Jan 1997

/ I I' Vi Ri. ij .1' l« () I ^4. ^j'-i •> Fve^s 150 years '?Z’ 'W •//. o 'Z.' 'S( -M- / ¦w >4;1 A. V V, '’V 'i-^. ;^.V ¦/¦ SUr > .'i<5 W ’2"&' & SS a' ^'^r-- 7i >•(¦> ¦*^' JANUARY 1997 Rs 22 ’ . -'.-y '-;:-.:; ¦¦^¦^..... I ,‘l ••> •, •9*^ . / •J* '¦i I: • Z. r ¦^f y: '^•. 4«'-^ ¦ .>»¦ »<( January 1997 Volume 19 Number 6 EDITOR Jehangir R. Patel MANAGING EDITOR Amavaz S. Mama EXECUTIVE EDITOR Parinaz M. Gandhi SENIOR EDITORS Dina K. Mehta, Hilla P. Guzder ASSOCIATE EDITOR Roxana A. Driver DESIGN Kranti M. Shilotri, Jayshree R. Ghosh MARKETING DIRECTOR Veera Patel ADVERTISING MANAGER Zarin Mistry ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES Niloufer Panthaky, Susan Hadvaid FINANCE B. L. Arora EDP Rohinton E. Daroga MANAGEMENT Jasmine Driver DTP Bakhtavar R. Batliwalla, K. P. Ravi SUBSCRIPTION MANAGER Khurshid Panthaki ASSISTANT SUBSCRIPTION MANAGER Swarupa Kamat ASSISTANT PURCHASE MANAGER Bindu Pillai ACCOUNTANT Anagha Korde ASSISTANT ACCOUNTANT Varsha Godbole SENIOR ACCOUNTS ASSISTANT Chetan Halani ACCOUNTS ASSISTANTS Indu Pillai, Satwant Kaur OFFICE ASSISTANTS Umesh Poojary, Selvan Mark, Sunil Sakhare, Govind Salgaonkar, Mahipat Jadhav 2 Readers’ Forum 6 Events and Personalities 16 Zoroastrians Abroad 22 Federation’s nod to world council by Arnavaz Mama 27 “A difference of approach” by Aspi Moddie 28 Karani Agiary: “We are here to defy extinction” by Hilla Guzder 35 Neville Bulsara: Warrior in cyber space by Gustasp Irani 38 Cymroza: A showcase for art 49 Books 52 Milestones 55 In Memoriam Cover: Nusserwanji Hirji Karani Agiary at Gusrow Baug Photograph: Chetan Mistry Parsiana is published by Jehangir R. Patel for Parsiana Publications Pvt Ltd at C/o H. L. Rochat, K. K. (Navsari) Chambers, ground floor, 39 A. K. Nayak Marg, Fort, Bombay 400001 and printed by him at Kaiser-E-Hind Pvt Ltd, 300 Perin Nariman Street, Bombay 400001. Color processing. Comart Lithographers: black and white processing, Samir Scantech. All rights reserved. ISSN: 0971-3786. Phone: 2078730, 2072624. Fax: 2074541. For editorial enquiries phone: 2078183. E-mail: parvo@giasbm01 .vsni.net.in. For subscription enquiries and payments: C/0 Kaiser-E-Hind Pvt Ltd, 300 Perin Nariman St (Behind Reserve Bank of India), Bombay 400001; Phone: 2658619, 2665661. Fax: 2654585. Annual inland subscription for one year (10 issues) Rs 200; for two years (20 issues) Rs 375. Foreign subscription rates: Seamail for one year Rs 375/US $ 14/UK £ 9; for two years Rs 700/US $ 23/UK £ 15 (please allow six months or more for delivery from the time of publication). Airmail for one year Rs 700/US $ 23/UK £ 15 (for Pakistan, Indian Rs 500); for two years. Rs 1,300/US $43/UK £ 27 (for Pakistan, Indian Rs 950). For Indian upcountry cheques add Rs 20 for bank charges; for US cheques add $ 5; for UK cheques add £ 3. Cheques and drafts are to be drawn in favor of Parsiana and posted to GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001. aREADERS' FORUM 100 WW8W©I1A limited financial resources may be willing to marry these handicapped people from well-to-do families. Besides, we will be organizing a monthly get-together for such people so that they can interact with each other and widen their views. This data bank will be operated from frain from..., ” in consonance with accepted my office at 305, Varma Chambers, 11, ciation of the ZTFE do not in any way prohibit/deter the recording either in writ ­ ing or by a speech recorder of the AGM proceedings. If the recording of the pro ­ ceedings by a speech recorder was consid ­ ered inconvenient, one would have ex­ pected a courteous request viz “please re- llOIll liUIllx*, 111 VUlIOVliailVV TTiWl WVVVJ/WW ------------------ ---------------------------------, civilized norms. Allowing the mind to be Homji Street, Fort, Bombay 40(XX)l and clouded with emotional irrelevancies, as my contact numbers are: (0) 2660054 and unequivocally demonstrated, engenders the 2660655 (telefax) and (R) 2614662 and failure to do what is right as per the teach- 2652574.1 would also like to mention that ing of Zarathushtra — the need of our Ms Katy Dadachanji, Ms Varnan times ! Palkhiwalla and Ms Rukshana Katrak will With such a scenario the ZTFE rightly be assisting me by giving their valuable forfeits any claim — real or imaginary — as being the representative body of Zoro ­ astrians in Europe. 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. service for this worthy cause. A sincere attempt on our part will give an opportu ­ nity to these handicapped people to live a The fundamental question that needs to life with respect and dignity. be meaningfully addressed is : Is there lead- Ms farida kanga ership in the ZTFE managing committee President, Rotary Club of Bombay Sunrise that will go beyond paying lip-service to sustainable development of the Zoroas ­ trian community of the UK at least and act In Janu^ this year I came back to Sydney, courageously to implement what is pledged Australia after having spent a few weeks in ¦ ¦ India. This was my first ever visit to India, a land steeped in history and ethnic cul ­ ture. It was truly an adventure and an education. We toured Udvada, Sanjan, Navsari and Surat. Visiting the atash behrams and agiaries for the first time in my life was an Mates for the disabled experience in itself. Udvada was a town Finding a life partner is a very difficult task filled with such religious faith and history. ~ The cities of Jaipur, Agra, Delhi and Poona were fascinating, full of beautiful tional embarrassment and problems aris- architecture and Moghul history. ing out of certain misconceptions about their abilities and limitations. Recently, I have been approached by a India to do so. If s amazing how much you few young Parsi handicapped men and women (some blind, some deaf and some at AGMs? (Hitherto the ZTFE — with remarkable exceptions — has had little or no meangingful interaction with the Zoro ­ astrian community in Europe.) FURHOK K. TANGREE La Roche-sur-Foron, France even today within our Parsi community. But the physically disabled face the addi- Fascinated with India Distaste and dismay It is highly commendable of Parsiana to report, when warranted, with distinct can ­ didness and openness some rather disqui ­ eting trends evidenced in various meetings of the Parsi Zoroastrian anjumans on the Indian subcontinent. Such revelations would probably fade into nothingness when orthopedically disabled) in the age group of 25 to 40 years seeking a suitable match. I must have already approached several Parsi charitable trusts, including the Parsi Bombay. I would urge every young Zarthushti who has not had the opportunity to visit can learn about your own religion. I would like to thank everybody who made my stay in India a comfortable and joyous occasion, especially Ms Silloo Kavarana and Mr Farrokh Kavarana of KAIZER AUSTIN Sydney, Australia reviewed against the conduct of the pro ­ ceedings of the annual general meeting Zoroastrian TrustFunds of Europe (ZTFE), Punchayet to help me out with names of have in the recent past approached them Shtth Nciltich Oil TV A new 104-episode mega TV serial based on the internationally renowned epic Shah Nameh by the immortal poet Firdousi, full of tales to suit all ages and tastes, has been approved for transmission on Doordarshan. Eminent writers are writing the serial and top technicians are being finalized. (AGM) on November 10, 1996 of the London. Discourteous interruptions and Parsi handicapped candidates who may raucous vituperations engendered more I ... dismay than indignation, leaving the few for any financial or medical help. But ’ British Zoroastrians present sadder for these apparently there are no registers of handi- We wish to form a data bank wherein necessary information including a pass ­ port size photograph of the handicapped self-confidence. If this apparent person seeking matrimony will be main ­ tained. Such a project is perhaps being Chetan Anand will direct the serial pro ­ members than wiser about their purposes, capped Parsis. The bluster and anogance demonstrated indicated a lack of ability to listen to almost anything without losing one ’s tem ­ per or s.------------------ trend continues, a once respected commu- ---------------- . . . nity could run the risk of drowning in its undertaken in our Parsi community for the duced by B. D. Chopra lor Himalaya lele- own rancor. first time. We will also encourage inputs vision. The memorandum and articles of asso- from normal Parsi candidates who due to Search is on for an actor aged between first time. We will also encourage inputs from normal Parsi candidates who due to 2 Parsiana January 1997 I25 to 30years to portray the role of Firdousi. A good voice and knowledge of spoken Urdu is essential. Artists for other impor ­ tant roles in the tales of the Shah Nameh are also being selected from different coun ­ tries. Those interested may contact Himalaya Television, 108-A Bombay A/C Market, Tardeo Road, Bombay 400034; phone 4924866; fax 22-4950595. B. D. CHOPRA B IX s * w 'W' n i. Fredoon Gazdar (center) with grand children Aban (left), Rohinton (standing) and Cyrus Punctual priest Exactly at 6.30 every morning a wizened 85-year-old Ervad Jal Rustomji alights from his scooter rickshaw and steps into Sardar Ratanji Patel Agiary in the city area of Pune. He comes to perform his duty of ushering in the Havan gah which he has been doing for the last 50 years. Bom in Bharuch, Rustomji was edu ­ cated in Surat from where he was brought to Patel Agiary where he served as man ­ ager for 50 years. Although his memory fails, he still re- I SI. is blessed with three grandchil ­ dren — Cyrus, Rohinton and Aban. The couple celebrated I their golden anniversary in 1975 and diamond anniversary in 1985 — both in Canada. They j had 65 years of a happy married I life. I In his younger days, he played I cricket and acted in Parsi plays I and until his demise on January I 13,1997 reminisced about those ! good old days. Ms DHUN SAM GAZDAR Canada Esteem other faiths Ours is a Catholic institute that prepares candidates aspiring to become Catholic priests. Divya Daan, Salesian Institute of Phi ­ losophy is affiliated to the fa ­ culty of philosophy of the forgot to have his beer at lunch-time and Salesian Pontifical University, Rome (UPS) was very fond of chocolates. His recipe for by a decree of the Sacred Congregation for a long life — “A beer a day keeps the Catholic Education, dated February 6, doctor away. ” Fredoon was born in India in Gandevi (near Billimora), Gujarat State, on No ­ vember 24,1896. He lost his parents at the tender age of 10 and was raised by his paternal uncle in Baroda who was a physi- losophy) degree, cian to the late Sayajirao Gaekwad, the — • • Prince of Baroda. His first job was with the firm of Cawasji Dinshaw and Company at Aden, during leading to a MPh with specialization in the First World War. On completion of his education and social communications, contract, he sailed to Mombasa, Kenya continued on page 56 (East Africa) in search of better prospects, in the year 1920. In 1930 he left Kenya for India and after Institue with Bro John Gonsalves (left) a couple of years migrated to Kampala, and Fr Fernandes calls his young days when one dozen eggs Uganda (East Africa) to were available for six annas, 100 Bombay work with^the Greek firm ducks for one rupee and 12 big pomfrets Rustomji: exemplary efforts <3 LiJ p 1982. As of March 21, 1996, permission has also been obtained from the faculty of philosophy of the same University to be ­ gin, on an