May 1996

I 7 SBHiB jgnfflBEg May 1996 Rs 22 t , w.. f I IMay 1996 Volume 18 Number 9 EDITOR Jehangir R. Patel MANAGING EDITOR Amavaz S. Mama EXECUTIVE EDITOR Parinaz M. Gandhi SENIOR EDITOR Dina K. Mehta ASSOCIATE EDITOR Roxana A. Driver DESIGN Kranti M. Shilotri, Jayshree R. Ghosh MARKETING DIRECTOR Veera Patel ADVERTISING MANAGER Zarin Mistry ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES Niloufer Panthaky, Susan Hadvaid FINANCE B. L. Arora EDP Rohinton E. Daroga ADMINISTRATION R. S. Pingle MANAGEMENT Jasmine Driver DTP Bakhtavar R. Batliwalla, K. P. Ravi SUBSCRIPTION/CIRCULATION Khurshid Panthaki, Swarupa Kamat ACCOUNTS Anagha Korde, Bindu Pillai OFFICE Indu Pillai, Chetan Halani OFFICE ASSISTANTS Umesh Poojary, Selvan Mark, Sunil Sakhare, Govind Salgaonkar, Mahipat Jadhav 2 Readers ’ Forum 6 Events and Personalities 16 Zoroastrians Abroad 22 Jehangir Lalkaka: Brush with Fame by Meher Marfatia 28 An unnecessary election? by Arnavaz Mama -*¦ t 32 Drawn to Daman by Gustasp Irani 35 Status of Women: sacred and secular - 6 by Dr Ketayun Goilld 40 Books 43 Milestones 46 In Memoriam Cover: Lighthouse at Daman Photograph: Gustasp Irani Parsiana is published by Jehangir R. Patel for Parsiana Publications Pvt Ltd at C/o H. L. Rochat, Navsari Chambers, ground floor, 39 A. K. Nayak Marg, Fort, Bombay 400001 and printed by him at Kaiser-E-Hind Pvt Ltd, 300 Perin Nariman Street, Bombay 400001. Color processing. Comart Lithographers; black and white processing, Samir Scantech. All rights reserved. ISSN: 0971-3786. Phone: 2078730 Fax: 2072922. For editorial enquiries 2078183. Tlx: 11-85710 RABO IN. For subscription enquiries and payments: C/o Kaiser-E-Hind Pvt Ltd, 300 Perin Nariman St (Behind Reserve Bank of India), Bombay 400001; Phone: 2658619, 2665661. Annual inland subscription for one year (10 issues) Rs 200; for two years (20 issues) Rs 375. Foreign subscription rates: Seamail for one year Rs 375AJS $ 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 700AJS $ 23/UK £ 15 (for Pakistan, Indian Rs 500); for two years, Rs 1,300/US $43/ UK £ 27 (for Pakistan, Indian Rs 950). For Indian upcountry cheques add Rs 10 for bank charges; for US cheques add $ 5; for UK cheques add £ 3. Cheques and drafts are to be drawn in favor of Parsiana and posted to GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001. IREADERS' FORUM 100 IKS Navsari by J. R. D. Tata in 1939. The paternal edifice, which all but dwarfs the adjoining birthplace, is apalazzo by Navsari standards, its neo-classical facade looming over the lane. Sadly though, booklet at the wedding ceremony of Zarir, its hauteur is not matched by its condition, which is pathetic. Forlorn and abandoned, locked and barred, its broken window ­ panes, rotting woodwork and moldering masonry give it the appearance of a crum ­ bling ghost mansion. Unless something is done quickly, the community and the country may well lose apiece of heritage. Are any conservationists Fort, Bombay 400001 for a free copy of the listening? ronik. khan book. t. p. wadia Nasik Gathas, an English version in verse by Rusi Pardiwala, to the late Us tad Keki Vaid. Dusturji Nasserwanji of Surat ’s Shehenshahi Atash Behram released the son of Meher and the late Keki Vaid, and Khushnum Parvez Aibara at Surat on De ­ cember 7, 1995. Ex-students and trainees of the late Ustad, as also anyone else who is inter ­ ested, may contact the Sahitya Aane Sanskruti office at Room No. 4, Mahavir Chambers, second floor, Banaji Street, “Stained glass Zarthost” You have reversed the negative/slide (“Stained glass Zarthost, ” Parsiana, Octo ­ ber 1995). There was no need to do so. I had already done that as you can see from the print I gave you. You have omitted my army rank. Why? You don ’t seem to do this with your other readers with military rank. Why me? When one retires one does not lose his rank. I think you should explain yourself on the above two points. Apologize if you are in the wrong. There is no shame in apolo ­ gizing. Nagpur school needs funds Having completed 75 glorious years in the Lt Col BEHROOZ S. IRANI RAMC (Retd) Parsiana apologizes. 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. FCC COpy Ot tllC (jtttnttS -------------------------------------------------------- Homage most fitting is paid to the great teacher, scout master, athlete, sportsman Navsari’s Tata heritage and physical culturist of Surat, Master In a narrow lane in Navsari, two historic (Ustad) Keki Vaid, who lived a life of houses standing cheek by jowl are closely purity, dignity, nobility, associated with the father of modern In- service and sacrifice. In his dian industry, the visionary Jamsetji long career, the great master NusserwanjiTata(1839-1904).Thesmaller trained hundreds of youths, of the two is Jamsetji ’s birthplace, and I many of whom made a mark was informed by my local guide that while this had belonged to his mother ’s family, the larger one adjacent to it had been his pupils were, “Everyman is paternal home. endowed with some gift by The birthplace is a modest but charming God. If he recognizes it and structure with a narrow frontage that belies nourishes it, he will surely the depth of its interior, and halfway inside shine out. ” on the ground floor my guide pointed out the lilliputian room where the great man was born. Happily, the house is in good solemnly dedicated its pub­ condition, well cared for and complete with a marble plaque over the front door recording, inter alia, that it was handed Jamsetji Tata’s maternal over in trust to the Parsi community of (top) and paternal homes in various fields of life. His golden words to his Sahitya Aane Sanskruti, a cultural organization, has lication of Zarathushtra ’s t 2 Parsiana May 1996 Iservice of society the J. N. Tata Parsi Girls ’ High School is in its platinum jubilee year. The building of the School was origi ­ nally designed to cater to the needs of a small number of children. Over the years the pressure of admissions have increased and a dire need is now felt for its expan ­ sion. The blueprint for a new building behind the teachers ’ quarters is ready. The construction work for the same will be the most important task to be undertaken during this jubilee year. This is an earnest appeal to all to con ­ tribute generously towards this noble cause. Your contribution in cash/cheque/demand draft may be sent in the name of J. N. Tata Parsi Girls ’ High School, Nagpur. The names of those who donate Rs 25,000 and above, will be inscribed on marble. Contri ­ butions are entitled to income-tax exemp ­ tion under section 80-G of the Income-tax Act. Ms F. N. HAMZA Principal, J. N. Tata Parsi Girls ’ High School, Nagpur Destiny of the spirit Religious controversies have become the bane of our times. Religion is in a state of turmoil, so much so that the spirit with which it was first introduced by the proph ­ ets is dead and only the form — the rituals and the conventions — now remains and a lot of heat is uselessly generated. Zarathushtra, Jesus, Buddha, Mohammad made their appearance and dispelled many of the myths. They all said “God is One. Call Him what you wish. He will come to you in that form. Seek Him in the hearts of chain is broken and has to be reset. ” fellow beings, in nature and in this beauti- " ful world which He has given us to enjoy and live happily. ” But the original message hat! When my young son was dying of is lost and we are fogged in controversies of who is really God. Who is He? Where does He stay? Is He Real? The answers to these questions are unknown, but not unknowable. Somewhere in the recesses of our innermost being He dwells and can be contacted in the silence of our spirit — the intuition which rises Tike the kundalini and floods us with so many answers. To Arjun ’s query of “Who are you Lord? ” Sri Krishna replied, “Main? Main boon. ” To Moses He said, “I am that I am. ” Jesus said, “My father and I are one. ” Mohammad found Him in Allah and Buddha saw Him in the profound suffering of his fellow human beings. Zarathushtra found Him in truth and the beauty of Nature and her various elements. The un ­ derlying message was the same — God always existed and always will. He is here, there and everywhere, the Prime Creator who out of love for humanity incarnated in various forms. Instead of taking cognizance of the prophets ’ revelations we are busy arguing about rituals and forcible conversions or no conversions or who is a real Parsi or whatever. All the inventions, the techno ­ logical advancement, the sciences, the arts, the journey to the moon pale into insignifi ­ cance as we realize that we have lost the greatest heritage of mankind and the main message of the prophets that “God is love. ” Being born in the Zoroastrian faith, I wish to thank my soul for gravitating to ­ wards this great democratic religion of my ancestors. For selecting such noble and wonderful parents who gave me birth and all the family who are so dear and loving to I am proud to be a Zoroastrian and will die as one. We Parsis have a long heritage of charity, sincerity, friendliness and liv ­ ing the good life. We love laughter and fun and can mix and match with others with the same charm and proximity we have for our own. Who cares if I am burnt, buried or eaten by the birds? or argued about my disposal by persons I have never seen in my life? Who cares if a family member is married to an outsider? It ’s their life and their choice. Why should I interfere in their decision? At some point during Reiki (healing meditation) Shri Sai Baba of Shirdi made His appearance and said, “Forget all these useless feuds and controversies. Go back to the spirit of the message. The message is that if one link breaks in the chain, the me. Babaji is not an ordinary run-of-the mill saint who can grant boons at the drop of a cancer, all my raving and ranting and pleas to “take me but spare him ” met with a stern gaze. “No ma, death is inevitable — He will always be with you. After all what can this poor fakir do near Allah ’s will? ” That is Baba. After knowing him, I am a better Parsi — I can feel the presence of the Holy one when I pray in the fire-temple. The Gathas have acquired a new meaning and I find a sea-change in my attitude towards my own faith. Our priests have only created confu ­ sion saying one thing and doing another; so much so that no one takes them seriouslv. When I go to Udvada I can feel the pro ­ found silence of the holy fire as it crackles and glows in the evening dusk. When I go to Shirdi, I touch the soil where Baba once walked and visit him as one would a loving friend. We do not perform any aartis or poojas. We enter Dwar Ka Mai (door to the mother ’s house) and sit on the steps. Soon Baba makes his presence felt and we talk. I cry, I scold, I rant. He listens as much as to say “OK. I have'heard all this; now go home and relax. Leave everything to me. ” Baba is not a prophet. He offers no religion, no conversion. He only teaches accep ­ tance, adherence to one ’s own religion — and offers His Grace. It is not necessary for others to agree or disagree. Think^ and set your house in order! The false presumptions, the fanati ­ cism, the entire facade of untruth with which we cover ourselves wi^l slowly come crumbling down. Let us unite and fight against forces of corruption, communalism and useless pro ­ paganda which demean the spirit and turn it away from its real destiny. The goal becomes more distant, more impossible to reach as we have forgotten what it is to love. Ms GOOLOO R. MEHTA k * Whither, Parsianal My family and I enjoy reading Parsiana. To make the magazine more interesting to continued on page 48 Gold and silver Lord Zoroaster and Asho Farohar medals available Gold, silver and diamond exclusive showroom We also undertake polishing of ses 594, Chira Bazar, Girgaum Road, Mumbai 400002. Tel: 2065137 We accept Diners, BOB card, American Express, Taj Premium, Visa & Master Cards. J » 4 Parsiana May 1996Events and Personalities Dental Congress The Third World Zoroastrian Dental Con ­ gress (WZDC) is to be held in Goa at the Hotel Leela Beach from 20th to 23rd Sep ­ tember 1996 by the Zoroastrian Dental Or- FeW VOteS fOF Parsis ganization (ZDO) in association with the Goa State Branch of the Indian Dental ________________ Association, notes a press release issued never vote for Mr Marazban J. A. Patrawala, by the congress chairman Dr Porus S. ~ — Turner. The ZDO comprises around 120 Zoro ­ astrian dentists from all over the world with the majority being from Bombay, notes the release. “Although few in mem ­ bers the group is very active and holds preventive dentistry programs regularly in pendent Surty from central Bombay; nor different Zoroastrian colonies of Bombay, Shiv Sena fielded Damania from south Udvada and other places in Gujarat. They Ahmednagar. also have continuing education seminars When former member of the Maha- had the ability to communicate and under- fonts members at least twice a year. ” “The rashtra Legislative Assembly Patrawala stand the intricacies of representing the greatest achievement of this small dedi- was denied a seat by Congress (I) who ' " - - - ® cated group is that till today they have been preferred to nominate sitting member of instrumental in sending six Zoroastrians ~ " - - - to a private dental college in the south to become dental surgeons, ” states Turner. The First WZDC was held at the Taj Mahal Hotel in Bombay, and the second in Karachi Pakistan at the Avari Towers (cour- Bharatiyas and Parsis plus tesy Byram Avari). The congress is open to Zoroastrian and non-Zoroastrian dental surgeons from around the world. The co-chairmen of the Congress are Drs Keki Mistry and Rumi Sukhia and the president of the ZDO is Dr by the likes of Bombay Parsi Punchayet anything about it after coming to power a Fall P. Driver. -*- — t----- j »- r,-.. ------ . . » Delegates from neighbouring countries as well as from the USA, the UK and Canada are expected to present their clini ­ cal and research papers at the conference, states the release. The theme of the confer- Kekobad Mody. In their joint appeal they appealing and realized that though he would ence is ‘Light the way with Knowledge. ’ p'——« “u-1----- 1-------1---------- . - ¦ - —............................................................. Preconference courses will be conducted i jon esthetic dentistry, crown and bridge general and to the members of the Parsi dentistry and dental implants. Dentists who wish to present a paper or join as delegates are requested to contact Dr (Ms) Daisy Sidhwa, organising nity stalwarts 1“ ”_ 1 __ , secretary. Third WZDC, Queens Cham- Admiral R. K. S. Gandhi, Homi Taleyar- k.:.,. KA iz r, 1 khau, Adi Godrej, Jamsheed Kanga how ­ ever supported Deora, referring to him as “a progressive, clean and effective politi ­ cian... ” With the votes divided between ber, M. Karve Road, Bombay 400020. 6 Parsiana May 1996 like Nani Palkhivala, Vice I k I I “All Parsis must vote Parsis. Let Parsi _______ __________ _ voice be heard in Parliament..^ Now or these two contestants, the winner was Ms Jaywantiben Mehta fielded by the Bhara ­ tiya Janata Party. For businessman Damania who was conferred a Shiv Sena ticket, it was no sec ­ ret that his clos? ties with the Thackeray Samajwadi Party candidate Patrawala from himself maintained in an interview with ---------------- iiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray “wanted the candidate to be young and well-versed in Hindi and Eng ­ lish. He also wanted articulate people who Dr Shapoorji C. Surty, Mr Parvez Dama- nia, ” read an advertisement in the Jatn-e- Jamshed of April 21, 1996. As it turned out, none of these Parsi contestants were ___________ ___ ________ able to win seats to the Lok Sabha — not family had earned him that favor.Damania Gai.,ajnau.i ai I.J caiiuiuitLc raLiawdid iTom nimseir maintained in an ml the South Bombay constituency; nor inde- Deepak Lokhande that the When former member of the Maha- was denied a seat by Congress (I) who Shiv Sena in Parliament. ” Damania knew that he was contesting in a constituency where the Congress had not lost a seat in Parliament Murli Deora for reelection, ________________ Patrawala opted for the cycle symbol of the last 50 years. But he was fairly confident have the support of 43 percent of the votes from the Muslims, scheduled castes, Uttar i some more to the Samajwadi Party , hoping that he would on the grounds that he had provided a fair . .2-... amount of employment in the area, all his companies — never mind that they are not prospering — being registered there. Lea- win the majority at the ballot. ving his suits in the closet and opting for His intervention during the Adoption of the kurta-pyjama attire, he addressed issues Children Bill as also help extended to like providing medical facilities, proper young boys and girls to get admission into irrigation and drinking water, and employ ­ schools and colleges was acknowledged ment. Then why hadn ’t his party done -------------r--------------------------------1 trustees Jamshed Guzder, Ms Silloo Kava- year ago? Why had the local Shiv Sena rana, legal luminaries Justice Bakhtawar MLA Anil Rathod done nothing to improve Lentin, Justice Dinshaw Mehta, Tehmton the situation in Nagar? This was the grilling Andhyarujina, doctors Rustom Soonawala, he received at the hands of political repor- Aspi Golwalla, Temhton Udwadia and ters who found his political naivetd quite mentioned, “He has always been a pillar of make a colorful MP if elected, his danger- , ..................... frankness could be exploited by his opponents. When the backing of their respective Children Bill as also help extended to I” " ; young boys and girls to get admission into irrigation and'^nking water, and employ- support to all the members of the public in community in particular... We are sure that ’........................... ' _______ _ _ he will be responsive and responsible political parties could not save the situa- --------------- ---------------- - tion for Patrawala or Damania, Surty as an Member of Parliament... ” Other commu- ii *4 fl f ¦j; "J wU New Mhow agiary kebla,, overview of agiary^ gathering at the jashan on 21st March 1996 Photos: Kerman Marker Lower right: facade of agiary Photo: SHloo Buhariwalla lanMiMumitiiiiWi independent candidate was almost a non ­ entity in the fight. “Let your voice be heard rightly in Parliament, ” “Vote only for the rising sun symbol ” were the slogans adopted by him. But unfortunately he could make little headway in a constituency domi ­ nated by the Shiv Sainiks. Mhow fire ablaze “Dedicated to the faith that inspired and benevolence that financed this adarian saheb, ” reads the inscription on the kebla of the reconstructed fire-temple in Mhow wherein was housed their nearly 150-year- old fire on March 21, 1996. In pitch darkness, in the early hours of the morning of March 21, the procession of over 100 Zoroastrians ledbyDasturMeherji Meherjirana of Navsari accompanied the fire carried by four priests. Acting as rathestars or guardians for the atash were two senior trustees of the Mhow Anjuman 2ind the president of the Ratlam Anjuman, each carrying swords. The heaps of sandalwood offered with prayers created a “glorious blaze (which) brought renewed hopes that this light will for ever survive all difficulties and pessi ­ mism lurking in the minds of many, ” wrote Group Captain Dhunjishaw Marker, vice president of the Mhow Parsi Zoroastrian Anjuman, in his report on the proceedings. Later in the morning the panthaky of the Mhow Anjuman Ervad Rumi Panthaki led a jashan, accompanied by his assistant Ervad Jimmy Panthaki and the two priests from Surat, Ervad Jehangir Turel and Ervad Farrokh Turel. The mobeds from Surat were specifically invited to organize and conduct the requisite prayers involved in the shifting of the atash padshah from its temporary abode to the palatial new agiary which continues to be the only adarian in the whole of north, and central India, ac ­ cording to Marker. In fact, the festivities had commenced the previous evening with the video screen ­ ing of The Voice ofZarathushtra followed by a sumptuous dinner. The catering for all the meals, including breakfast and lunch on Jamshedi Navroze, was under the su­ pervision of Marzban Khajotia of Baroda. When faced with the gargantuan task of rebuilding the Agiary, considerable help was extended by architect Jehanbux Bili- moria of Bombay, building contractor Adil Marfatia from Indore and structural engi ­ neer Phiroze Ghadiali of Bombay, all of whom worked in an honorary capacity, acknowledge the Mhow office-bearers. 