Feb 1998

I 4 4 1 1 I « G I'. ¦?' FEBRUARY-MARCH 1998 Rs 45 '^1 ¦Ku LL’-'’ .’ '1^ 'S jnTheCron^ SAMI EDITOR Jehangir R. Patel MANAGING EDITOR Amavaz S. Mama EXECUTIVE EDITOR Parinaz M. Gandhi SENIOR EDITORS Dina K. Mehta, Hilla P. Guzder ASSOCIATE EDITOR Roxana A. Driver DESIGN Kranti M. Shilotri, 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 Charna OFFICE ASSISTANTS Umesh Poojary. Selvan Mark, Sunil Sakhare, Govind Salgaonkar, Mahipat Jadhav 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: 2078183. E-mail: parvo @ giasbm01.vsnl.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 Iridian 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. February-March 1998 Volume 20 Number 7 2 Readers ’ Forum 20 Events and Personalities 32 Roshan Rivetna: Editing the FEZANA Journal 36 Zoroastrians Abroad 38 Federation: From debate to dialog by Arnavaz Mama 52 Kaleidoscope ’98: A spectacular extravaganza by Homi Rogers 63 Indore: A city of opportunity 66 Welcoming Zoroastrians to the heart of India 72 Ardesar Kotwal: The perils of policing 77 “ParsI women, tiger women” by Dr Ketayun Gould 80 To honor those worthy... by Dr Hoshang Bhadha 92 Reach the inner fire by Perin Divecha 96 An easy exit by Rustam Sidhwa 98 The edifice of education by Hilla Guzder 142 Bonded by ballet by Roshan Rivetna 146 Spruced for spring by Fraydon Aryan 156 -w Persis Khambatta: Beauty and the Book by Parinaz Gandhi 162 Books 178 Milestones 198 In Memoriam: Justice Rustam Sidhwa Cover: (Clockwise from top left) Yasmin (DajI) Nanavati, Meher (MIstry) Castelino, Persis Khambatta (Photo: Savvy), Mehr (Jesia) Rampal and Pheroza (Cooper) Modi II I i f ’i J READERS’ FORUM has mentioned that the sketch is of Dadabhai Naoroji. It so happens that the sketch is of Jamsetjee Tata. It may be of interest to know that Dadabhai Naoroji always wore a pugree, _ _____ ______________ whereas Jamsetjee Tata ’s pictures have zines to ascertain the assistance given by appeared wearing a pheta in some and a the Parsis in the past in setting up medical pugree in other pictures, and engineering colleges. In the meantime, the Bombay Parsi Punchayet will gladly welcome informa ­ tion on this subject from your readers. If you do have information, please post it or deliver it to our office whilst citing the source from which such infomiation has . been derived to enable us to pursue the A mCaSUre 01 IHystlClSm matter. All communicalion.s may kindly be marked to the attention of: Mr B. K. Laskari, Chief Executive, Bombay Parsi Punchayet, 209, Dr D. N. Road, Fort, Bombay 400(X) 1. b. k . laskari Chief Executive. Bombay Parsi Punchayet be substantiated with requisite statistical information which is in the process of being collected. We are, therefore, endeavoring to obtain information from the records of our leading Parsi newspapers and maga- Incidentally, one look at the stamp at the lop right in the Readers ’ Forum logo in the same issue of Parsiana clearly shows what Dadabhai Naoroji used to wear and what he looked like. H. N. KANGA 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. G.P.O. The most important factor distinguishing any popular magazine from the rest is the type of subjects covered in it. Of course there are other factors like the format, spellings, headlines, pictures, ads, etc, but in my opinion they are of lesser value. A glance at a few lines of a magazine should convey which4nagazine it is. As a fairly regular reader of Parsiana for nearly 17 years, I found that it conformed to this test till August 1997. 'Various articles, news, book reviews, readers ’ views and editorial comments were con ­ centrated on Zoroastrianism and Parsis. And so I was surprised to read a book review (“A measure of mysticism, ” Books, Parsiana, July-August 1997) of Ervad R. R. Motafram ’s latest book by Faribourz Nariman. Soon after I pro ­ cured a copy of the book, which is a comparative study of the Jews, the Dastoor though not an ophthalmologist Mohmedans and the Zoroastrians. It is but a UK qualified optician and optom ­ etrist, founded the first optician shop in Bombay viz Dinshaw M. Dastoor at Fort, opposite the present Bank of India. Later he started ‘Phiroze M. Dastoor ’ at Flora Fountain and one each al Poona and Ahmedabad, all three gifted to his brothers. His son, the late Dr Homyar D. Dastoor was a reputed and respected ophthal ­ mologist in Bombay and I joined him in practise about 35 years ago. Hence like Spotlight on doctors As an ophthalmologist practising in Bombay, I was happy to read under ¦’Spotlight ” (Events and Personalities, Parsiaiia, October 1997) the achieve ­ ments of our family friends Drs Minoo, Noshir, Cyrus and young Daraius Shroff who recently joined the Maulana Azad Medical College, Delhi. Perhaps it may interest your readers to know that our family is identical and the youngest Dr Dinshaw has joined in practise recently. My late grandfather Dr Dinshaw M. Ere seeking reservation The contribution of our small but dy ­ namic, philanthropic Parsi community in but a UK qualified optician and optom- true that Motafram speaks of the ortho- all spheres in our country especially for etrist, founded the first optician shop in dox Islamic view of God as a merciless education is well-known within and be- Bombay viz Dinshaw M. Dastoor at Fort, tyrant, a statement to which Nariman yond the borders of our beloved country, opposite the present Bank of India. Later has taken serious exception. Not being a India. he started ‘Phiroze M. Dastoor ’ at Flora scholar myself, I am not in a position to Substantial contributions have been Fountain and one each al Poona and judge who is right and who is wrong. The made by our community in the past in Ahmedabad, all three gifted to his brothers, question which I would like to ask you is establishing numerous medical and engi- His son, the late Dr Homyar D. Dastoor whether it is correct to include alien neering colleges, more particularly in was a reputed and respected ophthal- names of God like Rahman, Rahim, western India, as a result of which seats mologist in Bombay and I joined him in Muntaquim, Gaffar, etc in a Parsi maga- were reserved for our community in such practise about 35 years ago. Hence like zine? If the name of the magazine had colleges. But regrettably despite the Daraius, Dinshaw is the fourth in the been Muslimiana, I would not have asked munificent contributions of our commu- family tree. or adi h dastoor this question. nity, reservations of seats for our minor- family tree. Oi adi h dastoor this question. iiiL_y ivcvi vouulij V71 .ivui., .v7. ......vy. u vcteran scholar and an erudite ity community have by and large lapsed ^^Portrsyillg Nooroji reviewer of many scholarly works, with the passage of time. There appears a pencil sketch of an old Nariman should have thought about this The Bombay Parsi Punchayet is there- man, drawn by Mr birdos T. Shroff in point and restricted his observations only fore intending to make a representation to the Minorities Commission shortly for 1997). reintroducing the reservations at various colleges. But such a memorandum has to i” There appears a pencil sketch of an old man, ( Readers ’ Forum (Parsiana, September to Zoroastrian matters in Motafram ’s •. book. I am sure a large section of the Parsi It appears that Mr Shroff has prepared readers would agree with me on this many such sketches, and by mistake he point. v. j. chothia 2 Par Sian a February-March 1998t compiles an up-to-date list, we will cer- Mazda becomes transiently incapacitated tainly publish it in Parsiana. or temporarily non-omnipotent to fight Ahriman which lead to death, destruc- “Identity in jeopardy ” tion and disasters in this world. Mistree In response to my request Mr Farrokh does not accept death by natural causes or Vajifdar of London has sent me a copy of his original review of the book, Zoroas- trians in Britain by John R. Hinnells, from which you had published only se- disasters as natural phenomenon. He at ­ tributes all such events to a god of evil. Mistree thus questions the omnipotence of God and the belief in monotheism (see Khojeste Mistree, Zoroastrianism - An Ethnic Perspective, 1982), which Vajifdar has criticized. “Uplifting rural girls ” We read in “Uplifting rural girls ” (Read- ers ’ Forum, Parsiana, July-August 1997) that some of our youths (girls) in India need assistance in their studies and boarding. We suggest that the trust ­ ees of the Choksi Home at Navsari initiate a yearly sponsorship for the eligible Parsi youths whereby the spon ­ sor pays e.g.$ 30 per month or $360 per lected extracts (“Identity in jeopardy, ” year for the youth ’s welfare. The school " pro vides a pictured portfolio to the spon ­ sor and a periodic report to satisfy the essentially deleted all passages where Asanexampleofhisdistorteddualis- sponsor. This would provide the much Vajifdar is critical of Mr Khojeste tic theory which Mistree has been propa- needed assistance to the eligible youth Mistree ’s distorted dualistic theory which gating can be cited his recent utterances and satisfaction to the sponsor of help- has also been propagated by Hinnells in at the Second World Zoroastrian Youth ing his own community. his book. Congress held in London from July 4-11, Further, we have been to India often You may be aware that there are many 1997, where he stated, “At the meta- and have been touring a few beautiful places of your country. We shall highly are highly critical of Mistree ’s dualism, appreciate it if you will be kind enough to print the addresses of your Parsi dharam ­ shalas throughout India. These dharam ­ shalas will give us access to make some advance booking when touring around your country. m. gatta Ontario. Canada Parsiana, February-March 1997). On scrutiny, I find that you have essentially deleted all passages where has also been propagated by Hinnells in his book. YOU may be aware that there are many in the community (including myself) who physical level, I don ’t believe God pun ­ ishes since he would be using the facili ­ ties of the god of evil. {Parsiana, July- August 1997).” Mistree ’s concept that Ahura Mazda cannot punish evil doers is anathema to the Zoroastrian belief in the omnipotence of God. When Mistree was questioned “whether Ahura Mazda is all The Editor replies 'We had carried a list of dharamshalas in Parsiana, August 1986. If somebody that there are occasions when Ahura To suppress such genuine criticism is not editing as you claim, but a savage muti ­ lation of a critical review. Whereas many scholars have inter ­ preted Gathic dualism as a choice be ­ tween Spenta Mainyu (good mind) and Angre Mainyu (evil mind), Mistree has powerful or not, ” he replied that the interpreted it as a fight between Ahura medieval text Shikand^umik Vizarpos- Mazda (God of good) and Ahriman (god tulates the dualistic argument against of evil). Then he extends his theory to say monotheistic Christianity. Is Mistree sug ­ gesting that Christians believe in one S' Established 1972 In Service of the Suffering MAZDA MEDICAL ELECTRONICS BURJIS N. KHURSEDJI & CO 104 Amit Industrial Estate, 61 Dr S. S. Rao Road Parel, Bombay 400012 Tel: 4135468, Fax: 91-22-4130148 j 4 Parsiana February-March 1998f ( Matheran if Free Transportation by Luxurious Tourist cars. Swimming Pool & Health Club. ? Inclusive of All Meals. CCTV, Star Movies, Mini Fridge, Telephone & all modern amenities. if Including Free Stay for upto Two Nights. if Spacious Bar & Discotheque. ? Vegetarian & Non­ Vegetarian Separate Kitchens. For Instant Bookings: Tel: 6436504/6459639 6512216/6423856 6451930/6430480 6202106 Membership Scheme open 6 Parsiana February-March 1998 God and Zoroastrians believe in two Gods? Finally, I should say that by drasti ­ cally curtailing Mr Vajifdar ’s critical review you have done a disservice to the leadeis. II you did not agree with Mr Vajifdar ’.s comments, you could have added a lootnote that Parsiana doe.s not subscribe to Mr Vajildar ’s views. Your regrets do no justice either to the book or to the reviewer. d, p o sunavala Khojeste Mistree replies Piol John Hinnells ’ book Parsis in Brit­ ain i.s an excellent and scholarly docu ­ mentation ol the activilic.s and times of the Biitish Zoroastrians. A.s part of hi.s work. Prof HinnelLs hi inented about my work in the UK and ha„ indeed mentioned about the benefits which it has brought to many of the UK based youth, however unpalatable it may seem ' " Both Mr Vajifdar and Mr Sunavala are entitled to their view.s as indeed I am to mine. In my teachings I adhere faith- lully to what is perceived to be “classi ­ cal ” Zoroastrianism at an academic level. The lact that my position is in conso ­ nance with the generally accepted aca ­ demic position gives me the strength and inspiration to continue with my work. As neither Mr Vajifdar nor Mr Sunavala have, to the best ol niy knowl ­ edge, read lor a professional degree in Zoroastrianism, they are at a great disad ­ vantage to comment and indeed chal ­ lenge the validity of this long standing position held by academics. I presume that their rejection of the Middle Persian text.s is largely a matter ol their personal pieleiencc and choice, whereas my ac ­ ceptance ol these text.s is a,s a result of my lornial studic.s in Zoroastrianism, at uni ­ versity level. Criticism ha.s never deterred me from my work and my organization Zoroas- trian Studies continue.s to be involved in the dissemination ol Zoroastrianism on a global basis, both at an academic a.s well a.s at a community level. I enclose for publication Prof Hin- nells ’ response (dated October 15, 1997) to the president of the Royal Asiatic Society with regard Io Mr Vajifdar ’.s las merely com- —......... .as to some of my detractors. demie position gives me the strength and unseholarly book review. Prof Hinnells ’ letter to the Editor of the Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society (ex ­ cerpts selected by Parsiana): I want to sircs.s that I am not objecting to academic criticism of my work, that is V R, BRAND MADE IN INDIA LEAL^ER With Best Compliments From M/s PATEL PLASTIC CORPORATION 4/5, New Nandu Industrial Estate Mahakali Caves R3ad Andheri (East) Bombay 400093 Tel No. 8323754/8300986 *»¦not merely proper, but healthy. What I am objecting to most strongly i.s the publication in the JRAS (Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society) of religious bias. It is surprising that it was included, because the religious prejudice (not so much against me, but against my sources) i.s self evident. It does not, I suggest, rellect well on an academic publication when the editor of a communal new'spaper picks up the bias, but an academic editor lets through such contemptuou.s phr; •ase.s ; as ‘re- of the reviewer ’s religious opponents “thi.s pseudo-religious education ” and “i . gressive ideas in his (Mistree ’s) preach ­ ing ”... Publishing such arrogantly con ­ temptuous remarks about Parsi religiou.s teachers and high priests is surely inde ­ fensible in the Journal of the Royal Asi­ atic Society... The reviewer, Mr Farrokh Vajifdar, had already reviewed that book else ­ where (Parsiana, February-March 1997) thu.s breaking academic convention in reviewing a work in more than one place. The editor of that journal had, I under ­ stand, edited that review and sought reviewing a work in more than one pl second opinion which was published in lull. The text of the JRAS review, how ­ ever, betrays more of Mr Vajifdar ’s ‘sec ­ tional ’ religious views than does the pub ­ lished review in a community newspa- per. It doe.s not seem proper for an aca ­ demic journal to provide a platfomi for sectarian bias, which i.s why, for the first lime in my career, I seek to respond in print to a review of my work, something I normally consider inappropriate. Mr Vajifdar ’s bias i.s evident both in his account of religiou.s teachings and in a his historical references. On "¦' L, refers to “the type of teaching which has gained currency amon^ orthodoxist scction.s and their youth. A prime mover in this pseudo-religious edu ­ cation i.s occasionally lauded by Hinnells: a Bombay preacher Khojesic Mistree. The author s claim that Mis-tree ’s ratio ­ nal arguments... I here is unfounded; most of the inteilisen- have found acceptance published is as close to a sectarian per- —---------------.V cLi IL 13 |jvs»iuic lu con tsia have distanced themselves from the Zoroastrian community. This unwarranted intrusion of regressive idea.s in his preachin,_ The relerencc to “untutored ortho ­ doxist sections ’ and to the contrast with “the intelligentsia ” is evidently biased, IT ® ................. iHuavu, wiicuiei Liiey were part or Zoroaster s and lails to understand the scholarly duty teaching, but there can be no possible of presenting a balanced perspective on doubt that they were paft of the religion the whole subject under discussion. The documented in many Middle Persian vol- - assertions also greatly oversimplify the situation... Il is not forme, an outsider, to say whether Mislree i.s religiously right of presenting a balanced perspective on or wrong, though his teachings are con ­ sistent with the main thrust of the aca ­ demic writings of Prof Mary Boyce, who was his tutor while Mistree studied for a degree in Zoroastrian studies (something Mr Vajifdar has not undertaken). In short, whether Mistree is spiritually right or wrong, he is influential and as a historian I should document his work. Mistree ’s pg 316 he teaching i.s not accepted by the recently I... group to which Mr Vajifdar be- untutored longs, the World Zoroastrian Organi- ¦¦ ........ * sation (WZO)... In my writings and friendship.s I have always sought punctiliously to avoid iden ­ tification with any particular group or religious point of view. What JRAS has spective as it is possible to come with the > is further evidenced in Mr Vajifdar ’s suggestion that the resurrection and the coming of a savior are not ‘traditional ’ Zoroastrian doctrines. There i.s academic debate over whether they were part of Zoroaster ’s doubt that they were pafft of the religion umes... It is not for me as an outsider to say whether this literature contains spiri ­ tual truths, but as a historian I do not Kalianwala Spring Works Manufacturers of Springs and Cast Iron Products (Grills, Railings, Balustrades, Bench handles, etc) Factory; 90, Suprabhat Indust. Estate Pvt. Ltd. 0/S Dariapur Gate, Bardolpura, Ahmedabad 380016 Office; 2045, Ghanchiole, Delhi Chakla, Ahmedabad 380001 Tel. 5625707 Contact Woodstone Mettle & Co (Estd. 1993) FIT I 0 TF (um For Cast Iron Railings, Brackets, Benches and other specially designed items contact: Khushroo Kalyanwala 6218345, 6225711 Mailing Address; C/o Khushroo Kalyanwalla, 40/139, Chitranjan Park, New Delhi 110019 8 Parsiana February-March 1998understand how it can be argued that WZO formed a breakaway body in the 1980s partly because of personality tional Zoroastrianism... ' ¦ •____ The reviewer s offensive allusions to religion and over a series of mutual re ­ criminations which I chose not to record (from either party) as not being the busi- these teachings were not part of tradi- the vacillations of Parsi high priests, and the “unskilled propagandists ’’ I had con- _______ tactwithrefertothreeleadinghighpriests, ness of the outside world... all of whom have doctorates in Zoroas ­ trian studies and have worked in Western universities (notably School of Oriental and African Studies, Harvard and the University of Mainz). They are espe ­ cially offensive to the High Priest to whom the book is jointly dedicated, Dastur (Dr) K. M. JamaspAsa, honorary professor of Avesta and Pahlavi at therereportedashavingcomplainedabout appears at the head of each of the Chap ­ ters I, II and III in Volume I where on pg clashes, partly because of differences of 20B her pensively dignified portrait is , J , . dutifully reproduced. What more could one reasonably want by way of acknowl ­ edgment, bearing in mind that portraits of both author Delphine Menant and her collaborator/continuator M. M. Murzban are lacking? Mr Vakil ’s huffy assumption that Murzban did not at all know the French language is little borne out by the fact that as Barrister-at-Law (Middle Temple) and Officer d ’Academie he had at least a “More of The Parsis^^ As nothing ha.s been noticed in your pages further to Homi J. Rogers ’ report “More of The Parsis” (Events and Per ­ sonalities, Parsiana, February-March 1997), this correct! ve may be of some use to Mr Jal Hormusji Ardesir Vakil. He is working knowledge of it. Murzban him- Bombay University, who is gratefully the absence of mention of his late pater- acknowledged, alongside Mary Boyce, nal aunt ’s work in the production of Volume I of the Menant-Murzban The Parsis: “There is no reference to the pioneering work done by Ratanbai (but credit is given to) M. M. Murzban who did not know the French language at all. ” How much more mistaken, on both counts, can anyone get? Mr Vakil ’,s paternal aunt, Ratanbai Ardesir Framji Vakil, was not only spe ­ cially mentioned by Murzban as transla ­ tor of the first three chapters (Vol I), but also the subject of his sadnes,s at her passing away at the pitifully young age of Anthony Mango. Nor must we forget tb 26 in 1895. Her name, as translator, repeatedly thank Ms Jcroo Mango and as having been my mentor. Again, the reviewer ’s religious bias is evident. The assertion that “The accounts since the mid-1980s of the communities ’ asso ­ ciations... is deficient in historicity due to a selective propaganda upon which Hinnells has almost exclusively relied ’’ is a further example of the reviewer ’s sectional prejudice. The account is based mainly on the official records at Zoroas ­ trian House of the Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe, for example minute books, correspondence files, etc. The comment is an allusion to the fact that the 26 in 1895. Her name, as translator, Before • Save 98% of record storage space • Retieve 1 document from millions In seconds • Ensure security & safety If you have millions of documents which you can ’t access quickly enough despite them being in your work area you badly need a record management solution. MicroData the largest documents con ­ version organization in India, records 2.5 million documents every month all across India. We provide these services to banks, government agencies, corhpanies, consult ­ ants & engineering corporations. You need no capital investment what ­ soever either in equipment, manpower, space, and you can start today! self tells us so on pg i of his foreword; the fact that his “approximately literal trans ­ lation ’’ (whatever that means!) had to be revised by P. D. Khandalavala is surely no indication of his lack of French! The 1994 (not 1992) reprints of Vol ­ umes I and II, and now III (1997) are most welcome, and it is not to ask too much of our enthusiasts to study them with proper care before firing off needless accusa ­ tions, and not superficially skip through these extremely valuable pages so lov ­ ingly put together by 44enant and Murzban with the able participation of - Ratanbai Vakil, Wastie Green, and now After Nead say mere. Mumbai;Tet:2S28S77/2834406. Fbx:022 2042178. 6mal1:eynis|>9gia$bm01 .vtnl.netln N6wDethi;Tel:3547932/735032. Fax;011-3541427. email;virafs«piasdl01 .vshl.net.ln Ju9t cofttaet: MferoDitta II ( > the Danai publishing house for their en ­ terprise and larsightedness in once more making available and now extending rich work destined to take its place anew amongst students of Parsiism every where. FARROKH VA.IIFDAR London, UK a FOR BUSINESS FOR STUDIES FOR HOLIDAYS FOR A DOZEN EXCITING REASONS I! Your Travel Plans for India and Abroad cannot be in safer hands than with Free consultation This is an offer to provide medical con ­ sultations in cardiology and internal medi ­ cine by correspondence, free of charge. You may write to me at 2427, North California Street, Stockton, California 95204, USA about your medical condi ­ tion if you have any questions or prob ­ lems or a disease, even for a second opinion. You must send me copies of all your reports of tests done, including heart catheterization and angioplasty. I will respond to your letter as soon as I can, time permitting. In case of dire emergency, you may call me at my office, telephone #209- 466-4903 from 10 a.m. till 5 p.m. or at home on 510-830-1970, between 7 p.m. to 10p.m. (Pacific standard time of US A). If I cannot, be reached at either of the two numbers you can leave a message with your name, addres.s and nature of your illnes.s in detail and I will write to you as soon as I can. This is a free service in the name of God with no strings attached. All I quest in return is for you to publicize this service so that others may secure medical attention as well. Di jijibhoy patel California, USA VAHISHTAAD RESIDENTIAL COMPLEX A PROJECT BY THE OWNERS OF PARADISE HOTEL First time in Udwada a complex with swimming pool and common club house re- For intensive coaching ASIATIC TRAVEL SERVICE ¦ Applications for assistance are invited THE HOUSE OF TRAVEL I rom deserving students who are prepar ­ ing to appear for Std X, XII or graduation exams and who wish to undertake or have already undertaken intensive coaching before the examinations. The application should be accompa ­ nied by a certified true copy of the marksheets, original receipt if fees al ­ ready paid, monthly family income and one reference with address and telephone number. Applications should be for ­ warded to: Charity First, C/o Kersi J. Limathwalla, B/18 Aidun Building, 1st Dhobi Talao Lane, Opp Metro Cinema, Bombay 400002. kersi j. limathw Alla Upgrading J. J. schools Sir Jamsetjee .lejeebhoy, first baronet, finnly believed that no subject was as important and deserving of his support as promoting the education of our nation ’s 12, MURZ8AN ROAD, MUMBAI 400 001 TEL; 207 8151,207 1162 FAX; 207 3555 TELEX; AIRA IN 011-3151. CRAMS; AIRASIA C'5 KONARK APTS., 175 DHOLE PATIL ROAD PUNE 411 001 TEL: 626 431/621 493/621 746. TLX: 145-472 AIRA IN FAX; 0212-627 934 12 Parsiana February-March 1998 Available Flats (Five) Bungalows (Five) Row Houses (Three) Penthouses Just behind Pak Iranshah Atashbehram HDFC approval in process For details contact FaridaZHekter Paradise Hotel Udwada Beach Udwada 396180 Tel: (02638) 70188 Styouth. Based on this ideology. Sir Jamsetjee set about establishing the Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy Parsee Benevolent Institution (SJJPBI), as an educational institution to be run on charitable lines. This noble Institution which bears his name, was founded on January 9, 1849, and is one of the noteworthy examples of his munificence. Besides being the founder of SJJPBI, Sir Jamsetjee was also the benefactor of many other public charities. The institu- .....................v^uvin imc^ m tions which he founded and the public pleasant surroundings and using state-of- works which were commissioned by him continue to serve the citizens of India 139 yeans after his death. Sir J. J. Hospital, Sir J. J. School of Art, Sir J. J. College of Architecture, Sir J. J. Dharmashala(Home for the Destitute Aged), Bombay Pan- jrapole, Mahim Causeway and the Poona Bund and Waterworks, are today living embodiments of his benevolence and philanthropy. The eight primary and secondary schools presently managed under the aus- pice.s of SJJPBI, are located in Bom-bay, Valsad, Navsari and Surat. These schooLs cater, irrespective of caste, creed or reli ­ gion, to the academic requirements of over 6,000 boys and girls from variou.s strata of society. The efforts of SJJPBI to promote the cause of education have, over the years, been widely acclaimed by the department.s of education of the re ­ spective governments of Maharashtra quired. and Gujarat. j ^ Though the schools managed by expenses for the above •furnishing classrooms with new furni ­ ture and electrical fittings, wherever re- In an effort to raise funds to meet the —-- -------; purposes, we propose to host, with effect from January 1998, for a duration of one year, a variety 1 events. SJJPBI are equipped with science labora ­ tories, computer rooms and libraries, we feel that we should, in the larger interests of educational, cultural and social events, of the students, consider upgrading and Having faithfully catered to the educa- improving the academic activities of the Institution, in order to ensure that educa ­ tion is imparted on modern lines, in iga cuiu uMiig siaie-ui- the-art teaching aids. The main area.s where we propose to bring about an improvement are: •undertaking repairs and painting to the SJJPBI building in Bombay, which is 125-year-old heritage structure located on Dr Dadabhai Naoroji Road; •reconstruction of the school building in Surat; •repairing and renovating the school building in Navsari; •expansion of the existing computer labo ­ ratories; •renovation and modernization of the science laboratories; •supplying modern audiovisual teaching aids for our schools in Gujarat; •providing the schools with new physical training and sports equipment; a tional requirements of the student