experimental basis, a two-year course leading to a MPh (master in phi- The institute offers a two-year course leading to a bachelor ’s degree in philoso ­ phy (BPh). It also offers a two-year course Khan (center) at the Divya Doan ; ¦ £ • " 3 of Ralli Brothers, as a for two! Rustomji is particulariy fond of buyer of cotton bales for mangoes. His wife Shirinbanu still calls export. He stayed with him “my handsome prince ” and the couple the firm till his retire- have one daughter and one son. ment in 1960. As a result of the po- _ ___________ _________________ litical upheaval in Ugan- tated and given proper recognition so that da in 1972, he and his he feels his efforts are worthwhile. ZEND ZEND For his dedicated services to the com ­ munity this fine old priest should be felici- Crossed a century Even at the ripe old age of 100, Fredoon Khurshedji Gazdar was mobile and could even make his own cup of tea. He never wife Jerbanoo (nee Mehta) left for India and later settled in Canada with their sons. They had four sons, of whom the two surviving are Khur- shed and Sam. Fredoon 4 Parsiana January 1997Events and Personalities J qualify under this scheme, office bearers khandhias and of punchayets and anjumans in India. have been urged to furnish details to The WZU Trust to enable them to plan out the sup ­ port modalities. Towards the social uplift of this de- Uplifting pallbearers Full-time practising khcr.c. ----- nassessalars, as also others who work full- time at the different doongerwadis in India have been promised financial support in cash and kind — to the tune of Rs 1,000 per family per month by the World Zoro ­ astrian Organisation (WZO) Trust, states managing trustee Dinshaw Tamboly. This is just a “modest beginning (to) a long ­ term project which envisages releasing these poor human beings from the shackles of poverty and disdain by providing sup ­ port and motivation, as well as by provid ­ ing assistance in the development of inher ­ ent skills, and gradually moving towards 400001. instilling a pride in their vocation, ” he adds. Ostracized by the community “due to the very nature of their morbid duties and our mental aberration of conceiving such human beings as being secondary, these individuals and their progeny face severe limitations because of their peripheral sta ­ tus, points out the press release. To identify beneficiaries who would Drived class of Zoroastrians, The WZO received was to retire in 1996. Five weeks after the feli ­ citation function on December 15, 1996 when Zoroastrians from Mhow, Indore and Dewas had gathered to greet her, Illava succumbed to renal failure in Bombay. In addition to the several garlands she ___:, _ _• i the citation framed in silver which commended 83-year-old Illava for her “easy accessibility, the love you have extended to, and the wisdom with which you have led, our local community; the Trust has already received a financial com ­ mitment from a generous donor. Addition ­ ally, any individuals or institutions wish ­ ing to support this project are requested to ------ . send their monetary contributions (eligible building up of our Anjuman funds culmi- for tax exemption) in favor of “The WZO nating in the inauguration of the new build- Trust ” to Tamboly at 1215, P. Jeejeebhoy ingofouroldAdarianSahebonMarchZl, Towers, Dalal Street, Fort, Bombay Mhow’s guiding spirit “You can build the future only on the shoulders of the past, not by destroying the past. ” These were among the last words addressed by Ms Homai Illava to the mem ­ bers of the Mhow Parsi Zoroastrian Anjuman who had gathered to felicitate her for serving as president of the Anjuman for 17 years until ill health compelled her 6 Parsiana January 1997 1:1 1996, not to mention the multitude of steps taken under your guidance for bettering the lot of our community... ” As trustee of the B. K. Illava Public Charity Trust and the Khan Bahadur Behramshaw Illava Charities she is be ­ lieved to have helped innumerable indi ­ viduals and institutions. She was also con ­ sidered the guiding spirit in establishing the R. C. Jail Law College in Mhow. The Shiavax Nargolwala Award for social and community service instituted by the Fed- Illava (right) being garlanded by the youngest Mhow resident Zal Cawasji. Left: Behram Masani presenting the framed photograph to Illava ijlI' ¦ eration of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of India was presented to her in 1990. In recognition of her contribution to the cause of women ’s literacy, the Tagore Literacy Award was conferred on her by the President of India in 1992, mentions the citation recalling the inspiration she had gained from Tagore that prompted her to pursue social work beginning 1932. She taught at the Parsi Zoroastrian Montessori and Primary School, Mhow in an honorary capacity; was founder member and presi ­ dent of the Asha Kala Kendra for the education and vocational training of women; was founder member of Mahila Sangh and ran its offshoot, the Pratap Bal Mandir, as a teaching institution for chil ­ dren; was nominated member of the Project Implementation Committee, Indore by the state government in which capacity she helped start adult education classes, balwadis and mahila mandals in villages « around Mhow. The Bhartiya Gramin Mahila Sangh, the Mahila Pradhan Bachat Aga: respected architect Yojna and the Indian Red Cross Society Photo: Homyar Mistry, Homz Prints were the other associations with which she was actively involved, according to the citation. ¦ chitect Jamshed Burjor Aga who voiced his views in the Journal of the Indian Institute of Architects, November 1996 issue, wherein he has been featured as the cover story for being “a pillar of strength and respect for the architect... ” as notes editor Harshad Bhatia. In his 60 years of practice, Aga has been involved in the designing and construction of buildings in Bombay, Pune, Sholapur, Kolhapur, Goa, old Indian states as well as Iran... The FasliAgiary and Shivaji Bhuvan I in Bombay were among the several monu- I ments constructed under the supervision I of Messrs Shapoorjee N. Chandabhoy and I Company where Aga is proprietor and I fourth linear descendant to continue the I family firm which will complete 130 years in 1998. While the Journal commends Aga for his wit, wisdom and worth, the former president of the Indian Institute of Archi ­ tects humorously attributed his success to work, wine and women! Though loath to be an armchair critic, he could not help but remark that buildings constructed in the city in the last 25 years &'¦ 1 tent with the fees asked for and received from clients and shun illegal gratification necessitate heavy repairs while those over from contractors. Always bear in mind that 70 years old are still going strong. This he pillar of strength” if money is lost it can be regained but if attributes to the change in work conditions “Be a good professional, carry out (your) reputation is lost it can nevejbe regained. ” duties in an able, honest manner, be con- ; This message came from 80-year-old ar- in the pre and post Independence periods. In the pre-Independence years, authorities Progressives 4^ - M/cf-( ‘^’stapQQ % Distance - - Ths lens for uninterupted vision at different ranges distance, mid-distance & reading. Progressives are multifocai lenses without the tell-tale lines of bifocals. Progressives need professional care . For the best results come to Baliwalla & Homi. One of the finest optometrists & contact-lens practitioners in the country. © Baliwalla & Homi Private Limited Flora Fountain: 365, Dr. D.N.Road, Bombay 400 001 Tel; 287 4916, 287 1762 • Dhobi Talao: 614, J.S. Seth Marg, Bombay 400 002. Tel; 201 4906 Patel; J.Merwanji Street, Parel, Bombay 400 012 Tel: 412 6051Rare religious zeal more with character and caliber were well con- versant with their duties and ’^specte paramroze Firoz Mirza reureu us time commitments, labor and materia . . . Daremeher at were readily available, and Ian or s were settle in his home ­ eager to seek tenants, pointe udvada. His ties with that agiary and After the Partition, shortage of . nnnulace there could not be severed so plus easdy though foreven at the age of 80 ptas ,ie Uirrh stnnHards. Asa con- when the Jamnagar anjuman faced a de ­ cline in numbers and the consequent ditti than five decades of service --- Firoz Mirza retired as suited in a fessed, “I want to be remembered on this earth as an <------ — and died regretted. ” Also featured in this issue of the Jour­ nal is a report on Aga ’s alma mater,^the Sir in 1857 Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy had do ­ nated a sum of Rs 1,00,000 barely two years before his demise. As per the old records, architecture and music were to be the major fields of study to be promoted by this institute. But in its present avatar as “an art teaching center representative of Bombay and the greatest in Asia ’’ it con ­ sists of three departments — architecture, fine arts and commercial arts, according to the report. 1 „ the University of Bombay in 1952-53, Sir J. J. College of Architecture is now an thereby constituting two memorials in honor of Jejeebhoy. Known for his high standards. Aga con- X^n”XdZ=eqnent diffi- " »ho lived respected in —« He presided over the meeting where k was resolved to form a combined association of astrians and was even appointed one of the jj. ’school^of Art, for the starting of which touagar mittee mem ­ ber of the Shri Day aram Free Reading Room and Li­ brary and as committee member of the Shri Gulab Cooverba In ­ fant Welfare Mirza: lasting ties Association in with Jamnagar Jamnagar. In Udvada he was committee member of the Dastur Kaiyoji Mirza Memorial Hall and Library , _.i the Athornan Anjuman ‘Fehrest ’ (Genealogy) Committee when he had an Udvada ’s Sanjana sect of mobeds. He also affairs of the Udvada Anjuman Commit ­ tee. Trained as a yozdathregar under the guidance of his uncle Dastur Kaiyoji Dastur Peshotanji Mirza, Faramroze took trustees, according to a write-up sent by his and on r KUStOm IVlirza lUliuwing ± (---------- ------nf demise at the age of 90 on March 9, occasion to compile the family kee ot Udvada ’s Sanjana sect of mobeds. He also contributions played an active role in managing the brother Rustom Mirza following Faram- roze ’s( ------ 1996. Among the many Faramroze had rendered during his stay in Jamnagar were during the period 1952-55 when depleting trust funds necessitated that he hear the salary of the assistant Following its affiliation under ‘he c».s of ^h, an^san^ - he had no academic qualifications he was entity apart from the Sir J. J. College of Art able to impress religious leaders and schol _________________ /Arimmiinifipc ctatPC tnf* Writ€^ ars of sister communities, states the write ­ up. He had served as president and com- lished articles on this subject in Jam-e- Jamshed and Hindi Grafik. The books he authored included biographies of Dastur Kaiyoji Mirza, Ervad Tehmulji Mirza, MEDICAL INSURANCE at reasonable rates for visitors to Canada (including USA) and New Immigrants 90 day coverage. Contact Dinoo Z. Pavri Canada Life Ste. 1100, 5775, Yonge Street, North York, Toronto, Ontario, M2M 4JI, Canada Telephone: (Office) (416) 226-6515, (Residence) (416) 492-8114 Fax: (416) 226-6048 10 Parsiana January 1997The next king to occupy the throne of will be amply rewarded if Zoroastrian Dewan Saheb Meherwanji P. Daruwalla and on the Iranshah where he had officiated ancient Iran was Jamshed whose dazzling youngsters who read the^ Shah Nameh as a boiwalla in his