Jun 1997

!< I •¦ r; i;' i| IV ' -'IWJ IF*1 ^**1^ !__ 2i . Hosang~Mistrif andtheSiilsette Hcnisit^ Complex .X.-^ % t » I ?> ' '^•' « ;<>•« J* tOie^ ¦1 1 V J'?’ JMJune 1997 / Volume 19 Number 10 I EDITOFi Jehangir R. Patel MANAGING EDITOR Arnavaz S. Mama EXECUTIVE EDITOR Parinaz M. Gandhi SENIOR EDITORS Dina K. Mehta, Hilla P. Guzder ASSOCIATE EDITOR Roxana A. Driver DESIGN Kranti M. Shilotri, Nivedita S. Dhotre MARKETING DIRECTOR Veera Patel ADVERTISING MANAGER Zarin Mistry ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE Susan Hadvaid 2 Readers’ Forum 10 Events and Personalities 18 Zoroastrians Abroad 20 Diabetes: the sweet decoy by Arnavaz Mama 30 On The Fast Track by Aspi Ustad FINANCE B. L. Arora MANAGEMENT Jasmine D. Driver DTP Bakhtavar R. Batliwalla, K. P. Ravi SUBSCRIPTION MANAGER Khurshid Panthaki ASSISTANT SUBSCRIPTION MANAGER Swarppa Kamat ASSISTANT PURCHASE MANAGER Bindu Pillai ACCOUNTANT Anagha Korde ASSISTANT ACCOUNTANT Varsha Godbole ACCOUNTS ASSISTANTS Indu Pillai, Satwant Kaur, Hufrish Charna OFFICE ASSISTANTS Umesh Poojary, Selvan Mark, Sunil Sakhare, Govind Salgaonkar, Mahipat Jadhav 36 Hosang Mistry: Concretizing dreams by Hilla Guzder 40 Iranian influence --1 by Dr Mani Kamerkar 43 Honor thy father... by Khorshed Javeri 49 Books 52 Milestones 56 In Memoriam Cover: Photographs by 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, Tricolour. All rights reserved. ISSN; 0971-3786. Phone: 2078730,2072624. Fax: 2074541. For editorial enqui ries phone: 2078183. E-mail: parvo@giasbm01 .vsni.net.in. For subscription enquiries and payments: C/o Kaiser-E-Hind Pvt Ltd, 300 Perin Nariman St (Behind Reserve Bank of India), Bombay 400001; Phone: 2658619,2665661. Fax: 2654585. Annual inland subscription for one year • (10 issues) Rs 250; for two years (20 issues) Rs 475; for three years (30 issues) Rs 700. Foreign subscription rates: Seamail for one year Rs 450/US $ 14/UK £ 9; for two years Rs 850/ US $ 25/UK £ 15; for three years Rs 1.250/US $ 36/UK £ 22 (please allow six months or more for delivery from the time of publication). Airmail for one year Rs 750/US $ 23/UK £ 15 (for Pakistan, Indian Rs 525); for two years Rs 1,400/US $ 43/ UK £ 27 (for Pakistan. Indian Rs 975); for three years Rs 2,100/US $ 60/ UK £ 37 (for Pakistan, Indian Rs 1,450). 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.READERS' FORUM 10,7 mwawiPiiA 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. of the managing committee. Since the two ladies were Zoroastrians the managing committee did not take any “aggrieved ” staged a minor (not so minor at that) court invasion while we were play ­ ing. We were distinctly taken aback, not to say dismayed, by so much unwarranted action and allowed them to continue as hostility and self-righteous anger directed temporary members in the interest of sports at us. We were told in no uncertain terms that although we had been allowed to become members in spite of being “outsid ­ ers ” we were to toe the line. Thereafter, the out to be over demanding and wanted same aggrieved lot arrived at the house of special time reserved for them for playing the gentleman who had been kind enough badminton. The badminton court or the to introduce us for membership. It would table tennis court or for that matter any seem he was made to sign an undertaking facility of the Club cannot be reserved of some sort taking responsibility for us during the Club timings. If we were to being members of the Club. My other reserve one hour for the two ladies there cousin and uncle who want to become would be umpteen number of requests by members now have their applications other working members for reservation. “pending ” before the Club committee. This is the sort of churlishness, even clannishness that exists even in a commu ­ nity as small as ours. It should not. We are a small but very prosperous community, and surely our not inconsiderable resources should not be for the benefit of only a few, while being grudged to others. This is not to say that we have not had addition, they bullied the younger children more pleasant experiences as well. We met one lady in the Bang and in talking we discovered a shared passion for bor. It so happened that the lady had just received court to look into the matter and told them some from Ahmedabad, and insisted that that the Club could not be reserved by them both my cousin and I take a packet each and that every member of the Club had and refused to let us pay for the bor. So equal right to use the badminton court, maybe there is some hope for our commu ­ nity after all. reena kavina though they did not come under the cat ­ egory of temporary members. Unfortunately, the two ladies turned If the two ladies had shown some under ­ standing and not insisted on their exclu ­ sive use of the badminton court for one hour, the incident in question would not have taken place. Repeatedly for a few evenings the two ladies would not allow the younger children to play badminton saying they had reserved the court. In and behaved in a rude and highhanded manner. That was when the children com ­ plained to their parents who went to the As for the allegation by the two ladies that the same members' went to their “We were taken aback...” proposer ’s residence to make him sign an It is an unfortunate experience I have had Dr Porus S. Turner, president of the Sir undertaking making him responsible for within our own community that prompts Ness Wadia Club, replies the two ladies, I have personally contacted me to address this letter to the magazine. The Sir Ness Wadia Club was gifted to the proposer and the members and both The event seems trivial but it highlights an unfortunate tendency of our community. My cousin Binaifer and I live in Lal- The Sir Ness Wadia Club was gifted to Rustom Bang and Jer Baug in the year sides have confirmed that no such thing 1954 by the late Mr Neville Wadia. The took place. Club was open only to bonafide residents baug and Parel, respectively, close to of Rustom Baug and Jer Baug. However Pustom Baug’s Ness Wadia Pavilion Rustom Baug in Byculla. Rustom Baug some years ago a de- _ - has within its precincts the Ness Wadia cision was taken to ..t? Club including a badminton court, table admit as temporary I tennis equipment, gym, etc. We became members Zoroastri- I members of the Club and regularly started ans who were resid- playing badminton. Unknown to us there were a melange of people all nursing some grievance that rank outsiders (namely my Baug as guests of cousin and I and occasionally a guest of bonafide residents, ours) had been allowed to avail of the Baug ’s facilities. Owing to the fact that we both work during the day and can make it to the Club temporary members ? only after 7 p.m. we attempted to reserve by the custodian of g the court for that time. This attempt of ours the Club without the ¦ seemed to act as a catalyst and all those mandatory approval ¦ ing temporarily in Rustom Bang or Jcr Due to an over ­ sight the two ladies were admitted as f 2 ParslanaJune 1997 4 LFor the process of considering a body to represent Zoroastrians globally, it could be meaningful at the outset to objectively study/assess the track record of the various Zoroastrian organizations which have ..... C-—__ mooted for a “transnational body of Zoro- the road to establishing a single astrians. ” The need for one central/main apparent reason why this worthy aim can ­ not be achieved by first charting out a rational plan of action instead of indul ­ gence only in commonplace remarks sol ­ emnly delivered. This is not to deny or denigrate the need for meaningful dia ­ logue on t ------------ organizatidn/institution for unifying Zo- A committee should be constituted of members who have: ----- , •mixed well culturally or socially and know that the mam source of profound knowl- iiuw iv wulk vikv-x; edge of Zoroastrianism lies with the scho- •the cdu'caiion of the type that cultivates lar priests in India. This facility alone against these two ladies and only wish they the ability to listen to ... , I.k _ ...:xi---- X one ’s +‘*r« committee. Also if they have any problems dence ; they should first approach the secretary or the president before rushing to the Press. The saddest part of all this is that our members are now thinking twice about admitting any more temporary members because of the uncooperative attitude of Zoroastrianism these two ladies. Global umbrella The need to hold the community together, -------------------- --------- - -- . or at least in contact, through appropri- requirements, be recognize^respected^m ately recognized Zoroastrian organizations in various pockets of the globe could seem rather daunting. Nonetheless, there is no As for the application of the above mentioned ladies ’ uncle and cousin for membership, they have to get approval of the managing committee as per the normal rules of the Club after appearing for an interview with their proposer. We are hurt, distressed and highly dis ­ turbed by the above developments and the attitude of these two ladies. If only they roastrians worldwide, had approached the honorary secretary or the president of the Club, either of them would have explained the rules and regula ­ tions of the Club and why their request how to work together; could not be acceded to. We have nothing ’ - -- ' would cooperate with the members and the without losing one •honesty of purpose, great debating pow- i------ , ers, resourcefulness, dialectical skills, high abroad. It may be considered debatable, moral standards, given to considering the worthier model for inclusion in its fold; ----- „ •profound knowledge and application of in view of its commendable track record to rf . • __I __ k;__ oviripnt Hntp and alreadv havins a readv linkage m humility and comeliness. Which of our anjumans/associations in the Indian subcontinent, America, Canada, United Kingdom, etc can meet these basic ‘ ' 1- ternationally as an august body, have com ­ prehensive accountability and be in a readily accessible location? association as a sort of world council could be envisaged with sub-groups as “feeders ” in the US/North America, Iran, Australia, Europe, etc. It remains an irrefutable fact - " ” 1- edge of Zoroastrianism lies with the scho- ) almost anything could weigh heavily in justifying the es- s temper or self-confi- tablishment of an apex body on the Indian subcontinent which can be more easily reached by those Zoroastrians living but it does seem feasible that the World Zoroastrian Organisation (WZO), India, combined with evident date, and already having a ready linkage m the UK (WZO, London, ably propelled by Mr Shahpur Captain and his team) could well merit this laurel. The Federation of Zoroastrian Associa ­ tions of North America (FEZANA) has been known to do praiseworthy work to ­ wards the dissemination of knowledge of Zoroastrianism through seminars, visits to With compliments from B. B. GARDA & SONS 10 B. J. Road Poona 411001 4 Parsiana June 1997 kwith Zoroastrian heri- Better their prOSpectS conveyance facility. They get help from the Wadia Trust and the Bombay Parsi places associated with Zoroastrian hen- nciwr ineir piuspvvis tage, etc and its endeavor to hold together Since its commencement, the Zoroasttian the Zoroastrian community of North Women ’s Association of Surat (ZWAS) Punchayet. America. Its track record clearly shows has made dedicated efforts^to move a^ong events and bretoen are monetarily aided by trusts to meet obligations pertaining to sickness, family problems, navjote or marriage cer ­ emonies, etc. This venture of ours has crept beyond iiui uc ivii tv, v,w t... ...........c _____ _ borders of our city and reached the pvpr there does not aoDear any reason why small homes of those Zoroastrians whose , . , • i -j ’ ¦¦¦ fate compels them to adapt to poor living source. She urgently requires financial aid conditions. Here is a brief report on the families visited by us on our third trip to the remote truck, villages around Surat when we distributed S... rtuic7iZa"jiio uaviv d— 3 has made dedicated efforts to move along that FEZANA has hitherto concentrated the path where the less fortunate Parsi — perhaps rightly so — on f------- — folks more pertinent to North America. Moreover, its lack of accessibility — espe ­ cially to those from the Indian subconti ­ nent — for attending meetings, etc may not be felt to be an inviting factor. How- At Post Vankal, Ms Hilla B. Surti who lives with her son and his family requires a loan to repair their house. In Tarsada, Mr Meherwanji Mandvi- wala ’s poor living conditions indicate a need for help. In Sathvav, Ms Roshan B. Variava, a widow, gets help from the Surat and Bombay Parsi punchayets as also another L FEZANA should not serve as a satellite to the elected apex body. The Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe (ZTFE) has hitherto maintained little or no meaningful interfacing with the Zoroastrian community of Europe with remarkable ex- to repair her house. Mr Soli Sathwawala has applied to the WZO for a secondhand 1 Should our motive be restricted to pro- some food packets, a blanket and some old viding these needy Zoroastrians with just centions. Such a scenario would naturally clothes. Our motive was not merely to ‘ - _________ ?Kaoa fomiliAc Kv nnTTiinal preclude ZTFE even as the United Kingdom, leave alone Europe. The established Zoroastrian associa ­ tions in other parts of the globe e.g. Iran, ganizations. Australia, Pakistan, could be counted on as In Tadkeshwar, Mr Jemi Dastur is the being coordinators and so probably serve only Parsi gentleman striving to meet his to set the foundations for a meaningful requirements by giving tuitions. His wife global linkage of Zoroastrians. FURHOK K. TANGREE La Roche-sur-Foron, France a coordinator for pacify those needy families by nominal and temporary aid but to study their lifestyle the and forward their lament to charitable or- 1 In Tadkeshwar, Mr Jemi Dastur is the only Parsi gentleman striving to meet his food or clothes? Can ’t we use our assets and help these people to have a glimpse of ¦ : new light of prosperity and a better living? Your suggestions in this regard may be sent to the undersigned at 12/723, Rati Villa, Bhavnagri Street, Surat 395003. Let us join hands and together work for the betterment of our slowly dwindling community. maharukh z. chichgar President, Zoroastrian Women ’s Association of Surat is a heart patient. In Dungri, Mr Dinshawji M. Anklesh- waria is casually helped by a well-to-do local Parsi family. With the assistance of the World Zoroastrian Organisation SuppOrt Iran LCagUC More on Khabardar? Kavi Ardeshir Khabardar occupies a pride (WZO), Jimmy Ankleshwaria runs a poul- of place in Gujarati literature. Yet, our community and especially its youth know little about this great poet. I remember his couplet “Jiyajiya vasay Gujarati, tiya tiya vasay Gujarat (where dwells a Gujarati, there abides Gujarat). ” On behalf of the Iran League we have been inculcating ancient Persian history and children and youth of our Mazdayasni religion since 1985. In order to encourage talent amongst try farm on his premises. ’ -zt • .u r In Zankharda,90-year-oldMsTehmina culture among the^ Parsi/Irani^ Singpurwala lives with her retarded daugh ­ ter Meki aged 60 years. Meki suffers from a tumor in the neck which needs to be _ operated. These ladies are looked after by the members of our community, we ar- X range several competitions and activities for them every year: competitions in Shah noble Parsi families who thrive on cultiva ­ tion of jawar, as also by the WZO. Ms . , _ Piroibai B. Elavia lives with her husband Nameh recitation, elocution, essay-writ- J Al t Dorci cnnoc and and waits eagerly for money from her sons settled in Bombay. In Ambawadi, Ms Dolly Surti rears ef i ing, drawing, rangoli, Parsi songs and musical talent. Needless to say, without the assistance of schools, colleges, institu ­ tions and well-wishers we would not have been successful in organizing competi ­ tions and promoting our activities. Contests are arranged every year in the months of June/July . The first prize in each category includes a trophy. All partici- A. ----- goats and a buffalo. To repair the animal B shed she was helped by the WZO but K requires an additional sum of Rs 2,000. B The salary of her son who is employed in I the Madhi sugar factory is insufficient to I make two ends meet. - - . . .... . In Vankal, Ms Khorshed Bapuji previ- pants receive prizes m cash, certificates, ously received aid from WZO. She is yet in need of financial assistance for medical purposes. On the meager salary of her husband, Ms Hillamai Surti has to survive Khahardar’s former residence in Daman with their two unemployed young sons, and a young aspiring daughter whose edu ­ cation had to be cut short because of un ­ Will readers of Parsiana throw light on the life and works of this poet and also avoidable circumstances.^ specify the name of the poem where this famous couplet appears? BHIKHAJIM. ADENWALLA In Laveth, Mr Keki Variava and Mr Hiraji Variava along with their wives live in a remote area, far from any public books at the annual prize distribution func ­ tion. We desire to give each participant a free lunch/dinner if sufficient funds are available. Kindly therefore encourage the League ’s activities by donating generously in cash or kind. Please also donate in memory of your dear ones, for lunch/ dinner expenses. Iran League needs resources for further ­ ing our activities in the Parsi community. Please forward your cheque in the name 6 Parsiana June 1997his room. It happened that one of his favorite ladies was affected with nervous headaches. “The pain distracted her so much that she desired death. Observing a vessel with ‘poison ’ written on it, she took it and swallowed its contents. The wine, for such _______ ___ it had become, overpowered the lady who InhismagmimopMsTheHistoryofPersia, fell down into a sound sleep and awoke Colonel Sir John Malcolm states that much refreshed. Delighted with the rem- Kaiomurs, the founder of the Peshdadian edy, she repeated the dose so often that the dynasty, was succeeded by his grandson monarch s poison was all drunk. He soon Houshung, who in turn was succeeded by discovered this and forced^the lady to wine was made and Jemsheed and all his of “Iran League ” to the honorary secre ­ tary, at Navsari Building, 2nd floor, 240, D. Naoroji Road, Fort, Bombay 400001 or contact on telephone c/o 2070784 for fur ­ ther particulars. JAMSETJEE JEJEEBHOY President, Iran League Jemsheed discovers wine 1....._________._____ : . Colonel Sir John Malcolm states that much refreshed. Delighted with the rem- dynasty, was succeeded by his grandson monarch s poison was all drunk. He soon his son Tahamur. Tahamur ’s nephew, the confess what she had done. A quantity of famous Jemsheed, succeeded him. wine was made and Jemsheed and all his Jemsheed was the founder of Persepolis court drank of the new beverage which, which is, to this day, called Tukht-e- from the circumstance that led to its dis- Jemsheed. But what follows may be of coveryisto this day known in Persia by the greater interest. I . . Ackhar ’s manuscript further adds that wine. He was immoderately fond of grapes, entered Aries, to be celebrated by^a splen- and desired to preserve some, which were placed in a large vessel and lodged in a vault for future use. When the vessel was opened, the grapes had fermented. Their juice, in this state, was so acid that the king believed it must be poisonous. He had some vessels filled with it, and ‘poison ’ written upon each. These were placed in from the circumstance that led to its dis- name of Zeher-e-Khoosh, or the delightful SirJohnMalcolmquotingfromMoullah poison. ” ; ¦ ¦¦ ¦ t Jemsheed also introduced the solar year “Jemsheed was the first who discovered and ordered the first day of it, when the sun did festival. This festival is called Navroze or New Year ’s day and is still the greatest festival