com ­ munity for 150 years, we fervently ap ­ peal to charitable institutions to extend their support and cooperation to SJJPBI to assist us in realizing our objectives. Your donation by cheque or demand draft should be drawn in favor of “Sir J. J. Parsee Benevolent Institution —• Ses- quicentennial Fund ” and forwarded to us at 209, Dr Dadabhai Naorqji Road, Fort, Bombay 4()()()() I. JAMSETJEE JEJEEBHOY Chairman Sir Jainsetjee Jejeebhoy Parsee Benevolent Institution Aid for Bordi adarian The members of the Zai Bordi Parsi Anjuman Fund appeal for funds to be utilized for the Bordi fife-temple. The fire-temple building along with - the priest ’s residence, kathi godowpand the dadgah house are now over 80 years old. With minor repairs and maintenance work done by the Trust over the years, it With Best Compliments From P & I Services of India Malhotra House, 4th Floor, Opp. GPO, Bombay 400001 14 Parsiana February-March 1998I has been possible to prolong the life of i liana, 401701. rohintoni bati iwai i a the buildings beyond expectation. Now P,e.s,dcnr Zai Bordi Rars, Au,u,nan Fund there i.s a need for major repairs for which the trustees have been professionally Assist Khabardar’s WOrk advised that a conservative estimate would be around Rs 20 lakhs. Although Gholvad i.s a small place with a small Irani-Parsi population, lo­ cated in a green belt 160 km north of Bombay, it had the only adarian between Bombay and Udvada, till the one re ­ cently opened at Sanjan. The Bordi adarian was built as far back as 1916. Bordi and Gholvad have a Zoroas ­ trian population of only about 300 mem ­ bers. which includes children. In spite of the limited local resources, so far the trustees have managed to break even with the needed expenses with the help of donations received. The magnitude of the current exten ­ sive repairs are way beyond the means _____ __________ _ available. Therefore, the trustees appeal Gujarati. In 1990, four other books. The to our Zoroastrian brethren to help the Trust by donating generously. As the Bordi adarian is a revered and Manuraj drama Thana, 401701. was published on behalf of the Surat Parsi Panchayat. In 1996, the Gujarati book Prose Articles of Poet Khahardar was published on behalf of the Madras Parsi A. F. Khabardar wa.s the first Gujarati Anjuman. poet who appreciated the freedom struggles of India and sang and wrote for national unity, sclllcss service, sacrifice, truth, non-violence and independence. In these present day.s of class and caste wars, of clashing sell interests, his poems arc of much importance and a fountain of inspiration. He wrote many good English poems also which have been appreciated by English critics and poets of England. He wrote on the holy Gathas too in English as well a.s in Gujarati. In the birth centenary year of this national poet in 1981, we published the _ _________ .......... ......... I ii st part of the PhD thesi.s on this poet A. Prof (Dr) Dharmendra M. Master, Con- Now, we intend to publish a volume of selected good poems of our Khabardar. who had published 19 Gujarati poem ­ books and live English poem-book.s as well as the verse-drama Manuraj in Gujarati. In this mission, we are fortunate to have received the valuable coopera ­ tion of Ms Manek Khabardar, grand ­ daughter of poet Khabardar. But as the publication costs of this book would be in the region of Rs 25,000-35,(X)0, please help us in our project by sending liberal publication assistance through bankdraft or cheque or money order in the name of F. Kliahardar’s Poetry ~ a Study by Dr Dharniendra M. Master (Madhuram) in Rest House of the Spirit, Leaf and Flow­ ers, The Migrating, Birds, in English and in Gujarati were pub ­ lished at Surat under the guidance of Dr Ratan Marshall. In 1992, the Gujarati book Letters of Poet Khabardar wa.s old institution, it need.s special help to preserve it tor future generations. Please send your contribution cither by demand drafts or crossed cheques, in favor of “Zai published on behalf of the Bombay Parsi Bordi Parsi Anjuman Trust Post Bordi, Station Gholvad, Dist Bordi," Punchayct. In 1994, the Gujarati book Chayaiiikii — the parodies of Khahardar vener, Parsi Poet Khabardar Centenary Publications, C-3, Bajaj Vihar Colony, Post MIDC, Waluj, 43 fl 36, Via Auran ­ gabad, Maharashtra. This will be our last and ninth publication. The list of the donors will be pub ­ lished in the book and the copy of the book will be sent gratis ¦ h*^ 5»&V ift'l XL " • w 55 Parsiana February-March 1998 1^1 f' pOSCo^ rtEBABv . SEC UND EBA BAD 1998 A B te; f' f ¦ Middle row: Tamboly releasing souvenir, with Aria and Guzder; Rangarajan presenting Kalyaniwala the outstanding youth award; Masani with Manekshaw Bottom row: Fashion show and personality contest I» ¦¦III "|h i i (Above) Art competition in progres's; (Right) Curriin and Khanihatta with Pune delegates (standing from left) Navaz and Sarosh Palkhivala and Kashmira Udachia Photo: Navaz Palkhivala scope of venues — and menu.s — to dazzle and to delight. The first night (January 8) was inaugurated in the spa ­ cious compound of the Secunderabad Dharamshala, situated right in the heart of the city. The pavilion in the court ­ yard linking the Dharamshala with the two halls was colorlully illuminated. A dais put up in front of the pavilion was peopled with the community ’s heavy ­ weights: Bombay Parsi Punchayct (BPP) chairman Jamshed N. Guzder, who wa.s the chiel guest; BPP trustee Dinshaw Tamboly, Gool Chenoy, president of the Parsi Zoroastrian Anjuman of Secunderabad and Hyderabad, Capl Kayarmin Pestonji and Roda Mistry, the ever popular aunl(y) of the twin cities ’ youth and a four-times elected member of parliament, who were the guests of honor. Other special guests at the meet included Shahpur Captain, Ruby ContractorandPhcrozc Vapiwala, ol the World Zoroastrian Organisation, who had flown in from London. The speeches were mercifully short; and delegate participation was woven into the function from the word go, with the youngest delegate from each center being called upon to join Guzder in lighting the inaugural lamp. The second night was like a climax in a play that lingers with you even after the curtain is down. This was the night at the Qutab Shahi tombs, where the singing competiton was held, followed by the antakshari contest. A dozen youths confidently rendered numbers from Hindi films and western songs, including a finely-worded 'Catholic spiritual. ’ RemarkedPenazMasani, who had been specially flown in from Bom ­ bay to judge the event: “It ’s been such Pestonji giving him support) of a lech ­ erous doctor. Chenoy later also stole the Mr Personality title from under the very Parsi-ish nose of his colleague and active TCZYL volunteer, Sarosh Parakh, while a local lass, Shireena merit (with Secunderabad ’s Taheera a pleasure to be in the midst of a vibrant and mischievous audience. The biggest Parsi audience I’ve ever had. ” The plea ­ sure was mutual: the delegates and members of some .300 Parsi families who reside in the twin cities enjoyed Toorkey in a resplendent gara must every moment ol the show, and were elated at having Masani in their midst. The antakshari finals followed the singing. Under blazing arc lights, com ­ plete with a live orchestra and a screen which showed video clip.s from selected movies a.s cue.s in the visual rounds, the antakshari wa.s professionalism at its best. Earlier in the day, from 9.30 a.m. to well past noon the preliminary rounds had been held under a shamiana on the Bisney, elated at his colleagues ’ suc ­ cess, in not only the above events, but also in two other much-fancied and have given the selected Miss Personal ­ ity, Bangalore ’s Kantili Sunawala, more than her share of anxious moments. In the debate too, Hoshang Chenoy and Taheera Pestonji came up trumps, with Secunderabad ’s Yazad Boga and Rustam D. Bhote also storming in for.^ special consolation prize. “We ourselves never knew before K’ 98 that we had so much talent in our midst, ” admits it 57 Parsiana February-March 1998 spaciou.s ground.s of the Zoroastrian Club, and lour teams of three members each had made it Irom the dozen which keenly-contested games, involving ' " ' ' making money at the stock market, and creating an advertisement cam ­ paign, held on January 9 and 10 respec- had participated. The linalists included the Zoroas- Irian answer to Spice Girls: a team of three spirited young women from lively. Vadodara; a group led by Nauzer K. Kasad ol Surat, a singer with a truly mellinuous voice who had earlier in the neously as the antakshari preliminar ­ ies) was a refreshingly differ&nt con ­ test. Here, in keeping with the times, when flirting with mammon is no longer considered evil, 10 teams of two each were cast into the ‘trading pit ’ at a hall booked at the swanky new Ramada Manohar Hotel. The teams were asked to chart their stock portfolio over three years, given a profile of the companies to invest in and a changing political scenario, the information being fed to them at the start of every session with a broadcast on the videoscope. Secun ­ derabad ’.s Manek N. Daruvala with Pune ’.s Khushnaz Bharucha as his team mate, and Burjor Bulsara with Yazad The Money Market Game played out over the entire morning (simulta- evening picked up a special prize from Masani for his singing and the local lavorites, the TCZYL team, who with the crowd.s cheering for them, managed to narrowly — yet convincingly — skid past the others to win the competition. Youlh.s Irom the twin citie.s seemed to larc well in many other competitions as well, holding their own against more seasoned trouper.s from the bigger metros. In the drama competition, where unfortunately — and inexplicably — the participation level was very low [only lour teams, including two from the Holiday Programme for Youth (HPY), Bombay], Hyderabad ’s Hos ­ hang M. Chenoy walked away with the Boga won the first two positions, tow- ‘ ........ ' ' ' ------------- ¦ ering above the rest. “They were real best actor prize for his humorous enact-t greedy. ” Guzder in his address (also at the inaugural function) sounded a simi ­ lar note when he briefed the assembled gathering on BPP’s envisaged scheme of setting up a Venture Capital to en- .......... _ __ __ able young people to start their own (and day two), delegates had businesses, and hoped K ’98 would able data from his own experiences and beliefs, and altered Rustamji ’s defini ­ tion of a proactive individual from one who says ‘I’ll try to change my destiny ’ to one who acknowledges that ‘wisdom modifies destiny. ’ By the end of the session ( come to know not only themselves bet ­ ter, but even how fellow delegates per ­ ceived them, and left the hall with en ­ hanced self-esteem: a positive contri- pros at it, ” concedes Vadodara ’s Cherag Gyara, one of the participants who esti ­ mates that at least two months of dedi ­ cated work must have gone into struc ­ turing such a game. Daruvala is a stocky Secundera- badian with an extremely sharp busi ­ ness sense which he continued to dem ­ onstrate the next day (January 10), in the creation of an advertisement cam ­ paign. He led his teammates Cherczad K. Pestonji (Hyderabad) and Khushnaz Bharucha (Pune) to another well-de ­ served victory by charting a sound mar ­ keting strategy to sell build- ing material which would build a house in five days flat. (Will it fall in five days as well, queried the hecklers as he presented his campaign, joining in the fun by attacking the participants ’ smart head- lines with equally smart one-liners.) The “Create an Ad ” contest, from an op- tion of two given hypo- thetical case studies, was judged by Bombay ’s Roda Mehta, a senior director at Ogilvy and Mather, who commended Bisney and Wadio in conversation the mature quality of work presented by the delegates within just two hours ol receiving the brief. It was unfortunate that her crisp comments on improving each of the ad.s she judged, and her introduction to advertising as a career were drowned in a cacophony of quips. These may have added to the lun (“Carumbo car? Sounds like nniramho. yaarV'f but resulted in Mehta curtail ­ ing her address. One speaker who held her own wa.s ‘home-grown ’ Kerman Rustamji, a pro ­ fessional management consultant. Rus- lamji took a two-hour (and post-lunch at that!) participative session on Janu ­ ary 9 on “Human resources develop ­ ment and self actualization, ” opted for by a record 45 delegates (the maximum for a session). She won kudos from all of them for helping them towards sell - assessment through a series of provok ­ ing posers and interactive exercises. Rustamji spelt out the road blocks to Tamboly in his inaugural address ex- actualization, ” pointed out personality horted youths to dieam ;— . and character deficiencies that hold back they wished to do, echoing progress, and gave to her young partici ­ pants apt descriptions of a reactive and proactive person. Guzder, who joined the session as it was nearing its close, supplemented the discussion with valu- “mark the beginning of Zoroastrian youths going into business. ” The strain continued on the last day when Marazban J. A. Patrawala, mem ­ bution to the cause of strengthening ber, National Commission for Minor! Zoroastrianism through its youngsters. Viewed in hindsight, it can be said aa W i 58 Parsiana February-March 1998 with Khainbdttd tics, presiding over the valedictory func ­ tion spoke of the immense Parsi contri- bution to the country over the centuries. He expressed confidence that K ’98 had pWgB helped the young Zoroas- trians attending it in build- ing character and incul- cated in thenri a purpose and direction in life. Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw echoed Patrawala ’s pride in recalling Parsi “men of caliber, ” adding with his characteristic jest that the communit)*had, neverthe- less, even produced its IHHb " share of crooks. Manekshaw, who shared the dais fwith veritable roster of Parsi who ’s who, was honored at this function along with the recently-knighted Dr J. J. Irani, manag- g director of TISCO (Tata Iron and Steel Company), with a shawl presented a that the leit motif of K ’98 was to make Zoroastrian youth.s more confident of ing themselves and their abilities. The con- S . , . tests served to underline this fact, even if to each of thcin by the function s chief guest, F „ themselves and their abilities. The con- in a few cases (like drama, art and cre ­ ative writing) the number of participants was abysmally low, depriving the win ­ ners of a sense of triumph since there was hardly any competition; everyone who took part, won. Yet, by giving lavish prizes in all events, the TCZYL aimed to encourage participation and reward it fully. Wc toted up the cash aggregate for prizes as being in the vicinity of one lakh rupees — gifts in kind raised from spon ­ sors like Estelle, Raymond, etc. Similarly, the speeches, though few and far between, and restricted mainly to the inaugural session and the valedic ­ tory function on .January 1 1, encour ­ aged venturesomeness. For example. and do what ’ Robert Allen ’s words that they should not be swayed by the opinions of the average man. “Dream, and he thinks you are crazy; succeed, and he says you are lucky; prosper, and he claims you are *-----, Dr C. Rangarajan, governor ol Andhra Pradesh. Rangarajan in his brief address paid rich tributes to the Zoroas ­ trian community and their contribution to society over the centuries. He lauded TCZYL’s gesture in honoring men of excellence (eminent jurist N. A. Palkhi- vala too was to be honored, but couldn t make it due to ill-health) as “this is the best way of promoting excellence. ” The valedictory function was fol ­ lowed by the presentation ot awards to the winners, with Meherzish Kalya ­ niwala of Bombay bagging the award for the most outstanding Zoroastrian youth at the meet. The Shapoor Parakh Memorial Prize was awarded to yachts ­ man Lt Cdr Farokh Tarapore as the most outstanding Zoroastrian sports- person for ’96-’97. Tokens of apprecia ­ tion were also distributed to all those who had helped promote K ’98. This included the cver-popular and affable Keki Gandhi, honorary secretary of the Federation of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjuinansot India (FPZAI), who had been friend, philosopher and guide to the TCZYL from its inception. Remarked a humble Gandhi on receiving this well-deserved token; “The TCZYL has thanked all for making K ’98 a reality. But now who ’s going to thank TCZYL for putting up such a fine show? ” i “We made it clear Then, under inky skies lit by myriad that it WaS mandatOrV rs. K ’98 CrCSCP.nHne.d tn itv; HrnmiQAri - for every attending delegate to participate stars, K ’98 crescendoed to its promised blazing finale: the personality contest, interspersed with a fashion show and music/dance items. With its customary meticulousness TCZYL had ensured that the contest — billed as the high point of the meet — received the best in all departments, and it sure had pul led out all the stops. The judges were Persi.s Khambatta, a last-hour replacement for Mehr Jesia, television star Tanaz Currim, a hit with the crowds, Masani, Manekshaw, Begum Bilkees Latif and Brig Parvez Cowasji. The event lasted well past midnight. After xx sumptuous dinner, guys and girls were on the lloor dancing till the wee hours ofthe morning, exchanging addresses and promising to stay in touch, while the air continued to be rent at intervals with full-throated war/victory cries of Raa-van (the Vadodara youths ’ cry) and an equally inlectious parrot-like tweet originating from Pune, and imitated by all. But after the innumerable au revoirs and cries receded, a question arose: where to from here? For over a decade, youth it rather poetically: “We wish this friend ­ ship, these beautiful moments are here to stay/So that in times to come, we teach the world to live the TCZYL way. ” “We ’ve all had a wonderful time to ­ gether, ” exclaims Navaz Palkhivala of Pune as the event drew to an end. It was a sentiment unanimously echoed not only by all the delegates present, but even by the community akabars who had been invited in full strength for this youth fest. ” “On a scale of one to 10,” gushes Tamboly, “I would give the fest a score of 10.” Tamboly, whom we saw mingling with Zoroastrian youths, observes to Parsiana: “The meet has reinforced my faith in our youth. They can take the community to greater heights, and we elders are ready to channelize and pro ­ vide support ” for this resurgence. Con ­ curs BPP co-trustee, Minoo Shroff, intro ­ duced by the organizers of TCZYL as their well-wisher and godfather for 10 years, “K ’98 has proved our youth... Parsis have it within them to achieve a lot. ” “We have been planning this event for over a year, ” reasons Tanaz K. Wadia, the charming honorary trea- ' surer of TCZYL, who was in and about continued on page 200 seminars have served as fora for debate and discussion. In the mid- ’80s, when globally the Orwellian spectre of Big Brother watching loomed large, and femi ­ nism donned different hues, such semi ­ nars questioned the values and equations in society. But now, with a new code sweeping across continents (“it ’s my life ”), debates and speeches have be ­ come redundant and K ’98 did come to grip.s with this changing reality. To quote Mis.s Personality, Kantili Sunawala, it “helped u.s to learn more about our reli ­ gion in tx fun way. ” Adds Ahmedabad ’s Shahvir Bharucha: “At the meet every delegate had the zeal to attend every session. ” Host cities ’ Sarosh Parakh puts •QU 20( With Compliments From Victory Theatre 2429 Gen Thimayya Road Camp, Pune 411001 60 Parsiana February-March 1998 ?ANJUMANS Indore: a city of opportunity A small, demographically balanced community thrives in Indore Arnavaz S. Mama “Excuse me, I have to meet my teacher, ” said Dr B. C. Chhaparwal, vice chan ­ cellor of the Devi Ahilya Vishwa- vidyalaya as he hurried off to touch the feet of a diminutive 83-year-old who Pithampur are industrial hubs with entered the Indore Anjuman ’s Gool Hall clad in a Parsi dagla with a black mukhmal cap over his white hair. Dr Jamshed Pohowalla, reverently known from Indore to Pithampur is called “the as the Father of Pediatrics in Madhya Pradesh (MP), had come to take his place in the assembly that awaited the arrival of Mohammed Shafi Qureshi, Governor of Madhya Pradesh on Feb ­ ruary 1, 1998. The stalwart is a former ship was denied in his chosen field, president of the Indore Parsi Zoroas ­ trian Anjuman. Also present that morning was former member of Parliament Homi Daji, a dedicated advocate who still practices and offers free legal aid to poor litigants. He hurried away after the function to attend to his election ­ eering work. Welcoming the governor was the Anjuman ’s current president, Bomi Heerjee, who during his career in the He joined the King Edward Hospital Jinni says she has spent a large part of Indian Administrative Service had been secretary to the Government of India and advisor to the Governor of Jammu Gandhi Memorial Medical College, and Kashmir. He had been commis ­ sioner of Indore and had chosen this city for his post-retirement abode. Heerjee ’s three current priorities in ­ clude a compilation of the Indore di ­ rectory, the drafting of a new constitu ­ tion for the Anjuman to replace the outdated one based on the old constitu ­ tion of the Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) and a reconstruction of the years the Government of India pro- borhood which was upgraded to an dharamshalabuilding —adecrepit 100- vided scholarships for higher medical atash dadgah by Hormusji Maneckjee year-old block currently used for stor ­ age. “That ’s enough to keep me occu ­ pied for some time, ” he notes. According to Heerjee, Indore ’s 175 constituents are well spread agewise Edinburgh by the end of that decade. In Jamaspasana were the resident mobeds with several youths. The city being 1963 he was honored with the Fellow ­ well placed for educational facilities ship of the Royal College of Physi- and employment opportunities, its young Parsis do not feel the need to go ences in 1966. A fellow of the Indian Academy of Paediatrics since 1977, elsewhere. There are several young men who are entrepreneurs. Others work for Jet Airways or with Godrej. Indore ’s the Academy felicitated him publicly two satellite towns of Dewas and Larsen and Toubro, Eicher, Bajaj and Hindustan Motors having their works there. Heerjee says the 20 km stretch Detroit of India. ” Pohowalla came to Indore in 1941 because in Bombay the university re ­ fused to upgrade the pediatrics depart ­ ment. A lecturer to whom professor- on his 75th birthday. On that occasion Dr S. D. Singh recalled his own train ­ ing under the master in an article in the Indore edition of the Free Press Jour­ nal-. “Dr Pohowalla looked after me as a guardian. His interest in students was very personal... scolding them when necessary but only in his room... He moved from bed to bed... handling the children sometimes more affectionately than the mothers... In the department it was believed that anyone who has worked sincerely must, lose weight, otherwise the person has not worked. ” Jinni Pohowalla ’s family, the Raginas, were the first to start the Indore Cecil Hotel, an ice cream factory and a Pohowalla learned of a vacancy in Indore from one of his teachers. He recalls a moderate Parsi community of about 500 involved in business or ser ­ vice with a dadgah and a dharamshala in place. His pay was Rs 180 per month cinema hall. She remembers Indore as which was hiked to Rs 200 when he married Jinni Ragina four years later. He says he used to cycle to medical her paternal uncle Khanbahadur school where his punctuality and strict- Manchersha Ragina was a magistrate ness earned him both awe and respect, and president of the Indore Anjuman. a “nice, quiet place, beautiful weather- wise with greenery all around ” where 63 Parsiana February-March 1998 Medical School as tutor, was promoted her life teaching tailoring and fashion to reader in pediatrics at the Mahatma designing. Indore Parsis date the settlement with the arrival of Cowasji Edebam in 1873 followed by other families. They settled in a place near Navlakha which is now known as the Parsf*Mohalla, writes Zarine Cama in the souvenir prepared by the anjuman for the execu- came to head its independent depart ­ ment of pediatrics and remains its emeri ­ tus professor of pediatrics and advisor in child health to the Madhya Pradesh government. After a stint with the World Health Organisation, Pohowalla went on to found the Chacha Nehru Hospital tive council meet of the Federation of for Children. Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of India. In the immediate post Independence They built a prayer room in the neigh- years the Government of India pro ­ education in England and Pohowalla Bhamgara in 1879 and tended by Mobed who had acquired his MD from Grant Dadabhai Madan until 1882. Thereaf- Medical College, Bombay, earned his ter three generations of the Rao family DCH from London and MRCP from deputed by Dastur Hoshangji there. The dar-e-meher building was reno- cians, Edinburgh and elected Fellow of vated in 1920 by Pallonji Eduiji Plum- the National Academy of Medical Sci- ber in memory of his son Dorabsha. In I'fi (VIOHOF IIMMUMMH OF INDIA IlBKOWIBaW JT .1 •, -h i l3* Ini;; ' !»’= i ¦ ¦ ';»¦ liS^ ?i *»» RS ¦; y- ’’ I Mi ii« :% ft "lA ft If... ' . .... . ¦ iW 1: r" ! sl ;; r-' i f A.. t 1 ’ 1 ^1 ft w J'.CtWffiWSSSS® ...... ga af-?ats;giyy-s ? f-s' 4 t l^s;^ ^'^1’ Clockwise from top left: Anjuman property complex; main entrance; Ervad Behramshah Kapadia, panthaky of the Indore dar-e-meher; Doji; portraits of Hormusji Makasha Bhamgara and Gulbanu Godrej; Pohowalla with pet Sundari Article continued on page 138 65 Parsiana February-March 1998 IANJUMANS Welcoming Zoroastrians to the heart of India The aging community of Mhow has accommodation to offer newcomers Arnavaz S. Mama The holy adaran fire of Mhow - the only consecrated fire in northern and central India - blazed with the offerings of the visiting Federation delegate,s which in ­ cluded “friends from across the seas," a.s noted Mhow Parsi Zoroastrian Anjuman president Group Captain Dhunjishaw Marker in hi.s welcome address after the special machi prayers were completed. On conclusion of the executive council meet of the Federa ­ tion of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of India, several attendees had availed of the Mhow Anjuman ’s invitation to visit their agiary. The delegates were escorted around the precincts of the recently recon ­ structed agiary (1995). The original structure that housed the 150-year-old fire had disintegrated while undergoing essential repairs in 1994 and a modern building has taken its place, with the old photographs and portraits lovingly preserved. Ervad Rumi Panthaky, initially of Surat, who graduated from the Athornan Madressa at Dadar, Bombay and ac ­ quired a masters in history from St Xavier ’s College, Bombay now offici ­ ates a.s the panthaky. His brother Jimmy, also from the Madressa, assists him and conducted the machi prayers. At the agiary are a few rare books including an original Pahlavi copy of the Vendidad. Mhow - an acronym from Military Headquarters of War - had belonged to the Holkars who ceded it to the British under the Treaty of Indore in 1818. A provision of the treaty allowed the Brit ­ ish to station troop.s in the area and the British army moved in in 1835 with the Parsis as camp followers - contractors, engineers, suppliers. And the British encouraged them to build so that Parsis came to own large propertie.s some of which were let out to the British. Many 'g are are of them arc still in army hands, says Mhow Anjuman ’s honorary secretary Behram Masani. A strange ambiguity now prevails over the ownership of these properties, none of which are less than 70 or 80 Order dated March 29, 1890, the hill years old. The land had been given under the Bengal Governor General ’s order ol 1836: “a piece ol land applied aeroplanes were forbidden to fly over the tor and grant given, ” in Masani ’s words. However, the army retained the right to resume the property and the Indian army has been showing a sporadic interest in enlarged and dedicated to the reestablishing its ownership since 1972. Owners ol houses have been receivin; letters asking them to show that they not unauthorized residents, said Masani. The Parsis arc allowed to repair their properties and utilize their garden.s but no reconstruction is permissible. When the agiary collapsed and had to be re ­ built “the army winked because of sev ­ eral high army officers among our popu ­ lation, ” says Masani. On the periphery of the cantonment however land costs about lour to live lakhs a hhiga (ap ­ proximately 60 percent of an acre) and new homes have sprung up, mainly of retired army officers. Some of thi.s property, vested in the Mhow Anjuman and redundant to it.s needs, is now available on rent to Parsis Irom other areas, if they choose to ap ­ ply. Somewhat old-fashioned, the homes are described as spacious and comfort ­ able. Many such properties though tech ­ nically occupied have no full-time resi ­ dents and, without regular upkeep deteriorating, informs Masani. The Mhow dokhma is used about twice a year with Ratlam and Khandwa the hill, he adds, residents also consigning their dead here. The agiary ’s three chasniwalas work a,s nassessalars along with volunteers from the community. Situated three miles out ­ side the Mhow cantonment, the dokhma. consecrated in 1840, sits on hilly land given by the Holkar maharaja partly as a gilt and partly, later in 1881, on nominal land revenue. Cowasji Jail erected bound ­ ary pillars at his own cost. “By a Station ,____,_____ 1 was placed out of bounds for soldiers and by an order dated February 14, 1932 ig, dokhma and for an area of 300 yards outside the Tower, ” states ’Masani. An original sagdi on the hill was later . commu ­ nity by Khan Bahadur Edulji Ghasvala- in 1885, adds Masani. After the geh sarna at home the body is conveyed up the hill to the Tower of Silence by jeep and trailer and the road leading to the Tower is another source of friction between the community and the army. Built by Khan Bahadur Dhunjishaw Dotiwala in 1932 at his own cost, the five-mile public road connects the cantonment to Baircha Lake and a branch from it reaches the dokhma. Both roads were entrusted to the army on condition that it maintain the branch road as well. “Sad to say, the army has failed to carry out this work. The Cantonment Board, Mhow, has passed a number of resolutions that the ‘road be maintained as usual ’ without any implementation. (It) is regularly used by villagers as well as army ve ­ hicles, but neither the central nor state governments take the work of repair in hand and the condition of the road continues to deteriorate, ” notes Masani. Also, because of firing ranges in the vicinity, there are no birds frequenting In 1900 Cooverji Dotiwala built and furnished the Dotiwala Hall with an attached kitchen in memory of his rela ­ tives Alibai, Dinbai and Jerbai and in 1937 a pavilion was added to it. Here 66 Parsiana February-March 1998i Left to right (top): sagdi which faces the dokhma; entrance to the agiary (center): some members of the Mhow Mhow anjuman requests any readers who can identify the gentleman to anjuman; Rumi Panthaky with the Vendidad; (bottom): atash dadgah in the urvisgah; portrait of a Parsi - the please inform them !