old age. A publishing Golden Age remains in the collective con ­ firm, Mirza Khushro and Company, and the Prakash Printing Press had also been started by him in his early years. He is among the few Parsis who enjoyed the distinction of presenting a paper at the Gujarati Sahitya Parishad, adds the write ­ up. Re-telling our robust past Just as Ervad (Dr) Ramiyar P. Karanjia, the author of the book. The Peshdadian Dy­ nasty, praises Firdausi Toosi for compos ­ ing such a brilliant Persian ballad. The Shah Nameh, kudos to Karanj ia for a timely re-telling in English of our robust past. The Shah Nameh is a work of devotion and Karanjia has done well to tell us how even , with the God-given gift of writing poetry, Firdausi had to struggle with many adver ­ sities before he realized his talent and became as immortal as the great Iranian kings he immortalized in verse. Of course, much of the charm of Firdausi ’s inspired ballad composed in flowery Persian is lost in simple English prose, as acknowledges Karanjia in the introduction. The first 22 pages of this 108-page book are dedicated to Firdausi and rightly so. The rest of the book is a tale of valor Karanjia holding aloft his book enacted in prehistoric times in and around what is today called Iran. A time when king. In his case it is greed that gets the better of him and his infamous appetite for human brains is one gory example of his heinous reign. Zohak is ultimately browse through it with pride in their illus ­ trious lineage and not just as a Persian tale We are indeed fortunate to have an enthu ­ siastic and learned priest in our midst who sciousness of Zoroastrians worldwide and the annual festival of Jamshedi Navroz is celebrated with great joy on March 21 to mark the onset of spring. The winter of finds the time to share his knowledge, discontent in Jamshed ’s life was brought Keeping in mind tKe young reader, per- on by the folly of false pride and the story haps the use of simpler words (e.g. poetry of his fall from grace is a sad one. instead of prosddy, drunk instead of in- A dire saga of corruption and suffering ebriated, changed instead of metamor- follows when Zohak is appointed the next phosed, puzzling instead of enigmatic) would have been more suitable. Also to trace at one glance the succession of these great kings, a ‘dynastic tree ’ would have been more useful. As we return from the Peshdadian past to the present time and wait for Karanjia ’s next book about the Kayanian dynasty, we would do well to reflect on the painful consequences of family conflicts and world wars. The book, priced at Rs 80, is available from the Dadar and Andheri Madressas as also other Zoroastrian institutions. Tina Mehla j , fl heroic men with the support of their coura ­ geous women fought tooth and nail to uphold truth, justice and honor. In the neinous reign, zotiak is ultimately van- illustrated book under review, Karanjia quished by the orphaned Faridun and his takes us back in time to the first of the five Mazdayasni Zoroastrian dynasties of Iran, the Peshdadian dynasty. And briefly even before that to a time when humankind lived in complete harmony with its envi ­ ronment. The story begins with King Kayomars laying the foundation of civilization and the good Mazdayasni religion. And as is to be expected, when good is being estab ­ lished, evil is not far behind. After the tragedy of losing his son Siyamak in a war fortunately is a descendant of Zohak. Fam- against the Devayasnis who were opposed ily matters are finally resolved and the to the King ’s progressive plans, Kayomars is a broken man, but not for long. Before his death, Kayomars grooms his grandson Hoshang who in time ascends the throne and continues with the good work started by his predecessor. In due course the mantle of kingship passes on to his son Tehmurasp who succeeds in subjugating the Devayasnis and counteracts the calam ­ ity of famine by his wise counsel to his people to share their property and food. Lessons from grandpa Most grandparents love spinning a yarn for their grandchildren. And because grand ­ parents know from long experience that the world is not as safe as they would wish it to be, they weave into their stories the wisdom of always being on guard While dedicating this book to his grand ­ children, Noshir S. Pochkhanawala has taken his grandparental duty of story tell ­ ing one step further by writing a beauti ­ fully illustrated book for the wider realm of children. Zmzm and others allows young ­ sters to wander freely and interact with animals and even inanimate objects in a world of harmony and friendship. In the first of six stories a little boy band of followers and it is said, remains tethered on Mount Demavand until the end of time. Faridun is next in line to receive the crown and rules wisely and well; but his sorrow comes from his discordant sons. It is only when Minocheher, Faridun ’s great-grandson ascends the throne that called Naorick daydreams an adventure with Zuzu, the giraffe, who introduces him to forbidden friends of the woods. The two peace is restored for a while in war ravaged Iran with the help of his respected advisor Sam. As time moves on Sam ’s son Zal falls pals have a good time doing what children love doing best — exploring the world around them. The problem of Zuzu ’s long neck is resolved with childish good And what ’s better than a ringside seat at circus perched on the giraffe ’s neck? The two chums even travel to Dubai and England. Initially the giraffe was denied an entry permit for their trip to London. But instead of sulking Naorick comes up with an ingenious idea whereby they not only get their visa but also get to see the sights of London in style. After Zuzu ’s marriage, like all good stories, there is a surprise ending in store for the reader. in love with the lovely Rodabeh who un- lovers marry; but there are other trials in store for Iran. Soon after Minocheher ’s bacchanal son Navdar ascends the throne, the kingdom crumbles and the great war between Iran and Turan begins. After a succession of wars bravely fought, the Peshdadian dynasty comes to an end with the short reign of King Kersasp and nationwide search for a worthy king. Non-Zarathushtrian readers may find the book interesting but Karanjia ’s efforts a 12 Parsiana January 1997 sense, a\ANDOTH1^' H JiUiUA Esq wixa.' vHAIPJtWX OF THE BCaRD . .. •••F TRUSTFFS rv- THE SXE.sj p,-\KrHAtAr.At that juncture, as noted Deboo ’s recap, ZTFE trustee Noshir Avari offered £ 1,000 He wrote that he had: •requested the managing committee mem ­ bers to be more communicative among themselves as also with the general body, •intimated his decision to stop doing volun ­ tary work in the field of religious educa ­ tion (he had already resigned as honorary librarian after five years on the job); •that he had done so because he had received no active support from the managing com ­ mittee “either in human resources or finance to maintain the library and information services ” and that the managing committee had even stopped him from raising funds for the library from the general members and no books were purchased. Deboo had further informed the mem ­ bership that as long as Zarathushtrian reli ­ gious education is categorized as volunta ­ ry work, the community would never pro ­ duce properly qualified teachers. He there ­ fore urged the ZTFE to take the lead in proposed that a librarian cum information since I was 21 and I am deeply officer be appointed by the association on to the democratic principles enshrined^ in 1 cfinenH nf £ 10 000 and on being our constitution which were incorporated “fZSXz™ n"f Rpnthnm s nhlloso- 150th anniversary of its sacred tire. The two-day sesquicentennial celebra ­ tions of the Seth Nusserwanji Hirji Karani Agiary fire (consecrated in 1847 at a dar- e-meher in Null Bazaar and later moved to Cusrow Baug) began on the morning of February 7, 1997 with a well-attended released a special postal cover to mark the Top left: Guzder holding aloft the souvenir; others on the dais Philly Karani, Thanawalla, Hansotia and Alu Karani Right: Narasimhan releasing the special postal cover as Hansotia and Karani applaud. Bottom left: Presenting Maj. General Karani ’s portrait. Jashan held on the occasion give the ‘greatest happiness to the greatest Bang ’s residents. The official inauguration of the cel ­ ebrations took place later when, from a dais especially erected high up on the steps of the Agiary, the chief postmaster general Agiary Trust who is also the chairman of of Maharashtra and Goa, R. Narasimhan the BPP (Bombay Parsi PunchayeO re ­ leased the commemorative souvenir. “We 28 Parsiana January 1997 Lfy extinction 150th anniversary Hilla P. Guzder •e- 2 tional essay competition on “Zoroastrian- Wadia Trusts, was the chief guest. Homi ism — a living religion. ” Hansotia sought Ranina, who is a trustee of the Agiary, was also unable to attend due to pressing en- are not alone, ” he said, “the spirit of managing committee, N. N. and R. N. Nusserwanji is with us, the spirits of Ness, Cusrow and Neville Wadia are with us. ” He exhorted the tenants of Cusrow Baug not to forget the kindness that the Wadia gagements in Delhi, family has shown to them. Whereas Sir Ness and Sir Cusrow were instrumental in the construction ofthe colony and its agiary, has rekindled and strengthened the faith Neville “gave s&rvicQ,ghaneei kalji batlavi not only of the residents of the Baug and its Top left: Illuminated agiary (took great care), ” stated Guzder. He also surrounding areas but of the community as Right: Hansotia garlanding Aibara lauded the services of the priests who had a whole. “I have so often heard people say Bottom left: Peer, Karanjia and tended the fire throughout its 150 years. " ~ Nusli Wadia, chairman of Bombay stay. That is our good fortune, but our Dyeing and Manufacturing Company Lim ­ ited and other allied companies who was to that everybody will proclaim that beauti- sitting (from left) Daboo, Dastur, have been the chief guest, sent his apolo- ful people stay in this beautiful colony. ” Hansotia, Vajifdar, Gamadia. gies at being unable to attend due to an urgent meeting in New Delhi that day. In his absence, Hirjee Thanawalla, member. more active participation from the community ’s youth, saying, “While ev ­ eryone is privileged enough to celebrate a few religious occasions, few can claim to Bomi Hansotia, the Agiary ’s managing trustee, observed that the Karani Agiary be partofan event the likes ofwhich we are a whole. “I have so often heard people say that Cusrow Baug is a beautiful place to Dadachanji at the question-answer session sense of gratitude and actions must be such Right: Resident Advisory Committee ful people stay in this beautiful colony. ” Hansotia stated that the celebrations would Standing: Ratan Nallaseth, Jal Tata, continue beyond two days with many more Aibara, Dhondy and Unwalla projects in hand, including an interna- Above: Commemorative coin e Lfaith and the enthusiasm of talented men witnessing today (the atash ’s 150th anni- faith and the enthusiasm of talented men dared, plays a major role in bringing people versary). We are under the splendorous and women to give the best of themselves together as it gives them “that sense of environment and aura of the atash padshah; for the betterment of not only our commu- let us also endeavor to rekindle and absorb the divine spark within us and revitalize our eternal faith in it. ” In a speech brimming with emotion, Dr million people. The urge is great to simply Philly Karani