Dec 1997

I 'ti- * • 1 J t t DECEMBER 1997 Rs 25 y- /• ¦/<' /¦ >< Wltl.T«S^if December 1997 Volume 20 Number 5 EDITOR 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 FINANCE B. L. Arora MANAGEMENT Jasmine Driver DTP Bakhtavar R. Batliwalla, K. P. Ravi SUBSCRIPTION MANAGER Khurshid Panthaki ASSISTANT SUBSCRIPTION MANAGER Swarupa Kamat ACCOUNTANT Anagha Korde ASSISTANT ACCOUNTANT Varsha Godbole ACCOUNTS ASSISTANTS Indu Pillai, Satwant Kaur, Hufrish Chama OFFICE ASSISTANTS Umesh Poojary, Selvan Mark, Sunil Sakhare, Govind Salgaonkar, Mahipat Jadhav 2 Readers’ Forum 8 Events and Personalities 16 Zoroastrians Abroad: Maneck Dalal 20 Bonhomie in Baroda by Sarosh Bana 25 Dr J. J. Irani: Knight in shining armor by Dilnavaz Bhagwagar 34 Billimoria’s reel image by Gustasp Irani 36 “Together, to the 21st century” by Aspi Moddie 44 Javed Malick: Creating a scene by Parinaz Gandhi 47 Godrej: “100 years into the future” by Arnavaz Mama 49 Milestones 52 In Memoriam: Beji Shroff Cover: TISCO steel plant. Inset: Dr J. J. Irani 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 enquiries 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 *100 was discontinued. Since the nineties, however, things have changed radically. The upper storey of the •J, IMS-IWP placing beer glasses on the window-sills of the main Atash Behram building, the caterer ’s men in an inebriated state coming to fisticuffs and abuses late at night, right building was renovated and for the first under the portico of the main Atash Behram building, guests carelessly throwing left ­ overs in the varasiaji ’s enclosure and much more. ” In response to our letter of February 7, 1997, the managing trustee had stated, “The trustees were aware of what is stated therein and have already taken and are always willing to take measures to main ­ tain and preserve the sacredness of the institution. ” Curiously, the managing trustee admits being “aware ” of all the misdeeds and the goings-on mentioned in our letter of Feb ­ ruary 7, 1997 and yet in response to Ms Gooloo R. Mehta ’s letter, he denies the allegations and considers them “false ” and “misleading. ” The managing trustee explains that in the Atash Bchram compound, “There are three separate buildings: one building *1 1 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. time, toilets were constructed at one end. Due to these toilet blocks, the holy Atash Behram fire can never be shifted to the adjacent building, during repairs to the main building. So much for vision and foresight! The managing trustee, after providing the dictionary meaning of the word “des ­ ecrate ” says, “Would the use of the Hall for marriages, navjotes and dinner amount to desecration of the holy fire housed in the adjoining building? ” In response, we may state that seemingly hiring out the Hall for marriages, navjotes and dinner is harmless and may, perhaps, even be considered a “service ” to the community. However, we know, and even the managing trustee is aware of what exactly happens during the evenings when these functions are held. According to The Concise Oxford Dictio- __ ____ _ nary (1990) pg 315, one of the meanings of houses the holy fire, where no serving of the word “desecrate ” is “deprive (a church, food takes place; there is another building about 20 feet away from the main building -------------------- - — — called “Gambhar Hall ” which is being the word “sanejity ” is “sacred obligations, used to give facilities to Zoroastrians for performance of jashan/navjote and mar ­ riage ceremonies and thereafter serving of food in the Hall during the monsoon and in . the open place on the ground floor during erated within the Atash Behram compound, the other seasons. ” The managing trustee is probably aware sacred object, etc) of sanctity. ” In the Dictionary, one of the meanings of a same feelings, etc. ” There is little doubt that the religious feelings of a number of devout Zoroastrians have been hurt as a result of the various pollutions and nuisances gen- While we are not totally averse to the X ..w _____ I________ trustees giving the Hall on hire for navjotes that the one-storFed building situated about and wedding ceremonies, what we would 20 feet away from the main building has request the trustees to consider is restrict- most of the ground floor taken up by pavis ing the ceremonies to the first floor only major repairs to the main building. In the ing the Hall to maintain the sanctity of this early nineties itself, the ground floor was holy place, used to accommodate the holy Atash Behram fire, while the main building was being “renovated. ” Long before that, we are given to under ­ stand it was the adarian saheb who used to dressed to the trustees ofthe Atash Behram, be housed there. Subsequently, however, this writer and 42 other Zoroastrians had t ------------- pointed out various instances of pollution position, in and nuisance including “noise — loud, garish music; behavior — the shouts of inebriated men and women, the raucous shouts of caterer ’s men and the likely presence of women in menses in the close vicinity of the Atash Behram. ” We had also pointed out instances of “non-Parsi men and women smoking ciga ­ rettes either in the Hall or outside, guests served, the leftovers, etc), this practice “Disturbing the sanctity?” This has reference to Ms Gooloo R. Mehta ’s expression of disgust with regard to “Dis ­ turbing the sanctity (at Banaji Atash ...wov w. ------------- ------- -j - . , , , , Behram)' ’” andmanaging trustee MrBurjor and gunibad to house the holy fire during and issuing strict instructions to those oo ¦ Antia ’s response carried in Readers bo- rum {Parsiana, September 1997). Understandably, Mr Antia who is also a solicitor by profession has denied allega ­ tions regarding desecration of the Atash Behram. In a letter dated February 7, 1997 ad- major repairs to the main building. In the The managing trustee also argues that there are several agiaries where the adjoin ­ ing halls or ground next to the agiary are given for such functions and dinner. This is true, but remember these are all agiaries housing adarian fires. An Atash Behram is the adarian fire was moved to its present the highest of the three grades of conse ­ crated fires requiring the highest laws of ritual and other purity. The managing trustee, who is also an ordained priest. ¦ 1 the room behind the Atash Padshah and the ground floor of the adja ­ cent building was utilized only when the main fire was to be shifted. The upper floor would know this better than anyone else. ’ The managing trustee states, “Deen Parast has found fault with the trustees of ' are providing facilities at cheaper rates for performing navjote and marriage ceremo ­ nies followed by dinner. From the income was, for years, used for purely religious functions, like jashans and lectures. Much earlier, we understand, it was occasionally the Banaji Atash Behram, when they used for Parsi weddings and navjotes. But because of the nuisance value (the food 2 Parsiana December 1997The Top Ten “Lives of great men all remind us...” Who were the greats? Who are the greats? Zoroastrians talk proudly of the community’s achievements in the past and present. Names are mentioned randomly but collectively no in­ ternational list has been com­ piled of the most outstanding Parsis or Zoroastrians. Parsiana opens it columns to suggestions from readers as to who they con­ sider to be the 10 most outstand­ ing Zoroastrians globally in the 19th and 20th centuries (10 in each century). The nominees could be from any field of en­ deavor, from politics to poetry and science to soldiering. The purpose of the exercise is to cre­ ate a greater awareness of the community’s past and present achievements and to put these in perspective. which we derive we arc maintaining our August 1997) of my book Mysticism and priests and other workers (we wonder how Mystic Sects Among the Jews, the they did that during the several decades when the Hall was not being given out on hire?) and we are giving them ex-gratia book, would like to clarify the following payment and other facilities. ” points raised by the reviewer, as the same The managing trustee waxes eloquent are likely to give rise to some misunder- about “doing a service to the community ” by “providing facilities at cheaper rates. ” However, in his letter of March 31, 1997 to us, he had categorically stated, “...if the income is compensated by any party with a guarantee, the trustees are willing to discontinue the use of the Hall except lor religious purpose and no dinner will be served at the premises. ” Clearly, the mo­ tive of the trustees of the Atash Behram is commercial and mercenary. We have regard for Mr Antia as an individual and recognize his general con­ tribution to the community in various spheres. Our regard and esteem for him will be further enhanced if he and his collcaguc.s will put an end to the perpetra ­ tion of abject nuisance on the ground Boor of the Hall and the compound of the Atash Bchram. noshir h . dadrawala General Editor. Deen Paiiisi Mohmedans, and the Zoroastrians- a Com­ parative Study, I, as the author of the said standing. Has creation emerged from nothing (creatio ex nihilo) or from light? One of the theories of Zoroastrian cosmogony is that the creation has emerged from light, which can be substantiated by the following: •The Creator owing to his nearest associa ­ tion with endless shining light, produced therefrom brilliance, out oi which came forth sheen, which in turn gave rise to radiance, from which issued hot-moist (garni-khvet), the prime origin of material creation (Pahlavi Denkartcd. D. M. Madon pg 124). •Ahura Mazda out of his own light first produced a form of creation in the shape of fire, bright and white (PahlaviZaiidAkasih, B. T. Ankicsaria pg 15). •Ahura Mazda produced creation, Amesha Spentas and the spirit of wisdom from his own light (Pahlavi Dadastan-i-Meiiok-i- Khrat, chapter VIII). The Zoroastrian concept of creation from light is supported by modern scien ­ tific thought. The well-known French sci- Readers should send in their sug­ gestions stating the full name of the individual, his or her field of endeavor, the reason why they feel the person is deserving of this classification and the cen­ tury for which they are being nomi­ nated. The reason for choosing the two centuries together is to allow for the overlapping of many signifi­ cant lives. The reader can de­ cide in which century he or she wishes to identify the individual’s contribution. Personages should be nominated according to the century in which they made their major contribution to humanity. Send your entries to The Editor, Parsiana (Greats), GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001. ‘‘SOAS’ commitment...” I received the July-August number of Parsiana which is full of interest as usual. I think your coverage of the SOAS (School entist Louis de Broglie observes inPhysics .... . ¦ . z_l--------------------TTT----- J 69), “Giving free scope to our imagination we could suppose that at the beginning of time on the morrow of some divine ‘Fiat Lux, ’ Light at first alone in the universe has little by little produced by progressive condensation the material universe. ” The reviewer feels that inclusion of “historical details of the Arabs of the sev ­ enth and ninth centuries, ” is not relevant. Actually, only a short account of event.s leading to the origin of the mystic sects of the Ismailis and the Sufis is given, which cannot, in the true sense, be construed an aberration from the subject matter. Further, instead of diacritical marks, Avesta, Pahlavi and Arabic words are tran ­ scribed in a way a layman can understand • (long ‘a ’ is transcribed ‘aa ’). The reviewer decries that the book is not an “exhaustive account of mysticism and mystics. ” The publication is meant to introduce to the readers the subject with ­ out having recourse to a long, rambling account of mysticism and mystics, which people today hardly find time to read. The main objective of lhe book is to dispel the general belief that mysticism is associated only with mystery-mongering and a dc- of Oriental and African Studies) reception and Microphysics, 1955 (chapter III, pg (“SOAS’ commitment to Zoroastrianism, ” Parsiana, July-August 1997) is vivid and good, but there arc some mistakes in the summary of what I said which I should like corrected, since they may cause either mirth or indignation among Iranis. It was not I, but Iranians who studied at SOAS who taught in Tehran and Shiraz universities, and one of them was director of the Achaemcnid Foundation at Persepolis. Also, I did not meet Dastur Mirza when he was a student at SOAS (he is a good deal older than I am); it was the original lecture ­ ship in Iranian studie.s that was partly Parsi funded; and the fine glass etching pre ­ sented to me was of the fravashi figure, not of Zarathushtra. May Parsiana continue to llourish, giv­ ing pleasure and interest over wide lields. MARY BOYCE London, UK g' Arnavaz Mama replies My apologies for the inadvertent mistakes. “A measure of...” With reference to the review (“A measure of mysticism, ” Books, Parsiana, July- 'g 4 Parsiana December 1997ranged state of mind and to depict it in the light of modern trends of thought, and in this connection, views of some eminent scientists are quoted in the preface and the intercommunity marriages are on the rise, introduction. However, views of some eminent Sufi mystics are given too. R. R. motafram would therefore continue to be regarded as Zoroastrians despite their marriage to a non-Parsi. While there is no denying that one is aware of reality. In 1987 when we started the Milestones column, the inter ­ community marriage rate was around 12 percent. Today it is around 24 percent, almost double. The point is not to suppress these statistics but to give them exposure nature, it has been held by the Supreme Court that such a trust is not a trust for a “charitable purpose. ” Hence donations made to it are not eligible to deduction under the said section. In other words, each and every object of the trust must be of a charitable nature. This necessitates examination of the trust to ascertain whether any of its objects is of a religious nature. If so, such an object may be omitted from the trust deed so that other objects, being objects of a charitable nature, may remain within the purview of section 80G. A separate trust deed may, if desired, be executed in respect of objects of a religious nature. Similar deduction is available in re ­ spect of donations for renovation or repair of a place of public worship of renown throughout any state or states if it is noti ­ fied by the central government in the offi ­ cial gazette under section 80G(2)(b). Sev ­ eral Parsi fire-temples have been accord ­ ingly notified and donations made to them the listing in our July-August issue was particularly lengthy as we had reported data from August 2, 1996 to August 27, 1997. “But a passage” Parsiana's duty is to report the facts on I sincerely thank Mr Hormazdyar Dalal for intercommunity marriages so that every- referring to my humble publication Dukhi- Ne-Dilaso, cum Bliss Beyond, in his article on death (“But a passage, ” Parsiana, July- August 1997). His remark regarding “the author not having done his homework sys ­ tematically ” indicates that he has not cared to look into the preface andpustakparichay so that the community can come to terms (introduction to the book) where the objec ­ tive and limitations of the second edition are stated. I have received excellent reviews from learned scholars, institutions, dasturs, over and above Gujarati readers from the Parsi and other communities. The fact that this is the second edition of the book itself shows its value. The answers on death given by the author are original and based on his own studies and not opinions of other authors as stated by Mr Dalal. A few references from others are not out of place on this subject. ----- ------ ----- ------- -- ------------- — Besides, the questions on death, posed by the fire-temples. Several overseas Zoroas- “PuilCtual priCSt the readers, cover a wide range of study. trian associations admit non-Zoroastrian Thanks to my letter on the 85-year-old NOSHIR DABOO spouses as members. In other places indi- Ervad Jal Rustomji of Pune (“Punctual Ahmedabad with the issue and decide how to counter or accept the situation. It is unlikely that someone reading the statistics is going to decide to marry out of the community. The main reason for the high rate of intercommunity marriages is the lack of a sufficient number of compatible and avail ­ able partners. Where the Parsi population are eligible to deduction, is smaller, the number of intercommunity marriages tends to be higher. Anjumans such as Delhi and Jamshedpur, living in a cosmopolitan surrounding, have accepted section 80G. this reality and admitted the children of Parsi women married to non-Parsis into Trustees of charitable and religious trusts should examine the matter accord ­ ingly to avail of the tax benefit under RUSTOM S. GAR New Delhi trian associations admit non-Zoroastrian spouses as members. In other places indi ­ viduals may respond by hardening their priest, ” Readers ’ Forum, Parsiana, Janu- stand and treat a person who has married out with indifference or silence or even contempt. Each anjuman has to come to terms with the changing trends and devise its own strategy. ary 1997), the Navsari Parsee Association made enquiries and then felicitated him and gave him a purse and a shawl. Secondly, my letter for procuring the Shah Nameh on behalf of Mr Meraboon Zarthoshty of US A obtained two responses from two outstation Zoroastrians and the process of procuring is on. I am now trying to compile a tape which Milestones I am a regular reader of Parsiana and I find certain articles very interesting. The very title of your magazine indicates that the magazine is about Parsis and the welfare of the Parsi community. Since the magazine is only meant for Parsis why should there be a mention of intercaste marriages in your Milestones column, particularly in the July-August with deduction in respect of donations to issue where about 80 marriages are men ­ tioned of which 72 are intercaste mar ­ riages? It ’s an indirect encouragement to the young generation. I am a staunch be ­ liever in Zoroastrianism. I hope you will not publish such marriages in your future issues since the feelings of the community are being hurt. zenobia sidhwa Udvada Beware, trustees Recently the Supreme Court gave an im ­ portant decision regarding section 80G of the Income-tax (IT) Act, 1961 dealing will contain the popular Gujarati, Parsi songs of yesteryear so that people like me can also sing and