personal Assistants ’ Programme (Working Stenographers) ? Shorthand/Typewriting/Electronic Typewriting o Telephone Operating & Receptionist Techniques English Conversation & Writing Skills Personality Development and Computer Packages Enquire at: Sir J. J. College of Commerce 14, Nanabhoy Lane, Hutatma Chowk Mumbai 400001 Tel; 2871058/2844329 Fax: 2871185 * 6 Parsiana December 1996r This Federation of Global Zoroastrian Associations would assume the responsi ­ bility of leading the world Zoroastrian community into the next century and mil ­ lennium, as a strong, well identified body, with a clear vision of the demands of a changing universe, so as to be in harmony with it. It would not be bogged down by blipd traditionalism and media pressures, but retain our Gathic core essence and spirit to a point and yet be flexible enough to reorient itself to the changing universal demands. This will be a very informal bbdy, open to all views, by presence or proxy. No restrictions on opting in or lut ­ ing out at any time. No compulsion to accept majority decisions, but the ability to modify them or reject them. The whole purpose is just to keep coming together un ­ der a global umbrella and sound out views on various burning topics (which currently i '¦ " creating acrimony), so as to find out ways 7. » j-; SilA * » « • « 1SS, 4 ¦“" .. i' « • 5 * "f i ‘ 7 ' H if* and think about appropriate readjust- Ahmednagar’s falantin Dar E Meher - , ment, reform and renaissance of the Good in the absence of such an organization is Religion, f ¦ ¦ - and means of harmonizing them. It could be financed by all participating members and certainly in a big way by the BPP. It could deal with ways and means of (or directly to the undersigned at 2085 reversing our dwindling demography and Islington Avenue, Apartt. 1003, Weston, harmonizing the geographically shifting Ontario M9P3RI Canada) the writer would population pressures by transferring the be only too happy to elaborate on its de- pnest class and community institutions to tails, step by step, in consultation with best utilized. We have about 30 years within which to shape up this idea, estab ­ lish the forum and get in control of our destiny. Else we will be lost in the limbo of history. Failing such action, associations and __ ______ ___ _________ wi- federations around the world may tend ebrating its 140th anniversary in 1997 with „ ... , . „ . . number of programs. On this occasion it is also collecting archival material in order ______________ to document its history and development valshah Karkari^ whJhXildngle^teuSX over the last 140 years. ------- .... . ¦>' Readers in possession of any publica ­ tion (like dictionaries, Bombay Law Re­ reversing our dwindling demography and Islington Avenue, Apartt. 1003, Weston, population pressures by transferring the be only too happy to elaborate on i'tZde- where they are • most needed and can be like-minded individuals around the world who may wish to serve the community. HOMIB. MINOCHER HOM JI Toronto, Canada Union Press mementos? The well-known Union Press will be cel- be considered in case of valuable archival material. r.p. chinoy Proprietor, Union Press If the suggestions made here are deemed valid by the readers, they may come up with criticisms and suggestions for further improvement. If so expressed in the media Ahmednacar’s anneal (o r airf.pt1v In tkn J HAoc rp. ™ ® . "KF**** ine Zoroastnans of Ahmednagar are cel ­ ebrating the f50th anniversary of our atash- e-adaran saheb housed in thePalantin Dar E Meher on Ava mah, Ada- ro/ 1366 YZ i.e. Friday, March 28, On this auspicious occasion we hope to collect Rs 10 lakhs from kind donors all* over the world for the following purposes: •To renovate our agiary, dharamshala and mobed quarters situated in the same com ­ plex and in need of urgent repair. •To build up a corpus to meet our expenses for these buildings, electricity, kathi, etc. Above all we would like to employ an assistant for our panthaky saheb Ervad Na- independently to work a way out of this mess as best suited to their individual local environment, pressures and politics. May ­ be, such a movement is already under way. Once this global body is formed and our continuity ensured, it will be time to assess ______________ ______ the universal changes that are taking place ports, magazines , etc) brought out by Union ‘ ¦ .. ¦ lieaiii • Press between fmi . 1857 and 1920 1 may kindly for- . I ward the same to f; Mr Rohinton Chi- ‘ -p noy at Zoroastri ­ an Association I, Building, 13,Ho- h ’*' mji Street, Hor- niman Circle, Fo ­ rt, Bombay 400- 001. Suitable co- __ mpensation will Ahmednagar 414001. President, Ahmednagar Paisi Anjuman Trust •¦K., ! I * Union * OFFSEI t LET lERPRESS PRINTERS (,‘cALENOAR MAMWACTURERS ‘SSi . Vt* nion ^SJ! I If managed the hoi ceremonies for 11 long years. •We need to repair-the walls of our Tower of Silence and bungli there. •We also need to fence 16 acres of prime land which is under threat of encroach ­ ment. As of today we have no money even 8 Parsiana December 1996 * < :i!fcs/. -., '¦¦' I h. . *' Union Press com­ pletes J 40 years to employ a proper security guard. Our total strength is only 97, but we are committed to maintaining our properties and our heritage. Therefore we appeal to our fellow Zoroastrians to contribute gen ­ erously to our Anjuman. Cheques/demand drafts in the name of “Ahmednagar Parsi Anjuman Trust ” should be forwarded to Parsi Agiary , Davare Lane, C. J. DAMANIA Edited by Parinaz GandhiEvents and Personalities New Gallery in old Hall nizable, ” noted N. Vijayalakshmi in The After innumerable postponements the Afternoon Despatch and Courier of Janu- Bombay branch of the National Gallery of ary 10, 1996. Rated as a heritage stite, the Modem Art was finally inaugurated at the refurbished premises of the city ’s Sir Cowasji Jehangir (C. J.) Hall on December gallery has been a real challenge, ” admit- 23, 1996 at the hands of S. R. Bommai, union minister for human resource deve­ lopment. “This new gallery will be a center of attraction for lovers and learners of art, ” he said referring to the city ’s willingness to encourage and nourish art and culture, and the Parsi community ’s contribution to the development of Bombay. “The Govern ­ ment of India is prepared to do all it can, even spend more (it had reportedly in ­ curred Rs 3.3 crores, according to The Times of India of March 3, 1996), to make this an institution of national and interna ­ tional importance, ” he was quoted in The Times of December 24. Sponsored by TimesBank, the inaugu ­ ral show of 200 paintings entitled The Modems, featured the works of the Pro ­ gressive Artists ’ Group and Associates Newly renovated Sir and included names like S. H. Raza, F. N. Souza, M. F. Husain, H. A. Gade, S. G. Bakre and the late K. H. Ara. The collec ­ tion was spread over the building ’s five floors spiralling up at split lev- els. According to curator Yasho- dhara Dalmia, the largest group of paintings on display at (Jie show was from the Jehangir Nicholson collection. The new Gallery has a corpus of 1,400 works that have been transferred from its New Delhi counter ­ part, states a report inT/ze Times of December 22. “If you view the C. J. Hall (strategically located opposite the Prince of Wales Museum) from outside, you would think that nothing has been done. But take a look inside, it is unrecog- 10 Parsiana December 1996 square feet of exhibition area, ” acknow ­ ledges Gunvanthi Balaram in The Times of March 3. There is also a mini auditorium for audiovisual presentations and semi- architects were not permitted to touch the exterior stone structure. “Creating this nars with a seating capacity of 120 and provision for a bookshop and cafe. “The museum will be a boon to Bombay, ” said senior artist Jehangir Sabavala, grandson of Sir Cowasji Jehangir, admitting to The Afternoon' s correspon ­ dent N. Vijayalakshmi, “To turn around a structure wf^ch no longer fitted the mod ­ ern requirements was nothing short of an engineer- , ing feat. ” The old-fash- i o n e d ted architect Romi Khosla who emerged the winner in the late ’80s when a compe ­ tition for its design was held. The project finally took off his drawing board in mid- 1994 after overcoming all the bureaucratic hurdles. “I was not interested in freezing the old-world look, ” maintains Khosla, “I have made certain deliberate interventions in order to create an honest contrast and a totally new ambience. ” The interiors are now supposed to be reminiscent of New York ’s Guggenheim Gallery because of its cylindrical frame and split level gallery spaces. “In a clev ­ erly adaptive re-use of his ­ toric space, the architect has now created 20,000 Cowasji Jehangir Hall Photo: Vishwanath Salian, The Afternoon Despatch and Courier * 1 f * « S’ J*""'Sabavala, “We can finally look forward to some good exhibitions of modern art from demographic figures he urged the audi- the rest of the country and indeed from all over the world. ” ence to be proud of their Zoroastrian iden ­ tity. The Mock Parliament session put to ­ gether by Ms Khushnoor Chugh and Ms Parveen Cassad saw youngsters in the age- group of 10-13 enacting the roles of the speaker, finance minister, defence minis ­ ter and other veterans, debating national issues with much flair. The two hours of TV viewing on the ‘Bawa ’ channel was conceived by Ms domed Hall designed by the renowned theless, as expressed an optimistic speaker Noshir Dadrawala in his address George Wittet in 1911 and built at a cost of Sabavala, “We can finally look forward to on the occasion. Citing the community ’s four lakh rupees by cotton merchant Sir Cowasji Jehangir was gifted to the city as there was need for a public hall then “for public meetings of consequence and con ­ certs of importance. ” World famous vio- Festivities in Nagpur linist Yehudi Menuhin is known to have A Mock Parliament, TV’s channel ‘B’ (the performed here; for a while it became the ‘Bawa ’ channel), cooking, art and fancy home of the Bombay Symphony Orchestra dress contests, quiz, games, music, food, led by Mehli Mehta. The decline set in when the Hall could not compete with the airconditioned sound-proof new auditoria that were built. It then came to be used as a boxing ring, for fetes and bargain sales. When the idea of a modern art gallery was mooted the descendants of Sir Cowasji Dilnavaz Bhagwagar reporting on the vari- Jehangir had to be consulted because as ous functions organized from October 6- per the original agreement any change of 10, 1996 under the auspices of the Nagpur (a takeoff on The Bold and The Beautiful). discourse and a jashan, of course, marked the five-day rejoicing to celebrate the 101 st anniversary of the recently renovated Bai Hirabai Mulla Dar-e-Meher in Nagpur. “The salgirah celebrations had something Nargis Desai and Ms Havovi Govadia. It of interest for everyone, ” writes Ms featured Parsi news and vi6ws, aerobics, ±e Parsi Top Ten set to Gujarati lyrics and dances, a soap ti1 1 ed dus ane Khuhsurat » *-* t-/ J “ ' - ---------------------------------------yw, X I i-f user required the sanction of the Jehangir Parsi Gymkhana when president Shiraz advertisement spots marketing products and services of Nagpur Parsi business houses and even an ingenious fashion show with models draped in Parsi attire! The cooking competition included section for men which was keenly tested, states Bhagwagar. The Forum Of Parsi Zarthosti Anjuman, was conferred Young Zoroastrians held a quiz when — * '¦**'*^* TTXZAX VilV 111 M.i CtZ^l_ZCXll Hormusji Railing Trophy for being the best informed Parsi youth. Besides family. “The museum had to weather the vagaries of bureaucratic lethargy and ar ­ tistic fastidiousness before it could finally tintingly of their time, talent and money. ” take off, ” reported The Times of March 3. - - While it is agreed that the National Gallery of Modern Art will spend one lakh president of the Shri Nagpur and Kamptee rupees every month on the maintenance of this Bombay branch, a keeper has yet to be found to look into the day-to-day adminis ­ tration and maintenance of the paintings, states The Times of December 22. Never- Gimi, secretary Ms Mehru Watchmaker, Rusi Godha and several others “gave uns- For his outstanding contribution to the Parsi community, Dinshaw Bapuna, the a con- 12 Parsiana December 1996 the honorary life membership of the Aftab Pithawalla won the Marazban Gymkhana, mentions Bhagwagar. Hormusji Railing Trophy for being the Inculcate the values of truthfulness, best informed Parsi youth. Besides aca- righteousness and charity, stressed guest demic excellence, the Apjuman also rec ­ ognizes adventure sports. Fe­ licitations were accorded to 4* Ms Parinaz Buxy for state level * excellence in fencing, Ms Aban and Abeeza Bhamgara for trekking in the Himalayas, five-year-old Ms Peenaz Mavalwalla for climbing the Bhivgarh hill, Homiar Godha for his participation in a mo ­ torbike rally and Ms Gulrukh and Shiraz Mehta for winning a scooter treasure hunt, writes Bhagwagar. Khabardar’s works Well-known poet Kavi Ardeshir Faramji Khabardar Participating in the Nagpur celebrations Top row (from left): Thrity Patel, Keki Bala, Bapuna, Parizad Daver, Bommy Vazifdar and Rushad Patel; Gimi and Shernaz Daver with her trophy Bottom row (from left): Tauby Bhagwagar and Yasmin Rao modelling saris while men are engaged in the cooking competitions* .rj •V !¦ t .45? \ - 1 If .. F .'¦'i hi Cl I \ I' At the release of Master ’s book in Madras (from left) Mogrelia, Patel and Mistry ber 1996. As notes the introduction to Indian Poetry, “Our aim is to make the section useful at a variety of levels: to an international audience keen to be made wrote his magnum opus Darshanika while familiar with the work of Indian poets, to he was a resident of Madras. He was finally people who would like an introduction to laid to rest at the aramgah there. It was only poetry in India, to students of literature and fitting therefore that Kavi Khabardarna GaJ/iya/eA:/zo, a collection of Khabardar ’s prose articles, compiled and published by Monday, August 19, 1996 Khosravi ’s po- Prof Dharmendra Master, were released under the auspices of the Madras Parsi Zarthosti Anjuman. At the function held at the Phiroj Clubwala Memorial Hall on October 26, 1996, Anjuman president Nariman Mogrelia mentioned how he had been in ­ fluenced by the never-say-die philosophy of this poet who was supposed to be a favorite of Mahatma Gandhi. Chief guest P. S. Patel, president of the Tamilnadu Gujarat Samaj, while expressing concern that Khabardar ’s works, simple yet rich in content, had not been given the recogni- Beauty, The Wound. A lawyer by profes ­ tion they deserved, generously donated towards Master ’s research efforts, men ­ tions the press release sent by the Anjuman. Relentlessly pursuing his goal of col- Brown Critique Journal of Indian Writing lecting and publishing Khabardar ’s works, in English, notes a brief write-up on the Master ’s dedication was acclaimed by the poet. Besides fluency in French and Per- secretary of the Madras Parsi Association, Ms Zarin Mistry in her vote of thanks. The function ended with a delicious Gujarati style dinner catered by Kersi and Khorshed Khosravi graduated in physics and chem- Amrolia, adds the write-up. istry from St Xavier ’s College before join ­ ing the Government Law College for a law A poem a day degree. He had represented his college and In its new section dedicated to Indian the Bombay University at weight lifting poetry, India World featured works championships, we are informed. of two Zoroastrian poets, Rashid Khosravi and Jimmy Avasia in August and Septem- to poetry lovers. ” For the six days of the week beginning ems were featured — The River, IVave- Work, Morning Gold, Snow-Skin, Branch- Khosravi (left) and Avasia sion with a penchant for poetry, 52-year- old Khosravi ’s poems have been published in The P.E.N. India journal, Poesis and the sian, Khosravi holds a certificate in Span ­ ish and can read Russian and German. After his schooling from St Mary ’s, In The Wound, Khosravi says: If his wound can speak. it won ’t blame the road, nor the man at the wheel it would blame his ego. If her wound can complain it won ’t speak of the pain. It would feel the defeat of a woman, the emptiness of her womb. The wounds are saved as scars or in myths wrapped carefully in the soul ’s sheath. Avasia ’s six poems were carried in the week beginning September 2. Taken from his collection The Man In Dark Glasses, the ones chosen for India World were A Future is Assured, Mana, Grandad Was, Atlas Divided, Confessional, To Wife (For S., Naturally). Avasia ’s works have found a place in Imprint magazine. Debonair, Kavi India, Bequest, Poems of the Emer­ gency, the Junior Statesman and “a few other places he ’d rather not talk about such as the wall of the ladies toilet on the Andheri East railway station. Err, that ’s a joke, ” mentions the introduction to the poet. A counsel by profession, Avasia had studied at St Xavier ’s Boys ’ Academy and St Xavier ’s College where he majored in English liteAture and psychology before studying law at the Government Law Col ­ lege. In A Future is Assured, 42-year-old Avasia writes: A future will come with its trimmings, A wife and child thrown in, A respectable job. I will believe in god. Mellow with age. Life will find me threads to patch it And I will dismiss old scores. Bury the hatchet, swallow my rage. I’ll meet my maker, bored As if I were a sage. The future is assured. 