said it was his privilege to represent the Karani family. “Little did my great, great grandfather realize when he triumph is for good men to do nothing. ” consecrated this Agiary that it would grow to its present stature. We Zoroastrians may not have the power of government, nor the Bombay and Poona (where he resides) but might of arms, nor the money of great globally as well, particularly among corporations. We do have the integrity, the younger Zoroastrians. The Agiary, he de- belonging and we realize that in life be- nity but of our entire country. It is tempting longing has far greater value than belong- to question what this tiny community of Zoroastrians can do in a country of 900 ings. ” Karani paid a tribute to “the finest man I have ever known — my father, the turn away and prove correct the observa ­ tion that the only thing necessary for evil to Karani said he was heartened to see a renewed interest in our religion not only in late Major General Noshir Karani who 1|p r '’i Hl I-* % I 30 Parsiana January 1997 V at .I, a.' ¦ w lived Zoroastrianism and cared as much about means as about ends. He lived re ­ spected and died regretted. ” Major Gen ­ eral Karani was a trustee of the Agiary for many years till his death in September 1996. (Dr Zareen Karani Araoz informed Parsiana on the telephone from Boston, USA where she resides, that her father was one of the founding trustees of the Kaikhushru Pallonji Katrak Dar-e-Meher at Delhi and was actively involved with the affairs of the agiary, the Parsi Anjuman and the dharamshala during his posting there in the 1960s. Major General Karani had served as Dean of the Medical Faculty of Poona University and also as Director of Medical Research in the armed forces, she informed Parsiana with pride.) A portrait of the Major General embroi ­ dered by his wife Alu when she was in her early 80s (she is now 86) was presented by her to Aibara to be placed in the fire ­ temple hall “so that his life and his mes ­ sage may serve as a beacon for generations to come, ” said Philly Karani. He congratu ­ lated Aibara and his family on the “effi ­ cient functioning and immaculate mainte ­ nance ” of the Agiary and thanked the Wadia trustees for all their support and “for giving us this prestigious location ” (the land on which the Agiary stands was given by the Wadia trust free of cost). Aibara, who took over as the Agiary ’s panthaky on the death of his father Nadarsha in 1989, appealed to the community to do as much as possible to keep the religion alive. “Atash ni seva karo (serve the fire), ” he said. “We are bom not just to eat, drink and be merry but to think and do what is right in keeping with Dadar Hormuzd ’s teachings. ” Citing his own example, he narrated how after his commerce gradua ­ tion he had worked in a foreign bank, yet one evening while sitting with his father on the terrace, he (Yazdi) told him he had decided he wanted to work with him in the Previous trustees - top row, from left: Jejeebhoy, Mody, Naval Tata. Bottom row: Homi Phirozeshah Karani, Burjor Phirozeshah Karani, Noshir Hirjibhoy Karani Below: Lord and Lady Braboume at the Agiary before its consecrationAgiary. “An athornan ’s son should be ­ come a navar and if necessary make sacri ­ fices to look after the holy fire because if there are priests, there is fire, if there is fire there is the community and if there is the community then the religion will survive. ” Aibara narrated how his father used to help “eluding non-Parsis, with their difficulties. “Sitting on the bench at the re^of the Agiary, he would talk to sufferers, telling them to pray the relevant scriptures from their own religion. He could even pick out the correct line from, for example, the RzZiZe which would help the supplicant with his particular problem, ” stated Aibara. Hoshang Doongaji, who was at one resident, observed that he had been visiting the Agiary for 20 years and its shakti (power) had helped him overcome many personal difficulties He lauded the upsurge of devotion among young people who flock to the Agiarv particularly on salgrehs. “If and sustain this devotion p' TVZVXWII, hv ^V/WVI Uli earth can destroy us, ” he proclaimed amidst applause. sesquicentennial of the especially struck, showing the Agiarv nnp ciJfl J ______ .L-1 , . ® community and if there is the Hoshang Doongaji, who f " ^at he had been visiting the Agiary for 20 many personal difficulties. ---- 1 among we nourish no power on was at one P '¦'T---------•‘t-'-iiiuai ui tlie nre, commemorative silver coins had been especially struck, showing the Agiary on an atash on the other. Flowers „ “ . “ appreciation of their work anwr ®S jo^ SPECIAL COVER aRioft anew qjw iqo « OF atash PADSHAH ' % ¦t' k, 1 B ; and coms were presented to a long list of individuals in appreciation of their work lor the Agiary and the Baug — Rajesh Tri^vedi who provided the ma^aps, tables and chairs free of charge, Ratan and Neville Nallaseth for free printing of the souvenir Rusi Dhondy and Khorshed Daboo for free publicity in the Jam-e-Jamshed, Nazneen and Khurshed Vajifdar for complimentary photos and video, Rusi Davar for free p otography, Farrokh Hyderabadwalla, ^chitect, for honorary services to the ' -Ik" *'" Agiary, Dadi Mistry for civil work at tn tu concessional rates, Pilloo Unwalla dJ a Bengalee who was seated in the audience, (Rs 25 MOI ih, r ®’’'’ was also honored with a floral tribute and j, uiv riis, mg fiying fire Adar Farnbag, and the silence «J,sob„„„,edwl*ata^^^ “aS la" sitting Punchayet trustee Meherbai Hansotiaand family (Rs |S.' i^?^ “stree as the ;=SL-=,-;- -¦ «¦ ESs5S;= =SS;5ES :"S'3:-5ST”i tions from the floor. The isotia and family (Rs 14,000); ' - (Rs Soli Irani 10,000 each) and other donors. . Jhe first day ’s celebrations concluded — ’ — a slide K Vu"" presented free of cost by Khojeste Mistree of Zoroastrian Stud- JOC _ _____ 1 1 « 1 r , - ------- J Uliu; for the month of February in Bombay. fnP 1_______ . , ___ H-^-Jcover “afeathpr Woj- cir C____ .»-ap»a„aexp.ss.dbe.pp,ecla,t, “ C Sa Parsiana January 1997 L elebrations as -----_ '¦ Hease of the special postal success. She termed the evening unusual the darkened lawns outside Sir continued the next , on uuus irom me floor. The queries ranged Cusrow from the importance of the sudreh-ku^sti ton,b atPa^algadaeTthe the boi ceremony, the status of Zoroastrianism in ancient and modern timesto the question of ‘miracles ’ in Zoroastri ­ anism and why one should not bow to the sea or the well at night, etc. The priests ’ concise answers, untrammelled by lofty of Surat and Bombay carrying troops and theosophy, earned them well deserved goods. None of Nusserwanji ’s children Baug and also donated Rs 20,000 towards rounds of applause from the predominantly had survived beyond the age of20, nor was elderly audience. “Atash is our lifeline to Ahura Mazda, ” said Karanjia, “we have to son were born to him he would build a dar- booklet. feed the fire with physical food (sandal- e-meher in fulfillment of that wish. Son The Jam-e-Jamshed of February 19, wood) and spiritual food (prayer). People Phirozeshah was born thereafter and 1935 reported on an event which generated evolve spiritually with prayers so ‘miracles ’ Nusserwanji built the agiary as promised, great enthusiasm — a visit by the governor may be nothing more than the power of in memory of his daughters Bhikaiji and Lord Brabourne and Lady Brabourne to prayer. ” To a suggestion from a member of Avanbai. the audience, Roshan Balsara, that the Agiary hold humbandagi every Sunday morning, Karanjia remarked that to most people religion is not a priority on Sunday gathering. Seth Nusserwanji was honored mornings — rest and TV is! Humbandagi can be held at a convenient time by con ­ sensus between the Agiary ’s panthaky and Bamanji Hormusji Wadia, Seth Jeejeebhai the laity. Striking a note of warning, Guzder in ­ formed the community that in 1951 the population of Parsis in India was approxi ­ mately 1,15,000 in a total population of 30 number of Zarthostis had assembled to Mody (later knighted) and others. The crores. By 1991, numbers had reduced to about 76,000 in a country of 90 crores. By the fire). Nusserwanji gave the participating 2025, he said, we will be only about 22,000 among 120 crores of people in India and will be designated not as a community but as a tribe! “We must do everything pos- for tandarosti prayers, Rs 301 to the tor, Pallonji Plumber, the paper stated. The sible to increase our population, ” he stated, Panchayat ’s handicapped people ’s fund, entourage proceeded into the Agiary where exhorting young couples to produce a third Rs 25 to the Bahar Kote Muktad Fund and the newly appointed panthaky Ervad Jal child and not stop after just one or two! Rs 25 to the Navsari ghambars! Bajan explained the prayers and rituals, “We (older people) will not be here, it is Shortly after the inauguration Nusser- including the boi ceremony and seeing the your children who will celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Cusrow Baug atash, ” he said. It was the entertainment program that Agiary for 19 years till Phirozeshah reached followed which generated much enthusi ­ asm among the youngsters — pretty little girls dolled in their frilly dresses gyrated to the medley of tunes, presented by Silloo from his own resources for 58 long years, Shapurjee and Raju Varma and his orches ­ tra. The songs, dances and mimicry con ­ tinued well past the stipulated time until the call “jamva chalo ji (dinner is served) ” drew the crowd. to the long tables laid out in neat rows on the lawns, bringing to an end the two-day celebration. Nusserwanji Hirji Karani (also called Hodi build an agiary. The Wadias gave an area dalal or Hodiwalla) was a prosperous mer- of 1,400 square yards without cost on a chant whose ships sailed between the ports 999-year lease on a nominal rent of one rupee per year in the center of Cusrow the construction of the Agiary, which was he blessed with a son. He vowed that if a built at a cost of Rs 75,000, says the son were born to him he would build a dar- e-meher in fulfillment of that wish. Son The Parsi Prakash in its report of March 16, 1847 stated that the inauguration func ­ tion was attended by a large and eminent with the presentation of numerous shawls by such akabars of the community as Seth the new Agiary just before its consecra ­ tion. Though the Bang ’s residents had been advised to remain indoors, a large crowd had gathered and as the governor ’s motorcade turned into the gate at 5.30 p.m. on February 18, 1935 he was given a rousing welcome, with people even “cran ­ ing their necks out of the windows to have Dadabhai, etc. The Bombay Samachar also alook, ” the paper reported. LordBrabourne reported on the event stating that in the was received at the agiary steps by Sir Ness Bahar Kote (outside Fort) Kandawalla Wadia, his son Neville, Sir Jamshetji mohalla, from 7 a.m. on March 16 a large Jejeebhoy, Mancherji Khareghat, Homi watch the takhtnashin (enthronement of governor was introduced to the representa ­ tives of the honorary architects, Gregson, mobeds between one to five rupees. Parsi Batley and King who had designed the Dharam Sthalo reported that Nusserwanji Agiary in the ancient Persian/Syrian/ gave Rs 351 to the Dharam Fund, Rs 351 Babylonian style and to the civil contrac- for tandarosti prayers, Rs 301 to the Rs 25 to the Navsari ghambars! Shortly after the inauguration Nusser ­ wanji was dead, Phirozeshah but a child of look of puzzlement on the governor ’s face two. The trustees