hum them. I have already got a good collection of the original word ­ ings and tunes but hope to find the tunes for certain songs like Goola maari golgol. My thanks to the readers who have responded to my earlier request for the material. It is a pity that in modern Parsi homes, Gujarati is no more spoken by the new generation. A language is imbibed at child ­ hood from the nursery rhymes, z. m zend charitable and religious trusts. As many such trusts have been created by Parsis, I would like to point out: Donations to a trust established for a charitable purpose are eligible to deduction (equivalent to 50 percent of the amount donated) if the trust fulfils the conditions contained in section 80G of the IT Act, 1961, including the condition that it must be a non-communal charitable trust approved by the commis- The Editor replies sionerofincome-tax. “Charitablepurpose ” . The intercommunity marriages reported does not include any purpose the whole or DrCSS COdC for 311 Hgiury. by us are essentially those contracted un- substantially the whole of which is of a I had suggested to a Parsi friend from USA der the Special Marriage Act whereby religious nature. who was on a visit to India that he should neither partner has to renounce the religion Even if almost all objects of a trust are take time to visit a particular agiary. He did into which he/she is born. Such individuals charitable, but one object is of a religious so and among other things wrote to me: substantially the whole of which is of a Even if almost all objects of a trust are charitable, but one object is of a religious 6 Parsiana December 1997“I liked the agiary but could not spend much time as I had to leave quickly. Well, it so happened that one morning at home at Tardeo after my bath, I had some time to spare, so I suddenly decided to walk down and pay a visit. I was wearing short pants and feeling lazy to change, I asked my cousin if it is OK to go to the agiary in short pants. She assured me that it was. So I bought some sukhad and went in. As soon as I walked in (to) the agiary the dasturji who was sitting at his desk got up and came quickly to me saying that I cannot come type in question would be avoided, here in short pants! He was polite and said to please not to come in the future in shorts. He explained that some young women would come in shorts and they had to make this rule. I assured him that I will not do so soon as I was from the States. He said that I should quickly leave my sukhad on the side window and not go in front of the fire Aid the Agiary where others may see me! So I spent about 20 seconds inside and quietly left. I am writing this not to criticize the dasturji and Bombay. The original structure was built the rules but to let you know my experi ­ ence as you had asked. I do understand the rules. Now that I know, next time I will go properly attired and spend more time to look around. ” This has been the experience of more than one person. While we Zoroastrians Required Hollywood Movie Collectables We buy old American movie posters, lobby cards, press books, window cards, postcards of actors and actresses, autographs, theater programmes, leaflets, handbills, coloured pictures and any other film-related Hollywood collectables. Good price paid Please contact; Tel: (R) 8948219 Mobile: 9821090213 Always remember TATA BATA KHAMBATA 7 Ketayun & Bomi 22/A, Wellington Terrace Wellington Street, Bombay 400002 Tel No: 2069636, 2057242 Pager No: 9602-104007 must not change lor the sake of changing, at the same time we must not also overlook that change is the law oflife and that unless particular to help us repair this Agiary we change and adapt (without of course building which has been declared as a sacrificing or damaging our core beliefs and ideas) we will be harming ourselves. The least that the trustees of an agiary or atash behram could do is to indicate (by a notice or board near its entrance) to the Parsi Zoroastrian public the dress code special box provided for the repair work in which is enjoined for that particular place the Agiary premises. d. k. banaji of worship so that embarrassment of the Trustee, Seth Banaji Limji Agiary Trust continued on page 52 I have known of some instances where young people so dealt with have been browned off and just stopped going to the agiaries where otherwise on their own they were attracted to go. Isn ’t that a pity? NADIR MODI The Banaji Limji Agiary at Banaji Street, Flora Fountain is the oldest Parsi agiary in in the year 1709. We, the trustees, have done our utmost to keep the premises in good condition. But age has taken it.s toll on the structure to such an extent that the repair cost has become prohibitive from the meager funds available with the trust. MATRIMONIAL Matrimonial alliance invited by well-placed parents for their only daughter aged 21 years, attractive, slim, 5’6”, graduate with Computer Diploma presently working and domesticated, from educated, well-settled Parsis from Bombay and abroad. Write with bio data, photograph (returnable) and telephone number to: The Advertiser Parsiana, Matrimonial (Dec/31-97)* GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 ‘Please make sure the reply envelope bears the reference number cited here. Dorrabji’s JERROZ HOTEL Under Cliff, Ring Road Panchgani 412805 Phone: (91) (02168) 40238 We therefore appeal to the Parsi com­ munity at large and charitable trusts in national monument by the Government of India. Donations by cheque may please be made in the name of “Banaji Limji Agiary ” or cash donations may be deposited in a the Agiary premises. Investment in property Pune is the best city For sale, purchase or lease of residential or commercial properties in Pune, contact Minoo Bhathena BySel Estate 302, Devika Apartment, 2010 West Street, Pune 411001 Tel: 650757 Top Professional Services Under One Roof Authorised agents for LIC/GIC/FD/UTI ? Buying and selling of flats/offices Buying and selling of shares ? Filling of income tax returns under VDIS and new provisions regarding house/ telephone/car/ foreign travels Rusi Mundroina 6284214 Sheroo Hiramaneck 4156791/2 1 Parsiana December 1997Events and Personalities Promising politician “This time he is unwilling to face bureau ­ cratic whims or corporate fancies. His new mission; to start ahead of them in the public sweepstakes, ” declared an article in The Economic Times of November 26, 1997, announcing former Tata Steel and Air-India chief Russi Mody ’s decision to contest the next parliamen- tary elections from the Singh- bhum (East) constituency in West Bengal which includes Jamshedpur, his stronghold. While the Congress, Bharatiya • Janata Party as also the Jhar- khand Mukti Morcha (S) had reportedly offered to support his candidature, 80-year-old Mody, it seems was deter ­ Better blood service The Bombay Red Cross Blood Centre “has been standardized and upgraded to inter ­ nationally approved standards thereby improving the quality of service, declared chairperson Dr Zarine Bharucha of the uiuiiig lu newly reopened wing which has started he Tata Mazdoor Union. As operating after almost two years. With a per The Economic Times re- new staff and support from technologica port TISCO charge-sheeted companies, we hope to achieve a high two of its security staffers who level of functioning, ” she announced in an were caught napping when interview with The Afternoon Despatch Mody ’s dark blue Tata Sumo and a white Maruti Gypsy zoomed into the sheet mill. ---------- . - Confessing to the offence, the HIV virus and Hepatitis C are not V^uniCSSiiig lu iiiv ----- nnnrp.nt political support he hoped to acquire. Such an unprecedented election cam ­ paign within the factory premises tan- tamounted to “breach of discipline and factory laws especially at a time when workers arc trying to adhere to safety norms, ” according to the Tata Workers Union and the Tata Mazdoor Union. As -K.. Mody, according to the news report, claimed sole responsi- and Courier of October 2, 1997. The 55 blood banks in Bombay now have to be particularly alert to ensure that . -- ... .. .._.j transmitted by blood donors to innocent patients. They make donors fill out a de- 1-^ V 1V** a • * ** — 1 a • * » • .1 a 4- bilitv for the act and offered to tailed questionnaire enquiring -- m_____ _ r'nllpctl pay the fine. To improve traffic conges ­ tion in Calcutta, to check pol ­ lution in vehicles, to maintain old buildings, are the other issues of con­ cern to Mody. “The reason for Calcutta ’s sorry state today is lack ol definitive lead ­ ership, education, enterprise and disci ­ pline, ” pointed out Mody in an article in The Economic Times of November 25. Since August last, Mody has also taken small pool of donors is over as president of the Academy of Fine ' Arts in Calcutta, addsT/ie Economic Times of November 25. Known for his stupen ­ dous collection of art and exquisite furni ­ ture, Mody had earlier served as trustee and committee member of this institute. As recalled in the article, only Rs 30,000 of ------- . ; ’cnrRnchpuS his earnings repose in a bank account, the peractivity disorder, Pune s Dr Roshen rest are invested m tine art. To raise funds for the Academy, to draw the best talent in West Bengal and eastern chiatry — a mined to contest as an inde- Mody: received a pendent. rousing reception “Mody saab would win Photo; Spectravision hands down here. It is just a matter of time, ” said Umesh Singh of the National Students Union of India, one of the volunteers who organized Mody ’s ‘Meet the People ’ program in July 1997. “Reacquaintance with the people was not all that necessary. For, even as he left the railway station, his car was stopped every 10 or 15 meters by people clamoring for an autograph, ” according to a write-up in The Times-of India of July 25. “Almost every ­ where he went for the next two days, he was given a rousing reception... ” In fact, his election campaign in Jamshedpur has already kicked off a con­ troversy for he managed to give the slip to a security post at the sheet factory to hold parleys with TISCO (Tata Iron and Steel Company) workers and distribute laddus, -------- stated an article in The Economic Times of India, to provide conducive facilities for December 2. In his discussions, Mody young and poor artists to ^express thmr advocated that the management should be stopped from shutting down mills, and offered to take up labor related issues with r about re ­ cent illnesses. “Blood collection centers are not supposed to make any profit what ­ soever. Authorities should also enforce certain standards and regulate blood banks in the city. There should be strict policing to curb the illegal blood collection cen ­ ters, ” she advocated. In America, the donor is legally respon ­ sible for the blood donated. In India, with the recent scare of contracting AIDS, the _ ___ _ shrinking, she observed. New measures though could change the attitude of donors, she hoped. Cherish the child Referring to genetics and child psychiatry, child development and developmental dis ­ orders of autism and attention deficit hy- 8 Parsiana December 1997 talent, to offer exhibition space are some of the priorities Mody has set for the Acad ­ emy. Master presented a masterly oration on “Research in child and adolescent psy- .. peep into its past, a forecast for its future ” at the biennial conference of The Indian Association for Child and Ado ­ lescent Mental Health in Goa on Novem ­ ber 21, 1997. Known for her pioneering work in this field, the Association ’s founderpresident also highlighted the research done on childhood depression, considered a rare occurrence a few years ago, and the physi ­ cal and emotional trauma for children who are sexually abused. Among the seniormost practising Zoro- astrian psychiatrists in the world havi ng worked with children for 43 years at child guidance clinics. Master “has spent her life teaching, writing, researching and edu ­ cating the public about the preventive aspects of mental dis ­ ease i— ------- tion, ” notes a press release. When deliv ­ ering the fraternity ’s prestigious Poona Psychiatrists ’ Association Oration Award, Master reiterated the need for research in child psychiatry so that her young col ­ leagues are well-armed to face the 21st century with their mentally sick charges. Since 1958 when she became the first '1 and retarda- Master: rehabili­ tate the retarded In 1983, the government of Maharashtra appointed her the first professor emeritus in psychiatry at Pune ’s B. J. Medical Col ­ lege. Nearly a decade prior to that she was invited to be among the signatories of the Psychiatry in London. She is also known for her pioneering d.c Kc.:"2y""' Movement of starting schools and shel “In this heartless milieu, science and spiri ­ tuality seem complimentary ways of ex ­ ploring reality and self-awareness. In that Sjzil *c * J ------------ 1 J the Gathas in our time, and go beyond tuality seem complimentary ways of ex ­ ploring reality and self-awareness. In that spirit I try to explore the main concepts of invitea to oe aii.u.tg t... ------- the Gathas in our time, and go beyond Founder Fellows of the Royal College of simple, one-word abstract mear tings,eve Smiting with Ahura Mazda and endini though they sound lofty, ” he continues. with Kshathravairya, Moddie has devoted m*r'ed"workshopV for the mentally retarded nearly three pages each to^the different teachers for the concepts he has analyzed. He introduces Ahura Mazda not only as one God, but the “spirit of truth, ” “the prime source of cre- ” who adopts the role of a teacher, Kshathravairya is equated with “the ¦ 1 this world or i^AlTIndia Radio beyond, and i.s brought about by those whose actions are “in tune with the laws ol truth and justice. ” Moddie then states, “For the small community of contempo ­ rary Zoroastrians, Kshathravairya is dou- have to deal with many dominions, ’” - the dominion of different _____and countries, the dominion of inter ­ nal organizations, local anjumans and re ­ gional federations, as also a World Zoroas- trian Organisation (WZO). “We suffer from a work in the Kaniayani 'g each to the different and a college for training mentally retarded. Ever keen to remove the social stigma attached to mental disorders and mental retardation so that the afflicted persons can be rehabilitated in the mainstream of social life. Master has contributed articles m the media and broadcast over and Doordarshan. Additionally she has con­ tributed to scientific texts and journals and authored two books, mentions the write-up. Spiritual storehouse “We have lost the simple faith of our grandmothers; we don ’t really know where we stand or what we believe; and we r children drift into the seas of materialism sans ation, ’ friend, brother and father. good dominion ” whether in this world or Psychiatrists ’ Association Oration Award, child psychiatry so that her young col ­ leagues are ------- century with their mentally sick charges. _ believe' and we Since 1958 when she became the first we stand 01 what we believe, and , lady fellow in psychiatry from the College helpless y watch our of Physicians and Surgeons, Bombay, powerful global sea Master enjoys the distinction of being the only lady to date to have earned this honor, 1 notes a write-up sent by her husband Sohrab. '-------- _____ only lady to date to have earned this honor, bly difficult as we states na and re- in his introduction to the 27-page booklet, as ap^ y, . ahrimanic force. Apathy Gathic Concepts: Explorations in our tune, an aspect of the ahr.mamc 1 y MASTER MARINE SERVICES Surveyors Licence No: SLA 19207 Surveyors and Consultants Container Terminal Superintendents and General contraciors, Reefer Cargo/Container Surveyors 22/D S.A. Brelvi Road, Fort, Mumbai 400001 Internet: mms.bom@gems.vsnl.net.in Ahmedabad - Calcutta - Jaipur - Kandl!-¦ LudLna - Nbava Sheva - New Delhi - Sura^ Phone: 2S73567/i^2f^~^3 ,.,.,,=in 10 Parsiana December 1997the Seervais, states the write-up. Seervai himself had won prestigious and the good dominion can hardly go have wished consistency in spelling in the together, nor bring us to frasho-kereti, ‘the key concepts, especially in the subhead ­ great renovation, ”’ yet another concept ings and in the text immediately following laurels including an honorary fellowship which Moddie scrutinizes. Unlike the static concept of Genesis, a been published by Moddie (Revills, 45 Creation once made in finality, with Adam Cuffe Parade, Bombay 400005). bidden not to eat the fruit of knowledge; Zarathushtra conceives of an evolving, For the lOVC Of luW HUd... regenerating universe according to God ’s purpose and ‘beneficent plan ’; with man his hamkar or co-worker using his Vohuman or good mind, tending to His creation, thoughtfully carrying it forward to ‘perfecting destiny. ’” The author then draws parallels between Zarathushtra ’s regenerating earth and universe in the doc ­ trine of frasho-kereti and “the universe story ” of Brian S wimme and Thomas Berry. Certain concepts being intertwined, Moddie has linked them together in his study like Asha Vahishta and Spenta Armaity, Huveretat and Ameretat, Vohuman and Sraosha. Asha Vahishta has been defined as the highest truth and Spenta Armaity as the forces of good, right- mindedness or the holy attitude which propel towards Asha. Spenta is thus a of the legend guiding spirit which leads to truth. Huveretat is referred to as “perfecting in­ tegrity ” and Ameretat as immortality. Moddie explains Vohuman as “the good or higher mind, ” saying “I link it with Sraosha or the concept of receiving a divine mes ­ sage; perhaps conscience in our daily lives might convey its meaning. ” Thereafter, this section continues to dwell on Vohuman, with no reference to Sraosha. The reason for this may perhaps lie in Pondicherry. “A Post-Script ” where Moddie mentions, “If the central contemporary Gathic mes ­ sage — contemporary for all times and places — is the use of Vohuman, the higher Seervai Gold Medals at the convocation in mind, to make ethical, rational choices in December 1997: Kalpana Lade for secur- all human situations, it may be interesting ing the highest marks in western contem- to see this issue in the context of similar choices in three classical cases. The first is that of Job in the Bible, the second of Arjuna in the Gita, and the third...that of Goethe ’s Faust. ” After elaborating on the conflict and trauma faced by each of these individuals Moddie concludes, “In the com­ plexities oflife, we are nearest to Arjuna, but without a God, Krishna to take our hard easily bullied. ” Bellurkur Uttaram who is decisions. And the Mephistophelian devil in training in Bombay for the making and our lives lies in our egos, the source of our fitting of orthopedic