4' * Spirit of success Sikkim Distilleries Limited is the first Indian distillery to receive the Golden Europe Award for Quality, according to a press release. The managing director Marzban Parekh received the award along with a gold badge to commemorate the 10th year of the presentation of the awards at a ceremony in Paris on October 28, 1996. This is Sikkim Distilleries ’ third inter ­ national award, the other two being gold medals won at Madrid, Spain in ’84 and ’85 for “Quality and Excellence of Prod ­ ucts. ” The company ’s other achievements include the Niryat Rattan Award and the National Trade Excellence Award, states the release. 14 Parsiana December 1996cies of butterflies, states the company ’s brochure. This once isolated area has been transformed with the advent of modern boiler and distillation plants, elevators. Contractor came from a family who had been in the liquor business for seven gen- received many awards, including the Rajiv erations. After his double graduation from Gandhi Excellence. Award, the Udyog Rattan Award and the Arch of Asia Award at Bangkok, indicates the brochure. The senior management cadre has many Zoro ­ astrians, some of whom have been with the In addition to its range of “fine whis- cies of butterflies, states the company ’s succeeded as managing director by Sam E. kies, robust rums, mature brandies, gentle brochure. This once isolated area has been Mehta, followed in 1983 by Dadi Contrac- gins and luxurious liqueurs, ” as notes the transformed with the advent of modern tor. The present incumbent, Parekh, took brochure, Sikkim Distilleries also manu- boiler and distillation plants, elevators, over in 1989 as the distillery ’s “youngest factures for the local population country computers and STAR TV, informs the managing director at the age of 39.” An liquor in pouches packed by fully auto- write-up. engineering graduate from the Indian In ­ mated French designed form-fill and seal Contractor came from a family who had stitute of Technology Bombay, Parekh has machines. Their products have been “well- received in Australasia and the United Arab Emirates ” while their Paan Liqueur Bombay ’s Sydenham College, he set up has become “the only Indian alcoholic his first distillery in Ratnagiri in 1937 with beverage accepted for commercial sale in government assistance followed by two the USA,” according to information pro- more in Panchamahals district, notes the vided by the company. There is also a brochure. By 1940 he had a couple more, distillery for over two decades, small but prosperous aromatics division, in Ghodasar (then Ahmedabad State) and making after-shave lotion, perfumes and Sudasana near Mount Abu. Disaster struck eau de cologne. Set in a sprawling 16-acre complex in Rangpo in the eastern Himalayas, Sikkim policy. Undaunted, he moved to Assam Distilleries was established in 1954 by the and built a plywood factory and sawmill, late Jimmy R. Contractor with a 48 percent only to be destroyed by a devastating earth ­ share of the state goverment, informs the quake. He rebuilt them two years later — write-up. At that time, Sikkim was a re ­ mote mountain kingdom better known for its sylvan solitude than for its climate of spirit, states the write-up, but Contractor Tourism 3W3rdS business enterprise. In addition to Mount persevered, establishing Sikkim Distiller- Kanchenjunga (the third highest mountain in the world at 8,534 m, revered by the Sikkimese as their “protective deity, ”) it boasted 600 varieties of orchids, 550 spe­ cies and sub-species of birds and 600 spe- In keeping with the ideals'of the founder who believed that “it is in giving that you receive, ” the workers and their families are well looked after. They receive free hous ­ ing, medical care is provided (to the extent of denture and spectacle costs being subsi ­ dized), their children have the benefit of school bus facilities, uniforms and woollens, to be washed away in a flood. That might scholarships, etc as notes the brochure, have been enough to break any man ’s in 1946 when he lost his distilleries in “one sudden sweep” due to the prohibition Its pivotal role in the development and ies at the invitation of the then Chogyal of promotion of inbound and outbound tour- Sikkim. He nurtured the company as its ism in India*has been fetching Travel managing director till 1977, guiding it Corporation (India) Limited (TCI) acco- thereafter as “director, friend, philosopher and guide” till his death in 1988. He was '*** Parekh (left) receiving the Golden Europe Award for Quality Below: Contractor and the array of Sikkim Distilleries ’ products lades from varied sources. In end October TCI was conferred the Government of India Tourism Award for maximum for- eign exchange earnings in Category I for A the year 1995-96, according to a press release. Two months earlier, TCI director Adi Katgara was presented the Hall of Fame Award instituted by the Indian Asso ­ ciation of Tour Operators in recognition of outstanding achievements by leaders in the tourism industry. At the recent Travel Agents Association of India ’s annual con ­ vention, the Indian Airlines Trophy for excellence in publicity promotion was once again bagged by TCI, mentions the re ­ lease. Reputed to be India ’s premier tour and travel organization with 27 offices in In ­ dia, 10 sales offices overseas and a staff of 1,200, TCI organizes both leisure and busi ­ ness travel. For pioneering tourism to Sikkim, Bhutan, Ladakh, the Lakshadweep and Andaman Islands, developing cruises in the Indian Ocean, introducing tourist air charters and incentive tourism in India, the credit should go to Katgara, states the TCI I handout. Involved with this industry for I the last 50 years, Katgara ’s expertise is I sought by various national and interna- I tional associations. For the last 10 years he has been officiating as chairman of the Tourism Council, Travel Agents Associa ­ tion of India, and also enjoys the distinc- n. ¦ .1* 16 Parsiana December 1996 1 L'tion of being the only Asian to be elected chairman of the international division of the American Society of Travel Agents and the only Indian to win two awards — Pio ­ neer of the Pacific and Award of Merit — from the Pacific Asia Travel Association. r‘ ( ' J k Vi I Adi Katgara (extreme I left) being presented I the Hall of Fame I Award I Jehangir Katgara I (extreme right) I receiving the ’ Government of India I Tourism Award a* .17 Iw named one of the five select cricketers in 1943 by CRICKIN I A, the Indian cricketers ’ annual publication from Lahore, and again in 1957-58 by thelndian Cricket Almanac published in Madras, had played the Ranji Trophy matches and also states his bio data, against foreign visiting teams. He was to be feli­ citated by the HCA for his “65 parted to the innumerable fledglings who years of devoted and in Travel writer award In 1995-96, the first time the Department of Tourism instituted a natiohal tourism award for the ‘travel writer ’ category, it was bagged by Ms Jeroo Irani, managing editor of Voyage, a periodical keeping the readers abreast of development in the travel and tourism industry. Her article, “On the tail of the Tiger, ” carried in the October ally even coaching the youngsters from the 1995 issue of Voyage “takes the writer on a wild life safari and in the process the author stumbles onto one of the most beau ­ tiful sanctuaries in the country, ” Bandhavgarh, as mentions the 1995-96 brochure featuring the winners of the awards of excellence. “It is... only appropriate that the diver ­ sity of the constituents of the tourism prod ­ uct are regognized for their services, ” writes Ashok Pahwa, director general (tourism), commending the efforts of all those who Pentangulars and Nagpur Quadrangulars have made Indian tourism “more tourism he had represented the Parsis. Aibara was friendly. ” Involved in travel journalism for over two decades, Irani started her career as a journalist with Parsiana. During her long (left) felicitating association with Parsiana Publications Aspandiar Nalladaru with a Private Limited, publishers of Parsiana shawl and a garland on the occa- and Voyage, she has handled various re- sion ofthe BanajiAtash Behram’s sponsibilities and assignments, including 152nd anniversary on November a stint as managing editor of the Diners Club magazine Signature when it was being published by Parsiana Publications. sincere Travel writer awardee efforts as notes Jeroo Irani the communi ­ cation from HCA The training that he received at the hands of Bill Hitch Qf England, Frank Tarrant and L. P. O’Brien of Australia, Prince Duleepsinghji and others, he im- came to him in the course of the different coaching camps that he conducted. When affiliated to the Board of Control for Cricket in India, the National Institute of Sports in Patiala and tHfe Motilal Nehru School of vice-president G. P. Surana lauding him Sports, he had occasion to monitor the progress of aspirants like Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, the Amarnath Brothers, Shivlal Yadav... who went on to win fame for for being active at this age and occasion- twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. Although he had played against teams themselves and their nation, from Australia, England, Pakistan and West Indies, often as captain of his team, “it is the view of the old and experienced crick ­ eters that he was most unfortunate not to have played for India, ’’ writes Surana. “He played glorious cricket for decades, unfor ­ tunately before the game became a money spinner for the cricketers, ’’ mentions his associate, Ms Dinoo Parakh. In the Bombay To assist Aibara in his old age, a fund has been started to which donations are invited. The HCA “sincerely appeals to the sports lovers and sports institutions to contribute generously as he richly deserves it, ” reiterates Surana. Cheques or drafts may be sent in the name of E. B. Aibara at Parsi Agiari Compound, 125 Mahatma Gandhi Road, Secundera ­ bad 500003. Compiled by Parinaz Gandhi * Dastur Kaikhusroo JamaspAsa Ervad r* 6, 1996. During his 50 years of H service at the Banaji Atash P Behram, Nalladaru is known to ’ have peiformed innumerable boi * and pav mahal ceremonies and been instrumental in arranging Concern for the coach To 82-year-old Eddie Aibara goes the credit of being the only Indian cricketer to play congregational prayers and lec- first class cricket for 25 years continuously lures at that fire-temple every (from 1934-58) for the Hyderabad Cricket Monday evening, mentions a Association (HCA) during which time he press release 18 Parsiana December 1996? T ZOROASTRIANS ABROAD “What kind of legacy will we leave behind? 55 An early Zoroastrian settler in North America. Keki Bhote surveys the changing scene Arnavaz S. Mama It was a fleeting interview. Keki Bhote, former president of the Zoroastrian Asso ­ ciation of Metropolitan Chicago (ZAC) FEZANA (Federation of Zoroastrian Asso- and founder member of the erstwhile Zo ­ roastrian Association of America (ZAA) had only 25 minutes to spare before rush ­ ing off to a meeting at Bombay House. The man who retired in 1992 as Bhote were worried about the permanence 60 years, North America will probably be Motorola ’s senior corporate consultant for of the Zoroastrian presence there. “The the center of gra\^y of the Zoroastrian quality and production worldwide had been new generation, born in North America religion. ”By then he expects that they will among the earliest wave of technically may not necessarily perpetuate the reli- have left behind “the irrelevant confrover- qualified Zoroastrians to settle in the US. gion, ” Bhote had felt at the time, expecting sies that detract from the beauty and theo- “There were very very few Parsis in Chi- " cago then and most of them were bach ­ elors, ” he recalls. The tendency was to congregate in the Bhote household where Keki and his wife Mehroo provided a Zoroastrian nucleus. As Bhote tells it, by 1964 the 30 odd Zoroasfrians in the Chicago area began to feel that they “needed something more formal, some organization to perpetuate ” the community ’s presence. Wanting iso ­ lated individuals in the heart of the conti ­ nent to “also belon'g, ” they formed the Zoroastrian Association of America in ____ ____ 1965. During its five-year existence their Bhote: reasonable formulae estimates, membership rose to 250 persons. They published a North American newsletter, happy at the “renaissance of study of the started to study their religion in organized theology of religion. We feel we are doing galwalla and Prof Octor Skaervoj among groups, used the Association as a conduit for small-scale charity work and tried to religion, than the Parsis of India. ” Ac- publicize their religion to the host commu ­ nity. Bhote described the membership as comprising “the highest' percentage of versies which detract from the purity and PhDs in any organization, anywhere in the beauty of the religion, ” Bhote is nonethe- USA — well informed! well coordinated... The big wave of immigrants came later. ” They had their share of detractors, says ful religion, the most applicable to modem Bhote, but not before the Association had man — a religion that anybody can prac- had a catalytic action among North tise. ” Without getting into the topic of about conversion or non-Zoroastrian American Zoroastrians. It was, he says, conversion per se, Bhote ’s definition of a instrumental in the creation of UZANA Zoroastrian is “one who practises the prin- (United Zoroastrian Association of North ciples of Zarathushtra, leads the kind of America) which eventually evolved into life He taught. ” Optimistic about a definite revival, Bhote says the North American youth is “taking up the torch. It ’s my feeling, ” he says, “that if and when the population in ciations of North America). At one time, about 20 years ago, when there may have been about 1,000 Zoroas ­ trians or less in North America, people like India decreases to vanishing point in 50 to Bhote were worried about the permanence of the Zoroastrian presence there. “The may not necessarily perpetuate the reli ­ gion, ” Bhote had felt at the time, expecting the Zoroastrian presence to disappear by logy of the religion, concentrate on living a|uh>^||||||||||||||||H the turn of life as Zarathushfra would have wished us the century, to live.” “What hap ­ pened is ex­ actly the grosses which began as symposia, the cre- opposite. There are about gregate some of the best intellectuals within 20,000 Zo- the community as well as non-Zoroastrian roastrians scholars from across the globe, are some of in North the milestones of the community ’s settle- America ment in the New World, as Bhote views it. now, ” he The revival of interest in the Gathas is a plus point in his opinioiTand he is particu- Bhote is larly optimistic about the study group in Harvard, including Ms Khorshed Jun- The creation of the ZAA, the establish ­ ment of the biennial North American con- 21 Parsiana December 1996 * ation of FEZANA and the more recent seminars on Gathas and Yashts where con- more about studying, understanding the others, which looks at all the translations of a particular ha of the Gathas, before coming to their own interpretation. More than 30 years ago there were about 10 Iranian Zoroastrians to every 90 Parsis in North America, says Bhote. Now less convinced that the religion of the ratio has altered radically. Bhote sees Zarathushtra is “the world ’s most beauti- knowledging that “to some extent we are saddled with the baggage of Parsi contro- the Parsis and Iranians as “two cultures, two value systems ” bound by a single religion. The Iranians “have no qualms spouses, which are big items with Parsis... In North America Muslim Iranis are at- Itracted by Iran ’s pre-lslamic roots: ” Bhote estimates conversions effected by the Cali ­ fornia based Zarathushtrian