in Persia. Even today, it is cel ­ ebrated by Zoroastrians all over the world. HORMAZDIAR J. M. DESAI Trustee and Jt Hon Secretary, The K. R. Cama Oriental Institute Edited by Parinaz M. Gandhi We never take our guests and breath-taking views for granted Lord’s Central Hotel Matheran 410102 Matheran Telephone 021483-0228 Fax 021483-0595 Bombay telephone 3867776 8 Parsiana June 1997 GLOBE THEATRES Pvt Ltd Established April 3, 1915 Pioneers of Show Business in India for the last 81 years We rededicate ourselves to the ideals we have cherished and practised all along -- namely to show NOTHING BUT THE BEST to our ever increasing number of Patrons Controllins: REGAL BOMBAY * CAPITOL BOMBAY 3 { t GLOBE CALCUTTA The above three cinemas are installed with nniOOtBVSTBHeolEvents and Personalities Spenta gets court relief Can cooperative housing societies restrict their membership to persons professing a particular faith? No, said the deputy regis ­ trar as also the divisional joint registar of cooperative societies. Yes, said Justice P. S. Patankar of the Bombay High Court when admitting a writ petition filed by the Spenta Co-operative Hous ­ ing Society, as per a communique of May ’97 issued by the Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) joint secre- tary P. B. Aibara. nHH The matter arose when members of the Spenta Society sought to ¦ incorporate a relevant clause in their bylaws in keeping with a resolution . passed at their annual general meet- Mmb ing that only Parsi/Irani members professing the Zoroastrian faith be admitted as members of the Soci- ety. The need for such a restrictive iSI clause in the bylaws of the Society was deemed necessary in view of the original agreement of sale as well as the proposed agreement of lease between Spenta Society and the BPP, mentions the release. A landmark building on Malabar Hill, Spenta has brought both credit and prob ­ lems for the BPP. The sale of flats in this six-storey building constructed on BPP property enabled the Punchayet to finance its other housing projects. Simultaneously it also created income-tax difficulties with the Punchayet being viewed as a profit ­ making organization. Presently, non-Parsis will not be admit ­ ted as members of the Spenta Society pending the hearing and final disposal of the petition, confirms the communique. Mehta, Munich and Mumbai! It was Germany ’s tribute to the 50th anni ­ versary of Indian independence. Aided by I * a substantial financial contribution from the German Foreign Office, the 100-year- old Munich Philharmonic Orchestra played for the first time in India, under the baton of Zubin Mehta. The two concerts held in Bombay on April 13 and 14, 1997 were presented by Spenta as viewed from Khareghat Colony the Time and Talents Club and the Mehli Mehta Music Foundation. The Confedera ­ tion of Indian Industry joined in as pre ­ senter for the Delhi concert held on April 10 after the Orchestra flew in from Tokyo where they had given a special perfor ­ mance for the Emperor of Japan. Accom ­ panying the orchestra on its present tour was 16-year-old German-born violinist David Garrett. Mehta stated that he felt “specially good ” to dedicate the performances to the golden jubilee of India ’s freedom, adding “India is my family, I feel at home when I see friends and family, ” according to a Press Trust of India report of April 14. The scheduled arrival in Bombay on Saturday, April 12 of the approximately 150-strong group of musicians and stage crew was unexpectedly thrown out of gear by a flash strike of the air traffic controllers in Delhi. The Bombay performance slated for 7 p.m. the same evening had to be postponed, throwing the organizers into turmoil as the tickets, priced at Rs 3,000, Rs 2,000, Rs 1,000 and Rs 500, had already been sold. The performance was finally held on April 14, which meant that both conductor and soloist had to stay on in Bombay an extra day, with Mehta postponing a scheduled en ­ gagement in Berlin, according to Time and Talents Club sources. ^¦mll The Orchestra ’s India tour was ¦¦ sponsored by Arthur Andersen and Company-Andersen Consulting, Deutsche Bank and Godrej — The Pirojsha Godrej Foundation. “We are not paying Zubin or the Orchestra, ” Mehroo Jeejee- bhoy, chairperson of the Music ¦¦¦ and Arts Committee of the Time and Talents Club, told presspersons in Delhi. In a pre-concert message, Mehta stated that the concerts in India will “not only benefit several charitable causes but, through the Foundation established in my father Mehli Mehta ’s name, will further the cause of the education and appreciation of Western classical music in India. ” The Mehli Mehta Music Foundation, launched in December 1996 with a festival of music, Sangat, has Nani Palkhivala as its chairman and Zubin Mehta and his brother Zarin on the advisory council. Its initial corpus came from funds generated from concerts in India in 1994 by the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Zubin Mehta. According to an India Ab­ road News Service report published in the 1 10 Parsiana June 1997n New Delhi edition of The Statesman, 88- y ear-old Mehli Mehta, founder and musical director of the American Youth Symphony Orchestra in Los Angeles, is to relinquish his post after nearly three decades at the helm. Troubled by a heart ailment, Mehta still hopes to conduct concerts occasion ­ ally, stating “The doctors say no, Tehmi (his wife) and Zubin say no but God will ­ ing I will conduct a few concerts in the next season. ” Zubin Mehta, who celebrated his 61st birthday on April 29, is due to begin a five-year appointment as music director of the Bavarian State Opera in Munich in 1998. Mehta ’s brief stay in Bombay included an impromptu visit, together with Nusli and Maureen Wadia, to the Nowrosjee Wadia Maternity Hospital neonatal inten ­ sive care unit, stated the Bombay Times of Pastakia: referee * ¦ “Service to judo” At the India Cup International Judo Cham ­ pionship held in Lucknow from March 5- 7, 1997 Bombay ’s Khurshed Noshir Pas ­ takia was publicly honored by the presi ­ dent of the Judo Union of Asia, Jagdish Tytler, for “a lifetime of ser ­ vice to judo. ” He has been the founder secretary of the Bombay Judo Associa ­ tion, joint secretary of the Maharashtra Judo Association and tech ­ nical secretary of the Judo Federation of India for 12 successive years, notes a write-up in the souvenir brought out on the occasion. He has also been responsible for forming and revising the national grading syllabus several times and for formulating the curriculum for the national diploma in officiating, states the article. Reportedly the first Indian to get the Asian Judo Union (B) refereeing licen ­ ce at the Fukuoka international women ’s championship in Japan, Pastakia has served as manager for the India team at Cairo and Kathmandu. Having started judo at the age of 12 in Uganda, during his undergraduation days at Bombay ’s Sydenham College he was instrumental in starting the Sydenham J ado Society and thereafter became a founder member of Judokan, Bombay. Graded as a fourth dan by the Judo Federation of India as also the International Judo Federation, Pastakia has teaching experience of 22 years. Forty-five-year-old Pastakia who is a chartered accountant by profession, also works as honorary secretary of the Borivli Top: Mehta sharing a joke with Jeejeebhoy and Suburban Zoroastnan Association (third from right) and other ladies of the Besides giving lectures in accountancy at ' *' 7^ 1 ^1- -_____ 1/3<7o1 ha hoc cprvp/l Time and Talents Club Below: Rehearsing at Bombay’s Homi Bhabha Auditorium Photos: Nazneen K. Vajifdar. Spectravision Labs the postgraduate level he has served as chairman of the board of studies in accoun ­ tancy at the S.N.D.T. (Smt Nathibai Damodar Thackersey) University and as member of this University ’s academic council. April 15. Mehta also hosted a private din ­ ner at the Jeejeebhoy Dadabhoy Agiary at Colaba for the Orchestra and a few close friends and family. The traditional Parsi fare, served on leaf-lined plates and ca ­ tered by the Godiwallas, consisted of sas- ni-machhi (cut into fillets), sali-boti, wx ---- ---------- ------- , chicken pulao, paneer, lagan-nu-custard cologist at this institution for nearly 15 and individual portions of tabota-per- years. This portrait should inspire others to eedu, steamed in leaf-containers and served follow in her footsteps, said Shri Indira Dining hot' Copies of the menu translated Bettiji who unveiled the painting at a func- Medical model An oil painting of the late Dr Freny Marshall was unveiled at Surat ’s Seth Pursottamdas Thakordas Surat General Hospital in rec ­ ognition of her services as honorary gyne- yearl This portrait should inspire others to into German were kept ready for the foreign visitors ! Hilla P. Guzder tion in April 1997, nearly a year after her demise, as per a write-up on the function. 12 Parsiana June 1997several medals. Besides her love for the martial arts, Kotwal says she enjoys danc ­ ing and participated in Shiamak Davar s Summer Funk 1997 held during this year ’s May vacation. *“¦ Legal eagle Can lawyers, judges and litigants be de ­ picted as animals without attracting laws of defamation or libel? Apparently they can, as evinced by the architecture of the Bornbay High Court. And whose eye for detail and flair for humor had first made this observation? Reportedly, Burjor Irach Taraporewala, formerly a government pleader in the city civil and sessions court, who in the latter years of his life was known as the “legal eagle of the Press. ” His Recalling the doctor ’s humanitarian ; services to the poor of all communities and Freny Marshal the satisfaction she derived from it, Dina Ghadiali mentioned how Marshall had won the love and confidence of the Parsi popu ­ lace when she was affiliated to the Surat Parsi General <— ---- , - For two decades she had worked as the „e ,or,ra, of Marshal reminiscenses of the “old boy ” through the media. His accurate reports of newsworthy cases were readily shared, much to the relief of cub reporters who had to cover the High Court. Looked upon as a father fig ­ ure, not only did he impress upon them the need to write without fear or favor, but also pointed out the pitfalls which could drag their editors to the courts of law. Tall, soft- spoken and unpretentious, the khadi bag slung over his shoulder carried a veritable mine of information, with neatly folded copies of judgments and briefs collected from his legal contacts. “At the high court of justice he was Afternoon Despatch and Courier of May Some of his friends also recall how between work he would take out h s cam ­ era to shoot stained glass windows of the heritage building which he used along with his stirring text in the book Lead Kindly Light, wherein he narrated the story of Jesus Christ. He is also believed to have shot many photographs of wildlife and nature during his sojourns. established he reprinted his father ------ Taraporewala ’s classic. The Divine Songs OfZarathushtra. Being a scholar himself, he had just completed a treatise. The Vi­ sions Of Zarathustra. In yoga too was he interested, giving lectures on the subject as also on law. Wishes fulfilled drinks and bonhomie in abundance, Sherosh Kaikobad of Calcutta returned to his hotel room in Delhi in February 1997, actual fight (bout); the throws, holds, chokes and bone-locks, ” she remarks, one of her favorite counter-techniques being Kotwal trains at the Ippon Judo Acad ­ emy run by Cawas Billimoria, 10 times national judo champion, who won for In ­ dia a bronze at the Asian Games in Seoul in 1986 and a silver at the Commonwealth Judo championships at Cardiff in Wales in 1992, among career, may mean gentleness, ”’ explains Bil ­ limoria, “but judo is a very tough sport, with injuries being part and parcel of 3, 19^. training. ” Praising Kotwal ’s “vigorous pursuit of the sport she has opted for, ” Billimoria remarks that Kotwal fights in a heavier category so she generally finds only lighter opponents to orectise against, meeting ,it' vier opponents only in the tournament itself. At her readily shared, much to the and Maternity Hospitals, the valley ^rop honorary superintendent of the Nariman Home and Infirmary. As expressed by the gynecologist s hus ­ band Dr Ratan Marshall, she belonge d to the era of Mahatma Gandhi i and was particular about I maintaining the noble tradi- I tions of the medical profes- I sion. Yen for judo She is the reigning Mumbai junior judo champion (up to 17 years) and the gold medal • winner, in December ’96, of the Mumbai Mayor ’s Cup Tournament. “Tanaz Kot ­ wal ’s strengths are her de ­ termination and her will to win, ” says noted judoka Cawas Billimoria of his pu ­ pil whom he has been train- ing since 1993 when she was , , a schoolgirl at the Alexandra Girls ’ En ­ glish Institution. In February ’96 she par ­ ticipated in the judo nationals at Bhopal but had to miss the nationals in Kurukshetra very this year because of her ensuing exams. She says that one of her “finest achieve ­ ments ” to date has been winning the “Statofwdghtcategory (56-61 kg), irain some Aftera'Iteg ’dinner party with good food, ...... — ¦ ' a' ‘v/3 14 Parsiana June 1997 other medals in his “The word ‘judo ’ ‘the way of “vigorous pursuit of the Kotwal: “will to win” Photo; Hilla P. Guzder level, he says, she has now to train not only in judo techniques but improve over-all fitness by weight-training, running, etc, a very difficult step forward for her as it needs to be combined with finding time to attend college, appear for exams, etc. “There are only three girls in my class at this level, ” notes Kotwal, “most of the girls train for some time and then ^ave. Kotwal is now al llllliv/ vx - -------------------------- J - copies of judgments and briefs collected as respected as the MX ---------- * seniormost judge, ” notes an article in The LUIV uuiiiig I**''---- J-------------- Through the Hukhta Foundation that he okiictipH he renrinted his father Irach IAssociation of In ­ ner Wheel Clubs in India, notes a press release. In the course of her duties she has had to oversee the sav ­ ing and rearing of abandoned fants, providing succor to the men ­ tally retarded and other handicapped individuals, imparting in- 1 bolted the door from inside and went to sleep. The next morning the hotel manage ­ ment found him in his favorite sleeping position with a gentle smile on his face bearing “testimony of a painless passing away in sleep, ” notes a report in the Fed Newsletter of April 1997. As recalled Kaikobad ’s son, “Dad wanted to die before he reached 70. He wanted to die in his sleep without any pain and after a great party. He did not want to be consigned to a dokhma Marfatia: dedicated and wanted a burial. All his wishes have been fulfilled. ” For the grief-stricken family who rushed confidence to distressed women, working to Delhi, the parting was made easier by the care and concern of community mem ­ bers in Delhi, many of whom were un ­ known to the Kaikobads. The influential projects. “Compassion and devotion and members of the Delhi Parsi Anjuman (DPA) dignity are the jewels which adorn the helped in expediting the post mortem for ­ malities. Young volunteers bathed and dressed the deceased, performed the sachkar, and after the funeral carried the body to the grave. Within an hour the uthamna ceremony had to be performed. Rajasthan. In the Rajasthan Archery Asso- Many older Delhiites stayed by the family ’ s ciation, she is currently vice chairman, in the side, extending their support. Finally, the Ladies Cricket Association of Ajmer Dis- DPA waived the charges for the family ’s stay at the dharamshala and manageress Dhun Bagli too refused to accept payment for the food and other amenities. “The Kaikobad family express their Parsi Zoroastrian Anjuman of Ajmer, deep gratitude to these individuals and all members of the Delhi Parsi Anjuman who Majestic Talkies, she runs a boutique at became friends in deed in their time of Ajmer ’s Hotel Man Singh Palace, writes need, ” stated the Calcutta Gavashni (Jan- March 1997). In fact, just the previous issue of Calcutta Gavashni had mentioned that SPOTLIGHT when a death occurs in Calcutta, “fewer His outstanding performance in rifle shoot ­ people are willing and available in time of ing, winning gold medals at the national need. ” Besides cleaning the premises at championships, earned Darius Marshall the ravangah and making it habitable, the body too has to be readied for sachkar, volunteers for which are difficult to find. As reiterated by Calcutta Gavashni, “Mat ­ ters would become much easier if every bereaved family cleaned the body of the Sports Council on April 26, 1997, accord ­ deceased before it was taken to the ravangah ing to a write-up in the Malay al a Man­ or Beliaghata. It would be the last act of orama of the following day. affection for someone whom they have loved in life and whose death they will In the research, language and grammar mourn... ” sectionDr Ratan Marshall was conferred the Gujarati Sahitya Academy award, notes a press release. His work Gujarati Sahitya, Patrakartva Ane Rang-bhoomine Shetre Parsionu Prodan (Contribution of Parsis to Gujarati literature, journalism and the ­ ater) was recognized as an outstanding for polio pulse, a national program that seeks to eradicate polio in India and other medical, community and educational Inner Wheel women, ” declared Marfatia in her address to her members. With her multifarious activities, Mar ­ fatia has been nominated member of the social welfare department. Government of trict as also in the Literary Forum of the Government College Association she had served as vice president, mentions the bio data. She was also on the committee of the In addition to being partner of New her husband Noshir. an award and certificate for the “best sports ­ man of the year 1996-97.” Instituted by the Kozhikode District Sports Council, the Fr Vergottini Award was presented to Marshall by the president of the Kerala Devotion and dignity During her two decades of association with the Inner Wheel Club, Ajmer ’s Gul Noshir Marfatia has served the organiza ­ tion as secretary, treasurer, president, dis ­ trict secretary, district treasurer, and then publication of 1995. district chairman in 1996-97. This year she has been elected all-India secretary of the Compiled by Parinaz M. Gandhi 17 Parsiana June 1997 With best wishes from Farah & Tanya7OROASTRIANS ABROAD What the directories say 1 The North American directory, the largest ever such venture, was compiled over two years and has around 7,500 entries Arnavaz S. Mama 1 i ‘A directory is not only a listing of people ments and future projections. collar jobs or ^e on this continent but an affirmation of the Concern for the community ’s dwin- financially comfortable. Thus we have a vibrancy and strength of our community dling numbers has resulted in oft-repeated pool of educated, talented individuals. If a and a window to our presence in the USA calls for a world census of Zoroastrians. Zoroastnan needs advice on any topic, from and in Canada, ” writes Dr Dolly Dastoor, How hay wire guesstimates can be has been nav n ra mtr. n president of the Federation of Zoroastrian documented by Karachi Zarthosti Banu and in Canada, ” writes Dr Dolly Dastoor, Concern for the community ’s dwin- ) Associations ofNorthAmerica(FEZANA), Mandal president Toxy Cowasjee in in her preface to the first edition (1996) of Zoroastrians in North America — Direc­ tory and Yellow Pages. In addition to furnishing the names, addresses and telephone numbers of fami ­ lies scattered throughout North America, also specified is the name of the Zoroastrian association to which they are affiliated and the vocation of the elders. The almost 7,500 entries, listed alphabetically accord ­ ing to their surnames over 179 pages are thanks to “the time and effort invested by the co-ordinator of this project. Dr Noshir Langrana and his most efficient team... ” acknowledges Dastoor. A committee of seven persons — Viraf Commissariat, Sheroo Kanga, Anahita Sidhwa, Yasmin Ghadiali, Firoza Fitch, Teshtar Irani and Kaika Clubwala — toiled for nearly two years under Langrana to secure and pro ­ cess the data that forms the bedrock of the Directory. Well coordinated advertise ­ ments helped make it self-financing, as notes Dastoor in the preface. The compi ­ lation of the 22 yellow pages is courtesy Dr Pakistan. This myjh was recently put to Cyrus Toorkey, founder of the North ' ' ....... American Zoroastrian Business and Pro ­ fessional Network. The Directory shows some repeat en ­ tries, sometimes due to the affiliation of the family to more than one association. Hence some I------- live in UK/Europe are also listed. congratulatory message to Dastoor: “The Karachi-ites have been under the delusion that there are 5,000 coreligionists living in accounting to cosmetology, to trading, to finance, to real estate, there is a member in her the Network who can probably help. ” The yellow page entries bear a legend that distinguishes them as owners, partners or employees. Thirty-six of theih own their professional enterprises while nine are partners. Other useful information in the Direc­ tory includes the names, addresses and illustrations of the eight dar-e-mehers in North America with a brief synopsis of the donations that enabled their purchase/es- tablishment, the year of founding and the name of the architect. Three of them now have a caretaker in residence. The names and addresses of six mem ­ bers of the Council of Iranian Mobeds of North America (CIMNA) and of 39 mem ­ bers of the North American Mobed Coun ­ cil (NAMC) have been listed as also the 21 Zoroastrian associations of North America which are members of FEZANA and of 15 small groups not formally organized into associations. While the abovementioned FEZANA Directory is the first such attempt at con ­ solidating Zoroastrian names, addresses. rest by a nation-wide census survey carried etc, major individual associations have out by us in March 1995. For most, it has been publishing directories of their mem- been a rude awakening that we are today bers for the past many years. 