prostheses qualified for negative impulses, our resentments, our passions, our greed, our aggressions and then our self-lies, devoid of Vohumanic restraint, kindness, justice... we then lose by Elizabeth Reuben (her father, the late out on life ’s four positive assets, health. Justice D. E. Reuben, was the former chief love, welfare and creativity. ” justice of the Patna High Court) whose AcclailH fOF aiicicnt wisdom In this neat compilation, one would family have been long standing friends of The highest award for humanism conferred it. Funded by WZO, Gothic Concepts has of the British Academy, the Living Leg ­ end of Law Award from the International Bar Association; the Padma Vibhushan, the Dadabhoy Naoroji Prize, it was re ­ called. He has prohibited further editions of his monumental, three-volume. Consti­ tutional Law of India which is currently in its fourth edition. But his Legend and Philosophy, literature and law being noted constitutional expert HormasjiM. Seervai ’s “loves ” until his demise in 1996, the fam ­ ily, aided by their friends, instituted gold Reality, providing a historical record of medals and awards to perpetuate the legend ’s memory, notes a press release. The H. M. Seer ­ vai Gold Medal for the best essay on any One up his belt topic in Indian constitutional and administrative law written by a law stu ­ dent from any rec ­ ognized law college tor of Yudansha Kobujitsu Karate Doh in India was con­ ferred in August 1997 at the convo­ cation of Banga ­ lore ’ s National Law School of India University. The chief jus ­ tice of the Supreme Court of the Republic but also Japan, Bangkok, Philippines, Ma- of South Africa Ismael Mahomed, who laysia, Singapore and Hong Kong, as notes was the chief guest on the occasion, pre ­ sented the award to Vikram Raghavan whose essay was adjudged the best from among the 20 entries received from Chen ­ nai, Patiala, Kottayam, Nagpur, Gauhati, Bangalore, Ernakulam, Pune, Calicut and Seervai: in ineinofy India ’s partition is “fortunately not subject to any such prohibition, ” according to family sources. After a month ’s training in martial arts in Canada in 1997 under Shihan Ron Yamanaka, Bombay ’s Sensei Jehangir Shroff was awarded the Sth dan black belt and appointed president and chief instruc- Federation (India), notes a press release. Associated with martial arts for the past 19 years, Shroff has trained under veterans like Vispy Kapadia, Pervez Mistry and Hoshi Batliwalla. He has trained and par ­ ticipated in tournaments not only in India, his bio data. Among the mementos earned by him are a medal from the Singapore- Taekwondo Federation and a trophy at the 12 Parsiana December 1997 Two students who had passed their MA with a first class from Bombay University were also fortunate to receive the H. M. porary philosophy; and Patrick Coetho for his mastery in English literature. The H. M. Seervai Career Training Shroff (right) receiving 5th dan black Award is to be awarded annually to women belt award from Yatnanaka for the respected advocate firmly believed that “women, should have training for ca ­ reers, because a woman who had (or could have) a job or self-employment could not be Malaysia-India friendly tournament. This martial arts instructor who is also a science graduate designs beginner, in­ termediate and advanced karate sessions imparting knowledge on self-defence and self-discipline at the various classes he conducts at Don Bosco High School, St this award. The funding for this award was made possible thanks to a donation of one Joseph High School, Sir J. J. Primary lakh rupees to the Women Graduates Union School, Scholars High School and the Athornan Madressa.9 C In Loving Memory of our beloved Father and Grandfather Nusserwanji Burjorji Kadwa & I.1 President of India, V. V. Giri at Rashtrapati 1 1 Master-Moos (with head covered) receiving award Bhavan in 1970, states the write-up. A from Makles at the Polish part-time professor atBombay University ’s consulate postgraduate law department for the last 25 years, she has been referred to “as an international jurist (who) has travelled ex- by the Polish Academy of Medicine (PAM) systems and practices for the benefit of was for the first time presented to an Asian, Prof Meher Master-Moos, on December 19, 1997, as notes a press release. Founder president of Zoroastrian College, Mazda- Baug Society for Scientific and Educational based on color therapy aroma therapy. Fair, 1997 organized in New Delhi by Bharat tensively in many countries and attended Nirman (Build India) in many international conferences as a distin- association with the India guished speaker. ” Trade Promotion Organi- j sation in October 1997. I The Bhaskar Award for I “extraordinary services rendered in promoting the ancient Indian wisdom. SPOTLIGHT The first lady food and beverage manager of The Taj Mahal Hotel, Shirin Batliwala will, effective March 1, 1998, be taking over as general manager of the Hotel. This appoint ­ ment followed soon after she took over as area director of The President Hotel, Taj mankind, ” was presented to “50 eminent personalities...to commemorate 50 years ofindia ’s independence, ” notes the booklet Residency, Nasik, Taj published on the occasion. f _ ,, _ _ ; ; _ Residency, Aurangabad Ancient cosmic wisdom and healing and Taj Residency, yasnie Monasterie, All India Shah Behram Ancient cosmic wisdom and healing ana laj Rcsiuency, Baug Society for Scientific and Educational based on color therapy, aroma therapy, Indore. Starting as the Research, Master-Moos joins the band of magnet therapy, pyramid therapy, sound/ food and beverage man- 16 awardees, including eight Nobel Prize music/manthras therapy as also many other ager of The President Ho- winners to have reportedly received the systems have been listed as “her holistic tel, she was instrumen a Albert Schweitzer Gold Medal. The consul health courses ” in the booklet introducing in establishing Trattoria, T^c Library Bar forPoland,IreneuszMakles,alsoconferred Master and the other awardees and Gulzar, acknmfledges on her the certificate confirming her An author of over 15 books on law, ember-November J997), the newsletter honorary membership of PAM. religion and alternative medicine, her first launched by The President Yet another honor received by her was the Bhaskar Award at the Mystique India music/manthras therapy as also many other ager of The President Ho- systems have been listed as “her holistic health courses ” in the booklet introducing An author of over 15 books on law, religion and alternative medicine, her first book on dual nationality and the Constitu ­ tion of India had been released by the Compiled by Parinaz M. Gandhi 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 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 14 Parsiana December 1997ZOROASTRIANS ABROAD Dalal ’s domain Multifarious voluntary commitments earn Maneck Dalal an OBE Dilnavaz E. Bhagwagar And so, with love and youth on their baby. “You have to have lived through side and the enthusiasm of those heady those times, to appreciate the luxury of a And so, with love and youth on their A Parsi married to an Englishwoman, or an Indian settled in England is not uncom ­ mon.'' vice-chairman of Tata Limited, London, is that he has been chairman, president or patron of innumerable academic, cultural, religious and business organizations. So intense has been his involvement and con­ tribution to each — be it the Zoroastrian House in London, the British Council of Churches, the Royal Commonwealth So­ ciety for the Blind, the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry or the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in London, to name just a few — that Queen Elizabeth II honored Dalal with the Order of the British Empire in 1997. The OBE is the equivalent of India ’s Padma Bhushan. It was an event of great pride and plea ­ sure for both Maneck and his wife Kathleen (Kay) to be so honored at Buckingham Palace in the 50th year of India ’.s indepen ­ dence. “Only three people were allowed to accompany Maneck for the investiture, ” says Kay. “It was a tossup to decide which of our three daughters should be left out! ” Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Transport, the British Institute of Manage ­ ment and the Royal Society of Arts, Dalal comes from a family of lawyers and judges. His grandfather, Maneckji Nanavati was the first Indian to be called to the Bench. Following family tradition, Maneck stud ­ ied English law at Trinity Hall, Cambridge and was called to the Bar in 1945. But fate steered Dalal away from law and ing what the next would bring, ” recalls into establishing and nurturing India ’s na ­ tional carrier, Air-India International. Dalal wanted to join Tatas but J. D. Choksi, senior director and legal advisor to Tata Sons sug ­ gested that he needed to study and be con­ versant with Indian law before he could be taken on. Keen to start working because he wanted to get married, Dalal offered to work in any capacity. Impressed with the young man, J. R. D. Tata (JRD) put him in charge of Air-India ’s New Delhi office. What sets apart Maneck Dalal, former years, Kay and Maneck came to Delhi in ¦ ¦ 1947 when the Indian sub-continent was a seething cauldron of hate and suspicion and of families torn apart following the turbulence of Partition. I 16 Parsiana December 1997 . '1 .3-. <4l - ! I I Sltii' ft Dalal with wife Kay “We I ived from day to day, never know- peaceful night of sleep. ” JRD was already busy with plans for starting an international airline. As soon as his proposal was accepted by the Govern ­ ment of India, he asked Dalal, who by then had more than proved his mettle, to set up the London office. “I found it very flatter ­ ing, to be given charge of London, ” says Dalal. “The winter of 1948, in war-ravaged London, was another testing time for us, ” recalls Kay. Trudging through slush and snow, coping with freezing cold and short ­ ages of every kind, Maneck was deter ­ mined to succeed. “Nobody had any expe ­ rience, ” he remembers, “but we had a vision and we worked towards it. We liter ­ ally started from scratch. A caravan at Heathrow, with oil heaters to warm us, was our first office. ” From those humble be ­ ginnings, Air-India International rose to become one of the finest airlines in the skies and Dalal who started as manager, reigned as Air-India ’s regional director in London from 1959 to 1977. After retiring from Air-India Interna ­ tional, Dalal was appointed managing direc ­ tor of Tata Limited, London (the designa ­ tion altered to vice chairman in 1989) and group director of Tata Industries, a post he voluntarily relinquished in 1992. Addition ­ ally, he had served as adviser for tourism and civil aviation, and as chaimian of the For ­ eign Airlines Association of UK. Kay and Maneck had met in wartime England during the mid ’40s, while he was at Cambridge. The University of London where Kay studied was evacuated to Cam ­ bridge during the war. The beautiful blue- eyed 18-year-old met the dapper young Dalal at a university social. They have Maneck. “We were asked to fly Muslims out of Delhi, to the safety of Lahore. Our own household servants were Muslims but we managed to save their lives by smug ­ gling them out. In retaliation, a message of dire warning was marked on our Iront door — a black cross with a dagger through it. ” “In the middle of the night, we would been together ever since! “I strongly be ­ get phone calls threatening our lives, ” shudders Kay, now a grandmother but who at that point of time was expecting her first lieve arranged marriages arc the best, ” says Maneck, taking me aback for a mo­ ment. “Ours was arranged, ” he continues.“She arranged it. ” happiness. What is important is mental The Dalals have a delightful sense of compatibility, similar social backgrounds humor, mostly at their own expense. Talk ­ ing of the adjustments and problems they had to overcome before they got married, Kay says, “We discussed everything under and who has great pride in his Parsi lin- the sun but money, and that became our greatest problem in the first few years of our marriage. Maneck told me that his surname ‘Dalal ’ meant ‘broker. ’ But he didn ’t tell me we ’d go broker and broker! ” “As India celebrates 50 years of free ­ dom from the British, I celebrate 50 years of bondage to a Britisher, ” jokes Maneck. “But I wouldn ’t have it any other way. ” It wasn ’t always smooth sailing. Kay ’s mother, steeped in the Church, was most upset about her daughter wanting to marry a non-Christian and that too, an Indian. She was convinced that all Indians had more than one wife and her lovely Kathleen ism does it say, no one but a person born to At a function at the Zoroastrian House in London, a respected member of the Parsi Punchayet of Bombay came to give a talk, at the end of which there was an informal question-answer session. As one of the non-Zoroastrian members of the audience, Kay asked: “My church is al ­ ways open to you. Will the time ever come when I can pray by my husband ’s side, in "You have to have lived hisplaceofworship? ”Thespeakerwagged through those times, to appreciate the luxury of a peaceful night of sleep” and family support. Dalal, who to this day speaks a more shudh Gujarati than many an Indian Parsi eage, is however unhappy about the atti- his index finger under her nose and replied with a very emphatic, “No, no never, ” she relates. The incident has not embittered the Dalals at all. They prefer to gently steer clear of religious controversy. “We think of people as people. Not as Hindus or Muslims, Parsis or Christians. ” Their three tude ofthe diehards in the community. “To daughters, Tina, Suzy and Caroline follow my knowledge, nowhere in Zoroastrian- would be part of a harem! Both the fathers it can be a (Zoroastrian). It is after all an were more supportive. They exchanged approach to God — a i beautiful letters, expressing and overcom- <. no formal religion, believing simply in the goodness and humanity of man to man. Though he has divested himself of cor- way of life, ” he porate responsibility, Maneck and Kay •* " ** ¦ ¦ - opines. “I believe that non-Parsi spouses ing their fears of mixed marriages. They should be allowed and encouraged to at- only asked that the young couple wait for a year, to be sure of their feelings. Looking back on their long married life, the Dalals agree that a difference in religion is not a major obstacle to wedded retain their zest for life. Every winter they migrate to the warmer climes of India, nesting in the sights, smells and sounds of Bombay, meeting with old friends and Montreal or Bombay, are only alienating making new ones. Winter over, they fly non-Parsi spouses and the children of such marriages by their rigidity. tend all our ceremonies. ” He feels that the more orthodox Parsis, be they in London, back to Tall Trees, their home in Hampton, England. For Pure Diamonds JEWELLERS 324, Grant Road, Bombay 400007. Telephone 3099648 Fax 3073483 APPOINTED VALUERS BY THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA 18 Parsiana December 1997SEMINAR Bonhomie in Baroda A grand resurgence awaits the community, reiterated the speakers at the 11th All India Zoroastrian Youth Seminar Sarosh Bana the Baroda United Zoroastrian Youth (BUZY, pronounced “busy ” and not “boozy ”). Undoubtedly it is a daunting task rang ­ ing from transport, accommodation, board ­ ing, mementos and floral tributes for invitees and guest speakers to hostel lodg- '<1 Unvalla releasing the souvenir, flanked That the Zoroastrian youth conferences have become avidly awaited annual affairs was starkly evident in Baroda which hosted the 11th All IndiaZoroastrian Youth Semi ­ nar from November 2 to 4, 1997. Indeed, by the encouraging turnouts that are now gracing these engagements, these semi ­ nars are fast becoming a Parsi mini version of the kumbh mela. As many as 300 youngsters in their T-shirts, jeans and jaunty caps had turned up to participate in the three-day event, swarming the tree- lined grounds of the Behramji Seervai Parsi Dharamshala where it was held. Mostly in their teens and early 20s, they had come from as many as 20 different cities and towns all over India, the majority of them from Bombay, Pune and Ah- medabad, apart from the expectedly large segment from Baroda, of course. Some of them were veterans of previous youth seminars, capable of work ­ ing their way through the cluttered agenda by Parabia (left) and Cooper of the three days with utter nonchalance. Some were more fresh faced, with an eager beaver look about them, waiting to devour every bit of information, every talk deliv ­ ered from the podium. The next three days proved beyond outings. As on previous occasions, this doubt how intelligent, articulate and tal ­ ented most of them really were. The sort of brood that inspires confidence in the community ’s future. Probably many felt likewise, since a common refrain from most of those who took the mike was that all was not lost for the Parsis and a grand resurgence was in store... and in­ evitable. Every year, the event is organized by cern at the alarming decline in numbers of the Zoroastrian youth of the host city the community, predicting that Zoroastri- under the overall patronage of the Federa ­ tion of Zoroastrian Youth Associations of India (FOZYA). In Baroda, the hosts were 20 Parsiana December 1997 He urged the participants to bear this in mind, suggesting this aspect as the theme of the Seminar. (There were some rather unprintable solutions proffered from the back rows.) Nadirshah P. Unvalla, the high priest of the Bangalore fire-temple, was the special Hm invitee and he lit the ceremonial oil lamp and released the souvenir at the inaugural session. In his remarks, he referred to the controversy in Calcutta between the orthodox and reformist Parsis, the latter disap ­ proving disposal of the dead by the dokhmenashini sky burial system being followed at present, and pre ­ ferring instead either cremation or conventional burial. “Dokhmena ­ shini is the time-tested method the Parsis have practised over millen ­ nia and has a scientific and hygienic basis to it, ” Unvalla declared. “Those touting cremation must re ­ alize what might happen at times when there is no firewood or there are recurrent power failures. ” FOZYA president Porus Karanjawalla traced his organization ’s history from its ing for the young participants, meals and tea at the venue, generating funds through inception in 1991 and referred to the first advertisements in the souvenir and arrang ­ ing for the evening functions and group of the youth seminars held in Delhi in 1987. Regretting the lack of representation from Delhi and Hyderabad at the Baroda event, he