Assembly at nearly 400 and informs that the Assembly is setting up centers in three or four Euro ­ pean capitals. “Their viewpoint is that Zarathushtra never barred anybody, so why should we?” What Bhote sees as an unfortunate de­ velopment is that “very conservative ele­ ments have entered into FEZANA. (They have) banned Ali Jafarey and Daraiyus Irani (both of the 2^athushtrian Assem ­ bly) from speaking atFEZANA functions... Some conservatives from India, who have been successful, are throwing their weight stool (comprising of) language, religion Teaching Gujarati in the UK Integrating British and Asian cultures is a goal with Manchester based Maneck Mehta Amavaz S. Mama “A whole person is like a three-legged ingualism, teachers ’training, and the teach- ing of Gujarati, Hindi and Urdu to English teachers. In India to promote what he called the “dual twin track education system, ” Mehta advocated that Indian students study for the Into his second term president of the British GCE (general certificate in educa ­ tion) and A-level (university entry qualifi ­ cation) respectively along with their SSC (secondary school certi ­ ficate) and HSC (higher secondary certificate) respectively. These would hone their cre ­ ative ^and analytical thinking and enterprise skills to British standards^* and enable them to opf* for short, fast-track courses (two weeks to six months) in the UK, he adds. “To get English university education for three years will cost £ 30,000-40,000. If your around... (They may) have a point but and culture. Take one away and it falls,' FEZANA is a pioneer. They shouldn ’t let says Maneck Mehta, deputy director of such elements sway the general body. ” the Lancashire-based Preston College ’s Bhote believes that if public opinion was community culture and languages unit, polled, 80 percent would be associated with liberal elements. “The FEZANA ex­ ecutive is afraid to stick their necks out, ” munity (NWZC) based in Manchester, he says, adding, “We should take part in Mehta is a teacher of « interfaith community activities. Rohinton Gujarati. His intensive Rivetna is doing a good job of representing weekend courses have Zoroastrians. ” i *' ‘ As a member of the World Zoroastrian English people, specifi- Organisation (WZO), Bhote is loath to see “two world bodies for a community of our teachers, to converse in ’ size.” Describing the embryonic World simple Gujarati, he told | Council of Zoroastrian Federations Parsiana in the course I (WCZF) as a “sticky wicket, ” Bhote sug- of an open-air interview gests that “perhaps the WZO could change at the Bai A. F. Petit | its constitution to accommodate the School on November 9, WCZF... make a distinction between asso ­ ciation members and individual members. A reasonable formula can be worked out... Only if that can ’t be done, the WCZF may be necessary, ” he says. He is afraid that “in is concerned that most Mehta: a Parsi first father has that much looking at the minutiae we will make no immigrant children in money, start your progress in unifying Zoroastrians from all the UK are psychologically damaged business here. Tan tau aavine vaara dhova »> 60-member North- West Zoroastrian Com- is enabled nearly 5,000 cally primary level Ji 1996 after the inau- guration of the Tenth All India Zoroastrian Youth Seminar. Mehta is concerned that most Mehta: immigrant children in over. What kind of legacy will we leave during their first week in school. ” He parse (There, you will end up cleaning behind? ” believes that the sudden change in toilets), ” he advised the youths attending f u;i,4 environment, accentuated by the language the seminar. Those interested in gaining barrier, inflicts a deep and far-reaching Indian and British qualifications at the ' ~ ~ same time with minimal extra effort and cost may contact Mehta at Preston College, . St Vincent ’s Road, Preston, Lancashire on the stock exchange. asset ”—should be obvious but tends to be PR2 84R, UK or Kersi K. Commissariat in After 41 years in Motorola Bhote says submerged in the racist vision of the ruling Bombay on telephone 2873888 (fax he has established his own consultancy British Conservatives, he implies in a 2853426). servicing 300^companies in 20 countries of paper published by Trentham Books in 1992: “Who am I?The fifty-fifty syndrome. ” According to a press release, Mehta youths ranging in age between 12 and 25 Of the Bhote ’s four children, daughters Safeena and Shenaya are respectively in ­ terested in catering and the graphic design trauma for Asian children in England. The business, son Adi is a quality control man- truth of his statement — “Bilingualism, ager at Motorola while Xerxes is a trader multilingualism is not a problem; it ’s an ... . As NWZC president, Mehta voices the the world. The resources generated en- 1992: “Who am I? The fifty-fifty syndrome. ” common concern for the future of their 20 abled him, says Bhote, to substantially According to a press release, Mehta youths ranging in age between 12 and 25 fund the recent Gatha conferences and has spent the last 16 years working with years and 10 more who are younger. The 30 omer deserving activities. After all, it was bilingual pupils and monolingual British odd families largely comprise teaching, his interest in the religion that had begun adults. The write-up further notes that medical, accountancy, computer and man- his community involvement in the first Mehta initiated and organized a number agement professionals. A couple of Zoro- of conferences, long and short courses astrians are on the dole, he says. Some have continued on page 34 his interest in the religion that had begun adults. The write-up further notes that of conferences, long and short courses both local and national, related to bil- 22 Parsiana December 1996CINEMA Two movies that seek to understand the traumas of social bias Kamalini M. Parpia The movies shown on Deember 18, 1996 at NCPA’s Little Theatre, Bombay, were entitled BOMgAY and A Mermaid Called Aida, and it was strange to find myself sitting in an audience that appeared largely gay. But I did not feel uncomfortable, for a sense of camaraderie prevailed among us as the first scenes oiBOMgAY unfolded on the screen. India ’s first short film on homosexual ­ ity, BOMgAY, directed by Riyad Vinci Wadia and Jangu Sethna, is an impressionistic, at times surrealistic, visualiza ­ tion of six poems by R. Raj Rao. Rao ’s poems are earthy, no holds barred, shot straight at you. They are not for sqeamish stomachs: he writes of goo and de­ fecating humans, of BOMgAYto squirm, laugh, empathize a fried egg in each hand gents ’ toilets, constipa- so as not to break the tion and noisy shit jets. Enema is the title yolks, and finally a semblance of sanity sphere of liberal thinking, and that multi- of one of his poems and the greenish tints was restored. Obviously, the librarian was media will contribute to this by giving the in which its images are captured on camera satisfied that all was well and the explicit issue the requisite exposure, connect it unmistakably with the secret goings-on in the human gastro-intestinal dit Queen, why not? tract. Its eerie dreamlike quality is shat ­ tered when the ‘enema ’ turns out to be an ‘elixir ’ “administered nightly in bed,/ no, not by the doctor and not with the tube. ” Then a jolting change to a normally Friends only have friends/over for dinner. ” colored bathroom with the recipient of the enema sitting on the toilet, his loosened bowels emitting ‘noisy shit jets ’ throws me back to reality. Rao ’s biting, acerbic Underground — to show that homosexu- linesjarmy sensibilities, make me squirm; ality transcends all socio-economic-cul- they make me laugh at times and yet tural parameters. In India homosexuality friend and found the subject for his new sadden me. is still punishable with life imprisonment, documentary, A Mermaid Called Aida.. Lefty is set in a Fort campus library where: “readers stare at you/for writing with your left hand./You want to tell them/ you don ’t get it right/when you write with your right. ” The visualization of this poem is truly surrealistic with naked young men looking for books and at themselves, to be fol- Aida: fulfillii^g transformation lowed by explicit homosexual scenes. Wadia told us later, during the discussion that followed, that as one of the actors (Rahul This is the truth we have to face. Bose) lay almost nak ­ ed on the library table with two fried eggs rest- Shahani, Farud Cambata, Freddy Phiroz, ing on his chest, the alarm was sounded that the librarian was about to make an unexpected entry into the room. Garments were flung on,Bosestoodjuggling Movietones Private Limited. It is hoped that it will lay the ground for honest discus ­ sion and public debate in today ’s atmo- Yet, according to Wadia, 50 million men are estimated to have se» with other men. The poems are narrated by Rajit Kapur •<' and Rahul Bose. Kushal Punjabi, Tarun* Eric Rosenbaum and R. Raj Rao perform in it and hundreds of citizens of Bombay make it ‘throb with Bombay life. ’ This film is made for non-commercial release in India and for international tele ­ vision and video markets by Wadia 24 Parsiana December 1996 was restored. Obviously, the librarian was satisfied that all was well and the explicit scenes followed uninhibitedly! After Ban- A Mermaid Called Aida After the success of his very first docu- The most poignant poem for me was Friends-. “You want to claim/exclusive mentary Nadia — t/ie F’ear/esj which was rights/to the word friend./Husbands have a fine tribute to this amazing woman of wives,/lovers have beloveds,/vocabulary yesteryears ’ Indian screen who did all her to which/you cannot be admitted. extraordinary stunts herself (today ’s hero/ heroines please note), Wadia was on the Wadia and Sethna have with intent lookout for another subject. depicted a varied social and cultural set ­ ting in their visualizations of Opinions and Wadia had the pleasure of meeting a fabu ­ lous transsexual — Aida Banaji. As he delved into her real story he made a new In January 1996 as he sunbathed in Goa,LORD ’ S CENTRAL HOTEL Matheran 410102 Enjoy the mountains, antics of the monkeys and our hospitality Eg Matheran telephone number 021483-0228 Fax 021483-0595 Bombay telephone number 3867776 26 Parsiana December 1996 Wadia and Sethna: surrealistic visualizations a spiritual medium made him try automatic writing (a psychic exercise in which the writing is tele ­ pathically dictated), which found him a lover from a former life ! The desire to be a wo ­ man and remove all the hair from his body made Adi personally bum out each hair follicle by elec ­ trolysis — an excruciatin ­ gly painful process. His father now seemed to understand the complexi ­ ties of his son ’s mind. He wanted to send Adi to Ger ­ many for a transsexual operation and let him stay on there with relatives. His mother disagreed violently and battles between father and mother followed. Then sud- j was cancelled and the boy from Bahrain left him. Totally traumatized, Adi’s suicide attempt failed. One does not know why he did not seek to reflect their mindsets. On the screen, it make it clear when he started on plastic .. A.j_v , , . . surgery. Silicone breast implants, chang ­ ing of hairlines, ear, nose and jaw ‘jobs ’ followed. After one of tifre silicone im- Rizwan Gubitra, also keen to produce a ______ ________ film on transsexuals, joined forces with denly his father died, the German trip Wadia. They then interviewed Aida on .......................... camera over a three-day, eight-hour ses­ sion. Family and friends who were inter ­ viewed refused to be on film and perforce _____________ Wadia had to create prototype characters psychiatric help. Also the film does not f-----.L-- • . . . ... is Aida herself as she is today, who tells the story (along with inputs by raconteurs who represent the people in her life) of her tra ­ umatic childhood and adolescence. This plants, the stitches gave way, the implant method of narration leads to some con ­ fusion, specially as to the time sequences. ___________ ___________ The documentary attempts to unravel casually: “The surgeon slipped it in again the harrowing struggles of a child bom as ,•¦••• Adi Banaji, to fulfill his desire to become _______________ a woman. The boy, Adi, loved to dress up penultimate step had to be taken. The penis as a girl and was allowed to do so but only had to be replaced by the vagina, at home. Around the age of six, whilst Adi got more confidence after his me- playing ‘doctor-doctor ’ he discovered that eting with another transsexual — Farah „ I Rustom. After a series of operations (the slipped out and resulted in massive bleed ­ ing. This was narrated by Aida herself very and stitched me up.” Now at least he looked like a woman but was not one. The had to be replaced by the vagina. Adi got more confidence after his me- he was different from the other girls and P *" _ _ _______ _ J was promptly thrown out oftheir circle. He details of which brought home the feet still liked to play with them and shunned that all this was an expensive, painful and roughboyishgames. Around the age of 13, long drawn out process) extending over he had ‘bumps ’ under his nipples. His three years or more, Aida has now got a churning mind desperately hoped that he clitoris. Not everyone can spare so many was going to be a girl. Fascinated by an article on transsexuals ________ _____ ___ that he came across in Playboy magazine, fabulously glamorous Aida — a woman in Adi followed this up by clandestine re- all respects except the ability to bear chil- search from his father s medical books. At dren. And she is going to get married! the age of 16/17 he fell in love with a Greek What director Wadia has so coura- sailor and would have run away with him geously portrayed on the screen is the if he had not been stopped by his parents, true story of a woman trapped in a man ’s Now, emotionally fragile, unable to study, body — “a venus with a penis, ” says Aida, he was allowed to work in his father ’s At the end of the screening, glamorous office. Here he met a boy from Bahrain and Aida herself appeared on stage to confi- . ----------------- r— — ------“7 -i to his parents, for almost six years. A slightly dazed audience. I left the audito ­ rium with the hope that Aida had at last found herself. years, spend so much money and bear so much pain. But today, the boy Adi is the all respects except the ability to bear chil- What director Wadia has true story of a woman trapped in a man ’s At the end of the screening, glamorous had a torrid love affair with him, unknown dently answer questions put to her by a ----------------------------------------------- . ........ ........... _. . . chance remark by his father that since Adi was such a sensitive boy he should try to be 4* *sleep during the night and was warm as a furnace. Temina came here and was acco ­ modated on our east floor. 7th Dr. Temuljee having refused to come ex­ cept for a fee of Rs 10. Dr. Rozario was sent for by my father who came and prescribed a blister for her liver. My father paying all the expenses. In the afternoon fevere rose as high as 105°. She was spunged yet the fever was just the same. Bachoobai and my father became very dejected. Nusserwanjee was sent to bring Dr. Temuljee who forth ­ with came... 8th I attended college during the morning hours. Thursday 9th July 1896 Jaiji with her son came to live at house... 15th Tuesday July My father brought for Nusserwanj his pay for two months each half pay and an addi ­ tional Rs. 50 to be ducted henceforth from his pay Rs. 105. 16th August Sunday We went to witness the thread ceremony of Jaiji, Pirozbai ’s daughter at her grand ­ father ’s at 3 p.m. My dear father gave a pearl pair of bangles to Jaiji, fifty Rs to Pirozbai and eleven to Master Cowasji Nanabhoy Daver who was also initiated in our religion. The Kadimi New Year’s day 20th August 1896 Jaiji gave birth to a girl at 8 o ’clock at night. Mrs O’Hill attending her. 4 September 1896 Muktad ceremony commenced today be ­ ing the yearly day of Jeejeebhoy. 6th In the evening I with Misses Tehmina, con- Goolbai and Master Maneckjee went for a drive to the Victoria Gardens... Tuesday 8th September 1896 Goolbai for the first time suffered finement. At night my poor sister Bachoo ­ bai under travail Mrs. Gibbons was sent for, she came and at quarter past four in the morning she delivered a boy. 27th September White-wash began and lasted till Sth Octo ­ ber the cost amounted to Rs 20 and ans. 6. Merwanjee having got plucked in the preliminary examination obtained private form to appear in the Metric examination. 22nd (October 1896) We went to the Moon-light band with Furdoon and Rustom. 