* 68 Parsiana February-March 1998i i HOMI & Company Opticians and Contact Lens Clinic Authorised dealers of Bausch and Lomb Raybans and soft contact lenses and solutions. Varieties of frames, lenses - CR39 plastic multifocals, photochromatics tinted -- high index and UV for ultra violet protection from computer glare. For complete eye-care, a trusted name for over 50 years. Only at Grant Rd; tel 3823980 Peddar Rd; tel 3861073 Girgaum Rd; tel 3879629 3823564 70 Parsiana February-March 1998 F STARLITE ELECTRICAL WORKS With best compliments of a the community meets on festive occa ­ sions and here the visiting Federation delegate.s were hosted to a hearty lunch by the Mhow Anjuman whose manag ­ ing committee of I I members is elected every three years. Mhow Parsis had also been deeply involved with educational activities in their area. In 1886 Edulji Birdi opened a small cosmopolitan English School. In the same year Khursedji Edulj i had started two schooLs - the Khan Bahadur Edulji Pestonji Anglo-Vernacular School and the Khan Bahadur Edulji Pestonji Zoro ­ astrian High School. The latter incorpo ­ rated the Khan Bahadur Khory GirLs School which had been established in a building constructed by Manekji Khory in the agiary campus. Thereafter this building was used a.s a dharamshala and later converted into residential quarters. Today four nursery schools are being run by four efficient and experienced Parsi ladies, write.s Erach Merchant in the Fed ­ eration souvenir. A public library known as the Bai Pirojbai A. Dadabhoy Library was built by Ardeshir Masalawala in 1930. It is now defunct, notes Merchant. In 1875 Edulji Pcstonji donated building to start a hospital named Dorabji Pestonji Charitable Dispensary. Later the Khan Bahadur Byramshaw K. Illava Public Charity Trust donated a ward for Parsi.s at the Maharaja Yashwantrao Hospital in Indore and endowed a hematological section there. The Mhow Town Hall, village schools, the R. C. Jail Public Charity Trust, the R. C. Jail Law College in Mhow were the creation.s of Rustomji Jail, the Mhow representative to the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assem ­ bly. He also contributed to the Defence College Mhow School of Business Ad ­ ministration which is affiliated to the University of Indore, states Merchant. Lit by kerosene lamps Mhow wa.s elec ­ trified in 1928 when E. C. Cowasji built a power house, notes Merchant. Time was when the Mhow commu ­ nity numbered a 1,000 individuals. Today only about 100 remain. There are some who reside in Mhow and work in Indore which i.s a fast growing indus ­ trial center with a very large automo ­ bile industry. Thi.s economic growth in the neighborhood and the ready hospi ­ tality of the Mhow Anjuman render it a good place for young Parsis seeking the opportunity to begin a new life outside decaying Bombay. Starlite Electrical Works ELECTRIC AL ENGI NEER S & CON TRACTOR S 104, Shree Hanuman Industrial Estate 42 B, G. D. Ambekar Marg Wadala Bombay 400031 'ti HISTORY The perils of policing Dr Ratan Marshall chronicles, in a new edition, the exploits of Ardesar Kotwal, Surat ’s legendary police chief Hilla P. Guzder The various improvements effected in repairers. The journey from the banks of widow was conferred apolitical pension the city of Surat and its villages, which theTaptitothebanksoftheJumunatook by the government, the first Parsi lady, we see even today and which are so an arduous four months. The Parsi clock the book states, to receive such a mark of minutely described ... can never be con ­ sidered except in connection with this popular Kotwal. What Baron ™ Hausmann was to Paris, what Jo- I seph Chamberlain was to Binning- I ham, what Pherozeshah Mehta was I toBombay, soArdesar Kotwal was I to Surat. He fought against every I obstacle that would have terrified a I less enterprising man to reclaim I the city of his birth to law and I order..., ” J.R.B.Jeejeebhoy had * stated in his Introduction to Dr Ratan Marshall ’s book Ardesar ' Kotwal, on the life and exploits of I*, the legendary police chief of Surat who was also the first president of the Surat Parsi Panchayat (SPP) from 1841-1856. Marshall ’s first book on Kotwal, writ ­ ten in Gujarati, was published way back in 1946. As part of the bicentenary cel ­ ebrations of Kotwal ’s birth, a new, 60- page, more compact edition of Marshall ’s earlier book, also in Gujarati, was pub ­ lished by the Surat Parsi Panchayat Prakashan in 1997. The book was re ­ leased by Bhagvatikumar Sharma, a well- known literary figure of Gujarat, at function organized by the SPP on De ­ cember 21, 1997. A portrait of Kotwal, painted by Arun Jardosh, was also un ­ veiled by Dr Sam Bhacca, president of the SPP. The portrait is to adorn the walls Dharamsha- la as anjuman meetings are often held there. Tracing Kotwal ’s family history, Marshall ’s book recounts that around the year 1743, Ardesar ’.s great grandfa ­ ther Sorabjee Cowasjee, known for his expertise in horology, was summoned from Surat to the imperial court at Delhi by Emperor Akbar to repair a clock, a gift from the Sultan of Turkey, which had so far defied the ingenuity of local repairers. The journey from the banks of I a an arduous four months. The Parsi clock repairer was welcomed at the gates ofthe honor under the British regime. The widow and her two sons, Phirozshah and m Ardesar, were taken under the spe- cial protection of Nathan Crowe, L-aJJI the head of the English factory at I 'f; Surat. Phirozshah later rose to be Principal Sadar Amin, judge of the Surat court and British agent for some native states. In his introduction written in English, reprinted ’in condensed forminthenewedition,Jeejeebhoy ' describes Kotwal, who was bqrn on June 29, 1797, as “a nob% specimen of an athletic family, in his person he was stately and dignified, while his stature was tall and awe-inspir ­ ing. ” The book relates that Kotwal ’s early education had included fencing, which stood him in good stead when he was appointed head of the police in Surat. He joined government service as a clerk, rising to become native superin ­ tendent of police of the Surat villages and later Surat city, native agent of the native states. Principal Sadar Amin (chief judge of the Sadar Adawlut), etc. During the inundation of Surat in 4822, he worked strenuously for six days and nights to save the hapless people from premature death, in recognition of which he was presented with a Dress of Honor and a richly caparisoned charger by the governor. Sir John Malcolm when he visited Surat seven years later. Marshall relates that life in Surat dur ­ ing Kotwal ’s time was a canvas stained city by a special escort and accommo- ¦ Sharma releasing Marshall’s book as Bhacca applauds Inset: Marshall * dated in a mansion. Endowed with the natural gift of seeing the obvious through the complicated, he soon set the clock right. So pleased was the emperor that he conferred on Sorabjee the title of Neksautkhan (Lord of the Auspicious Hour), and among other honors, pre ­ sented him with a jaghir near the city of his birth, Surat. During his 16-year stay in Delhi, Sorabjee consolidated the po ­ sition ol the British at Surat by obtaining valuable firman.s from the Moghul em ­ peror, by which the English assumed of the Ratanji Manekji Enti authority over the political functions of the Nawab of Surat. Sorabjee ’s two sons also received favor from the Moghul court. Barjorjee, the elder, was exalted to the title of byfrequentrobberiesandmurders.From Behcremandkhan (Lord of Prosperity) Cambay to Daman, pirates plundered, and Pcstonjee, the younger, to making Surat their headquarters. Bhils, Talyarkhan (Lord of Good Fortune). TarwarisandPindharisfrequentedSurat city, and neither the rich man ’s mansion nor the poor man ’s cottage was immune from depradations. When Kotwal be ­ came the police chief of Surat, he thor- a Barjorjec ’s eldest son, Dhanjishah died in battle when, as representative of the Mandvi state, he accompanied the troops sent to quell a religious revolt. His 72 Parsiana February-March 1998man property are now being handled by Karanjawalla of Ahmedabad under Katpitia ’s guidance. Gandhi urged Federation dclcgatc.s to establish Parsi ownership, the sur ­ vey number and other relevant details of defunct anjuman propertie.s that they may be aware of, before the Federation can take on the onus of trying to re ­ trieve them for the community. With Best Compliments From GALLERY CHEMOULD A gallery of Contemporary Indian Art Individual anjumans The general body of the Allahabad Parsi Zoroastrian Anjuman meets every quar ­ ter, informed its president Capt Homi Dandiwalla. There is no membership lee but its assets arc gradually rising. “If we can ’t get a mobed, Tve volunteered to do the gch sarna, ” Dandiwalla noted. The 2.200 strong Ahmedabad Parsi Punchayet has constructed lour Hats (hello) ’ terms... lets its hair down on from the fund.s donated by the Mhow- dawal la Trust, stated Karanjawalla. The Punchayel aids the community through thinning its ranks, it.s medical, food grains, education, youth welfare and agricultural funds. Nine families, of whom five arc of mixed marriages, constitute a total Zo ­ roastrian population of 45 in Bhopal. The aramgah (with a bungli) needs a boundary wall, noted its president Dara Pavri. He spoke of a graveyard and land in Itarsi where no one is left to take care of it. Though the Borivli Association was not represented at this executive coun ­ cil meet, its secretary Khurshed Pastakia had faxed a letter detailing its activities ( over the past six months; two religious lectures by Roni Khan and Ervad Nadir Modi and two fun programs — a Shehenshahi Navroze party and the annual moonlit cruise complete with a live band, drinks and dinner on board! With the incorporation of two trust- ee.s under the age of 45, the Calcutta Zoroastrian Community ’s Religious and Charity Funds now has a total of five trustees, informed Batlivala. The “reasonably small and happy commu ­ nity — everyone is at least on "xahebji weekends with basketball, ericket and football ” but constant emigration is A handsome donation has enabled the DPA to renovate its aramgah and give it.s agiary a facelift, informed A.' Sethna. A new Nowshir^Jungalwalla Hall is under construction on their dharamshala campu.s and the DPA is now on the Internet. There is much 1 Selection of good paintings Tasteful Framing Care and Restoration of old paintings H 8 We never take our guests and breath-taking views for granted Ki Jehangir Art Gallery 1st Floor, M. G, Road Bombay 400023 Tel; 2844356/2833640 Fax; 2836058 E-Mail; galmchem.bom@ smy.sprintrpg.ems.vsnl.net. in Lord’s Central Hotel Matheran 410102 Matheran Telephone 021483-0228 Fax 021483-0595 Bombay telephone 3867776 126 Parsiana February-March 1998COMMENT 44 Parsi women, tiger women Despite her academic qualifications the author was discriminated against in a male-dominated mileu Dr Ketayun H. Gould This article is written with only one purpose in mind: consciousness raising. It challenges some very entrenched Zarathushti stereotypes about their sta ­ tus in North American social structure. The myth can be summarized as fol ­ lows: We Zarathushtis do not need to be classified as a minority of color/women of color under affirmative action laws because we have the qualifications to make it on our own without government intervention. This story is about one person who learned that life is not that simple. The other party in this case was an academic bureaucracy. But it could have been any number of organizational structures. The process would have remained un ­ changed. I came to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1968 with all the qualifications and honors to make me believe implicitly in the merit system and my ability to climb the academic ladder. As usual, there were fewer fe- males than males in my department, and some of us were women of color. As a brand new assistant professor, I had a vague uneasines.s about my starting sal ­ ary but it was explained away as being due to a bad budget year. About 18 months after my arrival at Illinois, the uneasiness came to a head. Three faculty persons — an English ­ woman, a Korean woman and myself marched to the board of trustees office to look up the department salaries. After a thoroughly unpleasant reception, it turned out that the University could only provide salary information that was two years old. The bureaucracy had taken a very calculated step. In 1969-70, the affirmative action guidelines had just added women to the list of minorities of color as being eligible for redress for salary discrimination. I wa.s confident past discrimination. The case for equal pay for equal work was to be made by comparing a female faculty ’s qualifica ­ tions with a male colleague whose cur- rent salary was higher. We had no choice. We asked, then demanded repeatedly for information on current faculty salaries. The depart ­ ment was blatant in its refusal to com ­ ply. The main obstacle in obtaining the information was the fact that the univer ­ sities were not compelled to follow af ­ firmative action guidelines, until Title IX was enacted in 1972. That was a few years down the road. A mountain of effort plus living through departmental memos and counter-memos followed, pressures and threats, my salary was resulting in acrimonious departmental adjusted by $ 200! relation.s and many sleepless nights. After much anticipation. Title IX turned out to be a paper tiger. The proce ­ dure to determine salary inequities in ­ volved the examination of an individual faculty ’s merit ranking and salary rank ­ ing to decide if there was a mismatch. It Without lifting a finger, the dean ’s fa- is not difficult to guess what happened next — the rating was performed by the same department head who had dis ­ criminated against us in the first place. A perusal ofthe salaries demonstrated the Equal Employment Opportunity that the discrimination was far worse than anybody had imagined. There was no recourse left except to go outside the department to a university committee — a step that would certainly make you a pariah in the eyes of people with whom you worked every day. All of my colleagues except one, a tenured associate professor, and myself, an untenured assistant professor, felt that they could not withstand the pres ­ sure of such a move, and dropped out. I was asked whether I too wanted to stop secretary who was responsible for the at this juncture. After all, I could have been fired. I thought about it, but I had faith in my qualifications and my ability to stand up for my rights. In my appearance before the univer ­ sity committee, I built a strong case for years of teaching, experience, etc in comparison to a male colleague who earned a much higher salary. The committee commended me for my record. They regretted, however, that they could not defy the university ’s procedures. They had to take.the depart ­ ment head ’s lead and concern them ­ selves solely with a mismatch between merit and salary ratings. After all the However, that was not the end of the story. I was taught a furtherlesson. Some ­ body in the university committee called - up one of my faculty colleagues who chd not dare oppose the dean, and invited him to submit a vita to the committee. vorable merit ranking resulted in a sal ­ ary adjustment of $ 700. At this point, I had to weigh my options. Did I want to take my case outside the university to Commission (a waiting period of years) or sue the university? I was spared having to make either of these decisions by an event that rocked the department and shocked even the most conservative faculty. Colleagues had urged me to run for a position on the executive committee. Somehow, the se ­ cret ballots that would have certainly elected me to the committee were tam ­ pered with by two faculty members — a fact that was revealed a year later by a 77 Parsiana February-March 1998 because I had quantitative data to make my points; a favorable count in all the areas delineated by the affirmative ac ­ tion guidelines such as publications, ballot box. No one could deny the heinous na ­ ture of this offense. This was a turning point, a wake up call. The faculty finally acknowledged that something had to be done to right the process that had gone so wrong. My tenure and promotion to associate professor sailed through with no problems. The salary discrepancy, however, was never addressed. It took the department head ’s retire- Iment and the selection of the next dean painful beyond belief. Would I do it to announce that he was not going to accept the position without a commit ­ ment to deal with this issue once and for all. No internal rankings were going to determine salary inequities since no one I was asked this question more times than I can remember. Was there some- over again? Without any hesitation. I could not not do it. Was I discriminated thing in my background that prepared ' ’ "me for this fight? I had to explain my answer to my faculty colleagues. Per- had any confidence in this procedure, jeopardy), because the stereotypes of response without any elaboration: “Parsi He was going to appoint an outside both groups lulled the University into committee of well known faculty from thinking that it was going to be an easy various departments to address the prob- fight. Did the whole experience change ’ .... me? Completely. Like many Zarathushtis, I had a chip on my shoulder about my abilities and an exaggerated notion of the North American society ’s recognition of the success of this miniscule community. I realized that it i,s easy to maintain a favored position as long as the status quo is not challenged. Zarathushtis, as a small minority, are well aware of this fact and have followed this policy his ­ torically, for societal survival. However, like every other ethnic group in this culture, Zarathushtis will have to learn that in an era of competi ­ tion, the system ignores groups that do not articulate their demands as a coher ­ ent force. At times, self-preservation requires a pro-active rather than a sive stance. against because I was a woman or be ­ cause I was a member of the minority community ? The answer is both (double haps this audience will understand the both groups lulled the University into women, tiger women. ” lem. Finally, my salary was adjusted by thousands of dollars. I say adjusted be ­ cause it did not address the question of redress for past discrimination. My promotion to full professor went through with flying colors. In the inter ­ vening years, I organized colleagues in three professional organizations to pres ­ sure these institutions to establish com ­ missions on the status of women and ethnic minority concerns. I served on all of these commissions. I chaired the uni ­ versity committees that were established to address similar concerns. In the de ­ partment, I continued to be the spokes ­ person for faculty concerns. Circum ­ stances had put me in that role, and now colleagues expected me to continue to fulfill the leadership promise. Was this experience painful? It was (Edited and reprinted with permission from FEZANA Journal, Summer 1997.) Dr Ketayun H. Gould is professor emerita in the School of Social Work, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in the United States. She is a partner, along with her hus ­ band, in Independent Scholars Associated in Stafford, Virginia. She opted for early retirementto pursue her research and scholarship. Her writings have dealt with two main areas: feminist theory, models and practice frameworks in the area of women and ethnic minority concerns, and historical and demographic studies of the Par^ Zoroastrian community in India.Currently she is authoring a book on the historical and demographic decline of the Parsi Zoroastrian community in the rural and urban areas of Gujarat. pas- JOIN DAVAR’S COLLEGE OF COMMERCE BANKING, SECRETARIAL, COMPUTERS AND LANGUAGES Established 1900 For * Personal Secretaries Diploma with Computers * Computers * Accounts * Languages * Translations in all languages FREE PLACEMENTS Only at Davar ’s FIRST COUNTER from FRONT ENTRANCE at Fountain Phone Fountain: 2042007/2824678 Vashi: 7685046/7686567 Goa Panjim: 221140/234155 78 Parsiana February-March 1998 THEVIRJEES of Panchgani - send Greetings and Welcome you to “Maidstone ” Phone: 02168/40256COMMENT To honor those worthy ... Every coreligionist should assess his or her contribution to the religion and the connmunity Ervad (Dr) Hoshang J. Bhadha As an athravan serving the traditional Zarathushtis of Southern California, I have written this article to enlighten those who have wandered in search of materialistic pleasures of life, ignoring their religious identity and their role as Zarathushtis towards themselves, fam ­ ily and community at large. Il is very unfortunate that the major ­ ity of Parsis in India, US and around the world are ignorant of the correct recita ­ tion of Avestci inanthras and its effect on their lives. For the last nine years that I have been teaching prayers and religion to a small group of orthodox Zoroastrians, I have witnessed many unfortunate ones outside this group fol ­ lowing non-Zoroastrian beliefs. Those who have emigrated from India brought with them idol worshipping and beliefs of Hindu and Christian religions, which are affecting the beliefs of our future generations. In such family environ ­ ment, we can anticipate the type of religious upbringing and future of young members of the family. For example, during my last religious class, I asked an eight-year-old boy to name our Prophet and he replied, “Shridev, Shri Ram, Hanuman. ” With such non-Zoro- astrian influences, we can hardly rely without getting them corrupted by our on our future generation to follow the footsteps of our forefathers to preserve our religion. This ignorance of our reli ­ gious customs, traditions and rituals is the prime cause of all inconsistencie.s in the Zoroastrian community. Our prayers are not just a literary composition involving the behavior of various creations of Ahura Mazda and stories of so-called mythical characters in Iranian history. They have allegori ­ cal meanings and explanations that go beyond human imagination and under ­ standing. Though we may understand some parts of His divine plan, we can never have the wisdom to understand Hi.s original version. mon sight. It is also common among Zarathushtis to make charities to Hindu temples, churches and roadside wor ­ ship places than to be charitable for the maintenance of agiaries and atash behrams. A decreasing number of devo ­ tees visit our sacred agiary and atash behram and very few wear the sudreh kusti and recite the mathras in correct pronunciation. From Sai Baba pooja to the spirit of Jalbava in the Banaji Atash Behram and magical powers in Aslaji Agiary — people have started believing in any supernatural phenomenon to further their materialistic gains. They are the ones who prefer to visit Shirdi, Novina • ‘O Establishing community associa ­ tions, organizing congresses, social functions and family gatherings arc healthy sources of developing links among various groups around the world. However, it docs not guarantee preser ­ vation of our religious traditions, ritu ­ als and practices in its true form. It does not help our next generation to practice and recite our sacred prayers in correct pronunciation. It doe.s not help them to understand what they arc expected to do when they visit an agiary, an atash behram or just kindle a fire at home. It does not help them to understand their spiritual identity and the mission of their soul in this material world. It does not give them a chance to know the celebration and such holy places and alaats given to us by Asho Zarathushtra to defend ourselves from ‘harmful ele ­ ments ’ on this planet. It does not help agiary or atash behram which could be them to know the resources required in case of any unforeseen incident hap ­ pening in their family. It does not help Baba mandir at the corner of the street them to help themselve.s by reciting prayers for the benefit of their material and spiritual life. Our religion is based on rituals, cer ­ emonies and religious traditions. If we cannot maintain them in their entirety occasions to satisfy their material or spiritual aspirations than to visit our next door. A perfect example is of Tata Colony at Tardeo. There is a small Sai H' 80 Parsiana February-March 1998 materialistic aspirations, there is no need to call ourselves the followers of the Mazdayasni Zarathushti religion. There is no need for an initiation ceremony or prayer book in one ’s house when one doesn ’t believe nor have faith in the religion to practice our inanthras and tarikats. Today, non-Zoroastrian beliefs arc openly practiced and propagated in our community. Besides, different cultures, traditions and teaching.s of non-Zoroas- triar scholars have always influenced our community. Idols of Sai Baba, Mchcr Baba and other saintly individu ­ als and religious idols prominently dis ­ played in Zoroastrian homes are a com- where some Parsis join others in pooja, offering flowers, food and money for its maintenance when the Kappawalla Agiary is just a few yards away. In the recent past, we had a few cases of some ‘learned ’ trustees trying to close down our agiaries that are in the leasUopera- tional condition. Miracles happen when you practice our manthras and lead a 1 ife prescribed by our Prophet. The pres ­ ence of these spiritual beings at certain places is not to make you rich and successful. Besides, by birth we all are obligated to follow the Zarathushti reli ­ gion and do farzyat prayers, no matter where, when and how we live — rich or poor, happy or in misery. The unfortu ­ nate sign is, people tend to relate doing prayers only for gaining materialistic rewards and pleasures. How many of you were consistent in going to an agiary only during your school or college ex ­ amination? How many times have you been to Udvada strictly for prayers and I22 Carat Guaranteed Gold Consultancy Services KUMAR JEWELLERS From YEZPER CONSULTANTS House of Gold, Silver & Diamond Jewellery Specialist for: Asho Farohar & Lord Zarathushtra Medals in Gold and Silver For chemicals and petrochemicals 596, Chira Bazar Near Wadia Fire Temple Bombay 400002 Tel: 2017707/2011894 We buy old Gold, Silver and Diamond Jewellery We accept Master, Visa, Diners, BOB & Inter cards 55/1414, Adarsli Nagar, Worli Mumbai 4()()()25. India Tel: 91(22)2029164/4324654 Fax: 91 (22)4324654/2826518 not for enjoyment at the nearest resorts? How many times have you committed yourself