indicated that these seminars now cost as much as five lakh rupees and that Parsi youth nationwide should avail of this annual opportunity to get together and network amongst themselves. “Such inter ­ action is vital for our youth, because it will Seminar too began with a jashan ceremony a day earlier. Welcoming the delegates, BUZY presi ­ dent Zaxis Parabia pointed out that the organizational activities had commenced some six months in advance by his ex ­ tended team of volunteers who evidently help stave off the termite of intercaste had seen to the minutest details. In his inaugural address, he also expressed con- marriage that is feasting away at our foun ­ dations, ” he maintained. Shavak F. Patel, president of the Shree Parsi Panchayat, Vadodara, praised the hard work put in by BUZY and termed it ans as an ethnic folk will become extinct “over the next two to three centuries ” if the youth wing of the Panchayat. He saidj immediate measures are not forthcoming, the Seminar ’s success will be “anothe| L> •vW I - I fi «aLf rhe Top row (at the inaugural and valedictory functions) from left: Ankleshwaria, Karanjawalla, Modi, Unvalla, Parahia, Jal Patel, Cooper, Irani, and BUZY members with Vyarawala, Shavak Patel and Cuzder. Center row (from left): Shavak Patel, Karanjawalla and Modi. Bottom row: the audience in attendance at a session, and an evening of dance Photos: Sarosh Bana quote of “seldom has so much been owed by so many to so few, ” he believed this could well be said of the Parsis also. Citing the varied and stupendous complishments of the community over the years Modi observed, “We Parsis are ge ­ netically programed for success; a Parsi failure is an anachronism —you just can ­ not fail if you do your best. ” He pointed out that there might be many Parsis who were poor but who have raised happy, stable families. Narrating by the dint of its own efforts, honesty and ac- milestone in the progress of our youth. ” quote of “seldom has so much been owed its host country with since the time it had The BUZY team consisted of Cyrus Coo- by so many to so few, ” he believed this settled here. per, the Seminar ’s chief coordinator, Para- could well be said of the Parsis also. According to Modi, Zoroastriaris are bia, Aadil Bavadam, Mehzabin Bharucha, Citing the varied and stupendous ac- epitomized by three ‘e ’s and four ‘i’s, Hutoxi Ankleshwaria, Farhad Wadia, Adil complishments of the community over the namely, enthusiasm, enterprise, endurance, Wadia, Kaizad Engineer, Parizad Mirzan years Modi observed, “We Parsis are ge- industry, initiative, integrity and intelli- and Urvakshi Katpitia. netically programed for success; a Parsi gence. He firmly rebutted any talk of res- _ In his talk, chief guest and eminent failure is an anachronism —you just can- ervations for the Parsi community in India, solicitor Nadir A. Modi remarked. When- not fail if you do your best. ” declaring, “We are not scheduled castes or ever fellow Zoroastrians foregather, there He pointed out that there might be tribes that we require such sops; we are an is great electricity in the air;, of Porsipanw. many Parsis who were poor but who have independent folk that has learnt to progress , of joy in this togetherness. He urged the raised happy, stable families. Narrating by the dint of its own efforts, honesty and youth not to believe in the stars, but in the famed anecdote ol our earliest settlers dexterousness. ” According to him, “It is memselves Your religion is the star. ” in India dissolving sugar in a bowl brim- always good to get something for nothing, e added that he believed in palmistry ming with milk, he stressed that the sugar but how beneficial will this be for us in the insofar as our future was in the palm of symbolized the elements of vitality and long run? ” our hands. Recalling Winston Churchill ’s sincerity that the community had imbued FOZYA general secretary Parvez Irani ming with milk, he stressed that the sugar sincerity that the community had imbued 21 Parsiana December 19971, a Far left and center: Par­ ticipants at the talent contest. Right: Delegate Cyrus Vaid shares his views Below: Karanjia (left) and Patrawala Photos: Sarosh Bana difficult to surmount it, ” he mentioned. “That is why the bedrock of our religion is progress, prosperity and per ­ fection. ” He pointed out that in our _____ scriptures, anghra mainyu or ahriman epitomized the dark, decaying forces; but they were not some demons lord- ing over some evil empire, but realities in our own mindset. According to him, Zoroastrianism postulates that there is no individual salvation but a collective one. It is for this that we need to look to the progress of not only our own, but of all those around us, he explained. Asked if he could prove that God exists, Karanjia replied; “The best of scientists have not been able to prove this; it is a question of faith. But the more you think of a higher, superior force above us, the more you will sense the need for one. ” The afternoon session involved a spirited liJ mood for the night and had the young — as also the not so young — working up a sweat on the dance floor. With the morning sessions starting at 9 each day, preceded of course by breakfast at 8, most youngsters arrived bleary-eyed ¦for the first talks of the day. They also disapproved of the organizers banging on the doors of the hostel where they were lodged and which was a good 15-minute walk from the venue. In their keenness to ensure that the scheduled speakers of the morning sessions were not accosted by debate on the subject, “Attachment to Fam- empty chairs, the organizers had been more than enthusiastic in dragging the delegates out of their slumber. After some peace talks, it was agreed that the banging were indeed stifling and marred individual- would stop and that future conferences delivered a vote of thanks that was fol ­ lowed by a slide show on Iran by World Zoroastrian Organisation (WZO), India committee member Diniar D. Mehta. Mehta also runs his own Dini Travels which takes tourists regularly to the coun ­ try where Zoroastrianism has its roots. His slides showed that women in the Iranian countryside are not as hemmed in by the rigid code of conduct as they are in the cities, with his women travellers able to move around in their salwar kameez in­ stead of the mandatory hijab. Besides with the recently-installed youthful and pro ­ gressive President, Mohammed Ali Kha ­ tami, conservatism in that country was not that stifling as it had been in the past, he . said. would stop and that future conferences ity, while those against said they were the The afternoon session had the delegates would devise a more delegate-friendly key to a stable family life. playing the Queen of Sheba after which timetable. The evening was set aside for a visit there was a talent contest. Some of the The morning of November 3 had Ervad in six coaches — to the Sayajirao Gardens delegates dazzled with their talent, mov- (Dr) Ramiyar Karanjia, the young princi- and then the Ajwa and Nimeta gardens. A ing and singing almost like professionals, and there were some humorous skits as well, as also one item of a guileless volun ­ teer being tattooed (in colors) right down his back. The last item had some of the tify ourselves against physical, mental, youngsters raising questions with the speaker the next morning whether it was true that bodies of Parsis sporting tattoos cannot be consigned to the Towers of Silence. The speaker acknowledged that though our scriptures do not specifically ordain that tattoo is taboo, he had been informed that the process “disturbs the body, mutilates the skin cells and can also cause cancer eventually. ” That evening, after dinner — all the delicious meals for the event were handled by Cherag Caterers — there was dance at the Dharamshala ’s spacious hall. The rous ­ ing beat and the blinding lights set the ily and Overprotectiveness is Hampering the Growth of our Conununity Youth. ” The team of protagonists felt that these attributes timetable. The morning of November 3 had Ervad (Dr) Ramiyar Karanjia, the young princi ­ pal of the Dadar Athornan Boarding freak shower scuttled the proposed camp- Madressa, speaking on the “Relevance of fireatNimeta, but the dinner was great and Zoroastrian Paradigm in Modern Times. ” He said Zoroastrianism teaches us to for- moral and spiritual evil because it helps us awaken our consciousness. “Unless we recognize what we are up against, it is so also the fashion show put up by the group from Pune. This evening too termi ­ nated with the inevitable dance. Former Maharashtra minister and pres ­ ently member of the National Commission for Minorities, Marazban Patrawala, in his talk on November 4 on “Reservation of Parsis as a Minority Community, ” was categorical that reservation was indeed the need of the hour. “Every year, some 30 lakh boys and girls compete for seats in engineering, medical and other colleges, ” he remarked. “And I have seen Parsi stu ­ dents with 95 percent marks sidelined by scheduled caste and tribe candidates with 46-47 percent marks. ” Though Patrawala realized that many continued on page 40 22 Parsiana December 1997PROFESSIONS COVER STORY Knight in shining armor Dr Jamshed J. Irani’s contribution to promoting Indo-British trade earned him a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II j a Dilnavaz E. Bhagwagar The honorary knighthood conferred on 1 him by Queen Elizabeth II on October 14, i 1997 “came as a pleasant but complete | surprise, ” said Dr Jamshed Jiji Irani, I managing director of The Tata Iron and i Steel Company Limited (TISCO). “It was I just the coincidence of being in the right | place at the right time. ” The words were a reflection of the unpretentiousness of a man who has more honors and degrees attached to his name than you can hope to remember. Irani explained that he was present at the first meeting between former prime ministers John Major and Narasimha Rao which aimed at vitalizing trade relations between the two countries. Major found the Indian wicket so good, he wanted Great Britain to go up in the batting order of business relations with India. And so an Indo British Partnership (IBP) for increased trade was formed. Irani, who was already president of the Confederation of Indian Industry, was named chairman of the In­ dian side of the IBP. Under his chairman ­ ship, Indo-British trade grew from one billion pounds to three and a half billion in four years. It also helped Indian industry to access British technology. Irani looks upon his award as a recognition for all those in Indian industry who worked to improve . commerce between India and Britain. Did Irani have to kneel before the Queen and be tapped on the shoulders by a sword before arising as Sir James? It was nothing f quite as dramatic, he laughed. It was a simple, dignified ceremony at the British I * Irani with Mother Teresa at the inaugu­ ration of the leprosy hospital, Nirmal Hriday 25 Parsiana December 1997 ' I. ~ J 1 1 a . J • ,r ij f a ¦Vllr High Commission in New Delhi — no photographers or TV coverage allowed — where the Queen signed a scroll and handed it to him and put a ribbon with the KBE around his neck, making him a Knight of the British Empire. He will not be ad ­ dressed as ‘Sir ’ but may add a KBE after his name. “Like all good Parsis of that generation, my parents were great admirers of British royalty and would have been delighted to know that I actually shook hands with apri Rani,"' said Irani. Irani was bom in Nagpur on June 2, 1936 (incidentally, June 2 was also the date of Queen Elizabeth ’s coronation). He grew up in the Empress Mill quarters where his father worked. This mill was Jamsetji 26 Parsiana December 1997 Tata ’s first industrial venture. Maybe, Irani has done that and more. As man- Jamshed derived his name from the great aging director of TlSCa man! Graduating as a gold medalist from the Science College, Nagpur in 1958, the young Since taking over man of 22 went on to the University of Russi Mody m 1992, the turnover has Sheffield in Great Britain from where he did his master ’s degree and doctorate in metallurgy. Jamshed ’s father, the late Jiji Irani, was a positive and powerful influence on his son ’s formative years. Jamshed ’s sense of mission, his pursuit of excellence, his love for cricket were qualities ingrained in him by his father. As a young boy his father once told him, “Out of every 10 people born, nine have to work for the 10th. Prepare yourself to be the 10th. ” an industrial empire of 68,000 employees with an annual turnover of Rs 6,400 crores, the helm of affairs from doubled. The government ’s liberalization policy came as a boon and a bane. From a protected industry in a sellers ’ market, it was thrown open to the hazards of global ­ ization and competition. On the plus side, it allowed Irani to bring into full play his technical expertise and experience in mod ­ ernizing and expanding the steel plant, at a cost of Rs 9,000 crores. TISCO has not been immune to the nationwide slowdown in industry in 1996- 97. Irani, however, is very optimistic aboutthe steel industry in general and TISCO in particular. “In the past, we had a near monopoly but now we need to be increas ­ ingly aware of the needs of the customer, specifically politicians were a major prob- A change of product mix, with greater .......................... ' emphasis on speciality steels, will be the trend in the coming years, ” he opined. TISCO has reached its expansion po­ tential at Jamshedpur. Tatas have now set their sights on an integrated steel plant that will come up at Gopalpur-On-Sea in Orissa request. ” In times of natural calamity, in for which 2,700 acres of land have already programs that protect the environment or been acquired. This project will produce promote the beautification of Bihar, in wel- 2.5 million tonnes of steel in the first fare activities like building a children ’sward, phase. Sanjay Singh, head of corporate help has been sought from TISCO and it has relations at TISCO, provided the details. “Steel plants of the future, ” said Irani, “will have to come up at port locations for the economic import of raw materials and the export of finished goods. ” When I asked him if politics and more tandoori chicken. ” Of course, the signboard has to be loud and clear! Most brilliant young Parsis who go abroad to study generally stay back to lem, he replied in the negative. “They may have their scams and scandals, but with us Top row (from left): Irani greeting J. R. Laloo (Prasad Yadav, former Bihar chief D. Tata; being felicitated by Queen minister) has always played fair. He has Elizabeth II; at the controls; never made an unreasonable request. And we have never turned down a reasonable Photo: Palashranjan Bhaumick Bottom row (from left): Irani with Ratan Tata and K. C. Mehra; deliver­ ing a speech at a felicitation by the Parsi community in Jamshedpur, seated are Eruch Surti, Homai Boclhanwalla, Khurshed Bhesania, Daisy Irani, Homi Bodhanwalla and Silloo Surti; with been given. Making an apt if unusual com­ parison, Irani said, “Even politicians know wife Daisy and children Niloufer, Zubin that in an Udipi restaurant you cannot get and Tanaaz 21 Parsiana December 1997Jamshed Irani — the wonder boy grows to be an achiever; (below) places a ring on Daisy’s finger J" ¦ K work and make their future in the country of adoption. What made Irani return to India? “I always intended to come back, ” he said. “Since I had gone as a Tata scholar, the J. N. Tata Endowment kept track of my progress; and it was through them that J. R. D. (Tata) sent a message; ‘If he returns to India, let him first knock on the doors of TISCO.’” Which is what he did. Irani vividly recalled his first visit to Jamshedpur, some 30 years ago, when he was interviewed by Sir JehangirGhandy. Keki Kutarand Savak Nanavaty. It was also the day that John F. Kennedy was assassinated. Walking through the town that evening, pondering over his own future, Irani sat down on a culvert — not far from where he lives now. Watching the glow of the blast furnaces against a rapidly darkening sky, he made Company Limited and Tata Exports, his decision: “I will join (this company) ... - and one day I will make it to the top slot. ” A slogan in larger than life letters catches the eye as one enters the TISCO steel plant today: The will to work. The will to win. . Irani has immense pride in and innate loyalty to the name and prestige of the Tatas. “I have grown in the shadow of the House of Tatas, ” he said. “My father and before him my grandfather worked for Tatas. My earliest schooling was at the J. N. Tata School in Nagpur. Later, I went abroad as a Tata scholar. Now I have the privilege of working for Tatas. ” He is today also a director on the board of Tata Sons Limited, Tatix Industries Limited, The Tata Engineering and Locomotive reach out to both friends and strangers. She has the ability to put everyone at ease. “In so many ways, Jamshed and I are different, ” said Daisy. “I am unorganized and haphazard. Jamshed is meticulous to a T. I am easygoing and tolerant and can be a diplomat, when I need to. Jamshed does not suffer fools, will not tolerate incompe- The greatest inspiration of Irani ’s adult life was J.R.D. Tata. He reveres the memory of the man, who wa.s “a second father to me. ” With his wife Daisy and children Zubin, Niloufer and Tanaaz, Irani presents a pic­ ture-perfect family. Daisy is a delightful, tence and cannot make small talk. ” Per- down-to-earth, lun person. In a city domi- haps these very differences make them a nated by the steel giant, she could easily let perfect match, the importance of her position make her an unapproachable Lady D. Instead, she is a warm and helpful friend, a caring mother and a supportive wife. All this without los­ ing her own identity. With energy and inter ­ est, Daisy heads dozens of TISCO’s welfare activities. Her spontaneity and sincerity can The one thing they are both emphatic about is maintaining family values and closeness. They make a conscious effort not to let Irani ’s busy schedule and impor ­ tant position come in the way of being a warm and loving family, which includes their parents, sisters and brothers. 