8 Parsiana May 1996 I1 notes its trustee-secretary Ms Homai Modi. Thirty-five students have been attend ­ ing its elementary interfaith classes since January this year. The two-hour sessions divided into two lectures each, every Sat ­ urday afternoon, have covered eight major religions. A token fee of Rs 100 includes xeroxed notes, tea and payment to the lec ­ turers. Each religion has had four lectures devoted to it taught by professors of stan ­ ding. Thus Zoroastrianism has been taught by Dr Ramiyar Karanjia, principal of the Athornan Boarding Madressa, Hinduism and Buddhism by Prof S. A. Upadhyaya of the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Christianity and Islam by Rev Laney Pareira and Dr (Ms) Zeenat Shaukat Ali respectively, both of St Xavier ’s College, Jainism by Ms Uthpala Mody, professor of philosophy at G. D. Somany College, Bahaism by V^id Fozdar, a doctoral student at the California University, Berkeley, USA and Judaism by Rabbi Hyim Shafner. Another popular activity at the KRCOI are conversational classes in elementary Persian conducted by Burjor Bastawala on Monday evenings. The first six-monthly course which began last October may now be succeeded by "Tin intermediate class as well as a second primary course. Bastawala, jointly hosted by the KRCOI and The gather to deliberate and seek peace... These who has taught Persian in five^al schools. World Conference of Religion for Peace, talks are painful ” and there are always had qualified for his masters from Bombay The co-sponsoring organizations included efforts to derail them. But there is “no Anjuman-I-Islam, Bharatiya Vidya Bha ­ van, Bombay Gandhi Smarak Nidhi, St Xavier ’s College ’s Department of Reli ­ gious Studies, the Ramakrishna Mission and the Temple of Understanding. Predicting that the ascendency of mili- . , , tary fundamentalism will be so pervasive ners (in the European Union)? ” — and is working on the Avesta/Pahlavi/Zend in the coming century that a United Reli- imagination at the grassroots needs to be aspect under Dastur (Dr) Kaikhusroo gious Organization would be necessary to “set ablaze, ” noted the priest who is a JamaspAsa and P. V. Pathak who is pursu- counter it. Swing noted that the signing of member of the executive committee of the ing Vedic studies under Upadhyaya. ¦ ~ *¦ ‘i All these activities are helping to create ¦ 3 an awareness of the KRCOI and its facili- persons every night, provides them bank ties among the citizens of Bombay, says Arnavaz S. Mama envisaged body, though convenient, was difficult to sustain. For one thing, the con ­ cept of the autonomous sovereignty of na ­ tions was well defined and understood but how many religions were there and how many subgroups? “If subgroups inside a religion won ’t deal with each other, how will they get together in a council? ” Swing cited a basic concern. At the other end of the spectrum are those who think ‘ Wouldn ’ t one great religion be wonderful?... Don ’t all religions believe the same thing? ” Swing noted that a primary concern of the new body “would be to discern the spiritual content of global issues and take steps ” accordingly. The constituencies of the great historic^ religions would be re ­ spected: religious autonomy would be pre ­ served just as national autonomy has been preserved, while giving each representa ­ tive a voice in the world ’s arena. “There was more to religions than their code of ethics, ” he noted, and stressed the need for them to “sit together to discuss issues and action for global good ” on a regular basis. Citing examples of conflict between England and Ireland, Israel and the Arab states and Bosnia —all of which have been rooted in religious misconceptiorfs — ^e talk by the visiting Bishop had been Swing said, “I am in awe of nations who The local team substantially involved in this project included their octogenarian president Ms Homai Illava, honorary sec ­ retary Dr Behram Masani, purse-string holder Firoze Illava and members of the managing committee. Their well-laid gar ­ den was designed by Zal Cowasji. Others who have been singled out for their in ­ volvement are Naval Cooper, Ms Pervin Jehangir and Ms Nargesh Buchia who helped raise the necessary funds. On this significant occasion when com ­ munity members had assembled from the neighboring towns, an inter-city meet of Madhya Pradesh Zoroastrians was orga ­ nized to discuss material problems and the future course of activities for the welfare of their youth. In pursuit of tolerance “It took two months to write the United Nations ’ charter. It is hoped that United Religions will accomplish the task in two years. ” Bishop of California, Rt Rev Wil­ liam E. Swing was addressing a gathering in the Library Hall of the K. R. Cama Oriental Institute (KRCOI) on March 15, 1996 on the “Creation of an International Organization for the World ’s Religions. ” University. Having retired from his Union Bank job, Bastawala wrote to the KRCOI offering his free service in the propagation of Persian, informs Modi. The KRCOI is also offering four fel ­ lowships to promote research. So far there many (historical enemies) would be part- are two takers as per Modi -— Karanjia who ners (in the European Union)? ” — and imagination at the grassroots needs to be “set ablaze, ” noted the priest who is a occasion for hard dialogue between reli ­ gions... Religious leaders view it (compro ­ mise) in repugnant terms. ” Yet, the world is changing — “who could have predicted that France and Ger- c the charter of Global Ethics in 1993 (after American Foundation of AIDS Research the Second Parliament of World Religions) and runs an organization that feeds 2,000 was a relevant first step in that direction. 1 , (“Young children adding yoga and dharma loans to set up their own enterprise and Modi, to their catechism, ” was another.) housing, as noted Dr Homi Dhalla in his The charter writing is expected to be introduction. jhttn NOJnCn QlSHieillDCrCQ undertaken in two phases, at meetings sc- Though the great religious leaders of “Cannibalizing of an artistic monument ” heduled for June 1997 and June 1998. Both the world have never been asked to come was how the International Herald Tribune will be hosted by Swing ’s diocese of San together to discuss for “global good, ” Swing described the auction by Sothebys of four Francisco where the Bishop had hosted the is convinced that “a united religion will pages of the legendary Shah Nameh, re- UN’s Interfaith Service last October to happen because it has to happen: humanity portsThe Afternoon Despatch and Courier commemorate the United Nations ’ golden has always stretched to find its soul in new (ADC) of May 7, 1996. jubilee in the city where it was born in and foreign settings, ” and religious cow- This immortal work by Firdausi Toosi, 1945 [Dastur (Dr) Fkoze Kotwal was in- ardice and parochialism are out of place in with writings dating to the period of Shah vited to speak at the UN celebrations in the world ’s new global civilization. ” Tehmurasp in 1524, was dismembered as New York. See “Zoroastrianism at the UN,” Parsiana, February-March 1996.] But the priest was at pains to observe that the parallel between the UN and the housing, as noted Dr Homi Dhalla in his introduction. Though the great religious leaders of “Cannibalizing of an artistic monument ” the world have never been asked to come \------- ---------------------------------------------- and foreign settings, ” and religious cow ­ ardice and parochialism are out of place in the world ’s new global civilization. ” The Swing lecture marks the increasing the auctioneer sold four exquisite pages, involvement of the KRCOI with interfaith The leaf featuring the divine and daring activities. “Unless people know more about Shah Kekobad fetched the highest amount other religions, there can be no tolerance, ” of £ 793,500. The next higheM sum, £ 63- of £ 793,500. The next highest sum, £ 63- 10 Parsiana May 1996Indian legal framework continued to be what the British had introduced in the 19th Faredoon. The artistic depiction of Rustam ancing economic growth with environ- . »• «•«.« ¦ 11 1 11.. n-F tl*kA mACCQne of the messages century - one catered to secure the needs him went for £ 397,500; and the page fea ­ turing Shah Mancherji earned £ 353,000, according to the ADC report. It was a great day for commerce but hardly for the preservation of cultural trea ­ sures, adds the paper, while bringing an awareness among the Zoroastrians, heri ­ tage lovers and historians in Bombay. Advertising acumen As the oldest outdoor advertising com ­ pany in India, 50-year-oId _____ Selvel has a couple of firsts to its credit: it claims to be the first in the world to advertise on the airport; and also to have the largest advertising bill- * board in the world, admea- suring 180 ft by 16 ft, situated , at Bombay ’s Chowpatty Bridge. Founded by Sorab K. Nicholson in 1945, the present chairman of Selvel Publicity and Consultants Private Li- mited is his widow Ms Gool Nicholson Engineer with their son Kaikhushru Nicholson serving as managing director. According to their press rele- j|H||||||| ase they have 11 branches and five associate offices in different parts of Ahmadi (left) with the Taleyarkhans. India. Their first clients were Air India and Coca-Cola with the former advertising their ment of disputes by negotiation to reduce message on the hoarding at Kemps Corner, the huge pendency in the City Civil Court. Following the demise of her husband, Gool Nicholson took charge of the firm. At it by the court and help to “introduce a revealed that experts from abroad had been "* ¦! invited to help build up a management mo- ¦ ¦¦ ¦ I dule, “train 100 youngsters to take charge worthy tribute to" the lawyer who passed of management of court dockets. ” He urged away in the prime of youth — the most the bar associations ofthe country to set up appropriate tribute to Firdauz, ” said the assured to her after she confirmed that judge who had earlier ceremonially gar- , of a system which enshrined great in ­ accompanies Ae news item intimating of equalities and concentration of wealth, their achievements. “Despite benevolent legislation, ” the poor continued to be “victims of hostile inac- Judicial humanism tion. ” The feeling of insecurity which pre- The Chief Justice of India A. M. Ahmadi vented poor people from taking advan- has urged The Bombay Bar Association tage of the facilities provided “could be (BBA) and The Firdauz Taleyarkhan Me- avoided if the legal system could embolden morial Foundation (FTMF) to set up a them ” by safeguarding their rights and center under the frame-work of the legal launching a “legal literacy drive. ” In the services act of 1987 to enable the settle- meantime the people, especially in rural areas, were more comfortable the to the although 13,000 of these have disposed of 67 lakh cases (in ­ cluding 2.7 lakh motor acci ­ dent cases). Referring to the backlog of over one lakh cases pending in the country ’s highest court, the judge noted that more than 50 percent of them “do not involve questions of law, only questions of fact ” and could reach “nego ­ tiated settlements .with the help of people of common sense. ” The huge bJteklog has since been reduced to 32,000 in one year: computers identified state^* statutes which were common and lawyers and judges cooperated in seeing them through, informed Ahmadi. Noting that there is not a single institu ­ tion in this country that has expertise in The center could take up cases referred to court management techniques, Ahlnadi / F£'' J the second World Outdoor Advertising culture of settlement by negotiation. That ’s Congress in Cannes she was the only fe ­ male delegate and among the two Asians present at the meet. Sponsorship by the French Outdoor Advertising Association was: ---------------------------- she would deliver her speech in French, we are informed. “A shift in life-style to consume fewer what this country needs. It would be a committees of let&'yers with “insight into court dockets. ” landed Firdauz ’s photograph. Matrimonial cases are tough, take a The Chief Justice made the appeal while longer time, Ahmadi conceded, but noted concluding the Firdauz H. J. Taleyarkhan that quick settlement would help the par- Memorial Lecture on “Legal Aid, Precept, ties who would otherwise be spending Practice and Prospects ” at the Convoca- their youthful years in court corridors, tion Hall of Bombay University on April Though there was an understanding with 27, 1996, the fifth anniversary of the bril ­ liant lawyer, horseman and mountaineer ’s tragic death in the Garhwal Mountains. Engineer (left) and Nicholson 12 Parsiana May 1996 the legal aid system in the UK, he also drew attention to the plight of Indian citizens sued abroad who desperately In the course of the lecture, held under needed legal assistance. the combined aegis of the BBA and the FTMF, the judge referred to the late Firdauz ’s “enduring interest ” in issues of legal aid and environmental protection. Addressing an audience overflowing with legal luminaries, the Chief Justice re ­ ferred to the country ’s legal scenario: “Of 100 cases, how many are settled in lawyers ’ 1 Placing these within the “larger issue of chambers? Do they take the interest to access to justice, ” Ahmadi noted that the settle the disputes by bringing the parties IThe Sunday Times supplement and also served as associate editor of Eve’s Weekly, according to the publisher ’s note. Basically _ ________________ ¦ • ¦¦ ¦’ many more all-time Parsi favorites find a Noting that 90 percent of cases are settled place in Ms Jeroo Mehta ’s 101 Parsi Reci- ‘ —‘I ^995. “The idea of the book is to enable it is her experience of cooking and enter- well-known and well liked Parsi recipes to together? That culture is not in India. ” outside the court in other countries, his pes which was printed for the fifth time in lordship added that in India “even in court 75 percent of cases have to be tried. The burden on the judiciary can be shared by gain even wider appeal and to offer enjoy- informed citizens: non-government orga ­ nizations and legal activists. ” Referring to the recently instituted Al­ ternative Disputes Resolution which en ­ ables the Chief Justices of India and of its high courts to nominate an arbitrator for Sons Limited, has photographs by D. F. taining in India and abroad that has en ­ abled her to bring out this book, dedicated ment not only iii the eating, but in the to her mother Lily, which has “authentic cooking of them as well, ” notes the intro- Parsi recipes that can be cooked by anyone, duction. anywhere. ” Particularly helpful are the chapters on hints and suggestions, and substitutes, ref ­ erence to which can make life easy for a busy housewife looking for short cuts and The well-illustrated, 146-page book, priced at Rs 175 is printed at Vakil and specialized litigation, Ahmadi suggested Poonawalla, and engravings by Commer- * •_! A _x r? _______________T that only when attempts at negotiation tail should a suit reach arbitration level and only when arbitration does not work, should it come to trial. There are now three tracks in the Su­ preme Court —fast, medium and slow. By grouping similar cases 500 could be dis ­ posed of together, he revealed. The dis ­ posal of case law has been hastened by delegating cases to the judges who |||| specialize in it. “What is important is judi- ¦ cial management — a very important H branch neglected in the past ” which needs to be rectified, he stated. Iqbal Chagla, president of the BBA recalled Firdauz ’s life of “immense prom ­ ise and vitality, ” his love of music, reading W and of law as a “vital living experience ....Even in death Firdauz infuses content and purpose, being remembered as he would have liked to be remembered. ” A hundred volumes have been gifted to the Bombay High Court Library in his name — books beyond the reach of the average lawyer. Bearing in mind Firdauz ’s great con ­ cern for legal aid, two young lawyers vided, maximum number of recipes, 20, received special recognition on the occa- find a place under the Meat head for, as Sion: Ms Maharukh Adenwalla for fighting states the author, “Ae day ’s fare is not the unlawful demolition of the Shantilal Temple and human rights abuse and for her unstinting aid in the rehabilitation of - ------- - — ¦ -o------------------- • • earthquake victims; and Ms Mantri Shah the latter are some unusual recipes like classes of boats by the Yachting Associa- -- • • J____“J -..