to recite prayers? Have you ever spent your free time in reading religious books or contacting someone to know more about our religion? In western countries, there are sev ­ eral groups organized under different names for socializing which ignore their socioreligious obligations towards themselves, their family and the com ­ munity at large. We have several inde ­ pendent associations from ultra-liberal to orthodox with differences in their ideologies and preferences. There are four associations among less than 400 Zarathushtis just in Southern Califor ­ nia! Do we need to split the community by having various associations? Can we survive and preserve our religion by a divide-and-rule policy? Organizing youth congresses and youth organizations will help young- stcr.s to socialize and get acquainted with our society. However, it may not guarantee knowledge of their religious identity. The decision-makers are those parents who know nothing about our religion or its inheritance. Attending a religion class once a month is like a Neville & Tanaz Godiwalla Wish All Parsi Patrons A Very Happy Jamshedi Navroze For the tastiest food in town, with moderate rates too; none to beat the Godiwallas! Just give us your budget and we'll fit you in. Telephone Nos: 3775842, 3775360, 3742065 82 Parsiana February-March 1998 I *AIRLIFT (INDIA) PRIVATE LIMITED 13 Adarsh Industrial Estate Sahar Road, Andheri (East) Bombay 400099 IATA approved air cargo agents, consolidation/ break-bulk agents and customs house agents Tel; 8378601-05, 8348433, 8323433 Telex: 011 79217 LIFT IN Fax; 8368304 Branches Bangalore, Baroda, Cochin, Delhi, Madras, Pune LALA TOURS ? Package tours to: USA, CANADA UK - EUROPE AUSTRALIA * NEW ZEALAND * EGYPT - NILE CRUISE * FAR EAST - THAILAND * SINGAPORE, HONGKONG, * JAPAN * MAURITIUS * SEYCHELLES * KENYA * SOUTH AFRICA * ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES * * * For details contact: H.K. LALA & COMPANY Capitol Cinema Building Marzban Road, Bombay 400001. Tel; 2075094/5744/3006. Fax: 9122-2076925 , Us() tours with in India tr \cf'>al burden for most parents who conve ­ niently justify their absence by unrea ­ sonable excuses such as, “It is too far for us to attend, ” “I am too old to attend a religion class, whatever I know is enough, ” or “My son feels uncomfort ­ able sitting with the younger crowd. ” People tend to relate doing prayers only for gaining materialistic rewards and pleasures Obviously, these parents are to be blamed for not giving their children an opportunity (which they themselves never had) to learn prayers and religion. Do you think once-a-month religion class is too much to ask for in return for your child ’s future? Internet and e-mail help in spreading Zoroastrianism among Zarathushtis. However, that cannot compete with re ­ ligious classes conducted by a priest or knowledgeable person. Besides not ev ­ eryone has e-mail or Internet to access > With Compliments From JEENA & COMPANY IATA approved Air Cargo, Clearing, Forwarding & Warehousing Agents 10, Veer Nariman Road, Fort, Bombay 400001 Cable: “JUSTITIA” Phone: 2042032 Telex: 82313, 83495 Fax: (22) 2026853 Airport Office Jeena House, Plot No 170, Om Nagar, Off Pipe Line Road, Andheri (East), Bombay 400099 Cable: AIRJENA Phone: 8218360, 8214093, 8213718, 8341023 Telex: 79234, 79456 Fax: (22) 8363253 Branches New Delhi, Calcutta, Madras, Bangalore, Pune, Cochin and Hyderabad Our new global address on the net: WWW.jeena.com 84 Parsiana February-March 1998 ¦t 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 Dorrabji ’s JERROZ HOTEL Under Cliff, Ring Road Panchgani 412805 Phone: (91) (02168) 40238 ^^MUSTANG COTTON SOCKS t BRIEFS » VESTS I BERMUDAS Mfgrs: MUSTANG ENTERPRISES / APPARELS 219, MILAN IND., EST., T. J. ROAD, COTTON GREEN, BOMBAY - 400 033. TEL.: 415 50 07 • FAX: 414 63 19 TEL.: 415 50 07 • the right people for the right answer. Our religion has more to offer than stories of Persian kings and miracles of our Prophet. The effectiveness of our Avesta nianthras and its usage with correct pronunciation; farzyat prayers, tarikats and its daily practice; signifi ­ cance of roj, mah, urvaan, aipijravashi in human life and many such topics provide nourishmenttoachild ’s knowl ­ edge of his/her religious identity. One should realize that it also affects a child ’s development process — mental, physi ­ cal, emotional and psychological — and his/her approach to nature and re ­ ality. On the religious front, our so-called intellectuals and wealthy bureaucrats are making decisions on “what to do and what not to follow ” type of ques ­ tions related to religious rituals and traditions. If the community i.s not edu ­ cated in religious matters, especially in our rituals and traditions, no one is going to oppose any kind of accommo ­ dation or convenience so propagated. No one has ever risen teethe stature of spiritual maturity until they have found it finer to serve someone other than themselves. Look into your girban arid With Best Compliments From BHARUCHA & CO Engineers & Builders ‘Kutika ’, 31/1, Pune Solapur Highway, Pune 411013 Tel No: 670030, 670494 Fax: 670094 86 Parsiana February-March 1998 •sWith the compliments of DAKS COPY SERVICE PRIVATE LIMITED evaluate your contribution to our reli ­ gion and community. This does not mean a one-time service and then blow ­ ing your horn to gain power or attention in the community. The majority of us including our intellectual reformists demonstrate attitudes that can be de ­ scribed as egocentric, diplomatic and self-centered. A community prospers by collective action and following a prescribed path. We do not need people who use their social status to influence others in reli ­ gious matters. We need to recognize those who can impart a true version of our religion. It is common among Parsis to prefer someone other than his/her community members to share venture, friendship or companionship. Why are we unsuc ­ cessful in collaborating our ideas and expressions in making socio-religious decisions? The answer lies in one ex ­ pression — superiority complex among the majority — an attitude that has caused serious damage to our commu ­ nity development. Everyone tries to prove himself right. Like for instance, our community membership is scat ­ tered worldwide and each group has different ideologies and perceptions of practicing our religion. It is a fact that the socioeconomic condition of a family is correlated to the mental, physical and psychological abil ­ ity of its members. It influences person ’s outlook on the society in which he/she lives. Our community has al ­ ways projected a very refined and intel ­ ligent picture among the locals of which ­ ever country we chose as our residence. We need to develop a network sys ­ tem to help people in employment, housing, transportation, matrimony and religion. We need to coordinate efforts of specialists and volunteers in each of the above fields. They may be from different states in the US and/or India. It will encourage many associations to contribute to the needy Zarathushti di ­ rectly rather than end their obligation by publishing an article in their associa ­ tion newsletter. This type of network ­ ing will even motivate someone to help a needy person by going beyond one ’s professional capability. We need to for ­ malize these groups and publish their names, contact address and area of his/ her speciality in helping the needy in the newsletter published by the execu ­ tive committee of this special group (Helping Hand) around the world. A a Apeejay House 3rd Floor 130 Apollo Street Mumbai 400001 Phones: 2844672, 2844862 STERLING AND WILSON ELECTRICALS Private Limited Leading Electrical Engineers & Contractors City Office Esplanade House, 2nd Floor Hazarimal Somani Marg, Fort, Mumbai 400001 Telephone: 2074177, 2071882 Fax: 2073741 New Delhi Office Flat No 202-205, G K House 187/A Sant Nagar East of Kailash New Delhi 110019 Telephone: 6233381,6236320 Fax: 6486282 Bangalore Office 183/C K H B Colony, Sth Block, Koramangala Bangalore 560095 Registered Office 70, Nagindas Master Road (Meadows Street), Fort Mumbai 400023 Telephone: 2653287 88 Parsiana February-March 1998 ?a .special committee in India must pro ­ vide this list to all those who emigrate to the US, Canada or other countries for higher studies or residency and simulta ­ neously inform their state associations about their arrival. There is a history of Zoroastrian immigrants, especially stu ­ dents, being swayed by the false glamor of Western surroundings and for being corrupted beyond repair. We need group/association who could bring such immigrants into the mainstream before they get lost in the wilderness of the cultural roller coaster. We need some ­ one to ‘care ’ for our future generation. We must encourage knowledgeable priests in our group or community to conduct classe.s on prayers and religion to bring consistency in understanding our rituals, tradition.s and practices. There is truth in the assertion that if the majority understand and believe in hiinak pasbani, the intrinsic value of reciting Avesta nianthras', and knowl ­ edge of applying religious taboos and alaats in our lives, we would seldom face contrcversie.s like interfaith mar ­ riage, belief in other faiths, non-Zoro- astrian practices, navjote of a non-Zo- roastrian or allowing a non-Zoroastrian in rituals. We should stop wasting our energy, in defining a Zarathushti or translating Gathas to convince people that one ’s version ol religious interpretation i.s superior to others. Leave our rituals and traditions in their original prescription and concentrate on developing a strong infrastructure to mobilize our resources; lor the benefit of the entire community. Leave religious alterations in His hands. No matter how many people recom ­ mend solutions to the existing prob ­ lems, if there is no change in the Zoro ­ astrian approach to work as a team, keeping aside grudges, differences, selfish motives and above all egocen ­ tric attitudes, no suggestion or strategy can work to our benefit. Collectively, we must dedicate ourselve.s to practice and preserve our religion and develop a pathway to the succes.s and survival of our next generation. Ervad (Dr) Hoshang J. Bhadhaconducts religion and prayer classes in Southern California. He of­ fers religious services only to those Zarathushtis who believe and practice the traditional Zarathushti re­ ligion. His articles are pub- ‘e ¦S' lished on the Internet web-site Traditional Zo­ roastrianism. 91 Parsiana February-March 1998 4 With Best Compliments From A WELL-WISHER ? ICOMMENT Reach the inner fire Let not Mazdayasni Zarathushtis say they worship fire which is only a creation of Ahura Mazda Perin Divecha died, aspects of the old religion were reintroduced. Is the situation all that different to ­ day? Why do wc keep silent when co ­ religionists confess to the worship of fire? Why arc they not shocked, dis ­ mayed, or outraged when so-called Mazdayasni-Zarathushtis say they wor ­ ship fire, which is, after all, a creation ol Ahura Mazda? Fire has not the power to create anything, whereas ’Khura Mazda has created everything good in His good - creation, both in the world of spirit andm the world of nature, and this includes tile fire. And by the power of His divine laws, that are generated on the natural level, has made it possible for human beings to ignite fire. All natural elements have en ­ ergies entrapped within them; this en ­ ables humans to ignite fire with the power or energy of the sun; or through friction of two rocks or sticks : this is according to God ’s laws of nature. But can human beings reconstruct or convert fire ener ­ gies into spiritual bodies as certain indi ­ viduals and publications claim? Asho Zarathushtra taught that Ahura Mazda alone is the divine source of the natural and the spiritual or inner fire, and of the a word of her navjotc prayers because they were in a very ancient language, and that she was given cow ’.s urine to drink. She could have explained the purpose and significance of the ceremony and ol the sudrch and kusti — that is, if she had bothered to educate herself; she is old enough to have done so. Except for the o ft repeated : “We believe in good thoughts, good words and good deeds, ” 1 have heard nothing which could reflect orexplain Zoroastrianism as a religion. Among there are some who are inorc concerned about the “purity ” of their Parsi/Iranian race — which history denie.s — than preserving their religion: some of our young arc not in the least bit concerned about ei ­ ther. There arc others to whom When the Life magazine of the Sunday Observer published an alphabetical list of cults, with “Zoroastrianism ” under Z, there followed letters of protests from Zoroastrians. Perveez Dadachanji wrote: “I wa.s shocked to find Zoroastrian ­ ism among the cults in your Life magazine... ” Rusi Dalal protested: “I am writing to you on behalf of our Zoroastrian association to record our members ’ total dismay and outrage on deni ­ grating our noble and ancient religion to the level of one of those many cults... ” K. P. Jasavala wrote; “To our great amazement and dis ­ belief we were shocked to read in Sunday Observer's Life magazine (May 14,1995) that the pure and ancient religion of Iran — Zoroastrianism — isdescribed asacult... ”Burjor Avariexpressedsimilarsentiments.Thcy ourrcligion, a.s preached by Asho Zara- also mentioned Zoroastrian influences on Abrahamic religions. On the very, very rare occasion.s — two, to be exact — when the Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe (ZTFE) commit ­ tee have chosen Zoroastrians to speak they were because of the religion Asho for the whole community in or on the media, they have chosen the unknowl- edgeable, ill-informed and those ofcultish tendencies. What in heaven ’s name do they expect? It is natural for outsiders to believe that Zoroastrian House represent.s the whole UK community, and that those they choose to speak on our behalf voice the views and religious beliefs of us all. But we know this is not so. Two of those chosen said that we worshipped fire; another said that she did not understand in 92 Parsiana February-March 1998 Zoroastrians, 'g ihushlra, is of much greater importance. This they are striving to preserve. This does not mean that they have no respect or love for their ancestors; rather they natural and the spiritual light, realize that their ancestors were what The Gathas reveal the existence of the one and only spiritual God, the divine Creator, the wise lord, the father of Asha — the divine law that governs both the natural and the spirit worlds. He alone i.s uncreated spirit, and He alone has the power to create spirits and souls. His is the supreme mind, the sublime mind, supreme intelligence and wisdom. He is the infinite, perfect and immortal being, who alone is ognized the fact that the religion Asho worthy of worship. So the Gathas say. Zarathushtra taught wa.s a monotheistic revelation, which was, at first, spurned. And our history tells us that even after it was Zarathushtra left in the keeping of his followers. At least the compiler of the list of cults did make one very important point, which escaped the protestors, for he wrote: “(Zarathushtra), spurned by his compa ­ triots for what they considered his mono ­ theistic revelation... ” The compiler rec- Yes, the sacred fires should be re ­ spected and venerated, but this respect and veneration would come naturally if accepted, when the Holy Prophet we recognized Ahura Mazda for what He ?beacceptableto AhuraMazda: this free- --------------- ; dom extended to our thoughts, words (Armaiti) wkfdn us. ’’ XA/k-. I and deeds. Nothing Ahura Mazda ’s inner fire is His su- vvny (JO we keep ?™th and slncer- premespirit(SpentaMainyu)andHissub- Qilf=>nt \A/hon ky in worship, and m lime and good mind. His divine wisdom C^IICIIL VVlien individual thoughts, (VahistaMana,VohuMana);andwewor- coreligionists confess to the worship then every worship of fire? Other respect and ven ­ eration due to His good creation would come naturally to us. OnBBCTVlastautumn,aZoroastrian ____ ____ priest, participating in one of the Sacred they priests or laity, fire because it is the purest natural ele ­ ment; and that is why the priests cover their mouths, so as not to pollute the fire. Then on Radio 4 on July 6,1997 we heard Mr Noshir Dadrawala say, most emphati ­ cally: “I am not ashamed to say that I worship fire. ” Of course they have the right to wor- Spentas because they are Ahura Mazda ’s attributes; yes, we re ­ vere the fravashis of the holy ones, and all the spiritual beings Ahura Mazda has cre ­ ated. If we recognized Ahura Mazda as the only one worthy of righteousness (Asha) and devotion and deeds. Nothing but truth and sincer ­ ity in worship, and in individual thoughts, ________ words and actions ship Him with and in our inner selves (our wouldbringGod ’sdi- ' ‘ ' vine plan of salvation to fruition. There can be no force or coer ­ cion, no sitting on the ------ ---—1 one must any fence for the individual. Each make his/her own choice without r-y threat being held over his/her head; be Place series, said that we worshipped Although these good people have hearts, minds and souls). If they feel they do not, and or they cannot make him the only, and the full focus of their worship and adoration, why do they call themselves Mazdayasnis? If they do not wish to abide by the teachings of Asho Zarathushtra as given in the Gathas, why do they call themselves Zarathushtis (Zoroastrians)? Why can ’t we observe our rituals, and ship fire if they so wish. Freedom of hope, and He alone shall light yourfaith choice, specially that of worship, is every ful followers through life (Yasna 34.4).’ individual ’s God-given right. Asho ‘ • • -- Zarathushtra preached this freedom. He realized that nothing less would or could .1 • I . * , . r,. . ‘ vv uul iiLuctib, aiiu U Vu worship fire, k is important hold on to our true traditions in the light of that they clarify that it is their personal ' ' ’ . . . choice, not accepted by all Zoroastrians. Asho Zarathushtra made his choice of worship very clear; he told us which fire he worshipped: “O AhuraMazda, we yearn to see and reach up to your inner fire. This fire is our final goal and ultimate the revelations made in the Gathast Can someone give me an adequate answer, please? Again in Yasna 47.6: “As the fire of Ahura Mazda is our ideal. He is also our reward, for He shall ignite His latent A retired teacher resid­ ing in Kent, UK, Perin j Divecha states her life g “has been a search and ¦ an education, and my interest has always been ’ in literature, history and religion: in short, the story of the human race." With best compliments from TIME Mareks G Co. WATCHMAKERS Shop No. 14 Empire Mahal, Block D Khodadad Circle, DadarT. T. Bombay 400014 97/103, Shetty House Opp Bombay University M. G. Road Bom bay 400023 Tel: 4143898/4121411 Tel: 2670999/2676412 94 Parsiana February-March 1998OBSERVATION An easy exit It is preferable to pray for an easy deliverance rather than a painfully long life Rustam S. Sidhwa A very dear friend of mine, having . " A ’ enjoyed years of success, good health gregate intercessions of relatives and and prosperity, in the autumn of his life found himself wasting away with dread diseases. He seemed booked for mis ­ ery, along with his family, for the re ­ mainder of his life. His wife, sons, daughters and rela ­ tives — as well as friends and well- wishers who came to know of his pre ­ dicament — raised their hands to the almighty, to holy prophets and spiritual masters in supplication for his return to health and strength. Efforts were di ­ rected to different systems of medicine, psychic sciences, holistic and other sys ­ tems of healing, prayers, meditation, concentration, etc. When a person ’s time for passing on arrives, the spiritual hierarchy respon- spiritual law protects the individual ’s gifted with high grace, sible for receiving his soul encounters independence and spiritual masters as The question, therefore, that arises is great interference; from those who seek a rule refrain from such interference. what prayer or blessings should be in ­ to restore his health and from those who Different religions have established voked for a person who is in deep would extend his life. their own traditional methods to deal distress. Would it not be better if we As regards the first, with hundreds with such situations and guide human- pleaded with Ahura Mazda (or with our interceding for his good health, tempo- ity. But all life is evolving. Creative own respective holy prophets and spiri- rary and relaxable burdens usually get knowledge, wisdom and enlightenment tually advanced souls) that our dearest alleviated. Intercession, out of grace, is are on-going revolutionary processes, granted, depending upon the spiritual They do not wait for anybody. The strength of the interceder. Spiritually divine spirit uses human beings in its advanced souls may petition that he be granted good health and thus make the crossing comfortable for all concerned. Where, however, the burdens are per ­ manent, only the grace of a highly advanced spiritual soul can change the situation. There must be some special Aquarian Age of Enlightenment, is set ­ reason for such intercession, otherwise tling in, and cannot be prevented. In the justification for the change does not exist. As regards the extension of life, re ­ quests for short extensions are granted out of grace, such as that of relatives or friends living at distant places who want hierarchy above governs matters that to see the patient before he passe,s on. Also requests for short extensions for some particular work that has to be completed, are justified. Long exten- sions are granted depending on the ag- with the almighty and the prophets at the apex, supported by a mighty spiri ­ tual force (also called the Heavenly friends or, in serious cases, spiritually advanced souls can intercede on his Hosts), but of this I have little knowl- behalf. What good it does to the indi ­ vidual is difficult to judge. Between the desire of the patient, on the one hand, and that of his relatives, immediate friends and well-wishers on the other, what polarity is created is difficult to assess. The patient desiring immediate release and others desiring an extension of his life for some mundane purpose, can create difficulties. Should the friends not be circumspect in what they plead for, and permit the patient to have a free hand in his own deliverance? Of what use is the request for long life if the patient is to suffer more pain? Even inspected by other spiritual masters spiritual law protects the individual ’s independence and spiritual masters as a rule refrain from such interference. Different religions have established their own traditional methods to deal with such situations and guide human ­ ity. But all life is evolving. Creative edge, apart from what comes from the extant religious tracts and holy books, which must be accepted on faith. But from the new thoughts and con ­ cepts that are recently creeping in, it appears that a hierarchy of spiritual masters — living, physically embodied souls — govern life and death. Whether there are separate groups for different areas, religions, etc, I do n«t know. It is also alleged that the record from life to death of each individual catapulted onto this planet, is set out in registers called “Akashic Records. ” These can also be 96 Parsiana February-March 1998 friend may be granted health and long life, if they are due to him, as recom ­ pense for his good life; and, if that is not forward march. The establishment of possible, to accept his wisheg^for an new spiritual societies and movements easy exit, with prayers to the spiritual is a strong indication of the change hierarchy to receive him with honor and which we see coming. New thoughts, new dimensions and new concepts have paradise, commensurate with his at- started emerging. The New Age, the glory straightaway, and to lodge him in tainments in this life? As regards the other desires of friends and relatives, we plead that they may be granted under the canopy of Their grace, so that our dear friend ’s loss may not create difficult situations. This small prayer can be expanded multidimensional forces of unity and diversity, the divine spirit has the upper hand. There is a Jewish saying, “As above, so below. ” It is believed that a spiritual appropriately. The wish of the person most affected must stand supreme. This is the last article authored by Justice Rustam Sidhwa (see “Sidhwa ’s benchmark, ” page 198, Parsiana, February-March 1998) before his demise in 1997. concern creation, including this earth. It keeps changing, according to a sys ­ tem established by its own rules. It is alleged that there are spiritual cabinetsINSTITUTIONS The edifice of education The Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy Parsee Benevolent Institution celebrates Its 150th anniversary, as well as 125 years of its heritage building Hilla P. Guzder The imposing sandstone structure with ing — Farzad Ravji of standard six Its colonial facade of archways and col- ¦ - umns on Bombay ’s bustling Dr D. N. Road was built even before its more famous neighbors, the Gothic Victoria Terminus and the Bombay Municipal Corporation building, had been com ­ pleted. On November 20, 1872, the Viceroy the School ’ s past —little girls in jhablas and topis listened attentively to their older counterparts in beautiful saris with Asdin Dhalla two classes his senior, and Jimmy Mogal of standard nine. _ ________________ ______ Barely two months later, on January kors, heads demurely covered with 18, 1998, the institute witnessed a sec- mathabana and sor, imparting the rudi- ond celebration ajashanandgambhar ments of reading, ’ritingand ’rithmetic. mathabana and sor, imparting the rudi- m honor ol the sesquicentennial (150 Gaily decorated classrooms showcased years) of the establishment of the trust, „ which was founded on January 9, 1849, 0 India, Lord Northbrook had opened by Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy, first bar- building of the Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy Parsee Benevolent Institution (SJJPBI) with a silver key, in the presence of the governor of Bombay, Sir Philip Wodehouse, Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy, second baronet, and a small gathering of invitees. On November 20,1997, Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy, seventh baronet, presided over the celebrations to mark the building ’s 125th anniversary. In recent years much of the space beneath the beautiful arcade had been usurped by the ubiquitous Bombay hawker, but on that day the red carpet lay all the way out the art and craft of the students of the Primary School, while the secondary sections presented a colorful exhibition of India ’s scientific and cultural achieve ­ ments. The girls ’ enthusiastic enactment of scenes from India ’s struggle for free- dom from the British, complete with revolutionaries, faces covered with black hoods, being hung from a pole gener ­ ated much interest among invitees, and exhaustion among the young actresses as they went through their well-re ­ hearsed lines scores of times for the benefit of the curious! The morning witnessed a jashan cer- connected with every endeavor to dif- with Ervad Aspandiar Dadachanji, . luse knowledge amongst our people, ” c—-------- -----• • • - onto the street, leading the distinguished Sir Jamsetjee had stated. Cementing the invitees into the venerable structure. ¦ Adorning the entrance hall was an ar ­ tistic reproduction of the building done . 