29 Parsiana December 1997“Do what you say and say what you think."This has been his guiding principle Jamshed and Daisy take care not to let the children lose touch with ground reali ­ ties. Tanaaz, their youngest child, studies in Bombay, lives in a student hostel, com ­ mutes by bus and local train and for holi ­ days returns home to Jamshedpur on the Gitanjali. Niloufer, the older of the two girls is a fiercely independent young lady, doing spread their own wings, Daisy travels ev- her management training from the Xavier erywhere with Jamshed. “Otherwise, I’d Labor Relations Institute in Jamshedpur, see very little of him, ” she laughed. She is She is firm about not wanting to go abroad also there to help him unwind and take care for further studies, and not using her father ’s connections to further her academic or career opportunities. Zubin, the eldest of the Irani children, seems set to follow illustrious footsteps, perfect Sunday for him. The only other At present he is in Boston, USA, doing his MS in materials science. As a Tata scholar, of course. Daisy talksofa very satisfying moment cooling pond at the steel plant. In these they had as parents, just before Zubin left brief moments of communication with for the USA. As every mother would, she was giving him advice on the merits of hard work, of being able to choose be ­ tween right and wrong and of adhering to mal. The total strength of the community is core values. Zubin just said, “Mom, you don ’t have to tell me about this. I have seen Dad and you live it. ” Since the children have grown up and dispersed and declined. The second reason is that young people from Bombay are reluctant to come to Bihar. Which is a pity because Jamshedpur as a city and Tatas as an industrial house are unique in the ameni ­ ties they provide their employees. Apart from medical and welfare benefits, the Parsis have their own beautiful agiary, aramgah, housing colony, hostel, hall and school that are managed by an efficient committee, headed at present by Behli Bodhanwalla. While being immensely proud of their of social obligations for which Jamshed has little time and taste. He enjoys good identity as Parsis, Jamshed and Daisy are food, good friends and a good game of professed “liberals ” when it comes to cards. A combination of all three, make a touchy issues within the community, like intercommunal marriages, performing the navjote ceremony of children of such mar ­ riages, allowing non-Parsis to pay their last respects to the dead, etc. But suppose, if one of their children decided to marry outside the community, nature, his spirit is rejuvenated. how would they react? “There would be a The Parsi presence in TISCO and other stab ofdisappointment, ” admitted Jamshed, Tata enterprises in Jamshedpur is mini- times of total relaxation are gazing at patterns of clouds in a blue sky when he is flying, or watching a quiet sunset in the about 500 persons of which a bare 25 are directly employed at TISCO. The reason for this is two-fold, according to Irani. For one, the Parsi population of India has “but we would never object. Not if the person in question was a fine individual from a good family. ” They are also agreed that to stem dwin ­ dling numbers, we must accept children of intercommunal marriages into the faith. 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Jamshed ’s own mother passed away few months ago and all their friends and colleagues were present at the funeral. “The Parsi community of Jamshedpur, both priest and laity, are pro ­ gressive, ” said Daisy. “The Parsi community of Jamshedpur, both priest and laity, are progressive” More than upholding dogma, Irani be ­ lieves in perpetuating the fine basic quali ­ ties of Zoroastrianism. For him, the most important of these are truth and honesty. “Do what you say and say what you think. ” This has been his guiding principle. The man ’s candor comes across as the most forceful facet of his character. Talk ­ ing about him, Singh says, “In any discus ­ sion or meeting, be it with government, labor unions or board of directors, Dr Irani can say ‘no’ without fear or favor. Despite this, he has the ability to change the mood of people across the table, from extreme animosity to extreme amiability. ” It is always hard to capture the essence of a man but S. Pandey, vice president of human resource management at TISCO, came pretty close to it when he quoted from a Sanskrit shloka; “A sajjan or good man is like a coconut — hard and rough on the exterior, but full ofgoodnes,s inside. A.durjan is like a betel nut — smooth and slippery on the surface but hard as nails inside. Dr Irani has the qualities of a coconut. ” Irani admits that life at the top can be lonely because once you are there, the buck stops with you. Way back in 1992 when he took over as managing director of TISCO in turbulent times, he set down a three-point credo for himself and he has tried to live and work by it: First of all, develop a clear, personal vision of what one wants to accomplish with one ’s life. Secondly, tell the truth about current reali ­ ties. Never say things merely to be pleas ­ ant or say one thing and do another. Lastly, do the tough things no one else wants to do. It is so easy to say ‘yes ’ but somebody has to stand up and say ‘no.’ His code of conduct has served him well in his day and has led to the making of a knight. Sir Lancelot in shining armor may belong to another century, another age. But Dr Jamshed Irani, KBE, belongs to us now. BOYS’TOWN Public School Nasik 2 Recogn i sed as a Public School by the Department of Educa ­ tion for Indian Merit Scholars. Excellent Climate -- All­ round Education. A newtwo-storeyed dormitory with attached bathrooms, study and lounge rooms has just been completed to house 180 boys. All Academic Subjects -- Technical Subjects: Work ­ shop Technology, Mechanical & Electrical Maintenance, Carpentery & Farming. Train ­ ing in Self-Government through Elected Boys ’ Office bearers. Games — Physical Training - Daily Assembly with Congregational Prayers — Weekly intensive Zoroas ­ trian —Geeta —Koran classes — Excellent Modern Kitchen and Dining Room facilities. Moderate Fees. Concessions and even freeship to Deserving Students. Children of priests-freeship. Navar Martab facility. Also arrangement to send such boys at Trust expense to their vari ­ ous destinations, so that they are in touch with performing religious rituals. Also further studies after SSC can be ar ­ ranged if desired. Apply to THE MANAGING TRUSTEE P. N. MEHTA EDUCATION TRUST Cooks Building, 3rd Floor 324, Dr D. N. Road Bombay 400001 32 Parsiana December 1997MEDIA Billimoria ’s reel image With the launching of the Special Interest Publications Division, Hoshang Billimoria has helped Tata Donnelley venture into one more uncharted field Gustasp Irani “Better Photography is only the begin ­ ning, the first of many specialized maga ­ zines that we will be publishing, huh It ushers in a new era of special interest journalism and publica- tions in India, ” says the manag- ing director of Tata Donnelley Limited (formerly Tata Press) Hoshang S. Billimoria. The an- ’ swer to why the Special Interest Publications Division of the com- ' pany was launched with a pho­ tography magazine is simple Billinioria: keen enough, according to Billimoria photographer who is on the editorial advisory board of the magazine; “Because I am a keen photographer myself ” And a very good one, we might add, for prices in rupees, we soon discovered that many of the pho­ tographs (without credit lines) that wowed us in the early issues of the magazine were from his personal stock. “In future issues, we will use less of my photographs and more of contributors ’,” says Billimoria who uses a Nikon system and enjoys land ­ scape photography (favorite location: the Arlberg Alpine area in Austria). In June 1997 the company launched its Special Interest Publications Division with know about video pho- the first issue of Better Photography, tography but did not There have been a few Indian photography know who to ask. magazines around, blit none as committed to the art as this one. Indeed, if you have shied away from photography because it makes you feel hopelessly incompetent, or because you figured that you could not buy a good camera in India, Better Pho­ tography will change your point of view. Between its covers you will discover that photography is not the ogre you thought it to be; and that there is, in fact, a wide selection of world-class cameras available right here in the country at prices that won ’t burn a hole in your pocket — not a big one anyway. True, the first few issues of Better Photography seem to be targeted at begin ­ ners, snap-shooters and amateurs, but seri- •f 34 Parsiana December 1997 OUS amateurs and professionals will find it becoming an increasingly popular hobby, worthwhile to browse through its pages to sec what is happening in the domestic market. They will also appreciate the fact that the pho- What Better Photography has been able to do is identify a niche market and satisfy it, ” says Billimoria. But photography is only one side of tographs are printed on quality Billimoria ’s interests. He enjoys what he paper and the editors have given refers to as his “aquatic life (the fish swim- I generous double-spread layouts ming in the aquarium at his residence), ” ft to highlight their details. The editorial content is a mix e of basic tips, interviews with eminent photographers, equip ­ ment test reports, contests and trade news. The back of the magazine is devoted to an im­ pressive list of cameras available in India along with their main features and their (O D O In the first few issues, the magazine addressed itself to the basics of still and video photographs. The inaugural issue car ­ ried articles on the ABC of photography — apertures, shutter speeds, metering, etc. There was also a pictorial step by step demonstra ­ tion of a simple task that has led to endless heartburn — that of loading and unloading a camera with film. The second issue followed up by detailing everything you wanted to According to Billi- moria, the response to the magazine has ex ­ ceeded expectations. By the second issue itself, they had a subscriber base of 5,000 and a print order of 16,000, and are ? projecting a print order I of 25,000 by the sixth | issue. “Today, you can get almost any kind of equipment right here in .. India. With more Indi ­ ans starting to travel abroad and within the country, photography is The Amateur Ptjoloflraptrer of the Year Contest Results A GAiloria of the Cost Ptiotogreplis the Art of fVtitcrofjlioloyraphy Industry Voice Sanjnv Katet. htD. RatoiIndia Distributors f»vt. Ltd. How to Shoot Architecture Insight Win the fabulous Olympus ImjurJ II his tennis and is a ‘spirited ’ Rotarian on the board of directors of the Rotary Club of Bombay. Indeed, Billimoria has served on the board of many companies, including Thomas Cook, Cable Corporation of India Limited and Tata Share Registry Limited, amongst others. The key to Billimoria ’s many achieve ­ ments, even in his youth, has been commit ­ ment. He stood first in St Xavier ’s High School, Bombay in his Secondary School Certificate examination. In the Inter Com­ merce examination in 1970 he secured a first rank, as well as a first class at the BCom exam of Bombay University topping the accounting and auditing discipline. In Lon­ don, where he went to study accounting, he won' the Deloitte Blender Prize at both the intermediate and final examinations of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of En­ gland and Wales. Billimoria worked for five years in London P with Whinney Murray L and Company (now I Ernst and Young), one of the largest firms of I chartered accountants in I the world, before return- ing to India in 1977 as a I partner in S. B. Billi- I moria and Company. In 1988 he moved to Tata I Sons Limited and two years later took over the reins of Tata Press. Within a few years he succeeded in turning _ l ‘ Tata Press from a loss- All ycMi have to do k* u » LMfgh WHICH YOU CAN BUY continued on page 39COMMENT 4 Together, to the 21st centuiy .9 9 A reader’s reaction to some of the happenings at the Second World Zoroastrian Youth Congress Aspi D. Moddie pity no one asked the good Dastur to elucidate where the resemblance differed from the preaching, and how come the ing of modern scientists for the nature of tradition is OK? He concluded on an admi- the universe. JamaspAsa said Jews and Zoroastrians were waiting for a messiah. In six WZCs teries. A pity no links of spirit were seen between Zarathushtra ’s questing spirit in the Gathic hymn to Creation, and the quest- These post-congress resonances are based on Parsiana's very readable account (“To­ gether, to the 21st century, ” July-August, 1997). The thesis of co-existence of “two or more models of Zoroastrianism ” was hardly borne out by “a head-on collision ” between the “Indian Zoroastrian ||ra||^w||B| religious establishment ” (all priests), and “the votaries of Gathic freedom of choice ” from North America. The outstanding repre- sentative of the former, Dastur (Dr) Kaikhushroo JamaspAsa de- served the standing applause. He brought more light, more history, more questioning, less hard dogma. He began by saying it was a /fWH good time to take stock. [The el- H|B|| ders have been taking stock with no significant success on contro- versial issues over six World Zoroastrian Congresses (WZCs).] Going back in his ­ tory , JamaspAsa posed a fundamental ques ­ tion: “Was this straight-jacketed Zoroas ­ trian identity (Sasanian) responsible for the downfall of the Zoroastrian state? Is it _ , . what fanned the Zoroastrian propensity to with Y 30.2, in which Zarathushtra bids ecules. When it came to the demand oKwo rebel? ” A pity the learned Dastur did not Zoroastrians to listen, think, act, and find ladies lor women to officiate as priests, attempt any answer. Nor did anyone else, their own Vohumanic salvation. Theoreti- Karanjia and Dastur (Dr) Fiioze Kotwal It was dismissed as, “Be that as it may, the cally, it could be argued that both could go resisted without even the discretion of choice before Zoroastrians was to convert together, but one has hardly seen Zoroas- Pope John Paul in the Roman Chui ch. or be killed, and they became fugitives in trians as a messiah-obsessed people. Karanjia thought women were incapable their fatherland with legitimate means ol The guest of honor at the Second World of performing the priest s role, not be- livelihood denied to them. ” Zoroastrian Youth Congress was a young cause of impurity, but because of biol- Fortunately, contemporary Zoroastri- Parsi millionaire, whose message was: ogy. He gave no biological reason for it. ans do not face those choices; they dispute “There is no reason why the world should Plain obiter dicta. Kotwal was against endlessly from congress to congress on the not be your oyster. You can go and get conversion and inter-marriage lor some same two or three issues. The choices anything you want. ” Not far from Khojeste abstruse reasons concerning rats tajls.^ today surely admit of more tolerance, more flexibility, more depth, more understand ­ ing in the contemporary milieu in different parts of the world. JamaspAsa himself refened to that new context of a dwin ­ dling, aging people in India, an increasing rable note of humility: “The problem is that man ’s brain has outgrown man ’s heart. ” Right, though I would amend that to “Man ’s ego has outgrown his brain and heart. ” Man is a part of the ongo- ing evolutionary Creation, not apart from it. Do such gregarious congresses inflate egos, individual HHIl and collective? This Congress was another at- tempt towards Zoroastrian iden- tity. It was hardly helped by the hard line of Ervad (Dr) Ramiyar Karanjia (principal of the Dadar Athornan Madressa) preaching “genetic and spiritual exclusiv ­ ity, ” though accepting that social circumstances “were favorable for intercommunity marriages. ” Mistree was asked if “everyone here is ready to take a DNA test to prove their Aryan descent. ” I suggest we first ascertain from leading genetic scientists if there arc any such for a messiah seems hardly compatible things as Aryan, Celtic or Sino PNA mol- with Y 30.2, in which Zarathushtrti bids ................. ' ' ’ ¦ Zoroastrians to listen, think, act, and find their own Vohumanic salvation. Theoreti ­ cally, it could be argued that both could go together, but one has hardly seen Zoroas ­ trians as a messiah-obsessed people. The guest of honor at the Second World Zoroastrian Youth Congress was a young Parsi millionaire, whose message was: “There is no reason why the world should not be your oyster. You can go and get ¦«*»’¦•*** ”3. • »»»¦ U h - u * 1 lit Fund-raising Congress artefacts Photo: Arnavaz S. Mama this was not at all evident, nor in beliefs between Congresses. Besides, the waiting We read no reasonable responses by the priests to the reasonable questions of the It was amazing to read in quotes the youth; the embarrassment of arranged following from JamaspAsa: “What has survived of the Zoroastrian faith bears little resemblance to what Zarathushtra global diaspora to other cultures, leading actually preached but the tradition has to melting pots. Apathy prevails. Science been completely and carefully preserved. ” Seems a contradiction in terms. A great context of Justice Davar ’s verdict, that Mistrec ’s advice to pursue happiness and prosperity, not messiahs. to melting pots. Apathy prevails. Science is providing the answers to Nature ’s mys ­ marriages in our time, the limitations of choice or no marriage at all, difficulties in meeting suitable persons, etc. Dogma seems to have no place for human consid ­ eration. When it was pointed out, in the 36 Parsiana December 1997decisions. To that extent, JamaspAsa is right about the divergence from Zara- thushtra ’s teachings. So it was refreshing to see Mistree called upon to play a bridging role, and urge youths to begin to think in terms of a “two-model, one community setup. ” In­ stead of “setup ” (a word implying struc- sions, and that was not for ethnic reasons. After 1857, the British encouraged Chris ­ tian missions, but maintained their impe ­ rial separateness as rulers. Glib historicity and unfounded biology have made for incredible cocktails of untruths in such discussions. It was good to read, “Unlike the Indian priests. Mistree, his evangelism mellowed by time, was able to articulate the orthodox message in terms which the youths ac ­ cepted and understood. ” An interesting primarily by Zarathushtra ’s injunction in Y 30.2, putting greater responsibility on individuals, priests and laymen. If both do not listen with the best ears, and use larger example was his attitude to homosexuals, whose sins were “worse than murder ” with the Zoroastrian thrust on Creation. “At the tile, superficial conflict, where a little knowledge has been a very dysfunctional religious level there is only one answer, ” he said, “but psychological understanding, tolerance are important. ” If a cardinal sin worse than murder could receive such hu ­ mane, psychological understanding and tolerance, why not less sinful mixed mar ­ riages or the navjotes of innocent children of mixed marriages? May