—1-- tion of India, notes a report in Thehmesoj carrot and brinjal bake and a couple of India of March 1, 1996. By imparting the _ . . . . . . ,, in his 25 years of competitive sailing at national and international events Tarapore is expected to help India win more medals at world races. cial Art Engravers Private Limited. Of the ready-made masalas. Unfortunately, in the case of most recipes we are not told how many people could partake of the dish from the quantities of the ingredients speci ­ fied therein. Since this publication is introduced as an “award winning book ” the reader would surely have appreciated further details on the nature of the award. eight sections into which the book is di- 4JS ¦J : Jr Cover of fifth edition Tarapore made doctor The honorary degree of doctor of law of The University of Sheffield, UK, was con ­ ferred on the deputy governor of the Re ­ serve Bank of India, Savak Sohrab Tarapore by the University ’s vice-chancellor. Prof Gareth Rol^rts on January 6, 1996 in Bombay, informs Dr P. D. Sunavala. Later in the evening the vice-chancellor hosted a dinner at The Oberoi for the alu ­ mni of the University. Two years ago the^, University of Sheffield Alumni Associa.* tion had been established with Dr J. J. " Irani, managing director of the Tata Iron and Steel Company Limited serving as its first president. Besides Irani and Tarapore, Sunavala ’s name also features in the list of the Parsi alumni of this University. L> e find a place under the ‘Meat ’ head for, as Complete wZ^t ’i.” for a Parsi. The rice. SPOTLIGHT curries and dais section has 16 entries and Yachtsman Farokh Tarapore has been so does the vegetarian section. Included in appointed chief national coach for all drumstick akoori, red pumpkin cutlets, for assisting victims of the communal riots before the Srikrishna Commission and her ------- -------------j------------------------------ * rr,. . , . j ¦ balanced stand in the cross examination of mundane ones like friend bananas. The knowledge and experience gained by him witnesses. fish and the eggs section include 14 dishes - ""-------.................. ...... - In his vote of thanks Jimmy each, the chicken section, seven. Chikkis, Pochkhanawzalla of the FTMF referred paks, bhakra, ghari find a place under the to the Supreme Court under Ahmadi as “not just a court of judicial activism but a _ court of judicial humanism. ” He noted that under the head of desserts.^ the FTMF annually awards “any young M; ::: ‘‘ lawyer who best embodies the concept of and novice alike, Mehta ’s style of writing legal aid, ” and acknowledged the dedica- —--ex, Miinw ? tion of Firdauz ’s friend and partner Shyam Diwan in the work of the FTMF. miscellaneous head; and custard, sev, ravo, doodh pak puri, chapat and doodh powva Rumi Guard of Hotel Leela Kempenski was among the three Indians who won the “30 under 30” award for 1996, rated among __ _J - ____ ‘the 30 most outstanding and promising Fortunately there are only a limited number professionals in Asia ” in the hospitality of typographical errors. Having studied industry, as notes a press release. Follow- journalism at the New York University, ing nominations invited by Caterplan, Tov in cookins she had contributed articles to publications Hongkong, Guard was selected for this Dhansak, dhan-dal.^ bhakra, ghari... and like The Illustrated Weekly of India and continued on page 42 Meant to be used by the connoisseur A.S.M. makes the instructions easy to follow. of typographical errors'. Having studied industry, as notes a press release. Follow- 14 Parsiana May 1996ZOROASTRIANS ABROAD Daver: covering jazz “I have encountered in my lifetime very few creative sponsors, sponsors who have unselfishly andunstintingly given the world artistic works of art; and not only without profit to themselves, but in many cases at a loss. Manek Daver is one of a dwindling group of people who throughout history has kept art alive. ” The tribute from impressario Norman Granz is part of his foreword to the bilin ­ gual (English and Japanese) book Jazz Album Covers: the rare and the beautiful by Daver. This is the second volume com ­ piled by the businessman and jazz buff whose first book Jazz Graphics — David Stone Martin (see “Art, music and life in Japan, ” Parsiana, May 1992) had reaped rave reviews in specialized international publications related to the music and re ­ cording industry. Daver is not only devoted to jazz music, he is a dedicated connoisseur of the illus­ trated jackets in which the original long- playing records were launched. “The records used for illustrations are the origi ­ nal first issues. I felt this was essential to capture the exact colors and lettering of the original design, ” the author acknowledges, adding, “It also accounts for why some of the jackets are not pristine. ” The introduction to the book traces the history of sound recording — the arrival of the “Flat Disc,” the experiments with speeds, diameters and base raw materials, the triumph of the 78 RPM (revolutions per minute) records and their eventual super- session by the 331/3 RPMs, better known as “long play (LP)” records that were eventually marketed in albums of two or more. As careless handling of the 10 or 12- inch LPs could ruin their microgrooves, protective jackets were required which then acqui ­ red “the function of describing the na ­ ture of the music on the record ” as well as advertising other offerings under the same label. Hence, “the designer suddenly became a crucial factor in the production and presentation of re ­ corded music.” Daver ’s appreciation of the work of these designers revealed that they were usually lovers of jazz music, were present 16 Parsiana May 1996 IS Dover and the cover of his second book / What holds Daver in thrall is partly explained by the fact that most of these during recordings and in tune with the jazz recordings were a labor of love: “Few musicians themselves. Some had addi- people today realize that the issue of jazz tional interests like Gil Melle ’s collection LPs in the 1950s and 1960s was hardly a of microscopes. “It was typical of jazz that commercial proposition. ” the jacket often had an ‘inside story, ’” notes Daver and that “the designers of cla ­ ssicjazz recordings of the 1950s and 1960s viding scant scope for design — the jazz were walking archives of jazz history. ” The author estimates that 50 percent of enjoy, ” says Daver whose long research jazz album designers will never be identi- and correspondence with the designers/ fled — “too many jackets carry cryptic producers has resulted in stories by and signatures impossible to read... At limes, credits were incorrectly made. ” With the advent of the compact disc (CD) — its “postage stamp ” format pro- album covers are now a “store of art to about seven of them. David Stone Martin, to whose work Daver ’s first book was !devoted, was the kingpin whose style and concept influence many another. Some of them were jazz musicians too, like Melle. “Melle ’s uniqueness is that he is one of the very few, perhaps the only, jazz musician who also designed great record jackets. ” The story of how photographer-designer Herman Leonard learned his craft from Yousuf Karsh of Ottawa, acknowledged to be the world ’s greatest portrait photographer, is revealed. Leonard ’s “Images of Jazz ” series are to be acquired by Washington ’s Smi­ thsonian Institute and housed in their musical history department, informs Daver. His photocovers of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Billie Holiday and others have been reproduced with tender loving care. The story that accompanies Holiday ’s cover by Leonard is poignant: “In 1954, Norman Granz asked me to shoot a cover for her recording session in New York; but when she arrived, I was so appalled at her appearance — so drawn and so pathetic — that I said to Norman, T can ’t shoot that for a cover — it ’s too tragic. ’ He pushed me into the studio saying ‘Get in there and shoot! It may be your last chance! ’... and it was. ” The changes in recording technology led the artists too into other fields. Pierre Merlin for example reverted to his original training as an architect and went on to specialize in designing railway stations. In his postscript to the 144-page oeuvre Daver traces life after the LPs. “It saddens me, as it must sadden the reader, to see record companies now truncate and otherwise mistreat designs intended for the LP... True, we bought the record for the music. But the essential point is that the music, the musician, the liner notes and the jacket created a seamless whole for the music itself. And the jacket promised what it delivered; often enough the jacket would resonate with a kind of superior knowledge. Drawing upon all his resources, his wit, his imagination, his finesse and circumstances far from ideal, the record designer created the ambience and the intimacy for which the music itself seemed to be designed. ” A third generation Zoroastrian in the Far East, Daver had been bom in Kobd, Japan, but educated in Bombay because of the exigencies of World War II. In 1977 he and his wife Dilnavaz (nee Parakh of Mhow) and their two daughters returned to life in Japan. An outstanding figure among Indian businessmen in Japan, Daver has been known to organize the Indian community receptions to visiting dignitaries. His contribution “towards establishing friendly relations between India and Japan for many years ” was acknowl ­ edged with a medal and a certificate of commendation from the Governor of Tokyo some time ago. WTF award for Sethna The Washington Times Foundation (WTF) National Service awardees for 1996 includes a Zoroastrian — Dr Beheruz Sethna. The first member of an ethnic minority to be nominated president of West Georgia College in 1994, Sethna “provides young people with an environment of academic excellence and promotes multicultural understanding and cooperation, ” notes the WTF publication listing the awardees. Sethna is one of five recipients of the award from the state of Georgia, as listed in the brochure. The Foundation ’s letter of March 27,1996, however, is addressed jointly to Dr Beheruz and his wife Madhavi — the only recipients of Indian origin — informing them of their selection for the award which honors those who seek through their service “to cultivate moral character and responsibility, strengthening the sometimes frayed moral fabric of our society. ” The four areas of endeavor recognized by the Foundation include promoting the integrity of the family, encouraging the peaceful solution of conflict, contributing to the VACUUM REFRIGERATION CHILL-VACTOR® SYSTEMS Outperforms lithium bromide vapour absorption and mechanical refrigeration systems, in price, simplicity, efficiency, reliability and we can prove it. Designers and manufacturers of Quality Vacuum Systems, since 1917 and experience of over 800 units in operation Worldwide. 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Mazda House, 660/1 PanctiwaU, 2nd Lane, Ambawadi, Ahmedabad 380006 Phone: 408967,408014,408654 Fax: 0272-427394 Telex: 0121-6620 19 Parsiana May 1996moral betterment Columbia University followed by post t She shares the job with Ms Barbara of society and doctoral programs at Indiana and Harvard Rogers, a lecturer and writer on the third supporting youth Universities. His genius for instructional world and women ’s issues. in the achieve- innovation in marketing, product manage- determined to remind people ment of worth- ment, management information systems, that there are millions of people living in while goals. The decision support systems, etc has earned slavery, and make them eager to help end WTF letter notes, ' ’ ’ ' " “You have made impressive effo ­ rts to encourage understanding mother in a letter to Parsiana. Theirgrand- supporting youth Universities. His genius for instructional innovation in marketing, product manage ­ ment, management information systems. this inhumanity. I am particularly sickened by the trade in children as laborers, domes ­ tics and prostitutes. We all have a respon ­ sibility to make sure children are healthy, educated and loved, ” Gifford has been between people daughter Anita who has just graduated quoted in the write-up. of different cultu- res, and to delin ­ eate the role of institutions of __ higher education in peace education in the laps through Atlanta as also to play in the ¦¦a Sethna: encouraging understanding him merit from the Decision Sciences In ­ stitute for six consecutive years. Now the younger generation is ready to garner a few laurels of its own, informs his The ASI is campaigning to raise public awareness, lobby governments and inter ­ national bodies, and coordinate activities with other groups with similar concerns, notes its press release. The rights of indi ­ genous peoples is also an ASI priority. Gifford visited India earlier this year to discuss setting up the Charities Aid Foundation India to celebrate the golden jubilee of Indian independence in 1997. She has just finished writing Thomas Clarkson, the Father of Modern Cam- exists in its many ugly forms or that some Fight Against Slavery ’ and is working on her fifth book, Asian says Ms Zerbanoo Gifford (nee fiani) in- Philanthropy, the Art of Giving. Among various awards Gif^rd has received is the Nehru Centenary Award for her world ­ wide championship of women arid the tional (ASI), said to be the world ’s oldest minorities. Compiled by Amavaz S. Mama from high school “with all possible honors and more than half-a-dozen scholarships ” has been selected from among 100 others to carry the Olympic torch on one of its next millennium. We applaud your work, Olympics Band at the opening and closing - ¦ ceremonies. Is she the first Zoroastrian to be so picked? Ms Sethna would like to know. Do our readers have the answer? and wish to recognize you with this Na ­ tional Service Award. ” The souvenir cites the process of awar ­ dee selection: Community groups, chur ­ ches, civic organizations submit nomina- Fighting slaVCry . X. ..X X “Many people don ’t know that slavery still tions for consideration by the national ser ­ vice award committees in each state of the USA. These committee members include of the goods they buy are made by slaves, ” elected officials, ministers, community ac- ; tivists and prominent public figurej. TTie ternationally known political campaigner, fundraiser and author who has been ap ­ pointed director of Anti-Slavery Interna- state committees ’ selections are ratified by a national committee. The son of Mithu and Nariman Sethna ofBombay,Beheruz completed his PhD at international human rights organization. With Best Wishes from Mr Rusy M. Shroff, M.B.E. and Mrs Purviz R. Shroflf IIk ART Meher Marfatia Leading portrait painter Jehangir Ardeshir Lalkaka’s works feature at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Parliament House and many ancestral homes The visages of rajahs and maharajas, viceroys and gov ­ ernors, were captured in every regal detail by the deft strokes of his brush. His portraits of public figures adorned palatial mansions throughout the country. Indeed, the works of Jehangir Ardeshir Lalkaka were so dramatic, they earned him the distinction of being considered our leading portrait painter in the first half of the 20th century. What possibly Lalkaka that certain edge over contemporaries endowed with similar skills was the finesse he imparted to his style in later years. Progressively in the course of his career, his pic ­ tures came to be marked by the manner in which he focused light on a figure, as well as the overall elegance with which the finished effect was rendered. Granddaughter Anahit Wadia proudly points out as an example a portrait of Queen Alexandra (specially -j.'- commissioned by the Govern- ment of India in 1930 along with one of King George V in coronation robes, this stands " today in Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi) in which her deli- "¦ cate skin is strikingly clear and visible beneath the lace on her arm. Daughter of the artist ’s son. Rear Ad ­ miral Sarosh Lalkaka, Wadia offers inter ­ esting anecdotes from her grandfather ’s studying here under Cecil Burns for four life —her parents chipping in with incidents too far back for her to recall. gave 22 Parsiana May 1996 ¦J I *3 1 4 .-; ¦: J t* 1 ' i‘. i ; ’i" 1 J ¦i*"- i1 ¦w L/j p I 4 ^^5)1 ¦« * 4 Vakil who, discerning im­ mense artistic aptitude, sent Lalkaka to Europe. The years there proved ex ­ tremely beneficial. Attending St John ’s Wood and West ­ minster Schools of Art, Lal- I kaka ^assiduously spent five I years learni ng portrait painting I in London and Paris under emi- I nent masters like A. Stanhope. I Art galleries and museums I there fired his imagination — I he confessed to having been profoundly affected by the I works of Sir Joshua Reynolds, Rembrandt and Velasquez. Having travelled extensively I on the Continent, he returned to India in 1913 and set up a I studio at Chowpatty in Bom- I Work soon started pouring I in. Actually, the initial assign- j ment came^hile he was still a student in England, from Shrimant Raja Sahib of Aundh. The result must have been a study so accurately essayed I that, on wandering into Lalkaka ’s room at Chowpatty, j Raja Sahib ’s little grandson — no more than about three or four years old — raised a chubby finger to the frame and exclaimed in excited Marathi, '‘He Dada\ (This is grandpa!) ” Among the other personalities Lalkaka was invited to paint were Mahatma Gandhi, Sir Pherozeshah Mehta, Sir Dinshaw Vatcha, Rajendra Prasad, the Nawab of years, the promising young man caught the Rampur and Lord Brabourne. His best keen eye of his grandfather Sir Navroji portraits may be presently seen at L ' * ¦*s, Born in 1884 in Ahmedabad where he schooled, Lalkaka joined the Elphinstone College in Bombay before going on to the Sir J. J. School of Art in 1903. AfterI Rashtrapati Bhavan, Parliament House and the Rampur State Galleries, besides a fair number scattered widely through hand ­ some ancestral Parsi homes and fire- temples in Bombay. What was truly remarkable about Lalkaka ’s creative persona was his un ­ canny ability to look beyond the charmed circuit of royal and political celebrities, to touch the common man and his world. The affable gcnllcman-arlisl who never failed to step out in an immaculately pressed suit, complete with a carnation, delighted in the expressive face of the humble cobbler, barber, tailor or farmer. “Any face he found interesting became a valuable sub­ ject; ‘Chalotumhararhitrenikal^ga(Ciimc on, let ’s paint you) ’ he ’d say, ” son Sarosh reveals. Accordingly, his “sitters ” hailed from various walks of life. A touchingly amusing story is affec ­ tionately told by his daughter-in-law Roshan. Once, captivated by the face of a traveling fakir he came across in Banga- Facing page: Lalkaka with painting of former President of India Rajendra Prasad Clockwise from top left: Portrait of Dadahhai Naoroji; the artist's sons, Cawas and Sarosh, A. L. Covemton. principal of Elphinstnne College and Lalkaka's in-laws Ratanbai and Jamshedji Kharas 23 Parsiana May 1996i ¦ I 1 ¦ The artist at work, wqter color sketch by • Lalkaka and at a family navjote (from i^; left): Jehangir, Roshan, Sarosh, Analtit, wife Tehmina, Cawas and grandf^ildren Cyrus and Sehernavaz The gentleman-artist never failed to step