1996 saw the only 2,831updating of several. When reporting on the Of further interest are the 19 yellow directories of various associations, Par- ____ ____ ___________ pages listing Zoroastrian professionals Zoroastrians who basically statewise. They include commercial art- _____ __ ists, accountants, engineers, designers. Commemorating the 10th anniversary estate agents, professors^ physicians, of its formation with the release of this Directory, FEZANA hopes to see more names included in forthcoming editions to --------,, , . facilitate the organization of an authentic America...have been here for less than a couple s offspring, database for understanding present require- generation, are well educated, hold white siana has assumed that the names men ­ tioned along with those of the couple per ­ tain to their children. It is very possible that certain couples may have more chil ­ dren who are not residing with them. Con ­ versely also, some of the names mentioned restauranteurs, dentists, administrators, trade consultants and many more. Notes Toorkey, “Most Zoroastrians in North may be of other relatives rather than the continued on page 26 generation, are well educated, hold white 18 Parsiana June 1997INSTITUTIONS DIABETES The sweet decoy The new Noshir M. Irani Medical Centre for diabetes control opens its doors at Masina Hospital Arnavaz S. Mama __________ __ _ ' , ternoons spending, he says, three to four Masina trustee and former BPP chairman hours in teaching and organizing the Dr Aspi Golwalla referred to his own and Irani ’s life in Karachi where they had been fellow students, noting, “Born in a middle ­ class family. Noshir Irani gloried in his skill, hard work and sincerity of purpose. ” registered for regular follow-up by the : : Parsiana spoke to Chandalia in mid Construction Company ’s most prestigious May, the doctor noted that he needed a ¦ minimum 1,000 cases for effective re- search-based record-keeping. Such a record includes not only the patient ’s family his ­ tory and an account of earlier illnesses but a blow-by-blow account of physical func ­ tions including eyes, ears-nose-throat, skin, ways of remembering the dead than by cardiac condition, gastro-intestinal, gastro- boring the living! ” urinary, muscular and neurological ail — Others to pay tribute to the late Irani ments/symptoms, hematological and were Iranian Zoroastrian Anjuman presi- for any major repairs for a very long time, Jerbai Masina must have been pleased. We discerned a beatific smile on the statue as prominent Bombayites gathered under the shamiana on the Masina Hospital campus on February 1, 1997 to welcome the Noshirwan Muluk Irani Medical Centre for the benefit of the city ’s 12 million — eight percent of whom are estimated to be Referring to the Irani founded Bakhtawar diabetic. . - - building. El Cid, the doctor quipped, “The taxiwallas call it CID building! ” He en- Centre ’s activities. A diabetes-educator- nurse and a secretary are in attendance 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Though only about 15 patients had been Conceptualized by Mehroo Irani in memory of her architect-engineer-indus ­ trialist husband who had succumbed dorsed the family ’s decision not to found a to diabetes related complications, the lecture series in the words of Sir Robert Centre ’s basic objective is to treat and Hutchinson; “I wouldn ’t like any lecture- educate diabetics and their families in the ship in my name because there are better control of the disease and to enable the maintenance of long-term records for re ­ search. A fully operational six-bed inten ­ sive care unit (ICU) for cardiac care and two operation theaters, to be equipped for dent Jamshed Aga and The World Zoroas- cardio-thoracic surgery, complete the '' nearly 10,000 sq ft Irani Centre atop the Kharas Burns Unit. As a former health minister, I couldn ’t have expected a better invitation than I en ­ docrinological symptoms as well as arecord of habits and exercise, all of which will be followed up and updated as he has been doing with his private patients over the past 25 years. A special records room has been provided at the Centre for maintain ­ ing such records as is an auditorium where two-hour lectures have begun for-the edu ­ cation of diabetics and their families and whosoever is interested in learning the causes of the disease, its management and control through diet, exercise and self-care nologTst at the Jaslok Hospital, Chandalia skills. The lectures, scheduled at 2.30 p.m. prise a module of four sessions, says Chandalia. Three such cycles will be held each year. Lectures on the second Satur ­ day of each month are a part of the continu- Suresh Purohit and Dr Lotika Purohit who ing medical education for family physi- take turns to be available for two hours Guzder recalled the late Irani ’s exemplary each day (2 p.m. - 4 p.m.) throughout the constructions which withstood the need trian Organisation Trust Funds managing trustee in India Dinshaw Tamboly. “Of the estimated 100 million diabetics in the world, 28 million are in India. So we already have more than a quarter of the today ’s,” began veteran politician Homi world ’s diabetic population, diabetesspe- Taleyarkhan whom London Pilsner ’s man- cialist Dr H. B. Chandalia informed the aging director Zeenia Lawyer welcomed gathering. Honorary professor of medi ­ as “Daddy ’s long-time friend, ” to inaugu- ¦ ............ rate the facility. Congratulating the Irani family — Mehroo, daughters Zeenia Lawyer and Bakhtawar Chenoy — on continuing a community tradition, Taleyarkhan empha- Centre. Aptly too, because he had been Noshir Irani ’s physician and friend. Currently the Centre is manned by Dr sized, “Parsis have always been secular in character, have always tried to serve all communities. ” While Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) chairman Jamshed 20 Parsiana June 1997 cine and diabetes at the Grant Medical College and diabetologist and endocri- will be leading the team of diabetologists on the last Saturday of every month, com- expected to conduct training at the Irani week. Chandalia attends on Saturday af- cians. Writing in Diabetes Today, Dr Vijay Panikar identifies two main types of the 1 I I LTop row: At the inauguration of the N. M. Irani Medical Centre (from left): Farah Lawyer, Mehroo Irani, Homi Taleyarkhan, Zeenia Lawyer, Bakhtawar Chenoy, Thrity Taleyarkhan; an exterior view of the Centre. Second and bottom rows: The new research and pathology, foyer and intensive care facilities at the Centre Photos: Chetan Mistry 4 iJ k Prnm left- Bhanpu Batlivala, Chandalia mental factors among urban communities disease: insulin-dependent diabetes Photos:ArnavazS.Mama and also a detrimental influence of in- mellitus where the body makes very little and Ur . . creasing affluence. Besides, “inbreeding ?r?nsu “^iXS;' an)'XmsX m n„„-diabe,ic non-smokers. always increases herediiary diseases and dependent diabetes mellitus where the body makes insulin but is unable to use it well. Such patients are generally over ­ weight and are treated by oral tablets, he notes. Chandalia refers to the first type as “childhood diabetes ” which accounts for about two percent of all diabetic cases and is caused by a viral infection that he says “triggers off problems of auto-immu ­ nity. ” Unlike the other type, “childhood dia-betes can come without a family his ­ tory, ” he informs. On the other hand, age ­ onset diabetes “invariably has a genetic factor. ” Panikar and Chandalia both quote a medical dictum: “The diabetic canon is loaded by heredity. You can prevent or stop the trigger from being pulled. ll I IQ I lUUU Describing diabetes as an immunologi- cal disturbance — “like our home guards dlSDGtGS 030 COITI© firing on us ” — Chandalia notes that lym ­ phocytes (the white blood corpuscles which are intended by nature to fight intruding bacteria, etc) turn and attack the pancreas where insulin is made. This behavior of the lymphocytes is diametrically opposed blood to the way they allow the multiplication of cells which leads to cancer, Chandalia adds. Eyes, feet and kidneys are trouble- nrnnp *ir)ots in a diabetic body. Chandalia c,- . . lead to gangrene among complications however reasonable care of diet and foot hygiene. In an article first published in Diabetes Forecast, Debra Haire-Joshu and Sheryl Ziff noted how the complications of dia ­ betes are increased by smoking: •Diabetics are four times as likely to die of cardiovascular disease as non-diabetics, and, in case of diabetic smokers, heart attacks are 11 times more likely compared to non-diabetic non-smokers. 22 Parsiana June 1997 inherited disease, ” additional reason for its high incidence among Parsis. Also, while only 25 non-diabetic women are afflicted with heart disease to every 100 male heart patients, among diabetics the ratio is even: “Diabetes is the equalizer! Treatment of diabetes has changed in recent times, Chandalia explains the need for continuing medical education. Diet for diabetics is far more liberal. Fat and sugar IVJ llVIl-UIUUVVIV ------------------------- . •16 percent of diabetics are prone to leg this is basically an and foot infections and amputations; 33 Chandalia stresses an percent among •25 percent of diabetics had limited joint mobility in which the skin of the hands thickens and the finger joints ache; this was 50 percent among diabetic smokers. •Kidney disease, neuropathy (diabetic nerve disease), bleeding gums and ulcer ­ ation, to which all diabetics are prone, are ‘"Xurwd^c teTts d'atfng to 600 BC speak continue to be restricted but fruit and rice of madhu mehe (sugar ram) and advocate a low fat and lean meat diet to control it, knowledge and ability of the Indians of those days when no testing of urine or diabetic smokers. may be freely given. In a year or two new tablets are expected in the medical market- a low tat and lean meai uiei lu cunuui n, lau t' n,, informs Chandalia with wonder at the place which will be working along tota y - ¦¦ '' principles: not by stimulating insulin new principles: not oy suinuidung luouiin (production) but by restoring insulin sensi- - tivity in the body, overcoming the resis ­ tance to insulin... “Modern syringes containing human insulin are almost painless, says Chan ­ dalia. He shows us a pen injector and cartridges which can serve for 10 to 15 days. Disposable insulin syringes require no cleaning, no wiping. All that ’s required is that they be used with clean hands, one comfortable uses, to 40 or 50 Chandafia says that he insists that a freshly environ- ( without a family history ” known. Noting that age-onset needle providing six 1 was diabetes is preventible up percent by “manipulating the ment, ” Chandalia speaks of remission from the disease from two to five years on average and even i . , _ diagnosed diabetic in need of insulin “learns to self-inject ” before he leaves the clinic. _______.... Totally involved in empowering his pa- up to 10 years by a tients, Chandalia ’s concern for good com ­ munication skills has him “training educa- an diabetics. Such group tends to be obese, Chandalia ’s line can be avoided by of treatment aims at a 20 percent reduebon group “always there, personally, for teaching sessions, ” often using audiovisual equip- in body weight. “Normal, i.e. ideal, weight ment to get his point across. is not possible in those types of people, he says. The estimated incidence of diabetes in India is only two percent in the rural areas, eight percent i.. —- . among Parsis in India and 11 percent among which demonstrates the effects of environ- Holistic care The Irani Medical Centre functions under the aegis of the Masina Hospital. Prospec- ......... I register themselves before going to the 'O perceni in UIC lUltti aivaa, mb ----------------------- r in the urban; 10 percent tive patients will “take out a case paper and -............ '------- -r register themselves before going to the Indian communities in the UK. All of Diabetic Centre, ” says Mastna s medteal superintendent Dr SamBatlivala. The trust-I ees of the N. M. Irani Medical Trust — A I T,,:_ ___ ;;.................. , Irani, Lawyer and Chenoy will function Bombay to open a neonatal unit, note the as a recommending subcommittee on mat- ” ters pertaining to the Centre. Salaries and , ______________ _ ......x..,, appointments will be in the hands of the only on the number of deliveries in its own Masina trustees because “we would have i ' p.vp.n Parsis only, is located, after due structural - -alterations, in the original pediatric ward, invitro fertilization (IVF) also keep the informs Batlivala. A drop in births due to Masina was the first private hospital in Hospital ’s officials. The 50-60 percent occupancy of its 14 incubators reflects not wards but also outside cases of preterm out of a donation of Rs 50 lakhs from the Manekbai P. B. Jeejeebhoy Trust, cour ­ tesy Sylla Vatcha, the others subsidized, no questions asked, ” says Batlivala. Work has started on a geriatric ward for chronic patients. The 12-bed ward, for even benefits, ” says Masina managing (suffocation at birth). Multiple birth'si due trustee Daraius Bhappu. The Masina board to i ' “ includes chairman Dr Rustem Colah, Dr J. N. Vazifdar, K. R. Alpai- walla, Golwalla, Rustom Kuka and Burjor Antia. The Old Peoples ’ Home, C. T. Scan and Eye Bank for cornea transplants are the only institutions func ­ tioning autonomously on the Masina campus, in ­ forms Batlivala. Various options had been considered for the two operation theaters in the Irani Centre, includ ­ ing neuro, ophthalmic and cancer surgery before de ­ ciding on cardio thoracic surgery, informs ________ ___________ Batlivala. Even so it will be awhile before pied in the Hospital ’s six-bed HIV ward, the theaters become operational as the equipment involved would require an out- lay ot three to five crore rupees, says drug regimes on offer, notes Bhappu. In Parsis) to Rs 1 040 Batlivala. f 7^ 2 ' ' The six-bed ICU has doubled Masina ’s plus six private rooms) three beds each intensive care capacity and now all non- caidiac cases are maintained in the Hos ­ pital ’s old ICU in its main building. _____ ___ ___ A part of the maintenance cost of the that have been worsened by poor nutrition. Centre will be borne from income on a five • • ¦ lakh rupee corpus provided by the Irani ______ _______ family — apart from the total outlay of jority of Parsi patients are (treated) free __ approximately Rs 65 lakhs on the con ­ struction and equipment of the Centre to Statue of Jerbai Masina date, as per Mehroo Irani. Among the facilities available at Masina is the Kharas Burns Unit where the poor can avail of first class medical care whose average cost is reckoned by Batlivala at Rs 1,000 per day approximately on ac ­ count of the expensive medication, asepsis of theater, spinal dressing, skin grafting, etc. Diwali is a particularly busy time for the Burns Unit. “Medico-legally every ’burns fatality is a police case, and must necessarily be submitted for autopsy, ” in- fonns Batlivala. It is then up to the coroner to waive the formality. Burns cases can be suicidal or accidental (like a burst gas cylinder) or occupational as in the case of an electrician or one employed in the dyeing/pharmaceutical fields, Batlivala ' ' clarifies. alterations, in the original pediatric ward. 25 Parsiana June 1997 I I i ncubators busy with trip- the efficacy of the immunization and family lets, etc coming in r ----- two months or so, they < add. Even a set of quintu- plains, plets is not unknown to the Masina staff. There is “often 100 per ­ cent occupancy ” in the psychiatric ward compris- account for 70 percent of the Hospital ’s ing 28 beds equally di- . - - vided between men and women. The department hassle is that the Hospital caters to differ- also treats victims of drug abuse including alcohol and brown sugar, and houses several Parsi pa- ”” ¦" I lients, intimate Batlivala - and Bhappu. Three to lour beds are constantly occu- every planning programs has made the extra capacity redundant for that use, he ex- One administrative difficulty at the Masina Hospital is the deployment of la ­ bor to service its seven units spread out on the campus. Predictably, labor charges expenses and a new labor settlement is due next year, observes a trustee. Another ent palates. Apart from the Parsis there are the Aga Khanies and Bohri Muslims as also Muslims from the lower income strata and the Keralite nurses, all of whom have distinct culinary requirements. An institution where allopathy, home ­ opathy and acupuncture have been amal ­ gamated to provide holistic treatment, as notes Batlivala, its tariffs range upwards from Rs 120 in the general ward (Rs 90 for .... j in the four air-condi ­ tioned rooms with attached baths. Other private rooms range between Rs 560 to 750. Disappointed that Parsis prefer to pa ­ tronize the B. D. Petit Parsee General patients come with extensive TB lesions ” Hospital both as patients and as donors. “Most of the HIV people die of tuberculo ­ sis (TB)” despite special drugs and new the TB ward itself (comprising 14 beds ________ 1 are reserved for Zoroastrian males and fe ­ males. Often a concomitant of poverty, the he adds. A general ward for Parsi men and women provides 14 beds each. “The ma- Photo: Amavaz S. Mama Frontal view of Masina Hospital Photo: Chetan Mistry Batlivala is keen that the community realize that “we also exist. Some crumbs could be thrown our way. We are also rendering help to the Parsi community. ” That apart, there is a measure of satisfac ­ tion that “humoone donation occhu avech taubee (despite receiving fewer dona ­ tions) we are not in the red. ” J •.! •ij If f 'X {jZOROASTRIANS ABROAD one child each. FEZANA’s lead is followed by the major continued from page 18 In Sydney, Australia 42 percent of the settlements in the home countries of Iran The Zoroastrian Society of Ontario di- 778 listed Zoroastrians are single persons and India, a clearer picture of 20th/21 st rectory, in its silver jubilee year, presented orcouples without children. Ninety couples century Zoroastrians may yet emerge. 