whom Nusserwanji had even demonstrated the changing of ihegah appointed in his lifetime managed the by the ringing of the bell! Brabourne asked numerous questions, the paper related, and was amazed when told that the fire would the age of 21. The Agiary fund at that time was small and it was Phirozeshah who be kept burning perennially! worked and looked after the fire-temple Ihe Jame report also glowingly de ­ scribed the new Agiary — the dome, the with occasional financial assistance from glazed tiles, the chandeliers in the hall his sister Soonabai, wife of Sorabji Kavasji where hung a huge portrait of Zarathushtra Powvala, according to the booklet. When by Shiavax Chavda, the two Niniveh Phirozeshah died, the Nibhav (mainte- godhas (winged bulls like those at the nance) Fund was Rs 7,500, invested in 3.5 entrance of the palaces in the ancient city percent government securities. At his of Niniveh) on either side of the entrance uthamna, his sons whom he had inducted as trustees donated Rs 6,000, bringing the Fund to Rs 13,500. Even this was insuffi ­ cient, so the trustees had three shops built reported to have cost Rs 3,000! The inauguration of the Agiary on Sat- 60 per month, states the booklet. urday, February 23, 1935 was also a “big The communal riots of the subsequent event, ” attended by crowds of people de ­ years led to a gradual shifting of the Parsi which, the paper said, were carved out of a solid block of stone by Italian craftsmen specially invited to do the job which was The early years An account of the fire ’s enthronement 150 years agcf is to be found in a booklet in the compound, raising a revenue of Rs published in Gujarati at the time of its centenary. The write-up states that the fire was first consecrated on March 16, 1847 {mah Sheherevar, ra/Behram, YZ 1216) at population from the Null Bazaar area and a dar-e-meher in Null Bazaar ’s Nizam Street where a substantial population of Agiary on Marine Lines. The trustees then theprevious night, says the centenary book- Parsis resided in the Kandawalla and Bharucha mohallas. Its founder, Seth spite it being “an office, races and big cricket match day! ’’ Devout Zarthostis the fire was later shifted to Sodawaterwala gathered outside Sodawaterwala Agiary appealed to the R. N. Wadia trustees, Sir let, to watch the pavitra kriya (holy ritual) Ness and Sir Cusrow, for a plot of land to of the shifting of the fire. Deputy police 33 Parsiana January 1997 icommissioner Khanbahadur Kavasji Petigara had deployed a large contingent of “sergeants and sepoys ” for crowd con ­ trol and assistance! After the Ushahin gah boi, the atash was reverentially placed in a small afarganiu and carried by two mobeds surrounded by a cordon of priests carrying the talwar (sword), bhala (spear), barchi, (dagger), etc. Under Bajan ’ssardarihethal (leadership) the entourage walked from Marine Lines to Colaba followed by a crowd of behdins. At Cusrow Baug, a throng of women and children waited in the moonlight with dharmik laagni (religious fervor). The fire was ceremoniously installed in the takht, fed by mounds of sandalwood offered through the night by the devotees. A jashan ceremony was held next morning in the jam-packed hall built in memory of Seth Hormusji Jehangirji Guzder by Bai Goolbai Jehangir Guzder who contributed Rs 18,000 for it and another Rs 2,000 for the con ­ struction of the well. Bajan was showered with praise and honored with the presenta ­ tion of over 22 shawls — from the two high priests of Udvada, the priests from Poona and Ahmednagar and from associations like the Zarthosti Jashan Committee, Byculla Zoroastrian Association, the resi ­ dents of Rustom, Jer and Nowroz Baugs and even the Byculla municipal school! Bajan ’s ancestors had served as the panthakies of Byculla ’s Mevawalla Agiary. He himself was known for his scholarship, having given religious lectures not only in Bombay, but in Poona, Deolali, Nasik, Ahmednagar, Bulsar and other towns as well. He was also a delegate of the Parsi Chief Matrimonial Court and attended the High Court wearing his white pugree, thus enhancing the honor of all athornans, states the booklet. Bajan served as the Agiary ’s panthaky for 44 years. He was succeeded by Nadarsha Aibara. The Agiary today is managed by trust ­ ees Guzder, Hansotia, Philly Karani, his son Darius, and Ranina. To the thousands of Zoroastrians who visit it, stated Guzder and Hansotia in their joint appeal before the celebrations began, the Agiary has been through the years a place for “emo ­ tional unburdening, silent dialogue and answered prayers...(a) glowing pillar of our faith, a reminder that we are here to defy extinction. ” Journal of the United Religions Initiative United Religions is a publication of the United Religions Initiative based in San Francisco. The journal ’s publishers note, “There is arrowing community of people worldwide who believe that the religions of the world can come together in some permanent way to make peace among themselves and to work together for the common good. ” Those who share these views will find the journal of interest. If you wish to obtain a complimentary copy of United Religions write to: Parsiana (United Religions), GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001. Fax: 2074541. 2072922, E-mail: parvo@giasbm01 .vsnl.net. in. Adfactori-Quantum Ditect/IR/94-929 34 Parsiana January 1997PROFESSIONS Warrior in cyberspace Computer cop Neville Bulsara ’s mission is to identify and kill viruses Gustasp Irani What would you like to do if you stranded on a deserted island with time your hands? Neville Bulsara, founder part- 1 "" ~ specializes in developing and marketing anti-virus programs, would probably plumb for grappling with the Whale Virus. “It is were on stumbled upon his first virus — known as the Brain Virus - ' • ¦ - anti-virus programs, would probably plumb for grappling with the Whale Virus. “It is called the Whale Virus because it is liter ­ ally a whale of a virus! It ’s so large and so complicated that it will take you two weeks to figure out how it works and another two weeks to recover, ” says Bulsara. Another favorite of the lean bachelor-programer is the DR2. “This one is small but fascinating in the way it goes around infecting files. ” Talking to Bulsara you immediately sense that he loves these computer viruses, not because of their destructive capabili- fies but because of the sheer brilliance inherent in their concept and execution. It ’s his job to seek them out, figure out how they feed on their host program and de ­ stroy them with anti-virus software. According to Bulsara, it ’s a satisfying F . . The main ways a system can get cor- when It infected the rupted, according to Bulsara, are through ., —-5 copying files but viruses ”) and pirated programs (“you never know what viruses lurk in the computer that the program was taken from ”). Downloading or copying files from the worldwide Internet network is another hazard. The best way of protecting your system is to install an up-to-date anti-virus pro ­ gram and keep all files on a back-up floppy. “This way, should your system get in ­ fected, all you need to do is clean it up and reload it with your back-up files, ” says Bulsara. Of course, there are different kinds of viruses, some harmless and others deadly. structor at the time. Being the only pro- ‘<1 b j and rewarding task, for not only does it Bulsara: allow him to make a good living as the technical partner — along with his father Homi Bulsara and Nadir Karanjia — of one of the country ’s leading anti-virus companies, but he is the only Indian mem ­ ber of the exclusive European Institute of Computer Anti-Virus Research, a club which has 30 members worldwide. The club ’s brain-storming sessions take place behind closed doors once or twice a year. “We put a ‘closed for cleaning ’ sign out ­ side the door and scare the wits out of each other with nightmares of vChat virus writ- _________________ I Some like the famous Michael Angelo a r Virus, strike and let you know straight - away of their presence in your system. lHHpr a Others work silently, wreaking havoc with- « out being detected. “We call these the I ‘slow destructors ’ and they are deadly because by the time you spot them it can be too late. You are probably copying cor- a. 'It’s a cat and mouse game. ” gramer around when the virus struck, he rupted files in your back-up system, ” says was assigned the task of figuring out what Bulsara had gone wrong. Not only did he find and Computer viruses can be compared to neutralize the virus, incidentally the first biological viruses. “There are some vi- one to hit the couy ” but he also found ruses where the symptoms are apparent, his calling m life^ I always knew I would like high fever, cold and coughs. Once you be working with computers, but now I recognize these signs you can go to the P® direction my career doctor and be treated. It is the same with would take, says Bulsara. some computer viruses where the manifes- OiKe on his way, there was no stopping tations are apparent: like letters falling off hinti. He has over the years fought many a the screen. It can be quite frightening but these sessions or workitia nn thp tPPhnk'Qi the task well intn tho J fk . ® j>onea out. men me task well into the future. We find there are others that lurk around for a while about 1W to 200 new viruses every month, ” with no external symptoms, like the HIV .. vk/ uva- Virus, for instance, which hibernates for a ... of ^he many around long while and when it does finally strike — there are over 11,000 known viruses at it can be lethal, ” Bulsara explains present ” — only 30 or 40 are in the ‘wild ’ There are other similarities hetween or in the systems of computer users. had gone wrong. Not only did he find and one to hit the country, ” but he also found be working with computers, but now I would take, ” says Bulsara. Computer viruses can be compared to ruses where the symptoms are apparent, recognize these signs you can go to the some computer viruses where the manifes- the fact is that you know you have these sessions or working on the technical aspect of his business, he is cruising the globe on cyber space. And somewhere in these vast information system networks pair he reassures lurk new viruses waiting to be detected and destroyed by Bulsara. It was way back in 1988 when Bulsara says Bulsara. But before we begin to des- 35 Parsiana January 1997 there are others that lurk around for a while virus, for instance, which hibernates for There are other similarities between biological and computer viruses. “Like athe diploma course. His career choice was not really surprising for Bulsara ’s father is work in. “Like the medical profession we are professionals who make a living — and a good one too — by attending to and a leading computer consultant to many solving the misfortune and ailments of our patients or clients, ” says Bulsara of the chiselled face. Anti-virus programers, however, have biological virus, a computer virus cannot exist on its own but needs to be part of a host program. Like a biological virus, the computer virus grows by infecting other hosts or programs. A computer virus, like its biological counterpart, kills itself if it kills its host. That is if a person dies, the virus dies with him. So also if a program is erased, the virus too is erased, ” Bulsara explains. The one difference, however, is that computer viruses are all manmade and most are written by kids who lack avenues to channel their brilliance. According to Bulsara, most