out in an immaculately pressed suit, complete with a carnation lore, Lalkaka brought the poor mendicant to his house. There, revelling in the deli ­ cious aroma of lunch being routinely pre ­ pared in the well-stocked kitchen which wafted over to where he posed, the fakir longed for a meal. Kind to a fault, Lalkaka invited him to eat — only to discover that thereafter his “sitter ” would return regu ­ larly for prolonged sessions! Friendly and humorous, a lover of all the good things his privileged life ex ­ tended him, Lalkaka had a passion for ling in the historic beauty of this city, music - ' ' ¦ ¦ - - - - - of his own dilruba. He was elected a Fellow of the prestigious Royal Society of Arts in 1949. A relatively lesser known fact about Lalkaka ’s art concerns his repertoire of today. In fact, Nepean Sea Road was where landscapes. Sketching a series of these on 1 . regular summer visits to picturesque hill Chowpatty, before ultimately leaving for breathtaking scenery in Ootacamund, Mussourie, Kashmir, Ranikhet and even Ladakh. Nevertheless, these were seldom introductory institution fostering his tal- . . ----- - ent: in 1932 the Governor of Bombay self the proud recipient of the award of Their Imperial Majesties ’ Silver Jubilee Medal. The veteran artist saw a bright future for Indian art and artists on the country ’s achievement of Independence. In a public works were inspired by the inhabitants of talk addressing the issue, he voiced his the place he chose to paint. firm belief that the artist primarily owed a Apart from these, Lalkaka ’s Bombay duty to society, best discharged by ensur ­ ing that works of art were seen by the largest possible number of people. Acces ­ sibility of art, its messagq^and meaning, “should permeate every side of public and home life, ’’ he observed. Lalkakahad, as well, predicted an amaz ­ ing evolution in the field of modern Indian art. Sheer imitation of classicism was inad- he set up a studio following the one at visable, in his opinion. The old master- \ ¦ pieces of Ajanta and Ellora, the exquisite stations, he covered a fair amount of the Bangalore. renderings ofthe Mughal and Rajputminia- tures should ideally function as inspira ­ tion; but art ought to be a living force, not dead imitation. simply landscapes; with his fascination for ent: in 1932 the Governor of Bombay When Lalkaka died in 1967, Bachoo physiognomy, the scenes were peopled, appointed him the first Indian to head the Dadyseth wrote in his obituary: “Therecord From local tillers to Bhutanese weavers, it school as its deputy director. Thus, a flour- of his career may be described in just one was the human factor that held his atten- ishing private practice was relegated to word. Brilliant. ” Lalkaka lives on through tion. Be they subdued pencil and wash second place for at least four years, on his evocative works for his family, his friends and for posterity. sketches should also appeal to those revel- — and sang to the accompaniment Harbour from Malabar Hill, The Muse­ um Gate, Comer of Victoria Garden, The Rocks at Nepean Sea Road and Versova with Juhu in the Distance are settings that appear almost unrecognizable to the eye Lalkaka amply repaid his debt to the Sir J. J. School of Art which had served as the school as its deputy director. Thus, a flour ­ ishing private practice was relegated to second place for at least four years, on drawings or ebullient watercolors, his completion of which Lalkaka found him- 27 Parsiana May 1996 ¦ I *POLITICS AND POLICY An unnecessary election? Bombay Parsi Punchayet trustee Minoo Shroff’s reelection was almost a certainty Arnavaz S. Mama. nity. Apart from his enormous experience as a leading businessman being executive vice-chairman of Raymonds, a Rs 1,000 crore industrial group, he has brought to the office of trusteeship dignity and deco ­ rum, humility and a will to perform. His views are respected by his colleague-trust ­ ees notwithstanding different ideologies which they may hold... “We would, therefore, urge the other three candidates to withdraw their candidatures as not only is Mr Minoo Shroff the outstanding candidate, but the community would be saved an uhneces- sary expense of around Rs ^0,000 if an election is avoided. ” The same issue of Jam-e-Jamshed car ­ ried an advertisement from Gotla noting that the “automobile engineer is contesting the ensuing trustee election to safeguard the future of ‘Bombay Parsi Punchayet ’ and ‘Parsi community. ’ All outstanding grievances will be Mr Gotla ’s priority and he will support all honest and fair projects for the community. ” Speaking to Parsiana on election day Gotla said his priority was to fight alleged corruption at the BPP and at doongerwadi. Gotla, 47 and father of two, says the “trust ­ ees are spreading stoiies against me but I believe in God. ” Gotla ’s eight-point mani ­ festo, “My plans for Parsees, ” ended with this gem: “Henceforth Mumbai Parsi a letter to Jam-e-Jamshed. “We trust that Punchayet will function six days a week aspiring candidates, realizing this, would between 10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. if elected. ” not seek to deprive the BPP of his services / ’ --•••-•• 21 '’I.. n *'.4' W ¦•V i ¦ t * A’:-' •ail's ri.-. 1 By 4 p.m. the number of voters who had ¦¦ cast their ballot was below 300. By 5 p.m. the number inched up to 341, a new low for a Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) trustee- ship election since 1980 when a voter registration drive was launched to make Bombay Parsis aware of their voting rights. The winner by a landslide was sitting trustee Minoo Shroff, a noted management consultant, and director and chairman of several leading companies. Shroff received 320 of the 341 votes cast, while his three rivals — Eric Dhatigara, Edulji Gotla and K. S. Irani — received 16, three and one votes respectively. (Irani reportedly had '¦ sought to withdraw from the contest after F the deadline had passed.) One voter regis ­ tered ire at the unnecessary poll by voting for all four! The 114 donor and 227 elected voters who bothered to cast their ballot on June 8, 1996 comprised less than a quarter (22.28 percent) of the total strength of the Anjuman Committee which currently totals 1,530 (74 members have died since the last Anjuman Committee election of 1992. There are now 735 donor and 795 elected Minoo Shroff: outright majority members on the live register of voters). The reduced number could be attributed to the foregone conclusion that Shroff s fel ­ low contenders had nothing to match his credentials. It could also be argued that wishers Soli Shroff, Yezdi Mehta, Ms interest, demonstrated to be waning in the Nergish Irani and Ms Katy Meherhomji in course of the three elections in 1995, had now taken a nosedive. Whatever the inter ­ pretation, the expense of holding an elec ­ tion, estimated at more than Rs 70,000, seemed a sad waste of funds and manhours. The reticent, low-key Shroff had ini- _ . tially intended to retire at the end of his 10- added. coun^es. He apologized for the umpteen year term but bad been persuaded to offer A week later Shapur Irani, Ms Roshan spelling and grammatical mistakes in his himself for election. “Everybody is aware Vakil and Ervad Kersi Sanjana issued their manifesto — which spe^s of him as a of his professionalism, sense of fair play letter to Jam-e-Jamshed stating, “All who karate expert, a swimming, boxing and and the balance and calming influence that know Mr Minoo Shroff, a sitting trustee motorcycling champion — as having been he brings in the functioning of the board of seeking reelection, know him to be a dedi- erroneously sent to the printer without the BPP, with particul^ reference to the cated worker for the benefit of the commu- checking. present volatile board. He is possibly the only trustee whose services are appreci ­ ated by all sections of society, ” noted well- ¦ ' ¦ “ "¦. i An ex-student of Bishop ’s School in nor waste BPP funds by contesting for this Pune, with a diploma in automobile engi- vacancy, especially as another vacancy is neering, Gotla says he has served as chief due within the next three months, ” they mechanic at United Motors and in the Gulf added. A week later Shapur Irani, Ms Roshan 28 Parsiana May 1996 I? j 'J 4 5«Tj 'U1U2I3HI5! 51:4 f. k'"i- =1 yu ¦ 7 i 29 Parsiana May 1996 VP • r Hr -i- d S UK Top row: Counting of ]^tes with scrutineer Bhumgara at right and voter casting a ballot under watchful g eye of scrutineer S Homai Modi H Second row: Votes H being removed from H box under supervision H of president of the B election Hormuzdiar H and Guzder H announcing results. ™ Bottom (from left to right): BPP joint secretary Gool Tata with BPP trustee Silloo Kavarana; Dhatigara and GotlaInvestment in Property: Pune is the best city We accept bookings in exclusive schemes in Pune, like a Bungalow­ scheme near the Pashan Lake, 6 km from Pune University. It is a small township consisting of: 17 independent Bungalows — Rs 38 lakhs 4 Twin Bungalows — Rs 16 to 19 lakhs 22 Rowhouses — Rs 17 to 39 lakhs Possession around March ’96. Payments by cheque. We also offer flats (small and large) at prices ranging from approx Rs 900 to Rs 5,000 per sq ft (built-up area), besides bungalow-plots, offices and shops in exclusive Commercial Complexes coming up in Pune. For details write to: Minoo Bhathena BySel Estate 302 Devika Apt 2010 Janmohmed Str Pune 411001 Tel: 650757 Dhatigara, whose manifesto projected him as “young, educated, enthusiastic, adamant, sincere and has the capability to bring back the lost glory of BPP and to restart the functioning of the jeopardized system on the right track, ” is known as co ­ founder of the now almost defunct Parsi Sena started in 1989. Dhatigara “pledged ” he “will try and solve the three main prob ­ lems viz housing, adult franchise and gain ­ ing special reservation ” if he is elected. At the end of the 12-page printed pam ­ phlet which carried the endorsement of ex- MLA Marazban Patrawala, Dhatigara urged his voters, “Awake, arise or be fallen forever. ” They preferred to sleep it off! At the end of this day of much ado about nothing, BPP chairman Jamshed Guzder was considering the addition of a clause in the BPP’s scheme for election of trustees (with the permission of the Bombay High Court) seeking a deposit of about Rs 10,000 from each trusteeship candidate which would be forfeited if the aspirant failed to earn a stipulated percentage of the votes cast. It might help to keep frivolous con ­ tenders out of the running and preserve BPP funds for, hopefully, more construc ­ tive use! Always remember TATA I BATA KHAMBATA Ketayun & Bomi 22/A, Wellington Terrace Wellington Street, Bombay 400002 Tel No: 2069636, 2057242 Pager No: 9602-104007 COMPANION WANTED An elderly, well-to-do, Parsi gentleman, having independent accommodation is interested in meeting a cultured, elderly lady in excellent health. Those fond of outdoor life, travelling, socialising and friendly by nature preferred. Please write to: The Advertiser (Companion Wanted) GPO Box 892 Bombay 400001 GLOBE THEATRES Pvt Ltd Established April 3, 1915 Pioneers of Show Business in India for the last 81 years We rededicate ourselves to the ideals we have cherished and practised all along -- namely*to show NOTHING BUT THE BEST to our ever increasing number of Patrons i, ¦*' Controlling: REGAL BOMBAY CAPITOL BOMBAY * GLOBE CALCUTTA The above three cinemas are installed with______ nni POUYSTEReol 30 Parsiana May 1996 *COVER STORY BUSINESS Drawn to Daman Today Duke and Marina are the only two Parsi-owned hotels remaining in Daman to offer tourists their distinctive brand of hospitality Gustasp Irani Clippity clop! Clippity clop! On the ribbon road across the Daman and Devka coun- excursion to the 72 sq km Union Territory, hotel. tryside dotted with palm trees, our horse- And the tongawalla (buggy driver), Sadly, the tonga ride, that we had so drawn buggy would tap out a soothing tanked up with toddy, would nod and drift looked forward to every time we visited ~ ~~~~ ’ "¦* “ . ................................... ' the Iranshah, is a thing of the past and villagers ambling home after a day in the that he would be doing just that; assured us today the Daman and Devka trip is made in fields. The golden-red sun, spent for the that it was nothing to fret about as his a bone-rattling, ear-jarring autorickshaw, day, hovered in the western sky as a cool ’ ’ ’ breeze washed through our open carriage. We experienced a sense of well-being and peace on the return leg of our half-day head straight for the stables rather than our excursion to the 72 sq km Union Territory. And the tongawalla (buggy driver). rhythm. Occasionally we passed a few into peaceful slumber. He had warned us that it was nothing to fret about as his a bone-rattling, ear-jarring autorickshaw, horses knew the way back to Udvada. But And if you drive past the Devka beach after he did caution us to wake him just before dark, you discover roads lit up by neon we entered the town or the horses would lights from hotels that line the stretch. And 32 Parsiana May 1996 Ilive bands, entertaining diners in the res- dents, two Parsis — Narinian D. Wadia since the Indian authorities frowned on taurants and discotheques of the bigger (Tehmten Wadia ’s uncle) and Dr Phiroshah this new project that would connect the establishments, pump the raucous music Luth —’and a Hindu, approached the Por- Portuguese territory directly by air to of popular Hindi film songs into the night tuguese commanding officer and convinced Lisbon and Goa, they blacklisted everyone air. I ¦ " " ¦ ¦ . - - There is one section of the road, how- i - • • ................ ever, where the lights and music die away ; people. When the general, who by then had it is the stretch where you find Dosabhai 1 ................................... ' Oliaji ’s Duke Hotel, more popularly known agreed to surrender, the three gentlemen brief moment you believe that the area has him that further resistance would only — including Oliaji — associated with it, result in the needless killing of innocent and denied them entry into the country. _ , 1 The blockade, according to Oliaji, lost one limb and was bleeding profusely, greatly benefitted the residents of Daman, „ I for now, instead of making do with second as Oliaji ’s. You may be forgiven if for a rushed off to inform the advancing Indian grade goods from India, the Portuguese brief moment you believe that the area has army of the decision. However, as they began to import prime quality produce — been untouched by time. Oliaji ’s is the approached the battle lines they were from food to consumer durables — di ­ rectly from Europe and at prices that were very affordable. Yes, memories of the excellent cheese and wine available then still linger. The liberation of the territory in 1961 brought that chapter of its history to an end. Oliaji went back to doing what he did best, and reopened Duke Hotel. Sadly, most of the other Parsi hotels did not follow his lead and remained shuttered even after Daman became a part of India (Wadia would reopen Marina, earlier run by his family, as late as 1980). For long Duke was the only hotel on the Devka stretch of the beach which, though rocky, pebbly and ultsuited for - ----------o swimming, was a popular watering hole colonial rulers who flocked here to play a fast, the two Parsis removed their sudrehs, for thirsty Parsis (as also members of other game of billiards or waltz across its waxed tied them to sticks and waved them in communities) wanting to add a little cheer wooden floors to the music of a pianist ’s surrender to Colonel Bhosle, commander to their pilgrimage to neighboring Udvada keyboard. On a wall in the reception area of the Indian liberation forces. on the prohibition side of the border, hangs an old picture of Jesus and Mary that There were earlier brushes with India Later, as the Union Territory started to came with the house, and opposite it hangs * “ ' one of the Prophet Zoroaster. The billiard table and the piano have gone but you still find wooden floors, a sitting room with exquisitely carved furniture, and rooms that are clean and cosy; and by the end of your stay the proprietor and his wife — Tehmten and Behroz Wadia — will probably have become family friends. Yes, there is something distinctly Parsi about Hotel Marina. Indeed, there is something distinctly Parsi about Daman. In fact, sudrehs tied to sticks were waved when the Portuguese overlords of the territory finally surren ­ dered to the advancing Indian army in December 1961. According to T. Wadia, it traditional small town Parsi ho ­ tel at its best where independent cottages ensure privacy, a home away from home where the proprietor is more a family friend than hotelier, and where home- cooked meals — delicious ta- mota pareeda (eggs on tomato), fried boi fish and mutton pulao — are served on the verandah of your cottage room. You will have to drive all the way into town, Nani (small) Daman, before you reach the next and only other Parsi hotel — Hotel Marina. The building, once a sprawling 19th century Latin-style house that belonged to a senior Oliaji and Wadia: upholding tradition Portuguese nobleman, used to be a popular landmark in the social life of Daman ’s greeted with a hail of bullets. Thinking game of billiards or waltz across its waxed tied them to sticks and waved them in surrender to Colonel Bhosle, commander of the Indian liberation forces. There were earlier brushes with India too. Oliaji recalls the time in 1954 when boom industrially — 40 percent of the country ’s molded plastic is said to be made in Daman — new hotels sprang up along this stretch to cater both to the growing business community as well as tourists who came here to relax and sip the nectar of the palm trees, toddy. But Oliaji refused to compromise or change his style; he continued to maintain Duke as a tradi ­ tional Parsi family run hotel where guests stuff themselves silly on wholesome and delicious home-cooked food and relax on the verandah of their cottage in their sudreh and pyjamas. That Oliaji has been elected Most of the other Parsi hotels remained shuttered even after Daman became a part of India the country sealed its borders with Daman and this directly affected the hotel industry the president of the Daman Hoteliers ’ As­ in the territory, as it largely depended on business from India. Indeed, at the time was Daman rather than Goa or Diu that put almost all hotels in Daman were Parsi up the fiercest resistance during the libera- owned and run — these included Marina, tion war, and its defiance was answered Sovereign, Europea, Brightlands and Am- with 56 hours of ceaseless bombing by the bassador — and all were forced to close Indian army. Finally three prominent resi- Top: Duke Hotel and sit-out Bottom: Marina