958 households accounting for 2,344 per ­ sons, [777 (33 percent) being children]. Here it may be mentioned that 24 are single parent families. Again, the maxi ­ mum entries, 320, relate to single indivi ­ duals. 221 are couples without children. The largest number of families, 205, had two children each, 154 had one child and 48 had three. Only 10 couples had four. The comparative statistics documented only 42 percent of the entries relate to by the Zoroastrian Association of Metro- ' ..................... politan Washington in its 1996-97 direc ­ tory revealed 189 entries, individuals and couples accounting for 26 percent of its 150 couples did have three children each super-modern music system at all... but an total of 543 persons. The largest number, and 17 had four, only one family had five invention that allows light radiated by 48, is of two-child families, while 30 and one other, six. Significantly, the larger humans and other life forms to be photo ­ couples have one. Only 21 couples have families seemed to be blessed with stay-at- graphed with an ordinary camera. ” three or more children. In sum the 168 home mothers. All of which provides an It is noted that Engineer, who went to children account for 31 percent of the total estimate of 1,980 children accounting for Englandin 1978 and “dabbledin property, ” settlement. 31 percent of the total population. had things going wrong for her seven years Thirty-six percent of the British Co- Whether these variations as reflected ago when she lost a lot of money in a deal lumbia directory ’s total listing of 840 indi- by the data are indicators of emerging and found her 26-year-old marriage with viduals are children. Here four-member trends or strictly local fluctuations need a an airline captain falling apart. “It is worth families, i.e. couples with two children, proper census analysis. Confidential cen- remembering thatdestruction also contains are the most numerous. Twenty-two sus data sought by FEZANA includes the the seeds of our creativity, ” she couples have three children and three age range, religion, sex and place of birth philosophizes while speaking to Bhandari. “ ¦ ........................................Attending a conference in America in the one child each. In Sydney, Australia 42 percent of the 778 listed Zoroastrians are single persons have two children each while 39 have one. There are 23 families with three children, Healing via the aura three with four and one with five. Here children account for 39 percent of the population listed in the directory. The FEZANA Directory shows 898 entries (over 33 percent of the total) of to heal by diagnosing one ’s aura, single persons; 663 couples represent an ­ other 25 percent of the total entries. Thus Null Field Generator, “a strange, tall, ) wooden structure which looks rather like families with children, of whom the largest one of the speakers from a futuristic sci- number, 553, have two children each, while fi. ” It is not, as Rena Bhandari writes in the 345 couples have one child apiece. Though Asian Age of May 4, 1997, “a part of a 150 couples did have three children each and 17 had four, only one family had five Thrity Engineer, a 54-year-old resident of the UK is reportedly one of only four people in the world who practises theru- patiscience: an unusual therapy that claims Helping her to accomplish this task is a families seemed to be blessed with stay-at- home mothers. All of which provides an estimate of 1,980 children accounting for 31 percent of the total population. Whether these variations as reflected by the data are indicators of emerging trends or strictly local fluctuations need a proper census analysis. Confidential cen ­ sus data sought by FEZANA includes the age range, religion, sex and place of birth couples have four. Sixty-three couples have of Zoroastrians in North America. If Progressives --Mid-, 'A/o ¦^'Stance _ Distance _ - The lens for uninterupted vision at different ranges distance, mid-distance & reading. Progressives are multifocal lenses without the tell-tale tines 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 Parel: J.Merwanji Street, Parel, Bombay 400 012 Tel: 412 6051 26 Parsiana June 1997throes of her personal and professional thritis, insomnia, Candida (a kind of fungi) ranging from Berlioz to West Side Story, and crises Engineer first heard someone talk- and even problems like hyperactivity or even in an animated version, Shukespearen ing about the Bio-Lumanetics system. Her attention disorders in children. Spinach, starring Popeye the Sailor. To land curiosity was naturally aroused as she had been working with aura photography or biofeedback imaging for the past two-and- a-half years. Engineer hence “speedily who work together, I can point out the , _ tracked down the inventor, a US possible areas of personality conflict, ” she opened at the Royal Shakespe^e Ineatte, environmental engineer called Patrick Richards, and ordered one of his Bio- _ _ Lumanetics systems for herself, ” the only have been cured by Engineer, and who can one installed in Europe, notes the report. vouch for her near magical treat- The luminator today occupies the pride ment is reportedly Zerbanoo of place in Engineer ’s counselling room near Kew Gardens in West London. The stark, white-walled and even-temperatured doesn ’t take even a pain- , doctor before checking A out its suitability (on the basis of the pain ­ editor of Femina writing in the Metropolis killer ’s aura photoj- on!. contraption, “the tool of her craft, ” takes the photographs, and Engineer on study ­ ing the light emitted from the photographs, about Engineer ’s sys- is able to gauge what ails the individual. “The truth will show up in the pictures, ” exults Engineer who then employs a com ­ bination of counselling and vibrational of glandular fever within a healing to produce a coherent light picture few weeks instead of the for individuals and groups. months the doctors had told her it Engineer claims that on the basis of the would take. _ aura photographs she can judge marital Engineer herself, though, sounds a note ling performance. He makes a neurotic, compatibility and “help clients find out if of caution in Saran ’s article. “We don ’t brooding Jud^, who speaks for sceptics they should cancel their wedding plans. Saran, in her piece in MOS, cites the case of a family of four in which the mother, on every kind of medication possible, was treated by Engineer on the basis of her aura which showed she was in need of help. However, the treatment was not in isola- tion. Photographs of the entire family were Aopro bupcrstar taken to access their auras, and these were " " checked in relation to one another. “One person ’s aura can intrude on another ’s well-being, ” explains Engineer who, ac ­ cording to Bhandari, is of the opinion that ton world-renowned orchestras come to life. So, is there another? Yes. He ’s young. Only 27. His star is and even problems like hyperactivity or attention disorders in children. , _ . Engineer hopes to expand her field of the plum role in one of the nation s classics, operation to corporate houses. “By work- presentedbyatheatercompanywhosehistory ing out the aura relationship between people goes back to the 19th century, was indeed a promising start for Zubin. Romeo and Juliet states. Interestingly, amongst the many who Gifford, the British par ­ liamentarian who, it is said •f room (which means it is not warmer in the killer prescribed by her upper layers and cooler in the lower layers, as is normal in ordinary rooms), “is sur ­ prisingly bare, ” recounts Sathya Saran, Saturday (MOS) of May 3, 1997. The graphed with herself) with Engineer. Gif- ford ’s conviction Bffi I tern is believed to be the result of Engineer curing her son Alexander Stratford-upon-Avon on March 30, 1995. The production later moved to Newcastle and London. Currently Zubin is playing the role of Judas in a ‘knock-out ’ ” revival of Andrew Lloyd A Weber ’s Jesus Christ Superstar under the direc- BL \ tion of Gale Edwards and \ musical supervisor Mike Dixon. Zubin is on a year ’s contract and has been receiving rave reviews. The show opened at the refurbished Lyceum in ‘ November last year and The Daily Mail described Zubin as possessing “an earthy, quirky sensibility that ’s perfect for the cool end of the nineties. ” Dressed in black jeans, denim jerkin and Cuban heels, Zubin gives a raw and strangely compel- * at - y take on acute cases; they need medical everywhere. Critic Michael Coveney rates attention and would die on my hands, for ld„ 1.. ----- • " • his role in this “rock oratorio ” as one of the all you know, ” she warns. Yet Engineer best performances of the season. " It does not come as a surprise, this voice, this dramatic talent. Not for those who had ever heard Zubin ’s dad (Bombay- born Minoo Golvala) sing: Dad had per ­ formed at the coliseum in Rome, in Two Gentlemen of Verona in London and with the chorus of the prestigious Glynebourne opera. Yet this opera-trained musical actor with his extraordinary voice and his pas ­ sion for music, never made it big. “From seeing what my father went through, ” Zubin confessed in an interview with Stephen Hunt in Theatre, “during the _ ______ _ ___ ____________ 18 years when nothing was happening for he ’s based in London and he ’s been doing him... I really didn ’t envisage anything for auspicious career start? Said the chip of the continues to hold out new hope for those disillusioned by formal medicine. Homi J. Rogers How many famous Zubins do we have in our community? One Zubin of course im ­ mediately comes to mind: eminent mae ­ stro Zubin Mehta under whose magic ba- chaos can be created through the way auras impact on each other at the energy level. Engineer proceeds to ‘straighten ’ the newly risen. Newly silvered. His stage auras with a combination of medication '7.,k.r. nr.ivciia^ and counselling for the entire family. Her ' medicine, writes Saran, combines the “ben ­ eficial aspects of homeopathy, acupunc ­ ture, flower remedies, color therapy, kine ­ siology, chelation therapy and radionics. ” Three years of research is said to have been done on the synergy between these disci ­ plines of treatment by Richards who invented the luminator. Therupatiscience, according to Engi ­ neer, can successfully treat migraine, ar- name is Zubin Varla (nee Zubin Golvala), big things since leaving the Guildhall myself. ” Then how did he account for his School of Music and Drama in 1992. auspicious career start? Said the chip of the His leading roles on stage include 18 old block modestly, it s all a matter of months with the Royal Shakespeare Com- ” pany (RSC) playing Romeo in the most romantic and lyrical of the Bard ’s trag ­ edies: Romeo and Juliet. This perennial looking out over a valley for two miles. ” story ofstar-crossedlovers has been adapted What we ’d like is for father and son to in an astonishing variety of ways not only come down to Bombay and belt it out at the on stage and screen but also in music Tata Theatre! Dina Mehta luck. ” Among the things Zubin would like to do is view the Himalayas or “sit in India 28 Parsiana June 1997SPORTS sports, Soonawalla advised the youth to always be in the forefront, to fight till the last and never to lose heart. It seems young Feroza Engineer has Much more was expected from the athletes a second or two, depending on the target were quite tough to achieve so the sponsors this year at the 17th All Parsis Athletic set, were to get a cash incentive which relented and gave cash incentives to all Meet on February 16 and 17, 1997 at ranged from Rs 1,001 to Rs 5,000. those who broke the existing meet records.) Bombay ’s University Sports Ground as This was a noble gesture on the part of Dr Rustom Soonawalla was invited as the stakes were high. The organizers — the donors. They have shown the way; “If the chief guest not because he is a doctor The Nowroze Baug Play Centre, The you want to lift the standard this is the way but because he was an excellent sportsman Cusrow Bang United Sports and Welfare out. Catch them young, give them the in his heyday. He had represented Bombay League, The Zoroastrian Physical Culture required Vitamin ‘M’ and see them bloom, ” in hockey and athletics. Looking as if he and Health League and The Mancherji Edalji Joshi Memorial Trust — in order to encourage our children had along with Union Press, Peekay Wines, The World Zoroastrian Organisation, the Iranian Zo ­ roastrian Anjuman and Bai Motlibai Char ­ ity Trust set specific standards in each age- group. They had selected a few events, particularly the 100 m run in all the age- groups. Those bettering the meet record by the standards laid down set, were to get a cash incentive which ranged from Rs 1,001 to Rs 5,000. This was a noble gesture on the part of the donors. They have shown the way; “If you want to lift the standard this is the way out. Catch them young, give them the required Vitamin ‘M’ and see them bloom, ” said Rohinton Chinoy of Union Press and had retired only yesterday from active Perzon Zend of Peekay Wines in chorus. The good news is that both these establish ­ ments have already announced that next year they will be giving incentives of Rs 5,000 each to those athletes breaking the existing meet record. A good way to start the next season. (This year K .r . a < t ¦si i 30 Parsiana June 1997The annual athletic meet organized by the community offers an opportunity to spot winners Text by Aspi P. Ustad • Photographs by Rustom A. Havewalla picked up where our \ ci .^aiile Zenia Ayrton left. Over a period of two years she has remained the fastest woman of the meet, the cynosure of all eyes in the stadium. On her way to becoming champion in the girl ’s under- 15 group, she created a new meet record in the shot put, heaving the iron ball to a new distance of 9.31 m. The girl ’s under-eight champion, Karishma Kapadia, a coil of energy eager to unwind at every available opportunity, suc ­ ceeded in erasing the 50 m run mark setting a new time of nine seconds. The girl ’s under- 12 champion, Karishma Birdy, set long jump record with a leap of 4.06 Yasmin Irani, a mother of two, swept aside the regulars and picked up the title of group champion in the women ’s group. a new m. Among the boys, the under-six cham- track and one hopes to see the likes of Adi pion, Yaazdan Katrak, is a youngster to be Havewalla and Bapu Malcolm emerge from watched. Navroze Vania also put in a ‘ ~ - valiant effort. The under- 12 “wonder boy ’’ Burzin Irani, the interschool champion, won all the events he participated in but could not set any new meet records this against the likes of Aastad, veteran Phiroze Fitter and Nariman Irani. Cash awards for the 13 group champi ­ ons were donated by the Cooper family. Lt Cdr Farokh Tarapore, who has won many track and one hopes to see the likes of Adi amongst them. Special mention must be made of young Chirag Bulsara, Nozer Turel,KaizadBadshaw andVirafBalaporia who showed their keenness to compete time. As usual young Farshid Cooper did not allow anyone to pass him, winning the boy ’s under-14 championship. At the cycling meet at the Vallabhai Patel Stadium on Sunday, February 2,1997, Aastad Palkhiwalla, wearing the colors of _ __ the Pune Cycling Club, led the field right left) 110 m hurdles, cyclists waiting for the from the word go. Every race in the men ’s gunshot, shot put, high jump; (bottom row group saw him finish first. Palkhiwalla ’s from left) tiny tots under six ready to go, sister Shiraz was the lone woman partici- ’ ’ .................... pant. The junior.s had a good run on the Various events of the meet: (top row, from from the word go. Every race in the men ’s gunshot, shot put, high jump; (bottom racing to the finish in the 2,000 m walk, the 4 X 400 m relay and long jump 31 Parsiana June 1997I 3l.. chairman emeritus of the All Parsis Ath- ¦r^ - a 4 2 4" I 1 ! medals for India in the international yachting arena, was selected for this year ’s late Air Marshal Minoo Merwan Engineer • Trophy for lifetime contribution to the field of Parsi sports. Said Tarapore, “There are only a handful of Parsi yachtsmen remain ­ ing, the main reasons being the high cost of the sport and the fact that they are not adventurous enough, ready to face rough letic Association, the brain, the force and weather. ” the energy behind organizing this meet is the person who first merits mention. He remembers that “the All Parsis Sports started not in 1980 but much before. In The organizers have come a long way since they conceived of an athletic meet on an all-Parsis level in 1980. Jal D. Pardivala, (Clockwise from top left) The Godrej Baug women team championship winners with Pilloo Soonawalla; Mehemosh Patel receiving the shield for the 3,000 m run from P. Soonawalla while Homi Ustad looks on; Gamadia (at mike) and seated (L to R) are Mani Vajifdar, Nariman Mehta, Chinoy, Homi Ustad and Homi Kapadia; R. Soonawalla, Gamadia and P. Soonawalla in conversation; medals and certificates for the winners; announc­ ers Nazneen Gowadia and Aspi Ustad.; winners of the boy’s under-16 track event and the ever vigilant timekeepers 33 Parsiana June 1997 IRare Heirloom for Sale because of a solar eclipse but there was a silver lining to this dark cloud. The orga ­ nizers had invited Dr Dinyar Gamadia as the chief guest on the final day. (Gamadia is till today the chairman of the All Parsis Brass Locket 3” X 21/2” X 11/2” With incredibly detailed 700 page miniature “KHORDE AVESTA’ perfect print, sturdy binding, built-in magnifying glass. J, Write to: The Advertiser (Locket) GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 1920 Dr Melhasa Pavri , Dadabhai Gama and one Dalal (he does not remember the first name) started the Zoroastrian Culture League which used to conduct sports for Parsis. It spread its wings to other parts of Bombay. In the Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Athletic Association.) One of the speakers School, for instance, they used to have a branch to train boys in physical fitness and gymnastics. At Gowalia Tank they con ­ ducted boxing and wrestling classes. They over from there and announced,iiHhe pres- also had a ladies wing of the League, headed by Mitha Davar. ” He further men ­ tions that “athletics and cycling used to be first conducted at the Brabourne Stadium, then shifted to the Cooperage ground. Af- at the prize distribution function on that day hinted that an all-Parsis athletic meet should be held annually. Gamadia took ence of a huge gathering at the St Xavierian Sports Complex, Parel, that this would become an annual feature and that the Cusrow Baug United Sports and Welfare __ ____ _ League (of which he was the chairman) ter a few years the sports stopped, but were along with The Nowroze Baug revived in 1930 and continued until 1970.” ” *' He proudly states that he was associated with the League for nearly 45 years and is even happier to be associated with the present organization since 1980, the year these sports were revived under his leader ­ ship with a handful of volunteers. He says, “We have grown from strength to strength. Our results and our athletes speak for themselves. ” In 1980 The Nowroze Baug Play Centre celebrated the silver jubilee of its athletic meets by organizing a two-day event for Parsis from all over India. The second half of the first day ’s session stood cancelled would organize this event. On the way The Zoroastrian Physical Culture and Health League joined hands by donating its won ­ derful trophies; and later on The Mancherji Edalji Joshi Memorial Trust made the bond even stronger. The current meet has brought many