of them stop as they grow up and begin to realize the damage they are doing, as well as have less time on their hands. The problem is that a new genera ­ tion of whiz-kids step in to fill the vacuum. East European countries, particularly Bulgaria, are the origin of many viruses. “Here it is a result of the system where brilliant programers have to work on out- National Computing Centre in the UK but Commenting on the Parsis, Bulsara dated computers while their party bosses otherwise I am largely a self-taught man, ” thinks that there is no need for alarm, play games on the latest equipment, ” says says Bulsara who opted out of Kishenchand Though there may be a few viruses, it is a Bulsara. According to him, virus writers, “ like the anti-virus group, have their own societies, virus exchange bulletin boards and underground groups. “It ’s a cat and mouse game. We set up decoys who infiltrate their groups to find system, out what they are planning next. It ’s a little like playing cops and robbers, ” says Bulsara. And chess too, for according to him they are trying to out-guess each other; an only child — the importance of doing not just the next move, but many moves down the line. “In a way we are playing a game and both sides enjoy the challenge, practising Zoroastrians. Not because we The problem is that the playing field is someone else ’s computer. Neither side is winning but the losers are the end users, ” Bulsara admits. Bulsara observes. wondering. On the one hand, these people And this is where the fun stops. Anti- Having cut loose from formal educa- claim to be defenders of the faith. On the virus programers carry on their shoulders tion, Bulsara quickly taught himself the other, the stuff they write is totally incon- a responsibility and commitment not un- intricacies of Assembly Language pro- sistent with the tenets ofour religion which like what doctors owe the society they graming before going to the UK to attend teaches good thoughts, good words, good multinational companies, banks and fi ­ nancial institutions in the country. In 1987, Bulsara joined Apple Indus ­ tries as an instructor. Then one eventful to hone their skills in a world where almost day, Bulsara found himself grappling with the Brain Virus and a whole new career opened for him as one of the pioneers in the anti-virus movement in the country. The following year he conducted the first ever seminar on computer viruses for the Mi­ cro-computer Users ’ Club; and was also called upon to assist the government ’s Department of Electronics in their virus investigations. In 1991 he founded the Quantum Systems Software to commer ­ cially market his anti-virus tool-kit. Re­ christened RedAlert, he shut it down in 1995 and set up N&N Systems and Soft ­ ware in the same year. “In a way we are playing a game and both sides enjoy the challenge” every day there is a new virus to deal with. “I did a one-year diploma course at the National Computing Centre in the UK but otherwise I am largely a self-taught man, ” Chellaram(KC) College (he did his school- well programed community. Indeed, the ing at Christ Church, Bombay) after com- thirty-plus specialist feels that elders who pleting his first year Bachelor of Science indulge in youth bashing should reassess (FYBSc) at the age of 18, because he was their premises; for according to him young not getting much out of the education Parsis, male and female, are a hardworking and enterprising lot who are giving a good account of themselves in a far more com- It was a hard choice to make, but B ulsara was greatly influenced by his parents Homi petitive environment than the generations and Siloo who had impressed upon him — before them. What particularly appeals to Bulsara is the community ’s ability to laugh at itself. However, it is a program that is prone to get infected when members of the commu- wear a sudreh and kusti, but because we try nity take themselves too seriously and start to follow the teaching of our Prophet: spouting poison. “You read some of the ‘good thoughts, good words, good deeds, ”’ letters in the Parsi Press and you start Bulsara observes. Having cut loose from formal educa ­ tion, Bulsara quickly taught himself the intricacies of Assembly Language pro ­ what he thought was right no matter what the consequences. “In that sense, we are 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. deeds, ” says Bulsara. And then with true Zoroastrian charity, he adds: “I guess we all are guilty of this some time or the other, especially when something is very dear to us or when we feel very strongly about an issue. ” An anti-virus program for Parsis, ac ­ cording to Bulsara, cannot be conceived by any one individual but must be worked out by the community as a whole. Mean ­ while, Bulsara has other pressing matters to attend to. He never knows when the next call he takes may be a desperately frantic client informing him: “Mara computer ma virus goosi gayu (a virus has slipped into my computer). Please help. ” 36 Parsiana January 1997 tART A showcase for art Pheroza Godrej ’s Cymroza Art Gallery completes 25 years Hilla P. Guzder to exhibit with us because we believe in their work, ” declares Godrej. Through the years, the Gallery has featured artists who practise the traditional idiom of oil paint ­ ing, as well as water colorists, graphic artists, sculptors, ceramists, photographers and experimenters in mixed media. Two more exhibitions are on the anvil as part of contemporary Indian art, ” says Godrej the silver jubilee celebrations. Twenty art- modestly. Cymroza commenced its 25th anniver ­ sary celebrations in October 1996 with a Manjit Bawa and Gdrg ’s Game with the Mask cover other wall areas. On the floor “I like to live with art all around me, to see it all the time, ” says Pheroza Godrej, founder and co-director of the Cymroza awaiting cataloguing are works by K. K. Art Gallery at Warden Road in Bombay. Hebbar, Jamini Roy and Shiavax Chavda. And see it she does. Her office at Godrej A bronze creation by Adi Davierwalla Bhavan (she is married to Godrej and Boyce managing director Jamshyd), unos ­ tentatious in decor, is embellished by the lithographs, engravings and etchings of presence of numerous paintings and ob ­ jects of art. “The pictures I like need not necessar ­ ily be ‘pretty pictures, ’” she remarks in her soft-spoken yet decisive manner. She points special ‘Silver Jubilee Exhibition ’ featur- to the wall behind her chair where hangs ing around 20 of the ‘big names ’ in the art Despair by B. Prabha, painted as part of world who had exhibited their work at this the ‘Famine ’ series, showing a sorrowing woman with her face covered by her hand their earlier days — a stark reminder of the jarring realities of life. Farmers (First Supper) by Subash Awchat, A Game — the Flying Krishna by and others. “We at Cymroza invite artists adorns a side table. “I have a small collec ­ tion of paintings, a good collection of ists will be featured in June ’97, followed by a “Tribute to women artists ” slated for August. “Women artists are my partial ­ ity, ” she confides. “The art section of the Gallery is quite distinct from the craft section which is given out for commercial use and where exhibitions in pottery, weav ­ ing, stained glass, woodwork, metalware and even garments are held on a regular Gallery (in individual or group shows) in Jehangir Sabavala, Laxman Shrestha, Akbar Padamsee, Paritosh Sen, Manu Parekh, S. G. Vasudev basis, ” explains Godrej. Cymroza, she says, was founded in 1971 and so named by putting together the ‘Cy ’ from her brother Cyrus Shroff s name, ‘m ’ from her mother Mitha, ‘roz ’ from Sabavala lights the lamp to inaugurate the Silver Jubilee Exhibition Godrej in her office at Godrej Bhavan 38 Parsiana January 1997 With Jehangir Nicholson and her mother Mitha Shroff A view of the Galleryfather Phiroze, the last ‘a ’ being taken from her own name. Mitha is actively involved with the Gallery, being a co ­ director, and also runs the Miniland school, established in 1966, which today has about 100 students up to the first standard. Phiroze, now retired, had his own business dealing with real estate, stevedoring and road construction. Cyrus, an MBA in com ­ puter technology, is with Tata Consultancy Services, she explains. Tracing the history of the Gallery, she enlightens, recalls that in 1971 “there was no gallery willing to exhibit younger artists. ” She herself loved to paint and was encouraged have resounded to the songs of Sharon study have contributed original unpub- by her mother. But she could not find a -------; y _ ................... gallery to exhibit her paintings “as there Jimmy Avasia and the rhythm of Zakir were heavy demands on Jehangir Art Gal- I’ ................. lery even 30 years ago. ” Praising the and Shamim Ahmed! “Our foresight and magnanimity of Sir Cowasji i , 1—2 ___ _ Jehangir, second baronet, who dedicated original composition or something with a this Gallery to his late son Jehangir, Godrej cause, ” she remembers. The concerts were says she has “no words to describe the service that the Jehangir Art Gallery ren ­ ders to the artist community. ” Soli father provided us with a 16 Batliwala, who was at that time the honor ­ ary secretary of the Jehangir Art Gallery, commended my work yet he could not was held as well as a Charlie Chaplin Nivedita Mehta and Prof S. S.Dange of the offer ‘the Jehangir ’ for an exhibition, ” she festival. Meaningful films like the Ascent department of Sanskrit, Bombay observes. Batliwala inaugurated her first of Man and Civilisation were screened in University, among others The nroiect exhibition of paintings — at the Chetna ------------- = " ¦ • ’ - "• - - ¦ Art Gallery nearby. “If a private gallery and art centers like Shantiniketan, the School of Art of the Baroda University, etc. ‘‘We carry in our collection the works of artists who arc established and prolific and we also keep the work of those who take a long time over canvases or casting. In any calendar year we present artists Rohatgi and Feroza Panthaky-Mistree, on what she terms “a labor of love ” — a book on Zoroastrianism and the Parsis. It will consist of approximately 26 chapters with the last chapter, “Glimpses of Parsi Por ­ traiture — 1800-1900” being penned by Godrej recalls that up to 1978, Cymroza Godrej herself. A galaxy of Zoroastrian also held adni QaUsLx, have resounded to the s _ " Prabhakar and Ronnie Desai, the poetry of She has co-authored and co-edited, along with Pauline Rohatgi, Scenic Splendours: India through the Printed Image; India — A Pageant of Prints and Under the Indian Sun — British Landscape Artists. Presently she is. working, along with whose work has never been exhibited and we may feature the same artist again once every two or three years. The normal dura ­ tion of an exhibition is three weeks, ” she Husain ’s tabla in concert with Brij Narain was that the performer had to present an lished articles for the book. She rattles off some of their names in quick succession — Professors John Hinnells, Mary Boyce and one criterion Richard Frye, Farhang Mehr, Frantz Grenet of the Laboratoires d ’Archeologie, Paris, Boris Marshak of the State Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg , Shaul Shaked of the Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Dr cause, ” she remembers. The concerts well patronized and would be followed by _______ ________,__ lively discussions and heated debates ! “My Shapur Shahbazi, Dr Alan Williams ’ and J mm projector Dr Jamsheed Choksy from