Hotel and sitting room down. “I had no option but to look for other work, ” says Oliaji. And work he found at the construction site of the new airport that the Portuguese started to build. However, sociation (DHA) is a tribute to the grand old man and a pioneer of the trade in the region. The role of the other Parsi member of DHA, Tehmten Wadia, is equally signifi ­ cant. He not only played an important part in the formation of the Association but now as its secretary is actively involved in promoting its interests and that of Daman as a tourist destination. Yes, today Daman 33 Parsiana May 1996 4 IMATRIMONIAL Matrimonial correspondence invited from smart, well-educated and pretty girls for a 29-year-old, 5’8’ tall, good looking Aircraft Engineer working with a foreign airline. Please write with full details and send a clear and fairly recent photograph (returnable) to: The Advertiser Parsiana, Matrimonial (May/14-96)* GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 *Please make sure the reply envelope bears the reference number cited here. MATRIMONIAL Parents of a presentable, 26-year-old, B.Com., MBA (Newport, USA) son, 5’6” and earning a good salary invite correspondence from qualified, working, well-placed, Zoroastrian girls. Apply with recent photograph (returnable) to: The Advertiser Parsiana, Matrimonial (May/16-96)* GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 *Please make sure the reply envelope bears the reference number cited here. is an important industrial center and has a attention to large tracts of land and planta ­ lot more to offer the tourist than the glass tions that had once belonged to a Parsi that cheers: the beautiful Jampore beach called Mr Khabardar, well known for his (better suited for swimming than the stretch stern mien and no-nonsense style of func ­ at Devka); two splendid forts at Nani and tioning. Today the lands have been sold Moti Daman; churches of Bom Jesus and and his heirs have settled in America. Our Lady of Remedies with their elabo ­ rately carved altars, and the spooky ruins Hotel Marina, the fire that burns in the of the Dominican Monastery and other Daman agiary is about to get a new lease of such attractions. life and will be housed in a building that is Wadia recalls his early struggles in being erected for it from funds donated by 1980 when he decided to return to Daman the Parsis of Daman, Bombay, the rest of from Bombay, where he had gone to study, India, and indeed the world over. As we to claim his family property. “Relatives offer a stick of sandalwood to the holy fire and friends thought I was crazy, especially since I knew nothing about the hotel busi­ ness, ” he says. “But I was determined to make something of my heritage here rather be worn proudly in the Union Territory. than abandon it. ” The tragedy today, according to Wadia, is that many Parsis have abdicated the spirit of entrepreneurship which had once gained high respect for the community and played a significant role in the social and economic life of Daman, even though their numbers had never exceeded 300 at any given time. (He estimates that there are currently around 100 permanent Parsi resi ­ dents and another 25 to 50 who shuttle between Daman and Bombay.) As we drive past the Jampore beach, Wadia draws our Significantly, a few buildings away from we recall the sudrehs that had served as banners to end hostilities during the war of liberation, and hope they will continue to Parsi Hotels of Daman •Duke Hotel, Devka Beach, Daman 396210. Tel: 02636, 32251.18 rooms, Rs 250-275 per head, inclusive of all meals. With restaurant and bar. •Hotel Marina, Behind Police Sta ­ tion, Small Qaman, Daman 396210. Tel: 02636, 34420. 12 rooms,_Rs 175- 250 per room with color TV. With restaurant and bar. I 1 T 1 ¦4^ 4 ¦I MARINA FOR FOOD AND COMFORT Stay in the home of a Portuguese lord At prices you can afford! Snuggling in the heart of Daman where the Portuguese once held sway, Hotel Marina ’s 12 rooms offer the comfortable intimacy of a home and the amenities of a well run hotel... breezy rooms with attached bath, TV & telephone. Plus a restaurant that serves sumptuous cuisine. ?A / C Rooms with 3 Star Facilities *- ?A / C Restaurant Serving delicious Indian, Chinese continental cuisine (speciaiity-Sea food) ?Hotel Sovoroign - Delux Rooms with pure Vegetarian Restaurant Serving Gujrati Thali, Panjabi, South-Indian & Chinese cuisine ?For Brochure &Reseryation Contact; Gurukripa Enterprises, 474, KalbadevI Rd.,Bombay-400 002. Tel.: 201 9826 Telefax: 201 4333 For bookings contact: HOTEL MARINA Behind Police Station, Small Daman, Daman - 396 210, Telephone (02636) 34420 HOTEL Gurukri pa Sea Face road, Daman-396 210,(Via-Vapi) Tel.: (02636) 35046 / 35023 Fax : 34433 /iOiitc ate 'Itext \ 34 Parsiana May 1996 I T bSCHOLARSHIP Status of Women: sacred and secular - 6 Women’s singular status Dr Ketayun H. Gould The high proportion of never-married Parsi females is inaccurately attributed to their socioeconomic independence The image of a liberated Zoroastrian female on par with the male is only an illusion, an ideal that has yet to be the prevalent belief was that menstrua- realized. There is no denying that in tion causes a woman to lose her ritual certain spheres she has been granted purity and spread impurity if she comes equal opportunities but she has had to in contact with others. Even though suffer discrimination too. This article religious equality was denied to females which has run into six instalments ana- in ancient times, within the confines of lyzed the relevant texts and traditions a patriarchal society women were ceded to study the status of women in the an­ cient, medieval and modern periods. As it originally appears in Religion ships and suffering in the medieval and Women (a publication of the State period when Zoroastrianism was rele- University of New York Press, 1994) gated to the status ofa minority religion, the paper entitled “Outside the disci­ pline, inside the experience: women in Zoroastrianism ” is a researched, aca­ demic presentation. Since Parsiana carried an abridged version of the text to make it simpler for the lay reader, we have not detailed the sources that the author painstakingly cites at each in­ stance. In the first five instalments we learnt that certain divinities perceived as enjoyed by men who had married out of female entities were venerated, that the the community were denied to their fe- soul of a dead man was said to be met by male counterparts. a female figure on its upward journey. Yet within the stronghold of the aris­ tocracy and priesthood in the pre-Zoro- astrian era, paradise was denied to community in Bombay for guidance as women. With the advent ofZarathush- this sixth and last instalment reveals, tra, both men and women were deemed This study of Zoroastrian women re­ allies of Ahura Mazda to fight the evil veals that an educated Zoroastrian fe- ' male’s tiger-woman reputation comes in the way of initiating measures to im­ prove her lot in current times. forces. The domestic routine though was considered to be of prime concern to the females in the ancient period. R ecently, the question of conversion demographic decline might be to accept the Iranians are increasing their numbers . has assumed a new urgency (see, the children of Parsi women married to by accepting back into the religion those ” ’ • ” " ’ Zoroastrians who had converted to Islam, but have maintained their religious fervor, and now wish to rejoin the community. Readers ’ Forum, Parsiana, June 1990) because there is a sentiment in some liberal quarters that part of the solution to the While marriage and the begetting of children is advocated in Zoroastrianism, certain economic and legal rights. Women had to bear considerable hard- Also noticeable were the double stan­ dards that condoned remarriage and adultery among men but censured fe­ males who dared to take the same liber­ ties. With the introduction of formal education for girls in modern times they were able to assert their socioeconomic independence. However within the reli­ gious sphere they continued to be dis­ criminated against, and the privileges Pockets of Zoroastrians overseas, inclined to accept females as equal partners to men, no longer turn to the non-Parsis as Parsi Zoroastrians —an issue that has not been dealt with at all since the prior question of the Parsi woman remain ­ ing a Parsi Zoroastrian has not been established in practice. The supporters of the idea of initiating the children of Parsi women married to non-Parsi men into the Zoroastrian faith point out the fact that the 1908 judgment in the Parsi Punchayet case was clearly discriminatory against females; that Parsi males married to non-Parsi women were provided an option that was never even considered for females — the right to decide whether they wanted their children to be initiated into their religion. They argue that a new legal precedent needs to be established which gives equal religious standing to both females and males (Rustom S. Gae, Parsiana). These divisive issues have been exacer ­ bated by the disputes over the locus of authority in terms of making final deci ­ sions regarding comtnunity matters. As mentioned previously, the Zoroastrians (both Parsis and Iranians) have emigrated to various parts of the world. John R. Hinnells, in his study of what he calls the “diaspora communities, ” has found that for the older Parsi diaspora, particularly in Hong Kong and un(^l recently London, the “center ” is still Bombay. In this context, it is very important to point out that the rules of the Bombay Parsi Punchaydt (BPP) go so far as to decree that only three of the seven trustees at any given time can be women — not a very positive venue to decide issues of concern to Parsi women. (There is no gender qualification for the seven trustees of the BPP under the current scheme for election as sanctioned by the Bombay High Court in 1991—Editor.) No wonder the Zoroastrian communities in the United States and Canada, and now London, seem to harbor the thinking that the Bombay branch is out of touch with current community concerns (Hinnells). Hinnells also reports^hat the belief that overseas communities have to determine their own fate has led to the decision to “quietly ” initiate the non-Zoroastrian spouses and children of Zoroastrians mar ­ ried to “outsiders ” into the faith — a prac ­ tice that the communities do not view as wholesale conversion. In Iran itself, the Tehran Zoroastrian anjuman, after “stormy sessions, ” has decided that spouses and children of interfaith marriages should be accepted into the religion if both partners agree (Ervad Rustam Shahzadi). In fact. 4* 35 Parsiana May 1996 ITheir initiation ceremonies are carried out “mixed. ” Moreover, the number of Parsi daughter gets half the share of the son and publicly, and have also been sanctioned by females marrying out of the community widow instead of the original language the Zoroastrian anjuman of Tehran. Thus, was more than double the number of males that stated that the son gets double the the 1986 Iran census lists the Zoroastrian population of Iran as 90,891 — a figure the survey found that the ratio of males that is considered to be inflated in view of marrying outside had increased consider- past reports on community numbers (Ava ably; out of 49 “mixed ” marriages, 20 KLhullar). However, the Iranian Zoroastri ­ ans resent unfounded speculation on the census figures, and the Fifth World Zoro ­ astrian Congress held in Bombay in Janu ­ ary 1990 witnessed an open confrontation deciding the extent of the “problem. ” Un- 17 of 1939 — was about to be passed to betweeen the Parsis and the Iranian Zoro- fortunately, the orthodox sentiments of the update the 1865 law. It is safe to say that astrians on this and other issues — disputes community prevent it from recognizing the discriminatory attitudes toward women that have also erupted in some cities on the the benefits of keeping or collecting reli- in matters of inheritance have also had a American continent (Gustasp Irani, Parsiana). Despite the heat that the subject of intermarriage and conversion has gener ­ ated, there is no reliable data to judge whether statistically this is a significant Hindu code puts the daughter on the same problem (Ketayun H. Gould). Hinnells footing as the widow and the son in the found that 15 percent of his population of matter of inheritance, Parsi women did not “overseas ” Zoroastrians had married non- enjoy the same privileges till the Indian Zoroastrians. A more recent study by Huzan Succession Act (amendments) was passed munity petitioned the legislative council Kharas (Parinaz Gandhi, Parsiana) shows in 1991. The changes have been long over- for relief. The resulting Chatties Real Act that intercommunity marriages accounted for barely one-tenth of the factors that improved the situation over the Parsi Suc- contribute to declining numbers. Khullar reports that out of a small Parsi population of 219 families in Delhi in 1978, 69 fami ­ lies (approximately one-third) were was more than double the number of males (49 versus 20). However, a 1980 update of share of the widow, and the daughter received half the share of the widow. In the interim years, organizations like the Wo ­ men ’s Association were very active about changing the law and giving an equal share to the daughter when the father died in ­ testate, The effort was particularly strong were males. These scattered statistics in these stud ­ ies are only representative of a very spe ­ cialized universe — hardly the basis for during the 1930s when a new law — act no. deciding the extent of the “problem. ” Un ­ fortunately, the orthodox sentiments of the the benefits of keeping or collecting reli ­ able data on intermarriages that would long, checkered history like the issue of help in making rational decisions regard ­ ing this sensitive issue. The ambivalent attitude towards women is also evident in the fact that although the intermarriage and conversion. Up to the early part of the 19th century, the Parsis had no special law that applied to them, as was true of some other commu ­ nities. In 1835 when a Pasi male, who was the eldest son of an intestate Parsi, instituted a suit to be declared the sole heir on the basis of English common law, the com- in 1991. The changes have been long over ­ due. The 1962 amendments to the Act (act 9) of 1837 declared that the property was to be divid^ according to the English statute of distribution; a third would go to the widow and the residue was' to be di ­ vided equally among the-^hildren. The cession Act of 1865 and the Indian Succes ­ sion Act of 1925 but the Act displayed discriminatory attitudes towards women. The 1962 amendments decreed that the moffusil Parsis were exempted from this * With compliments from B. B. GARDA & SONS 10 B, J. Road Poona 411001 Ilaw. They continued to be governed by the regulation of 1827 by which the usage of the place or the law of the defendant would govern the decision. At this point, it is interesting that it was the Parsis of Bombay — the urbane com ­ munity — who showed their displeasure with the law, especially the fact that the wife was allowed to exercise independent control to dispose of any property she wished. They wanted to control this right on the wife ’s part during the lifetime of the husband, including the right to dispose of any property she might have inherited from her own family. They appealed these regulations, pointing out that “if a son and a daughter got equal shares, it was invidi ­ ous as the son had to carry on the name of the father ” (Sapur Faredun Desai). In 1855 the Parsi Law Association was formed to draft a uniform code that would apply in all communities. The moffusil Parsis were unhappy at this venture, since they objected to women inheriting pro ­ perty, and the recommendation that the widow get half the share of the son and the daughter get half the share of the widow. They also wanted to eliminate the recom ­ mendation that married women could hold and dispose of property. However, the Par ­ si Succession Act, 1865, incorporated these points, and established a uniform law for the community. Although the present law has tried to minimize the distinction along sex lines, the Parsi association has not eliminated the problem. In cases where a Parsi dies leav ­ ing lineal descendants, and if the descen ­ dant happens to be a daughter who has died in the lifetime of the intestate, only her children can inherit her share. Her spouse is not entitled to a share of the property. When the situation is reversed, the widow of a deceased son is entitled to a share of the property along with her children. Some community leaders have speculated that this discrimination in the wording of the law is based on the fear that “with many Parsi girls marrying non-Parsis, the wealth would be lost to the family and the commu ­ nity (Parinaz Toddywalla, Parsiana). The article, however, reflects some sentiment among the leadership circle to “make a- mends ” on this issue, stating that the fear of non-Parsi spouses inheriting property does not make logical sense: “If the non- Parsi spouse does not get it, the non-Parsi children will get it. ” Aside from examining these various laws and regulations affecting women in Zoroastrianism and the Zoroastrian com ­ munities, it is also instructive to examine some demographic data to see if the stereo ­ types regarding the socioeconomic inde ­ pendence of Parsi women are correct. For example, the high proportion of never- married Parsi females has been blamed on the fact that these women do not think that Parsi males measure up to their standards, because of their own achievements — high education, employment and personal in ­ come. My demographic studies of 551 households in the rural and urban areas of Gujarat, India, revealed that these factors were not significant in differentiating bet ­ ween never-married women who rated themselves “likely ” and “unlikely ” to get married. Moreover, in complete contrast to the theory that education is a “sterilizing factor ” for women (Desai), it was the fe ­ males who considered themselves “likely ” to get married who happened to be the most educated group rather than those who rated themselves unlikely to get married. Furthermore, contrary even to my expec ­ tations, an utterly traditional resource, household income, turned out to be the most significant factor in differentiating “likely ” from “unlikely ” females in terms of their prospects for marriage — which indicates how slowly old customs die (Gould). * A small footnote on this finding might help stress the point even further that the position of women in the Zoroasman com ­ munity is still shaky. When the results of ther asm * For Pure Diamonds r JEWELLERS 324, Grant Road, Bombay 