young rising stars on the horizon. It was mainly the Bombay-based children who won glory be ­ cause of their larger numbers, but we also appreciate the efforts of children who come from distantplaces like Surat, Navsari, Nasik and Pune. Given better encouragement and facilities they too can become the champi ­ ons of tomorrow. MATCH YOUR AMBITION TO A CAREER To do so we offer you: < Diploma Course in Business Management (Postal) (IMC) Executive Secretarial Course Private Secretarial Course ? Personal Assistants’ Programme (Working Stenographers) Shorthand/Typewriting/Electronic Typewriting Telephone Operating & Receptionist Techniques English Conversation & Writing Skills <0 Personality Development and Computer Packages Enquire at: Sir J. J. College of Commerce 14, Nanabhoy Lane, Hutatma Chowk Mumbai 400001 Tel: 2871058/2844329 Fax: 2871185 34 Parsiana June 1997w 36 Parsiana June 1997 Building No. 1 ready for occupa- hI tion; Mistry on site; model of the complex; the old dokhma; trust H| chairman Patel and grandfather Ardeshir Photos of building, Mistry and dokhma by Chetan Mistry LINSTITUTIONS COVER STORY --- -------------- Concretizing dreams Builder Hosang Mistry is constructing in Bombay one of the largest Parsi housing complexes, comprising 750 flats Hilla P. Guzder The plot is vast, over 38,000 square meters of green, gently contoured, airy land abut ­ ting the Western Express Highway in Mogra Village, Andheri East. For years this property, which is owned by the Salsette own funds to build the Tower of Silence in Parsis Association, a public charitable trust, and on which stands an old dokhma, has lain undeveloped and encroached upon, in a city which cries out for living space. But within the next three years 750 Zoroastrian large numbers of people fled to the island families will call this place home, says of Salsette which comprised at that time Hosang Mistry, managing director of mainly the Bandra and Thana regions (ref: Persepolis Construction Company Private Bombay, The Cities Within by Sharada awaiting the municipality ’s approval. The Limited which is developing the property. Dwivedi and Rahul Mehrotra)] . trustees propose to house in this building the The new complex will comprise of more In 1908, Ardeshir had also constructed old tenants of the trust property, the priests, flats than any other Parsi housing scheme the Pherozshah Ardeshir Fire Temple in as well as poor and needy Parsi/Irani Zoro- to date in Bombay. Andheri, naming it after his son who died astrians who may not be in a position to Building No. 1 of the project, ready for at a tender age. (The trustees of the agiary purchase flats on ownership. * ‘ . ...............................' While passing the plans for the project, son and present chairman of the trust, Adi Manekshaw Patel who is a businessman and property owner. Together with other square foot, again well below the prevailing eminent Parsis, Ardeshir had put in his built up area. ” Flats will be sold, affirm the trustees and the developer, at Rs 1,500 per market rate. In addition to the ownership flats. Mistry says he is to construct free of cost for the Andheri for the use of Zoroastrians living in far-flung areas. [By the late 1890s, the trustees a separate structure to house a dadgah northward expansion of Bombay had be- fire and a community hall and a five-sto- gun. During the plague epidemic of 1896, reyed building (called building No. 2) with 81 tenements of 310 square feet and five of up to 450 square feet, to be given out on a rental basis. The plans for the latter are also Dwivedi and Rahul Mehrotra)]. In 1908, Ardeshir had also constructed the Pherozshah Ardeshir Fire Temple in Andheri, naming it after his son who died occupation, awaits its 191 flat owners, the recently developed the land behind the While passing the plans for the project, lucky allottees out of the hundreds who fire-temple by constructing 56 ownership the Bombay Municipal Corporation (BMC) had put in their applications. The flats are flats for Parsis, states Patel who is also the also required Mistry to construct tene- not large, 565 square feet and two flats of agiary ’s chairman. They hope to raise suf- ments for low-income groups to be handed over to the municipality at cost plus 15 The other trustees of the Salsette Parsis applicable to the public housing reserva- Association are Nadar Behram Mullan, a tion in development plan. Accordingly, retired Tata executive who is currently the Mistry has constructed building No. 7 si­ multaneously with building No. 1 and the approximately 94 tenements of 180 square feet each will be handed over to the BMC by the end of this year, he says. The architects presently on record for the flats for Parsis, states Patel who is also the agiary ’s chairman. They hope to raise suf- 465 square feet, but the building provides ficient funds to repair the agiary and build an aura of gracious fvvrug. The eufrauce is wide, flanked by garden landscaping; the Otis lift in each of its A, B and C wings glides silently through its seven storeys to bright, well-ventilated apartments. A park ­ ing bay for scooters, ample space for cars, even apertures for future installation of Bombay who now runs a detective and air-conditioners should the flat owners so security service, Jer Dhanjishaw Moos, so ­ cial worker, Eruch Sorabjee Hodiwalla with a business in real estate and Shaharouk complex are Dara B. Mistry and Partners, Dinshaw Irani, businessman. The construe- with Messrs Watchmaker and Kotwal as the tion of buildings No. 3 and 4 with a total of R.C.C. (reinforced cement concrete)/ struc- 162 ownership flats of 500 and 310 square tural consultants. Assisting Mistry on the feet k proceeding apace. The plans for project are Aspi Engineer, technical con- senior-most trustee, Jal Bomanji Contrac ­ tor, retired deputy commissioner of police. desire have been thoughtfully provided. The charity commissioner by his order of July 21, 1994 fixed the price of the flats at Rs 1,000 per square foot, well below the market rate, say the trustees and the devel ­ oper, of Rs 2,500 per square foot prevail- _ _______ _ ___ __ ing in the area. As per the development building No. 5 with 104 ownership apart- suitant to Persepolis Construction Company agreement between the trustees and ments of 310 square feet are awaiting the ' “ Persepolis Construction, 50 percent of the municipality ’s sanction, while the plans for allotment of apartments is to be made by building No. 6 with 209 apartments of 500 and 310 square feet have been passed. The states mat mere were encroachments on sale price for flats in all these four buildings the land and there was no approach road. He asserts that he had to use his good offices to get access from the neighboring the trustees and 50 percent by the devel ­ oper (Mistry). The Salsette Parsis Association was founded in 1924 by Ardeshir Bhikhaji Patel, a resident of Versova, says his grand ­ and Nagin Doshi, project manager. Outlining the hurdles that stood in the way of developing the property. Mistry states that there were encroachments has been set by the charity commissioner in his order of November 16, 1996 at “not exceeding Rs 1,700 per square foot of super property by giving a part of the trust ’s land 37 Parsiana June 1997in exchange for a 30-foot access passage from Manish Vijay Enterprises and that ments ” and “some Zoroastrians who are unaware of the real facts and circumstances ” the right of passage has been approved by who filed “complaints against the trustees the charity commissioner and the munici- pality. Fifty percent of the cost of con ­ struction of the external approach from Jijamata Road is also being borne by him, ... -.uu- he observes, as also the complete cost of all urban lai^ ceiling regulaUons, but^by his internal roads and other infrastructures. ‘ Mistry relates that the old dokhma on the land has been in disuse for the past ban Land Ceiling), Greater Bombay before the charity commissioner and are trying to prevent further construction and development of the trust land. ” The property was also affected by the ment control rules and the aims and objects of the trust, recounts Mistry. He hopes to complete the construction of the whole complex by the year 2000. As per the agreement, the flat owners are to form a co-operative society called “The Salsette Parsis Co-operative Housing So ­ ciety Limited ” and flat purchasers are not order of December 14, 1993 the additional permitted to “let, sub-let, transfer, assign collector and the competent authority (Ur- re ­ many years due to the burgeoning popula- leased ^ihe^ enli re propetty from the^ tion and construction activity in the sur- L? 3 rounding areas and the proximity of Santa be developed in keeping with the develop ­ tion and construction activity in the sur- Land (Ceiling and Regulation) Act, 1976 to or part with ” the flat for a period of 10 years from the date of possession and after that to Parsi/Irani Zoroastrians only with the previous written permission of the continued on page 48 Cruz and Sahar airports. “I have already planted greenery all round the dokhma to beautify the surroundings, ” he says. A variety of old trees, including palms, which have enriched the environment for years still dot the undulating terrain. Mistry says Building for the future “I knew developing the Andheri dokhma ment, having constructed complexes for planVfor dmoi “^00{) squarVmeters of land would be a very challenging task, but I the Reserve Bank_of ^dia ------ meters around have taken it on, spurred by the fact that dian Airlines and CroCO (City and Ind^ the shifting of the steel market to Kalamboli in New Bombay. Mistry branched into the field of hoteliering with the late Pesi Shaw [at one time president of the Federation of Ho ­ tel and Restaurant Associations of In ­ dia (FHRAI), see “Honored Hotelier, ” In Memoriam, Parsiana, February-March 1997] as technical director. In 1970. Mistry built the four-star Fariyas Hotel at Colaba, naming it after his two daughters Farida garden area, 3,000 square the dokhma and 5,000 in other parts of the During the plague epidemic of 1896, large numbers of people fled to the island of Salsette the Reserve Bank of India, Air-India, In- there are so many Parsis in Bombay who do trial Development Corporation^, including not have decent homes. I feel sad when I hear the tales of woe of Parsi families who live crowded, five to six people in one small room. I want to help my community, ” states fourth generation builder Hosang Mistry, managing director of Bomanji Jamasji Mistry Private Limited and Persopolis Construc ­ tion Company Private Limited. “Unfortu ­ nately, ” he continues, “Parsi youths today have little spirit of enterprise. ” It was this same spirit of enterprise, says Janmsji Mistry also complex. Taking a personal interest in the 1--------- - designing of the garden is his wife Amee Mistry, that had driven his great grandfather (1848-192U) whose green thumb had in earlier years ” ' " ' ; Rattanii [who started life as a carpenter transformed a similar hilly landscape of (mistri) in the Bombay Docks] and^his son hard rock at Fariyas Holiday Resort at Lona via into a riot of colors. Old assets to be cherished are the two wells on the site, the tablet on one of which reads : “In loving ental Insurance buildings at Flora Fountain memory ofManeckbai, dearly loved daugh- \------------------------------ . ter of Ruttonbai and Cawasji Ookerji Jamasji ’s two sons, Bomanji and Sorabji, was - Oomrigar — Born October 26th 1910, inherited his business but the former struck Aban. In 1980, he charted unknown tern- died at Ootacamund 27th March 1921.” out on his own and established Bomanji tory by setting up a five-star hotel in In a letter to Parsiana dated April 16, Jamasji Mistry and Company in the 1930s, Lonavla, a hitherto small town Jhe Fariyas 1997, Contractor narrates how it had be- relates Hosang who joined his father ’s firm Holiday Resort was the first hill resor in come “impossible for the trustees to pre ­ vent unauthorized or illegal occupations of the trust estate by antisocial and goonda elements. ” He states that the land was first offered for development by the trustees to a number of Parsi trusts who “actually Malabar Hill, and the Harbour Heights started negotiations and carried out sur- i . veys I _ without giving any reason... They (the trust- -------j r ----- - . _ . . , ees) finally got an offer ofhelp from Mr Hosi tions, states its color brochure. Bomanji shares of Fariyas Hotels Private Limited to Mistry of Persepolis Construction Company Jamasji Mistry Private Limited is acknowl- « Private Limited who was prepared to put in edged as an Al class contractor by the his own finances in order to develop the Bombay Municipal Corporation and is also land. ” Further complications were added, continues Contractor, by “disgruntled de ­ Jamasji into the building trade decades ago, constructing beautiful edifices such as the Allbless Baug, the Chartered Bank and Ori- which are landmark structures even today, and Yasmin while the restaurant Abanara Jamasji ’s two sons, Bomanji and Sorabji, was named after his youngest daughter ourorThis own and established Bomanji tory by setting up a five-star hotel in Jamasji Mistry and Company in the 1930s, relates Hosang who joined his father ’s firm , in 1957 after completing a five year diploma India to be given a five-star deluxe raUng course from the J. J. School of Architecture. (' " j „ . ’ ‘ 2 ‘ ----- • (the Taj group ’s Fort Aguada hotel in Goa One of Bombay ’s first skyscrapers, the coming under the category^ of^beach 26-storeyed Woodlands at Kemp ’s Cor ­ ner, the W. I. A. A. Club and II Palazzo at residential complex at Colaba with swim- but withdrew during negotiations ming pool and club house have been among the company ’ s many prestigious construc- 1 re ­ sorts), according to Prakash Malik, past president of the FHRAI. Due to a strike for one-and-a-half years led by the late mili ­ tant trade union leader Datta Samant, Mistry says he was compelled five years ago to enter into an agreement for the sale of 38 Parsiana June 1997 edged as an Al class contractor by the an approved contractor for the govern- travelling. the Shell Inn group of hotels. Mistry finds relaxation in listening to music, watching sports on television andRELIGION Iranian influence - 1 The march of evolution Only with the concurrent existence of good and evil can one learn to value righteousness Dr Mani Kamerkar "Contact between India and Iran goes back to prehistoric times... The Hindus stand in close kinship with the Iranians ences arose, similar sounding terms came to connotate opposite meanings. After outlining the main tenets of Zoroas- siana in ciuac ------------ — , i withregardtotradition, religiousbeliefs, triamsm. Dr Kamerkar concludes t^t ritual observances, customs and man- "the path of Iran w^ that of k^ayoga. . ners. These early ties are reflected in the attainment through service of humanity. ritual observances, customs and man­ "the path of Iran was that o/karmayoga.. _ ¦ ---f'-— That the Mauryan palaces were built as per the style of architecture in similarities of the languages of India and Iran... Avesta and its commentaries help us in the proper < the L—J of India.” This summation came from J____________r ¦ ¦ . . . 7^ by her at a conference of the Indian ^Zor^trhjn HanZm ^r^^heir influ- Other than India, Zaroastrian influ­ ence on Indian religion and culture," ences were evident on Mithraism a^ edited excerpts from this paper will be the Roman empire as carried over three instalments of final instalment. The doctrine of the four Dorcitina ages of the world that is evident in the In the first episode we learn of the common ideals propounded in t/ie Vedas and the Gathas, and how, once differ- mythology. J us in ihc comprehension of Persepolis, that India contributed a third early religious and linguistic history of the revenues of Darius empire, that ¦ >¦ I coin.'i of the Sasanian type bearing Dr Mani Kamerkar in a paper presented inscriptions in Nagari and Pahlavihave --c_____ *1,-, been found in the north-west of India is and Culture Society. Titled conveyed in the second instalment. coins of the Sasanian type bearing been found in the north-west of India Judeo-Christian view of historical time is believed to have originated in Iranian one life-giver, the Father of us all, who is behind and beyond all the phenomenal manifestations. They called Him Ahura (Asura), the Lord of life, and they knew that he is the only Existence, whatever the name by which He may be invoked. The Vedic risis worshipped Indra, the thunderer and the giver of rains; Mitra, the god who regulated the course of the sun; Varuna, the god who dwelt in the bright blue sky and released the penitent from sin; and Agni, the god of fire, sometimes spoken of as father and also as brother, kinsman and friend. Savitri, the solar deity who stimulated life and activity in the world, was invoked in order to guide the understanding of the devotees. Like in the Avesta, it was a very striking fact that, even at this early stage of spiritual conscious ­ ness, some of the Vedic seers could recog ­ nize the presence of an indwelling spirit behind each and every natural phenom ­ enon. Behind their apparently polytheistic conceptions, there lay an ingrained mono ­ theism that was clearly expressed, as each god was invoked and worshipped in turn as omnipotent, omniscient, and even omni ­ present. The ideals of the Aryans were very noble and lofty. Their greatest ideal in life was expressed by the Vedic word rta. This same word is found in the Avesta as Asha. The word has almost the same connotation as the later Hindu word dharma, which Buddha also adopted in his religion as dhamma. These people recognized three main divisions of society, brahmana (the teacher), Avestan: athravan; ksatriya (the ruler), Avestan: rathaeshtar; and vaisya (the agriculturist) Avestan: vestrosn. Non ­ Aryans, who were the subject races, gener- to the Indo- Iranian times, because in the ally formed the fourth division called sudra T!rl?gT^"*^ ’ZSSS Z*=\vestan: hutokhsha. ± by Zarathushtra and his immediat , anardian aneels The first three classes i.e. all the Ary- disciples, so closely resembles the language ^ppe^s ura Mazda him- ans, had to go through the upanayana ceremony at ascertain age, when the child regarded as dialects of the same language and truth (arta-rta) as his soul. was invested with certain symbolical anr- and therefore must, be of approxttnately o? Zarathushtra, the »„d mceived as a member , ’ ' ' SSally, the Gathas have to be Aryans, as generally accepted lived for assigned to about 1000 BC. Whatever the many centuries m -g ’-" nf the Pamirs Parsi tradition may have to say about the and observed the same set date of Zarathushtra, the Ifg-Verfo and the » — navjote (new hi«h). This marks the sptri- as are iinguisui-a..;, .v.nvmH--- / > ^^e tual birth, admission into the dharma- We get in this way a date of a ou by composed sangha (the fraternity of the faithful). This hvmns to these ‘shining ones (devas) ’ and sacrament was for boys as well as for girls * - • 1 _ 4-1-_ ____ ] LJ«n/4iic ViaizA cit nrAcpnt invested with certain symbolical gar­ ments and received as a member of their _ ___ ___ _ _ faith. This was their ‘second birth, ’ and in the region of the Pamirs they were then named dvijas (twice born). of social and The Parsis (Zoroastrians) have the same ceremony today, which they call the . _ . • i- u kjuu lilt- auli mt- I..W, V__ _______ _ -__ tual birth, admission into the dharma- waters, ’the wind, etc. They composed sangha (the fraternity of the faithful). This Gathas are linguistically contemporane ­ ous. ' 1000 BC for both the languages. me Verf.5 »jd S^ddtemdurin'g ceremonials io dre and though the Hindus have, at present *^uerned"bv order (rM) and truth (satya) accompaniment of music. But they had dropped it for girls, the Parsis have sti raTncepiio ”^^hS proXU back full realization of the oneness of God. die kept it for both. From that hme onwards. 