23(rd October 1896) We are going Mahim to enjoy for a few days. K£ THE CWERNCSR OF SOMBAV ORfVIftiG THROUGH W^lKESHWiM? TOAB^OHBAy< i it. ft, , jAwtfc 4, *»»1 " ‘ft," 1 28 Parsiana December 1996 II •f -sg*. I From top (left to right): Interior of Anjuman Atashhehram (opened 17-10-1897) Parsi Gymkhana (opened 1-2-1888) Parsi festival day offering to sea (Avan Ardiseer jashan day) Allbless Baug (opened 13-10-1868) H. E. the governor of Bombay driving through Walkeshwar road B. B. & C. I. Railway offices and Queen ’s Road Victoria Terminus - the first public road transport, horse-drawn trams - was introduced in 1874 'ii»w^nti><»: )«*' »«*- <#*• MawM**-**^ «!<»**,lA. J^-^. 3 # • i X* J - •“ <¦«> ’^.rfR^.'S,:'' !¦ ...7^-'} . ......... .... t » parsi ^^PSfUAs".? » 30 Parsiana December 1996 -JSB’ J^xi oiw^ *1? I 28(th October 1896) We returned from Mahim. 3rd (November 1896) The university Mandap consumed on 31 st by fire. Examination postponed till 16th November. The Metric taking place as usual on the 9th. Sth (November 1896) Khanbahdur Dadabhoy Hormusjee Dubash died of diabetic erysipelas after four days sickness. Father being very sorry, as he was an esteemed friend and patron of my dear father. His sons contributed 14,000 Rs in charity on the third day ceremony of the deceased. He leaves about eleven lakhs of rupees together with a flourishing busi ­ ness. Friday 6th November 1896 Baichoobai ’s little baby Dhunbaijee died in the night from fevere... in consequence sum of Rs 10 was spent. Peroo Mahomed ’s son Cassum died of fevere lasting for 3 days. Our old servant Dada suffering from diaherrea. He is much pulled down can ’t stir and I think he will not live for a six months more. We paid him a visit, I gave him Rs 10 which my dear father had sent for him. Thursday 12th November 1896 Sorabjee Cowasjee & Co auctioneers sold Aba ’s property to-day by the Mortagee ’s order. It was bought in by the same person at Rs 3,600. Mr. Ardeshir came to our bunglow and took Tea. 18th Whitewash of our house called Nabob ’s bunglow began and lasted till 26th the total cost amounting to 16 Rupees... 20th I proposed Temina ’s hand to my friend Rustom but he refused the offer alleging his father ’s old ideas and his company among Daroowallas which made him com ­ pletely averse to society. December 3rd Bubonic plague increasing in Bombay as many as 20 deaths in a day recorded on 3rd December 1896... Oil painting of the Nabob ’s house began. The total expense being more than Rs. 50. January 1897 Bubonic plague daily increasing. Dadabhoy Naigaumwall died. February 1st 1897 We went to Panchgani with Bai Pirozbai Mama as her health was very bad on ac ­ count of the stroke of paralysis which she had two and a half a month ago. Null Bazar Street A Parsi marriage procession 23rd Our servant Burjorjee died from plague. We were at Panchgani March 2nd 1897 Bachoobai ’s little son aged 6 months died of convulsions. We had to ask for a certifi ­ cate from Dr. Rozario who was treating the case to show to the Municipal ward doc ­ tor... necessitated expense of Rs 128annas. On the 1st of March 1897 we returned from Panchgani. Mr Framjee Nanabhoy Daver had an accident today. While climb ­ ing up his carriage he missed his step thereby causing something like disloca ­ tion. However he went for a drive. 8th Mr Nusserwanjee went to live at his house. Monday 15th March 1897 The red letter day in my life. I went for the first time to my father ’s office and was introduced by my pa to Mr. Gilbert who asked me what I intend doing and asked me whether I would like a service of plague inspector at Bandora. My pa said that it was out of the way and so he would not like it. I took my seat at Mr. Gunpatram ’s table as he was absent for more than three months. The business slack on account of the plague. Mr Nusserwanjee assisted me. 16th (and) 17th I attended the office. 17th I suffered tooth-ache and called at Dr. Ghiesta. 30th Framjee Nanabhoy Davar died at 7 o ’clock at night from diabetes and general debility. 8th April 1897 The tenth day ceremony of Framji Nanabhoy Davar deceased. 14th Bachoobai went to her home. She had come on the 6th June 1896 and remained here for 10 months and 8 days. I attended Ruttonbai Doctor ’s affairs about the Letters of Administration. I accompanied Mr. C. D. Banajee to auction sale at Colaba where he bought a cupboard of Robert ’s make at Rs 48. 16th Tomorrow being the first day of Easter Holidays I proposed going to Deolali with Messrs Cursedjee and Nusserwanjee. They both consented and I wrote a letter to Mr Maneckjee the proprietor Deolali Hotel asking whether there was room for 4 per ­ son the answer was received to-day in a telegram saying that there was room suffi­ cient for 6 persons. But Nusserwanjee absented himself from the office so the plan failed. an 17th My dear father and we remained at home. He went to Mr. F. N. Davar ’s bunglow in the morning as the sons and Maneckbai intended to make an agreement for living together. They disagreed arid postponed it till Monday. 18th We remained at, home but went for a little shopping in the evening. I purchased a pair of brown leather lacing boots at Rs 9 from Hussunally Moolahakimjee and a bottle of Cream for the same. 20th Today our gunga ’s mother-in-law died at our stable in the compound. My dear father went at Framjee Daver ’s as arranged previously to take their signatures on the agreement. After a Ipng discussion and hesitation on the part of Dinshawjee,Co- wasjee and Sorabjee who all wanted to pay Rs 50 instead of their whole share of Rs 100 they signed the document on condi ­ tion that it should be in force as long as Probate could be taken. In short they signed to remain together for six months upto 31st September 1897. * Soonabai Gheewalla ’s daughter Mherbai again sick. Jaijee ’s little daughter suffering from convulsions at Lanouli. Dhunbaijee went there 4 or 5 days ago April 1897 26th Monday Soonabai Gheewalla went to her home to ­ day at 3 P.M. after staying here for about four months. Ruttonbai again attended the Court in the matter of probate of her hus ­ band there being one share Mortgaged to my father. 3rd May 1897 We are again going to Panchgani for a change of air. We had been there during the whole month of February but my dear father had remained here all the time at ­ tending to various domestic troubles. He is in need of a through change of air as was said by all who came in contact with him. 4th May 1897 Reached Panchgani this morning safe and sound. Mr Ali Abbas Baig the Oriental Translator to government opened negotia ­ tions for purchasing “Dalkeith ” Mr. Spier ’s property mortgaged to Pirozbai for Rs 6,500 and interest thereon at the rate of a rupee per cent per month amounting to all Rs 8,500. Mr. Baig agreed to purchase the prop ­ erty for Rs 14,000 but subsequently when the deeds and title of Jame ’s property were investigated by Mr. Dharmsi they were found defective to certain degree and Mr. 4’ 31 Parsiana December 1996Baig taking this as a good excuse for lowering his stipulated money extorted from James a consent to decrease the amount by Rs 1400 thus buying it at Rs 12,600 a property with two bunglows, out ­ houses and a compound measuring about 44 acres of land. My dear father was very sorry at this bargain and he wished to have purchased the property himself as it would have yielded something like Rs 20,000 in the long run. But however the matter had come to an end. 24th May 1897 We left for Bombay as we could not get a gharry later on and arrived on the follow ­ ing morning at our sweet home. 25th May Fuimai had an attack of paralysis but it left no effect on her body. 1st (and) 2nd June 1897 I attended my father ’s office. Mr. Gun- putram had also returned from Surat so I had to put a separate table for my sitting thereat. Since this day I am attending regularly and hope to get a pay at the end of this month of Rs 40 to 50. Business is resuming. 4th June I ordered out a cashmere coat for Rs 12 at Batliboi and Virjee. Mr. Sorabjee Dossabhoy Baxter gave my dear father a horse (flea-bitten in colour). Dr. Karlicar the Municipal authority for examining houses and reporting on their condition, ventilation etc came with an civil engineer and two parsi clerks to ex­ amine our house. He was ashtonished at finding the house so large, comfortable and well ventilated. When my father said that Municipality intended to purchase his bunglow Mr Karlicar said “You must not sell this house it is so nice. You should be proud of this bunglow, etc. ” 7th Mohurram festivals commenced. Court re-opened. I attended with Nusserwanjee as I did afterwards. 19th Dear father got an attack of fevere conse ­ quent on wetting in our gharry. 21st Dear father all right again. Thank God! Anxiety over. 22nd Diamond Jubilee Public Holiday. We went for a drive in the evening and saw Bai Hirabai Bottlewalla. She is much Hummum (Hamam) Street, Fort The Plague Hospi^ Arthur Road Town Hall, Fort 32 Parsiana Decefnber1996 ¦J reduced Sorab ’s conduct giving her great pain and remorse. 23rd Bachoobai ’s Birthday. My dear father sent dinner to her house in the evening. Her pregnancy causing fear and anxiety to beloved pa. Attended office as usual. 6th (and) 7th July 1897 Goolbai ’ s birth-day. Sorabjee Framji Daver asked for a loan of Rs 500 from my dear father who gave the sum required. He wanted to be apartner in C. Fredoon ’s shop and wants to open a branch under his management at Calcutta. Sth I bought the three volumes of Civil Court Manual for Rs 10-8 as I wanted to study law as my future guidance in my line. 10th Saturday being a public holiday we re ­ mained at home and in the evening went for a drive to the market. 11th Sunday My dear father gave the certificate for transfer of one of his shares in Soonderdass _________ _ „„„ S and W Co. to Bachoobai she being loans amounting to Rs 1,200 Their con- Haiee Joosub Hai ’ All tention was ftati, was not properly signed MXmed Had Aik 2I/OT7 ' f™". ” Dear papa received a letter from Mr. M. C. Murzban asking him to come and have a few minutes conversation with him about the piu-chase of our bunglow for the con ­ struction of the new road. I wrote a letter to my friend Rustom D. J. Mistiy rebuking him for his negligence in keeping up our friendship. His reply is drawyer for future help. He intimated that duly registered and he was admitted as a member of the realization. Freemason ’s Lodge. August 1897 Sorabjee Framji Daver wrote a letter to ir.y dear father, as a notice to say that he would take and ask for every rupee which his brothers have borrowed from my dear fa ­ ther at 3 quarters of a rupee per cent and that he would appear with his attorney on the day when such an account would be adjusted and he therefore gave this warn ­ ing saying inter alia that he had great respects for my dear papa and that he her wilV aS “dishheritedTer him the situation of the affair and asked him to furnish us with a loan for Rs 5,000 which was badly needed for giving probate Re Trust of Limjee Banajee duty. But he could not procure this large My dear papa was greatly desirous to settle amount from anybody. So my dear father ~ procured it from Bai Pirozbai. Re our Mazagon property Mr Murzban negociated with my dear father for the acquisition of our property at Mazagon for the purpose of the new Wari-B under Road. He offered 23,000 at first then increased the value to 26000, but my father seeing Mr. Murzban in a good mood ’ he was always in good moods with my dear father whom he gave every respect and pleased him in many ways, asked Rs 30,000 think ­ ing that he would haggle over the matter but to papa ’s surprise he consented at once. Now remorse took possession of papa. He repented for not asking more say 35000 Rs. But this difficulty was overcome by writing a letter to Mr. Murzban as directed by him and saying that he would be glad to accept the offer of Rs 30,000 plus 1/5 (not legible — Editor) p.c. for his property at Mazagon though he thought the price far below his reckonings and his engineer ’s estimate... Govt Loans There was a great dispute between the Govt. Bank and my dear papa for 3 Govt mortgage of a property in Memonwada. The firm subsequently failed and the op ­ posing party made Hunath Roopajee the owner of the firm an insolvent and denied our validity of the mortgaged premises. We waited for more than 2 years expecting every month that some settlement would arrive between us and the first Mortgagor. But this time I urged my father to do something in the'matter so he wrote out a case for opinion and sent it on to the Advocate General Mr. Lang for his opin ­ ion. His opinion was that we should at once filed a suit against the disputers otherwise our claim would suffer greatly. This gave the impetus which was badly needed in this matter and a plaint was at once filed in the High Court at Bombay. Some brokers came before this to my father asking him to settle the matter at Rs 12,000. But this offer was refused. Plaints drawn by me... Ahmed Allana vs Cowasjee K. Dubash Ihihm Hajee Joosub Haji Ally vs Haji Sha anidavits in verification of signatures were., sent to Calcutta. But it was of no Some accounts from the diary avail. At last the instructions from Calcutta July 15th Treacher ’s bill of Tehmina ’s were received by the Bombay Bank that an medicines paid Rs 27 8 annas Indemnity Bond should be executed by the owner of the loans with two securities. before the manager Govt. Bank.' ’Mr . - . . • . . - - Nusserwanji Gheewall and I stood and It in my signed as securities for Rs 3,000 and it was sent to Calcutta for August 1896 5th Milk for Bachoobai ’s children for July Rs 13 9 annas Treacher ’s bill for July 1896 Rs 9 4 annas rinS September 4th The Parsed Hakim and his M securities. July 23rd Cologne water 10 annas ’"I’l’O'-W be signed (July) 27ft Brandy (I) flask Rs 1 4 annas July 30th Dr. Rozano for Mr. Nusserwanji Rs 3 Framji Nanabhoy Daver ’s effects and es- my tates amounted to Rs 2,37000 among which was!' ’ ¦ . - was valued at Rs 1,68000 and^a house in Fort for Rs 3,5000. There were outstandings amounting to some Rs 15000 and shares in Nu-erwanjPs ™edi- Rs 4,000 were paid as probate duty and Rs 200 as office bill. Bai Hirabai Framjee Bottlewalla made was replied by my papa by explaining to Sorabjee “fo7 hfs "grosrinTtrithlrXs n 1 tn tnA oiriiofinM ... _ '1 1 ¦ a • son send by my dear father Rs 4 6th Parsee Hakim Rs 3 cines for September Rs 5 To Hira, Bachoobai ’s nurse Rs 10 To the milkman for milk for Nusserwanji and his children Rs 13, 8 annas lee 5th November Dr Merwanjee called for the baby Rs 2 Cologne (2 bottles) Rs 1 6th Bachoobai ’s daughter Dhanbaiji died To priests and others Rs 10 'Tk » . “ .----- Gibbons for Bachoobai ’s accouc- rJanajee. The trust money were lent and hement Rs 60 behaviour. matters in Trust of Limjee Maneckjee r- ¦ _ advanced to a wealthy Marwari firm on the To milkman for October Rs 11 12 a 33 Parsiana December 1996 * IZOROASTRIANS ABROAD continued from page 22 corner shops which is a last ditch attempt of those who have been rendered redun ­ dant. Mehta himself is into the publishing business and editorial consultancy for a number of books in Gujarati. About 50 percent of the 10-year-old ___ NWZC’s members are also affiliated to and here (in India), ” Mehta believes that if bilingual Welsh model of teaching. It is the Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe all associations and anjumans in the two this model that Indian schools in the UK (ZTFE) and the World Zoroastrian countries “had such a clause in their con- now use, says Mehta. Of the 19 languages Organisation (WZO). “It helps network- stitution, they wouldn ’t have this prob- acknowledged by the national school cur ­ ing, ” says Mehta, adding that they are ' contributing towards ZTFE’s new Zoroas ­ trian House project. And though London is about 225 miles away many of them go Council shouldn ’t become another ego navjotes require help from London, says working at the Orthodox Jewish Boys ’ M®hta. School, running a sari/materials shop A facet of the NWZC’s constitution is wherein he was supported by some Jewish that one can hold office for three years at parents from the school and as a technician a time, followed by a moratorium of three in colleges. Thereafter his wife Binaifer, a years, thus creating opportunities for the professional credit controller, took over youth, informs Mehta. Reflecting sadly on financial responsibilities enabling him to our “very divisive society, both in Britain get a BEd from Bradford University in the all associations and anjumans in the two countries “had such a clause in their con ­ stitution, they wouldn ’t have this prob- acknowledged by the national school lem... There is definitely a need for an riculum, 11 are Asian, including Gujarati, international body... a common approach Hindi, Urdu and Bengali, he informs. That is required... but the World Zoroastrian facilities to promote them are decidedly ......................... ' poor, is a grouse with Mehta. once a year for the muktads to Zoroastrian base, another talking shop. ” A member of the India League in House in the capital. Mehta says he takes Tough-talking Mehta considers him- Blackwell, Mehta once belonged to the care of “local prayers when necessary, ” self a Parsi first, Indian second and British Liberal Party but switched loyalty to „„ -u u. : . .V When he migrated in 1968 he had had Labour. He believes “the Conservatives he has the necessary implements. his schooling at the Bharda New High have destroyed the welfare state. ” The 56- ’ " ’ " . I year-old who lost his mother in an accident BSc degree from Siddharth College and whenhe was 16 and has a sister who came experience as a demonstrator in Jai Hind College ’s physics department behind him. He “always wanted to teach ” but British institutions would not recognize his Indian (and) say with pride that I’m a Parsi and degree. So for 10 years Mehta eked out a even though he is not an athoman, because Tough-talking Mehta considers him- The NWZC, which has no center or School and Pune ’s J. N. Petit Institute, a property of its own, offers associate membership without voting rights to non- Zoroastrian family members. The com ­ munity meets five times a year and holds at least one jashan which is conducted by Ervad Behram Dastoor from Wolve ­ rhampton in the Midlands. Weddings and living as taxi driver and bus conductor. to the UK to be a nurse, says he has “total faith in destiny. Someone is guiding me in my work... I wear my sudreh like a badge that I am a scholar of English, Gujarati and Persian! ” MATRIMONIAL Matrimonial alliance invited for a tall, fair, home-loving graduate girl, aged 29, of a respected farhily and widely travelled, from boys well- settled in business, profession or job with similar family background. Please apply with recent photograph (returnable) to: The Advertiser Parsiana, Matrimonial (Dec/41-96)* GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 ‘Please make sure the reply envelope bears the reference number cited here. 34 Parsiana December 1996 Colaba Causeway, ' Mumbai-39. Ph: 2020591 i ¦A ¦ 4 ' X '’'C 9> * / ‘ fe 1. Jis.' .\ »« * '•¦J 4 - ’i .’SP - » ;K I t e i e 'e t i ® e » « e w iS-¦ W- **’’ i 1 ¦ ‘r/, '"'> .. .. '¦"iMsMj**- H i - iBUSINESS Bordering the beautiful Parinaz Gandhi Here she is in Bombay meticulously trac ­ ing every leaf and petal and bird in pencil from the sariA:or5 (borders) in the priceless collection of her mother, relatives and friends. There she will return to Madras and breathe color and vibrance into these forms so as to appeal to the aesthetics of the South Indians who constitute her clien ­ tele. “It is such beautiful work and it is dying, ” is the concern of Ms Hilla Mazda, partner of Perfit who, beginning early 1996, joined hands with Rajyashree to ’ rekindle this time-consuming embroidery. Initially the customers placed their or ­ ders as panels for kurtas. When they wanted a little more of this exquisite embroidery they requested that it be done on dupattas. Not satisfied with this length they asked for saris. The cost for a three-inch border, nine meters in length, would vary between Rs 15,000 to 17,000 depending on the work involved. “Even then it is far far cheaper than in Bombay where it would be available for around Rs 25,000,” points out Mazda. Machine embroidery may bring down the cost by 50 percent, but Mazda is not interested, insisting that “the finish is never the same. Machine embroidery tends to pucker also, ” observes Mazda who is very meticulous about neatness. Sometimes two months, sometimes six months is the duration of time taken to complete one sari border, depending on the embroidery work involved. The cus ­ tomer is proffered a choice of 20-30 de­ signs, some are copies of original borders, others a combination of different designs put together by Mazda. “Ghana bhi hoi to guchvai jaay (a choice of too many designs may confound the buyer), ” she fears. The threads and the colors are chosen by Mazda who then gets one of her embroiderers to work on a six-inch specimen. On receiving the client ’s okay either one or two embroi ­ derers are assigned the task of completing the border. So far she has not been asked to embroider a full sari which would cost much more. “No one really wants to spend Recreating the traditional Parsi kors, Hilla Mazda has found a market among South Indian women on that, ” believes Mazda. Another distinguishing feature of the Perfit embroidery is the medium on which the handwork is undertaken — pure silk or charmeuse silk since South Indians in par ­ ticular like silk. Others, who do embroidery work on polyester/satin therefore are not perceived as any threat to Mazda ’s busi ­ ness. At Perfit ’s workshop at Gandhinagar, Adyar, four experts are busy doing em ­ broidery and four tailors cut and sew west ­ ern outfits. Rajya^ee ’s original hand ­ work unit, which specialized in typical Indian motifs, has therefore seen substan ­ tial expansion and diversification. Mazda herself visits the workshop four or five times a week. When it is a difficult pattern or figure to be cut, Mazda takes charge for they like to live up to their Perfit name which denotes ‘perfect fit. ’ When clients want to discuss a color scheme or dress pattern with Mazda they are advised to come after fixing an appointment to ensure her presence. “For western clothes I always give my frank opinion to the wearer. Not all cuts suit everyone. If I feel a woman looks ghastly in a particular kind of outfit, I tell her so and suggest she choose another style. Most customers take these hints posi ­ tively because they know it is for their own good, ” remarks Mazda who has 20 years of tailoring experience behind her, having learnt the art from Bombay ’s Ms Katy Shroff. Nevertheless, were a patron to insist on a particular preference, Mazda would, re ­ luctantly, execute that order. She however shudders at the thought of the adverse publicity she would earn were that cus ­ tomer to announce that her garment was made at Perfit. Inspiration for embroidery came to Mazda from both her grandmothers, for art, from her mother Jeroo Katgara who paints on ceramics. Besides a knowledge of color combina ­ tions, it is essential to know which fabric 41 Parsiana December 1996A With best wishes from Farah & Tanya 42 Parsiana December 1996 ! suits which style. “These things won ’t come were unable to participate in the automatically unless you have a good dress bicentenary celebrations of the Parsis in sense. I also try to be the best advertisement Madras, conveys Mazda. Otherwise the for my clothes, ” mentions Mazda whose family members are involved in different choice of trousers or jeans for day wear suits her lean body and hectic schedule. In addition to Perfit, Mazda also makes time for her public relations duties at the Madras office of the Travel Corporation India (TCI) Limited, her father Adi Katgara Hotel, it was Syrus who officiated being director in the firm. She has her fingers in yet another pie, literally, for she accepts orders for western and continental guitar. A talk that they heard on Iran has dishes, her speciality being salads. She inspired many of them to plan a visit to that country next year. Her son Rustom attends the prayer sessions for pre-navjote children. “I believe in prayers but not the need to go to the fire-temple daily, ” says Mazda who admits th^t “I’m not a very staunch spends riding each morning, schooling polo though not the sudreh. She attributes this ponies. In the days prior to marriage she distinction to Madras ’ hot>sultry climate, had won prizes in riding, as also swim ­ ming, judo, badminton and squash, repre- activities of the Madras Parsi Association and make a trip to the ‘Parsi Club ’ as they call it, at least once a month. At the last New Year ’s eve (Shehenshahi New Year in August) function at the Connemara as master of ceremonies. At their sing-along sessions, Hilla is often found playing the explains her recent plunge into all these activities by saying that the first 12 years after marriage she devoted to her family and child rearing. Now that son Rustom and daughter Frey a are at school, she puts her time to other use. A must with Mazda is the hour she Zoroastrian. I wear the kusti all the time, ” An issue on which she speaks vehemently is the discrimination meted out to children senting her school, college, club or state on of Zoroastrian women who have married different occasions. After her schooling at Cathedral and John Connon, she went to St ____ ______ Xavier ’s College for a couple of years. But (married to a non-Parsf have her children navjoted)? ” Regarding disposal of the dead she indicated that the most convenient out of the community. “I strongly feel that when a man can, why can ’t a woman realizing she was not academically inclined, she opted out and started practising as a beautician for three years. Then followed method should be adopted especially since an eight-year stint at TCI’s Bombay office f doing costing and planning the itinerary for in Madras, incoming groups until marriage to Syrus Mazda took her to Madras. Her husband is into car racing now, after ____ ___ ________ much tennis and cricket in his younger many members of tfie community come to days. His passion for flying fructified at the her for stitching their garments. Embroi- age of 40 years when he obtained his dery orders from Parsis have been nil so commercial pilot ’s licence and started fly ­ ing for Blue Dart, reveals Mazda. Until then he was directly or indirectly involved there are not more than five deaths a year “Some more Parsis in Madras would be very welcome, ” she says. Mazda does not appear to make this statement because far because, as she believes, most of them have their family heirlooms. Presently with his family ’s business concerns — ice market and is trying to find an outlet from Hotel in Mahableshwar...Holiday time for broidery work. Constantly on the go, Mazda maintains, “I have to keep my fingers occupied. Even when I’m looking at the TV you ’ll find me sojourn abroad. “We love to travel...It ’s all broidery is “something that I have always in the blood, ” states Mazda. .... In fact, it was only because they were out of Madras in December 1995 that they Mazda has set her sights on the Bombay factory, warehousing, real estate, Mayfair where she can accept orders for her em- the children therefore invariably means a trip to Bombay to meet the maternal grand ­ parents or to Mahableshwar to visit the paternal grandparents. Sometimes they doing cross-stitch... ” Tailoring and em- J.-;---------- L - _ J , . . . . .................................................... in the blood, ” states Mazda. enjoyed doing and when you find enjoy ­ ment in your work, you tend to do your best, which is bound to be good! ” * LBOOKS “Where was God? ” Dina Mehta Wfi hf '^istty. Published in - ------- i Road, Ar ~ ¦ Daryaganj, New Delhi 110002 bv --------- With Pijhor onrJ CmU I _ . . 295 (hardcover). Rohinton Mistry is a master storyteller He has an omniscient eye and assumes unlim ­ ited authority over his characters. As he shapes their overlapping destinies on a Maneck ’s father Mr Kohlah turns (he own a Generd Store — all that is left of a vas of slums ii what had once been a breathtakingly beau tiful mountainscape. The degradation re min*? '^hicl mange had overtaken his favorite dog. ” Ii fIftnrACCAC .>*4._ 1-- »-« . ® a General Store — all that is left of everything ends badly .........-.................. a - ------ XUVVl Enough to sour his > son. And Maneck is lot patriarch Dukhi Mochi had r - caste lines to apprentice his sons to a tailor — a Muslim — since HinH.i mountains. '">oizing ’the In the city a bond of sorts 1 y Hindu rfarzw (tai ­ lors) would have no truck whh lower caste i^chis' (cobblers ’) fam ­ ily dwells on communal riots; on brutal caste „„ crimes which include landlord rape, mutilation and arson pe^trated by the thakurs minions; and on indi- Om to make theZ,X "'“X ,u proves^ffective, ate move to the big dtv the camaradene is short-lived. For But here their life is at the respite has been too brief, th«J^* mercy of gno„X (hZ^ “to r u '» lums) and slumlords, cor- lit to beTasn-® ^2"® ft ”' “™s rupt officials and pritec- fotiS ^0 ,1?°“ "to are tionmoney,suddenpolice prStlX Om sterilization swoops and flattened ?“8nized as a caste ! and ca- crowded canvas his em ­ pathy with his creatures is total, yet he allows them no escape from their un ­ enviable lot. They re main p ¦ __ yoked to a relentless nar ­ rative which for its stamina (614 pages) and technical conservatism (no post-modernist fi-ag- mentations and innova ­ tions here) brings to mind the monumental novels of 19th century Europe. A Fine Balance begins as the stoiy of Dina, an attractive Parsi widow (husband Rustom is killed who willX"™, o„ : poor '“'’-fallsa vicdm to basis, under her supervision for an exoori J’® author is saying, and only the after his on ra yhoSrene sets in company. Ihis is "to pul? teSo^f^f “T-O'cily lif^ fa >.-ampu- penuiy and also fi-om under the thumb Of , her chauvinist but well-meaning brodier stata WU- Nusswan who wants her to mairy again To leeacv u" E"^*sh “"ee7!?,£ !" inherited student, the son ofTolVsS M’ e.^' o ’" “t in pa^^S^ MaJ^Sttar b‘ " And 10 and behold one aftemiw^tiWh ' Partition, is invaded bv ‘nro 1 . E^ggarmaster is murdered of them arrive toX?: ' ''““ft ™ blasted out of WUsid« SX , ? “o and Om (uncle and neuhewi and M u end eating places sprout alone the ’ mo from her flat and has to who, brought X the cc?,7com?o^?^f u I™* Orirerit who ?oul "! J’™"'¦'1'.her brother ’s family, Ums a mountain home, finds the dirf aid the vH^ Anally de- in failure A^dthn^^ for independence ends ragging at his college hostel hard to stem- hotels. But havf. Prospects Once Mistiy has posited the widow, in. two untouchable tailors and the collegiate in the Bombav flat in tho .. firmly within his grasp and J VZ\trAz1 ____t_ *?¦ Mistry; compelling imagery out of an old school friend. grows be- ’> and for one brief tenuous feeling of security o« „—. .^° hor from her flat. Ironi ­ cally, It IS not the law that comes to her y&ai there is a (vilKge SrXTefr p'STfatoiX ”^’ ““ <“"8 minions; and on indi- pm) ot a loc^ beggar organization who has ge.ee, iire ia^iXe ft™ T 1 ® . isnvar and Om. And for a tilTIA ftlA world insurance proves>effective. forced into the p' program. Om is f fiom him, castrated. Ishvar falls a vii .. Tj - --------- who V ? .realm of Maneck ’s -J as i invaded by ‘pro- Dina also inherited i ancestors, who had lived before the Partition, is after his ( tated. They return to the beggars. In trying to c" — caste atrocities in (heir village, they finally sink into the nightmare anonymity of the Things do not work city to become escape starvation and -H Beggaimaster i' J • , - -oo-~*****ovvi la ujur Md with her ‘protector ’ out of the Dina IS evicted from her flat gress. ’ Roads are blasted out of hillsides '^ho foul the velopers begin to buildluxui^ hotel? But hat^S ’^^’ Manuk ’s prospects thejobless continue to ouSbe?^:®:' and a hungry army shelters permanentlv her groomed to in- on the hills. Forests are devoured for m j u — he, too, is check- in the Bombay flaiTn"dre “yem ““ ™ "'““‘I’ tonentially o" K„’' I* ? '5' saved sassst'M* mountains. Alas, it is a w^d in "which of the hills u,. "ounshment 44 Parsiana December 1996 stom- the . on for him, not his fnendQ causing landslides. --------- • ¦ ^®nos, policy in a hideous rape of the hills. Ihings get so bad that wherever times, not his mountains of The story derives much Mistry ’s comments frrtm 1 . “^uiisnnient fioni the language in which it is told and on one of his charac-¥5 1 » J Under the auspices of the MAZDAYASNIF mona^tpdic ai ¦ ..----------- -------------------------^vertisemei INDIA SHAH RFHRflu la ai ir* ALL private visits, the terrible situation in the country became Respflrrhl BAUG SOCIETY (for Scientific and Educational niorevivid.OneofTajikistan'sleadingorthopaedicsurgeons The oma ^®‘‘ f®'’®®®*®'* *0 the Z. C. M^na The one and only world ^®?