1 - --- J - -- - in rangoli by the students and art teacher Bombay, Surat, Navsari and Valsad of the Sir J. J. Girls ’High School housed within its portals. At the foot of the broad stairway, the rose-bedecked bronze statue of Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy, __ _________ first baronet, benevolently surveyed the within the heritage of flowers and glowing divas adorned the well outside the old lift. On the first floor, Ervad Dhunjishaw _____________ _ _ Karkaria of the Sir J. J. Alhaibaug respectively, with a combined comple- dadgah (at Abdul Rehman Street, now " ------ shifted to Pune) led the priests in thanks ­ giving. Of the seven mobeds, three were by students of the Sir J. J. Fort Boys ’ High School, also situated within the build- the door of the then partially completed “The rich hold wealth for the benefit of the poor. There should be total transparency and accountability in handling trust funds” onet, 25 years before the structure was The morning witnessed a jashan ccr- built. “I shall ever wish my name to be emony led by Dastur (Dr)Firoze Kotwal, luse knowledge amongst our people, ’ Ervad Kersasp Karanjia, principal of the Cama Athornan Institute, two of his young students and Mogal, Dhalla and runs eight Ravji of the Sir J. J. Fort Boys ’ High School among the 11 participating priests. The genial host and chairman of the SJJPBI, Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy, seventh baronet, wife Lady Shirinbai, son and heir Rustom with wife Delara and 12-year-old son Jehangir, mingled with the galaxy of guests which in ­ cluded Jamshed Guzder, chairman of Sett R. J. J. Primary School presided theBombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP), who over by principals Vijay Joshi, Hemavati ’ ' Pal and headmistress Huafreed Kotwal founder ’s dream through a century and a half, the SJJPBI today primary and secondary schools in catering to the educational needs of over 6,500 boys and girls from all strata of society. The three Bombay schools housed - ------- J,- structure are the scene from within its archway. Curtains Boys ’ and Girls ’ Schools and sister trust is also a trustee of the SJJPBI, BPP trustees Silloo Kavarana and Rustom Tirandaz, ex BPP chairman Dr Aspi Golwalla, Homi Taleyarkhan, Sohrab sesquicentennial celebrations, marked Godrej, Keti Mehta, Homai Modi, *'7 a total absence of speeches, history Pheroza Godrej, Khojeste Mistree and a came alive with the students of the Girls ’ School recreating scenes from ment of over 2,200 students. At the ’ ikvii iviviiia, iiuiiiai iviuu total absence of speeches, history Pheroza Godrej, Khojeste Mistree and host of others. Also present were SJJPBI trustees Prof Khurshed Sheriar, Homi 98 Parsiana February-March 1998100 Parsiana February-March 1998 «101 Parsiana February-March 1998 2.5’*» Top row: The SJJPBI heritage building Photo: Chetan Mistry; statue of Sir J. Jejeebhoy, first baronet, at the foot ofthe staircase Photo: Nazneen K. Vajifdar, Spectravision Labs; Sir J. Jejeebhoy, seventh baronet, and Lady Jejeebhoy cutting the cake on the : building’s 125th anniversary Photo: Vijay I Joshi; Principals Hemavati Pal, Vijay Joshi and headmistress Huafreed Kotwal. Middle row: Students recreate the early history ofthe Girls’ School i Photo: N. K. Vajifdar; jashan in progress ! Photo: Hilla Guzder. Bottom row: School I trustees (L to R) Mody, R. Jejeebhoy, Gherda, Sheriar, Morris, Sir J. Jejeebhoy and Cooper Photo: N. K. Vajifdar; architectural confectionery Photo: H. Guzder; inter-school art competition Photo: Karunakar Boloor 4D. Mehta, Sohrab Morris, Kersi Gherda, Dr Burjor Cooper and Minoo Mody Panthaky-Associated Private Limited is (Rustomjee J. R. B. Jeejeebhoy was un ­ able to attend). Exchanging reminis ­ cences were ex-students and ¦mm staff, including ex-principals NergeshBamji and Silloo Irani. Dhun Majra and Mahrukh mH|| Kotwal, headmistresses of the Sir J. J. Princess Street Primary HH School and the Sir J. J. Parel im| Primary School, Dolly Desai and Bomi Mehernosh, principals of the R. J. J. High Schools at NavsariandValsadrespectivcly, V| and headmistress Katy Zaveri H of the Sir J. J. Primary School, 1 Valsad were also present. Scouts ’ and guides maintained order among the Dadachanji and Jejeehhoy crowd of poor Parsis eagerly awaiting their turn at the gambhar tables laid out in long rows under a special shamiana in the courtyard. As part of the year-long sesquicen- tennial celebrations beginning January filing cabinets being restored and relo- 1998, the trustees propose to undertake major renovations to the Institution building at an estimated cost of Rs 38 lakhs and have released a public appeal for funds. According to school sources. the noted firm of architects, Talati and lightens Sir Jamsetjee in his gentle man ­ ner. “The Parsi Punchayet, whose of ­ fices occupy the third floor, have agreed to remove the row of air-conditioners ¦ jutting out of the windows, I which mar the beauty of the I facade. Our relations with the m Parsi Punchayet are very cor- m dial, they help us and we help W them whenever necessary. ” Explaining that the offices of the Punchayet have been lo- ' cated in the building ever since was built, as the first baronet was also the chairman of the Punchayet, Sir Jamsetjee states that traditionally it was taken for granted that the baronet to provide its services free of charge. While functional changes will be made, 71 I Photo; Hilla Guzder the trustees hope to retain the building ’s old-world charm, with old family por ­ traits presently hanging behind dusty cated at prominent places. “We also propose to illuminate the stone facade of our Grade A heritage structure and have approached Air- frcight/DHL to be the sponsors, ” en- n. would be the chairman, as indeed the first five baronets were. It was only during the time of the sixth baronet that the tradition was broken due to a techni ­ cal hitch. Adds future baronet Rustom, “Parsis commonly refer to our building as the Parsi Punchayet building. We hope that by the end of this year we get sufficient publicity to clear this popular misconception. ” Rustom delineates plans for the Schools ’ progress during the 150th year: <• 3 Ps into the making of a I)rand. We ’ll take care of one of them. II in Good packaging is vital for the growth of a brand. At Ecoplast, the accent is on delivering packaging solutions that make winners of brands. For leading manufacturers of fast moving consumer goods and perishables. Ecoplast’ s accent on quality has meant a distinct, tangible advantage in the marketplace. In the area of flexible packaging, EcoplasVs strengths lie in the production of multilayer films made by the blown film co-extrusion process. To know how your brand could benefit from Ecoplast ’s expertise, do get in touch with us at the address given below. We’d be happy to expose you to packaging possibilities for your brand. Ecoplast Ltd. Packaging Solutions * 4, Magan Mahal, 2nd Floor, 215, Sir M.V. Road, Andhari (E), Mumbai - 400 069. Tel.: 832 5364 ! 834 1403. Fax : 836 6384. 102 Parsiana February-March 1998 * It OBSERVATION An easy exit It is preferable to pray for an easy deliverance rather than a painfully long life Rustam S. Sidhwa A very dear friend of mine, having enjoyed years of success, good health and prosperity, in the autumn of his life found himself wasting away with dread diseases. He seemed booked for mis ­ ery, along with his family, for the re ­ mainder of his life. His wife, sons, daughters and rela ­ tives — as well as friends and well- wishers who came to know of his pre ­ dicament — raised their hands to the almighty, to holy prophets and spiritual masters in supplication for his return to health and strength. Efforts were di ­ rected to different systems of medicine, psychic sciences, holistic and other sys ­ tems of healing, prayers, meditation, hand in his own deliverance? Of what thi.s planet, is set out in registers called concentration, etc. use is the request for long life if the “Akashic Records. ” These can also be When a person s time for passing on patient i.s to suffer more pain? Even inspected by other spiritual masters arrives, the spiritual hierarchy respon- spiritual law protects the individual ’s gifted with high grace. sible for receiving his soul encounters independence and spiritual masters as Thequestion, therefore, that arises is great interference; from those who seek a rule refrain from such interference. what prayer or blessings should be in ­ to restore his health and from those who Different religions have established voked for a person who is in deep would extend his life. their own traditional methods to deal distress. Would it not be better if we A.s regards the first, with hundred.s with such situations and guide human- pleaded with Ahura Mazda (or with our interceding for his good health, tempo- ity. But all life is evolving. Creative own respective holy prophets and spiri- rary and relaxable burdens usually get knowledge, wisdom and enlightenment tually advanced souls) that our dearest alleviated. Intercession, out of grace, is are on-going revolutionary processes, granted, depending upon the spiritual They do not wait for anybody. The sions are granted depending on the ag ­ gregate intercession.s of relatives and friends or, in serious cases, spiritually advanced souls can intercede on his Hosts), but of this I have little knowl- behalf. What good it does to the indi ­ vidual is difficult to judge. Between the desire of the patient, on the one hand, and that of hi.s relatives, immediate lriend.s and well-wishers on the other, what polarity i.s created is difficult to assess. The patient desiring immediate release and others desiring an extension ol his life for some mundane purpose, can create difficulties. Should the friends not be circumspect in what they plead for, and permit the patient to have a free death of each individual catapulted onto hand in his own deliverance? Of what - use is the request for long life if the patient i.s to suffer more pain? Even spiritual law protects the individual ’s independence and spiritual masters a rule refrain from such interference. Different religions have established their own traditional methods to deal with such situations and guide human ­ ity. But all life is evolving. Creative as strength of the interceder. Spiritually divine spirit uses human beings in its with the almighty and the prophets at the apex, supported by a mighty spiri ­ tual force (also called the Heavenly edge, apart from what comes from the extant religious tracts and hply books, which must be accepted on faith. But from the new thoughts and con ­ cepts that are recently creeping in, it appears that a hierarchy of spiritual masters — living, physically embodied souls — govern life and death. Whether there are separate groups for different areas, religions, etc, I do nT)t know. It is also alleged that the record from life to friend may be granted health and long life, if they are due to him, as recom ­ pense for his good life; and, if that is not forward march. The establishment of possible, to accept his wishes-for an new spiritual societies and movements easy exit, with prayers to the spiritual is a strong indication of the change hierarchy to receive him with honor and which we see coming. New thoughts, glory straightaway, and to lodge him in new dimensions and new concept.s have paradise, commensurate with his at- started emerging. The New Age, the advanced souls may petition that he be granted good health and thus make the crossing comfortable for all concerned. Where, however, the burdens are per ­ manent, only the grace of a highly advanced spiritual soul can change the situation. There must be some special Aquarian Age of Enlightenment, is set ­ tling in, and cannot be prevented. In the multidimensional forces of unity and diversity, the divine spirit has the upper hand. There is a Jewish saying, “As above, so below. ” It is believed that a spiritual appropriately. The wish of the most affected must stand supreme. This is the last article authored by Justice Rustam Sidhwa (see “Sidhwa ’s benchmark, ’ page 198, Parsiana, February-March 1998) before his demise in 1997. reason for such intercession, otherwise justification for the change does not exist. As regards the extension of life, re ­ quests for short extensions are granted out of grace, such as that of relatives or triends living at distant places who want hierarchy above governs matters that concern creation, including this earth. It keeps changing, according to a sys ­ tem established by its own rules. It is alleged that there are spiritual cabinets to see the patient before he passes on. Also requests for short extensions for some particular work that has to be completed, are justified. Long exten- 96 Parsiana February-March 1998 g tainments in this life? As regards the other desires of friends and relatives, we plead that they may be granted under the canopy of Their grace, so that our dear friend ’s loss may not create difficult situations. This small prayer can be expanded ... . 3 personWith Best Wishes From POWER PUSHER FINANCIAL SERVICES Private Limited Hanoz P. Patel and Zubin P. Patel THE PLACE TOUCHE THE SIZZLER Clover Centre 7, Moledina Road Pune 411001 Tel: 634632 Dealing in bonds, issues, company fixed deposits, HDFC, UTI, Lie, mutual funds, post office savings, PPF, shares, primary issues, inter­ corporate deposits, 10% tax free relief bonds. Office: 306, M B House, 3rd floor, 79 Janmabhoomi Marg, Fort, Mumbai 400001 Tel: 2846522,2846521 Fax:022-2846521 Res: 3866533,3879979 details of the schools, stating that by the 1890s there were a total of 23 schools, seven in Bombay and 16 in Gujarat. “The High School of the Institution is among the best known of the presidency High Schools, ” she states, adding as a testimonial a list of successful candi ­ dates from 1864 -1889, together with the positions they occupied! TheSirJ. J. Fort Boys ’ High School, originally known as the Central En ­ glish School, was the first to be founded on October 17, 1849 with 200 students, in a building in Bora Bazar Street where Sir Jamsetjee had his “pedhi ’ or busi ­ ness premises. Later it moved to Churchgate Street (deval walomohallo, somewhere near Saint Thomas ’ Cathe ­ dral and the present Akbarally ’s, ex ­ plains Shroff,) and from there to two houses close to the present site. ’But the shortage of space made it imperative for the School to have a more spacious building of its own. The present site, where the great fire of Bombay of 1803 is said to have started, was purchased for Rs 58,428 in 1866, according to Mody. The adjoining land wj^h stables, belonging to Jivaji Maneckji Vatcha, was also purchased for Rs 30,256 and a strip of land adjoining the road was « Burjor Framji & Company Licensed Plumbers Sanitary & Drainage Contractors Marine Mansion, 1st Marine Street, Bombay 400002 Tel: 2083207 106 Parsiana February-March 1998 ?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 B. Jamshedji Jivanji Goldsmith & Manufacturing Jewellers Estd 1901 Opp Mumbadevi Zaveri Bazar Bombay 400002 Phone: 3427464 brought from the government for Rs 5,760 — a grand total of Rs 94,444 for the land alone! Construction started in 1870, but the foundation stone of the building was officially laid, in the presence of the governor of Bombay, Sir William Fitzerald and Sir Jamsetjee, second bar ­ onet, on February 21, 1871, after the rear portion was partially completed. The Centenary Volume reveals that the stone carried inscriptions in English, Gujarati and Pahlavi. In the cavity was placed a glass jar containing a portrait of the founder, the plan of the new building, a history of the Institution, an abridged calendar of The Times of In­ dia, a Parsi calendar of Yazdegardi 1240, a Gujarati almanac, the Bombay Gazette, The Times of India, the Jam-e- Jamshed and a few coins — a sovereign, a rupee, half rupee, quarter rupee, two anna, one anna, half anna, quarter anna and even a pie! (A fourth floor was added in setback to the original three ­ storied structure in the early 1940s.) Two vernacular girls ’ schools were opened on August 17, 1950, one at Alhaibaug and the other in Fort, in an era where 90 percent of parents were against sending their girls to school, ’ With Best Compliments ZARDUST & ASSOCIATES Builders & Engineers 31/1, Pune Sholapur Highway Pune 411013 Tel Nos; 670030, 670494 Fax: 670094 108 Parsiana February-March 1998 •»For best Dhanshak Kabab in town every Wednesday and Friday Many more Parsi dishes We also serve Chinese IDEAL CORNER 12/F/G, Hornby View Gunbow Street Fort, Bombay 400001 Tel: 2621930 Chindhy INDUSTRIAL Su DECORATIVE PAINTERS 4. East Street, Camp Pune 41 1 OO1 Phone: 66297’4 Res: 636027 Fax: 66001 2 states Mody. Added to the task of per ­ suading reluctant parents was the diffi ­ culty of finding trained lady teachers! Five years later, another vernacular girls ’ school was opened at Dhohi Talao. Ini ­ tially, the subjects taught were arith ­ metic, language, embroidery and sew ­ ing, followed by physical education, ‘sanitary science, ’ with ‘household bookkeeping ’ and English being intro ­ duced in 1905. According to Wadia, a matriculation class was opened as late as 1942 in the Girls ’ school, 78 years after the first lot of boys had appeared for their matriculation! Presently, the school.s encourage a range of curricular and co-curricular activities, including scouts and guides, judo, nutrition (cooking and bakery), school band. Junior Red Cross, Interact Club, etc. “Our girls, though they are not from an affluent section of society, participate and win prizes in inter-school quiz and elocution competitions, danc ­ ing and rangoli contests, etc and I am very proud of them, ” states the present principal of the Girls ’ School, Hemavati Pal who succeeded Nergesh Bamji when she retired in 1977 after a long innings of 40 years, including a quarter century Customer is. always Light When he entrusts his Household Packing, Shipping, Removal, Storage,.., all his problems to B,C, Buhariwala & Sons, 4' Alake the right Move, Call: R Rifhafitifata & Sons Door to door Service 5 J. N. Heredia Marg, Ballard Estate, Bombay-400 038. TeL: 26154513, 2613137 Tlx.: 011-75139BCB IN. Fax: 22-2620785 BRANCH OFFICE: 1310, Pragati Towers, Rajendra Place, New Delhi-110 008. Tel. Nos.: 5711876, 5713540. Tlx.: 031-61928 BCB IN Represented throughout the World by more than 600 offices 110 Parsiana February-March 1998J Get good value for your money Visit RAILWAY HOTEL Railway Hotel Building Charni Road Junction Bombay 400004 Telephone: 3821028 MAZDA ELEVATOR COMPANY Electrical, mechanical and lift engineers Licensed contractor for installation and maintenance of lifts as principal and three years as directress. Pal is presently the convenor of schools, ‘A’ and ‘B’ wards, (in charge of liaison between the 55 schools and junior col ­ leges, the Education Department and the SSC Board, including the conduct of SSC examinations), and was honored in 1986 by the Government of Maharashtra with a Best Teacher Award. Besides the three schools housed in the heritage structure, the SJJPBI also run.s the Sir J. J. Princess Street Primary School, and the Sir J. J. Parel Primary School which moved into a spaciou.s new building in 1989, explains Shroff. Beer Parlour Permit Room Homely Comforts 1215, Phiroze JeejeebhoyTowers 12th Floor, Dalal Street Fort, Bombay 400023 Tel:2651311 2A/3, Tata Mills CHS Ltd Elphinstone Road, Parel Bombay 400012 Tel: 4112384,4110891 Schools in Gujarat The SJJPBI had been founded espe ­ cially for the Parsis of Bombay and western India. By 1864, it had under its protective wing 21 schools and six girls ’ classes in Surat, Bharuch, Udvada, Navsari, Valsad, Bilimora, Tarapore and Arav. Gradually, however, the smaller units were amalgamated into the larger ones. “Theday-to-day affairs ofipur outsta ­ tion schools are managed by local com ­ mittees, which in Surat comprise mainly of Parsi Panchayat members, ” reveals - SORABJI RUSTOMJI & CO. Exporters & Stockists of Sandal Wood, Sandal Wood Oil and Other Essential Oils Sales Depot Durlab Bhavan, Shop No 4, R. M. Roy Marg Charni Road Junction, Bombay 400004 Tel: 3856675, 3821637 Fax: 3738161 Cable: INSANDAL Sales Depot & Factory Hooseinbad Compound, Champsi Bhimji Road Old Anjirwadi, Mazgaon, Bombay 400010 Tel: 3738343, 3728346 112 Parsiana February-March 1998For old garas, borders and exclusive zardozi (Parsi style) zari borders Contact: Rayomand F. Workingboxwalla 6, P. C. Shroff Building Gamadia Colony (Ground Floor) Tardeo, Mumbai 400007 Telephone; 4966679 Navroze Greetings from PARAGON TOY SHOP 108 Heera Panna Shopping Centre Bhulabhai Desai Road Mumbai 400026 Rustoni. “Only policy decisions are taken from Bombay. The Schools generate their own funds, with a healthy mix of business and charity. ” The Sir J. J. Surat Shahpore Second ­ ary and Higher Secondary School, un ­ der principal Noshir Avari, is an aided school up to the twelfth standard with almost 800 students and is situated in a building purchased a couple of years ago at a cost of over Rs 50 lakhs, en- lighten.s Shroff. The Sir J. J. Sural Shahpore Primary School and K.G. classes with almost 2,000 students un ­ der headmistress Jayaben Joshi, is un ­ aided and is sorely in need of recon ­ struction, as it is situated in various dilapidated premises belonging to the Sural Parsi Panchayat. The Sir J. J. Primary schools in Navsari under head ­ mistress Pauruchisti Kadodwala, and in Valsad educate over 1,000 students. Dolly Desai, principal of sister trust Sell R. J. J. High School in Navsari, is also a recipient of a Best Teacher award from the Government of Gujarat and students ofthe Sett R. J. J. High Schools in Navsari and Valsad have?figured on the merit lists of the SSC and HSC examinations in Gujarat, informs Shroff. ^edeita^ PROTECTION & INTELLIGENCE SERVICES Security-Manpower Consultants * Armed/Personal Bodyguards * Cash/Cargo Escorts * Kennel Squad * Recovery Agents 250, 3/2, Bazar Gate Street, Fort, Bombay 400001 Tel: 2621281, 2611926 H. R A. ENTERPRISES Realtors & Developers (Reqd. Old Bungalow/Plots for Purchase/Development at Pune) Contact: A. D. R HATARIA “FEDERAL TRADE AGENCIES” 250, 1/1, Perin Nariman Street, Fort, Bombay 400001 Tel: 2621281, 2611926, 2617331 Pune: B. P. CONSULTANCY SERVICES Sterling Center, Main Street, Pune 411001, Tel: 631963 114 Parsiana February-March 1998 ?PERCY AND KAIZAD ROADLINES Private Limited Transport Contractors & Fleet Owners Contractors to Godrej & Boyce Mfg Co Ltd Godrej-GE Appliances Ltd Krupp Industries (India) Ltd Daily and direct services to: Maharashtra, MP, UP, Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi, Chandigarh and Punjab Regd Office: 111, Trapinex House, 1st Floor, Sholapur Street, Mumbai 400009 Resi: 2185674, 2182885 Office: 3718679, 3727831, 3740913, 3774531 igigij Gujarati is the medium of instruction in all the Gujarat schools. With Best Wishes From G DESIGN INTERIORS 708 Patel Mansion Apt 3, 4th Road Parsi Colony, Dadar Bombay 400014 Tel: 4129858 Fax: 022 4126950 Other Charities The present chairman of the SJJPBI, Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy, who is also the chairman of the Sir J. J. Charity Fund, “You know the miserable conditions of life for some of our race, and the hopeless ignorance in which their children are growing up ” inherited the title in 1968. The sixth baronet had no sons, only daughters, he explains, so the baronetcy passed to the nearest male descendant. “My grandfa ­ ther was the third son of the second Sir Jamsetjee. My own father died way back in 1947, so the title passed to me, ” he discloses. A few months b^ore he be ­ came baronet his mother passed away, he says, exactly eight days after her flat , w With Best Compliments From PENOSH 94-A, M. G. Road, Pune 411001 Telephone 645162-65 Fax 645166 Telex 145-7418 116 Parsiana February-March 1998 ITARACHAND & Company Suppliers of the meatiest of Venky's Chicken Products Mafco ’s Pork, Dairy, Meat Cold Cuts, Sausages Al Kabeer ’s Mutton and Tender Meat Products this side of town We give free home delivery for bulk orders K & D Distributors Exclusive suppliers of Venky ’s Chicken Products for South and Central Bombay 80, Steater Road Grant Road (West) Tel 3883691/3871277 in White House behind the Taj Mahal Hotel was destroyed in a major fire which started on a lower floor. A neigh ­ bor came to her rescue and moved her to salcty, but the house was gutted, with many valuable library books, manu ­ scripts, etc being destroyed. “That was very hard on us, ” he recalls. “When I became baronet, my first thought was, ‘How will I be able to manage all this? ’ “Parsis demand charity as a right and there is too much dependence on freebies. No other community provides housing to the extent ours does” BOYS’ TOWN Public School Nasik 2 But thing.s have turned out fine with passing years, ” he opine.s in his unas ­ suming manner. Sir Jamsetjee elaborate.s on the active interest the trust is taking in reviving the Parsi ward at the Sir J. J. Hospital, helped by BPP trustee Silloo Kavarana and oth ­ ers. “Godrej has made a small garden where the elderly patients can sit in the open air. Wc have at the moment 33 patients, but there is an upper room which has not yet been handed over to us, which has space for a further eight to 10 beds, ” he informs. Though the Jejeebhoy family i.s no longer involved in the running of the hospital or the Sir J. J. School of Art, both lhe institutions have maintained good relations with the founder ’s family and “we are always invited for major func ­ tions, ” he observes. Rustoin believes that it was Sir Jam- setjee, the first baronet, who was greatly instrumental in introducing the concept of trusteeship into India, much before Mahatma Gandhi did. “The rich hold wealth for the benefit ofthe poor. There should be total transparency and ac ­ countability in handling trust funds. Our trust accounts are fully open to inspection. Trustees should also keep abreast of the times and carry their institution forward in keeping with changing requirements. ” Rustom narrates an interesting tale about the building of the various Alhaibaugs by the first baronet. Jam ­ setjee, he relates, was resting one after ­ noon out in the open when afakir (sooth- 'g Recognised as a Public School by the Department of Educa ­ tion for Indian Merit Scholars. Excellent Climate -- All- round Education. A new two-storeyed dormitory with attached bathrooms, study and lounge rooms has just been completed to 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 ¦f' 118 Parsiana February-March 1998GLOBE HOTEL Udwada 396180 Phone STD 02638-70243 (O) 72174 (R) Engineers of repute for construction works of good quality Udwada ’s oldest and only hotel where courtesy is tradition and tasty food is a guaranteed way of life. Spacious rooms with modern amenities. A big compound for children to play and within the vicinity of Pak Iransha and Pundole Aderan. Your visit will help us to prove our claim. Please write or phone well in advance to avoid disappointment. RATAN SURVEYOR &Co Engineers,Contractors & R.C.C. specialists Arbitrator (Member -- The Indian Council of Arbitration) Piramal Mansion Dr Dadabhoy Naoroji Road Fort, Bombay 400001 Phone: 2619670 sayer) named Alhai passed by. Noticing a peculiar marking on Jamsetjee ’s feet, the fakir predicted great things for his future. “If what you say is true, ” replied Jamsetjee, “I will honor your memory by building baugs for the poor. ” The Alhaibaugs were originally constructed for housing and Rustom mentions that gambhars used to be held up to the 1940s at the lovely stone building that is Bombay ’s Alhaibaug at Abdul Rehman Street. “The dadgah fire there had burned for over 100 years and had acquired its own sanctity. Four years ago, we shifted this fire to Pune where it received a tremendous response from the Pune Parsis. I remember that as the motor ­ cade carrying the fire, escorted by out ­ riders, arrived in the wee hours of the morning, scores of Parsis were waiting to receive it and accompany it to our Sir J. J. Agiary where it was installed. ” The Alhaibaug in Surat is well situ ­ ated on the prominent Ring Road and the trustees are trying to develop the property by rehousing the original ten ­ ants (19 families) by building 60 new flats (on a charitable basi^ and com ­ mercial premises, continues Rustom. Most of the tenants, he says, are willing.