400007. Telephone 3099648 Fax 3073483 APPOINTED VALUERS BY THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA Ithis study [that it was not the educated women who were the “cause ” of the com ­ munity ’s demographic downfall (by non ­ marriage)] was presented to the secretary of the Bombay Parsi Punchayet, his only comment was that he did not believe the findings. The so-called tiger women ’s reputation was intact, at least in the mind of the community ’s leading proponent of demographic studies. Since the educational achievement of Parsi women has generated so much dis ­ cussion (especially in comparison to Parsi males), it is worthwhile to examine data from the previous demographic study to check the following: if there were sex differences among school-age persons in enrollments at different levels of age and education; and if families of current stu ­ dents provided equal educational opportu ­ nities to dieir daughters and sons. The respondents ’ definition of “educa ­ tional c^iportunity ” was based on two fac ­ tors: receiving education in schools that had the English medium of instruction, and for best results, being sent to elite Eng ­ lish medium boarding schools, since these tracks were the accepted avenues for up­ ward mobility. The results of this study indicated that in the rural areas, 26.9 per ­ cent of the women who studied in the Gujarati medium (the vernacular language) dropped out of school after four to seven years, compared with eight percent of the males — a sex differential that did not show up statistically for any other group. When parental characteristics were con ­ sidered, it was revealed that even in a patriarchal framework, the mothers ’ me ­ dium of instruction was the strongest vari ­ able in the rural areas in predicting whether the daughter went to English medium schools: 60 percent of the female children in families where the mother was educated in the English language received that extra boost to be sent to English medium schools. Moreover, when these female children re ­ ceived the opportunity of studying in the English medium, they also got the added advantage (even more than the boys) to attend the elite boarding schools — 63.6 percent of them were sent outside the rural areas, versus 46.2 percent of the boys to attend these prestigious schools. The urban picture was more encourag ­ ing in closing disparities between the edu ­ cation of girls and boys. Yet it is worth noting, that only 10 percent of the urban females who had completed their educa ­ tion in the Gujarati medium had some college compared to 30.2 percent of the males (Gould). In general, the comparison of all of the subgroups revealed that condi ­ tions had to be perfect before females received equal educational opportunities as males, while men received these oppor ­ tunities regardless of external factors. Finally, the discussion about the status of women in Zoroastrianism during the modern period has to consider the decline in observance of beliefs and practices re ­ lating to purity and pollution. Undoubt ­ edly, the elaborate scripturally prescribed rituals connected with women ’s status — menstruation and parturition — are not ad ­ hered to as strictly today, and the practice of complete seclusion of women during these periods is definitely on the decline. But Jamshed K. Choksy is mistaken when he asserts that “only a few orthodox eld ­ erly women still maintain the practice of staying at home. ” Here he is underestimat ­ ing the strength and numbers of orthodox Parsis — both among priests and laity — who believe in the power of menstruation in endangering the purity of all beings. Thus, sitting separately during menstrua ­ tion, albeit not i# a dark secluded corner, is a phenomenon that involves more than elderly women in orthodox households, as INGERSOLL41AND OMUTV IngersoU-Rand (India) Limited, Rhone-Poulenc House, S K Ahire Marg, P O Box No. 9138, Bombay 400 025. Tel: 4936765. Tlx: 011-71395. Fax: 022-4950516. 4^ * 38 Parsiana May 1996“vaguely in league with evil. ” In fact, Boyce goes a step further and I found in my demographic studies (Gould). Moreover, even the educated, urban work ­ ing women from orthodox families might puts forth the arguments used by many leave the house during menstrual periods priests and orthodox laity — that the en- to conduct their “public ” working lives, but will come home and observe the prac ­ tice in “private ” of sitting separately from other family members. I have statistical data from my demo ­ graphic studies of urban and rural Parsis that demonstrate that the beliefs about menstruation are so deeply and so uncon ­ sciously ingrained that even today, none of that both Boyce and Culpepper present a my respondents had sexual intercourse du ­ ring menstruation (Gould). In Iran, Mary Boyce and H. Michael Simmons found the same pattern that I observed in India — lively to restrict the infection of evil (Boyce) is a projection on the part of a scholar who is very strongly identified with the religious tradition and the living faith. On the other hand, Culpepper ’s theoretical interpretation is an equal and opposite problem from forced rest involved in seclusion during menstruation is beneficial to health. More ­ over, she argues, if women suffer a “mon ­ thly eclipse, ” they also reemerge every month to enjoy the freedom that was taken away from them for a few days. As a Parsi Zoroastrian, who has an experiential under ­ standing of the problem, I can only reiterate unidimensional view. On the one hand, the notion that the women actively feel that by suffering passively they are helping posi- that segregation of women during mens ­ truation is still practiced, and abstinence during menstruation is a common pattern (Simmons). The question then arises whether any of these beliefs and practices regarding purity Boyce, since Zoroastrian women are not so and pollution have consequences for the status of women in Zoroastrianism. Unfor ­ tunately, it prevents the consideration of priestly assertions that women are carriers women to be ordained as priests since they are afflicted by the “pollution ” of menstrua ­ tion which manifests itself regularly. Thus, even if there is an effort to remove the res ­ triction that priests have to belong to the hereditary, priestly caste [in Iran they ac ­ cept the young laymen as assistant priests The focus in Zoroastrianism has to be the (Ervad Rustam Shahzadi)] women would not qualify, because of the misogynistic beliefs about menstruation. Boyce does re ­ port that in Iran women who had passed menopause and had undergone the proper politics that have allowed generations to ritual ceremonies to purify themselves victimize women. Zoroastrianism, like all could be “appointed the guardians of lesser religions, needs to write a new script shrines ” and play an active part in the whereby the religious and societal lives of religious life of the community. The remaining question has to deal with the effects of such patriarchal religious attitudes on the personal and spiritual iden ­ tity of women in Zoroastrianism. Boyce has maintained all along that although Zo ­ roastrian women have suffered under these menstruation taboos the orthodox observe them voluntarily. “The rules are stern, to observe them is often a struggle, but they are part of the fight against evil, and so to be strictly kept (Boyce). ” Boyce believes that Zoroastrian women are not “warped by asense of physical degradation ” because of these scriptural definitions of women ’s being, and are “stoic ” about the rigors in ­ volved in following the rituals. Emily E. Culpepper, on the other hand, asserts that forical and demographic studies of the Parsi Zo- “tofeel one ’s self soprimordially unclean... is severely damaging to one ’s self concept. ” It must have left Zoroastrian women feeling naive that they would suffer severe dam ­ age to their self-concept by buying some of the “sin ” of menstruation. Ultimately, however, important as it is to consider the personal beliefs or practices of Zoroastrian women, the religious quest for true sexual equality and partnership cannot be based on individual opinions. same as in all patriarchal religions: to examine and analyze the systemic prob ­ lems in religious thinking and practice, and deal with the structural problems and all individuals can take on meaning. Concluded. Dr Ketayun H. Gould is professor emerita in the School of Social Work, University of Illinois at Ur­ bana-Champaign in the United States. She is a partner, along with her husband, in Indepen­ dent Scholars Associa­ ted in Stafford, Virginia. She opted for early re­ tirement to pursue her research and scholar­ ship. Her writings have dealt with two main areas: feminist theory, models and practice frameworks in the area of women and ethnic minority concerns, and his- roastrian community in India. Currently she is authoring a book on the historical and demo­ graphic decline of the Parsi Zoroastrian commu­ nity in the rural and urban areas of Gujarat. 39 Parsiana May 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. A new two-storeyed dormitory with attached bathrooms, study and lounge rooms has just been completed to hopse 180 boys. All Academic Subjects -- Technical Subjects: Work ­ shop Technology, Mechanical & Electrical Maintenance, Carpentery & Farming. Train- ing in Self,rGovernment through Elected Boys ’ Office bearers. Games — Physical Training - Daily Assembly with Congregational Prayers - Weekly intensive Zoroas- trian-Geeta-Koran classes - Excellent Modern Kitchen and Dining Room facilities. Moderate Fees. Concessions to Deserving Students. Children of priests-freeship. Navar Martab facility. Also arrangement to send such boys at Tnist expense tQ 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 * IBOOKS and Female, Parsi far from home Dina Mehta An American Brat by Bapsi Sidhwa. Published in 1994 by Penguin Books India (Pvt Ltd), B4/246, Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi 110029. Pp: 317. Price: Rs 125. Ms Bapsi Sidhwa ’s new novel is about the coming of age of a ‘brat. ’ Ms Feroza Ginwalla, the intractable adolescent in question, has a particularly trying time of it because she is female, Parsi, Pakistani, and in the process of emerging from her chrysalis far away from home aaMw as an immigrant in the USA. To be born a female in the 9H liberal Parsi community has its plus points. Indeed, it is Feroza ’s outspoken mother Zareen who, alarmed by Is- lam ’s increasingly suffocating slide into fundamentalism in Pakistan and its damaging effect on her daughter ’s psy- che, packs off the 16-year-old to America to visit her uncle Manek, a student at the MIT (Massacheusetts Institute of Technology) and only six years older than his niece. Manek ’s three years ’ so- joum in the States has already made him a shrewd operator on the American scene and it is under his not-so-tender tutelage that Feroza forms her first impressions of the new country: she is at once enchanted and appalled. En ­ chanted by its luxuries and magic utilitar ­ ian efficiency (telephones work, showers work, electricity does not fluctuate, etc). Appalled by the smells of New York city, the absence of family ties, the degradation of the homeless, the furtive drug scenario featuring flamboyant toughs and stoned, emaciated kids, and other glaring incon ­ sistencies of a society with dual standards. By no means a personification of avun ­ cular amiability (as a child he had resented Feroza as one would a sibling), Manek is most likeable when he brings his Parsi hu ­ mor and histrionic talents to the fore. He alternates his clowning with an exagger ­ ated sangfroid to hide the corroding anxi ­ eties of the immigrant who has been buf­ feted by a system that perpetuates injus ­ tices that are “cynical and brazen. ” When he is out to ‘skim ’ this system (as when he orders an expensive lunch for two in a ‘de ­ corous ’ restaurant that he won ’t pay for by ¦ .. pretending that the steaks were only par ­ tially edible), Manek embarrasses Feroza till she is ready to sink through the floor. He is only giving her a crash course in sur ­ vival, he solemnly assures her; and he is the one to encourage her to stay on in Ame ­ rica as a student in a strictly supervised Mormon college in Idaho. But here her roommate, Jo Miller, helps to emancipate the girl from Pakistan in ways her uncle (or family at home) had not bargained for. Jo drinks liberally, eats compulsively, smokes a lot and runs through an assort ­ ment of boyfriends. The two girls become fast friends and transfer together to the University of Colorado, where the Ameri ­ canization of Feroza is completed: she dresses, talks and acts like an American girl — and even falls in love like one. Co ­ pying Jo ’s impetuousness, she writes home to Lahore to announce her intention to marry David, who is a Jew. This throws her mother into a tizzy and Zareen takes off for the States, hell-bent on preventing her daughter ’s marriage to a non-Parsi. Epic battles are fought by mother and daughter over David. Ulti ­ mately what makes Feroza give himlip is Zareen ’ s loaded argu ­ ment that if she marries out of her community she can no lon ­ ger practise her Zoroastrian fa ­ ith (which has been Feroza ’s solace in every crisis: for ins- S’ Z( ¦<» * tance, Kemna Mazda and the .¦V 101 names of Ahura Mazda leap to her mind when she fears a sexual assault); nor will she be allowed to bring up her children as Parsi Zoroastrians. (Editor ’s Note: A Parsi Zoro ­ astrian woman who marries a non-Parsi but does not give up her religion nor converts to an ­ other religion, continues to en ­ joy all the privileges and rights accorded to a Parsi Zoroastrian. Her chil ­ dren will not be considered Parsis, but may undergo the navjote ceremony and be thereby initiated into the Zoroastrian reli ­ gion.) Yet Parsi males are not subject to the same constraints! Marriage to non-Zoro- astrian women does not outlaw their chil ­ dren from the Parsi fold. This discrimina ­ tion against women makes Feroza realize that some of the “educated customs ” of her own community are on par with the “mind ­ less current of fundamentalism sweeping the world like a plague. ” And though her sense of not belonging, of dislocation in America is acute, she decides to stay on 40 Parsiana May 1996 II because of the freedom it gives her to be her own person and pursue her own goals. Then if she wanted to marry one day, it wouldn ’t matter if he was not a Parsi, for no one would be allowed to frighten her again into acquiescence in unfair codes and moth-eaten norms. “As for her religion, no one could take it away from her; she carried its fire in her heart. ” This is the point at which Sidhwa takes leave of Feroza (so do we), and it seems a distinct future possibility — and a great Ever since the first Islamic century, Mus- pity — that a loyal, intelligent, spirited lim idealists throughout the ages have Parsi girl will be left out in the cold by a sought to re-create that magical moment in community so intent on stewing in its own history, the period juices that it fails to recognize its desic ­ cated visage, and do something about it before it is too late. If Sidhwa is too fine an artist to conduct a crusade through the medium of her novel, her perceptions are sharp, her concerns wide and humanistic. Shrewdly she uses the differences in US and Pakistan cultures to highlight Feroza ’s traumas. This com ­ parison is also a source of much of her humor — as are the bounce and bite of her words; and she paces them with the dramatist ’s sense of timing to heighten the religion ” (Holy Qu- impact of her scenes. For example, so graphically docs she describe Feroza ’s panic and disorientation when trapped on the dark, foul and endless stairway of the YMCA building, that I felt the skin on my (covenants of faith) own scalp tighten and “lift the roots ” of my Insights into history Dr Zeenat Shaukat Ali Ahd-namaha (Covenants ofFaithlby Mithoo Coor- lawala. Revised edition published in 1995 by The K. R. Cama Oriental Institute, 136 Bombay Sama­ char Marg. Bombay 400023. Pp: 76. Price: Rs 125. She dresses^ talks and acts like an American girl — and even falls in love like one countered during the course of her pursuit of this dissertation and her determination to overcome these obstacles are reflected in her work. Libraries often yield few clues as this area of research is generally consi ­ dered “obscure and obdurate. ” A manu ­ script of the Ahd-nameh together with two later charters given to the Zarathus ­ htrians were dis ­ covered after much investigation and these opened aven- .ues for further re ­ search. Though the au ­ thenticity of these firmans has been questioned, this research provides unusual insights, disclosing a freshly perceived, cotnpo- site ui^derstan- ding. Clearly, Co ­ orlawala ’s reading or charters granted is unusually exten- byProphetMuham- jsive. Her research med to the Zarathu- sources have been shtrians, the Jews and the Christians in meticulously investigated and the text re- early Islamic times, guaranteeing protec ­ tion of person, property, freedom of wor ­ ship and exemption from military service upon payment of a poll tax reveal, as their texts show, a refreshing expression of the “conciliatory, open, generous ” spirit of Is­ lam which is a remarkable though rarely disclosed feature of this religion. The author ’s own interest in the Ahd- think and evaluate by offering clearly docu- namaha was awakened decades ago by an of the Great Tea ­ cher, in their own time. Such a “uto ­ pia ” can only be realizable with a re ­ vitalization of its idealistic past and the values of tole ­ rance found in this classic proclama ­ tion: “Let there be no compulsion in ran 2:256). Ms Mithoo Co ­ orlawala ’s study of the Ahd-namaha ¥ t r iM®! veals a positive and uniformly mature un ­ derlying structure. An interesting feature of this book are the informative footnotes used, where necessary, to supplement the text. What is notable is the author ’s scholarly detachment. She does not offer judge ­ ments, but she does challenge the reader to hair. The prose, like the narrative, is fluent and structured to move. The only time Sidhwa gets a little sticky English translation of an extract from the is when she switches styles midstream to write about David and first love. She talks, for instance, of the “blue, oceanic depths ” of his eyes “in which she (Feroza) swam as easily as a fish. ” Again, looking into his eyes was like “viewing a solar eclipse withoutprotection. ” And we sample honied interest he started his daughter on a long things like “these were his innermost se ­ crets, fragrant with his commitment to his parents. ” It ’s hard to accept these lines from the Zarathushtrians, reflects Coorlawala ’s personage Salman-e-Farsi whose life, aapri