abroad and and in conjunction with the National Film from India Drs Firoze Kotwal, Kaikhusroo Archives at Poona, a festival of silent films JamaspAsa and Hormuzdiar Mirza, was held as well as ' ______ festival. Meaningful films like the Ascent department of Sanskrit, B^ombay many parts in collaboration with the Brit- had sponsored my work, I would have IIT (Indian Institute of Technology Powai) c—’ ¦ ¦¦ ¦ ............... mg a gallery, ” she reveals. Her proposal to start a gallery of her own at Warden Road met with much nega ­ tivism. “A gallery outside Kala Ghoda area? You will never get the public to Lakhanpal and co-founded by hirn w'lth says Godrej, has faced many difficulties ish Council and we have even helped the but “Prof Frye (formerly of Harvard) prod- continued to paint and not considered open- establish their annual festival. Mood In ­ digo, ” she notes with satisfaction. The Gallery ’s recent successes include ded us along, with strong support from Mary Boyce. ” The book is awaiting a publisher “who will accept everything with ------- no compromises, ” she asserts. “We are Jree graphic print exhibitions held with slightly off schedule, yet not one of the contributors has said they would like to withdraw their article and publish it else ­ where. I feel very humbled with this trust. ” Godrej has been the honorary secretary of the Museum Society of Bombay for the conveys Godrej. Last year ’s mini print past 21 years. She is also the joint honorary -------------- ------------- secretary, Indian Heritage Society, Bombay British Council, featured over 250 mini Chapter. The organization of the annual prints, with the exhibition touring Calcutta, Banganga Festival, the Urban Heritage XAL Praxis, a foundation funded by Ajay come all the way there, ” was the general Padamsee, Dr Udayan Patel and herself, response, she laughingly narrates. Over which aims to “bring out the best in Indian the years however, Godrej believes she has print making (in limited editions of 20),” received “tremendous support ” from the ( C.L.J. Z__ ____ public. It has been the policy of the Gallery exhibition hcld ’in collaboration with the to take risks and promote unknown artists, she says. Cymroza ’s first anniversary in , ___________________ _____ _ 1972 was celebrated with the works of Delhi an4 Chandigarh as well. CymrozaFs younger painters like Chandra Doshi and also a participant in the Festival of Indian Shakuntala Kulkarni and over the past two Contemporary Painting, curated by Neville and a half decades K. H. Ara, Hebbar, "" Sabavala, Pilloo Pochkhanavala, Davier- yithal and scores more have Gallery of Modern Art a/the C. J. Hall and ------ > the galleries of the British Council, Max response, she laughingly narrates. Over Awards, the Parasika Awards (for profes ­ sional architects or students of architec- - . ture, she enlightens) and the Admiral Jal , through March/ Cursetjee Memorial Lecture are some of the ongoing programs of the Society. Godrej says she would also like to offer her time “one afternoon every week even for a whole year ” to guide people around the new National Gallery of Modern Art at the C. J. Hall. She describes the Gallery as “a wonderful project which should be whole-heartedly supported. ” Special in ­ terest tours, school children ’s groups should also a participant in the Festival of Indian April ’97 simultaneously at the National .exhibited their creations here. Even Pablo I' „ " L _ _ _ ™ Bartholomew ’s photos have been displayed Mueller Bhavan, Prithvi, Pundole and when he was unknown, she recollects, and Bartholomew “has gone on to become a ‘big name, ’ with a wide range of photogra ­ phy including art photography and photo essays for well-known environmental jour- ______________ ____ _____ nals. ” The Gallery, she points out, does not standing, Godrej fills her life wfth aVariety to" ‘^*^t' ’3ie^Ga^lkry ” act merely as a momentary showcase for ''‘her zcL'. ’iLc::. She J ;.„o vh.Lv ' art but keeps in constant touch with artists publications tucked firmly under her belt Chemould. Each gallery will exhibit vari ­ ous facets of modern art, the focus at Cymroza being ‘Landscape as Inspiration ’ and ‘Color as Discipline. ’ Her commitment to Cymroza notwith- of other activities. She already has three recommends. Recalling her own youth, Godrej laugh- 39 Parsiana January 1997Investment in Property: Pune is the best city Booking of apartments, by gen-set, a and security duplex flats, and bungalows now opened in Palm Groves Apartments, a luxury complex only two to three km from the Race Course and Camp, in green and quiet surroundings. Amenities include a club house, swimming pool, children ’s play ground, lifts with stand-by gen-set, a car-wash, and security arrangement, etc, all at very competitive rates. Take advantage of the initial concession booking rates, before further increases. No brokerage charged by us in this scheme, instead collect a gift from us on booking. Many attractive new schemes are coming up in and around Pune within about 15 km radius, at rates ranging from Rs 850 to over Rs 5,000 per sq ft (built-up area). Modern commercial complexes are also available with shops and offices. For particulars write to: .r .:s «¦ ! ingly narrates how after her schooling she very knowledgeable about Western classi- had “wanted to do theater ” but her parents had dragged her “kicking and screaming ” to Sophia College to meet Sister Gool Dhalla who convinced her that she had to factory or outside world, ” Digressing a have a degree. “I have never regretted it. little, she jests that as his big pastime is Those were the most wonderful years of sailing and “I didn ’t want to become a my life, ” she recollects. She astounded her ‘sailing widow, ’ I became his crew mate parents later on by “volunteering to go in and galley help! ” for MA” which she did in 1974 followed by BEd in 1975. Wedding bells rang in 1978 when she married her schoolmate Jamshyd and became a part of one of India ’s most respected industrialist families. The encouragement of art and artists is also part and parcel of Godrej corporate studying in USA, is “a very giving child, ” says Godrej. “She has leadership qualities, but with compassion. She wants to do cal music and listens to it daily. We come together in social concerns — for educa ­ tion, family welfare, etc, be it in the home, When daughter Raika and son Navroze were young, Pheroza remembers, “I used to take them everywhere. I gave them an overdose of art galleries, concerts, etc till I realized I had to back off and give them space to breathe! ” Raika, now 17 and philosophy, observes Pheroza. “Jamshyd is interested in contemporary and tradi ­ tional Indian art, ” she explains, “and he things for others. ” Navroze, now 14 and has recently made a commitment for the schooling in Bombay, is focussed on stud ­ revival (including the manufacturing and ies but finds time to swim, play squash and marketing) of one dying tribal craft by take part in activities like elocution, debat- especially employing an MBA who will live in the villages and handle the project in line with modern management tech ­ niques. ” “Jamshyd and I complement each other because of our diversity, ” notes Pheroza, Godrej. “I like light and I love nature. And “his interests being more focussed on his work which is engineering related; my input is the more artistic one. He is also anything for granted. ” We never take our guests and breath-taking views for granted ing, etc (Godrej herself is a past chairper ­ son and member of the English Speaking Union of the Commonwealth, Bombay Branch). “I like being surrounded by color, ” says spicy food! I’m blessed with the life I have, am very grateful for this and don ’t take i ¦ 8 5 Minoo Bhathena BySel Estate 302 Devika Apartment 2010 West Street Pune 411001 Tei: 650757 Lord’s Central Hotel Matheran410102 Matheran Telephone 021483-0228 Fax 021483-0595 Bombay telephone 3867776 40 Parsiana January 199711 ‘<5 Left to right (top): Bharucha, Pastakia, Perzid Daruvala, P. Irani, Ardeshir Bakh- tiary, Batlivala, Karan- counted his attempt to set up a regional jawalla, Dick, Debara, FEDERATION’S NOD TO... continued from page 26 Eruch Irani felt that the youths were lacking in commitment, in initiative. Mogrelia re- get-together for the south zone in Ooty Marfatia, Bamji, Shir- which fizzled out for lack of cooperation zad Khory, Pansy from that anjuman. HPY’s Teenaz Bamji noted that in con ­ trast to the few youths who are really dedicated, there are so many out there who Shroff don ’t know what ’s happening. “Can there infighting. ” BPP’s project adviser Rustom be one organization for them all? ” she Anklesaria Reminded the gathering that asked and urged the elders to organize sessions where they could learn, for ex­ ample, how to be groomed for a good job. prevents the program from being held and guide the rest. “Sports are being Gandhi assured her that the BPP would oftener: “Diana can ’t do it more than once neglected. There is no apex body to control oblige by finding the right faculty for the a year. Now it ’s up to you, ” he told HPY sports in the community... (There are) no purpose if she could get 30-40 youths alumni, “to take over the burden totally projects/guidelines for the youth to follow. ” together. “But then the youth should at- from Diana. You are our hands and feet. Families discourage them from paying it tend, ” he cautioned. You are our messengers. ” sufficient attention, he added. Ustad drew the attention of the community to Delna Bhumgara who was to represent India in the Asia-Pacific junior swimming cham ­ pionship (under 13 years) and pleaded for cash encouragement to promote the team spirit by sponsoring relays: “Bring youth Mehta, Mahrukh No^ ble; (below) Marzban Giara, Ustad and K. old people ” in 1996. Instead while the BPP did not turn away anybody of concentrating on housing he suggested from the HPY, human resource limitation that the BPP support self-motivated youth from Diana. You are our hands and feet. You are our messengers. ” “We don ’t require to be in the lime- Mogrelia urged the council “to make place (for the youths around the table)... light ” noted Panthaky, fearing that Mo- Without constructive items to discuss, they grelia ’s suggestion of putting the youth up become backbenchers... Within two or three meetings we will find their presence, their contributions increasing. ” He also suggested that clubs in Cusrow Baug and egation could sit in at the executive council together to fight together. ” other colonies be invited to attend Federa- discussions along with senior delegates. In Anklesaria acknowledged the HPY par ­ tion meetings to “regenerate interest. ” Gandhi who had requested FOZYA to activate youth associations said he had general feeling (is) that the BPP is unap- been told that “youth are not willing to proachable ” and urged the Punchayet to come to Federation meetings. Last time ' " they said there were only ego hassles. ” He (Higher Secondary Certificate) and degree well, he now invited the others to,come to now advised Parvez Irani to send him the students on the lines of HPY. While the administration at any time. “Don ’t youths ’ agenda a month ahead of Federa ­ tion meetings and also to circulate the BPP unapproachability, Guzder acknowl- Federation agenda to the youths so that they can come prepared. Parvez Irani pointed out however that many of the youth associations of Bombay ’s residen- meetings with community members to American Zoroastrian community which tial colonies did not