^ 4' (0)1^ Goznpfimen^s from The Anti-Virus Specialist Systems and Software Head Office: #105, OM Chambers, 123 A. K. Mafg, Kemps Comer, Mumbai - 400 036 Tel : 022-368 0512/17/18 Fax : 022 - 368 0513 Email : redalert@giasmd01.vsnl.net.in Visit us at : http://www.nandn.com Neville Bulsara and Nadir Karanjia Venture! J 120 Parsiana February-March 1998Sardar Dastur Schools ’ Trust runs three renowned schools right from pre-nursery to SSC, imparting high level of education through English medium, with separate hostels for boys and girls, and best mess facilities (veg and non-veg). The school has an excellent record in the field of academics including computers, as well as extra-curricular activities like karate, Indian and western music. Students are sent up for Hindi, Marathi and Drawing government exams. Special concession to deserving Zoroastrian students may be considered. Parents desiring to enrol their wards in the schools ’ hostels are requested promptly to write to or contact The President Sardar Dastur Schools ’ Trust 2 Lt Col Tarapore Road Poona 411001 for the hostel prospectus. Wishing the Zarthusti community the world over a very fulfilling and beneficial year Jamshed B. Gandi CPA MS Tax Partner Bertorelli and Company 150 Spear St. Ste 1700 San Francisco, Ca 94105 to move, except the four or five who are adamant. “We have been trying for one and a half years to get them to shift, even offering incentives like geysers, granite kitchen platforms, etc. ’’ If the develop ­ ment goes through, the trust will derive a substantial benefit, which will be ploughed back for the benefit of Parsis, he observes. “Unfortunately, Parsis de ­ mand charity as a right and there is too much dependence on freebies. No other community provides housing to the ex ­ tent ours does. ” The Sir J. J. Charity Fund also runs agiaries in Navsari, Surat and Pune, dharamshalas in Khandala and Udvada. “The government is seeking to acquire our land in Udvada and we are trying to counteract it by developing the prop ­ erty. We have the plans but unfortu ­ nately we do not have the finances, ” he discloses, disappointment apparent. High on the current agenda, how ­ ever, is the enthusiastic planning ofthe various functions of the year-long ses- quicentennial celebrations. “Our minds and bodies may be at oth§r places, ” muses Rustom, “but our hearts are here with the Sir J. J. Parsee Benevolent Institution. ” With Best Compliments Of HOSHANG J. BUCHIA & CO ENGINEERS & CONSTRUCTORS 4/24, Tata Mills Co-op Housing Society Ltd Elphinstone Road, Bombay 400012 Tel: 4112539 122 Parsiana February-March 1998 * IFROM DEBATE TO DIALOG continued from page 50 Bangs would come under its provi ­ sions. He suggested the filing of a writ petition if the tax was otherwise ap ­ plied. Lawyer and PPP president D. Irani argued that the premises would be deemed commercial if the facility is available for use on payment to other communities. In Baroda, where the Pirojsha Godrej Hall i.s hired out, the probate, sought action against this Ic Panchayat has concluded that it is bet ­ ter to pay the five percent tax, informed Hakim, adding, “If you don ’t come to a probate only makes sure that some conclusion fast enough, you might have to pay retrospectively. ” In Jamshedpur, the dharamshala hall has been recently renovated after shift ­ ing the four men who had been living there to an alternate accommodation. A provision has also been made for availability of Parsi food. They arc now worried by the service tax ques ­ tion, saidS. Surti. Asked Gandhi, “Does the dharamshala itself become a ser ­ vice institute? ” D. Engineer, a solicitor with special expertise in excise law, has invited the anjumans to write to (MMC), said Gandhi adding that, ac- him regarding their individual status. A query that has repeatedly sur ­ faced at Federation meets concerns Parsi marriages in the mofussil. Plead ­ ing ignorance of the Parsi Marriage and Divorce Act, these marriages are nor ­ mally registered by the officials under the Special Marriage Act, which bars the application of the Indian Succes ­ sion Act ’s special provisions for intes ­ tate Parsis. When Mhow ’s Masani raised the issue once more. Patrawala explained that Indian states under local rulers in pre-independence India had not recognized Parsi laws. He now suggested that the Federation and con ­ cerned anjumans contact eminent Parsi lawyers and get them to request the National Commission for Minorities to Tipsy (above), sniffing for explosives amend the situation. The Commission could then push it through parliament. Another contentiou.s legal detail con ­ cerns the need for a probate if the will concerning any property i.s made within the area under a high court jurisdiction like Bombay. Masani, who had been witness to a case where the property was lost to a legal heir for want of a gal rcquiremenl. Opinion however was divided with D. Irani noting that “a ‘c? innocent person is not deprived. It en ­ sures the authenticity of the will. ” Apart from the National Commis ­ sion for Minorities, there are state mi ­ nority commissions in some areas, though not in all states. For example, the Maharashtra Minorities Commis ­ sion was dissolved by the current gov ­ ernment. What rankled some of the delegates was that there was no Zoro ­ astrian representative on some of these state bodies. There is no Parsi member of the Madras Minorities Commission cording to the Federation ’s coopted member Mani Clubwalla, the MMC had volunteered to look after the com ­ munity there and the Madra.s Anjuman did not want to lose goodwill by push ­ ing the issue. Noting that there is a Zoroastrian member on the West Bengal Minori ­ ties Commission, Patrawala suggested that the Zoroastrian associations of MP, for example, could together draft a memorandum to chief minister Singh, quoting their total number in the state. He was hopeful that the “educated and liberal ” chief minister would act on it, adding that such request.s often come in from other communities like the Jains, Bahais and Jews. As an association with an adarian, the Mhow Anjuman enjoys.the 80G exemption from income tax on dona ­ tions. The facility is available to any anjuman which maintains a fire-temple, Masani advised the gathered delegates. In his view Udvada would be eligible under section 10/23/C5 of the IT act. Defunct anjumans Although Surat Parsi Panchayat ’s of ­ ficer on special duty and the one-man^ coordinator of the Federation ’s defunct anjumans project Sorab Katpitia did not attend the Federation meet, he had sent a letter briefly updating the issues at hand which Gandhi read out to the assembly. The Surendranagar property is now in the Federation ’s hands. The issue regard ­ ing Zoroastrian community property in Ratlam has also been revived. Katpitia and P. Irani of Dahanu together met an old trustee of the Tarapore dokhma prop ­ erty from whom they were able to ac ­ quire the bank account number of the trust in an effort to find where the*trust is registered and also its registration num ­ ber. Once these particulars are ascer ­ tained, P. Irani will follow up at site. The documents relating to the Tithal dharamshala premises are now in the possession of Gandhi and Bombay busi ­ nessman Merwan Irani and they have succeeded in invoking the cooperation of the Bulsar Anjuman. The vast sea ­ side property had nearly been sold for a song to a Jain trust, a deal that had been squelched at the intervention of M. Irani. The issue now lies in the Bombay High Court but in the mean ­ time fresh encroachment is taking place on the now open land. Matters concerning the Disa anju- 124 Parsiana February-March 1998 IWith Best Compliments From GALLERY CHEMOULD A gallery of Contemporary Indian Art Selection of good paintings Tasteful Framing Care and Restoration of old paintings Jehangir Art Gallery 1 st Floor, M. G. Road Bombay 400023 Tel: 2844356/2833640 Fax: 2836058 E-Mail: galmchem.bomC® smy. sprintrpg.ems.vsnl.net. in 126 Parsiana February-March 1998 man property are now being handled by Karanjawalla of Ahmedabad under Katpitia ’.s guidance. Gandhi urged Federation delegates to establish Parsi ownership, the sur ­ vey number and other relevant details of defunct anjuman properties that they may be aware of, before the Federation can take on the onus of trying to re ­ trieve them for the community. a c Pavri. He spoke of a graveyard and land in Itarsi where no one is left to take care of it. Though the Borivli Association was not represented at this executive coun ­ cil meet, its secretary Khurshed Pastakia had faxed a letter detailing its activities over the past six months: two religious lectures by Roni Khan and Ervad Nadir Modi and two fun programs Shehenshahi Navroze party and the annual moonlit cruise complete with a live band, drinks and dinner on board! With the incorporation of two trust ­ ees under the age of 45, the Calcutta Zoroastrian Community ’s Religious and Charity Fund.s now has a total of five trustees, informed Batlivala. The “reasonably small and happy commu ­ nity — everyone is at least on ‘sahebji Individual anjumans The general body of the Allahabad Parsi Zoroastrian Anjunian meets every quar ­ ter, informed its president Capt Homi Dandiwalla. There is no membership fee but its assets are gradually risin we can ’t get a mobed, I’ve volunteered to do the geh sarna, ” Dandiwalla noted. The 2,200 strong Ahmedabad Parsi Punchayet has constructed four Hats (hello) ’ terms... lets its hair down on from the funds donated by the Mhow- dawallaTrust, slated Karanjawalla. The Punehayet aids the community through its medical, food grains, education, youth welfare and agricultural funds. Nine families, of whom five are of mixed marriages, constitute a total Zo- roaslrian population of 45 in Bhopal. The aramgah (with a bungli) need.s a boundary wall, noted it.s president Dara ‘g- “If weekends with basketball, cricket and football ” but constant emigration is thinning its ranks. A handsome donation has enabled the DPA to renovate its aramgah and give its agiary a facelift, informed A.’ Sethna. A new Nowshir^Jungalwalla Hall i.s under construction on their dharamshala campus and the DPA is now on the Internet. There is much We never take our guests and breath-taking views for granted I Lord’s Central Hotel Matheran 410102 Matheran Telephone 021483-0228 Fax 021483-0595 Bombay telephone 3867776 t' ¦t. ¦f' Iresearch on Parsis and their function ­ ing by educational and other institu ­ tions like Hamdard. “Parsis could president Doliy Bajan. This has progress and become a very valuable part of society by education, intelli ­ gence, honesty and integrity. There is 100 percent literacy — but it ’s just that. We need intellectual ferment, ” stressed Sethna and suggested that lectures at Bombay ’s K. R. Cama Oriental Insti ­ tute be circulated through the Federa ­ tion. Heerjee described the Indore Zoro ­ astrian Anjuman as a small, happy com ­ munity that “meets on occasions, shows great response at moments of joy and sorrow. ” pur Parsis were ready to receive him at Poona is the boom town of the Zoro- Iranian Zoroastrian Anjuman vice the airport with their aachoo-inichoo astrian circuit with its trustees having president Aspi Irani noted that the tray, intormed S. Surti. He hosted them an upbeat tale to tell. Plans for the Anjuman ’s Palghar land yields the to a dinner. construction of 17 buildings of 20 flats means for them to support student.s in Three educational associations have each have been passed. Plans for a Boys ’ Town, the Parsi founded public pooled funds but there are “not enough dharamshala and a clubhouse have also school in Nasik, and for other grain, applicants. ” On the other hand, many been sanctioned, said D. Irani, and medical and educational help. Its regu- educational funds are reluctant to fund construction is due to begin in three lar liaison with the Iranian consulate new educational streams like comput- months, thanks to a donor, courtesy had been helpful at the time of the Sixth World Zoroastrian Congress in Tehran, acknowledged Guzder. The 85-member Jabalpur Parsi completely died out, the Jamshedpur Anjuman which includes three fami ­ lies from Katni, received Rs 1,22,000 for earthquake relief plus Rs 56,000 in insurance compensation, announced its en ­ abled them to repair the walls, ceiling.s and roof tiles of the poor blocks and the dharamshala building. New construc ­ tion work is to begin in a month ’s time, he added. Their aramgah is in a bad condition, badly overrun by the sched ­ uled castes living in the vicinity. Also, there is a shopping complex around it. There is no resident mobed since 1993 and just live to six members below the inviting Parsis to move over and reside age of 40. The rest are all 70 plus. The knighting of J. Irani was a bi, event in Jamshedpur and the Jamshed- jobs are aplenty, pur Parsis were ready to receive him at the airport with their aachoo-michoo tray, informed S. Surti. He hosted them to a dinner. Three educational associations have she added. Though Mhow has 97 members on its rolls, only 22 actually reside there as informed Masani, and the majority were in the 70 plus age-group. This has resulted in misuse of properties as they remain unoccupied and dilapidated. The anjuman has decided to file eviction suits against non-resident tenants. Even so there is spare housing available at Mhow, reasonably spacious though old fashioned, and the Anjuman has been ig in Mhow which is an hour ’s drive away from Indore and its satellite towns where applicants. ” On the other hand, many educational funds are reluctant to fund new educational streams like comput ­ ers, hotel management or catering. As Tamboly. “We want to ensure that no one-third of the grave.s in the aramgah belong to families which have now association toyed with the idea of build ­ ing houses there but it was voted down, Zoroastrian will be able to say that he can ’t marry because of lack or accom ­ modation, ” noted D. Irani. At one of the two dokhmas there were no direct water and electricity ‘I 11 : ¦# Makers of fine jewellery liandcrafted since 1936 Introducing exquisite readymade s jewellery Co. 296, Raja Rammohan Roy Rd. Bombay 400004 Tel: 3611121/ 3677844 FAX: 91 22 8366384 128 Parsiana February-March 1998 4 IWith best compliments from Sardar Dastur Schools, Pune DINSHAW & DINSHAW ENGINEERS & CONTRACTORS 390/286, Bootee Street Poona 411001 require the following for their girls, boys and co-education secondary school; Principals Senior teachers Well experienced and qualified candidates may apply. Salary shall be commensurate with experience and seniority. Accommodation with other perquisites provided. Applications with relevant testimonials to be forwarded to: The President, The Sardar Dastur Schools ’ Trust 2 Lt. Col. Tarapore Road Pune 411001 was connections and the approach roads were also dilapidated, D. Irani described the scene. Now the total 1.75 kilometer stretch has been resurfaced with a two lakh rupee donation from the WZO via Tamboly and the direct connections are in place. Their next project is to renovate the ravan bunglis for which an additional three lakh rupees have been arranged from the same source. With over 125 crores worth of im ­ movable property to maintain under urban land ceiling and trust deeds their annual income of Rs 4.5 lakhs falling very short, said D. Irani. But thanks to the Incorporated Trustees of the Zoroastrian Charity Funds of Hongkong, Canton and Macao, they have almost doubled their anaj (grain) and medical grants and tripled their educational help to the community, he informed the gathering. When the youthful team of Poona trustees — now in their second term barring one who retired and has been replaced by an even younger N. Palkhiwala — made all their plans for the development of Panch^at proper ­ ties, they realized that their constitu ­ tion did not have any object clauses permitting them to essay into housing. With Best Compliments From DINSHAW SHAPOORJI & COMPANY 414/3, Kasarwadi, Bombay-Poona Road Pimpri, Pune 411034 Pimpri Phones 794373, 794055 Fax (212) 794656 Telex 0146 204 DIN IN Poona Phone 662052 Poona Grams “Truck ” Branch Office: 92C Mohamedali Road Mumbai 400003 Phone 3432497, 3423977, 3435392 Telex 011 76597 DSA IN Bombay Gram.s “Motor Truck ” TRANSPORT CONTRACTORS LUXURY COACH & STAFF BUS OPERATORS 130 Parsiana February-March 1998 ? Ia maintaining dokhmas or building dharamshala. The charity commissioner allowed them to amend the constitu ­ tion accordingly, though it meant some delays to the projects. They even filed suits against five tenants and won, and have accommodated three familie.s so far in the vacated premises, reported D. Irani. In Ratlam where Parsis have settled since more than a century there are now 48 individuals, said Tehmton Ankle ­ saria. The financially comfortable com ­ munity spends mainly on education. They meet on festive occasion.s and conduct a trip to Udvada along with the Indore Anjuman. T. Ankicsaria noted that Gustad Anklesaria is on the Mi­ norities Commission of Ratlam city. With a budget between R.s 12 and 15 lakhs the Baroda anjuman concenlrate.s on helping the economically deprived. Last year 60 passengers availed of their dharamshala and the Panchayat ha.s acquired a brand new Maruti hearse thanks to a two lakh rupee donation made possible by Tamboly, informed Hakim. The youth wing is bringing out the third edition of their directory. The dokhma has been walled in and their next project is a clubhouse for old and young. Il is expected that the Slice Mandal will operate from the club ­ house once it i.s completed. Those attending lhe Federation meet ­ ing were; Porus Karanjawalla and Perzid Daruvala from Ahmedabad; Capt Homi and Shireen Dandiwalla from Alla ­ habad; Baman Cama, Dara Hakim, Nauzer Kasad and Rusi Kasad from Baroda; Dara Pavri from Bhopal; Jamshed Guzder, Silloo Kavarana, Dadi Engineer, Dinshaw Tamboly, Behram _______ _____ Laskari, Sheroo Master and Marazban by reaching out to the rest ofthe society Patrawalafrom Bombay; H. S. Havaldar from Burhanpur; Nauzer Batlivala from Calcutta; Lt Gen Adi Sethna, Dadi Mistry and Keki Gandhi from Delhi; Shiraz Daruwala, Gulu Sataravala, Dara Unwala, Jasmine Bharucha, Col Cyru.s Master, Minoo Engineer, Bomi Heerjee and Dara Unwalla from Indore; Aspi Irani and Pervez Irani from the Iranian Zoroastrian Anjuman ; Dolly Bajan from Jabalpur; Eruch and Silloo Surti from Jamshedpur; Ronnie Dick from Jhansi; Phiroze Illava and Behram Masani from Mhow; Dara Irani, Eruch Irani, Sarnsh and Navaz Palkhiwala, Boman Irani, Kersi Daruwala from Poona; Tehmton Anklesaria from Ratlam; Dinsha Patel and Homi Palsetia from Saronda and Nauzer Kasad from Surat. Dolly Dasloor, Dinshaw Joshi, Rusi Dalal, Rohinlon and Roshan Rivelna and Gulo Austin were the special invitees. The Press was represented by Parsiana. A ‘learning ’ community The contribution of lhe Parsi commu ­ nity to lhe building of modern India cannot be summarized in a few words. Its services to society in general and lhe world at large would also form topics formally research studies. What is how ­ ever truly remarkable, in my view, is lhe quiet and unobtrusive manner in which the member.s of the community help us to overcome adversity, have gone about achieving excellence in many spheres of national life. These day.s we hear management expert.s talking about the ‘learning or ­ ganization. ’ The learning organization is described a.s one where people con ­ tinually expand their capacity to create the results they truly desire, where new patterns ol thinking are nurtured, where collective as ­ piration i.s set free and where people continually learning how to learn to ­ gether. If one goes iTOvIemexAmg'NeWMesdxtTOes'Autii'oY description, one can cer ­ tainly describe lhe Parsi community in India as a ‘learning ’ community which plans and endeavors. I would be only has continuously updated and adjusted too happy if I could in any manner be of arc has continuously updated and adjusted I ' ................. its lesponsc.s to a turbulent world with help or assistance in finding solutions to some of the problems that the com ­ munity could be facing in our state or elsewhere. (Excerpted from Madhya Pradesh goi/ffmor Dr Mohamed Shafi Qureshi ’s address to the ex­ ecutive council meet of the Federation of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of India, February 1, 1998 at Indore) the poise and confidence of a white- water surfer... The community ha.s enriched itself and absorbing the best practicc.s from everywhere. When wc speak about the contribution of any individual or a com ­ munity to society at large, wc do con ­ sider what they have given and what they have taken. The Parsi community Know the system, can certainly feel proud that they have beat the System given much more to lhe country and society than they have taken from ci ­ ther of them... I am sure that in a forum ot this kind (NMC) has no exact figure... Data is very important for any government leg ­ islation. If you lack information about your community, no one else is inter ­ ested. ” Marazban Patrawala, Zoroas ­ trian member of the NMC was high ­ lighting the attitudinal factors that fet- where distinguished members of the community from different parts of the country come together you would, amongst other issues, also be ponder ­ ing over the many problems that our society faces today. We live in turbu ­ lent times and unless men and women of character and conviction stand to ­ gether holding one another ’s hand, it would be impossible to stem the tide of corruption, obscurantism, communal- ism and casteism that is sweeping across our country. At a time when we see that even young men and women are be ­ coming increasingly cynical and help ­ less, for standing up to these disruptive forces we have to draw sustenance from our collective inner strength. The Parsi community can certainly give us a lead in this too as they have demonstrated time and again that it is not numbers but commitment and inner strength that On the welfare front, in education, health-care and in the protection ofthe environment we need much greater ef ­ fort and commitment from right-think ­ ing individuals, non-government agen ­ cies and community organizations. Ear ­ lier, governments — central and state — used to draw up all plans for devel ­ opment and ask for support of commu ­ nity groups and voluntary bodie.s to implement them. It is howAxcr bein, realized that community action achieve much more than what govern ­ ment departments and agencies can * achieve. It is therefore time that com ­ munity groups and non-government agencies take the lead in planning and ‘g can the government to play the supporting or facilitating role. I wish you all success in all your “Please have a proper census first. We arc the only community of which the National Minorities Commission 132 Parsiana February-March 1998 I ?VARIAVAS For all your travel needs in Europe, please contact the following Parsi operated Italia Esoterica Via Unita d’Italia 42 00063 Campagnano di Roma Italy Tel: (396) 6620314/90154726 Fax; (396) 9015-4436/9015-4726 E-Mail: illit@lcnet.it Wholesale dealers of Godrej storwels, filing cabinets, coffers, cash-boxes. Retailers of: refrigerators, typewriters and office furniture. Prop: Mr M. A. Variava 269 Nariman House, Dr Cawasji Hormusji Street, Marine Lines, Mumbai 400002 (0)2091974 (R) 2019119 ter the community. In addition to data, will and determination and the method we use to overcome our problems were the other factors of consequence, he enumerated. As far as the census is concerned, a project that has been bogged down for various reasons including lack of fund- ing. Patrawala sugested that the Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) em ­ ploy Zoroastrian youth during the sum ­ mer vacation to get the ball rolling. “Employ them with a one-page form. Pay them per month or per form... In six weeks 80 percent of data ” will be at hand, he stated. Noting that “to beat the system, you must know what the system is, ” Patrawala informed the gathering that most m inority communities get weeded out of the Union Public Service Com ­ mission (UPSC) at the viva stage and there is not a single Parsi member of parliament or of any legislative assem ­ bly to speak up for the community. There is an “inbuilt slant in the UPSC. Scheduled castes and tribes (SC/ST) and other backward c<;^mmunities (OBC) have preference (because) we don ’t count in the system of voting... In the early days merit was the criterion.. wish the Parsi Zoroastrian community Jamshedi Navroze Mubarak and pray to God to maintain its dignity and glory till eternity. Amen. J. R. DASTUR AND COMPANY Arvind Colony, Shahibaugh, Ahmedabad 380004 Phones: 5622167, 5621910 Recipient Jamnalal Bajaj Award, 1988 Stockists ACC & L&T Cements, Torsteel, Everest Building Products 134 Parsiana February-March 1998¦I ¦ LU Lv INDORE: A CITY OF... 1949 until his death in 1965. His son 1st row: Dar-e-meher entrance and continued from page 65 Nosherwan was then unanimously elected inner precincts; 2nd row: Indore on 5.25 acres of land granted by the and served for the next 22 years. anjuman secretary Minoo Engineer, Holkar Government (Indore was then a Kavas Hall which had been built by vice president Dara Unwalla, Shirin princely state). It had been constructed Meherwanji Cooverji Dotiwalaof Mhow Heerjee, Dinoo Master and Gulu from generous donations including Rs in 1918 in memory of his son and gifted Satarawala; Jinnie Pohowalla and 3,000 in memory of Dinshawji Nana- bhai Masalawala. A rest house was built by Godrej Edulbehram and his fam- built by Dinshaw Shapurji and the heirs ily at acost of Rs 60,000 in 1963 and Gool of Framji Rane had a sagdi built and sanctified in 1897, writes Cama. Many an Indore Parsi won titles, ini ­ tially from the Holkars and later from the British. In 1920 Godrej Edulbehram came to Indore and started an automobile business, Nosherwan and Company, in the name of his son who later joined him. The busi ­ ness flourished and the name became a local by ­ word, notes Cama, with Godrej serving as presi ­ dent of the Anjuman from 1949 until his death in 1965. His son Nosherwan was then unanimously elected and served for the next 22 years. Kavas Hall which had been built by in 1918 in memory of his son and gifted to the Indore Anjuman in 1921 was re- grandson; Heerjee (below) ist Pohowala were big names in their Hall added above it as per the inscription respective fields, on the commemorative plaque. Parsi doctors are said to have domi- 1 Among entrepreneurs the Anklesaria family ’s bicycle showroom is billed as nated the Indore medical the largest in Siyaganj and is now being fraternity for over 40 run by the third generation of the fam- years — surgeon Dr Sagoo, physician Dr G. Anklesaria, hospital su ­ perintendent Dr Dundas, renowned gynecologists shop. The Empress Hotel was owned by Dr Motabai Thanewala the Jawrewalas and the Sarosh family and Dr Junglewala, den- owned the Rest House. More recently list (and long-term sec- the Thanewala family has built Hotel retary of the Indore President and Restaurant Landmark Anjuman) Dr Sohrab along with other travel agencies, in- Cama and child special- ily. Burjor and Aspi Irani are said to have survived competition from multi ­ nationals in their soft drinks business and own an ice factory and fruit juice forms the souvenir write-up. 138 Parsiana February-March 1998Wzf/z best compliments from NARIMAN NALLASETH Private Limited PLUMBING ENGINEERS CONSULTANTS 27, Tamarind Lane 1st Floor, Block No 11 Rajabahadur Compound Opp Allahabad Bank Apollo Street, Fort Mumbai 400023 Phones: 2650066 & 2652986 Fax: 091-022-2655834 tflr 140 Parsiana February-March 1998 Tehmuras Marfatia was a district judge and Jal Patel and Meherjee Thanawala were prominent advocates. The community ’s current mascots are Hormuzd, Freyan and Arban Dossabhoy — the triplets who have endowed Indore with new lustre. Born to Thrity and Adil Dossabhoy, the par ­ ents ’ first reaction was one of shock when the results of a sonography was revealed to them, in the fourth month of pregnancy. By the time of delivery Thrity was carrying 15.5 lb of weight (her one rib has been bent in the pro ­ cess, she says) with complete bed rest from the fourth month and the last six weeks spent in hospital. The babies were born by caesarian delivery on Hormuzd roj which is why the first arrival was named Hormuzd. Thrity is grateful for all the help she received from Adil and from her own mother. The babies have different blood groups, say the parents. The eldest Hormuzd is B negative like Adil and the younger two (there is a 13 seconds difference between each) are AB nega ­ tive like Thrity. Adil recalls that he had been told to keep 10-15 bottles of blood ready for Thrity. He could arrange for only six but the first bottle caused a reaction and the transfusion was stopped. The boys have begun to crawl around but the girl Freyan is said to be born “slightly premature ” with a depleted sugar level. As for their horoscopes, Adil, who works for Bakelite Hylam looking after heritage surface textures in MP, was happy to note that they would be well-off economically and settle abroad and that the girl and younger boy “will never separate. ” The Unwallas, the Camas, the Ilavias, the Engineers, the Masters, the Jal- nawallas, the Satarawallas and the Iranis are other families who have contributed to the community, many of them being deeply involved in the hosting of the Federation delegates. A recent addition is Viraf Cooper from Bombay who stays at the Parsi Dharamshala, 80, Usha Ganj, behind the Chawni Police Station, Indore. He has sought to make his career in aviation as a commercial pilot at the M.P. Flying Club Limited in Indore, a training institution approved and subsidized by the government of India. Cooper is keen that other Parsi boys also avail of the facilities and invites prospective trainees to write to him or to the Club at Civil Aerodrome, Indore-Bhopal (MP). GLOBE THEATRES Pvt Ltd Established April 3, 1915 Pioneers of Show Business in India for the last 82 years We rededicate ourselves to the ideals we have cherished and practised all along - namely to shpw NOTHING BUT THE BEST to our ever increasing number of Patrons Controlling: REGAL BOMBAY CAPITOL BOMBAY GLOBE CALCUTTA All the above Cinemas have now been equipped with nn iooutysTPieol Sound System IL DANCE i ¦ ¦ I ¦ Bond ¦I ¦¦ ¦ ¦ B ¦ ' w ¦ ¦ Rashna Homji and hu- Hong Kong Ballet i M ¦ * r ¦ •4- ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ SSSisSB'¦ Among the heady celebrations for the handover of Hong Kong in June last, was a series of gala performances of a new dance drama, The Last Emperor at the 1,800-seat Performing Arts Center in the heart of Hong Kong. Prime movers be ­ hind this spectacular production of the Hong Kong Ballet company were classi ­ cal ballet dancer Rashna Homji and her husband, dancer and artistic director - Stephen Jefferies. The preceding year they had been invited to Hortg Kong to take up their latest challenge —to turn the Hong -.