40 Parsiana June 1997* cap the Aryan dvija could be recognized by a special dress. We find the relics of this among the Hindus in the yajnopavita (sa ­ cred thread), the mekhta (sacred girdle) and the sikha (tuft of hair on the top of the head), and among the Parsis in the sudreh (sacred shirt), the kusti (girdle) and the which covers the head. This great race, following the same ideals and observing the same ancient faith (Sanatana Dharma), lived as one people for many centuries. Then there came a division. Very probably, it arose in some dispute over religious matters, for certain ancient words relating to worship came ______ _ now to mean the exact opposite with one or by side ” wFth this the other of the two factions. The Hindus inverted the meaning of Asura (Ahura), and in their turn, the Iranians took the word (¦ evil, a demon. Yet Haoma (Sonia), Hvar (S var, Surya), Maongna (Mas, Candramas), Mithra (Mitra), Yima (Yama) and many others continued to be the ‘adorable ones ’ for both the divisions. Both branches also retained most of their ancient ceremonies and sacraments, as well as their social divisions and customs. In the course of the ages, the worship of the one r " ' (asurah, pita nah) was gradually forgotten J zj N • . ......... ........vuiaiiicu supreme 1 deva (daeva) in the sense of a power of and the good and the pious ftVll fl npmnn V/if zc --------\ tt . . . . Ahura-Mazda himself is supposed to have fire (atash) as his body and truth (arta-rta) as his soul and the supreme position of Ahura came to be occupied by certain minor deities. Side , ...2 noble Aryan path of Asha {ashahe pantao rtasya panthan) was also lost sight of. Old ways were given up; tyrants obtained supreme power over Iran ** I— _ - 1 -a t • - r —-»were oppressed. At such a crisis in the history of the Iranian race, the great teacher Zarathushtra came forth to teach again to the people the iulcv worship of Ahura Mazda and to point out himself anew the path of Asha. Zarathushtra revived the ancient teach ­ ing that there is but one God who is the creator of the whole universe. There is . none beside the creator Ahura Mazda- . „ back in Him at the end. This, m short, IS the cal renresentative of thP Hlvin. also lost sight of. Old ways were given up; as teaching. Zarathushtra strongly deprecated the worship of any other being, and he, as it were, removed at one stroke all other deities from the religion. Ahura Mazda is formless (like the Nirguna Brahman of the Hindus). And so there is only one way in which ordinary mortals may worship Him, or can even think of Him. That way is through His six great ‘as ­ pects, ’ which are called Amesha-Spentas (the holy immortals). They are Asha- Vaishta (Ardibehesht), Vohu-Mano (Bahman), Khshathra Vairya (Shahriyar), Spenta-Armaiti (Spendarmad), Haurvatat (Khordad) and Amertat (Amardad). These may also be called ‘emanations ’ or ‘rays ’ from the eternal source of all light, and they are indeed spoken of as such in the Gathas. They occupy the most important place in Zoroastrian theology. The aspir ­ ant has to develop along one of these at a time, and meditating on these successively, he integrates them, one by one, within The idea of Asha is deeply philosophi ­ cal, and is well above the grasp o. the average man. It is hard to meditate ¦ jor this abstraction, and the Prophet theiefore gave a symbol for Asha. Fire represents the cal representative of the divine emanation. MASTER MARINE SERVICES Surveyors Licence No: SLA 19207 Surveyors and Consultants Cnnt'i'n ’ Surveyors, Loss Assessors, Technical Consultants, Container Teiminal Superintendents and General Contractors, Container Repairers • Email; g-mms/s=bom/p=gems/a=vsnl/c=in Reefer Cargo/Container Surveyors 22/D, S.A. Brelvi Road, Fort, Mumbai 400(X)l Telex- Hi . Cable: 'MOORINGS’ telex. 118-2119 MMSB IN • Fax: 91-22-2870139 < " ¦ Internet: mms.bom@gems.vsnl.net.in AU J L . 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Please send detailed information with photograph (returnable) td: The Advertiser Parsiana, Matrimonial (June/18-97)* GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 ‘Please make sure the reply envelope bears the reference number cited here. Always remember a TATA BATA KHAMBATA u TO* e ol oJ \ / Ketayun & Botni 22/A, Wellington Terrace Wellington Street, Bombay 400002 Tel No: 2069636, 2057242 Pager No: 9602-104007 Cl 7 Cfiff A ¦¦ 11 _ 2? II. O M zi at home and pray him. Others who considered doing so were saddest years of our lives. She had been suffering from cancer for those three years. The chemotherapy sessions became night ­ mares that she came to dread. She would I JOIN In 1993, advocate G. M. Divekar under ­ took the task and the revised edition came out in 1996, less than a year before father handled things so differently. We could have let her lead a normal life, allowed her to get the maximum of joy out of those remaining years. In our belief that by sub ­ jecting her to a clinical regime we were prolonging her life, we deprived her of the essence of living. The day she died my father really died with her. He lost interest in everything, including his work. He would sit near the In his preface Divekar expresses with grace and humility the awe he felt at whether I have done justice to Mr Andhyarujina ’s work in revising it or low ­ ered its value. I have tried to do my best in my own way but within limitations of my and what is wrong about it? Borrowing the bed where she had died, sometimes parables or metaphors of that great master ' ‘-------* 1 walks very gracefully, does it mean others are not to walk? The kingly eagle goes hieh in the sky, does it mean the smaller house — only memories of happier times. birds are not to fly? 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Wanted old copies of the Shah Nameh in Persian Write to: The Advertiser (Shah Nameh) GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 48 Parsiana June 1997 - ¦ . CONCRETIZING DREAMS cently when he was appointed solicitor continued from page 38 general. Father ’s interest in living was ' revived. He recalled the astrologer who had predicted that he would become a leader of his profession and he kept telling his order of July 21, 1994 at 25 paise per everyone that he had fulfilled that proph- square foot per month, bringing in a sub- ecy through hi s son . 'When the long awaited stantial monthly income for the trust. The second edition of The Law of Rent Control dadgah, community hall and the rented came out in August 1996, there was again a little flicker of the candle. But these were brief interludes in a life which no longer held any interest. became advocate general, and very re ­ lessors (trustees), which shall not be unreasonably withheld. The lease rent has been fixed by the charity commissioner by square foot per month, bringing in a sub ­ flats in building No. 2 will remain under the ownership and management of the They were married without any thought for the morrow Mistry is to construct free of cost a separate structure to house a dadgah fire and a com­ munity hall Father had kept up his friendship with Homi Seervai all these years. Seervai had not married till he was settled in practice. , _ He was more than my father ’s friend — he later date. A proposal by Mistry s family was his guiding star. Our earliest memo- members to name it the “Bomanji Jamasji ries of him are those of his doing what he Mistry Baug, ” to perpetuate the memory called “the birdie whistle ” when we were of their late father who was himself a children, which would set us off into peals reputed builder, is pending consideration To facilitate the purchase of flats by the not-so-well-off. Contractor and other trust ­ ees suggest that Zoroastriati trusts or donors can help young people purchase ownership Salsette Parsis Association. The entire complex will be given a suitable name at a members to name it the “Bomanji Jamasji of their late father who was himself a of laughter. He and his wife Feroza proved by ^e trustees, their true worth as friends when my mother "" died, and my father was shattered. Week after week, on a fixed day they would come to see him and sit with him, which had en veloped him. My father would might otherwise find difficult to r^se from often sit silently, occasionally uttering monosyllables, his mind and heart and soul far away. But they never gave up. Till the day Seervai died, they continued to visit him and, after he died, his wife Feroza did the same. When Seervai died, we were afraid to . upset the fragile balance already disturbed April 15, 1997 of retired charity commis- by my mother ’s death by giving Father the sioner K. M. Desai to the effect that one can news. He had known Seervai even longer get the trust deed amended or a new scheme . • a « . . 1 1 * . _ 4.1— ,^1/1 /“I /Tl/“I O For a community which has over the years come to expect the benefits of hous ­ ing, the Salsette Society will be one more private locale, a cosy retreat close to, yet in heaven, there must have been one grand cut off from the madding crowds of one when my father joined his friend, and Bombay. To date, the Bombay Parsi Pun- the heavens must still be resounding with chayet s (BPP) Godrej Baug at Napean their unfinished debates! Sea Road, as per BPP joint secretary Pervez I think of my parents as a pair of soldiers Aibara, has approximately 500 flats, while fighting the battles of life against all odds; the largest colony of the Wadia Charities is my father the leader and my mother his reportedly Cusrow Baug with 550 apart- lieutenant — more often questioning than ments. The Salsette complex, when ready obeying him. The battles stopped when his by the turn of the century , will be not just beloved lieutenant was no more. I like to one more cluster of buildings but a secure thinkthatthey are together now, each fulfilled inheritance for future generations of once again, after the brief separation. Zoroastrians. trying to divert his mind from the grief premises by offering them a loan which they banks and financial institutions, as the pledg ­ ing of flats for Zoroastrians only is not acceptable to them. In the alternative, the trusts can themselves purchase the flat and give it to the needy and deserving in the form of a mortgage till the loan amount is repaid. Contractor quotes the written opinion of sioner K. M. Desai to the effect that “one can by my mother ’s death by giving Father the thaThe harknoVn my mother. Their bond settled in case there are old trust deeds. ’ was as strong. In the end we decided to tell him that Seervai had gone to England to be with his daughter Meher who was a doctor, since he was not well. If there are reunions one when my father joined his friend, and Bombay. To date, the Bombay Pun- Sea Road, as per BPP joint secretary Pervez fighting the battles of life against all odds; lieutenant — more often questioning than ments. The Salsette complex, when ready one more cluster of buildings but a secureBOOKS « More on The Parsis cultural practices. Though a chapter like the “Domestic Life of the Parsis ” does give information on community customs as re ­ gards births, navjote and marriage, the book is distinctly different from say. Sir J. J. Modi ’s equally seminal work. The Reli­ gious Ceremonies and Customs of the most interesting ones, remained to be pub- Parsis. The latter is a detailed account of lished, and possibly even translated! our ceremonies, a kind of modern do-it- The indomitable Jeroo Mango borrowed yourself manual. Menant ’s work, on the the original French work from Prof Boyce, other hand, is an outsider ’s look at the and set her husband the arduous task of community, meticulously delineating the translating the remaining five chapters into practices as spelt out in the community ’s The Parsis is a handsome book, well turned English. Anthony Mango, a Greek from scriptures and commentaries, but supple- out, sober in its outlook, though not lack ­ ing in witticisms and self-criticism. Contrary to what the contents page leads one to believe, the book is not a ponderous docu ­ mentation of the com ­ munity ’s lifestyle and religious practices in the 19th century. A cen ­ tury-old seminal text on the community ’s mores and morals, it is erudite in its format, yet enter ­ taining in its fashioning. It is informative, yetsea- ringly introspective. An English transla ­ tion of Delphine Me ­ nant ’s work originally published in French Parsis, their funerals, the punchayet, edu- in 1898, The Parsis traces the history of the community from its early days in Iran to sphere of commerce, literature and public ger) reads the vidhi-na-lekh (child ’s des- the exodus to India, and its survival in its homeland and in India. The first two vol ­ umes of the book were published in 1992 tury, but by holding up a mirror to the based on an extant translation by M. M. Murzban, advocate and scion of the Murzban family associated for years with peruse the chapters as he pleases: the Jam-e-Jamshed. (However, as claimed like a chameleon the book j by Jal H. A. Vakil, the translation was not changes to meet his requirements. J by Murzban but by his paternal aunt If he seeks facts as ahistory-buff, 1 Ratanbai ArdesirVakil.) The volumes were there ’s enough to satisfy him. If, serendipitously discovered by Jeroo Mango however, he cares to go beyond (nee Bilimoria), a bookseller with a chain the skein, the book unravels — of bookstores named Danai, who decided without being didactic — fresh ____ . to bring the rich cultural heritage of her insights that account for the iJLT iTWM community to light and inspire the younger community ’s survival and growth Mango: faithful generation of Zoroastrians. over the past millennium despite Prof Mary Boyce, who read in Parsiana being so small in number. The beauty of lating them to give the reader a very fine of Jeroo Mango ’s decision to reprint the ~ 1917 English edition of Menant ’s work, informed the astonished Mangos that the community ’s multi-layered psyche through the holy texts. Once again the text is inter- first two volumes covered only the first its checkered history and customs. spersed with accounts of funerals. It is three chapters of Menant ’s book. Les Par- sis. Five other chapters, and probably the history book, or a tome of social and Homi J. Rogers The Parsis — Volume III by Delphine Menant. Translated from the French by Anthony D. Mango. Published in 1996 by Danai, Mangalsmruti, 14th Road, Khar Danda Road, Khar, Bombay 400052. Pps: xii + 364. Price: Rs 600. THE PARSIS Constantinople, has spent close to 60 years mented by eye-witness accounts of these in India. In touch with practices as observed by travelers, diarists, the Zoroastrian commu ­ nity courtesy his “ad ­ diction to booze, ” which invariably members of father, Joachim, himself an Orientalist of the Zoroastrian commu- repute. The work hence crosses the woof nity sold to him during of custom with the warp of history, and his outstation postings embroiders a fabric that weaves in domes- in India, Anthony ticity with dogma, sarcasm with sacra- Mango complied. And ments. so it is that the Mangos have come to present, for the first time in En ­ glish, a fine record of the hospital “which offers the finest facili- various facets of the ties... with the most exacting standards of Zoroastriancommunity, comfort and hygiene ” along with customs The five chapters in at the birth of a child in a Zoroastrian this volume deal with household. The ceremonies include nama the domestic life of the karana, a rite with no Zoroastrian prayers attached to it. Menant ’s rollicking account cation, and prominent Zoroastrians in the of this ceremony where the Joshi (astrolo- and individuals interested in Zoroastria ­ nism who have either recorded their views, or spoken of them to Menant and her The “Domestic Life ” chapter hence tells the tale of Dr Temulji Nariman who set up with his wife and collaborators a inaternity service. The chapters not only tell of life tiny) at which the “men quietly laugh and customs as practiced in the last cen- among themselves, while the women are satisfied with the Joshi’s right-on-target community, they guide it out of its past replies ” lend an informal ease to the book into the future. The reader may SB 49 Parsiana June 1997 a while simultaneously prodding one to ponder “these antiquated habits which progress is bound to abolish. ” But has it? The horoscope is stHl cast today, and many Zoroastrian ( children are named after the I configuration of stars they are I born under. I In a similar vein, Menant writes about funerals, quoting from the scriptures and trans- The Parsis is that it can be read and re-read understanding of the Zoroastrian concept to glean from it an understanding of the of death and life beyond as interpreted by To that effect The Parsis is not just a interesting to learn of the exorbitant ex ­ penses incurred for a funeral which, in theUte 18th century, included buying new shoes for the pallbearers, and 1,500 banana leaves for the banquet laid out for guests, friends, relatives and servants to mourn the deceased. The book hence records the con ­ tinuity in the community ’s customs and organizations. The centuries-old practice of dokhmenashini is still observed, but fortunately some of the customs associ ­ ated with funerals have been interred. One area in which the community has greatly changed its view is the function of the punchayet. From being an arbiter and guardian of the morals and private lives of coreligionists, it has evolved to the role of a custodian of its funds and properties. For the reader who would like to take time off to reflect, the chapter on punchayets supplies ample fodder. The punchayet, Menant informs us, was responsible in the early years for dissolving marriages, bringing to task errant husbands who took on a second wife, punishing loose women —at times ghoulishly — and even ensuring that conspicuous expenses were not incurred. In the last case, the punchayet chastised the sister of a distinguished member of the community, Hormasji Bo- manji Wadia, for openly transgressing the rules. The last hundred pages or so are dedi ­ cated to Parsis asserting their influence on commerce, the literary movement and political life of contemporary India. Thumbnail sketches of some of the distin ­ guished members of the community are given. Significantly, while many believe that the best of Parsi talent blossomed in the past hundred years (Dadabhai Naoroji, Pherozeshah Mehta, Jamsetjee Tata), Menant makes a striking comment that commercially the community had already started to decline by the time honors and recognition were poured on it. She then proceeds to give reasons for this decline, delving into the Parsi “failure to respond ” to changes in time and the swing of events. Arguable though her view may be, it pro ­ vides some thought on why the community lost out on trade (with China) because of “their traditional ways, ” and its almost recalcitrant attitude to changing roles from middleman to principal. The sun, it seems, had already set on the Parsi empire when members of its community continued to bask in the glory of their forefathers and think it was yet mid-day. Nevertheless, the chapter has many a stirring tale to cheer the cockles of a Zoroastrian heart, right from the 10th cen ­ tury when the Parsis practised commerce near Khambhat to the time when Sir Jam- setji Jejeebhoy joined and expanded his uncle ’s business and built a fortune for himself, a sizeable portion of which he and his successors disbursed to charity. Menant ’s book outlines the pioneering roles played by the community, be it in commerce or journalism (the oldest surviv ­ ing newspapers in India, the Mumbai Samachar and the Jam-e-Jamshed, were both started by Parsis). In the forefront of education for girls were Behramji Malabari, Sorabji Bengali and Manakji Kharshedji. In industry Kavasji Davar set up the first cotton mill in the country and the Wadia family were master shipbuilders. The indi ­ vidual triumphs are interlaced with tales of romance: the second Baronet of the Jejeebhoy family married a girl he saw first as a child at his father ’s “sumptuous mansion ” and waited for her to grow up; with tales of pathos: Bai Motlibai Manakji Wadia, widowed at the age of 26, admin ­ istered her immense fortune indepen ­ dently, while living a strictly orthodox and private life, and donating monies munificently. And even sundry tales of intrigue... Mango ’s translation, though, reads a bit labored, but one supposes that he has been extremely faithful to the original text. In a manner this is appropriate, for if rendered sure FOR ALL THOSE WHO STILL BELIE VE THAT equality IS A BASIC TENET OF ZOROASTRIANISM The Association of Inter-Married Zoroastrians would like to make that the rights of inter-married Parsis are not compromised. We would welcome your support — whether or not you are inter-married. Formed in 1991 with a view to ensuring that Zoroastrian Parsis married to non-Parsis are not deprived ofjheir rights, GINGER GROUP” or have not, as many of our supporters feel, been inactive. We have always maintained that we are a treated alike. The number of inter-married Parsis is already substantial, and growing almost daUy, and our efforts are ruimcu 111 WlUl a VltiW LVJ LHUV - ------------ -------------------- ------------------------- X . -- the Association of Inter-Married Zoroastrians has, for the last five years, been steadily working towards this goal. We T 1 _1________ __ ____1 „ 4. 