Bapsi, but they are merely the motes exceptional personal gifts and high aims as though well-documented in Islamic writ- on writing that is triumphantly on the a student not only of history, but of peace ings, remains shadowy in the Zarathu- beam. A novelist has come of age. and tolerance. The genuine difficulties en- shtrian tradition, is clearly delineated here. mented information and fresh insights into the realities of history. Her handling of Ahd-nameh given to her by her father, much debated subjects such as Ahl-e-Kitab Nadirshah Chinoy. From a unique back ­ ground of history, law, Persian and West ­ ern scholarship, he had distilled within himself the best values and accomplish ­ ments of both worlds, and by sharing this (People of the Book) and the dates of Prophet Zarathushtra, is deft and well-in ­ formed. Coorlawala has a sharp eye for reveal ­ ing vignettes and nuances of environment, and one receives the impression that she and exciting route of exploration. has an intuitive understanding of her sub- This study and publication of the Ahd- ject which is, however, balanced by objec- namaha granted by Prophet Muhammed to tivity and fidelity to the truth. That unique the Zarathushtrians, reflects Coorlawala ’s a student not only of history, but of peace and tolerance. The genuine difficulties en- 41 Parsiana May 1996 ILORD’S CENTRAL HOTEL Matheran 410102 In what is one of the most interesting chapters of the book, Salman ’s life emerges with clarity through the various stages of his long physical and spiritual journey from the luxuries of the Sasanian Court, his acceptance of Islam to the austerities and fulfilment of Prophet Muhammed ’s Medina. And we are told how until his death as governor of the fabled city of Madain, Salman lived in splendid simplic ­ ity, untouched by the seductions of wealth and power. Written with elegance and ease, this significant work will contribute to an at ­ mosphere of conciliation and harmony in our troubled world. For the historian and general reader alike, this is an informative and thrilling reading experience. The cover and layout of the book have been profes ­ sionally designed and the production qual ­ ity (on Zanders Art Paper) is of a very high order. The 76 pages include five chapters plus the Ahd-Nameh in Arabic and Persian (translated into English) in the Appendices. A With best wishes from Enjoy the mountains, antics of the monkeys and our hospitality Bi Matheran telephone number 021483-0228 Fax 021483-0595 Bombay telephone number 3867776 Dr Zeenat Shaukat Ali, professor of Islamic Stud­ ies at St Xavier’s College, Bombay, is an author and researcher in the message of Prophet Muha­ mmed and the intricacies of Islamic laws. EVENTS AND PERSONALITIES continued from page 14 4 award by a panel of judges from the indus ­ try ’s most prestigious institutions, adds the release. Noted industralist Sohrab P. Godrej has his own silent way of communication: when he is disappointed with national events he wears a black tag on his shirt sleeve that day ; if something nice happens, he displays a white tag. “It is heartbreaking that someone who has contributed as much as him be so disillusioned; the rest of us need to do something about it, ” stated the report in The Times of India of April 7, 1996. Farah & Tanya Dr (Ms) Zarin Bharucha and Dr (Ms) Shehrnaz Pardiwala of the department of transfusion medicine at Bombay ’s Tata Memorial Hospital were invited to partici ­ pate in the 24th congress of the Interna ­ tional Society of Blood Transfusion held at Makuhari, Japan from March 31 to April 5,1996, according to a press release. Sci­ entists from all over the world were to share their research findings at this meet. Compiled by Parinaz Gandhi. 42 Parsiana May 1996MILESTONES As the register for Parsi marriages was not accessible at the Bombay High Court last month, the data on maniages registered in the months of March and April 1996 is published in this issue. The age of Zoroastrian brides (as listed in this issue) ranged between 19 and 40 years, the arithmetic mean (the total number of individual ages divided by the total number of brides) being 26 years. The corresponding figures for the grooms were 22 and 45 years, averaging at 30 years. As compared to 11 babies bom in May there were 74 Zoroastrian deaths. Thirty patients succumbed to heart disease of which 10 were 80 years and above. Pneumonia and lung disease claimed 11 lives whereas five deaths each were attributed to brain disease and septicemia. Diabetes and cancer AHMED ABAD BORN A boy, Cyrus, to Naushad and Noshirvan Randeria on May 11, 1996 BOMBAY BORN A girl. Pearl, to Zenobia and Percy Avari', November 19, 1995 A boy, Anoshaq, to Rashna and Percy Master, March 23 A boy to Marzbin and Sheriar Irani', May 4 A boy to Pearl and Hafeez Contractor, May 5 A girl, Jenai, to Amaz and Rustom Irani, sister to Nushad; May 1 A girl to Ferozie and Muncher Wadia', May 11 A girl to Pouruchisti and Rustom Wadia', May 22 A girl to Firuzeh and Kaikhushroo Vacha', May 23 A boy to Behroze and Shahrukh Mod'y', May 24 A boy to Fida and Jamshed Shaw, May 25 A girl to Delna and Tushad Cooper, May 26 A girl to Manek and Aspi Deboo', May 26 A boy to Firuza and Yazdi Nagla', May 27 took a toll of four lives each, hypertension, three, and anemia, head injuries and asthma of two lives each. Gastro-intestinal bleeding, kidney failure, para ­ plegia (paralysis of the lower limbs usually including the bladder and rectum), old age, high blood pressure and liver disease were the isolated cases registered for May. The age range fluctuated between 37 and 93 years. The Zoroastrian life expectancy at birth, in Bombay in May, was 74 years. The data on births, marriages and deaths has been compiled from information supplied by various newsletters and anjumans in India and abroad, courts and hospitals. This information is not always complete or consistent: we are unable to carry data from areas where the anjumans do not MARRIED Monaaz Rusi Gandhi and Zarir Burjor Sarkari; December 29, 1995 Tanaz Dadi Wadia and Neville Dara Buhariwala', January 25, 1996 Ashish Minoo Italia and Aspi Adi Kerawalla', February 8 Veera Jamshed Mistry and Marazban Darabshah Dalal; February 19 Maharukh Homi Bhappoo and Shiamak Fall Marshall', February 20 Farah Jimmy Baria and Nader Astad Parakh; March 1 Khurshid Feroz Captain and Kurush Jamshed Vazifdar, March 1 Benaifer Farrokh Pastakia of Thane and Feroze Sorab Mehta; March 2 Behnaz Dhun Udachia and Khushrano Parvez Kapadia', March 8 Aban Pervez Engineer and Mehemosh Firoz Dhamodi- wala; March 10 Anaita Rusi Kapadia and Mehli Parvez Colah', March 11 Hoofreez Parvez Patel and Shiavux Adi Batliwala', March 14 Mani Nariman Bulsara and Viraf Eruch Vakil', March 14 Parizad Tehmurasp Sidhwa and 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 infor ­ mation together with a copy of the birth certificate. There may be an inadvertent repetition of names in the marriage list when a civil marriage precedes a religious ceremony. In the breakup of deaths according to illnesses, especially of the elderly, death is often due to a combination of several diseases. If readers have any births/ marriages/deaths they would like published, some proof to ensure the veracity of the report would be required. We are sure our readers would appreciate this requirement and cooperate with us. Homiar Naval Pestonjamasp', March 15 Nilufer Minoo Engineer and Sarosh Nariman Elavia; March 21 Niloufer Minoo Olpadwala of Calcutta and Zarksis Dinshaw Italia', March 24 Coomi Marzban Pardiwalla and Cyrus Maneck Pardiwalla; March 25 Farida Keki Elavia and Rohinton Jal Patel', March 26 Seema Dinyar Irani and Homiyar Nariman Patel', March 29 Shiraz Noshir Elavia and Kerfegar Darabshaw Patrawala of Thane; March 29 Bakhtavar Burjor Kapadia and Farhad Jehangir Hormazdi', March 30 Jasmine Framroz Billimoria and Sherzad Cyrus Desai', - ' March 31 Kainaz Dara Kapadia and Zubin Sam Saklatwalla', April 2 Amavaz Homi Variava and Parvez Minocher Pochkhanawala', April 8 Tanaz Kersi Meherji and Godrej Nariman Bhathena', April 13 Binaifer Russi Gheewalla and Bomi Burjor Randelia; April 14 Armin Noshir Desai and Farzaan Kali Wadia', April 19 Shanaaz Hoshang Daruvala and Khushroo Keki Khambata', April 20 Janice Soli Pastakia and Zubin Savak Mogai, April 21 Zahver Shereyar Vakil of Poona and Cyrus Phiroze Dhabhar, April 26 Neena Minoo Patel and Jerasph Sam Valvadia; April 27 Firanghish Darab Aspar of Kalyan and Jehangir Burjor Gai', April 28 Shyra Rohinton Mogul and Jehangir Sorab Pocha; April 28 Farzana Farokh Karai and Rohinton Adil Motafram', April 29 Kashmira Cawas Waghaiwalla and Adil Rusi Fitter; May 2 Delna Rustom Hakim and Viraf Dara Doomasia', May 5 Hoofrish Noshir Mullan of Poona and Farzad Aspi Mullan of Navsari; M^ 5 Zeiba Hoshang Sadri and Homyar Noshir Randeria', May 10 Monaz Cyrus Kaka and Naushirwan Sohrab Commissariat', May 11 Farzana Nari Maneckji and Zubin Medioma Bhada; May 12 Hutoxi Adi Cooper and Jamshed Sorabji Sopariwalla', May 19 Jasmine Sam Dalal and Adil Jehangir Madon', May 27 Phirooza Rusi Dalal and Zarir Noshir Shrojf', May 29 ¦> 4* DIED 'I^Pilloo Framroze Bhathena (65), residing at D, Dinbai Petit I Chawl, Balaram St, Grant Rd, 400007; April 30 " ^Gev Pirojsha Dubash (66), C-6/009, Bhagirathi Bldg, Lok Gram, Kalyan (E), 421301; April JO, Baimai Nariman Golwalla (91), 32, Bakhtawar Annexe, Narayan Dabholkar Rd, 4(X)006; May 2 Pilloo Minocher Madon (67),. Captain Hse, Nana Chowk, 400007; May 2 Coomie Naoshier Printer (84), 764/E, Umrigar Bldg, Tilak Rd, Dadar, 400014; May 2 Freny Rustom Bamji (74), 658, Khorshed Abad, Firdoshi Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014: May 3 43 Parsiana May 1996 IJimmy Kaikhushroo Dholoo (50), 15/2, Tata Clny, Tardeo, 400034; May 3 Viru Kershasp Khandhadia (84), D/4-35, S. B. Bharucha Baug, S. V. Rd, Andheri (W), 400058; May 3 Marzban Eruch Mehta (69), Sethna Bhabha Bldg, B. Jakar Marg, 400002; May 3 Pesi Phiroz Daruwalla (10), 22-C, Sakarwadi, Nawab Tank Rd, Mazgaon, 400010; May 4 Freny Kaiki Tata (81), 2-3!K, Ashoka Apts, Near Strand Cinema, 400039; May 4 Cotmi Dhunjisha Bengalee (70), (712, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039; May 5 Dina Jal Dalal (75), 18, Ameeta, Foreshore Rd, Opp Sachivalaya Gymkhana, 400021; May 5 Lovyi Ardesitir Jasumani (85), 512, Rustom Baug, Victoria Rd, Byculla, 400027; May 5 Noshir Dhanjisha Bharucha (84), 685, Sun Ville, Khareghat Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; M ay 6 Meherji Faramji Bodhanwalla (81), F. S. Parukh Dharam- shaUa, 34, Hughes Rd, 400007; May 6 Adi Rustomji Daruwalla (11), 13/3, Baria Bldg, Gamadia Clny, Tardeo, 400007; May 6 Yasmin Darabsha Marolia (44), 3, Parsi Panchayat Qtrs, Doongerwadi, Cumballa Hill, 400036; May 8 Najoo Ardeshir Vesuwalla (19), lien, Pradyu Sadan, Dr B. Ambedkar Rd, Matunga, 400019; May 8 Phirozsha Kawas Kharas (85), F. S. Parukh Dharamshalla, 34, Hughes Rd, 400007; May 9 Filli Ardesher Adarian (65), 609, Pateti Blocks, Jame Jamshed Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; May 10 Coomi Shiavux Parakh (63), 3/2, Dr Kerawala Bldg, Tata Blocks, Opp Bandra Talkies, Bandra, 400050; May 10 Kaikhushroo Pestonjee Mistry (66), 4/A, Mehemosh Park, Patel Pada, Dahanu (E), Dist Thane, 401602; May 11 Kersi Maneckshaw Palsetia (60), 9, Citizen Apt, 30th Rd, T.P.S. HI, Bandra, 400050; May 11 Te/im/ Dinshawji Fitter (68), 3/10, Rustom Baug, Victoria Rd. Byculla, 400027; May 12 Gool Rustomji Kolah (63), 781, e. Manchetji Joshi Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; May 12 Themina Minocher Billimoria (69), H/2, Tarachand Bldg, Captain Clny, Tardeo, 400034; May 13 Bakhtawar Kaikobad Dastoor (62), Dastoor St, Udvada, 396180; May 13 Dhunmai Sorabji Fitter (83), 25, Asha Kunj, Parsi Wada, Khetwadi, 400004; May 13 Boman Merwan Irani (74), 80, Janmabhoomi Marg, Fort, 400001; May 13 Sam Sorabji Kapadia (90), 18, Heera Meher, 108/112, Wodehouse Rd, Colaba, 400005; May 13 Tehmina Jamshed Mistry (75), 9, Patel Chmbs, Gunbow St, Fort, 400001; May 13 Khusroo Jami Dover (64), 721/A, Choksey Charity Trust Bldg, Rd no 4, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; May 14 Bachoobai Pestonji Moos (89), Dilpazir, Bhulabhai Desai Rd, 400026; May 14 Havovi Pesi Bala (37), L-1/51, M. Cama Park, Andheri (W), 400058; May 16 Kobad Khurshedji Boga (11), 87, Matar Pakhadi Rd, Mazgaon, 400010; May 16 Coomi Pesi Mistry (85), 12, Moonlight, 158, M. Karve Rd, 400020; May 16 Jamshed Rustomji Mullan (92), C, Bhatia Soc Bldg, 280, Princess St, 400002; May 16 Perviz Minocher Dubash (87), Scholar Bldg, 13, Hendry Rd, 400039; May 17 Rusi Sheriar Modi (12), 90, Cleave Hse, Wodehouse Rd, 400005; May 17 Freny Jamshedji Dover (78), Seva Sadan Annexe, Pandita Ramabai Rd, 400007; May 18 Rodabe Pestonji Limbuwala (93), 3/382, Suman Breeze, 15th Rd, T.P.S. Ill, Bandra, 400050; May 18 Dhun Nariman Tadiwalla (83), 19, Malegamwalla Bldg, Khareghat Clny, S. Patkar Marg, 400007; May 18 Mehroo Edalji Panthaky (19), 31/A, Madhav Bhuvan (Sagar Samrat), M. Karve Rd, 400004; May 19 Soli Jamshedji Kathawala (61), 731, Jehangir Vimadalal Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; May 20 Nariman Jamshedji Wadia (71), 653/B, Shirinmai Cottage, Firdoshi Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; May 20 Homi Burjorji Dandiwala (66), G/41, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039; May 21 Mani Jal Patel (74), 748, Rd no 6, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; May 21 Adi Sorabji Pavri (92), C, Banoo Mans, Cumballa Hill, 400036; May 21 Shawak Darashaw Aga (70), A/11, Mistry Bldg, Dr Shirodkar Rd, Parel, 400012; May 22 Frary Kaikhushroo Sanga (89), 31, Jaiphal Ter, Foijett St, 400026; May 23 Freny Firoze Sarkari (74), 11, Petit Widows ’ Chwl, Mody St, Fort, 400001; May 23 Shirin Limji Banaji (69), Gold Mist, 133, Carter Rd, Bandra, 400050; May 24 Cooverbai Jamshedji Chothia (89), R/6, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039; May 24 Aloo Framroz Engineer (87), N/13, Nowroz Baug, Lalbaug, 400012; May 25 Silloo Rusi Bharucha (65), Dosamai Home, Masina Hospital Campus, Victoria Rd, Byculla, 400027; May 26 Dinshaw Palanji Mistry (80), 3, Niamat Manzil, N. Petit St, Behind Apsara Cinema, 400007; May 26 Dina Noshir Bhajiwalla (81), Sethna Bldg, Princess St 400002; May 27 Sunnu Dhunjisha Kapadia (70), 40, Hoshang Baug, Vakola Village Rd, Santacruz (E), 400055; May 27 Burjor Behramshaw Medhora (64), Santosh Bldg, 100, Dada Saheb Phalke Rd, Dadar, 400014; May 27 Dinbai Sorabji Mistry (88), C/o Thrity K. Mehta, Room no 5, 4/B, Tata Clny, Tardeo, 400034; May 27 Jehangir Hormusji Turel (12), 12/2879, Turel Wadi, Sayedpura, Surat, 395003; May 27 Dadi Framroze Katrak (72), Soona Mans, 301, Tardeo Rd, 400007; May 28 Erachshaw Shavalcshaw Mehta (88), 33-A-3, Khan Block, New Khareghat Clny, Babulnath Rd, 400007; May 28 Sorabji Pestonji Patel (81), 731, Polson Bldg, J. Vimadalal Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; May 28 Rati Dhunjishaw Working- boxwala (66), 811, Jame Jamshed Bldg, Jame Jamshed Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 4(X)014; May 28 Putlamai Minocher Patel (85), 16, Dubash Bldg, Gamadia Clny, Tardeo, 400007; May 29 Hormazdiar Dhunjishaw Bharucha (61), AJl, Central Bank Colleagues Co-op Hsg Soc, Dadabhoy Cross Rd No 3, Irla, Vile Parle* 400056; May 30 Banubai Fakirji Buhariwalla (88), 23, Bacha Mans, Gilder Lane, Dr Bhadkamkar Marg, 400008; May 30 Mehroo Pilloo Mistry (78), M/27, Nowroz Baug, Lalbaug, 400012; May 30 Pesi Framroze Shroff (56), Jevanji Mistry Bldg, KXh Khet ­ wadi Back Rd, 400004; May 30 Nariman Kaikashroo Warden (12), 16, Hormazbaug Bldg, Kashinath Rd, Tardeo, 400034; May 30 Kaikhushroo Ratansha Dover (91), 1^15, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039; May 31 Farrokh Nadirshah Ghadially (19), 275/J, New < Zoroastrian Clny, 400007; May 31 ^ma Bldg, , Tardeo Rd, 1 E 1 I I 1 CALCUTTA MARRIED Perveen Deboo and Shahriddi Cassad of Nagpur; May 21 4’ * DIED Jal N. Medhora-, February 14 COONOOR DIED Jal Naoroji Mehta', January 16 POONA DIED Daulat P. Irani (70), 72, Rasta Peth, 411001; April 1 Dhunjishah Faramji Wadia (85), 826/9-3, Dastur Meher Rd, 411001; April 5 Firoze Dorabjee Tamboli (16), 19, Banu Apts, Dastur Meher Rd, 411001; April 23 Themurasp Dosabhai Cooper (96), Nirmal Apts, Dhole Patil Rd, 411001; April 24 SURAT DIED Bhikaji Dosabhai Sidhwa (63), Udvada, 396180; April 6 Tehmina Navroji Bhestmia (83), Village Bhatha, Dist Surat, 44 Parsiana May 1996 I394510; April 8 Pirojshah Sahpurji Dumasia (89), Village Vesu, Dist Surat; April 9 Pervez Dhanjishaw Guard (64), Sayedpura, 395003; April 11 Parses Barjor Pawari (55), Nariman Home and Infirmary, Shahpore, 395003; April 13 Burjorji Nasarwanji Tadiwala (83), Rani Talao, 395003; April 15 Darabshaw Dhanjisha Ilavia (82), Village Zakharda, Taluka Magrol, Dist Surat; April 17 Silloo Soli Timbervawala (73), Pandol Charity Block, BORN Boys Girls A 6 7 TOTALS FOR 1995 AND 1996 Bombay India World B C A B C A B C 112 109 40 32 1 11 6 4 1 5 4 37 26 6 5 MARRIED Parsi Intercommunal 43 284 94^^ 106 17* 1 15 2 3 3 1 1 14 10 1 Turkiwad, 395003; April 19 Bachamai Dinasaji Bhagwager (67), Village Adajan, Dist Surat; April 21 Navalshah Dhanjisha Kharadi (82), Lal Darwaja, Station Rd, 395003; April 24 Minochar Beharamji Motafaram (81), Sayedpura, Surat, 395003; May 1 Shera Hormasji Appu (92), Nariman Home and Infirmary, Shahpore, 395003; May 2 Dosabhai Dhanjisha Dawar (73), Village Ichapore, Dist Surat; May 2 Jarbanu Minocher Karanjia (74), Nariman Home and Infir ­ mary, Shahpore, 395003; May 5 Jamshed Barjoiji Jasawala (82), Nariman Home and Infir ­ mary, Shahpore, 395003; May 7 Sam Ratansha Patel (60), Frampura St, Rustompura, 395002; May 21 Hosang Rustamji Sanjana (67), Nariman Home and Infirmary, Shahpore, 395003; May 21 Banubai Manackji Nariyawala (94), Vanki Bordi, Shahpore, 395003; May 22 Nadarsha Kharshadji Dubas (70), Nariman Home and Infirmary, Shahpore, 395003; May 26 Pilloo Ratansha Sahuna (76), Nariman Home and Infirmary, Shahpore, 395003; May 26 DIED CONSIGNED Males Females CREMATED Males Females 34 40 473 464 176 207 17 9 91 94 43 28 8 6 36” 36” 21 12 A; Total numbers in this issue 3 1 B: Running totals for 1995 (February-March 1995-May 1996 issues) C: Running totals for 1996 (February-March 1995-May 1996 issues) * Males married out in 1995 -- 43 ‘Males married out in 1996 - 9 Females married out in 1995 - 51 Females married out in 1996-8 Overseas deaths are listed in the consigned column as Parsiana does not have any breakup of those cremated. ? These figures pertain to information provided to or collected by Parsiana. They do not represent the total number of births, marriages and deaths in the Zoroastrian community in India or abroad. Pam and father of Jason and Cyrus; March 20 Hamilton DIED Alamai Manchershah Bhagat, mother