-JF Kong Ballet into a top-notch, international, classical ballet company. Rashna [daughter of FEZANA (Fed ­ eration of Zoroastrian Association.s ol North America) founding vice president Homi Homji and Villie of Toronto, Canada] and Stephen moved to Hong Kong in 1996 with theirchildren Lara, 12, and Christopher, 10, following a dancing career spanning over 30 years on the other side of the world, with the Royal Ballet in London. Stephen was appointed artistic director of the government funded Hong Kong Ballet. Rashna is artistic director of the Hong Kong Ballet Group, acollabora- tion of dance schools in Hong Kong, currently working on a production of Swan Lake. She is also guest teacher at the Hong Kong Ballet company, the National Ballet of China in Beijing, the Shanghai Ballet Company and the Academy for the Performing Arts in Hong Kong. Because her feet were weak and “turned in, ” Villie Homji had enrolled six-year old daughter Rashna in ballet classes with a British lady in Karachi, Pakistan, where the family lived, and where Rashna was born (in 1951). Rashna showed exceptional promise as a dancer, and quickly passed with hon- 142 Parsiana February-March 1998 ¦«in Rudolf Nureyev ’s production of The Sleeping Beauty. Shortly thereafter, fate dealt a hard blow that cut Rashna ’s dancing career short. Just before going to Canada, she had a knee cartilage operation, and had given some thought to giving up danc ­ ing, but decided against it. As she was about to rejoin the Royal Ballet after the year in Canada, an accident in class — a kick in the back of the knee — ruptured the cruciate ligament. Unfortunately this Royal Ballet since was not diagnosed until much later, and she underwent a second cartilage re ­ moval operation. But the knee kept swell ­ Homji (inset) Photo: Anthony Crickmay and (below, far right) in a perfor­ mance ofthe Royal Ballet at Covent Garden Royal Opera House in London Photo: Roland Bond childhood, and a wealth of experience — running a theatri ­ cal agency, a beauty therapy course, abusi- ness and book-keep ­ ing course, and teach ­ ing (at Arts Educa ­ tional Schools as well ing, she could not dance, and eventually i '¦ had to make that difficult decision she School) — had made her eminently suit- had been so hopefully delaying. able for this position, which she held until Butfortunesmiled their move to Hong on heronce again, and Kong. Rashna was invited to As for their new fill a vacancy in the - challenge in Hong post of ballet admin- Kong, it has all the istrator for the Royal making.s of a great Ballet School. Her as- love affair. Stephen sociation with the Jefferies is viewed a.s the “man for the job ” as the Hong Kon Ballet is poised to reach new peaks as one of the foremost classical ballet com ­ panies in Asia. (Reprinted with permis­ sion from FEZANA Jour- i. nal, Fall 1997.) as guest teaching at the Royal Ballet I ¦to ¦i 144 Parsiana February-March 1998 IOBSERVATION Spruced for spring Elaborate preparations are necessary for celebrating Norooz the traditional way Fraydon Aryan mission! It is a tradition that is cel ­ ebrated by all Aryan Iranians all over the world. This includes 99 percent of the Iranian nation (even though after the Islamic revolution, the regime tried to ban Norooz, today it is accepted as the official New Year, with holidays being declared for 13 days). More than six million who live in exile since the Islamic revolution of 1979 also cel ­ ebrate this day. From March 11 two trays of wheat seeds and one of lentil seeds (sown to signify growth) are planted in water and covered with a damp cloth to help In Iran Norooz has been celebrated by •Shah Jamsheed ordered the rebuilding germination. They need to be watched -------------- 3 carefully over the next 11 days as they •Shah Fraydon was victorious over sprout green and grow beautifully, in '-------------------------------------------------some sunny spot within the house. They should be ready for the Haft Sheen table and may need trimming to make them look of even height. A word of ad ­ vice on growing these trays would be to turn them in the direction of the sun now an4 then so that the sap ­ lings grow straight. In Sasanian times the people nonstop for more than 9,000 of dokhmas years. And in Afghanistan, Iraq, Tur- < “ key, Syria, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, Zohak Chechenia, Dagestan, Georgia, Paki- ’Kai Khusrav Shah arose to heaven... Stan, India, Egypt, Bahrain, Germany, Uzbekistan and Armenia for more than known throughout time 2,000 years. Norooz has always been as the ‘Day of hope ’ something very special, because it was and people have held on Norooz that: special ceremonies such •Ahura Mazda created the first man as the crowning of the Kayamars Shah, weddings, build- •Shah Kayamars was crowned ing of new houses, •Shah Jamsheed flew from Azerbaijan bridges, hospitals, li- to Babylon •Shah Jamsheed ordered us to wash and purify ourselves before performing prayers •Shah Jamsheed wore the kusti •Shah Jamsheed discovered sugar This day has been man Traditional Norooz fare Photo: Yasmin Poonegar ¦I 146 Parsiana February-March 1998 branes, schools and uni ­ versities on this day. This celebration is a reminder of our glo ­ rious past achieve ­ ments and our future II’ J For Five Decades our name has spelt Quality, Reliability and Customer Service. HAt STEEL Laundry equipment from NAT Steel. eJ:- Dr)' Cleaning Machine beginning of the items relate to the word ‘Shady ’ in Iranian, which means happiness.) Three types of flowers stand on the table: daffodils, hyacinths, wall flowers. The table should contain; seven fruits, seven vegetables, seven sweets, which add up to 21, signifying the 21 volumes of the holy Avesta. Boiled eggs, (sign of birth) decorated usually by the children, also adorn the table. The designs include three colors of lhe Iranian flag, floral designs, painted scenes of Iran such as Damavand, Cyrus the Great ’s tomb, Takht-e- .lamsheed. Some make lhe egg into an image of a king by placing a cardboard cut crown on it with a small base to hold it in place. It is customary for each family member to decorate an egg. A form of competition is set in the family to see who comes up with the best design. A flask of rosewater on the table invariably greets the guests. Some may not be financially capable of laying a Haft Sheen table. Others may not do so for personal reasons such as lhe passing away of a loved one. They should still share this occasion and event by visiting friends or relatives. The national anthem should be played to herald Norooz (song about the glory of Iran). The exact time of the vernal ¦quinox would be known by the sounding of cannons, TV/ radio broadcasts or from calendars and newspapers. All the lamily is seated around the beautiful table. On the precise moment that Norooz arrives the young especially keep an eye on the bowl of water as it is said that at this tiiflp the leaf or lhe goldfish will start moving when the sacred bull who has got tired after a long year supporting the earth on his horn, uses his Ollier horn to support the world. Cl Welcome :® A hotels & use our Flat Work Ironer A range of Laundry equipment, that serve.s all your needs . At a quality that is excellent. Customer Service? Its the best you can expect. And to top it all, fifty years of enviable experience. Over the years, wc have developed total expertise in our core area.s and offer a whole range of service.s ranging from design & consultancy through equipment supplies to installation and final commissioning. Our illustrious client list speaks for itself ; The Taj Group of Hotels, The Oberoi Group, Group, Clarks Group and many other quality ­ conscious institutions laundry equipment. ¦ Laundry Equipment ¦ Kitchen/Canteen Equipment ¦ HospitalEquipment Nat Steel Equipment Pvt. Ltd. Registered Office : G. D. Ambekar Marg (Naigaum Road), Dadar, Bombay - 400 014. India. Tel. : 414 7068, 418 6040. Fax : 413 3481. E-Mail : natsteel.eqpt@gems.vsnl.net.in Calcutta - Tel. : (033) 282 3266 Fax; (033) 282 4187 Delhi - Tel. : (011) 751 2182 Fax: (011) 751 7423 Madras - Tel. : (044) 827 7667, 827 5721 Fax: (044) 822 4783 Bangalore - Tel.: (080) 661 1969 All equipment manufactured by our group company : n INDUSTRIAL LAUNDRY AND _____________ DRYCLEANING EQUIPMENT CO. PVT.LTD. fiTDINGA Sal Mubarak cleaniqj machines / 1923-1998 Seventy-five years of clean service! DIANA-ECLIPSE For all your carpet and upholstery cleaning ? “Parag ” 27, Peddar Road, Bombay Tel: 4941987, 4945302 150 Parsiana February-March 1998 IMrs Jeroo & Jehangir N. Medhora "Wish a Happy Navroz to the Parsi community" JEHANGIR MEDICAL ELECTRONIC INDUSTRIES ASSOCIATE COMPANIES JEHANGIR ENGG ASSOCIATES JV BIOMEDICS INTERNATIONAL Tel No; Factory 4930853 (Fax), 4922782 Office 3888020 PRODUCTS RANGE * ELECTROTHERM Portable 250 Watts Unit (Short Wave Diathermy) THERASONIC Portable Ultrasound Therapy unit ELECTROMYODYNE STD-3 Muscle Stimulator * PARADYNE Faradic Stimulator * SONOMIST Ultrasound Nebulizer CONTINUOUS PASSIVE MOTION UNIT TRANSCUTANEOUS NEURONALGESIA (TENS) - ELECTRONIC TRACTION FOR CERVICAL & LUMBER TRACTION TABLE FOR TRACTION UNIT * new The older members of the family greet the kids and each other with kisses and the offering of sugar, sweets and bank notes and coins and presents to the youngsters. Reading from the holy Avesta, tying a new kusti, burning the old in a silver bowl and burying its remains in the garden are the religious rituals observed. According to mythology, the two important characters of Norooz, who bring joy and laughter to the young and old are: Hajji Firuz/Phiroz, welcomer of the New Year, who entertains the masses. He ’s young, joyful and vibrant, wears all red with a red cap and a black painted face and carries a tambourine, singing and dancing, telling jokes. Amou Norooz is the bringer ol gilts and Norooz messages. He ’s old, wise and father-like, wears a white hat, Iloral patterned clothes, long white beard, and carries a sack or bag full of presents for the kids. In the Pahlavi period (1925-1979), special troupes of singers carrying torchlights would move throughout the provinces of Iran, singing special songs a month before the coming ot Norooz to inform the people of the approach of Norooz. (Under the Pahlavi regime a revival of all Zarathushtrian custom.s took place.) A traditional Norooz meal constitutes: sabzi polow niahi, sahzi polow which is rice and vegetables eaten with white fish. This meal is symbolic of bounty (rice), growth (vegetables), and freshness (fish). Of course many other dishes are prepared, but what is essential for the table and must be eaten is sabzi palow. Fresh herbs, such as coriander, dil weed, parsley and chives in equal amount are chopped finely and^hen cooked with the rice. The lish should be white {mahi-e-safid), grey mullet being first choice, or herring, haddock or cod. Norooz lasts for 12 days, and on the 13th day (April 2> which is known as Seezdah Badar, everyone must leave the Pioneer in manufacturing of Physiotherapy and Electrosurgical (Cautery) equipment in our country. Our Popular latest Jehangir's Solid State Electro surgical unit MEGATOM-UROTOM-BIPOLAR COAGULATOR-ACE-300 (State of Art) are widely used all over this vast country. Our MEGATOM-UROTOM-ACE 300 is specially used for TCRE & all type of LAPAROSCOPIC surgeries All correspondence to Factory; Unit No 308 & 309, Bussa Heavy Industrial Estate, Off Ferguson Road, Hanuman Lane, S. N. Path, Lower Parel, Bombay 400013 N. DAVAR & Company Painting Contractors interior Decorators 2, Commerce Centre TarcJeo, Bombay 400034 Tel: 4944856, 4943210 152 Parsiana February-March 1998 IAvan Soft Drink Concentrate Fla VorBoy For exquisite Food Flavouring 8L Essences Avan: For Quality Soft Drink Concentrates. Giving you refreshing Soft Drinks in 11 different flavours for Aerated Waters, & Syrup Manufacturers, Caterers & Hoteliers. I Also Manufacturers of Instant China Grass, Jelly Crystals & Vegetar ­ ian Jelly For Further Details & Requirements for exports & Dealers: Contact: Fcrozc Foods & Flavours 403, Central Tin Estate, D. Kondeo Marg, (Sussex Road), Byculla, Mumbai 400027. Tel: 3729724/3640341 • Fax: 3640341 house and throw the trays of green which they had grown into running water (river, stream or in a lake). To stay indoors is considered bad luck. Visits to parks and countryside are made with friends and relatives and a picnic basket that should last for the whole day is packed. Iranian dishes that each family has made with limits, cakes and drinks are shared and there is singing and dancing and playing of games. Young girls sing: “The 13th day outside for good cheer/ Before another year/It will bring a husband dear/And a child in my arms. ” The girls tie blades of grass into knots and make a wish they would like fulfilled in the coming year. This symbolizes unity and joining of the male and female in life. Edited excerpts from a passage readied by the author for his book Aryana. Takht-e-Jamsheed Takht-e-Jamsheed was no ordinary capital. It was the heart of the Achaemenian empire and its main use was for the celebra- tions of Norooz, when not only Iranians but people from other provinces ofthe empire joined in the celebrations and brought gifts to the King of Iran. In the past Takht-e-Jamsheed played a role a.s a symbol of unity and was, as is Norooz, a cultural bonding of the Achaemenian,s to their past heritage. Takht-e-Jamsheed, when translated into English literally means the ‘Seat of Jamsheed, ’ while ‘Perseptolis, ’ a Greek word which the West has adopted when referring to the site, means in English ‘destroyer of cities, ’ a deliberate mistrans ­ lation from the poet Aeschylus. (From that name has come Pcrsepolis. a corruption of the Greek by which the Palace hass W1 Dost Cofflpliinenbs of CPEC LIMITED 1. Industrial Estate. Lalbaug, Bombay - 400 012. Tel. : 413 7353. 7431.0349,412 6387,1591 Fax : 0091-22-4130937 Pioneer in the iield of manufacture of Mechanical power transmission systems. * Helical and Bevel/Helical Gear Boxes * Worm Reduction Gears Inlirw Helical Gears & Geared Motors * Automatic Control Variable Speed Pulleys & Drives * Non-Standard & Custom Built Gear Boxes * Flexible Couplings elc. 154 Parsiana February-March 1998’The Gourmet ’ Restaurant Buffet Breakfast from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Buffet Lunch from 12.30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Buffet Dinner on request Continental Food including Sizzlers Tandoori Food Take away & TeaTime Snacks 8 Fish Specialities Pure Vegetarian Food West End Hotel Open From 8 AM to 11.30 PM 45, New Marine Lines, Bombay -20 Tel: 2039121,2057484 Fax 91 -22-2057506 commonly, though incorrectly, been known ever since.) Therefore it is not only a wrong name for the palaces of Darius, Xerxes and other kings of Iran but an insult to the history of Iran and the site. It was Alexander who set out to destroy Takht-e-Jamsheed and its splendor and greatness. By its destruction the people ol Iran did not lose faith or hope and most certainly did not lose their identity. Even in its ruined state it holds its greatness. It took 164 years for its construction, yet no slaves were used in building it. No other empire in the world can lay claim to this very important fact. It was Shahanshah Aryamehr who after 1,320 years reminded the people of Iran and the world of the greatness of its culture, civilization and contribution. The 1971 celebra ­ tion of the Iranian empire on the ruins of Takht-e-Jamsheed could be considered one of the greatest historical events of the 20th century. From the ashes that Alexander had left behind once again the immortal armies of Iran arose in their full splendor and glory for the world to see. Alexander set out to destroy it, but in his very actions he preserved it, as its ashes kept the stone intact from natural erosion. Today we see that even though no one attacked Alexander ’s palace, yet nothing remains of it. This is a lesson in history, those who set out to destroy will in time destroy themselves. Today in Iran and abroad Takht-e-Jamsheed has become a symbol of freedom and the revival of Iran. Its very stones give pride to us Iranians and put fear in thq^hearts of our enemies. Yet it should not be forgotten thatTaknt-e-Jamsheed i.s in ruins and needs to be reconstructed. Only then can justice be given to its true glory. f.a. kill With Best Compliments From THE SWADESHI GRAIN CRUSHING MILL Established 1935 Reputed grinders and pulverizers of spices, masalas and Indian herbs on a large scale 105 Keshavji Naik Road, Chinch Bunder, Mumbai 400009 Phone; 3758693 Pager No: 9623-280598 EMail: adi.damania@axcess.net. in 154b Parsiana February-March 1998 « IBOOKS Beauty and the Book After a rewarding career as a model and actress, Persis Khambatta chronicles the success of former Miss Indies in her book Pride of India Parinaz M. Gandhi “Money is not everything. Success is also not everything. ” Persi.s Khambatta who has “gone round the circle of suc ­ cess in life, ” shares the lessons she has learnt in the course other progres.s from being a Miss India winner to an interna ­ tional model to a star in over a dozen films to authoring Pride of India, her latest ven- ture. “When you are sue- cessful, everyone is with you. When you are at a low period, they are too busy. I think life is much more than that, ” she adds. ~ This impressive glossy / book she views as “an achievement, more than any film career. ” It iS chronicles almost four de- cades of Indian beauties highlighting “the achieve- ments and struggles of Miss Indias and will be an inspiration for the women of tomor ­ row, ” reads the blurb on the back cover. The nine months of sweat and commit ­ ment that went into the research and compiling of this 228-page opus pub ­ lished by Parijat Media Limited may be regarded as her “gift to India. ” Priced at Rs 1,495, Khambatta insists, “I didn ’t do this book to make money. Nothing from this book will go into my pocket; no royalties. ” The proceeds of this book are to be directed to the Missionaries of Charity and in fact this work is dedicated to Mother Teresa whom Khambatta con ­ siders “the most beautiful woman. There i.s not one Indian who has given love the way she as a foreigner did. Who ’s touched a child with leprosy? ” wonders Quality is important, ” she maintains Khambatta, impressed that Mother was carrying on extensive social work with ­ out new communication tools like a fax Guild) award in February 1998. machine. And considering that the win ­ 156 Parsiana February-March 1998 ners at national and international beauty people from the same community pageants invariably refer to Mother Teresa ’s dedication, Khambatta feels she is giving them a chance to support Mistry (Castelino) won the crown in the missionary work by increasing the sales of the book. At the launch of this coffee table bagged the Miss India title for three consecutive years in the ’60s. Meher 1964, Khambatta in 1965 and Yasmin Daji (Nanavati) in 1966, also qualify ­ ing IS Miss Universe, third runner-up. It . was two decades later that I Mehr Jesia (Rampal) won I the Miss India title in ? 1986. In 1972, Pheroza f Cooper (Modi) was the I runner-up for the Bharat Sundari title, a pageant initiated by Feniina whase winners represented India at the Miss World con- , test. ‘ By earmarking the pro- I ceeds for the Missionar- I ies of Charity, it is not I that she intended to de ­ ll prive the Parsi commu ­ nity of any generosity, Khanihatta (holding the book) flanked clarifies Khambatta who is very proud by former Miss Indios of the fact that she is a Parsi. It was her great grandfather Ratanji Faramji Sethna who instilled in her as a child the necessity to reserve 10 percent of one ’s earnings for charity. After all you give 10 percent as agency commission, to business managers, to lawyers, why not then to charity, she reasons. Material things never mattered to her, she states, citing that if someone needed her fur i l£ r ¦ f, I. book on October 8, 1997 at the Taj, all the 60 advance copies were sold for Rs 5,000 each. The former Miss Indias in attendance at the function were made to sign the copies wearing gloves spe ­ cially provided for the occasion, she recalls. Thereafter Khambatta say.s she has kept no tabs on the sales figures. “I am not a marketing person. I only coat, she would unhesitatingly part with wanted 100 percent creative rights. ” From the designing of the cover to selection of photos to the layout of every page, she wanted the last word. “I didn ’t want any gaudiness but a book which people would be proud to have. ig it. Raising $50,000 for the victims of the Latur earthquake, and serving as chairperson of The Community of Liv ­ ing Foundation, Iowa were some of the other social causes with which she was associated. She is perturbed therefore that the * new generation in the community is and is happy that the designing of the book won aCAG (Communication Arts only yearning for “money-money... Where are the likes of the older genera ­ tion, what they did, what they stood for? It must be a record of sorts that three I! op (jrom left) Cooper (Modi), Mislry (Caste lino) Photo: Jeetendra Arya and Khamhatta Below (from left) Daji (N'einavati j Photo: Femina and Jesia (Rainpal) Photo: Homyar Mistry, Homz Prints f'hcre used to be so much goodness, kindness, honesty. Now we seem to be more into car shows and horse shows. Maybe I am wrong. ” As a kid, Khambatta wanted to be an airhostess so that she could travel around the world. In a picturesque style she writes in the book, “I was blessed to blossom in India ’s garden of beauty and venlLiic ihiDugh the paradise of this world. ” She had studied at Bombay ’s Villa Theresa and Walsingham Schools before modelling became an all-time consuming affair. Among the signifi ­ cant landmarks in Khambatta ’s early life have been her crowning as Film Princes.s in 1963 by Raj Kapoor, as Mis.s Angel Face (equivalent of Miss Bom ­ bay) in 1965 before she won the Miss India title; receiving the Press Award for the Best Newcomer of the Year for her role in K. A. Abbas ’ film Bombay Raat ki Bahonmein. She also had an opportunity to model for one of Pierre Cardin ’s shows in Bombay in the late ’60s. When in London, among the first 158 Parsiana February-March 1998 Ia < two assignments to come her way were fashion shows for Fortnum and Mason, and Simpsons. Her international acting career started with the English movie. The Wilhy Conspiracy opposite Sidney I Poitier and Michael Caine. Then fol ­ lowed others like Conduct Unheconi- ing with Sir Richard Attenborough and Michael York, Star Trek — ‘The Motion Picture', Night Hawks, Mega Force. She was also invited as guest for the TV shows hosted by Johnny Carson, Phil Donahue, Merv Griffin, Mike Dou ­ glas. She enjoys the distinction of be ­ ing the first Indian to present an Acad ­ emy Award in 1982 and featuring in Blackwell ’.s Best Dressed list for the same year, her achievement.s have been enumerated in the book. In the course of her rise to success, there have been times when she has had to live on a bag of potatoe.s for week. “If today I can eat at the best places in the world it ’s because I’ve worked hard for it, ” mentions Kham ­ batta. Not surprisingly, some of her asso ­ ciates like to label her as “Persis-tent. ” Yet another take off on her name was “Purrsis ” that she adopted during the Star Trek days. When friends stroked her bald head, she would teasingly purr like a pussycat. “Persis is like a legend, ” she re ­ members being hailed. “And when you put on a little weight, nobody recog ­ nizes you, ” she regrets. “I haven ’t changed. I am the same kind, humble person. Among the known Parsis abroad, no one mentions me. Shouldn ’t my community respect me? ” she asks rhetorically. When she was abroad, she had read the scriptures of different religions and several books on philosophy and self ­ improvement. That is when she real ­ ized that she did not need to be “a martyr and a victim. I’m fine the way I am. I don ’t have to carry others ’ burden on my shoulders. God ha.s made me what I am and He ’s made us all perfect. ” Her relationship with God has been a one-to-one interaction since child ­ hood, she recalls. Her parents bein, divorced when she was but two old, God has played the role of a father- figure in her life with whom she shares her innermost thought.s and fears. Endeavoring to give up her cigarette smoking she say.s she playfully chides God for not giving her sufficient help. ig years firmly believing that “everything hap ­ pens as per Hi.s will.I used to believe in my will. I have mellowed since, ” she tains, “I like to live by my values, principles which I think are right. ” She is particularly wary of people with little integrity and ethics, of those who de ­ mean their inferiors, stripping them of their dignity. A community that is known to be “educated, generous and sophisticated. Parsis do have ‘class, ’” she has observed. Maybe it is because “of assimilation during the British raj; money cannot crush... ” Having witnessed the lies and dual standards in relationships she main- confesses. As a child, she was brought up by her mother Jeroo to respect all religions. On dillerent days of the week she and her older brother Dinshi would be taken to different shrines. This influence re ­ mained with her even when she had settled abroad and invariably on her trips to Bombay she would reserve one day to visit all these shrines wearing trinkets round her neck depicting the buy class, ” she points out. Another strik ­ ing feature she has noticed is “Parsis getting stubborn with age (in contrast to) others you see mellowing with age. ” Just because a Parsi woman marries a non-Parsi how can she cease to be con ­ sidered a member of the community, wonders Khambatta who finds this man ­ made law on religion “ridiculous. ” Nepean Sea Road, where she re ­ sides, used to once belong to Parsis and was considered one of the most elite localities, she relates. In contrast, in close proximity to her ^ow are the nouveau riche whose lifestyle she finds appalling. Having returned to India af ­ ter 30 years abroad Khambatta is littif able to empathize with their indisci ­ pline, their noisiness, their litter, giving animated accounts of how these same citizens who show little consideration for their neighbors can be so well be ­ haved when they are touring overseas. “I f just once a year each one of us could come out of the house and clean the street where we live, the world would be a cleaner place, ” she is convinced. “Only when there is quietness can your mind create, ” she emphasizes and refers to the disorientation she has ex ­ perienced when walking out of a disco- emblems of various faiths. In fact, her Kha/nhatta: "live by my values" * mother was at a temple on lhe day of the Miss India contest in 1965 when a flower fell on her, instinctively convincing her that it would bring glad tidings for her 16-ycar-old daughter. Over lhe years, Khambatta has enjoyed lhe experiences of Muktananda ’s meditation and pres ­ ently frequents lhe Christian Science theque blaring jarring music. “Life is a church where 90 percent of the congre ­ gation must be Parsis, she discloses. Having ceased to wear the sudreh and forgive others... ” kusli since her modelling days, Kham ­ batta is shocked to see the self-pro ­ claimed religious type having no qualms about using abusive language even on their way to the temple. “I’d rather do good deeds, ” she says believing that Zarathushlra ’s message of good thoughts, good words and good deeds is “the only truth. ” Content with her single status, Khambatta is convinced, “Only God ’s love is unconditional. Human love be ­ ing conditional, I don ’t think it would let me grow as a Hower. It would suffocate. school. The hardest lesson to learn was forgiving — to forgive yourself and to T am proud of being an Indian, how can I make India proud of me? ’ has been the goading factor for Khambatta. “People like me should get into poli ­ tics, ” she laughs. Would she have liked to contest for a seat? “Nobody is back ­ ing me, yaar” she states before con ­ tinuing on a more serious note, “Every Indian should vote. When they don ’t, they are responsible for what they get. ” There is no solution since “nobody wants to change. ” The remedy she prescribes is, “Each one should change one ’s self and there ’ll be improvement. ” 161 Parsiana February-March 1998BOOKS A family ritual Khusro F. Rustamji Religion and History of the Parsees by Meherbanoo Kekobad Marker. Published in 1997 by the author. The book is available from Toxy Cowasjee, 2 A, Mary Road, Bath Island, Karachi 75530. Pp: 170. Price: US $ 20 or Canadian $ 25. the di fferent needs of farmers on the Asian steppes in ancient times; of educated, cultured Sasanians, of oppressed Iranian villagers and of city-dwelling Parsis, Zo ­ roastrianism has had to adapt and change. ” I hope this book will inspire us to know more about the Zoroastrian faith. There arc various other item.s of in- lormation such a.s the composition of They say a little knowledge of God take.s the fire in atash