1 J .wrz^ TP” i catalyst and not a militant association. But our very presence reinforces our stand that Parsi men and women should be treated alike. The number of inter-married Parsis is already substantial, and growing almost daUy, and our efforts are geared towards ensuring that one day they will not be discriminated against in matters regarding rights to worship, rights to death ceremonies and, above all, the right to bring up their children in the Zoroastrian faith. Subtle changes towards these ends are already taking place and we are doing our utmost to make sure that these steps are carried on. We do, however need the active support of our well-wishers to help us move towards equality in the true Zoroastrian tradition. Contact us for membership details at A.I.M.Z., P.O. Box No. 16170, Malabar Hill, Bombay 400006. 50 Parsiana June 1997 Imodern idiom it could confuse __ __ _ the “contemporary period ” referred to is of the past centu^. This way betroth- " and instead of in a more ^he reader, as IheTorkYas a feel of the 19th century, even if phrases like “precocious tetr- als ” instead of “child engagements ” “primo, secundo, and tertio ’ instea ‘firstly, secondly and thirdly, ” or a^crisper (a), (b) and (c) are is fairly large and legible (just around 350 words a page), and the footnotes have been banished from their homestead to be .inlikp in the first two volumes where up like a Doy . Murzban ’sobservalionsattimesoccupietl a larger section of .be page Utan .be .ex. “ another example of the dire need for edu- vauvii Hi _ response of parents, teachers and others / Sensitivity to sexuaiity Kalindi S. Muzumdar making in daily matters, e.g. smoking and other addictions, building self-confidence and media fantasies are dealt in a simple and practical manner. In the chapter on repro ­ ductive organs, current top ­ ics which intrigue the j youngsters are explained, such as test tube babies, artificial insemination, ‘X’ I and ‘Y’ chromosomes and I multiple births. I The chapter on “Prepa ­ ration of marriage ” dis ­ cusses pertinent issues of singleness, dowry and con ­ traceptive methods. Illus ­ trations of tubectomy and \ ascctomy leave no ambi ­ guities in the reader ’s mind. In fact all the illustrations in this book could be used by teachers and other professionals for mak- With the growing menace of atrocities against women such as eve-teasing, mo- (1 eiioris arc lypu- lestation and rape, it is most appropriate ......—continuity and that a chapter should be devoted to this lULllV ail Vi iwvix — ---------- ’ knr CTIliHp.lineS tO mtegration. Moreover'““1 with sexual bartisment. sex education and not on human sexuaiiiy. Hence the book Education in Human Sexuality written by Dhun Panthaki and published by the Family Planning Asso ­ ciation of India, is a veritable boon to •------ of 23 Education in Human Sexuality —A Sourcebook For Educators by Dhun Panthaki. Published in 1997 by the Family Planning Association of used’How^ver.theprint India, Bajal Bhavan. Nariman Point. Bombay ------- 400021. Pp:xii+270. Price: Rs 180 + Rs 20 for postage. (Over­ seas; $20). Education Human Sexuality A SOURCEBOOK FOR EDUCATORS*^ section of the page than the text wv-vl ___ J observation is that Mpnant ’s work, though unanimously ac- .,i.,;,^,.^kvQs,va>ntsandDractitionersofthe with such question the toilets of schools is yet faith alike was written by her without RPttine foot in India. In an age of scepti ­ cism and eye-witness journalism, tenant s anothe r e xamp le o i book could be regarded as a blinkered cation in sexuamy version of the community and its customs. It is hence doubly unfortunate for us that Murzban ’s version with his copious notes is missing. As it stands. The Parsis, espe ­ cially the volume under review, provides a fine record — albeit bookish and handed- j(,vvn — of the traditions of our ancestors. EUJUVJ 111 - ------------------------ JU illustrations in this book could be used by Most adults shun this responsibility and nass on the buck to others. A few make the . i effort to impart sex education to their against women It is hence doubly unfortunate for us that Murzban ’s version with his copious notes is missing. As it stands. The Parsis, espe ­ cially the volume under review, provides a fine record — albeit bookish and handed- j(,vvn — of the traditions of our ancestors, and a sympathetic understanding of why these traditions existed and evolved. The Parsis is a fine attempt by an out ­ sider at holding up the mirror to the coin- munity. The face of the Parsi comes smil- incr through warts and all. The publica- lion, lavishly produced by Danai, is a fine years „„ collector ’s item, with tts “tlkntcSbution to this field, black-and-white Photo^phs, f concept of sexu- ality in the Indian context and gives a ¦ti;rb ”ook ’S hack cover was raised as a ^^J-X^^^^'oSSnKn^ng '‘'f® ‘’lHbeThZs ‘’goinrta to urban, middle and upper income groups. ,ans.Itisavoluminoustome ^^o stodd and methodology for imparting such edu ­ cation comprehensively . It talks about sexu- the buck to others. A few make the ' ¦. education to their children/students but such efforts are spo ­ radic and lack sequence. such as eve-teasing, mo ­ traditions existed and evolved. Hence the book Education in Human published by the Family Planning Asso- educators. Based on her experience - of teaching this subject to children stambh featured ality in th, holistic view ;. Panthaki has given guidelines to deal with sexual harassment. The author has also included a chapter on the sexual abuse of children and the precautions to be taken by them. Teachers could use this for role ­ plays so as to help children gain confi ­ dence in handling such situations. In the context of the AIDS invasion, information on Sexu ­ ally Transmitted Dis- gently needed.. The table which gives the symptoms, modes of transmission and consequences of neglect. With regards to AIDS a number of com ­ monly asked questions are answered. The social aspects of AIDS are sensitively de- to how picted. The various myths and misconceptions Incidentally, the Sanjan on ----- - 1 »< result of a suggestion made by Menant. Yet, ( chances are Parsis will be ] many Zoroastrians ---------- . Which begs to be read seated at a table in 7rirt ’lt ’s worth the trouble, however, ev ­ ery page of it. And though it stretches to almost 400 pages, the entire book can be Xb'pr'^hawm^ns XtX\XnS”Xc;i^^^^ however S/ The author has given the general p^h scJ J^^^a^on m^inh.y^ difficult and laborious a task, would have ' greatly added to the value of the book. • deference to its spine and the reader s wrist It ’s worth the trouble, however, ev ­ ery page of it. And though it stretches to almost 400 pages, the entire book can be conveniently read in five to six hours. Hvvo vii -------------- r J and methodology for imparting such edu- Cvvavo________ r- ality from the womb to adulthood. The book gives suggestions as ' at. the school level, beginning nursery class and continued in the college *_ _____ traits and behavior patterns of various age- groups. Important topics such as decision- Panthaki: teacliiii^. cases (STD) is ur ­ gently needed., Inc various STD are presented in the form of a table which gives the symptoms, modes of transmission and consequences of neglect. With regards to AIDS a number of com ­ monly asked questions are answered. The iwv. initiated The various myths and misconcepuuus educauon sexuality should be intUated related to human sexuality, methodology continued on page 56 st Parsiana June 1997t MILESTONES This issue of Parsiana presents data for the months of May and June 1997. The age of Zoroastrian brides (as listed in this issue) ranged between 18 and 60 years, the arithmetic mean (the total number of individual ages divided by the total number of brides) being 27 years. The corresponding figures for the grooms were 22 and 64 years, averaging at 31 years. There were 39 births as against 139 deaths in Bombay during the two month period. Thirty-four Zoroastrians of whom 15 were above the age of 80, fell prey to the major killer, heart disease. Cancer took a toll of 19 lives whereas 17 patients succumbed to pneumonia and lung related diseases. Old age/ general debility and brain disease claimed eight victims each. The other killers were diabetes (seven), kidney failure (six), liver disease (four), hypertension, anemia and accidents (three each) and Par- AHMEDABAD MARRIED Ferzeen Kavina, daughter of Nargish and Farokh, and Sarosh Vesuna of Baroda, son of late Jerbanu and Minocher on May 10, 1997 DIED Maneck Patel (55), wife of Eruch; May 24 AHMEDNAGAR DIED Roda Sarosh Nagarwala (86), mother of Mana, Behram and Avan; May 24 BOMBAY BORN A boy, Huvakhsh, to Pinaz and Rohinton Mahuvawala-, January 24 A boy to Anahita and Behram Tafti-, May 1 A girl to Benaifer and Behzad Bhola-, May 3 A boy to Ava and Jamshed Lalkaka-, May 3 A girl to Minaz and Jimmy Maneckshah', May 4 A boy to Farhana and Jimmy Shroff, May 4 A girl to Shemaz and Zulfiquar Tyebjee-, May 4 kinson’s disease, bed sores, hemi ­ plegia, leukemia and bronchitis (two each). There were 16 isolated cases registered for the two month period — gout, urinary tract infec­ tion, obstruction of gall stones, septicemia, malarial fever, gastric ulcer, fever, gastroenteritis, me­ conium aspiration syndrome, tuberculosis, haematemesls, para­ lysis, osteoporosis, cachexia, high blood pressure and hypovolumic shock. In the case of one death, the coroner’s report was still pending. A two-month-old baby boy and five youths, aged 18, 28, 31, 36 and 38 respectively, were also lost to the community. The eldest to breathe his last was a 99-year-old male as compared to the youngest: a two-day-old baby. The Zoroas­ trian life expectancy at birth, in Bombay, for the two month period was 73 years. The data on births, marriages and deaths has been compiled from information supplied by various newsletters and anjumans in India A boy, Aashdin, to Zenobia and Khushnood Viccaji-, May 5 A boy, Arjun Arash, to Rukshna and Devinder Kishore-, May 6 A boy to Amy and Cyrus Rustom-, May 6 A boy to Farida and Kerman Bodhanwala-, May 7 A girl to Mrudangi and Behruz Khushrushahi-, May 13 A girl, Parendim, to Havovi and Pervez Daruwala-, May 19 A girl, Zelina, to Freny and Naozer Wankadiya-, May 23 A boy to Kashmira and Kurush Daruwalla-, May 25 A girl to Mashanta and Kambysis Romani-, May 27 A girl to Shakuntala and Farhad Kerawalla-, May 28 A boy to Jasmine and Viraf Daruwala-, June 1 A boy to Khurshid and Kayomarz Irani-, June 1 A boy, Arshish, to Shireen and Kurush Jungalwala, brother to Atiyaan; June 3 Twins (girls) to Avan and Jahangir Mistry-, June 7 A boy to Amy and Urvaksh Nariman-, June 7 A girl to Amavaz and Parvaz Pochkhanawala-, June 7 A girl to Shemaz and Sammy Marfatia-, June 8 and abroad, courts and hospitals. This information is not always complete or consistent; we are unable to carry data from areas where the anjumans do not furnish the particulars; the birth figures for Bombay are supplied by four hospitals — births in suburban hospitals and private nursing homes are not included unless individuals send us information together with a copy of the birth certificate. There may be an inadvertent repetition of names in the marriage list when a civil marriage precedes a religious ceremony. In the breakup of deaths according to illnesses, especially of the elderly, death is often due to a combination of several di­ seases. If readers have any births/ marriages/deaths they would like published, some proof to ensure the veracity of the report would be required. We are sure our readers would appreciate this requirement and cooperate with us. A boy to Anahita and Faroukh Pirozmand', June 8 A girl to Tanaz and Rohinton Patrawala-, June 9 A boy to Dilshad and Ruzbeh Gandhi-, June 10 A girl to Parizad and Pourushsp Dumasia-, June 11 A girl to Dilnavaz and Vispi Pardiwalla-, June 11 A boy, Meherab, to Meher and Farhad Engineer, June 12 A girl to Parveen and Jehangir Tankariwala-, June 12 A girl to Shiraz and Rohin Mehta-, June 16 A boy to Banoo and Maneck Udwadia-, June 19 A girl to Miriam and Dorpo Chaudhary-, June 23 A boy to Benaifer and Feroze Mehta-, June 24 A boy to Khushnam and Rohinton Polishwala-, June 24 A girl, Sheherezade, to Mahatab and Khushru Randelia-, June 25 A boy to Shireen and Kayomerd Cooper, June 26 A girl to Anahita and Burjis Mehta-, June 26 MARRIED Anaita Sorab Irani and Roomi Dara Madon; March 2 Veera Khushru Kapadia and Sarosh Noshir Sethna-, April 26 Pervin Sam Malbarwalla and Rumy Murzban Bhesania-, April 27 Havovi Soli Bharucha and Pourasp Sam Parekh-, April 27 Ruzbe Minocher Aibara of Vasai and Zarir Kersi Shroff-, April 28 Avan Homi Sethna and Jehangir Rusi Dalal-, May 1 Aban Rustom Mistry and Dallas Adi Printer, May 1 Ruzin Farrokh Mehta and Jal Rumi Master of Bangalore; May 3 Shernaz Fredoon Mistry and Jamshed Keki Mistry-, May 4 Shiraz Phiroze Dordi and Ketfegar Aspi Bajina of Wembley, Middlesex; May 5 Veera Kekobad Doongriwalla and Dorab Dhunjishaw Randeria-, May 7 Jesmine Rumi Ghadially and Neville Keki Gandhi-, May 8 Jasmine Noshir Nadirshaw and Shavir Sheriar Irani of Deolali; May 9 Dilnavaz Pirojshaw Minbatiwalla and Eruch Framroz Khurody-, May 9 Armin Noshir Sahiar and Minoo Firoz Damania-, May 10 Bakhtawar Khushroo Chhayela and Husheder Phiroze Daruwalla-, May 11 Khushnum Hoshang Daruwalla and Zubin Behram Sidhwa-, May 11 Farzana Aspandiar Irani of Dahanu Rd and Farhad Yezdi Irani of Belgaum; May 13 Rukhshana Darayas Batty and Boorzeen Murzban Dantra-, May 16 Daisy Hector Cavina and Homyar Phiroze Katrak-, May 16 Mahafarin Noshir Namerian and Mehemosh Sarosh Aryana of Kalyan; May 19 Farzana Noshir Bharucha and Adil Nader Dastoor, May 19 Benaaz Dinyar Gadiwalla ahd Rayomand Khushrow Irani-, May 19 Parizad Parvez Singaporewala and Khushru Feroze Sudry-, May 19 Anaheita Keki Daruwalla and Arshish Cyrus Kapadia of Austin, Texas; May 22 Nazneen Rusi Engineer and Meheriar Goody Pateb, May 22 Pearl Dhunjishaw Billimoria and Farrokh Tehmurasp Pavri-, I » 52 Parsiana June 19979 May 22 Renaz Adi Irani of Baroda and Burzin Esfandiar Atashband of Hyderabad; May 25 Juhu, 400049; May 6 Feroz Behramji Morena (66), F. S. Parukh Dharamshalla, Hughes Rd, 400007; May 6 Mehroo Framji (79), 3, Kanti Apts, Mount Mary Rd, Bandra, 400050; May 7 Homae Darabshaw Sepoy (91), A/6-6, Jeevan Shanti, Sagar Soc, Lie Clny, Borivali (W), 400103; May 7 Naval Burjorji Baria (14), M/17, Nowroz Baug, Lalbaug, 400012; May 8 Phiroze Dadabhoy Nagamwala (50), E-3/16, Krupa Ngr, S. V. Rd, Ida, 400056; May 8 Thritie Gev Vevaina (78), 803/C, Shri Laxmi Bhuvan, Dr Ambedkar Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; May 8 ; Rashna Boman Mody and i Dinshaw Sarosh Balsara', I May 25 Havovi Maneckshaw Karanjia and Firdaus Minoo Rabadv, May 29 Manijeh Sheriyar Tadwalla and Behram Savakshaw Gamir; June 1 Rukshana Kersi Khambatta and Hoshang Behram Bhagwagar, June 3 Shanam Jamshedjee Itchhaporia and Aspi Burjor Patel', June 12 Farida Pallan Ichaporia of Womelsdorf, Pennsylvania and Berjes Eric Shroff, June 15 ...... ........................ Firoza Framroz Shroff and Dady Piroja Merwanjee th tt.j . r Workingboxwalla (81), RH-2, D-2, Sector 7, Vashi, Navi Mumbai, 400703; May 8 Bapsy Hoshang Bharucha (65), Press Hse, 36, Adi Marzban Path, 299, Shahid Bhagat Singh Rd, Fort, 400038; May 9 Jalan Framroze Jokhi (84), 9/9, Rustom Baug, Victoria Rd, Byculla, 4(X)027; May 9 Zarin Homiar Vachha (59), 9, Naoroji Hse, Naigaum Cross Rd, Dadar, 400014; May 9 Khorshed Fall Kumana (77), 55, Ganga Vihar, C Rd, Marine Drive, 400020; May 10 Jerbanoo Cohyar Coyajee (80), Dil-khush, 40, B. G. Kher Marg, Malabar Hill, 400006; May 12 Ardeshir Burjorji Bhathena (63), Danawala Bldg, Dr S. S. Rao Rd, Lalbaug, 400012; May 13 Jer Adi Dhondy (82), R/2, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039; May 13 Ratan Maneck Dastoor (36), 501, Bhagwati, 68, Yaari Rd, Versova, 400061; May 14 Perin Jamshed Dubash (85), C/o F. E. Kapadia, Y, Cama Park, Cama Rd, Andheri (W), 400058; May 14 Noshir Jehangirji Gagrat (70), 721, Batliwalla Bldg, Dinsha Master Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; May 14 Zarin Rustomji Marfatia (43), 11, Kiron Hsg Soc, Caesar Rd, Amboli, Andheri, 400050; May 14 Jamshed Nanabhoy Marshall (97), 32, Zenia Abad, L. D. Ruparel Cross Rd, Malabar Hill, 400006; May 15 Banoo Sorabji Jassawalla (84), A, Botawalla Bldg, Tardeo Rd, Jhangoo Mody, June 16 DIED Mani Boman Bhagalia (11), Malbari Bldg, New Khareghat Clny, 400007; May 1 Aimai Darabshaw Mistry (66), 14/F, China Hse, 1st Carpenter St, Opp Mazgaon Docks, 400010; May 1 Perin Meherwan Mowdawalla (18), Batliwalla Villa, Sleater Rd, Grant Rd, 400007; May 1 Behram Ardeshir Jasumoney (85), M/25, Nowroz Baug, Lalbaug, 400012; May 2 Hilla Pirojshaw Bacha (1\), Al(5, Nowroz Baug, Lalbaug, 400012; May 3 Dhanjishah Bapuji Gauard (11), Saraswati Sadan No 5, Navgha Rd, Bhayander (E), Dist Thane, 401105; May 3 Banoo Jal Mistry (81), 13, Hendre Bldg, 8, Sleater Rd, Grant Rd, 400007; May 3 Soonu Phiroze Patel (38), C/4, Namaskar Soc, Near Poonam Ngr, M. C. Rd, Andheri (E), 400093; May 3 Jal Framroze Dastoor (82), 12, Florencia, 299, Off Turner Rd, Bandra, 40(X)50; May 4 Shavak Naoroji Kotwal (90), 404/A, Poonam Apts, Dr Annie Besant Rd, Worli, 400018; May 4 Shavak Phirozsha Unvala (92), Clo Naazneen Kutar, 785/B, Readymoney Bldg, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; May 4 Amavaz Homi Udwadia (75), 4/5, Panthaky Baug, Andheri (E), 400069; May 5 Shapoor Burjor Katrak (IQ), 1, Jehangir Baug, Juhu Tara Rd, 400007; May 16 Mehroo Pallonji Mistry (75), ! Yusuf Manzil, Kasinath Rd, Tardeo, 400034; May 16 Rusi Bomanshaw Mistry (67), XII/3, Godrej Qtrs (E), Creekside, Vikhroli, 400079; May 16 Erachshaw Merwanji Bhathena (69), M/14, Nowroz Baug, Lalbaug, 400012; May 17 Shavaksha Meherwanji Mistry (J5), M/10, Nowroz Baug, Lalbaug, 400012; May 17 Wahuman Darayus Mistry (2 mths), 26, Old Khareghat Clny, Hughes Rd, 400007; May 17 Rasna Jal Ruttonsha (Al), Eden Hall, Dr Annie Besant Rd, 400018; May 17 Khorshed Marzban Bhesania (62), Room no 11, 51, Contractor Bldg, Byculla, 400027; May 18 Dinamai Behramsha Deboo (83), 629/B, Rus-Meher, A. Homavazir Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; May 19 Roda Jehangir Khodaiji (82), C, Station Ter, Grant Rd, 400007; May 19 Dadabhai Rustomji Adagara (78), Sagitorium, Malcolm Baug, Jogeshwari, 