of Homai, Mehroo and Sammy; May 29 Ontario BORN A girl, Natalie Jasmine, to Mary Jane and Persius Kanga; February 17 DIED Dara Eruchshaw Patel, husband of Avan; January 25, 1996 DUBAI BORN A boy, Nazban, to Khushnum and Malcolm Darukhanawalla, brother to Nushzaad; February 14 HONG KONG BORN A boy, Kerfegar, to Meher and Tehmasp Parekh; March 27 AUSTRALIA New South Wales BOR N A boy, Kaizad, to Prochi and Khushrow Mehta; February 29 A girl, Auriel, to Ana and Toos Sachinwalla; April 9 Quebec BORN A girl, Jessica, to Mary Lou and Hanoz Kapadia; December 21, 1995 A boy, Dillon Darayoush, to Freny and Gary Dickson; February 9, 1996 IRAN DIED Hormaziar Satoudian, father of Shajehan; May 15 Tehran DIED Dinyar Ardeshir Moigani (85); March 3 CANADA Edmonton, Alberta DI ED Sam Burjour (55), husband of 45 Parsiana May 1996 Toronto BORN A girl, Sanaya, to Amavaz and Jamshed Dhabhar, sister to Humin; November 28, 1995 PAKISTAN Karachi BORN A boy, Danesh, to Nazneen and Percy Bharucha; April 4 MARRIED Christine Harman and Jamsheed Darayus Mehta; November 11 DIED Dollat G. Cortfectioner (69); March 1 Khorshed D. Engineer (85);''# March 4 Ratan F. Patel (61); March 13 Khorshed D. Patel (82); March 19 Sharebanoo M. Dotiwala (84); March 25 Homi Cursetji Virji (84); April 1 USA Bolingbrook, Illinois DIED Jal Eduljee Damkevala (86), husband of Banoo and father of Rustom Kevala, Bomi and Shirin Viraf Kanga; April 8 - Chicago MARRIED Yasmin Crawford and Antish Alleck; May 19 Houston DIED Burjor Hormusji Mehta, father of Armaity; March 19 Irvine, California DIED Maharukh Chama, wife of Sohrab and mother of Zarine and Cyrus; May 26 Compiled by Roxana A. Driver / *IN MEMORIAM A collector’s convictions Homi Rogers “It was the first painting I bought as an fields. Often it was his legal work that took art collector, ” he said. “I bought it in him places and gave him the chance to pursue his fascination for the arts. Krishnakant Desai, a senior advocate at the Bombay High Court, remembers how Karl Jamshed Khandalavala, was amongst by both to enhance his progress in the two those rare individuals' in the world whose avocation differs sharply from their voca ­ tion, and he strode like a colossus in two disparate fields of endeavor. A barrister from London ’s Middle Temple, with a long and distinguished Khandalavala seized the opportunity to legal career, the erstwhile chairman of the board of trustees of Bombay ’s Prince of Wales Museum (POWM) had strayed into the world of Indian art more by accident than design. Casual visits to borrow books on European painting and records of West ­ ern classical music from a relative, Burjor N. Treasurywalla, drew the young and impressionable Khandalavala into a vor ­ tex of Sunday tea meetings hosted by Treasurywalla (whose collection forms the cornerstone of the National Museum in New Delhi), to hear discourses by stal ­ warts such as O. C. Gangooly, Ananda Coomaraswamy and Father Heras. Providentially, around the same time Khandalavala ’s father Jamshed sent his son, an alumnus of Bombay ’s Elphinstone College, to England to obtain his degree at the bar. The visit gave Khandalavala ac ­ cess to the British Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum where he spent most of his free time absorbing Indian and Euro ­ pean art. Khandalavala was a self-taught scholar, and probably this was the reason why all through his long life (he was 92 when he died in Pune on December 23, 1995) he strove to make art friendly and accessible to those interested in it, rather than a matter of academic pursuit. Baburao Sadwelkar of the Jehangir Art Gallery recalls that it was the simple language Khandalavala used in his books that “in ­ spired us (students) to go through them, and learn about Indian art and history at a " " time (in the late ’30s) when no formal Mary and Karl Khandalavala: a training was imparted in these subjects, and different schools of Bundi or Basholi were grouped by professors at the J. J. School (of Art) as representative of Indian style. ” Khandalavala ’s study of the Pahari (see “Khandalavala ’s art and acumen, school, published in 1958, still remains the most definitive work on this subject. Interestingly, Khandalavala never his favorite paintings — a Pahari depicting the jury pronounced him “not guilty ” of sought to forsake one profession for the the death of Vali, the monkey king, at the the crime. This verdict led to the other, but used the opportunity provided hands of Lord Rama. abolishment of the jury system in India, Lahore, where I had to fly during my stint as a navigator (yet another facet of the man, generally unknown) in the Royal Air Force. ” What an incongruous sight it must have been: a skilled navigator poring over maps and miniatures during the height of World War II. But that was to be the hallmark of Khandalavala. He was to be inundated with briefs and Basholis; sum­ mons and sculptures; and he was to bring to them his own perceptions and erudition. “His way of conducting prosecution was different from the established manner, ” mentions Desai who regards Khandalavala as his guru. And the same informality that he extended to the practice of law, distin ­ guished him frora^is more academic peers in the world of art. It was Khandalavala, for example, who put Amrita Sher Gil on the litep of Indian art, discovering the talents of this beautiful half-Sikh, half-Hungarian artist, and writ ­ ing a monograph on her — among the first written on a contemporary Indian artist. The monograph, it has been insinuated by art critic Dnyaneshwar Nadkarni, could have been the result of a romantic dalli ­ ance between the two; but it remains, like his other works, a seminal study on this artist. That Khandalavala was aman-about- town in his youth is also amplified by Sharukh Sabavala, a senior director with Tatas, whose late wife Roshan was one of the co-founders with^ Khandalavala and Mulk Raj Anand of Marg, the country ’s pennier art quarterly since 1948. “We used to attend dance classes at Apollo Hotel, and thrice a week a dashing young man would come to fetch the prettiest girl in our class. Sparks would fly if she kept him waiting, ” narrates Sabavala with a smile. Maybe it was this persistent romantic strain that some two decades later caused Khandalavala to take up the case of Cawas Nanavati, a Parsi naval officer who shot his wife ’s paramour, and then surrendered Parsiana, June 1993) Khandalavala had himself to the police. So brilliant was related how he had come to acquire one of Khandalavala ’s defence of Nanavati that represent the Government of India as a senior lawyer on revenue offences as it persistent romantic strain allowed him to travel around the country. Indeed, in an interview three years ago the death of Vali, the monkey king, at the 46 Parsiana May 1996 I 4* 4 4 II because the judge pronounced it ‘perverse ’ and indicted Nanavati. The trial, however, remains one of Khandalavala ’s major tri ­ umphs —not just because of its controver- ____________________ _ sial nature but because, as in art, at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Khandalavala had given law a human touch i_________ __ “_______ and taken it from the confines of dusty Marg'. “Such integrity is extremely rare... courtrooms into people s hearts. It was this There can be no better example of it than ^jiroach to both spheres that endeared his ceasing to collect (as an individual . .L. ................... collector) from the moment he became associated with the POWM as a trustee in 1950.” For Khandalavala, the POWM has been ‘a second home, ’ and for over 35 years he to its present national and international the level, offering advice freely and helping to Khandalavala won the case for Antulay. Examples of his professional integrity are legion. Writes Pratapaditya Pal, senior curator of Indian and South-east Asian Art in a tribute to Khandalavala published in courtrooms into people s hearts. It was this There can be no better example of it than Khandalavala to all those who heard him, or came in contact with him. Ms Homai Modi, secretary of the K. R. Cama Oriental Institute (KRCOI) echoes a similar feeling as she speaks of the deep ___________ _______ _ impression Khandalavala left on her and worked ceaselessly to elevate the Museum on an audience of scholars when he pounded with clarity and simplicity architecture, at the first international ference on Indo-Iranian studies organized by KRCOI in 1989. If Khandalavala brought to art the clini ­ cal precision of a legal mind, he brought to law the art-lover ’s meticulous devotion to detail. Sabavala recalls the i ’___ when the savant would be invited by his ex ­ on influence of Persian art on Mauryan Indian replenish its collection. It was only fitting arrnitpnhirA at th«* --------1_____ i • ... _ con- that his own remarkable collection of around 700 items amassed over just 13 years (1937-1950), was bequeathed by him to the POWM, to be administered by a trust, ‘The Karl and Mary Khandalavala Collection ’ named after him and his wife rnany times Mary (Meherbai) of 58 years, who prede- i* ** > ceased him in 1994. An announcement to D U X J • 1 . ---------~ **> 2-Mi aiinvuiivcilicill lu wne Roshan to determine the genuineness this effect made by his nephew, Dr Farrokh of the antique additions to her collection. F. Wadia, was greeted with an appreciative response at the condolence meeting called by the POWM on January 22, 1996. Some more plans to enshrine the memory of Khandalavala would ruminate rather sadly on the kitsch she had acquired from over- zealous art dealers when suddenly, soot- ting a genuine piece, he would jump up Khandalavala are in the offing, and include excitraly and exclaim in quaint legalese those put forth by longtime associate and f ** “beyond a shadow friend Dr Mulk Raj Anand to set up endow- 01 doubt. TnenlQ and cphnlQrcUir.r ________________ Perhaps it was his excellence in each sphere that helped Khandalavala to ad ­ vance simultaneously in both. Dr (Ms) Saryu Doshi, an eminent art historian her- ____ _______ _ jcuan u /in self, and 1 for several years editor of Marg, GalTery, the Asiatic S^ety of IndZHems I, , innumerable occasions Institute, Museum Society of Bombay and Khandalavala would disagree with her in- f -------------- terpretation, but remained “very tolerant if the Ancient Series published by the Lalit you could support your arguments. ” iz_i. .i ,..... . . , . Dr Sadashiv Gorakshkar, curator and long-time associate of Khandalavala POWM has a similar tale to tell. “He once i broke journey in London while returning mensely helped in popularizing Indian from New York, to call on the ailing art miniature paintings. And forMarg he “con- cntic W. G. ^cher, whose views on a tinned faithfully to write articles and edit certain matter he had criticized vehemently, books until his death ” It was apparent that Khandalavala .. _ heart a true lawyer; he would not carry argument outside the court. ” _____me juauaun • Which Naoroji Prize, and the Asiatic Society ’s ments and scholarships for the promotion of art and the holding of a memorial lec ­ ture. Besides the POWM, Khandalavala was closely associated with the Jehangir Art Institute, Museum Society of Bombay and the KRCOI. The founder general editor of Kala Akademi, he introduced a prestigious art journal for the Akademi, of which he at remained an honorary editor for over 35 years; and a portfolio series, which im- on the ailing art miniature paintings. And forAJar/he “con- -----' views on a tinned faithfullv to write artieles and Adit was at an A Padma Shri, Khandalavala was the recipient of several awards like the Ramaprasad Chanda Medal, the Dadabhai Khandalavala was the Gold Medal in 1993. But for those who Shah Commission ’s special prosecutor of came in contact with him, he will long be former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi dur- remembered not so much for his awards mg the Janata regime; and a few years and accolades, but for his sterling qualities later, the defendant of her protege, ' ’ ' •— Maharashtra chief minister A. R. Antulay, for his role in (he cement scandal. came i remembered not so much for his awards as a human being. “He was very lively and had a quaint sense of humor, ” states nephew Wadia. Doshi, who spent many afternoons Parsiana May 1996 Madras Medallion Design; Kali Rust^ji Bilimoria The 20-gm, 38 mm, diameter silver medallion encased in plastic, commemorating 200 years of Parsi settlement in Madras, is available for Rs 300 (plus Rs 20 registration and handling charges). Demand drafts for the full amount in favor of the Madras Parsi Zarthosti Anjuman may be sent to Ms Zarine Cawas Mistry, 76 West Mada Church Street, Royapuram, Madras 600013 or Mr Marzban Giara, Dhunmal Building, 667 Lady Jehangir Road, Dadar, Mumbai 400014 (Tel 4166204). •t kwith him in his Pune house, herself to all, she affectionately came to be Mehta (who subsequently became the first __ czo chief minister of Gujarat) was the dean, ” Actuallv it was to fill the newly created notes a press release. Her education in thaVthe gTnecologist reachedSurat. At that College from where she passed her MD J . • z.l__ I I ZY ZB • time the Panchayat was dogged by a con- conversing and accompanying him on his travels looking for art objects and studying paintings in various museums, agrees. “Once when we were in Rajasthan, Karl (that ’s what he insisted we all call him, though we were years his junior) enquired troversy surrounding the appomtment ot a of a mahout the name of his camel. On chief medical officer and finding no com- receiving no reply, he promptly proceeded petent incumbent they offered the post to of a mahout the name of his camel. On addressed as ‘Frenymai. ’ post of lady doctor at the Parsi Hospitals medicine was at the city ’s G. S. Medical winning the coveted Dr Desa Medal. Failing health compelled her to take up residence with her son in Ahmedabad in the last three years of her life. But the Surat residents continued to remember her for the care, attention and affection she had bestowed on them, states the write-up. Frenymai is survived by her husband Dr Ratan and son Rustom. chief medical officer and finding no com- to christen the beast ‘Sunil ’ — prompted the new lady doctor. Seeing her etti- by a cinema billboard which carried the name of its star, Sunil Dutt. ” Khandalavala was very cosmopolitan in his mien and manner. Renamed Karl by his schoolmates and masters in Panchgani who found it difficult to pronounce his name Kaikhusroo, Doshi mentions that Karl would reverently touch the feet of Lord Vishnu at the National Museum be ­ fore entering it. He was free of hang-ups, and would not hesitate to seek clarifica ­ tions or be corrected by even the youngest of scholars. And, till well into his 80s, he would commute between Bombay and Pune by the Asiad, a slightly improved version of the local state transport buses. Khandalavala is survived by his nephew Dr Farrokh Wadia (Wadia ’s mother and Karl ’s wife were sisters), his art collection which many museums in the world would ciency and the trust and confidence ” re- WlllLzU UiaiiJ niuovuuio *** --------------------------- ----- v * U J be proud to possess, and a number of posed by the anjuman, the Panchayat had niihlished works which remain the most no hesitation in assigning to her the affairs published works which remain the most authoritative statements on their subject. A manuscript on Rajasthani paintings in theNational Museum, which Khandalavala Panchayat source, had been working on since the late ’60s, was completed before he died, and is al ­ most ready for publication. READERS’ FORUM continued from page 4 the overseas Parsi youth the magazine needs to address their issues and interests like the latest fashion in clothes in India for the younger generation, music, activities, etc. I have asked several young Zoroastri ­ ans what topics would interest them. They would like to read about the following issues; •What does the Zoroastrian religion have to say about abortion? •Is euthanasia frgwned upon in the Zoroas ­ trian culture? •What are the origins of some o'f the sur ­ names like e.g. Chichger? The magazine needs to be a little more of their institutions which she served for 20 lighthearted to make it interesting for the years until her retirement in 1970, notes a younger reader. a b . chichger — • Buckingham, UK “Under her care and guidance the Nariman Home and Infirmary became an outstanding (institution) accommodating in Parsiana-. about 115 inmates. The institution, its noble object and the efficient management ” I have some suggestions for incorporation •The advertisements are widely scattered. To improve their utility both to the adver- Frenvmai working in an honorary tisers as well as the readers, I suggest you Marshall’s patient care Parinaz Gandhi Died: Dr (Ms) Freny Ratan Marshall, around 80, erstwhile superintendent and chief medical officer of Surat ’s Parsi Gen- special officer, eral Hospital, the Parsi Maternity Hospital and the Nariman Home and Infirmary, on March 23, 1996 in Ahmedabad. When the gynecologist went to Surat in 1950 there were few lady doctors of emi ­ nence in South Gujarat. She was soon able capacity for nearly 25 years, to win the hearts of the Parsi populace ot I also include an advertisement index after the main index. •The Zoroastrian life expectancy at birth should also be finally calculated for the whole calendar yet? (January-December) so that our community figures can be com ­ pared with UNDP (United Nations Devel- •I believe two more stamps on Parsis have been issued — viz J. N. Tata and J. R. D. capacity drew so much attention that many Parsis donated liberal amounts, remembers her husband. “Today the Nariman Home and Infirmary is the only institution of the Surat Parsi Panchayat (SPP) which has a satisfactory financial position, ” adds Dr Ratan Marshall, who had labored with his . wife to build up these establishments, first opment Program) data, as secretary of the SPP and subsequently as *-------------- Anothe7medical institution of great Tata. They can ako included in the repute in south Gujarat with which Parsotamdas Thakordas Surat General stamps collage in Readers ’ Forum. P. D. SUNAVALA Frenymai was associated was the I .J vz — —---------- Hospital which she served in an honorary The Editor replies javiv iwi iiv-uxl jw _ these suggestions from Dr Sunavala Prior to settling in Surat, Frenymai (nee bear merit and consideration. Parsiana a, haj gained begin wonR on as soon as B is her husband Dr L----------------- she was labelled the ‘lady doctor but with her congenial temperament that endeared Ratan Marshall. Initially work experience at Bombay ’s K. E. M., Wadia and Allbless Hospitals. She was the __ gynec registrar at K. E. M. when Dr Jivraj Edited by Amavaz s. Mama 48 Parsiana May 1996 * 4