®’'''® world Congress and be trained n Bombay in COLLEGE ADVERTISEMENT (2nd floor), Sir Pherozeshah Mehta Road. Bombay 400001, India, Tel: 2660214 2662950 after hours: 3644737 Fax: Bombay India 022-2662735-A/c 121 and 3634274 - 141 REPORT OF THE A VESTA CONFERENCE HELD IN TAJIKISTAN DUSHANBE & STH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRAT ONS OF THE ’ REPUBLIC, & 67STH ANNIVERSARY CELEB RADONS OF KAMAL E KHUJANDI, THE TAJIK IRAn TaN POET ( up surgery for lack of anaesthesia & medicine available in the country and had open a shop to sell American Cigaretts whisky and chocolatestoeamdollarstofinancehisdaughter ’s education at Oxford. Many many other Tajiks bewailed the fact that the cotton carding factories were closed as Govt was selling raw cotton to get dollars to finance the war, to buy arms & ammunition from U.S.A.; so the factory workers were jobless sitting starving at homo; the factories for weaving cotton cloth were closed for lack of cotton yam and their workers were also jobless; the factories employing women for manufacturing clothes & embroidery on doth were also dosed; so both men & women earning members lliilliiiiii of the families were jobless, and old & young family members were suffering as dependents. This cruel economic policy of U.S.A. and E.E.C. was dearly aimed to cripple the economy of the country and thereby attempt to make the Tajik people into a kirid of low cost labour factory dependant on the West within a short time. This kind of Neo Colonialism in Central pronged —one to kill the youth ' W d'rough the war and the other to ruin the i|v 5® economy and thereby make the people ||E lackeys of the West. Educated people were ¦ willing to sweep the roads and do menial ¦ labour to earn a meagre livlihood. The President is doing his best to revive tie andent glory of the Tajiks and restore their pride in their own history & cufture; but the economy requires top priority attention. Intemational^usiness Houses of India are trying to help Tajikistan through import export Trade; but what is required is for Indian Business Houses to set up factories and hotels in Tajikistan to develop the Industry and Tourism. Tajik soil is rich in mineral wealth and gem stones; and Indian Engineering Exports would do well to set up collaborations with the Tajik Govt. ___________ _ to mine the mineral wealth and export it Dr Moher Master-Moos. Mr Firoze Andhyarujina, Miss Khurshtd Cooper with Tajikistan Technolonirai iiniuorcit,, .k c r via India to the West and Chancellor Dr Pulat Pulatov at Khojand ’’ University Vice the Far East. In the meantime the British Govt, has got in first At World Avesta Conference 1996 September. Dushanbe. Dr Meher Mastor-Moos Pretirtom 7 r u-th n, u-,, predous Tajik gold and carry off the gold Keyaman of Australia (ZC Delegation member) with Dr Massov History Dept Head of Academy of Sciences and Dr JamsheS nuggets to U.K. for refining and making into Internationally Panronakhon of Avesta Society. oi«caaemyoibciencesandDrJamshedi accepted standard of Bars. India has lost its opportunity Opening Ceremony of Sth Anniversary Republican Parade Miss Khurshid Coooer with Indian flan lavinn the Tajik Prime Minister first came to India in 1993 of Rrdausi, Tajik-Iranian poet ^''nursniauooperwitn Indian flag laying flowers at the statue January requesting this collaboration, from Indian Govt KHUJAND AND THE NORTH THE FIFTH REPUBLIC ANNIVERARY CELEBRATIONS beino nefonrfad hw niri nun in »i,n nu * ? . TOs 5000 years old ancient city-was foimeriy the Capital of President Emomaly Rakhmonov, had invited all Tajiks ofthemountaSSople ThiswasfoHoIidbvaSJr^® ‘’y Dadus the Great about 2500 residing in other countries to participate in the Celebrations, ofseveralhurtor^ofladiesdressedinred In the mountains around Khujand, the original ^d also Delegations from Iran & Afghanistan, in an effort to patterns on the stedium SeJeral floats wereXyed to 2h nt bnng about an end to the border war through Peace Dia- scenes from the Vendidad showinn that thk Zoro^nan ancestral stock practising the logue. Through these Delegations, he wanted to oroanise a wav of life still nrartkoH hu thLn Avestan Text is way of life indicated in the sacred Avestan Text of Vi-de-o- Peace Talks in Kabul & Tehran. The Iran Ambassado? P E sowinq the com in Sorina threshinnThT™a"t^" "" Islamised about 800 years ago; but Mojtahed - Shabestari was doing his best to X’e the ZS SXeat flo%T^^^^^ P^®®®"® ’rodkns. Iranian culture of the Tajik people through books, films and ovens with the fanlliL ”enjoyino the aX £>d tJ^the?X Kamal-e-Khu^ndi the famous poet who lived about 700 othercuKuial exchanges; and also develop the Trade through last scenes were veiv sad dsnintinn thR°terriwf^ ®1°’ u*®® composed Persian Iran for Tajikistan. The Indian Ambass^r. H. E. mZ SngTnTtoXiZbSfaEZ £ ho ® ®'®®®‘“'- later settled Kumar was also doing his best to improve Indo-Tajik Trade oeooleleftwithniitciinnnrinFenne^ ® ’^/l^abns, as in those times Khujand and Tabris were both and showed most gracious hospitality to our Delegation ’ children of the dead youth — the sol^is'!^l^'^^t£'^^ *'^®?'®" l^l^ujand is the commercial capital including breakfast and dinner Irith the President at the SerXXanXetasJ£di^^ of T^'k'^an located on the Syr Darya river, and the aXt President ’s Palace; and also to attend all the Anniversary poets of Tajikistan inclSng Poet Aieni pS Kkho*? ®f® f®"™*, dairies, ’'®"®P°'’** ''®'''®'®® P®n«neh, Dr. vLf Shah ’Prof y2 sS’ Sds”XX2t "T* “2''=“'’“^®’ f™« planes, with proper escorts and music. The main functions Mr Husain Waheedi Prof Yusuf YuXh Jh orchards, and factones for making silk doth and woolen of speeches, had the Ambassadors of U.S.A., Russia Iran Yusuf Yusufshah Yakubsha and carpets; also cotton fields and factories for making cotton Uzbekistan, and representatives from Austria, Germany ^®T' ®^^® f®"’°“® ***®® Company factory, still and other countries making the official Republic Dav Madame Maisara Kolonnva hart arrannnd ,4' roakes beairtitol rainbow coloured silk doth with the Iranian Speeches followed by music & dance programmes of Tajik hospHality at the homes of fha laartinn i '"®^®® roeasure wihich we Parsis still use for Culture. The Republic Day Parade was an eye-oXner S dS ^d of £a^£XTrt p ’ '"^®®r9 *® '^®®“ '®"9‘^- N“®<®®r fi“ionfng and making PresidentwantedtoemphasisetheancientFireC^emonies auests of 7oroaatrian r'oiin„» k ®?!?£Z®® ?*®®'''"9 '"‘o ‘f» «» doth first took % & fast to mine the predous Tajik gold and carry off the gold At World Avesta Conference 1996 September. Dushanbe, Dr Meher Master-Moos, accepted standard of Bars. India has lost its opportunity Panronakhon of Avesta Society. of several hundreds of ladies dressed in red, forming dance patterns on the stadium. Several floats were devoted to scenes from the Vendidad showing that this Avestan Text is a way of life still practised by these mountain people — sowing the com in Spring, threshing & harvesting in autumn, preparing the wheat flour & making naan in the tundoor ovens with the families enjoying the good food together. The last scenes were very sad depicting the terrible damage being done to families being tom apart by the war, with old people left without support of sons and widows and fatherless children of the dead youth — the soldiers killed in the war. There were many meetings with distinguished persons and poets of Tajikistan, including Poet Aieni, Prof. Dodikhodo Dr. Jamshidi Parvaneh, Dr. Yusuf Shah, Prof. Yakub Shah^ Mr. Husain Waheedi, Prof. Yusuf Yusufshah Yakubsha and others. Kolonova had arranged special dinner ‘‘r ,,. J ;:.j leading citizens. Judges, Doctors, and others. Many of them had visited Bombay as guests Of Zoroastrian College in the past. From these place in the r^^aroh laSry^ this continued overleaf ¦1 I THE MAYOR AND CITY GOVT. OF KHUJAND had made tremendous preparations for this celebration. All the ladies of Khujand wore the traditional Atlas Company rain- posed in toto to the author himself. Of towsilk^thfraditiondSalwar-Kameozdress:themusicans Valmik he writes that though he depicted playing their old traditional musical instruments were lined - ¦ - ¦ i<) in bands at the important stops enroute. The Tajikistan President filled 3 plane loads of his invited guests delega ­ tions at Dushanbe airport and flew us to Khujand where all ________ __________ _____ thedel^ationsw^accommodatedaftheRveStarleading feet seams, holding "the garment of'^his hotel of Khujand. There were memorable and beautiful per- ¦ - ® foimances of traditional Tajik music including Zame Zame, and a play on the life of Kamal-e-Khujandi, with banquets for all the guests by the river side and in the Peoples Palace of the Aibob. The entire city and region was in a festive mood. The carpet factory had woven special carpets with the new emblem of Tjyikistan and the portrait of Kamal-e-Khujandi. Afferthe President returned to Dushanbe our Zoroastrian College Delegation stayed on as Guests of the Tajikistan told in effortless, fluent, unaffected En- Technological University, Vice-Chancellor Dr. Pulat Pulatov glish. Perhaps one feels this because Mistry and er^oyed homestay hospitality in a typical Tajik home for aoDears unselfconscioiKj ahnnt oivino thp some days. At the Technological University we had the ,5^o"scious about giving the pleasure of meeting Prof. Kosimjon Fouzailov, Vice Director language liberal transfusions of new blood of the Hudjand branch of the Technological University. He to swell the mainstream. Words and phrases informed us that he had direct communication with a group like ‘bilkool (absolute) nonsense, ’ of about . 20M ^rsons residing between Khujand and ‘fakeology, ’ ‘Dastur Daab-Chaab ’ (for an Penjikant in the Zarovshon river valley and mountains who ' are Zoroastrians. He had visited Karachi as a Guest through the Zoroastrian College of Ervad Godrej Sidhwa, Ms. Toxy Cowasjee and Mr. Byram Avari and stayed with the Parsis flow from his pen (his word processor?) and learnt the Zoroastrian ceremonies and customs as ' " - practised in Karachi. He was very keen to teach the University students Avesta prayers and Zoroastrian ceremonies and ethics and teachings of Zarathushtra through the English language bokks translated by the Karachi scholar Mr. devoured porch, instantly populating it TehmuraspSefhna,andtheMazdayasnieMonasteriebooks. with shadows. ” And, “Coolies conducted We were taken for a day visit to Ura Tybe, about a 100 miles away, to the ancient archeological site of the Palace of the Zoroastrian King who defeated Alexander the Greek. The Curator of the Museum at Ura Tybe, showed us all the old archeological and historical artefacts exacavated in this the shacks before changing direction. ” region including stone astodans and jewellery, and the ... costumes of the Rt^alty. Ura Tybe is a market town with a big factory for making cotton knitted fabric garments and wool knitted garments. The factory is willing to do collabo- ’”8 gloom. When Ibrahim, the landlord ’s rations with Indian readymade garment manufacturers to lackey, who has repeatedly terrorized Dina, knit readymade garments for export to India and via India to ‘ ' other countries. Reputable Indian Companies with inter ­ national trade could use this as an additional factory for zarsofTajikistanandveiycolorful:andgoodsmadeinother Potency Pedlar ’s spiel on virility, at a time considerable quantity of goods made in Turkey and Iran, especially consumer goods such as soap and toothpaste. There is a beautiful lake called the Tajik Sea near Khujand and we were taken to visit its heavily wooded shores where there are many health resorts for the factory bed... was out of bounds sacred and re- ^XS*""***" “ly- So they We left Tajikistan by the same road from Khujand to chair. Soon the chair was out of Tashkent in a vehicle provided by the University. Due to the bounds too, because the act of straddling war, only vehicles from Uzbekistan could enter Tajikistan Fredoon reminded her of Rustom flinging and return across the border. Our vehicle flew the Indian flag his leg over his bicycle. So what did Fredoon and we left as we entered without any visa or passport check jn? “Hp. t j „ at the border checkpost. ^e put on his trousers and made tea. ” The Indian Embassy staff in Tashkent were most explored the standing position, hospitable again although busy with the visit of the Vice But in the throes of vertical lovemaking I"]? h' Dina could see the rain falling outside the Tashkent.andhadthepleasureofvisitingthemuseumsand • ¦ — ¦ ® art galleries, department stores as big and fashionable as in ,. . London and as well stocked and the Alexi bazar where the she held hands with Rustom there had best “maevo" is available. Our return flight in the early hours been a fine drizzle. She begs Fredoon to of the morning of 15th September on the Uzbek airline desist. He did. “He put on his trousers and Tashkent-Delhi flight was in a plane three quarters empty. The people of ex-USSR countries could ill afford to travel to India five years after the breakup of the USSR. They have very high regard for India and we were very well received in The Emergency platitudes are mouthed all places. .... ters, the lawyer Valmik, may be trans ­ life as a sequence of accidents, there was nothing accidental about his expert narra ­ tion. “His sentences poured out like per- story together without calling attention to the stitches. ” Certainly the narration of A Fine Bal­ ance is seamless, travelling all the way from Independence to the 1980s. There is a fine meshing of characters and events, all amorous priest), 'chikna (slick) hairstyle, ’ ‘all you do is drama andnatak (histronics), ’ unapologetically and without italics. And his imagery can be compelling: “Radha brought the lamp out to the dusk- aggressive forays to offer their muscular services. ” And again, “The capricous breeze escorted the stench for hours into Also humor makes this fat tome im ­ mensely readable, bonies shine in the abid- is about to lose his job, she asks him sympathetically, “Can ’t you... use more making reac^ade garments. This is one of the biggest ba- “^eatenmg language or something? ” The countries are brought here for saie to Tajiks. There were when the country is subjected to a hvsteri- RAfVSidArflhiA nilAnfitv nf nnnHe marin in TurLau , *' cal sterilization program, is hilarious. As is Dina ’s relationship with her lover Fredoon after her beloved husband ’s death. “The window. This reminded her that the first made tea. ” Many other examples come to mind. trippingly by morons but to the reader they 46 Parsiana December 1996 BOYS’ TOWN Public School Nasik 2 Recognised as a Public School by the Department of Educa ­ tion for Indian Merit Scholars. Excellent Climate - All- round Education. Anew two-storeyed dormitory with attached bathrooms, study and lounge rooms has just been completed to house 180 boys. All Academic Subjects - Technical Subjects: Work ­ shop Technology, Mechanical & Electrical Maintenance, Carpentery & Farming. Train ­ ing in^Self-Government through Elected Boys, ’ Office bearers. Games - Physical Training - Dailj^ Assembly with Congregational Prayers — Weekly intensive Zoroas ­ trian —Geeta —Koran classes — Excellent Modern Kitchen and Dining Room facilities. Moderate Fees. Concessions and even freeship to Deserving Students. Children of priests-freeship. Navar Martab facility. Also arrangement to send such boys at Trust expanse to their vari ­ ous destinations, so that they are in touch with performing religious rituals. Also further studies after SSC can be ar ­ ranged if desired. Apply to THE MANAGING TRUSTEE P. N. MEHTA EDUCATION TRUST Cooks Building, 3rd Floor 324, Dr D. N. Road Bombay 400001 Jsound tongue-in-cheek. Jhopadpatti dwell­ ers must do their morning business on the railway tracks, lota (mug) in hand, and when the train schedules are upset, so are the digestive tracts of the slum colony... _ _______________ ___ vwuia m wmun But the humor does nothing, in the end. University of Toronto, “f set m'ys ’elf this cau^ hkrSieViXa webrX!d"we mo^ dissioate the sloom. Mistrv is a creative dream r frt iiznta Dvnn^l.i T_T^ *1-. _ 2 — a _ lit « 1 ~ . Surely in his own life Mistry has dem ­ onstrated this? His first years in Canada cannot have been easy. He was working as a clerk in a bank when he started taking to dissipate the gloom. Mistry is a creative writer — and a fine one. But in this work he has forgotten that the human being is a creator too (in the sense that we are co ­ creators of our destiny) and while the individual is helpless to prevent large events like, say, communal riots overtaking him, he is never without options. One is to be a passive victim; the other, by actively chang ­ ing his response to adversity, he can sur ­ mount it. It has been done before — history is replete with such examples. But one gets the feeling that Mistry ’s view of Indian history is garnered from newspaper clippings. What he ’s picked on novels have been nominated for the Booker is every possible disaster — from the sui­ cide of the three dowerless Kanpur sisters to accounts of demolitions, evictions, cas ­ trations, communal carnage, venality, what not. But while the negative stories we read in newspapers dwell vividly on the trau ­ mas suffered by life’s victims, there must ......ui.c m surely be other stories (if we cared to dig breaking out of the difficulties in which he them out) that demonstrate that meant to be life’s masters? we are invite sorrows on their heads. Okay, in his omnipotence Mistry has every right to portray Ishvar and Om as . „ victims who are powerless to control or night classes in English literature at the influence the events in which thev are dream... of trying to write... ” Exactly. He their fate. We even shakr^THgtyVisfand set himself a dream. And today two of his "His sentences poured out like perfect seams holding the garment of his story together" echo Maneck ’s anguished cry: “Where was God, the bloody Fool?... the things he allowed to happen... ” But what happened to Maneck? Surely he could have found adequate responses to new situations — or even new inner re ­ sources with which to triumph over the old situations? But the calamities that befall his friends and the vicissitudes of life prove too much for him. They bruise his spirit to the extent that he gives up the fight and succumbs to his despair. A Fine Balance would have been balanced if one character, just one, had swum against the tide and gained the other shore. True, one shares the author ’s sense of wonder at the ability of human beings to more Prize; twice he has won the Common ­ wealth Writers Prize and there have been other substantial literary accolades... __ _ „ „ Good for him! We are proud of aapro endure. But endurance is not enough.