Mistree ’s hu ­ maneness grow with time and tolerant reason for his future bridging role. Most such congresses begin with desir ­ able goals and then produce largely nega ­ tive and nebulous results. One particularly bitter and babbling session in this Con­ gress ended with a wise chairman conclud ­ ing: “Say WizAshem and go out and talk to Mistree ’s ethnic separateness “model ” of Zoroastrians, Greeks and Romans is a bit too glib for the historian. Alexander some navjotes of children of mixed mar ­ riages were taking place “surreptitiously, ” Karanjia said if such things were happen ­ ing “you can ’t take that (as a precedent). ” The real issue is that they are performed not so surreptitiously in the Parsi families o^The Bold and the Beautiful type, with no public dissent from even articulate mobeds ! And when Mehran Sepehri pointed out tures), I prefer mind-frames, those ruled that Iran ’s Council of Mobeds had ap ­ proved of navjotes of children with one Zoroastrian parent, “Iranian mobeds were challenged to convert/admit others to the Zoroastrian faith within their geographic Vohumanic minds, we will perpetuate fu- boundaries. ” This was geographical ex ­ clusivity, on top of genetic exclusivity, and towards the very homeland of the thing. Zoroastrian faith. Will we next carry ex ­ clusivity to particular towns, agiaries, and families of India? If so, what ’s the point of coming to such congresses, where bridges himself married a Persian princess and should be built (in this one to “reinvigorate encouraged his officers to do so. To the people ’s feelings of identity, ” as noted extent there was separateness — nosociet- Kerman Jasavala at the press conference)? ies merge in the mass, only at the margin As a modest Zoroastrian I find it hard to — it was due largely to political conflicts understand how rigid exclusivity and rigid as societies, not for ethnic reasons. It is dogma can be consistent with Zara- thushtra ’s injunction in Y 30.2 to listen well with one ’s ears, apply Vohuman (the century. I doubt if Shias or Iran would higher open, not the lower closed mind), and to take responsibility for one ’s own rather like saying Shiaism has been the ethnic religion of Iran since the seventh accept that. Most Indians did not convert to Christianity after the Western inva- With Best Wishes from Mr Rusy M. Shroff, M.B.E. 38 Parsiana December 1997 and Mrs Purviz R. Shroffeach other. ” Rather than repeat such ______ ____ congresses at periodic intervals, a time has continued from page 34 making company on the verge of becoming a sick unit, into an extremely profitable one. Indeed, the figures speak for themselves. The share prices have risen from Rs 35 in 1990 to Rs 450 in 1997 and the declared dividend for 1996-97 was 45 percent. Over BILLIMORIA’S REEL IMAGE come to take stock of their objectives, programs and results. Perhaps the most outstanding lessons came not from erudition, but from two sig ­ nificant experiences. First, Vera Parekh “grew up with total dependence on God in a white social environment in Surrey. ” Her this period the company floated two rights issues, rewarded its investors with a bonus of l;2 and increased its market capitalization from Rs 60 million to Rs 2,000 million. What would he do if he were asked to turn around the Parsi community? “Differ ­ ences of opinion are understandable in any community, but when it comes to the Parsis, we are way too argumentative. Everyone has his opinion and everyone is right. If we spent less time inter-fighting and more time doing something constructive it would make a lot of difference, ” says Billimoria. One of Billimoria ’s first suggestions is to encourage all young Parsis to get out of Bombay if they can. “I link the decline of the community in India with the decline of the city, ” he says. Bombay, according to him, has become overcrowded, over-congested and dirty, and as a result the quality of life in the city has deteriorated. “The average per­ son in Bombay spends three to five hours commuting to and from work. When he gets home he is too tired to spend time with the family. ” Yes, Billimoria equates success with family values and he and his wife Bombay bom and bred husband, Farokh “had the blind faith ” of his parents and grandparents, and “felt no need to question religion. ” He said, “Things changed when I Impressive by any standards. Beyond the numbers, Billimoria was in­ strumental in negotiating the tie-up of Tata Press with R. R. Donnelley and Sons, the world ’s largest printing company which led to it being rechristened Tata Donnelley Lim ­ ited. Billimoria ’s formula for success was simple enough: “We revamped our manage ­ ment team. We imported the latest machin ­ ery and printing knowhow. We came to represent the cutting edge ol technology in Benaifer hope to pass on those they inherited India. We gave our clients a quality product from their parents to their eight-year-old son and they came back to us for more. ” In addition, Billimoria spearheaded the company into publishing with the launch- Indian community oftheirtalents. Billimoria ing of the Tata Yellow Pages directory. Although there were hiccups along the way, today Tata Donnelley is the largest met Vera. She asked questions I could not satisfy. ” Those questions led to a better knowledge of Zoroastrian history, customs, traditions, becoming stronger Zoroastrians and better human beings. So questioning is better than apathy or blind, unquestioning faith and rigid ranting. Can future con­ gresses raise more relevant specific ques ­ tions, rather than time-worn topics? The second important lesson, which received only passing mention, was from Jasavala: “In the UK we feel that projects bring people together, help to bury differ ­ ences. ” Future congresses might review community projects objectively as factual case studies for future learning and coop­ eration. For example, the World Zoroas ­ trian Organisation project for the poor publisher of Yellow Pages in India. Zerxis. He is not surprised that many Parsis have opted to settle abroad, depriving the Zoroastrians in Gujarat, or the Bombay Parsi Punchayet ’s housing and scholarship projects, or the responses to the post- 1990 congress findings of long-term demo ­ graphic decline. In short, can there be a better meeting of minds in the operational sphere, apart from the religious and social? I am reminded of Salman Rushdie ’s rejoinder to a bitter and persistent liter ­ ary critic, John le Carre: “Every time he opens his mouth, he digs himself a deeper hole. Keep digging, John, keep digging. Me, I’m going back to work. ” And be ­ fore we dig ourselves into deeper biological holes, could we get some recognized socio-biological scientists to enlighten us on genes, heredity, race and behavior? That may save us from the pseudo-science of passionate exclu- sivists covering the nakedness of their sweeping assumptions with the wrong . fig leaves! The same school tells us that in Zoroastrianism excess is sin. So why carry exclusivity to dogmatic excess? is not suggesting that Parsis should endeavor to get out of the country. Even if they move to other Indian cities, they will immediately feel the difference... We never take our guests and Management consultant Aspi Moddie opted out of the Indian Administrative Service to makeacareer with the private sector. He has been actively involved in community affairs and has written several papers on management of community assets. Matheran 410102 Matheran Telephone 021483-0228 Fax 021483-0595 Bombay telephon6 3867776 39 Parsiana December 1997changing circumstances will dissolve our identity for all times to come. ” In an impassioned address, one of the delegates, Hormazd Dastur, said he took offence at the word “survival. ” “Why sur ­ vive? We Parsis must live — animals sur ­ vive, ” he snorted. In his observations, Tirandaz informed the youth that leadership came to those policy was squeezing out a community of 50,000.” He announced that since his nomination to the Minorities Commission in November 1996, he had submitted a blueprint to it for the creation of a five percent quota for the minorities. The Commission recognizes five communities as minorities in India, namely, the Muslims, who constitute 14 percent of the population, the Buddhists with eight who chose to dare. “We Zoroastrians are percent, Christians with seven percent, Sikhs effort because of the prevailing 50 percent with 2.6 percent and Parsis with 0.006 per- reservation for designated categories. ” Patrawala explained that Parsis as a community have contributed phenom ­ enally towards the well-being of their host BONHOMIE IN BARODA continued from page 22 Parsis were against reservation as they argued that they were not some tribal or caste group, trends were changing and sociological realities were staring us in the face. “We must discard our false social snobbery, ” he asserted. “We are not even a drop in the ocean in a country which has a population of 950 million and we are constrained to put in 50 percent more cent. Later, there were group discussions on “Survival of our Community in the 21st Century ” and “Participation of Youth in country, India, where they have been settled Community Organizations and Decision for the past 1,200 years. “We have sur- ' ' ' ' " " vived as a religious group all these years Making Systems. ” The first was moder ­ ated by journalist Noshir Dadrawala and because of such distinctive traits as probity the latter by Bombay Parsi Punchayet(BPP) in public life, competence, the urge to excel and at the same time to live peace ­ ably and in utmost harmony with others, ” he maintained. “But for the past five years now, there has not been a single Parsi IAS (Indian Administrative Service), IPS (In­ dian Police Service) or IPS (Indian For ­ eign Service) officer. ” He said this situa ­ tion had not arisen because Parsis were less competent, but because “the reservation trustee Rustoin Tirandaz. Dadrawala men ­ tioned that as he was an eternal optimist, he was confident of the community ’s sur ­ vival. “We have never numbered in crores and even in 1881 we were officially esti ­ mated at a strength of 85,397,” he stressed. “There are, however, those who are seized by the death wish that the Parsis a.s a community will be lost lorever in the political and social wilderness and that born to be the creme de la creme and we must never dance to the dictates of others, but make our own decisions after assessing the situation accordingly, ” he counseled. He urged the youth to take a more direct approach to community issues; “If a joker like me can become a trustee of the Parsi Punchayet, anyone of you can. ” The afternoon session, which the orga ­ nizers said they had reserved for a task as vital as an “Open Forum ” where the del ­ egates were to air their views on this 11th Zoroastrian Youth Seminar and forward recommendations for the subsequent ones, vaporized rather curiously. The workers had arrived earlier than scheduled to pull down the shamiana which they did while the congregation was busy at lunch. Hence, an objective evaluation by the participants was not to be and in this regard, the 11 th With compliments from B. B. GARDA & SONS 10 B. J. Road, Poona 411001 L 40 Parsiana December 1997Youth Seminar fell short of building a link to the 12th one next year, the venue for which is yet to be decided. It is also essential for a well-attended event of this nature to distill some semblance of a focus from the three days ’ proceedings. This would help the participants chart out a jointly evolved statement crowned by a resolution addressing the most pertinent for furthering their careers elsewhere. ” He issues before the Parsi youth. The fractured schedule then jumped to the valedictory function organized for the evening. It meandered into a marathon session, with all office-bearers and other invitees on the dais, and even those from the audience, having their say. Besides, it combined a prize distribution ceremony as well and most of those present that evening lion, while the Parsis will be decimated to probably went home with a memento. BPP chairman Jamshed Guzder was the chief guest at the evening ’s function, while Areez Khambatta, the chairman of Pioma Industries based in Ahmedabad, was the guest of honor. Khambatta exhorted the gathering to take pride in their Zoroastrian heritage and not shy away from projectin; their Zoroastrian image even whilst pledg ­ ing to be one with humanity, in India and the Truly, never had so much been done by so many for so many. There were BUZY members like Cooper who indicated that most of the organization had been done by the local body itself. Karanjawalla had earlier proclaimed that “all future all India Zoroastrian youth has celebrated the incidence of ‘unity in diversity ’ and Parsis have undoubtedly lent color to the social fabric of India. ” Guzder lamented that excessive famil ­ ial attachments were thwarting the progress of our community ; “Parents are often plead ­ ing with their sons not to leave them even if they happen to have excellent prospects seminars will be held by members after seeking the approval of FOZYA.” Noling that FOZYA had planned on organizing all India tours from the 1998 calendar year, all Parsis were welcome to join, said Karanjawalla. He also thanked Modi tor having so graciously offered his house in census when the country ’s population stood Udvada to those Zoroastrian organizations at 900 million. Within the next decade, India ’s population will soar to 1,200 mil ­ also expressed concern at the community ’s numerical decline, noting that while there were 1.15 lakh Parsis in 1951 when India ’s population was 300 million, there were only 76,000 Parsis registered in the ’91 undertaking trips for Parsi pilgrims to the village and said FOZYA too would ar ­ range such outings. According to him, 22,000, he estimated. FOZYA would also collaborate with the “It is because of these disturbing trends BPP project funded by the Zarthosty broth- that the BPP has devised the scheme of ers in collaboration with the various rendering total financial support to the athornan mandals in organizing lecture third child that is born in each Parsi family tours of high priests and scholars to various and up to the time it reaches the age of 18,” Guzder stated. “In the past two years, we have had 40 women applying for this ers in athornan mandals in organizing towns and cities in India. And considering the fact that many a young participant felt that three days were scheme. ” When the Barod'a'Parsi Panchayat far too short to build acquaintances as also pledged a cash award of Rs 1,000 and a world over. “We are often decried as being dinner set to the first couple from the communal and insular, but has that made us any less patriotic ?” he asked. “Our country ig >g young delegates who gets married within a year. Guzder offered Rs 2,000 more. to do any worthwhile sight-seeing in the host city, Karanjawalla promised that the all India youth seminars will be of longer duration from next year onwards. 42 Parsiana December 1997DRAMA Creating a scene Over a hundred years ago, rival Parsi directors borrowed plots from Shakespeare and Parsi actors delivered their lines in Gujarati and Urdu Parinaz M. Gandhi There was only one copy of the script and public responses that they evoked. ” so zealously was it guarded within the entire theater company that even the cast had to note down their respective lines. That was the time in the second half of the _____ ................... ....... ...........________ 19th century when stealing scripts, plays 71, was modelled on Shakespeare ’s and actors by the rival Parsi theater compa ­ nies in India was a common practice, re ­ veals Javed Malick who teaches English at Delhi University and is currently research ­ ing “for a book on the early vernacular (mainly Urdu) adaptations of Shakespeare for the Parsi stage between 1870and 1920.” Elaborating on this constant rivalry and fear, Malick mentions, “Reporters would go and hear plays again and again with a view to put together the script. Sometimes they would be detected and thrown out. When they were not able to take down the lines, they would interpolate. The same was the case during Shakespearean days. ” While he is fascinated with every new revelation that comes his way, Malick is also frustrated with the dearth of knowl ­ edge and literature available on this sub ­ ject. He has been visiting institutes, librar ­ ies, corresponding with editors and histo ­ rians, hoping to chance upon this rare archival material in obscure personal col ­ lections (see “Publications and contacts sought ”). He realizes that most of it must have been lost irretrievably, nevertheless he is making a systematic search to track this material for posterity for which he would “appreciate help from whomever, Sohrabji Patel (also known as Dadi Patel) wherever. ” As he had specified in an ear ­ lier letter, “At the moment my main en ­ deavor is to track down, collect and biblio ­ graphically compile the relevant texts and documents. Besides published and unpub ­ lished texts of the plays, I need production according to Malick. He had Khori ’s text notes, brochures, song books, photographs, personal accounts, newspaper notices, etc in order to reconstruct the performance translation was prepared and published in texts of major adaptations and to docu- Gujarati script. This remained a common ment their production histories and the practice in Parsi theater until 1914/15 be- cause most of the Parsi actors and directors could not read the Arabic script. And in- Barely able to conceal his initial excite ­ ment when he realized that Sone ke mol ki variably, it was the actors who were cast in Khurshid, reportedly the first play done in Urdu by a Parsi theater company in 1870/ 44 Parsiana December 1997 1 both male and female roles as Parsi women then were not even allowed to go and see theater, reveals Malick. Among the well-known theater compa ­ nies were the Persian Natak Mandali, Victoria Natak Mandali, Utejak Natak Mandali, Zoroastrian Natak Mandali, Alfred Theatrical Company, Original The ­ atrical Company, New Alfred Company. With intense competition among them the companies constantly needed new plays, explains the researcher. What better than the intricate plots of Shakespeare to sus ­ tain audience interest? Around 30 Cymheline, Malick discloses, “I felt like Christopher Columbus, a literary Colum- LSILflHk 1 ' parallel with the Shake ­ speare text was un ­ mistakable — in characters, events and even in dia ­ logs. It was not too much of an effort for me to discover this. It made me Shakespearean plays were adapted and want to go to other produced during this period, some of them old plays, includ ­ ing those in Gujarati. ” Surpris ­ ingly, the author ’s massively popular with undivided India ’s preface to the play stated that the story was largely plebian and non-anglicized audi ­ ences, were, as is commonly believed, a ‘vulgarization ’ of the Bard ’s ‘sublime ’ texts or, at least in effect, a counter-colo- Malick: tracking documents several times each. The main concern of Malick ’s project is “to investigate whether these adaptations. based on a Hindu katha (folklore) Kamavanti but he failed to acknowledge his debt to Shakespeare. The nature of his research has prompted the professor of nial project that liberated Shakespeare from English to now learn Gujarati, Hindi and Urdu as well. Actually, prior to this Urdu adaptation, Shakespeare been played to such large there was a Gujarati version, Sana na mol ni Khurshid written by Idalji Khori who was assigned this task by a friend Dadabhai the exclusive control of India ’s English knowing elite...Never before or after has when the latter took over the Victoria Natak Mandali as its director. Besides being a great lover of theater and Urdu, Patel was also a shrewd businessman who wanted to reach out to larger audiences, audiences...even in England after Elizabe ­ than times. ” Starved of entertainment, the audience it seems was particularly keen to witness the dramas. Malick relates a tale he has heard: Desperate to buy a theater ticket, a man bought flour worth one rupee on credit, then sold it to his neighbor for 50 paise to generate cash to purchase the ticket! While we do not know which stage translated into Urdu by another Parsi friend and staged it with great success. The Urdu production so enthused this theater buff, we do know that Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, King Lear were all a source of amusement to the Indian audi- Lmodern cultural history which has not received the serious critical attention it deserves, ” Malick maintains, “I see im­ mense possibilities... ” ence. Originally the Urdu translations were done by Parsi playwrights whose profi ­ ciency in Urdu was limited but “after 1885 or so the language improved because pro ­ fessional writers from (areas around) Uttar Pradesh who knew Urdu, Persian, even Arabic and Sanskrit were hired as resident playwrights of the companies. ” The first Urdu adaptation of Shakespeare to be pro ­ duced on the Parsi stage seems to have been Karimuddin Murad Barelvi ’s Bad- , shah Khudadad. This however was actu- several publications including the Tele- The play texts which he is attempting to ally a translation from an 1870 Gujarati graph, The Economic Tinies andThe Times locate are: Khusro na Khavind Khuda in adaptation ofPericles, Prince ofTy re called ------- • • Khusro na Khavind Khuda. Even the subsequent adaptations of Shakespeare were done by the Urdu writ- . _ _ ers, who had no or negligible knowledge of age of Parsi theater. Since then Malick ’s Khudabaksh Kiranghela and Rustom the English language, from summaries and interest in this subject has remained with Sohrab (three Gujarati plays) by Khori. outlines given to them by the Parsi direc- him. Information about the location of old tors. This meant that in fleshing out that The current project will require two- files of periodicals like The Bombay outline those Urdu authors generously in­ terpolated material from their own imme ­ diate culture, observes Malick whose own specialization for his PhD from the McGill University was Modern European Drama. His work, Toward a Theatre of the Op­ pressed, was published by the University of Michigan Press in 1995. He has contrib ­ uted to various international theater jour- “Reporters would go and hear plays again and again with a view to put together the script” nals and served as a theater critic for several publications including the Tele- Publications and contacts sought Some of the texts Javed Malick is trying to trace are: Kamavanti, the Hindu katha that Idalji Khori drew upon for his play Khurshid-, biography of Kaikhusro Kabraji by Sohrabji Kavasji Khambata. Gujarati probably by Dosabhai Framji Randhelia (1870); Jawan Bakht and Rus­ tom Sohrab (two Urdu plays in Gujarati be the only surviving actor from the golden script) by Nasarwanji Meherwanji Aram; age of Parsi theater. Since then Malick ’s j of India. He had once done a whole page on Parsi theater with substantial inputs from 96-year-old Master Fida Hussain who may him. The current project will require two- three years of effort, he being midway Saniachar, Rast Goftar, Jani-e-Jamshed, through the first year. “I need research assistance, ” he specifies. “Graduate stu- Parsi Ranch, Gujarati Review (1860-1910) is also solicited and also information about dents who could do basic spade work ” by the direct descendants of the authors, play ­ combing libraries to ascertain availability wrights and the founders/owners of the of material would be particularly wel ­ come. Viewing this as “a unique cultural phe ­ nomenon, a significant part of India ’s theater companies of that period. Malick can be reached at E-4, Staff Flats, Indraprastha College, Shamnath Marg, Delhi 110054. Tel: 2524893. Progressives • - Mid-, ___ _ Distance _ - fj i K The lens for uninterupted vision at different ranges distance, mid-disfance & reading. Progressives are multifocal lenses without the tell-tale lines of bifocals. Progressives need professional care . For the best results come to Baliwalla & Homi. One of the finest optometrists & contact-lens practitioners in the country. Baliwalla & Homi Private Limited Flora Fountain: 365, Dr. D.N.Road, Bombay 400 001 Tel; 287 4916, 287 1762 • Dhobi Talao; 614, J.S. Seth Marg, Bombay 400 002. Tel: 201 4906 Parel; J.Merwanji Street, Parel, Bombay 400 012 Tel: 412 6051 46 Parsiana December 1997BOOKS 100 years into the future The House of Godrej earns encomiums on 100 years of quality products and environmental concerns Arnavaz S. Mama Congratulating the Godrej family on “their tradition of withdrawing from the glare of publicity and taking pride in the products of their companies, ” gover- _ nor of Maharashtra Dr P. C. I Alexander recalled the words I of Wole Soyinka, the Nobel I laureate of Nigeria. Soyinka I had said, “Real power is to I touch power without power touching you. ” Alexander ¦ paraphrased it to “describe I members of this celebrated I family: Real wealth is to I touch wealth without wealth * touching you. ” Alexander ’s remarks pre ­ faced the ceremonial launch- I ing of the second volume of I Godrej: a hundred years /S97-7997 by Burjor Karanjia. (The first goodness and righteousness. Jams'etTi volume had been released by the Vice Jejeebhoy, Pherozeshah Mehta, Jamsetji President of India K. R. Narayanan in "" ’ ~ ~ “ Delhi in March ’97.) The first volume had dealt with the contribution of the first two generations of the family. The 374-page hard cover vol ­ ume II, published by Penguin Books India and priced at Rs 395, brings the story to date. Narrating the role of the second gen ­ eration wives and the third and fourth generation family stalwarts like Jamshyd, Adi, Nadir and Tanya, Karanjia recounts the family ’s dedication to the environ ­ ment. Their devotion to quality and the institution of professional managerial tech- niques to maintain and im- prove Godrej products has tries “came out of the pages of the Red resulted in a process of de- Book (which dealt with import/export re- centralization which has strictions), ” constituting the second stream. Those who came with background skills from Pakistan and went largely into glass ­ ware, sports goods, shoes, were the third category, according to Alexander. Those with the necessary background and educa ­ tion went in for new raw materials like went into jute, textile and cement produc ­ tion. After independence the process was triggered by import substitution. Indus- helped them create “winning teams ” and Karanjia has sketched profiles of many of Godrej ’s top managers. Describing himself as “a great admirer of the Parsi community, ” the governor chemicals and plastics. The fifth and most noted that the Godrej family had “inherited the Parsi tra ­ dition and culture in full measure...combining excel ­ lence with goodness...never deviating from the path of India. He started an industry in the con­ sumer sector, without capital resources, in a place rented at Rs 20 per month. It was his persistence and attention to quality (that) commanded the trust of consumers. Qual ­ ity is the key to the success of this family ’s business. They ’ve been maintaining the tradition for three generations. ” With a humorous aside on recent adver ­ tising trends which Alexander said he had difficulty in following — the visuals seem to have no bearing on the product — he recent stream, like electronics, started with people with technical education. “Ardeshir did not fit into any of these categories. (It was) not import substitution because locks were made elsewhere in Tata, J. R. D. (Tata), Homi Bhabha (were) giants not merely in achievement but as men revered for their goodness. ” Providing his own scholarly perspec ­ tive into the growth of industry in India, Alexander described the five streams of Indian entrepreneurship. Those who had capital — then considered the most impor ­ tant resource (“banks would lend money to an applicant only if it was sure he didn ’t noted that the original advertising of Godrej need bank money to run his business ”) — Karanjia (above): “an enriching experience: ” Volume II of the book presented by Alexander to Bombay University vice chancellor Dr Snehelata Deshmukh Photos: P. P. Hirani soap was based on letters from Raja '1, 0 47 Parsiana December 1997 lihWith best wishes from Farah & Tanya 48 Parsiana December 1997 Gopalachary, Rabindranath Tagore, Annie the gathering of some of the highlights of Besant who praised the quality of the first ’ ' "" soap made from vegetable oil. “The integ ­ rity of the people who wrote the letters could sell the entire production! ” The function was held at the Bombay deceased members of the Godrej farnily — University ’s Convocation Hall on Decem ­ ber 11, 1997. The gover ­ nor recalled that Sohrab had spoken to him about it in March, which under ­ lined “the thoroughness withOUt WOalth the centenary celebrations. The year had begun with the extended Godrej parivar (family) getting together at a stadium in Thane. Five lectures in memory of the five Ardeshir and Pirojsha, the founders, Burjor and Naoroji and their “Real wealth is mother Soonabai — had to touch wealth been addressed by such national stalwarts as Madhu Dandavate, Dr M. S. Swaminathan, Dr Jayant Narlikar, Chief Justice A. M. Ahmadi and Dr Manmohan Singh who spoke a few days later on January 16. Among the projects that have been undertaken during the year is the establishment of the Godrej archives at Pirojshanagar; of a manage ­ ment center in conjunction with the ______ Confederation of Indian Industry; and a other was the chairman of the House of hospital planned by the Godrej Memorial Godrej, Sohrab Godrej. Sohrab Godrej was himself “particu ­ larly happy ” to recall how “our forebears laid the foundation of self-reliance with ­ out which one can have no self-respect ” and had initiated him and his brothers, the late Burjor and Naoroji, “into caring for customers and^inployees. ” the country. ” In their early youth the les- son was driven home by their father Pirojsha, a dedicated nationalist and Gandhian, who found them happy with a . box of imported biscuits and promptly book. “Authors in India don t speak. from heaven, ” quipped Karanjia referring to the close-fistedness of Indian publish ­ ers. Karanjia said he was “given freedom to write (the book) provided I stick to the with which he organizes . „ anything... the meticulous touching you detail. ” Alexander, who had been Prime Minister Indira Gandhi ’s secretary in the course of a long and many- splendored career in Indian Administra ­ tive Service, recalled that he was aware of only “two individuals who could walk in at five minutes ’ notice ” to the PM. One was the famed ornithologist Salim Ali. The Trust. Other speakers at the Convocation Hall included David Davidar, chief executive officer of Penguin India, publishers of the book. According to him, “what sets Godrej apart is their unwavering commitment to Quoting C. C. Coulton, author Karanjia referred to the three difficulties an author faces: finding a sensible subject, a sensible publisher and a sensible man to read the pray since they wait for royalties to fall threw away the contents, explaining to the agitated boys that “good chappatis are just as good, but we ’ll make good biscuits too. ” An avowed ecologist, Sohrab was pained that “instead of vision, ” the government . was “allowing things to drift ” particularly truth. ” He described it as “an enriching^ in the ecological sphere. “The Indian For ­ eign Service is the best in the world but the Indian Forest Service is not up to the mark. ” Acknowledging the handiwork of his brothers, “Burjor had helped to keep the soap business in the family; Naval was largely responsible for (the development of Godrej Soaps, dedicated the group to the of) Pirojshanagar, ” the Godrej garden town- ‘ " ship at Vikhroli, Sohrab noted, “If we want to do well in the future, we must be loyal to our ideals. ” Vijay Crishna, managing director of tury. ” Godrej-GE, Naoroji ’s son-in-law and mas- In keeping with the Godrej emphasis on ter of ceremonies for the evening, noted the greening ofthe city, the stone portals of that the management had been visiting the Hall had been effectively dramatized humbling experience...This opportunity I consider as a gift bestowed on me — a bond that unites the giver and the re ­ ceiver. ” The Godrejs ’ motto for the year was “100 years into the future, ” and in his vote of thanks Adi Godrej, managing director 21st century. “We hope to serve our cus ­ tomers who have been the secret of our success, in a small way help India become a strong economic power in the 21st cen- In keeping with the Godrej emphasis on ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ J the Hall had been effectively dramatized branches all over the country, meeting with a combination of green and flowering traders, customers and employees. Naoroji ’s son Jamshyd Godrej, manag ­ ing director of Godrej and Boyce, informed tea in the University garden. plants. After the main function was over, the hall-full of invitees were served highMILESTONES a The age of Zoroastrian brides (as listed in this issue) ranged between 18 and 41 years, the arithmetic mean (the total number of in­ dividual ages divided by the total number of brides) being 25 years. The corresponding figures for the grooms were 21 and 42 years, ave-aging at 29 years. Compared to 77 Zoroastrians who were consigned to the Towers of Silence in Bombay in December there were 14 babies born. The major killer, heart disease, took toll of 26 lives of whom five were above the age of 80. Fi fteen patients fell prey to pneumonia and lung related diseases, seven to cancer and five to multi organ failure. The other killers were liver disease (three) and brain disease, septi­ cemia and gastro-intestinal blee­ ding (two each). Among the isola­ ted cases registered for the month of December were non-Hodgkin’.s lymphoma, lower respiratory in­ fection, tuberculosis, quadriplegia (paralysi.s of all four limbs), arthri­ tis, head injury, kidney failure, Alzheimer’s disease, asthma, malaria, hypertension, dementia and cachexia (malnutrition). In the case of one death the coroner’s report was still pending. Two stillborn babies were lost to the community as was a 34-year-old BANGALORE DIED Firoze Faramroze Siganporia (49), husband of Roshan and father of Tehmina and Behram on December 26, 1997 BARODA DIED Jalejar Munchersha Mehta (69), husband of Roshan and father of Hutoxi; December 20 BOMBAY BORN A boy, Rohun, to Maniz and Ashok Bhiinra, brother to . Anisha; November 25 A boy to Taiiveer and Zubin Balaporia’, December 1 A girl, Freyana, to Arnavaz and Hormuz Bhaka', Deceinber 2 A girl to Viloo and Jango Dainania', December 2 A girl, Friyan, to Shirin and Farokh Poonawalla, sister to Farzan; December 2 A boy to Nazneen and Murad we are areas youth. The highest age at death was 95 as compared to the lowest — 23. The Zoroastrian life expec­ tancy at birth, in Bombay in December, was 71 years. The data on births, marriages and death.s has been compiled from information supplied by various newsletters and anjumans in India and abroad, courts and hospitals. This information is not always complete or consistent; unable to carry data from 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 u.s 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 diseases. If readers have any births/mar- riagcs/dcaths they would like pub­ lished, some proof to ensure the veracity of the report would be required. We are sure our readers would appreciate thi.s requirement and cooperate with us. Daruwalla', December 5 A boy to Kaiser and Marzahan Kliairahadi; December 5 A boy to Tina and Biirzin Eiigiueer, December 6 A boy to Ahan and Daraiiis Shroff, December 9 A boy to Sherry and Vis/fv Bharucha', December 10 A boy to Mahnaz. and Behrani Zaiidhaf, December 13 A girl to Rukshana and Farokh Shokri', December 17 A girl to Bakhlawar and Mehernosh Takiti', December 18 A boy to Diishad and Ho.dii Tavadicr, December 18 A girl to Rashna and Navroze Billinioria', December 19 MARRIED Jasmin Mittoo Mistry of Calcutta and Hoshang {Hoshi) Rustom Kuka', November 20 Anaheeta Mehernosh Engineer and Rayomand Dara Balsara', November 23 Zeaita Farokh Contractor and Porus Soli Todiwalla', November 24 Zenobia Nariman Wankadia and Cyrus Jimmy Pooniwala', November 25 Keshmira Phiroze Patel and Burji.s Rohinton Mistry, November 28 Dinaz Firoze Elavia of Bharuch and Cawsi Kersi Bardoliwalla', December I Farnaz Hoshang Ichhaporia and Darayus Ralan Merchant', December I Zarine Cawa.s Adajania and Cyrus' Jehangir Irani', December 2 Shernaz Phiroz Dordi and Fredy Nari Nagwaswala', December 2 Hilla Nava! Daruvalla and Kurush Diniyar Amrolia', December 4 Katy Dhunjisha Varachhawala and Hoshang Jantshed Mohta', December 4 Delnaz Minoo Daji and Hanoz Behram Conlracloi", December 5 Khushnuma Dara Patel and Farokh Gev Dubash', December 6 Kashmira Eruch Wadia and Cyrus Parvez Sarkari', December 6 Anahita Sam Nallaseth and Neville Phiroze Dhabhai", December 7 Veera Bomi Panthaki and Viraf Aspi Dholoo; December 9 Sanober Sam Marfatia and Sharukh Dadi Edibani', December 9 Khushnuma Arnez Master and Neville Percy Garda', December 9 Monaz Rusi Cooper and Kaizatl Bahadur Tantra', December 9 Anahita Parvez Dordi and Fraser Farokh Daruwala', December 11 Arntin Firoz Patel and Jamshed Pesho tan