400102; May 20 Dilshad Noshir Khan (28), A/2, Sir Ratan Tata Block no 7, Tardeo, 400034; May 20 Jehangir Khurshedji Mistry (84), 2/G, Jamal Manzil, 14th Rd, Bandra, 400050; May 20 Phiroze Bomanshaw Mody (78), 9, Old Khareghat Clny, Hughes Rd, 400007; May 20 Aloo Maneck Langrana (70), 1/31, A. H. Wadia Baug, Parel Tank Rd, 400033; May 22 Roshni Jehan Godiwalla (83), 41, Casa Grande, Little Gibbs Rd, Malabar Hill, 400006; May 23 Bomi Framroz Hilloo (71), Mahomadi Minar, Khetwadi, 14th Lane, 400004; May 24 Rustom Framroze Papa (93), Godiwala Bglw, 5, Mount Mary Rd, Bandra, 40(X)50; May 24 Putla Behram Patel (82), 24, 135/A, Aziz Bldg, Tardeo Rd, 400034; May 24 Phiroze Meherjee Bharucha (88), 5, St James Court, 206, Marine Drive, 400020; May 25 Phiroz Behramji Chinoy (72), 16/B, Keval Mhl, Marine Drive, 400020; May 25 Minoo Jal Crawford (85), 17, M. J, Pandey Sanatorium, Wodehouse Rd, Colaba, 400005; May 26 Sheroo Mukarram Sukhla (53), 8, Daulat, 31/D, Colaba Rd, 400005; May 26 Shapurji Mehllashah Khandhadia (65), C/o B. M. Khandhadia, 10, Dinshaw Bldg, Parsi Agiary Compd, Parsi Gali, Kalyan, 421301; May 27 Behramji Nusserwanjee Jussawalla (99), Jal Bglw, Sanjan Poultry Farm, Sanjan, Dist Valsad, 396150; May 28 Aloo Nadershah Kotwal (75), Kotwal Hse, Sleater Rd, 400007; May 28 Hufriz Rohinton Panday (46) 801, Coover Villa, Jame Jamshed Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; May 28 Tehmurushp Rustomji Bhamgara (68), Room no 5, K/2, Avabai Petit Lane, Balaram St, 400007; May 29 Perin Noshir Pochkhanawala (16), Buena Vista, Pochkhanawala Rd, Worli, 400025; May 29 Gool Jamshed Paliwalla (84), 2/B, Empire Ter, N. Petit St 400007; May 30 Roshan Homi Daruwalla (66), C/27, Jer Baug, Dr Ambedkar Rd, Byculla, 400027; May 31 Burjor Maneckshaw Mistry (86), 14/5, Rustom Baug, Victoria Rd, Byculla, 400027; May 31 Mehru Behram Panthaky (60), Room no 2, 17, Rustomji Bldg, Sleater Rd, Grant Rd, 400007; May 31 Gool Minoo Khambatta (58), 1/22, A. H. Wadia Baug, Parel Tank Rd, 400033;June 1 Keki Edalji Modi (81), 9, Mithaiwalla Mans, 12th Khetwadi Lane, 400004; June 1 Gave Tehmurasp Nanavati (18), 9/3, New Sarvottham Soc, Near Hanuman Temple, S. V. Rd, Andheri, 400058; June 1 Soli Hormusji Daruwalla (81), 11, Hormuzd Bldg, Sleater Rd, Grant Rd, 400007; June 2 Burjor Rustomji Engineer (94), 20, Khareghat Clny, Hughes Rd, 400007;June 4 Banoo Mahiyar Irani (92), C-6, Sangam Bhavan, Opp Strand Cinema, Colaba, 400005; June 4 Rati Keki Elavia (68), P-216, Godrej Park, Barave, Kalyan (W), 421301; June 5 Hoshang Framroze Gutta (70), 638, Mancherji Joshi Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; June 5 Jehangir Boman Irani (86), 17, 53 Parsiana June 1997Jehangir Mans, Next to Metro Cinema, Dhobitalao, 400002; June 5 Tehmi Keki Mistry (11), B/11, Tardeo Chmbs, Kashinath Rd, Tardeo, 400034; June 5 Nariman Pirojshah Thakraji (91), P. F. Pimenta’s Hse, B. P. Rd, Charai, Thane, 400601; June 5 Shapurji Rustomji Balsara (96), B, Wassiamul Bldg, Shaukatali Rd, 400007; June 6 Nariman Navroji Bhathena (78), A/18, Godrej Baug, Off Nepean Sea Rd, 400006; June 6 Bapai Burjor Dalal (85), H/2, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039; June 6 Homai Jehanbux Ghadiali (78), A, Kanti Apts, Mount Mary Rd, Bandra, 400050; June 6 Roshan Ratanshaw Ghadiali (91), G/27, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039; June 6 Adil Shapurji Batliwala (80), Sharifa Mans, S. G. Rd, Dadar, 400014; June 7 Firoz Merwanji Berdi (11), Patanwala Mhl, Connought Rd, Victoria Garden, 400027; June 7 Piroja Faroukh Irani (78), 17, Parel Hse, Opp K. E. M. Hosp, Parel, 400012; June 7 Piroja Pirojsha Bharucha (88),- P-37, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039;June 8 Baby of Firuzi Aftab Meherhomji (2 days), B/204, Ahuna Divecha Blocks, Charai, Thane (W), 400601; June 8 Cawas Dosabhoy Bhagwagar (78), D/14, Rustom Baug, Victoria Rd, Byculla, 400027; June 9 Manijeh Kaikashru Irani (72), Gholvad, Tai Dahanu, Thane, 401702; June 9 Peshotan Shiavux Daver (86), B/14, Shapur Baug, V. Patel Rd, 400004; June 10 Roshan Nawshir Khurody (56), 12/A, Darbhanga Mans, Carmichael Rd, 400026; June 11 Dinyar Savak Mistry (31), C/1, 9, Bai Navjbai Contractor Baug, Mori Rd, Mahim, 400016; June 11 Kaikhushroo Nusserwanji Patel (71), 20, Dhunjibhai Bldg, 7, Lady Pochkhanawalla Rd, Off Sleater Rd, 400007; June 11 Arni Nusserwanji Sethna (67), 45/A, Silver Oaks Est, B. Desai Rd, 400026; June 11 Mani Minoo Daruwalla (80), 8, Hendre Bldg, Sleater Rd, 400007; June 12 Ardeshir Marzban Irani (84), 12-A, Queens Croft Co-op Hsg Soc, St Xavier’s School Rd, Vile Parle (W), 400056; June 12 Dosu Nariman Talaty (79), Presswala Bldg, 190, Lamington Rd, 400007;June 12 Colan Minocher Guard (83), 659, Keki Hse, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; June 13 Dhunmai Jamshedji Noble (83), 33, Oceanic, Dr Rajabally Patel Rd, Off B. Desai Rd, 400026; June 14 Nargis Ruttonshah Variava (87), 46B, Gowalia Tank Bldg, A. Kranti Marg, 400036; June 14 Khorshed Bamansha Medhora (82), 733, Rd no 4, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; June 15 Dhun Cawasji Antia (70), H/15, Nowroz Bang, Lalbaug, 400012; June 16 Kaizad Kersi Umrigar (18), 6/2, Panthaky Baug, Andheri (E), 400069;June 16 Meherbai Hormasji Hansotia (88), T/11, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039; June 17 Minoo Jamshedji Kasad (65), Mumbai Central Rly Stn, 400008;June 17 Perin Noshir Sethna (65), 1/25, Shabbir Bldg, Mehella Patel Agiary Lane, Grant Rd, 400007; June 17 Keki Pirojshaw Engineer (72), 4/9, Rustom Baug, Victoria Rd, Byculla, 400027; June 18 Homi Framroze Mody (73), 5, Parkar Nivas, Sir Ramabai Salgaonkar Rd, Colaba, 400005; June 18 Dinoo Minoo Dalal (70), Readymoney Bldg no 2, Sir Ratan Tata St, Tardeo, 400034; June 19 Noshir Nanabhai Desai (89), T/14, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039;June 19 Roshan Sorabji Mehta (66), Danawala Bldg, Opp Nowroz Baug, Lalbaug, 400012; June 20 Hilla Sorab Mistry (82), 8, Habib Court, Colaba Causeway, 400001;June 21 Sam Phiroz Titina (72), Vijay Niwas, Sleater Rd, 400007; June 21 Baimai Phirozsha Anklesaria (78), A/214, Shri Krishna Hsg Complex, Darampoor, Vasai (W), 401202; June 22 Baman Rustom Irani (58), 2/13, Meherabad, 31, Hill Rd, Bandra, 400050;June 22 Dinyar Behram Irani (52), B/113, Green Fields Tower, Mahakali Caves Rd, Andheri (E), 400093; June 22 Bhadur Bapuji Patel (82), 7/55, Parsee St, Jumma Masjid Lane, Kalyan, Dist Thana, 421301; June 22 Jamshed Nadirshah Davar (83), B/3, Tardeo Chmbs, Kashinath St, 400034; June 23 Jal Nusserwanji Gandevia (81), 5, Zaveri Bldg, 309, Raja Ram Mohan Roy Rd, 400004; June 23 Manijeh Meher Master (81), 53/A, Sealord, Cuffe Parade, 400005; June 23 Najoo Cyrus Nariman (65), 10/10, Rustom Baug, Victoria Rd, Byculla, 400027; June 23 Phiroze Hormusji Nariman (88), Rock View Apts, 14, Raghavji Rd, Opp August Kranti Marg, 400036;June 23 Roda Behramji Ghadiali (85), 147, Lantin Hse, Lamington Rd, 400007;June 24 Khorshed Feroze Mahernosh (86), B/42, Bhatia Bldg, Dilip Gupte Rd, Mahim, 400016; June 24 Allan Jamshed Mistri (93), Modern Manor, 34, Altamount Rd, 400026;June 24 Sorabji Cawasji Sethna (85), The Salvation Army Social Service Centre, 122, M. Azad Rd, 400008; June 24 Banoo Ardeshir Ghadiali (76), E/20, Rustom Baug, Victoria Rd, Byculla, 400027; June 25 Homai Nariman Lentin (11), Sidhva Bldg, Balaram St, Grant Rd, 400007;June 26 Jaloo Hormasji Sutaria (82), 3/1, Tata Mills Co-op Hsg Soc, Elphinstone Rd, Parel, 400012; June 26 Dinamai Fdramroze Variava (80), L/1-23, Cama Park, Cama Rd, Andheri (W), 400058; June 26 Arnavaz Rustomji Anklesaria (82), Khambatta Hse, 2nd Khambatta Lane, Byculla, 400027;June 27 Manek Faramroz Manekshaw (75), 275/G, F. Cama Bldg, Tardeo Rd, 400007; June 27 Coomi Jamshed Paymaster (76), Hill View, 23, Hughes Rd, 400007;June 27 Alamai Sorabji Purveyor (91), 607-A, Old Wadia Chawl, Girgaum Rd, 400002; June 27 Dina Darabshah Bhathena (84), 19, Ratan Bldg, Wadia St, Tardeo, 400034; June 28 Khorshed Manchersha Elavia (79), A/18, Park Darshan, Opp Lallubhai Park, Andhcri*(W), 400058; June 28 Dhanjishaw Darabshaw Madan (66), 42, Shroff Hse, Sleater Rd, Grant Rd, 400007; June 29 Dina Nariman Patel (82), 36/189, Hirabai Petit Bldg, Opp Grant Rd Stn, 400007; June 29 Ratan Dadabhoy Patel (81), Kakad Hse, New Marine Lines, 400020;June 29 Rusi Eruchsha Poonawalla (54), 10, Ambawadi, Doongershi Rd, 400036;June 29 CALCUTTA BORN A boy, Riyaaz, to Anipa and Nairioshang Merchant ’, June 3 MARRIED Supriya Dutta Gupta and Manchi Homi Mancherji ’ , May 24 DIED Jalamai Ardeshir Sabawalla, mother of Soli and Mini Amrolia; May 22 Munchershaw Sorabji Bhesania, husband of Saker and father of Phiroze, Khorshed Boman Bhathena and Perin Pheroze Contractor; May 24 Roshan Cawas Chothia, mother of Mehru Rumi Buhariwala, Zarin Aspy Tangree and Bakhtu Boman Parakh; May 29 NAVSARI DIED Hoshang Variava (65), husband of Roshan and father of Aspi and Jasmin; May 3 POONA DIED Dhoshibai Ardeshir Bajwalla (88), 985, Nana Peth, Padumjee Park, 411042; May 5 Suna Maneck Baria (82), E/27, Parmar Ngr, Fatima Ngr, 411013; May 8 Kekershru Jamshedji Irani (80), 661, Taboot St, 411001; May 15 Behram Eduljee Patel (82), 16, Mody Clny, Synagogue St, 411001; May 15 Dara Dinshaw Karani (85), Karani Bhavan, Narangi Baug Rd, 411001; May 20 Pilu Cursetjee Dady (76), Rollestone, 4, Prince of Wales ’ Drive, Wanowrie, 411040; May 20 (cremated) Ratamai Hormusjee Gundevia (80), Daulat Hse, Ardeshir Irani Rd, 411002; May 21 54 Parsiana June 1997 LBomi Kaikhushru Irani (53), 4, Ardeshir Baug, Maha Pervez Rd, 411002; June 19 Darasshah Ratanshah Edibam (103), 43, Sassoon Rd, 411001; June 27 Nariman Nusserwanji Jijina (84), 937, Synagogue St, 411001; June 29 FIGURES AT A GLANCE* 9 BORN Boys Girls This issue Bombay 1996 1997 This issue India 1996 1997 This issue World 1996 1997 20 20 98 118 51 50 1 9 4 6 3 2 6 34 38 5 12 SHOLAPUR DIED Sorabji Darasha Lal (90), Sadar Bazar, 3, Camp, 413003; May 16 SURAT DIED Tehmuras Naoroji Karanjia \ (67), Vanki Bordi, 395003; April 28 Dinshah Merwanji Anklesaria, father of Jemi and Keki; May 2 Bamansha Bajanji Bhuhariwala (86), Nariman Home and Infirmary, Shahpore, 395003; May 7 Banoobai Jahagirji Bharucha (86), Village Amalnar, Dist Jalgaon, 425401; May 12 Putlamai Manacksha Sahuna (75), Aganovad, 395003; May 13 Noshirwan Pirojsha Postwala (92), Athwa Lines, 395002; May 15 Jahanbax Padamji Bharucha (70), Bharucha Hse, Village Amalnar, Dist Jalgaon, 425401; May 22 Framroze Jahngirji Ruwala (87), Parsiwad, Rander, Dist Surat; May 25 Goal Jamshedji Pithawala (65), Wadi St, Rustompura, 395002; June 13 Faramroze Jahangirji RustomKhan (73), Village Suwali, Dist Surat; June 14 Bahadurji Beharamji Sherdiwala (91), Union Park, Dhoddod Rd, 395003; June 21 Sorab Pirojsha Kapadia (65), Parsiwad, Sayedpura, 395003; June 27 Dhanmai Eruchsha Kalabhai (71), Aganowad, Sayedpura, 395003; June 28 i UDVADA 'died Piroja Ardeshir Dastur (70), mother of Dhun Jamshed Dastoor and Yasmin; April 28 *** CANADA Montreal MARRIED Jasmine Cooper, daughter of Katy and Fali, and Zubin 55 Parsiana June 1997 MARRIED Parsi INTERCOMMUNAL Males married out Females married out DIED CONSIGNED Males Females CREMATED Males Females 35 63 76 193 155 1 6 2 4 19 4 25 20 457 502 206 240 1 3 2 1 1 2 7 2 1 18 12 98 89 57 54 10 7 69 48 18 18 1 1 Overseas deaths are listed in the consigned column as Parsiana does not have a breakup of those cremated or buried. ‘These figures pertain to information provided to or collected by Parsiana. They do not represent the total number of births, marriages and deaths in the Zoroastrian community in India and abroad. Dastoor, son of Dolly and Phiroz; June 7 and Barry Ward, March 30 Ontario BORN A boy, Danny, to Mahrukh and Phil Sidhwa, brother to Lila and Farokh; March 3 A girl, Shirin, to Maneck and Jamshed Homiar, May 12 MARRIED Parvin Amanat, daughter of Fereshteh and Rostam, and Babak Oshidary, son of Parichehr and Namdar; April 26 DIED Khurshed Sanjana, husband of Maneck; April 6 Toronto BORN A girl, Darya, to Mehrnaz and Feraidun Khosravi', March 9 Victoria DIED Nellie Pestonji, wife of Jal; March 27 Rashid Khosravi (33), son of Irandokt and Meherban and brother of late Farhang and Faranak; April 28 March 15 Minocher Nusserwanjee Bhujwala (86); March 17 Dhun Framroze Lawyer (76); March 25 Kaity Bomi Khambatta (82); March 25 Rustam S. Sidhwa (69); March 31 Rustom D. Patel (60); May 12 Cowas D. Shroff (75); May 29 Khorshed R. Pestanji (79); June 20 Gaimai R. Bharucha (87); June 23 MARRIED Roya Fereidooni, daughter of Parichehr and Shah Jahan, and Farzin Dehmoubed, son of Golchehr and Ardeshir; May 23 Mikiyo Shoshiro Masuda and Cyrus Gazdar, son of Dhun and Sam; June 14 DIED Minoo Patel, husband of Khorshed and father of Nergish and Darius; December 18, 1996 Homi Manekshaw Kolah, husband of Tehmi and father of Jehangir; May 30, 1997 Vancouver BORN A girl, Zara, to Delna Bhesania IRAN Tehran DIED Mehrbanoo Soheil (Yeganegi) (82), mother of Pari, Parviz and Homa Zartoshty; May 11 UK Harrow DIED Daraius Motabhai Buhariwala (68), father of Gev and Ratan; May 14 NEW ZEALAND BORN A boy, Zane, to Feroza and Gayomard Desai', May 29 London BORN A girl. Ria, to Sharon and Rumi Talati', April 11 PAKISTAN Karachi BORN A girl, Ruksheen, to Soonita and Kaikhosrow Kaikhosrowzada', May 12 USA Akron, Ohio MARRIED Farzana Sam Daroowalla and Urmez Kersi Hozdar of Bombay; May 11 DIED Mucca Rustom Cowasjee (92); March 6 Dorab F. B. Patel (72); Algonquin BORN A girl, Zoish, to Mishiez and Rohinton Bellihomji', February 18 Compiled by Roxana A. Driver LJunebltq.pma < IN MEMORIAM “Tenants’ advocate Parinaz M. Gandhi His generosity notwithstanding, many were the clients who were intimidated by his short temper and would not dare to step into his premises without his prior sanc ­ tion. Katrak, who was ordained as a navar at the age of 11 and subsequently earned a support for the president. „ A famous battle of his in the early days gold medal in Avesta-Pahlavi, was reh- concerned the Bombay Zoroastrian Mutual gious and yet modern. A trip to the toilet Death Fund when he took up cudgels for the was invariably followed by kusti prayers, Zarthostis who were irrespective of whether he had the privacy I at the risk of losing ofhis residence or was in public gaze at his their monies invested in this account. Ulti- mately he succeeded had a secular outlook being considerably in getting the Fund influenced by Mahatma Gandhi ’s philoso ­ phy. He had participated in the Indian independence struggle, playing his role in Died; Ardeshir Maneckjee Katrak, 89, one of the seniormost lawyers of Bombay ’s Small Causes Court who fought mainly for the tenants residing in Parsi trust proper ­ ties , on December 26, H 1996 in Bombay fol- ™ lowing cardiac arrest. I In his over 60 years II of practice at the Bar, I Katrak had gained a ¦ reputation for his ¦ mastery of the Rent T Act and his memory t for facts and details, A even when the cases ¦ came up for hearing ¦ 10 years after the I original plaint was p served, recalls his as- ¦ sistant Shridhar Bho- H pate who had worked | with Katrak for nearly 25 years. During the hospitalization pre- _ ceding his death too he would call Bhopate Katrak: espousing the cause of the for dictation, and underprivileged Photo; Homyar Mistry would accurately cite . . poor Parsis staying in Gandevi, his home ­ years of his life until his'matriculation opportunities to help his community, from C. J. School, according to a family 1----- ¦ .jC* ?- office. He may not have supported inter ­ community marriages or cremation, but he converted to a coop ­ erative life insurance . _ _ ’ society which was sub- different programs like Simon go back, •' . __ .. > . 1 1 • .1 .1 _ India Movement, as reported in his bio Corporationof data. Walking, in fact, came naturally to Katrak. Come evening and Katrak, attired in his long black coat, his white pants secured at the waist with a cord, his pheta in hand and wife Manekbai by his side, would be seen walking from his residence near Opera House to his office near Metro Cinema where he was anxiously awaited by his clients. To celebrate his completion of 50 years, and thereafter 60 years, as a practicing advocate, the Bar Council had presented sequently amalgam- the Dandi march at Bardoli and the Quit ated with the Life In- I---------- surance India, whereby the de ­ positors felt safe with their money. Many are the Parsi charitable institutions in Bombay, Surat and Navsari to which he donated generously as also used his influ ­ ence to raise funds. So also would he con ­ tribute his mite for the him with a special memento. But more , 1 ¦ than honors, the man who believed in town in Gujari where he spent the early simple living and high thinking valued years of his life until his matriculation opportunities to help his community, from C. J. School, according to a family Katrak is survived by his wife Manekbai. IW the volume and page of a particular All India Reporter from which he wanted a judgment quoted. The veteran lawyer ’s impressive, states a fellow Bar colleague souce. His higher education was at -------------------- Adi Ripon Daruvala who had shared Bombay ’s St Xavier ’s College and the BOOKS Katrak ’s office premises in the early days Government Law College. The cause of continued from page 5 of his career. '¦--------— —------ - Irrespective of class or caste, Katrak known the travails his mother had to expe- when Ardeshir was barely 15 months old. In fact not only would he waive his dues from widows but also instruct his assistant personal collection of law books was also Daruvala who had shared Bombay ’s St Xavier ’s Colkge and the BOOKS widows too was dear ttfhis heart having and teaching aids which can be used easily _______ ____ • • ¦ - by teachers such as debates, newspaper was ever willing to espouse the cause of rience following her husband ’s dem'ise clippings, question boxes and question- the underprivileged who were at the mercy when Ardeshir was barely 15 months old. naires. The appendices include a glossary of mercenary landlords. Known as the In fact not only would he waive his dues of sexual terminology in English, Hindi, ‘tenants ’ advocate, ” he would not hesitate from widows but also instruct his assistant Marathi and Gujarati; a reading list, large to instruct his clients to forcibly break that the court fees should be recovered teaching illustrations of sexual organs; open locks and stay on the premises when from him and not widowed clients. Be- and the names and addresses of social he was convinced that the tenants had a sides widows, priests and Gandevi resi- welfare organizations. right in law to occupy the flat, mentions dents too were not charged any legal fees Education in Human Sexuality, though Bhopate. On innumerable occasions did as per his practice. meant primarily for educators, is a must for he support the cause of the tenants battling Among his other gracious acts was the parents, functionaries of child care insti- against the Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP). powder he freely dispensed to patients tutions, social workers and other profession- ¦ ¦ suffering from kidney stone related com- als. In fact it makes very interesting and plaints. He would insist though that the educational reading for anyone who needs ¦ ¦ ¦ to know about the sexual aspects of his/her personality. It should be translated in major Indian languages as early as possible. He was once instrumental in calling a meeting of Anjuman Committee voters to from him and not widowed clients. Be ­ sides widows, priests and Gandevi resi ­ dents too were not charged any legal fees as per his practice. Among his other gracious acts was the suffering from kidney stone related com- pass a no-confidence motion against the powder be used only if a medical practitio- then chairman of the BPP. The trustees, - however, stood firm and declared their ner had confirmed this ailment and not on the person ’s self diagnosis. 56 Parsiana June 1997