^The Rohinton. But of all the creatures he ’s given life to in A Fine Balance, not one succeeds in universe is an incredibly balanced place and we have been programmed to win. How else can we^ie here to tell the tale? In this novel Mistry treads heavily on is enmeshed. And those who do make the people ’s dreams. Whereas the greatest art ­ effort, like the tailors, like Dina, merely ists manage to kindle them. > Difficulties in reading? ¦ .i2iaasate5*£ /t 5 time you saw a professional optician. IPs time you came to Baliwalla Homi. One of the finest optometrists and contact lens practitioners Baliwalla & Homi VJX Private Limited OPTOMETRISTS Flora Fountain: 365, Dr. D.N.Road, Bombay 400 001 Tel: 287 4916, 287 1762 fX 1022 2^4^ uru.N.Koad, Bombay 400 001 Tel: 287 4916, 287 1762 • Dhobi Talao: 614, J.S. Seth Marg, Bombay 400 OO2.Tel: 201 4906 Fax. (022) 206 4363 • Parel: J.Merwanji Street, Parel, Bombay 400 012 Tel: 412 6051 ICOMMENT 1 I i Ingenious internet Daleara Sam Jamasji DJ: Ms B, everyone maintains that you are - a malicious gossip. Is there any truth in that statement? Ms B: Arre dikra, look at me. I’m a harm ­ less old woman. Tell me, who would I want to hurt? DJ: Ever heard of Arsenic And Old Lace? Ms B: I beg your pardon? DJ: Just kidding. Ms B: Now look here dikra, I feel that in a small community like ours one should share the joys and woes of others. That is why I feel it my solemn duty to inform “Maalam che ke pdi Siloo ni dikri pela so gate the servants of parties concerned (if others about likely weddings, possible di- and so na dikra sathe farechi (Do you possible subject them to the third degree), know that Siloo ’s daughter is going round Interrogate the relatives of parties con- with so and so ’s son?) ” ‘Wepeli Roshan no dikro... (And that Roshan ’s son...) ” I’m proud to say that we, the Parsis of might stumble on to a scene worth report- Pakistan have elevated common gossip to a fine art. The way we manage to ferret things out is magical. I’m sure Sherlock Holmes would consider us to be the most “singular ” investigators he had ever had the (mis)fortune to meet. By the way, did old Sherlock have any skeletons rattling away in his closet? You can be sure that if there were, someone from our sorority would have discovered them by now. In fact, I think we’d be a credit to any country ’s lity of your home the conversation your close her sources. But tell me, how ai^ intelligence service! next-door neighbor is enjoying unawares your parents? And how is your family. Let ’s face it, we’d be lost without gos- ( sip—the TV and VCR provide us with just of the button for the BBC’s reporter, but so much entertainment, beyond that we it ’s a giant leap forward in the world of have to rely on our own resources. And, if investigative reporting. I may add, we Parsis have a lot of sources — if someone ’s in a mess or having marital problems, the local BBC (Betha Bekar members of the BBC. An important mem- Club) is sure to be the first to know. Not a day goes by without a juicy bulletin re- _ leased by the BBC and, considering the of her precious time. We shall refer to Beware of the community grapevine that thrives on others ’ fortunes and misfortunes vorces, etc. Sometimes I may also slip in a word of caution about a person, if neces ­ sary, to the parties concerned. cerned (do it very discreetly). Be sure to attend all social functions — you just DJ: In other words ma ’am, you ’re a gossip. ¦ Ms B: No, no, no! You children miscon ­ strue all our actions. I am not a gossip. Tell me, was the old town-crier ever branded a gossip? DJ: So you liken yourself to a town-crier. That figures. Would you consider reveal ­ ing some of your sources? Ms B: Chud, I am shocked! Being a re ­ porter yourself you shoufd know better than to ask someone ^ho is practically a member of your noble profession to dis- ing. Collect bits and pieces of information. These can be elaborated and embellished with other such piecemeal information recorded in the files of the parties con ­ cerned. However, the newest trend discernible in BBC’s investigative reporting sector is more in keeping with our mechanical jet ­ set age — just switch that radio on, adjust the setting to FM and enjoy in the tranquil- 5 uh next-door neighbor is enjoying unawares ; ~ ‘ ‘ on his cellular telephone. It ’s one small push faring in that lawsuit you filed During the rest of my allotted time Ms B subjected me to a mini Spanish Inquisi ­ tion. They say forewarned is forearmed, but though I tried not to succumb to her on... size of our community, that ’s downright amazing. Such finely-honed instincts do the BBC reporters possess that somehow they are always at the right place at the right time; always in time to see an unattached chap talk to an unattached girl, and so wide a circulation do their bulletins enjoy that by the evening of the same day the entire community has been informed of the “im ­ pending wedding ” of the parties concerned. Fast work, eh? But fhen the BBC always has been a smooth operator — it never ever commits itself on paper, no siree, no libel suits for the Karachi BBC, it ’s all strictly by word of mouth. Here are a few time-honored gossip ­ collecting methods of the BBC: Interro- The following is an interview with Ms Bomanshaw, one oHhe more industrious insistent probing, how could a mere mortal hold out against such a formidable snoop? Gee, to think that my family ’s most intimate affairs will be dinner table con ­ versation in most Parsi homes tonight! The thought is too horrible to contemplate. ber of this prestigious institution, she graciously agreed to grant me half-an-hour her as Ms B. I o 1 48 Parsiana December 1996 lins II HOW ARg '/OUP. DlVcpA • AND HOW 1^ PARIN6 IN ----- -THAT \'HOU FVVEP ON...MILESTONES 1 This issue of Parsiana includes intercommunity marriages regis ­ tered both at the Old Customs House and at the MHADA office in Bandra (East) for the six month period of February to July 1996. Civil marriages between Zoroas­ trians have also been listed. However, names that could not be confirmed as Zoroastrian have been omitted from the list. There were 17 intercommunity marriages plus four civil marriages between Zoroastrians registered at the Old Customs House and 11 and one, respectively, at the MHADA office. Only one Zoroastrian cremation was registered at the Chandanwadi crematorium between September 1995 to June 1996. The age of Zoroastrian brides — as listed in this issue — ranged between 21 and 40 years, the arithmetic mean (the total number of individual ages divided by the total number of brides) being 27 years. The corresponding figures for the grooms were 24 and 44 years, averaging at 30 years. Compared to 25 babies bom in Bombay in December there were 85 deaths. Heart disease took a toll of 26 lives of whom 13 were 80 years and above. The other major killers were pneumonia and lung related diseases (14) and brain disease (nine). Old age and general debility claimed five victims and septicemia, four. Three deaths each were attributed to diabetes, cancer and asthma and two each to kidney failure and hypertension. The 10 isolated cases registered for Dec­ ember were hemiparesis (a slight paralysis or weakness of one half of the face or body), angina, hypo­ BOMBAY BORN A girl to Tanaz and Zubin Mehta on December 1, 1996 A girl to Perviz and Pervez Dubash', December 3 A boy to Anahita and Darius Pandole', December 3 A girl to Achala and Dara Ichhaporia', December 6 A boy to Zeeba and Darayus Shroff, December 6 A boy to Percis and Sarosh Daruwalla, brother to Aarish; December 1 A girl to Gospi and Firdosh proteinemia (deficient protein in blood plasma from dietary defi ­ ciency or excessive excretion), high blood pressure, cerebral mala ­ ria, dehydration, Alzheimer ’s dis­ ease, epilepsy, fracture of the skull and drowning. In the case of two deaths, the coroner’s report was still pending. Two stillborn male babies and two youths, aged 29 and 37 respectively, were also lost to the community. A 101-year-old lady breathed her last. The Zoroas­ trian life expectancy at birth, in Bombay in December, was 75 years. The data on births, marriages and deaths has been compiled from information supplied by various newsletters and anjumans in India and abroad, courts and hospitals. This information is not always complete or consistent: we are unable to carry data from areas where the anjumans do not furnish the particulars; the birth figures for Bombay are supplied by four hospitals — births in suburban hospitals and private nursing homes are not included unless ___ ........ individuals send us information Elavia) and”Kumaril together with a copy of the birth certificate. There may be an r ___________ inadvertent repetition of names in Vispi Firole Bardoliwalla', A girl to Roshni and Parvez Damania', December 18 A girl to Kaizad and Mhelly Bhamgara', December 19 A girl, Afreen, to Niloufer and Marzban Thanewala', December 20 A girl to Havovi and Rusi Bachana', December 21 A girl to Anaita and Mehli Colah', December 21 A boy to Yasmin and Kaiwan Mevawala', December 23 A girl to Niloufer and Vispi Daruwala', December 25 A girl to Pervin and Sharukh Irani', December 26 A girl to Daisy and Zarir Mistry, December 26 A girl to Avan and Zubin Bhumgara', December 28 A girl to Avan and Cyrus Mistry, December 29 MARRIED Dolly Bharucha and Homi Behram Bharucha', February 2 Freny Pinto and Deepak Ramaswamy, February 5 Minai C. Agarwal (Roda T. Shivcharanlal Garg', February 9 Chetna Gopalji Pandya and the marriage list when a civil February 22 marriage precedes a religious Armin Rumi Wadia and Hemant ceremony. In the breakup of deaths Moreshwar Barfc, February 26 according to illnesses, especially ’ of the elderly, death is often due to a combination of several diseases. __ If readers have any births/ Freddy Cooper, March 6 m^age^deaths they would like Harshvina Maganlal Chauhan and Hosi Framroze Gheesta; March 11 Neena Minoo Patel and Jersaph Sam Valvadia', March 11 Simeen Ibrahim Merchant and Navroz Jamshed Lakdawalla', March 21 Nifriz Dotiwala and Subash Krishnan', March 24 Geetabeen Bhagwanbhai Rajput and Ratan Phiroz Irani', April 2 Poonam Manohar Chhugani and Kaiomarz Dosu Bhamgara', April 20 Diana Joan Syiemiong and Yazdie Noshir Panthaki', April 26 Binaifer M. Hilloowala and Samir K. Gupta; April 28 Ferzana Doctor and Aaron Chaze', April 30 Harbarinder Raha and Cyrus Yezdi Engineer, May 4 Jasmine Baji Mody and Bhushan Shridhar Arolkar, February 27 Sharmin S. Momin and Khushru published, some proof to ensure the veracity of the report would be required. We are sure our readers would appreciate this requirement and cooperate with us Patel', December 7 A girl to Mitra and Nevil Irani', December 8 A boy to Havovi and Zarir Chhor, December 9 A boy to Binaifer and Karl Sahukar; December 11 A boy to Diana and Homeyar Goiporia', December 12 A girl to Daulat and Anand Kumar, December 16 A boy to Khurshid and Mac Spencer, December 17 A girl, Zeenia, to Havovi and Burzin Khan, sister to Hushad; December 17 Vidya Ramalingam and Homiyar < Vasania', May 9 Arpana Damodar Prabhu and Jamsheed Aspi Bugwadia; May 18, Roxana Sam Buhariwala and Behr^ Aspy Daboo', May 20 Meher Jehanbux Gandevia and Vikram Ramesh Kharwa', May 20 Behroze J. George and Sharud Mahendra Telang', May 22 Maneck Homi Moneckshaw and Hemansu Bhupendra Thakkar, May 28 Armaity Sohrab Dehmubed and Harold Jacob D ’Souza', May 30 Delnaaz Mehelli Irani and Rajeev J. S'. Paul', June 4 Rukshana Akbarali Barodawala and Shahrukh Rustam Delkhan', June 7 Gulnar Rustom Irani and Minocher Tirandaz Irani', June 28 Smita Bhagwan Maske and Syrus Rusi Mistry, July 9 At^li Avasthi and Hoshi Karanjia', July 25 Taradevi Damaiy and Shahrookh J. Mehershahi', illy 26 Farida D. Bhathena and Neville Faramroz Patrawala', July 26 Deepa Pribhdas Gidwani and Fall Erach Poncha', July 26 Zeenat N. Khalil and Nirad Hector Karanjawala', July 27 Franak Jahangir Contractor and Hoshang Homi Baria', December 1 Belfriz Khodadad Irani and Farhad Jamshed Fatakia', December 2 Nilufer Adi Dubash and Zubin Tehmulji Adajania', December 3 Pervin Hormusji Patel of Ahmedabad and Zal Rustom Irani; December 3 Rhea Kali Vaid and Kaizad Phiroz Naterwalla', December 6 Kashmira Jamshed Fitter and Cyrus Noshir Patel; December 6 Behnaz Kaikhosrow Izadyar and Farzin Boman Faramarzi', December 8 Roxan Sam Patel and Homyar Minoo Mis try, December 8 Havovi Jehangir Ginwala of Ahmedabad and Khushru Savak Jokhi', December 9 Rashna Dara Zaiwalla and Hoshang Jehangir Khan; December 9 Naomi Darius Todiwalla and Kurush Mehelli Kasad', * 50 Parsiana December 1996December 12 Aban Manek Bhathena and Yohann Jamshed Setna; December 12 Binaifer Jehanbux Dastoor and Pervez Faramroze Aibara', December 13 Dinaz Namdar Irani and Hezeer Noshir Kavarana-, December 14 Daisy Percy Bhathenna and Jehangir Burjor Dhondy, December 16 Shiraz Dinyar Marfatia and Dineil Dinshaw Irani', December 17 Zerophie Ronnie Mistry and Adil Nariman Kasad', December 20 Kamal Dadi Balsara and Yazad Jehangir Bacha', December 21 Khursheed Barjor Gai and Homiar Nariman Vakil', December 22 Jasmin Homi Vania and Mehemosh Jehangir Hormuzdi', December 24 Ruksharui Noshir Bhathena and Kerman Pirojshah Mehta', December 27 Natasha Rohinton Irani and Homeyar Jimmy Mobedji', December 27 Scheherazade Rohinton Balsara and Vispy Sorabji Bharucha', December 28 Dilnawaz Rattan Vajifdar and Mahendosh Hosi Daruwalla', December 28 Yasmin Rusi Patel and Jamshid Pesi Buhariwalla of Pune; December 31 Room no 7, Panday Sanatorium, Colaba, 400005; December 5 Alamai Kaikhoshru Daruwalla (85), 3/18, C. J. •Clny, Sir Ratan Tata Rd, Tardeo, 4(XX)34; December 5 Kurush Jal Patel (58), 24, Glamour Bglw, Malcolm Baug, S. V. Rd, 400102; December 5 Pervez Hormuzji Tampal (58), 7A/4, Tata Clny, Sir Ratan Tata ___ , .................... Rd, Tardeo, 400034; December 5 Clny, Tardeo Rd, 4(^34^ Khorshed Nariman Daruwalla ~ (85), C/o Soli Motafram, Godrej Bldg, Contractor Baug, Mori Rd, Mahim, 400016; December 6 Mary Homi Hathiram (76), F. S. Parukh Dharamshalla, 34, Hughes Rd, 400007; December 6 Jamshed Kaikhushru Naigamwalla (83), 1, Sethna Hse, Mithaiwalla Agiary Lane, Sleater Rd, 4(XXX)7; December 6 Dara Rustomji Contractor (92), P/29, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039; December 7 Noshir Hormusji Master (55), Nicholson Bldg no 5, Wadia St, Tardeo, 400034; December 7 Zarin Jahangir Sanjana (59), 301, Sahara Co-op Hsg Soc, Dr A. R. Nair Rd, Bombay Central, 4(XXX)8; December 7 Homayoon Rustom Mehershahi (72), Room no 10, 286/C, Irani Bldg, Sopari Baug, Parel, 400012; December 8 Dinshaw Cawasji Mehta (70), 36/B, Gool Mhl, Sleater Rd, 4(XKX)7; December 8 Jehangir Phirojsha Nagla (79), 6/6, Khareghat Clny, 30/A, Hughes Rd, 4(XXX)7; December 8 Amavaz Pherojshaw Driver (80), Namdar Darashah Sanjana (95), ~' 384, Bhavani Peth, Poona, 411042; December 8 Allamai Aderji Sarkari (80), 2/404, Yashodhan Apts, Four Bglws, J. P. Rd, Andheri (W), 4(XX)58; December 9 Jer Maneck Masani (85), Sorab Manor, 8, Walton Rd, 400039; December 10 Twins (boys) of Rohinton Minoo Patel (stillborn), 2/669, Boyce Malegamwalla Bldg, Katrak Rd, Wadala, 4(XX)31; December 10 Purviz Keki Velvan (Purviz Dinshaw Gandevia) (65), E, Wassiamull Bldg, Grant Rd, 400053; December 3 400007; December 10 Mistry Mani Bejanji Asha (80), 4, Saurabh Apts, Ambari Rd, Vasai (W), 401201; December II Dadi Meherji Kutar (76), Nanabhoy Chmbs, Rustom Sidhwa Marg, Fort, 400001; December 11 Khorshed Hormusji Sanjana DIED Banoo DIumjisha Bamji (82), Soli Papa Cottage, Firdausi Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 4(XX)14; April 15 (cremated) Jamshed Maneckji Desai (82), residing at C/12, Khalakdina Ter, August Kranti Marg, 40(X)36; December 2 Rohinton Faramroz Driver (37), Dadachanji Bldg, Marzban Clny, Dr A. Nair Rd, 400011; December 2 Manec Sorabji Patel (88), 12, Khareghat Clny, N. S. Patkar Marg, 4(XXX)7; December 2 Meherwan Ardeshir Irani (70), C/27, Ascot, Shastri Ngr, Swami Samarth Circle, Andheri (W), Bldg, Padamji Rd, Off Pavwalla St, 400004; December 3 Dhunmai Pirojsha Bulsara (84), 644, Dinabad, Rd no 10, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; December 4 Khurshed Sorabji Bhadha (84), (84), Kusum Vijay Hse, 174, Modi St, 400001; December 12 Minocher Dadabhoy Bhandari (79), 14, Bhandari Bldg, Wadia St, Tardeo, 4(XX)34; December 13 Tehemuras Jamshedji Constable (80), 1, Naju Mans, 54, Wodehouse Rd, Colaba, 400005; December 13 Dinshaw Jiwanji Elavia (78), G/30, Munshiff Bldg, Captain December 13 Jehangir Shapoor Master (75), 19, Harbour View, Matarpakhadi Cross Lane, Mazgaon, 400010; December 13 Bomi Burjorji Sanjana (68), B/38, Shakti Sadan, Tardeo Bridge, 400007; December 13 Shera Dinshaw Shroff (73), B/8, Bhabha Sanatorium, Bandra, 4{XX)50; December 13 Jal Khershedji Tarapore (78), 7, Lady Dorab Tata Bldg no 2, S. V. Rd, Bandra (W), 400050; December 13 Dinoo Feroze Wankadia (56), B/504, Ahura Apts, Divecha Complex B, Edulji Rd, Charai, Thane (W), 400601; December 13 Alamai Pirojsha Nargolwalla (97), Mithaiwalla Mans, 12th Khetwadi Lane, 400(X)4; December 14 Jal Jehangir Mistry (80), 6/6, Old Khareghat Clny, Hughes Rd, 400007; December 15 Dina Dadi Baxter (81), 52, Pali Hill, Bandra (W), 400050; December 16 792, Dina Manzil, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 4(XX)14; December 16 Freny Noshir Engineer (90), 583, Vipin Villa, Jame Jamshed Rd, Matunga, 400019; December 16 Firoze Hormusji Patel (90), 6/2, Kamlesh Apts, Sher-e-Punjab Soc, Andheri (E), 400093; December 16 Banoobai Ardeshir Randeria (88), 726, P, A. Hormasji Bldg, Comer of Dinshaw Master Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; December 16 Framroze Jiwanji Billimoria (93), B/20, Ashirwad, Veera Desai Cross Rd no 1, Andheri (W), 400058; December 17 Banoo Shiavax Mistry (79), Moonlight, 158, M. Karve Rd, 4(XX)20; December 17 Allan Boman Shroff (85), Room no 13, Petit Widows’ Chawl, Mody St, Fort, 400001; December 17 Coomi Homi Choksey (85), Room no 2, Sethna Bldg, M. M. Chothani Rd, Mahim, 400016; December 18 Dara Eruchsha Daruwalla (75), 9/C, Sagar Sangeet, 58, Colaba Rd, 4(XXX)5; December 18 Jal Jamshedji Mistry (83), 8/16, Old Dubash Bldg, Gamadia Clny, Tardeo, 4(XXX)7; December 18 Bhikhamai Manecksha Poonegar (78), Sethna Hse, 46, Sleater Rd, 4(XXX)7; December 18 Dinabai Sorabjee Balaporia (96), 34/B, Nargis Dutt Rd, Bandra, 400050; December 19 Soonamai Darabshaw Kapadia (81), 6/B, Readymoney Blocks, Mancheiji Joshi Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 40(X)14; December 19 Maneckshaw Navroji Postwalla (54), Feredon Abad, 21, Malcolm Baug, S. V. Rd, Jogeshwari, 4(X)102, December 19 Jer Keki Shroff (68), 7, Lady Meherbai Tata Bldg, Tata Blocks, S. V. Rd, Bandra (W), 4(XX)50; December 19 Sohrab Dinshah Vimadalal (91), ^olestan, Cuffe Parade, 4bO(X)5; December 19 Fardun Behram Beramji (Chhor) (69), 301, M<^ Mhl, Dr Ambedkar Rd* Near Pali Market, Bandra (W), 400050; December 20 Roshon Cavas Bhedwar (80), 51,’ Bakhtawar, Narayan Dabholkar Rd, Off Nepean Sea Rd, 400006; December 20 Hoshang Jehangir Engineer (44), B, Yusuf Mans, Khetwadi Back Rd, Grant Rd, 400004; December 20 Morvarid Khodadad (Khudabux) Irani (Mondegar) (85), Room no 22, Petit Widows’ Chawl, Thakurdwar, 4(X)002; December 20 Ala Ardeshir Mehta (91), Navratna Hsg Soc, Bombay Poona Rd, Lonavala, 410401; December 20 Roda Sorab Nirumvala (80), 5, Auburn Hse, 38, Foijett St, 4(X)036; December 20 Roshon Merwan Unani (55), E/16, Shapur Baug, 376, V. P, Rd, 4(XXX)4; December 20 Ruzva Minoo Dastoor (29), 92, Loonat Manzil, Matarpakhady, Mazgaon, 400010; December 21 Gul Noshir Mahwa (85), B, Adam Mhl, Tardeo, 400034; December 21 Coomi Faramroze Birdy (58), 585, Khan Bldg, Chira Bazar, 4(XXX)2; December 22 4' * 52 Parsiana December 1996Dinbai Rustomji Desai (96), B/8, Ness Baug, Nana Chowk, 4(XXX)7; December 22 Erach Cawasji Mistry (80), The Beacon, 140, Backbay Reel, 400021; December 23 Mehroo Eruch Anklesaria (68), 79, M. B. Hse, Jamnabhoomi Marg, Fort, 400001; December 24 Ratanshaw Dinshawji Baria (82), 1/4, Tata Mills Co-op Hsg Soc, Elphinstone Rd, Parel, 400012; December 24 Jalumai Rustom Vakharia (101), 5/4-U, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 4(XX)39; December 24 Goolan Meherji Bhathena (81), 304/D/23, Yogi Ngr, Eksar Rd, Borivli (W), 400092; December 25 Dina Kaikhushro Dhabhar (88), 95, N. Bharucha Marg, 400007; December 25 Pirojbai Jamshed Bhumgara (89), 17, Rustomji Bldg, Sleater Rd, 400007; December 26 Ardeshir Manekji Katrak (89), 79, Jehangir Mans, N. S. Patkar Marg, 400007; December 26 Hormusji Rustomji Damania (90), 36, Adi Marzban Path, Fort, 400001; December 27 Eruchshaw Naserwanji Marfatia (76), C/25, Nowroz Baug, Lalbaug, 400012; December 27 Kharmen Ardeshir Irani (77), 1, School Bldg, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039; December 28 Bhikhu Dinshaw Daruvala (85), 303/304, Mercury Bldg, 4th Cross Rd, Lokhandwala Complex, Andheri (W), 4(X)053; December 29 Faramroze Arderji Driver (76), 29, Dadachanji Bldg, Marzban Clny, Dr A. L. Nair Rd, 400011; December 29 Mehli Peshotan (Pesi) Nargol- wala (41), 2/B, Giriraj, Anstey Rd, 400036; December 29 Mani Keky Pajnigara (70), C/o G. K. Tempo, National Highway, Jalgaon, 425002; December 29 Villoo Napier Dhanidaduna (70), 646, Gai Bldg, Khareghat Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; December 30 Minu Ardeshar Irani (52), A/2, Petit Chawl, Balaram St, Grant Rd, 400007; December 30 Nergesh Ardeshir Joshi (83), 638, Mancherji Joshi Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; December 30 Framroze Pestonji Wadia (90), 9/2, Rustom Baug, Victoria Rd, 400027; December 31 BORN Boys Girls 8 17 TOTALS FOR 1996 Bombay India World 97 118 28 32 MARRIED Parsi Intercommunal DIED CONSIGNED Males Females CREMATED Males Females 30 28 41 44 193 45^ 457 502 6 10 98 89 15 9* 59 41 • A: Total numbers in this issue B: Running totals for 1996 (February-March 1996-December 1996 issues) Males married out — 25 ' Males — 3 * Males — 2 Females married out — 20 Females — 2 Females — 7 •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, marnages and deaths in the Zoroastrian community in India and abroad. ' Males — 3 Females — 2 CALCUTTA MARRIED Indrani Ghosh, daugher of Anita and Bhaskar, and Xerxes Anklesaria, son of Dolly and Darius; December 9 DIED Hoshang Kaikhushroo Tangree, husband of Putli and father of Rati Kharas, Roshan Master and Aspi; December 6 Shirin Bomanji Gandiwalla (93), 5, Fayer Phayre Rd, 411040; December 15 Sheera Darabshah Engineer (83), Samrath Bldg, Tungarli Rd, Lonavala, Dist Pune, 410401; December 30 Goolbanu Behramshah Khambatta (89), Phoolgate Bus Stand, Sholapur Rd, 411001; December 31 AJJSTRALIA Sydney BORN A boy to Katy^d Neville Kapadia', December 23 CANADA Edmonton BORN A boy, Imran, to Bhaktawar and Sarosh Wadia', October 24 KANPUR DIED Jer Jehangir Shapurji, mother of Thrity Maneck Viccaji and Jasmine Kali Karanjia; December 18 RATLAM MARRIED Benaifer Kabir, daughter of Hutoxi and Godrej, and Cawas Bagli of Delhi, son of Dhun and late Darius; December 30 Ontario BORN A girl, Zenia, to Anaheet and Farhad Sethna, sister to Zubin; December 28 OOTY DIED Silloo Lynn Townsend', December 9 POONA DIED Phiroje B. Udwadia (97), 839, Dastur Meher Rd, 411001; December 3 Piloo Cawasji J esang (82), A/15/19, Kubera Park, Lullanagar, 411040; December 4 Gulbai Hurmuz Irani (Jh), 14/A, Parsee Mody Clny, 411001; December 9 Be hr am Ardeshir Surti (74), E/9, Ashoka Apts, 3, Naylor Rd, 411001; December 12 SURAT DIED Rati Jemi Vesuna (26), Vakil St, Shahpore, 395003; December 3 Bamansha Kuvarji Patel (68), Vad St, Rajpipla, Dist Broach, 392001; December 11 Kawasji Tehmurasp Modi (74), Timaliya Wad, Nanpura, 395001; December 19 Dolatbanoo Godrej Daruwala (65), Nanpura, 395001; December 20 Jalamai Sorabji Bhatporia (JO), Village Bhatha, Dist Surat, 394510; December 23 Kersi Kawasji Rao (75), Wadi St, Rustompura, 395002; December 29 Toronto DIED Mondegar Mondegarian, father of Parveen Mehraban Irani; December 19 PAKISTAN Karachi DIED Jer H. Billimoria (78); December 9 Minocher D. Hansotia (83); December 9 Ferose Buchome (74); December 21 Rata J. Banaji (28); December 28 Jal K. Katrak (70); December 28 Compiled by Roxana A. Driver A B A B 8 4 1 1 9k*3{c A B 2 1 1 1 6 5 • 4 2 * 54 Parsiana December 1996 IIN MEMORIAM (for my father 1917-1996) i Flesh Shadows Blood Water My body is a shadow haunted by water I live in a house made of walls of water The monsoon washes away the ire of my fathers from Transoxiana A trait I share with my lover who has become my father And when he saw me as one looks long into the face of an ill- beloved son just before death I smiled the smile of my mother with her eyes Our mother is Death Now I talk easy with the dead in the house of dreams as I never did in life The telephone is dead Father visits my house he ’s built The one with bricks of fire And it becomes a pyramid I carry a canoe into dry streets We are pharoahs in a necropolis I awake rejuvenated I have washed my hands off my own blood My father ’s house with mirrors by the sea moulders in a bank vault My father has left no legacy The leaves fall and grow into poetry We have to make threes: In his dreams my father, he and I bicycle to his childhood home The streets like dreams are free t' I took my lover ’s hand at Fort showing him my childhood haunts I caught a hand in a city of 4 million people and cried: Father! And you? he said He could not see (Busy setting his great house in order) He passed me by in a crowd In a city of 4 million souls My search ended in rage Now blocking the gate of history . is the justice of Naushirwan And the ghost of Ardeshir The script on the coins is dead My lover and I join hands in the dust And come up with father ’s earth * * Two days later he died of old age Now my heart is a house built of water Shadows of a large bird fall over a well The bones are picked clean All rage ends My earth is an earth I made with 11/2 syllables I bypassed blood Tears don’t stain like rain My house is a flood of poems The dead receive no mail Hoshang Merchant 13-9-96 * 55 Parsiana December 1996 IIN MEMORIAM Chibber's Concerns Parinaz Gandhi ultimately did not file her nomination. As chairperson of the Maharashtra State Social Welfare Advisory Board she had travelled extensively in the rural areas to gain fir ­ sthand knowledge of their living conditions. Died: Aloo Jal Chibber, 75, former mem- mmittee, subordinate legislation commit- In her capacity as chairperson of the ber of the Maharashtra Legislative Assem- tee, committee on petitions, government Children ’s Aid Society she had sought to bly (MLA) and Maharashtra Legislative consultative committees, mentions a press Council, on February 16,1996 in Bombay release. She has also been credited with in ­ following a comatose condition. “Her contribution as a member in both the Houses is surely to be remembered. She strove hard for the upliftment of (the) she had held were as executive member of a home cum training center for rescued mmittee, subordinate legislation commit- improve the condition of different remand homes in Bombay. When she was honorary general secretary of the Association for troducing some private bills in the legisla ­ ture including one for the abolishment of Moral and Social Hygiene she strove to the dowry system. Among the other posts acquire a piece of land at Mankhurd to start r fi 4 'I'.'- Chibber: A “contribution to remember” the Commonwealth women. As commissioner of the Bombay Parliamentary Board MahilaNagarNigam she was entrusted the and treasurer of the responsibility of training women for po- Maharashtra Pradesh litical and social work. She had also ser- Congress Committee ved as advisor to the State Family Planning despite her frank con ­ fession to Gandhi that “I even made mistakes the city dailies. Among the institutions in my household ac ­ counts, ” as she had re ­ counted to Parsiana cosmopolitan dharamshala for pilgrims (“Chibber ’s challen ­ ge,” Parsiana, June 1986). When appointed is known to have represented the country member of the high at various international conferences in the power Panel on Mi- Board. Details of her welfare activities were reported in the obituary write-ups in that she was closely associated with were the Dadachanji General Hospital and a founded by hS" family in Nasik. Social education as also adult literacy programs was she keen topromote and she I Yn iiiciiiuci ui Liic ingii at vtuiuua iiitciiiauuiiai vuiitciciivca lu uic power Panel on Mi- fields of education, social work and poli- % ^’1 norities. Scheduled tics. According to the curriculum vitae lis- II ting her academic achievements, Chibber X' ’I Tribes and Weaker enjoyed the double distinction of being appointed a Fellow senate member of the .• ? her to central ministe- Bombay University and Fellow of the S.N. rial privileges, she had emphasized the D.T. (SmtNathibai Damodar Thackersey) need for protective discrimination in favor Women ’s University. Her early education was at Bombay ’s Young Ladies School after which she had graduated in arts with history and economics from St Xavier ’s Castes, Scheduled fc rr.-. ._J I Sections that entitled • ¦ * her to central ministe- I downtrodden and her contribution towards of Parsis for she had observed that the parliamentary work was unique, ” wrote J. S. Tilak, chairman of the Maharashtra Le­ gislative Council, in his letter to the family. apex body of the community she had not College. For recreation, Chibber enjoyed Among the first to send their condolence been able to accomplish the results she listening to music tmd could play the piano messages were the chief minister of Ma ­ harashtra, Manohar Joshi, and the former chief minister Sharad Pawar. The Maha ­ rashtra State Social Welfare Advisory instead of wasting time and funds on hous- Board passed a condolence resolution in ing, the Bombay Parsi Punchayet should community was losing its preeminence. However, for want of support from the too. She was appointed member of the re ­ gional committee constituted by the Gov ­ ernment of India to adjudge films for na ­ tional awards. Railwaymen, armed forces personnel, Marathi in honor of its former chairperson, promote greater social interaction among paraplegics, the blind, besides many oth- Induced to join politics by the then ( Prime Minister Ms Indira Gandhi, Chibber he adds. was offered a Congress ticket in 1972 to , . contest the MLA elections from the Colaba was the only Parsi MLA and among those inclination and time... ” she had earlier sta- constituency. Securing the highest percen- responsible for getting the Parsi (She- tage of votes among the successful candi ­ dates from Bombay she went on to take active part in legislative matters serving as chairperson or member of various presti ­ gious committees such as the estimates co- desired, recounts her son Homi. Another issue of concern to Chibber was the rise in intercommunity marriages. She felt that the youth and arrange religious discourses, ers, have reportedly benefitted from Chi ­ bber ’s fund-raising activities. “One must When she joined politics in 1972 she have the social worker ’sconsideration and ted. As noted one of the condolence mes ­ sages, “Memories of her lively nature and endless help to those in ne^ will long outlive her. ” Chibber is survived by her sons Homi, henshahi) New Year being declared as a state holiday in 1976. Though in 1986 she was contemplating contesting the Pun- chayet trusteeship elections on the strength of her experience as a social worker, she Dr Percy and Darius. 56 Parsiana December 1996