respond to FOZYA understand the problems and workings of had been hosted by the Zoroastrian Asso- invitations. the Punchayet. ciation of Metropolitan Washington In ­ Marzban Austin suggested the periodic hosting ofyouths from other areas. He also the gathering that at the All Parsi Annual shouldn ’t be just a flash in the pan of recommended that they do voluntary work Athletic, Aquatic and Cycling Meet, which Washington, ” Davar told the youths, “Don ’t with hospitals, the aged, etc and promised, has been an ongoing event for the past 16 “you will find that you ’ve learnt more than 1 front would lead to them being misunder ­ stood. He said the youths would be content if one focal youth member from each del- discussions along with senior delegates. In response to the criticism that youths don ’t ticipants ’ desire “to involve more and more have initiative, Panthaky noted that “the youth of the community. ” Stating that the HPY alumni clean agiaries, organize blood collection drives, collect over one lakh initiate classes and workshops for HSC rupees and know the BPP administration students on the lines of HPY. While Tamboly asked for specific instances of paint the administration in a darker shade (than it deserves), ” he pleaded. Davar informed the assembled delegates of a recent interactive seminar between the edged the BPP’s deficient public relations and invited the youths to seek the trustees ’ permission and sit in with them at their youth and senior members of the North meetings with community members to the Punchayet. Sports enthusiast Aspi Ustad informed corporated (ZAMWI). Suggesting that “it the gathering that at the All Parsi Annual years, there were “less youths and more be afraid of who they (the trustees) are and what they say. Dialogue in a constructive, 42 Parsiana January 1997¦ other purpose of the anjuman ” (which missioner is based in Thane, the income * land but the Palghar mamlatdar is not 1 positive manner. ” IZA secretary Sohrab Elavia, i whom the definition of youth should not exceed 25 years, noted, “A man at 40 is already settled. His requirements will be no different than (those of) older men. ” Elavia urged the Punchayet to “provide jobs rather than houses, make the extra effort to see that those who seek work, get it. ” WZO’s assistance yarkhan informed the gathering of govern- urged the Punchayet to “provide jobs rather than houses, make the extra effort to see that those who seek work, get it. ” Acknowledging the WZO’s assistance to 4,000 Parsis in rural Gujarat, ” Tale- ment support for agro fndustries wiFh loan's oTndhi ivailable at four percent which could pro ­ vide “scope for Parsis to ndustries. ” cooperating, ” Katpitia detailed the nrnh the anjuman ” (which now accord!ng to lems at Tarapore where the entire proiect 38 mdiyidu^s, as per Bharucha). ........... 2“ Ux officer in Pune and the mamlatdar in Palghar further complicates a time-con ­ suming judicial process, he noted. Parvez Irani who had been instructed to seek information regarding the Tarapore property informed the Federation that the mamlatdar and talati to was accordingly sold to a developer (for Rs 1.4 crores). When the first builder could not deliver, it was sold to a second builder tor Rs 1.75 crores. The first builder has now gone to courf related Gandhi. “With advised Gandhi. He later informed vested right the BPP should intervene ” pziirir» 55 Parsiana Janu^ 1997 Kooka ’s summation as recalled by The Afternoon, noted, “Our little fellow does import have denounced him as a relic of lend himself to situations. He may be royal but his blood isn ’t blue, he ’s aman of many concern, ministers and dignitaries of lesser cards and even pregnant. There have been times when his pulse beat has caused us the feudal system, but he (the Maharaja who represents the traveller) is our bread and butter. ” While having an irrepressible, puckish humor, Kooka was “also a creator, an 1 I >s. Kooka with his endearing mascot Photo courtesy: The Afternoon Despatch and Courier ife 'Jorganizer, a team leader, a tough negotia- a write-up in Blitz, July 13,1996. His flair READERS FORUM . ¦ 1 continued from page 4 the Tatas. The first recipient of the Indian The Divya Daan library has 20,CXl)0 ¦ i on philosophy, psychology, edu- ?UVIUtY Ml Tuuviu —---------—, ------- r * * , 1 Kooka had been selected the Advertising cation, sociology, religion, literature and Man of the Year for “his original, out- Salesiana. The library also receives 84 solid periodicals and magazines, most of which are philosophical. Most of the periodicals and magazines are in English, while some QrgflPIZ.CI j <1 lw<Uil J ** *- « 1 J A • tor the pubUcity genius and incorruptible for creativity soon beckoned him to join r A !_ ju-f/./’iniAnf nf thft Tnrtifln toed? re^Tsible for the Society of Advertisers ’ gold medal in 1960, volumes ® * - * « » . TX 1 S 1_______ a zlMrA«H-1Cin<T f'Qfirtn C public servant whose dedication to Air- India was so I worldwide prestige and success of Air- India then, ” acknowledged Air-India man ­ aging director Brijesh Kumar at a condolence meeting convened in Kooka ’s honor on July 8, 1996. “We were proud to be Indians and preferred travelling by Air-India (then), ” industrialist Godrej, adding, “No air ­ line gave such personal service as Air-India. ” Kooka ’s booklet Fool­ ishly Yours, whilst provid ­ ing entertainment to pas ­ sengers, depicted the airline ’s ability to take a jibe at itself. It did also, however, offend the sensibilities reminisced Sohrab 1 i and continued from page 4 The Divya Daan library has 20,000 IM standing contribution to advertising in India... ” In fact after his disassociation from Air ­ India he continued to involve titute publishes a biannual journal, Diy- himself with advertising, particularly Hindustan Th ­ ompson Associates Limited, and served as chairman of IMPEC (Indian Motion Picture Export Corporation philosophical. Most of the periodicals are in French, German and Italian. The Ins- i yadaan: Journal of Philosophy and Edu ­ cation. Every year the Institute offers a special course conducted on “Relrjgions of India ” for the BPh students. The main objective _ _____ _________________ of this course is to make our students fami- which was later merged with liar with other faiths so that they may learn the Film Finance Corpora: tion to form the National Film Developement Corpo- r 1 ration), states his niece Gita . Mistry. Though substantially involved with the and widen their horizons to appreciate the good that is present in each faith. It is an occasion for our students to esteem other faiths and to have proper knowledge of Mis try. them so that we can learn to live together ____ -____________1 ! as brothers and sisters in love and unity, media, Kooka was not drawn to the TV and This as an urgent need in India today. In the past Mr Bejon N. Desai, the former principal of Boys ’ Town Public He prefen-edtokeep himself well informed School and presently its secretary, most “ ¦ * • ¦ " , willingly accepted our invitation to give our students a lecture on Zoroastrianism. of some of the bureaucrats, it is reported, in fact never had one at his residence. Known to be a no-nonsense man, Kooka reveals another niece Naira was believed to be a perfectionist who was I respected, feared, admired and loved in his with current affairs through his readings, « _ X- ... .1 • „ ______________ J-J Ti/ifU inforpctinff surrounded himself with interesting 34 years of service, first with the aviation department of Tata Sons, and later with Air-India, and Air-India Charters, a sub- organization where he was chair- J’ who tad not mar- pects of the Zoroastrian MA was very The raoDort shared by Kooka and JRD ried “was able to better relate with his two good and very much appreciated by our can be evinced from the farewell speech nieces and nephew as adults, rather than students. We take this opportunity to than delivered by JRD on the occasion of as children, ” was Ahmadullah ’s observa- Mr Rom Khan and Mr Bejon Desai. kSs retirement. Recalling their first tion. While golf continued to be his favor- i. ai^ano ^andes , wb meeting he mentioned; “On the fateful day ite game, he was known for his boxing Pnncpai. Divya Daan. Nasik in May, Mr Kooka appeared in my office during his undergraduate days. Kooka was nnpninQ«S for Parsis and having pointed out the deficiencies in fond of shikar, not the comfortable arm- BanK openings lOr rarSIS Tata organization, explained how badly chair type pastime but the rugged type Parsis were the pioneers in banbng and neSed he was in Tatas to put them right, which left him with a few scars, and para- insurance. But now, due to nationalization I asked him what his qualifications were, doxically was also active with the World and found that he had his degree from an Wide Fund for Nature. His interest and obscure university, somewhere in England, awareness of the need for conservation St Peter ’s, York, after which he studied day^ believes the family, modem history at Brasenose College, Ox­ ford). Having tried in vain about every six months for 34 years to fire Kooka, and government having kindly obliged by in ­ voking a ridiculous superannuation rule, ..xn. - ------------------- _ I feel strangely lost in no longer having laughing. And yet he was not msuj^ar in his him around — I mean around my neck — for he has been of tremendous help to me. All I had to do to be sure that I made the right decision was to act contrary to his advice! ” Rangoon born Kooka had after his edu ­ cation in England come to Bombay to join his father ’s film exhibiting business, states artefacts like glass paintings and folk This year he made arrangements to get Mr uiwiix.«^a ______ ______ “si::; , Roni K. Khan, a scholar on Zoroastrian- and enjoyed the companionship of his pet ism. The lecture on the philosophical as- dogs, she adds. Kooka who had not mar- pects of the Zoroastrian faiA was very “was able to better relate with his two good and very much appreciated by our bronzes which were not necessarily pricey, the occasion of as children, ” was Ahmadullah ’s observa ­ tion. While golf continued to be his favor ­ of banks and insurance companies, em­ ployment in banks and insurance compa ­ nies is closed to Parsis. Today you will not find any new Parsi staff in any bank or insurance firm. May I suggest that the Bombay Parsi Punchayet send a delegation of a couple of _ ... ... concerned and request for a reservation of and found that he had his degree from an called Oxford (Kooka ’s schooling was at probably stemmed from his earlier shikar Though known to face criticism fairly well, Kooka could not sUnd pomposity, . _ said his nephew Saleem Ahmadullah. Many trustees to Delhi to meet the authonties were the Parsi friends who would invite concerned and request for a reservation of him to parties because he could keep guests five percent for the community? If the ................... government gives us two to three percent reservation it will be a great blessing to the Parsi community. Please remember, by giving charity to a person you are making him a beggar, but by giving employment you make the per ­ son self-supporting, burjornavrojivakil views and opinions concerning the com ­ munity. This is probably because his for ­ mative years were not spent in a typically Parsi milieu, believes Saleem who pre ­ ferred to describe his uncle as “a small man (who) stood very tall. ” Kooka, who chose to be cremated, is survived by his sister Deena Ahmadullah. Edited by Parinaz Gandhi 56 Parsiana January 1997