Daru wa I a; December 11 Anahita Firoz Chawksi and Cyru.s Dinshaw Ghasweda', December 11 Havovi Jamshed Kolah and Ashtad Eruchsha Ichhaporia', December 11 Toranj Nariosang Desai and Khushroo Adi Pithawalla', December 1 1 Kashmira Maneck Bhathena arid Kaizad Jamshid Manecksha', December 12 Farecda Jamsheed Kanga and Daritoi Behman Moos', December 12 ./ahan Giistad Dehiniri and Mehrab Shiavax Nargolwa/a', December 12 Kashmira Phiroze Mehta of Pune and IJrmez. Phiroz Miigaseth; December 13 Tanaz Bonii Kaka and Percy Jal Patel', December 13 Tenaz Jimmy Baliwalla and Farrukh Hoshang Balliwala’, December 14 Shiraz Maneck Salhvavwala and Kersi Firoz Dastooi", December 14 Ayesha Kearsasp Mistry and Neville Soli Mody of Pune; December 14 Ketayun Percy Ichhaporia and Sarush Keki Taraporcvalla', December 14 Homai Sam Irani and Sharookh Khodaram Kocheck', December 15 Symonne Shapur Godiwala and Khushru Kaikhushru Daruwala of Navsari; December 16 Yasmin Pheroze Commissariat and Navzer Keki Sarkaiy, December 16 Nancy Barjor Cooper and Burzin Jehangir Aga', December 18 Ketayun Darabshah Dadachanji and Sherezad Jehangir Irani', December 18 Nazneen Rustam Dupattawala and Firdaus Noshir Gandhi of Thane; December 20 Shernaaz Minoo Bilimoria and Kerbad Rustomji Palkhivalw, December 20 Mahazarin Phiroz Jussawalla and Kerman Homi Canleenwalla; December 21 Phiroza Ardeshir Bill into ria and Aashish Soli Contractor', December 21 Firuza Keki Sopariwalla and Burzin Rustomji Degamwala', December 21 Razvin Shahjehan Irani and Hemavand Behram Namdarian', December 21 Khursheed Phiroze Ghandhi and Yezdi Rustom Hormuzdi of Mysore; December 22 Arzin Homi Daruwala and Sorab Minoo Italia', December 22 Kashmira Dinshaw Amrolia and Hormuzd Fall Pastakia of Kamshet, Dist Pune; December 22 Parizad Sam Katrak and Zubin Jimmy Batiwalla', December 25 Gulnar Aspi Surveyor and Shahrukh Ardeshir Irani of 49 Parsiana December 1997Jamshedpur; December 26 Samara Purosshusp Kerawalla and Kywan Homi Kerawalla', December 26 Nim Khushru Vesuna and Adil Ferdoon Mistry, December 26 Sanam Rusi Wadia and Kaizad Pesi Wadia', December 26 Persis Rusi Pagdiwala and Zubin Pliiroz Wadia', December 26 Yasmin Aspi Surti and Jimmy Khurshcd Tangree of Calcutta; December 27 DIED Bejan Jebangir Ghista (71), residing at 302, Samudra Setu, B. Desai Rd, 400026; November 30 Khorshed Savakshaw Dungore (83), C/24, Jer Baug, Dr Ambedkar Rd, Byculla, 400027; December 1 Tehmina Nowroji L/stad (83), Rocm no 10, 273, Dr S. S. Rao Rd, Next to Parsi fire-temple, Lalbaug, 400012; December 2 Noshir Dinshajee Amalsadiwalla (70), A/1, Sneh Kunj, Behind Laxmi Narayan Temple, Eksar Rd, Borivli (W), 400092; December 3 Navaaz Dinshaw Karani (53), 67 H, Mirador, B. Desai Rd, 400026; December 3 Roda Munchershaw Mistry (80), Hira Cottage, Opp Cama Baug Farsan Shop, 400004; December 3 Navroji Dinshawji Writer (89), 623, Marker Mans, Lady Jehangir Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; December 3 Goal Darabshaw Shroff (^82), Rutton Manor, Garden Rd, Apollo Reel, 400039; Dec ember 4 Rusiom Ardeshar Aibara (95), H-35, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039; December 5 Dara Phirojshaw Mistry (64), 22, Heera Meher, 110, Wodehouse Rd, 400005; December 5 Dhun Keki Patel (61), B-1, Kerawala Bldg, Tata Clny, S. V. Rd, Bandra, 400050; December 5 Keki Nusserwanji Randeria (71), K-2, Family Hse, Jame Jamshed Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; December 5 Mani Shavakshaw Godiwalla (74), K-16, S. B. Bharucha Baug, S. V. Rd, Andheri (W), 400058; December 7 Dorabji Dinshawji Doctor (74), J/7, S. B. Bharucha Baug, S. V. Rd, Andheri (W), 400058; December 8 Sorabji Shavaksha Lakdawala (79), 15, Safoorbai Manzil, Wadia St, Tardeo, 400034; December 8 Nariman Jalejar Madon (63), Parsi Agiary, Behram Baug, Jogeshwari (W), 400102; December 8 Rutty Adi Unwalla (67), 21 A, Cuffe Parade, 400005; December 8 Ratanshah Nusserwanji Lhnrigar (72), 51, Mistry Park, 77, B. Desai Road, 400036; December 9 Mani Sorab Darasha (95), Gul- Villa, 6, Laburnum Rd, New Gamdevi, 400007; December 10 Phiroz Dorabji Dastoor (75), C/303, Bhima Co-op Soc, Shantivan, Borivli (E), 400066; December 10 Baby of Hutokshi Zarir Confectioner (stillborn), 2. Harbor View, Mazgaon, 400010; December 11 Rushtom Dinshaw Irani (58), R-13, Dalal Est, Bhadkamkar Marg, Near Bombay Central Stn, 400008; December 11 Dinshaw Framroze Engineer (89), 6/8/C, Bhiwandiwala Ter, Dhobitalao, 400002; December 12 Jalaniai Jamshedji Patel (90), 403/A, Rizvi Palace, Hill Rd, Bandra, 400050; December 13 Najamai Manecksha Patel (86), 12, Hormuz Bldg, 33, Slcater Rd, 400007; December 13 Roshan Feroze Engineer (64), 723, Society Bldg, Dinshaw Master Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; December 14 Mehra Dinshah Malegamvala (79), Shengre-La, 4, Carmichael Rd, 400026; December 14 Homi Manekshaw Mistry (78), B1O/7O3-B11/702, Silver Park, Mira Bhayander Rd, Dist Thane, 401104; December 14 Perviz Tehniurasp Panthaki (61), C/o Z. S. Govadia, 8/7, Tata Blocks, Tardeo Rd, 400034; December 14 Roshni Roozbay Wadiwulla (34), F-13, Navajbai Contractor Baug, Mori Rd, Mahim, 400016; December 14 Rusi Jamshedji Wadia (72), E-16, Jer Baug, Dr Ambedkar Rd, Byculla, 400027; December 15 Koomi Jamshedji Patel (75), C/o Hilla H. Dastoor, Dastoor Bglw, Dastoorwadi, Naigam Cross Rd, 400014; December 16 Najamai Sorabji Bhathena (75), 9/C, Tapia Bldg, Jalbhai St, Charni Rd, 400004; December 17 Dali Naoroji Khadiwalla (72), 281, Sidhwa Bldg, Princess St, 400002; December 17 Homi Rustomji Shroff (63), Ebrahim Mans, Jamshedji Petit St, Grant Rd, 400007; December 17 Hormusji Jehangir Bam (84), Ashish, Tardeo, 400034; December 18 Keki Manchersha Dastur (80), Navroze Apts, B. Desai Rd, 400026; December 18 Khorshed Nadershaw Patel (61), Room no 3, 20, Chhatriwala Bldg, Wadia St, Tardco, 400034; December 19 Rustom Hormusji Patel (78), 2/2, Malegamwalla Bldg, Off M. M. C. Rd, Mahim, 400016; December 19 Dolly Pesi Sidhwa (69), 1/6, Konark Puram, Kondhwa, Pune, 411048; December 19 Khodabux Tirandaz Sheryari (76), 7/B, Alipur Trust Bldg, 2nd Pasta Lane, Colaba, 400005; December 20 Shirin Bomansha Shroff (Pakka) (76), 17/D, Bhiwandiwalla Ter, Dhobitalao, 400002; December 20 Bomanshaw Dinshaw Vatchha (86), 22, Wadia Bldg, Marzban Clny, Dr A. Nair Rd, 400011; December 20 Goola Hoshang Cooper (59), Divanman, Vasai, 401202; December 21 Hoinai Piroj Daruvala (76), Master Bldg, Mori Rd, Mahim, 400016; December 21 Mani Keki Irani (Namver) (83), A-7, Jer Baug, Dr Ambedkar Rd, Byculla, 400027; December 21 Tehmi Pheroze Shroff (84), A-202, Ahura Co-op Hsg Soc, Lower Parel, 400012; December 21 Naval Bhimjibhoy Taraporewcdla (75), 787, Bhagat Manor, Jame Jamshed Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; December 21 Naval Nariman Hoyvoy (68), Parsi Dairy Farm, 261/63, Princess St, 400002; December 22 Bepsy Kaikhushru Fitter (66), 593, Umrigar Bldg, Girgaum Rd, 400002; December 23 Shirinjer Minocher Lawyer (23), Vidhyachal, Mount Mary Rd, Bandra, 400050; December 23 Goal Khurslied MeherHomji (94), Lily Court, Churchgate, 400020; December 23 Peshotan Khurshedji Reporter (87), Merwan Mans, 59, Nepean Sea Rd, 400006; December 23 Keki Sorabji Tarapor (69), F. S. Parukh Dharamshalla, 34, Hughes Rd, 400007; December 23 Roshan Cawas Wadia (72), C-13, Spenta, Anand Mohini Soc, Saubhagya Ngr, Deolali, Nasik, 422401; December 24 Kawasha Jehangirji Bharucha (87), Nawab Manzil Bldg, 18, Wadia St, Tardeo, 400034; December 25 Soli Khurshedji Dhondy (74), Dhondy Ter, Khambatta Lane, Victoria Garden, Byculla, 400027; December 25 Khorshed Jamshedji Kavarana (75), Banaji Bldg, Forjett St Cross Lane, Gowalia Tank, 400036; December 25 Homi Shapiirji Munshi (89), 3-1/A, S. B. Bharucha Baug, S. V. Rd, Andheri (W), 400058; December 25 Piloo Sorabji Mirza (73), Bldg no 1, Merwanji Cama Park, Andheri (W), 400058; December 26 Hilla Miirzhan Murzban (73), 21, School Bldg, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039; December 26 Kooma Fall Nagporewalla (79), 178, Kavarana Mans, Dr Ambedkar Rd, Dadar, 400014; December 26 Silloo Rustom Vasavevala (89), Jehangir Mans, Hughes Rd, 400007; December 26 Byram Sorab Tarapore (74), 102, Pearl Apts, Samarth Cross Rd no 3, Lokhandwala Complex, Andheri (W), 400053; December 27 Jerbai Framroz Wadia (80), Allbless Widows Chawl, Marzban Clny, Gilder Lane, 400008; December 27 Male baby of Daisy Adil Jesia (stillborn), 6-11, S. B. Bharucha Baug, S. V. Rd, Andheri (W), 400058; December 28 Naju Rattansha Mistry (83), 48-17/E, Rustom Baug, Victoria Rd, Byculla, 400027; December 28 Perin Eruch Rana (85), 808, Aimaye Manzil, Dr Ambedkar Rd, Dadar T.T., 400014; December 28 Naval Ardeshir Batliwalla (79), 50 Parsiana December 1997[ Room no 22, 530, Sanghvi Sadan, J. Shankarsheth Rd, 400002; December 29 Rustom Dhunjishaw Captain (74), 24, Gordon Rd, Chadwell Heath, Essex, RM6 6DD, UK; December 29 Minoo Aspandiyar Ghadially (66), F-51, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039; December 29 Hosrang Edalji Karai (62), E-8, Shapur Baug, V. P. Rd, 400004; December 29 Minoo Hormasji Pa tv a (55), 9, Parsi Punchayet Cottage, Doongerwadi, 400036; December 29 Mani Phirojsha Chenoy (84), 4, Jehangir Mans, Anandilal Podar Marg, 400020; December 30 Nariman Phiroze Choksi (81), FIGURES AT A GLANCE* BIRTHS Boys Girls Bombay This issue 1997* 101 100 India This issue 1997* World This issue 1997* 21 27 MARRIAGES Parsi INTERCOMMUNAL Males married out Females married out 54 267 21 19 10 Jadhav Bhavan, August Kranti Marg, 400036; December 30 Mehernosh Minocher Mehta (49), 4, Petit Bldg, Mehehlla Patel Agiary St, Grant Rd, 400007; December 30 Rosan Dara Poonawalla (54), F/13, Evershine Apt 2, Versova Rd, Andheri (W), 400053; December 30 Dinyar Eruchshaw Katrak (51), C-2, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039; December 31 DEATHS CONSIGNED Males Females CREMATED Males Females 40 38 451 472 13 3 110 97 37 29 ?Running totals for 1997 (January-December issues) Overseas deaths are listed in the consigned column as Parsiana does not have a breakup of those cremated. These figures pertain to information provided to or collected by Parsiana. They do not represent the total number of births, marriages and deaths in the Zoroastrian community in India and abroad. CALCUTTA MARRIED Shelly Rustom Daroga and Jimmy Kersi Subawalla', December 28 Zarir Kotwal, Khurshid Cyrus Achadwala and Rukhshana Hormuzd Pithawala; December 7 Homi Faramroze Kasad (70), husband of Aloo and father of Cyrus, Yasmin Adil Kapadia and Gulshan Rohinton Kasad; December 21 Nariman Patrawala, Shahpore, 395003; December 25 Manecksha Ardeshir Vania (82), father of Maneckmai, Zal and Rohinton; December 26 Dali Pastanji Tural (66), Bibi-ni-wadi, Sayedpura, 395003; December 30 Shapurji and brother of late Hoshang, Arnavaz, Savak and Eruch; December 23 INDORE DIED Khorshedbanoo Lovji Pavri (82), mother of Sherry-Meher, Firoze, Marzban, Farokh, Dara and late Rati Rustomji Dangore; December 19 SECUNDERABAD DIED Nariman Framroze Poonegar (89), father of Shirin Jehangir Hormusji; December 5 AUSTRALIA Sydney BORN A girl, Sneha, to Mahrukh and Raj Mundul, sister to Rohahn; September 30 USA Atlanta, Georgia DIED Iraj Shahryary (67), husband of Nahid and father of Abtin and Ramin; October 23 .JODHPUR DIED Dali Kaka (55), son of Goolamai and Nasarwanji, husband of Dolly and father of Zenobia Kairus Wadia and Aspi; December 13 SHOLAPUR DIED Sam Kaikhushroo Amaria (65), husband of Zarine and father of Zubin and Ariz; December 15 PAKISTAN Karachi BORN A boy, Mazda, to Meena and Pervez Bhesania', September 2 Dallas BORN A girl, Keya, to Shernaz and Hiten Varia, sister to Shan; September 18 MADRAS DIED Peshotan Tehmurasp Daji (86), brother of Katy Firoze Bharucha; December 7 NAVSARI DIED Dara Kaikhushroo Vandrevala (75), husband of Homai and father of Keki, Malcolm, Pervin SURAT DIED Putlamai Faramji Patel (84), Nariman Home and Infirmary, Shahpore, 395003; December 7 Burjorji Navroji Kadva (64), Village Siganpore, Dist Surat; December 18 Homi Kaikhushroo Tadiwala Village Adajan, Dist Surat; December 19 Nariman Rustomji Bhathena OS'), Village Bhatha, Dist Surat, 394510; December 25 Premature baby of Jamasp DIED Perin R. Khursigara (92); October 15 Maneck F. Bltadha (61); October 29 Maneck P. Chinoy (86); November 2 Jerbai Unwalla (85); November 6 Hoshang Rustomji Sethna (74), husband of Roshan and father of Pervez and Darius; November 29 UK London DIED Adul Mehta, son of Alamai and Downers Grove, Illinois MARRIED Laura Marshall and Shahriar Mobed, son of Parvin and • Keikhosrow; November 15 Hinsdale, Illinois MARRIED Yasmin Naterwalia of Dubai and Rustom Kevala of Potomac, Maryland; September 28 Los Angeles BORN A boy, Bijan Kaarlo, to Leena and Bahram Varjavand', October 10 Compiled by Roxana A. Driver 9 6 3 5 1 6 4 4 1 1 2 2 1 1 5 2 5 1 51 Parsiana December 1997 h% IN MEMORIAM Generously charitable Parinaz M. Gandhi Died; Beji Motabhoy Shroff, 77, well- known benefactor of Hong Kong, on Sep ­ tember 24,1997 at the Hong Kong Sanato ­ rium following kidney failure. “His untimely passing away has left a void in many lives: some will miss him for his financial support, many for his con­ cern, advice and friendship, but all will miss him for the person he was — a caring, loving human being whose primary purpose and plea ­ sure in life was to help oth ­ ers, ” noted a tribute by Jal S. Shroff, president of The In­ corporated Trustees of the Zoroastrian Charity Funds of Hongkong, Canton and Macao. Whether it was the B. D. Petit Parsee General Hospi ­ tal in Bombay, the Federa- Shroff: ever supportive tion of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of India, the UNICEF - United was interrupted by World War II when Hong Kong was invaded and occupied by Japanese troops, reminisced Rusy. The welfare of the young continued to remain close to his heart. His “generous donations every year, together with his encouraging notes, prompted us to do our him for the running of the hospital, ” wrote Sister M. Gabriel O’Mahony, one of The best... for the young people of Hong Kong,” Missionary Sisters of St Columban. His largesse to UNICEF was acknowl- acknowledged Justina Levng, director of The Boys ’ and Girls ’ Clubs Association of edged by Matthew Mo, senior operations Hong Kong. His philanthropy continued manager, Hong Kong Committee for UNICEF: “We know that Mr Shroff had even after his demise. Appreciating Shroff ’s decision to donate his eyes, Nicola Kwok, supported UNICEF for a long eye co-ordinator. Lions Eye Bank of Hong time and his contributions and kindness mean a healthier life and brighter future for the 1 children and women world- I wide. We arc sure that the spirit of Mr Shroff ’s love and concern with the less fortu ­ nate children will last for ­ ever. ” The well-attended funeral I prior to his burial in the Parsee I Cemetery was a reflection of the esteem in which Beji was Rusy. held by the local community. As noted Vcena Sikri, con- ¦¦ ¦¦ ¦ " ¦ I sul-gencral of India in Hong Kong, “Beji Nations Children ’s Fund, the Ruttonjee will be deeply missed in Hong Kong. His Sanatorium in Hong Kong...innumerable were the causes Beji Shroff supported. “He gave generously to most of the registered charities in Hong Kong and to many charities in India and various other coun ­ tries, mainly to Parsis but not excluding other nationalities, ” mentioned his brother Rusy. Besides supporting “every appeal that he received ” he would also pass on genuine appeals to the Hongkong Zoroas ­ trian Association for their consideration and additional assistance. “The Associa ­ tion on its part often passed on to Beji deserving appeals... Not only did Beji help every case but made a point to follow up with regular letters enquiring if any liirther assistance was needed, ” recalls Jal Shroff, adding, “No doubt there were some that took advantage of his charitable na ­ ture but this did not deter him from his main aim in life which was to help the table person. ” needy. ” “I remember Beji as the most gentle of men, always so very gracious to everyone. I recall too the many times he visited the patients in Ruttonjee Sanatorium and how frequently we received a donation from 1 Kong stated in her condolence letter, “Mr Shroff ’s will to make a difference in someone ’s life is very much appreciated. ” She further added, “It takes many years to change the attitudes of the community (mainly traditional Chinese people) on eye donation from resistance to accep ­ tance...Therefore we propose to use Mr Beji Shroff ’s story as a role-model to in­ spire others to give their pledge to eye donation. ” Bcji Shroff is survived by his brother READERS’ FORUM continued from page 7 The light is in the east Today ’s generation blindly follows the West. The light is in the East, in the West there is darkness. And if there is any light in the West, it is only the reflected light from the East. I have done many miracles and made prophecies in the past. As per my predictions; •The West is going to be destro,yed and the East will come up since the third world war will be a nuclear war during this century. •History is going to repeat itself. •We came from the Middle East. •At present we should migrate to UAE, Estates Continuation Limited (property Oman, Doha, Bahrain (but not Saudi owners) and H. Ruttonjee and Son Limited (wine and spirit merchants) — Beji had served as joint managing director and as related by Rusy who had worked with him for over 50 years, he was “a very kind, quiet, understanding and generously chari- contribution will, I feel sure, be remem ­ bered and his memory cherished. ” According to C. N. Subramanian, sec ­ retary general of The Indian Chamber ol Commerce, Hong Kong, Beji Shroll “al ­ ways looked so full of energy. ” Business India (June 30-July 13) mentions him among the approximately 180 Parsi resi ­ dents remaining in that territory (which included Rusy, his sister-in-law Purviz and cousin Vera Ruttonjee-Desai) who were known for being “always immacu ­ late, very pucca (thorough)... ” In the family enterprises — Ruttonjee ‘5 He was born in the International Settle ­ ment of Shanghai and came to Hong Kong with his parents at five years of age. His schooling was at St Joseph ’s College in Hong Kong after which he joined the Uni­ versity of Hong Kong but his graduation Arabia). If Zoroastrians do not wish to migrate to the Middle East, they should shift their money to banks (local) in the Middle East. •Of course we should migrate to Iran too. But Iran is not yet ready to receive us. •Paper currency will have no value, hence one should invest in gold. Stocks and shares will have no value. •We should not migrate to India as we will be kicked out. farokh d. deboo Edited by Parinaz M. Gandhi 52 Parsiana December 1997