behrams, the training of priests and the glorious contribution of the poet Firdausi to our faith. In this day and age when every per ­ son is keen to understand the law.s of Bc braVC and pray Hutokhshi P. Cooper Faridoon Conquers Zohak from the Shah Nameh of Firdausi with Spiritual Interpreta­ tions compiled by Silloo Mehta. Published in 1997 by The Mazdayasnie Connection, 9528 Walker Street #5, Cypress, California 90630, USA. Pp: 48. Price: not mentioned. you away from Him; a deeper knowl ­ edge brings you closer to Him. a 1 was first attracted to this book by the cover and the print, and was glad to sec that it has been printed in Pakistan. Secondly, I liked the idea of the grandma teaching religion to her fam ­ ily; and what a learned fam ­ ily it turned out to be. It is a ritual in every family of the mother talking to her chil ­ dren about the elements of the faith and laying stress on truth. Those tender tcaching.s seem to last the longest, and Marker: inspiriiif’ those angry eyes '[juthii the yoiiiif’ holeeh ke (are you telling lies)" appear again and again whenever we try to stray from the truth. Meherbanoo Kekobad Marker, noted social workerof Karachi, has enun ­ ciated the elements of our faith in simple and direct form. The chapters on the life of the Prophet give information in a simple way on his birth and teachings. Those who criticize rituals will find it interesting to learn their origin, and the reason for follow ­ ing them in our life. The author gi ve,s a summary of Zoro ­ astrian history and tells us about the time when Zarathushlra appeared and began to emphasize the faith in one God. Vari ­ ous Persian dynaslic.s appeared and passed into history. Name.s like Hoshang, Cyrus, Dariu.s and Xerxes and their deeds show why the Persian Empire was able to last for thousand.s of years. We learn from the book that there are several colonie.s of Zoroastrians in Yezd, Kerman, Tehran, Islahan and .Shiraz. The chapter on the Parscc.s in India gives some idea of the courage behind that great adventure ol leaving Persia to escape from persecution. It shows the diplomacy with which our ancestors settled down and were accepted by the people of India. a nature, we must lay more slres.s on the pristine teaching,s of Zarathushlra which have remained unchanged in the Gathas for4,()()()years, and have protected u,s in per ­ secution, and refreshed us in migralion.s wherever we have gone. 1 wish Marker had tried to encourage modern think ­ ing on the origin of the earth and the development ofman. Today ’.s young are not as uneducated as we were. They arc on the Internet, watch the Discovery chan ­ nel, have bolted down in their mind.s features of biology, and protection of the environment on which there i.s em ­ phasis in the Zoroaslrian religion. Any conllict between religion and science today arise.s from the fact that there have been accretion.s to the pristine words of the Prophet. What Zarathushtra ha.s said in the Gathas is inscribed on the tablets chelypical images that adorn our books, of eternity. What ha.s crept into the faith many interpretations which were suitable for the lime.s but are not in step with today'.s reality, and are now out of date. Many have turned away from reli ­ gion because of that. The true faith is the path ol asha in conformity with the injunction to think right and act nobly. In lad, asha also requires a spirit of scientific inquiry. Perhap.s the most im ­ portant element of our faith i.s the insis ­ tence of Zarathushlra on all mailers be ­ ing judged individually by each person, which emphasizes responsibility, and bring.s out why it i.s the religion of con ­ sequences. .John R. Hinnclls says, “A religion which has lasted twice a.s long a,s Chris ­ tianity will obviously have changed in the course of history. If a religion is to be meaningful to its followers then it must change Io some extent. In order to meet That the Mazdayasni religion originated in antiquity and preceded Zoroaster is the first lesson that was brought home to my seven-year-old son Malcolm when he started reading Faridoon Conquers Zohak. ; The book narrates one of the talcs of the Shah Nameh of Firdausi and is based on Ervad Kaikhushroo N. Dastur ’s sto ­ ries in Parsi Pukar. It i.s illustrated with imaginative sketches of life in the yon ­ der world of ancient Persia by DrHomai Kasad. The graphic arts and cover de ­ sign by Firoze (Phil) Dinsha Avari are reminiscent of the designs and ar- 4^ 162 Parsiana February-March 1998 arc agiaries, homes and .seAes. The story of Zohak is not for the laint-hcartcd. Reading it, one realizes that greed, gore and conflict were potent story ingredients even thousands of years ago. So were heroes with supernatural powers. This story has Zohak murder ­ ing his father to ascend his throne. The son ’ s corruption then grows, epitomized by the growing snakes on his shoulders. These snakes have to be daily fed on human brains. Then comes the spiritually mighty Kaveh who has lost his sons ’ lives to Zohak and his snakes. The fight be ­ tween good and evil begins, promising to keep children rooting for the simple, materially poor but spiritually rich, good guys. The blacksmith Kaveh Ahangar, Faridoon and his mother Faranak, and the holy men and sages in the country lead the good citizens in a mighty battle Iw and snatch power from the evil, cruel and corrupt King Zohak and crown Faridoon as the rightful king. The anxiety that may be felt initially by some children is calmed and gradu ­ ally surpassed by the reverential awe inspired by the simple but powerful Kaveh as well as Faridoon. Faridoon carries the mighty cow mace, a weapon made celestial by his offering of prayers to Ahura Mazda. The prayers strike ter ­ ror and destruction in the evil camp. The image of Kaveh carrying his rustic but glowing leather flag i.s apt to stay with a child for a long time. The s weet-tongued, evil Iblis (the very devil himself), is a combined with prayer, meditation and warningtomannot to fall for flattery anti hankerafterse- ductive worldly power and some ­ one else ’.s wealth. Yet even the evil Zohak get.s an ill- deserved warning, first Irom God in holy Faranak to see her son Faridoon the fonn ofadream, then Irom God-learing astrologers who interpret the dream for him. Faridoon, Faranak, the holy cow Poormaye and the wise old men aiding the cause of good epitomize spiritual power a.s perceived in ancient limes. The hand of Ahura Mazda moves smoothly through it all, promoting good in society, rewarding the just and pun ­ ishing the corrupt. It moves palpably and powerfully when it stop.s a stone from rolling down the mountain and striking Faridoon. It fl reduces the depth of a mighty river so that good men can cross it by foot, and it destroys an evil ring of magic spells around Zohak ’s palace. Ahura Mazda ’s power, it is suggested, can be harnessed for the greater good if righteousness is belief in one ’s convictions. The process of conquering Zohak is important in demonstrating the efficacy ol the yazads (especially Sarosh Ya- zad), the nirangs of the Mazdayasni re ­ ligion and the importance of living a righteous life. Patience as a virtue also emerges, as it took what seemed like a lifetime of struggle and sacrifice for the crowned king. As compiler Silloo Mehta says in one ol the interpretations that intersperse the tale, “The story of Zohak is more than 10,000 years old. Therefore, we do not have to think of it in terms of our times... Zohak was the king who was nourished by... evil beings. To fight him, special weapons were required. They were not like atomic bombs or hy^Jrogen bombs. They had in them special kinds of en ­ ergy — spiritual energy. These weapons in turn released energies and forces whiph could combat the forces and energies Kermani Transport Service Truck Owners & Contractors H. O. & Admn Office: Guru Himmat ‘A’ Wing Dr Mascarenhas Road Mazagaon, Bombay 400010 Phone: 3723333, 3712715 Booking Office: Opp Jakeria Masjid 7-C, Dhobi Street Bombay 400003 Phone: 3420271, 3420272 f Branches: Delivery Godown: B-Anjirwadi, Mount Road, Mazagaon, Bombay 400010, Tel: 3725002/3724273 Thana: (1) Chitalsar, Manpada, S. V. Road, Next toTatwadyan Vidhyapeeth, Tel: 5344823 (2) Puma Village, Thana Bhiwandi Road, Near Uttam Roadways, Tel: 34698 Vapi: Near R. T. O. Check Post G. I. D. C., Tel: 30037/32766/32767 Valsad: Kamla Nehru Road, Tel: 53294 Billimora: Gohar Baug Road, Tel: 53175/53397 Navsari: Opp Central Bank, Tel: 5900819 Delivery Godown: Zaveri Sadak, Tel: 1601 Udhna: Road No 2, Tel: 678612 Surat: Delhi Gate, Dangi Sheri, Tel: 35428-35712 Delivery Godown: Ring Road, Near Surat Textile Market, Tel: 621774 UNN: Near Bus Stand, Tel: 872807 164 Parsiana February-March 1998 I. 0 The Iranian names of boys and girls along with their meanings which originally appeared in Parsiana have now been reprinted in an attractive 24-page booklet. The book, which is priced at Rs 40, is available on sale at; THE PARSIANA BOOK OF IRANIAN NAMES Kaiser-E-Hind, 300 Pehn Nariman Street, Behind Reserve Bank of India, Fort, Bombay 400001. Faredoon and Burjor Sandalwood Shop, Princess Street, Bombay 400002. Union Press, 13, Homji Street, Bombay 400001. made by Satan and his evil beings. ” Pruned from the tale, prudently, are some parts concerning the complicated relationship of old King Jamshid ’s sisters Arnavaz and Shehr-i-naz with Zohak, as told in the original Shah Nameh. These would have been difficult for young readers to grasp. The poetic beauty of the Shah Nameh is exchanged for prose in this version for children. Yet, Mehta ably captures the dramatic content and religious fervor of the day with its strong supernatural and esoteric beliefs in good and bad magic, the efficacy of prayer and meditation and the prophetic potency of dreams. The struggle to live righteously is given epic proportions, lor the evil within and without man is hard to overcome completely. “Even today Zohak exists underground (in our unconscious psyche)... licking thin, every night, the chains that bind him... only to have the daylight (reason) thicken them again at the crack of dawn. ” Throughout the story, Mehta advances her position on the importance of praying in the original language (which may be questioned by some of the younger generation), as well a.s the concepts ol the power of nirangs and of developing a tele ­ pathic relationship, as Faridoon did, with a spiritual master. Mehta ’s convictions about the above as well a.s about the Mazdayasni faith are evident throughout in her treatment ofthe Shah Nameh story. It i.s a book that can be digested by children about seven years and above. The graphic nature of the evil depicted here makes me hesitate to recommence it for younger readers. It candelinitely be used for older age groups to promote - discussion on the esoteric parts ofthe Mazdayasni faith. <7 ¦4' With Best Wishes Nandiroyce International Limited Suite 1000, 1235 Bay Street, Toronto M5R 3K4, Canada and Boyce Associates Suite 1000, 1235 Bay Street, Toronto M5R 3K4, Canada 166 Parsiana February-March 1998 IBacking yoga Dina Mehta With Best Compliments From FRESH FLORITECH (I) PVT LTD Bombay Yoga For Back and Joint Disorders by Hansa Jayadeva Yogendra and Armaiti Neriosang Desai. Published in 1997 by Dr Jayadeva Yogendra for The Yoga Institute, Prabhat Colony, Santacruz (East), Bombay 400055. Pp: 187. Price: Rs 300. Do you slump in your chair when you work at the computer? Slouch over the files and ledgers on your desk? When you stand do you look like an ungainly question mark with rounded shoulders (the Dowager ’s hump it ’s called when acquired by the female of the species) and protruding stom ­ ach? Such undesirable postures over a period of time tell on our muscles and bones and are often the cause of degeneration of the spine, stiffness of the joints and other orthopedic problems. But if we have caused the problem, the solution — round- the-clock posture awareness and simple stretching move ­ ments — i.s also within our reach. So we have a choice, is what this book tells us. Co-authored by Hansa Jayadeva Yogendra and Armaiti Neriosang Desai, who teach at the prestigious Yoga Institute in Bombay (the oldest of its kind in the world, established in 1918), the introductory chapters of Yoga For Back and Joint Disorders make it plain that we invite a host of physical ailments on ourselves. But if we Create our own disorders, by lack of exercise, wrong diet, stressful living and ' unlimited desires, we also have the choice of living simply, relaxedly, with awareness of our inner resources and innate healing powers. Indeed, awareness is the key. With Best Wishes J. M. SHROFF TRANSPORT Private Limited TRANSPORT CONTRACTORS For Bulk Liquids, Petrochemicals, Petroleum Products, Acetic Acid and other Chemicals all over India. Special Fleet of Stainless Steel “MINI-TANKERS” for loads upto 6.5 KL or 4.5 KL Sita Estate, “A” Wing, 1st Floor, Unit No 1, R. C. Marg, Chembur, Bombay 400074 Tel: 5555425, 5519359, 5567175 Fax: 5566907 Branch: BARODA: Tel No 792924, 791818 168 Parsiana February-March 1998 IBe aware of what you are doing; more importantly, be aware of what you are thinking, for what happen.s to your body first happens in your mind. Fears, tensions, impossible job deadlines, in ­ terpersonal conflicts, anxiety over money, etc subject the muscles to un ­ con- and as much as wrong pos- lure over the years. What is recommended in these pages is a holistic ap proach to health, j Simple lifestyle changes, like eating selec- Desai (left) and Yopendra: stress an lively, exercis- pasture awareness ing more, substi ­ tuting negative thought pattern.s with positive ones, have made a difference to patients suffering from such serious com ­ plaints as cervical spondy losi.s and rheu ­ matoid arthritis. But it is not suggested anywhere in the book that self-diagno ­ sis or self-medication is good enough for orthopedic complaints. Again and again it is stated that your problem re- % 4' c? quire.s medical attention and may worsen without it. Also, that unindicated medi ­ cine can be harmful. Forthis reason a comprehensive chap ­ ter on medical specifics has been in ­ cluded in the book (chapter three) with guidelines for treatment suggested by a qualified ortho ­ pedic surgeon. Dr P. S. Mantora, who assist.s at The Yoga Institute. In simple terms, but without sac ­ rificing scien ­ tific facts, Man ­ tora acquaints U.S with the anatomy of the spine and mus ­ cles of the entire back, and the holistic strategies evolved to deal with pain: pain in the cervical spine or the neck (of the literal a.s well a.s the metaphoric kind!), the lumbar spine or lower back, the shoulder, the knee, the heel... Along with medical attention and rest during the acute phase, treatment prescribe drugs, I would prescribe a book. ” suggested for each complaint includes a 1 p. list of asanas (yogic postures) that help, and a list of those that should be strictly avoided in that particular disorder. Thi.s i.s invaluable knowledge, fur ­ ther amplified in chapter four, which i.s all about asanas. Given in alphabetical order, they are to be performed smoothly and mindfully, by coordinating breath ­ ing and body movements. Each asana i.s taught step by step. Copious color plates and sketches demonstrate the correct postures. Indications and counter indi ­ cations arc listed in at-a-glance charts, as well as physiotherapy exercises and their equivalent asanas. The experien ­ tial benefit of a particular asana and the philosophy underlying it are stated in a few words. For example, the makrasana (crocodile pose), when perfectly held, induces the attitude of letting go. The philosophy behind padmasana (lotus pose) is that one can live in the world yet not be affected by it — like the lotus. Care and love have gone into the com ­ pilation of this glossy, handsome volume printed on art paper. One of Bombay ’s well-known orthopedic surgeons. Dr K. V. Chaubal, makes this 5bservation in his foreword to the book: “Doctors usually- One can see why. ZORO GARMENTS PRIVATE LIMITED (An Eligible Export House Recognised by tbe Govt, of India) Manufacturers and Exporters of Readymade Garments, Made-Ups & Fabrics Address: C-3, Industrial Estate, Ambattur, Chennai 600058 Phone: 652416/652497/656215 E-Mail: zoro.gmts@axees.s.net.in Fax: (91)44-6257789 170 Parsiana February-March 1998EVENTS & PERSONALITIES continued from page 30 morial Column Local Committee which organizes these celebrations every year. It should also be marked as a Red Letter Day on Parsi calendars, he urged. The occasion serves to remember with gratitude Dastur Naryosang Dhawal who sought protection and the Hindu king Jadi Rana who granted refuge to the commu ­ nity over 12 centuries ago. Others serving on the Committee are secretary Nariman Balsara, treasurer Gustasp B. Jussawala, and member Dosabhai Oliaji. The late Naval Nariman of Parsi Dairy Farm was also a member at the time of the last celebrations. Vajifdar: duly respected The Rent authority He must have answered more than one lakh questions from the public on the subject of rent control laws and housing society regulations. This is the guessti ­ mate advanced to in ­ dicate advocate Koover C. Vajifdar ’s popularity with the readers of Mid-Day, Manorama, Daily, The Economic Times, Sunday Ob­ server, Accommoda­ tion Times, Jam-e- Jamshed and The Bombay Samachar in addition to several other periodicals. Having been in the legal profession for the last 40 years, “the best of advocates and solicitors (of Bombay) respected his Indian Merchants Chamber, JuniorCham- opinion and many housing societies were saved the expense and trouble of going in for litigation, ” states a tribute in the Jam- High priests and mobeds at the jashan on Eebruary 7, 1998 to celebrate the 151st salgirah ofCusrow Bang ’.s Nusserwanji Hirji Karani Agiary. (Below) Chief guest, retired justice Bakhtawar Lentin addressing the gathering at the evening function, flanked by Jamshed Cuzder, (left) chairman ofthe Agiary Trust, and Bomi Hansotia, managing trustee t e-Jamshed of August 31, 1997. “The 36,000 cooperative housing societies (in Bombay) will surely miss the legal advice past deputy district governor of the Lions of Mr Vajifdar and it will take long time Club and seniormost past president of the for the void to be filled, ” notes the Janie Lions Club of Cuffe Parade. As a write-up following 78-year-old Vajifdar ’s freemason he had been deputy grand mas- demise onAugust24, 1997 at Bombay ’.s Breach Candy Hospital after a brief ill­ ness. For Parsiana, he had contributed a series of articles, “Wedlock ’s end ” on the Parsi Marriage and Divorce Act which Goal in sight had been carried over six instalments of Parsiana in 1992. Among the different institutions which faculty at the HSC (Higher Secondary had conferred awards on him were the Certificate) examination, Bombay divi ­ sion, Tanya Sam Balsara was conferred the Lion Archie D’Souza Award by the National Association for the Blind in Sep ­ tember 1997. A student of St Xavier ’s berofCommcrcc, Accommodation Times, Estate Agents Association. He had authored three books on the Nawaz Dinyar Marfatia (center) was crowned Miss Mumbai ’97 at a function at the Hotel Leela on Decem­ ber 22, 1997. The 18-year-old EYBA student of St Xavier’s College who aspires to be a top model was one of the 18 entrants vying for the Cococare sponsored contest in association with Island Magazine, it was stated in Blitz, December 27, 1997. Photo: BUtz subject of his expertise: Rent Act Easily Explained, Society Act and its Implica­ tions, Know Your Housing Society Act. He had also expressed his views on the Maharashtra Rent Control Bill 1993. Shortly before his demise he was invited to Dubai to address the Non-Resident Indians and reached several thousands in Mauritius and Seychelles through the Internet, notes an article in The Afternoon Despatch and Courier ol August 26,1997. Helping the poor and the needy through the Lions movement, Vajifdar was the ter of the Grand Lodge of Western India. An avid chess player he was presidentof the Dadar Chess Circle, his biographical details were recounted. For securing the second position among all visually impaired students of the Arts 172 Parsiana February-March 1998 ISi' o. iff the airlines is what the spirited teenager is aspiring towards. “She does not allow her handicap since birth to come in the way of living life to the fullest, ” notes a write-up sent by her father Sam Balsara who is the chief executive of Madison DMB&B. En ­ joying the companionship of her many friends Balsara loves talking on the phone, listening to western pop music and danc ­ ing. She is ever willing to journey, prefer ­ ring the climes of a hill station, she states. College, Balsara, who had scored 70 per ­ cent at the examination, earned a certifi ­ cate and a cash prize of Rs 1,100, she reveals. Specializing in psychology and sociol ­ ogy, with French, 18-year-old Balsara has to commute to town daily from her resi ­ dence at Jogeshwari. Fortunately for her, sister Lara who is in the 12th standard at the same College, can accompany her on the journey. The fact that her best friend from school (Lady Vissanji Girls Acad- Balsam (rif^ht) heinfr conferred the award cmy) wa.s also going to Xavier ’,s helped Balsara who had always been keen on joining this College. While she docs sit in at most lectures, attendance being com ­ pulsory now, for her exam preparations she lakes xeroxed note.s from her friends established byline formore than 20years. which arc then audio recorded by her mother or someone else, she explains. A career in hotel management or with Reaping rewards Harvest, a play about the human organs bazar which won the $ 2,50,000 (Rs 86 lakh) Aristotle Onassis International Drama Award in Athens in September 1997, was written by Manjula Pad- manabhan who started her writing and designing career with Parsiana in 1973. There were 1,470 entries from 76 coun ­ tries, mentioned her sisterGeetaDoctorin The Week, July 20, 1997. As book illustrator, cartoonist, colum ­ nist and progenitor of the comic strip character Suki, Padmanabhan has been an Her forays into play writipg, film scripts and short stories are not as well known. In an interview with Outlook, December 15, ** With Compliments Of Manize Estd: 1959 Ladies Department Store JEUNESSE: Total beauty care and hair dressing Cumballa Hill Flyover, Bombay 400036 Telephones: Shop: 3877833, 3869855. Resi: 2151900 and Spin Weave Textiles Philco Industries HO: Piramal Mansion, 235, D. N. Road, Bombay 400001 Telephone: 2616781 Fax: 2611744 174 Parsiana February-March 1998 II lo science I'iclion MAY It74 ficehe vuittire -SO'' jhat's new Ir, tHe 1997 she relates how she saw a small announcement in an Australian paper in ­ viting entries for the Onassis Award and started writing Harvest in great earnest. “In utter secrecy and within aself-imposcd deadline of three months, rewriting and revising ever\ single day, ” Haircst look form. “The reason my story-telling veers off or the surreal i,s because it enables me lo cut loose from the annoying constraint.s of realistic detail, ” mentions Padmanabhan who confesses, “P ve not had a li fc easy for olhens lo recognize. ” The 43 years of her life have been like a rolling stone, stem ­ ming from growing up in many places as adiplomat ’s daughter, almost likea “privi- leged nomad, ” in the words of her sister. “Writing Harvest has been Manjula ’.s best kept secret. She could not bear to face another rejection with yet another unpub ­ lished or unperformed play, ” writes Doc ­ tor a regular editorial contributor lo Parsiana in the early years. Fusing horror with hilarity. Harvest, a three-act play set in a Bombay chawl in the year 2010, has been described a.s a “sav- ¦'Sj I Pddutanahhan with her creatioiix: the May 1974 cover of Parsiana depictintr four leadiuy coiuiuuuity poets and sketch drawn for an earlier issue agely funny vision of the cannibalist fu­ ture that awaits the human race. It is a parable ol what will happen when the rich denizens ol the First World actually begin lo devour bits and pieces of the Third World poor. ” In what is essentially a mod ­ ern morality play, “there is not one im ­ probable situation or a single boring line, ” writes Sunil Sethi in Outlook. SPOTLIGHT A three-judge bench of the Supreme Court had given time up to March 16,1998 to the Bombay Parsi Punchayet and Rotary Club of Mumbai Sunrise to “amicably ” find a solution, including the possibility of shift ­ ing, in the conflict over the construction of a public toilet block nd&r the Bhikha Behram well. Compiled by Parinaz M. Gandhi With Compliments From MERINO LIMITED 176 Parsiana February-March 1998 * IMILESTONES The age of Zoroastrian brides (a.s listed in this issue) ranged between 19 and 36 years, the arithmetic mean (the total num ­ ber of individual ages divided by the total number of brides) being 25 years. The correspond ­ ing figures for the grooms were 24 and 46 years, averaging at 29 years. A.s compared to 84 Zoroastri ­ ans who were consigned to the Towers of Silence in Bombay in February, there were 12 babies born. The major killer — heart disease — claimed 34 patients of whom 21 were above the age of 80. The other killers were pneu- moniaandlung disease) 11),brain disease (seven), cancer (five) and hypertension and old age/gen- eral debility (four each). Two victims fell prey to diabetes. The varied isolated cases registered in February were toxaemia (the generalized poisoningof the body by the products of bacteria or damaged tissue), kidney failure, perforation of the intestine, uri ­ nary tract infection, hypogle- cemia (decreased blood sugar, attended by anxiety, excitement, perspiration, delirium or coma), osteoporosis (los.s of bone den ­ sity due to excessive absorption of calcium and phosphorus from lhe bone), filariasis (infestation with a parasitic, thread-like worm, found mainly in lhe trop ­ ics and subtropics), haemate- mesi.s (vomiting of blood), car ­ bon monoxide poisoning, bron ­ chitis, leukemia, septicemia, liver disease, vertigo, haemorrhage and shock due to multiple inju ­ ries to vital organs, asthma and Hodgkin ’s lymphoma. A still ­ born baby girl wa.s also lost to the community. The age range tluc- tualed between 23 and 96 years. The Zoroastrian life expectancy at birth, in Bombay in February, was 7,5 years. The data on births, marriages and deaths has been compiled from information supplied by various newsletters and anju ­ mans in India and abroad, courts and hospitals. Thi.s information i.s not always complete or con ­ sistent: we are unable to carry data from areas where lhe anju- man.s do not furnish the particu ­ lars; the birth figures for Bom ­ bay are supplied by four hospi ­ tals — birth.s in suburban hospi ­ tals and private nursing homes are not included unless indi ­ viduals send U.S information to ­ gether with a copy of the birth certificate. There may be an in­ advertent repetition of names in the marriage list when a civil marriage precede.s a religious ceremony. In lhe breakup of death.s according to illnesses, especially of lhe elderly, death is often due to a combination of several diseases. If readers have any births/ marriages/dcaths they would like published, some proof to ensure the veracity of lhe report would be required. Wc are sure our readers would appreciate ihi.s requirement and cooperate with us. AURANGABAD DIED Proehee Nariman (59), wife of Phiroze and mother of Aashdin and Zubin on October 11, 1997 Damani(i: February 2S BOMBAY HORN A hoy, Kurush, to Arniaily and Rohinton Chiniwaler, October 21 A boy, Anosh, to Jasmine and Firdosh Bacher February 3, 1998 A girl, Zayra, to Deianish and Zyros Zend', February 4 A boy to Yasmin and Naozer Diiiier, February 7 A boy to Pervin and Hosidar Daji', February 10 A boy to Nelly and Cyrus Kalrak; February 10 A boy to Aban and Minoo Elavier. February 11 A boy to Phirooza and Zorb' Shroff February 12 A girl to Pervin and Hoshang Variava', February 12 K 'wsj Vo AvYiitotv 'Aotk Daviits Panelole', February 19 A boy to LUy and Behram Antler. February 20 A boy to Kamal and Rohinlon Bhathena', February 27 A girl to Nilofer and Yeizeiel MARRIED Avein Adi Tarmaster and Riislom Hector Caviner. November 15, 1997 Ayeshei Jehangir Bilinioriei and Jeimsheel Bejon Maeloir. February I, 1998 Yasmin Noshir Bheiriicha and Phiroze Hoshang Mehta', February I Kamal Fi nch Koeliei and Hormetzd Rusi Sidhwer. February 1 Binaifer Beiji Khanibata and Kaizael Minoo Peireliwaller, February 2 Kermeen Dinyar Bharuchei and Hormuz Fraehsheiw Aveiri', February ,3 Vabiz Kersi Boochei and Shahrukh Keki Peivri', February .3 Jasmine Jamshed Ireini (Sabzeh) and Shavir Honii Roshni'. February ,3 Parizad Sheri Shroff and Mehernosh Dinyeir Bheigaf, Nancy Jeil Doleisei and Mahabarin Farokh Bhesaniei of Charai, Dist Thane; February 5 Avan Sam Taraporewedet and Fi nch Jell PeileP, February 6 Niioofer Lovji Adajania and Rayamand Sam Kasad', February 7 Despina Farrakb Umrigar and Hiisliedar Hami Mebla', February 7 Tana: Jal Dariiwalla and Vispi Dara Driver, February 8 Nava: Sam Filter and Behram Riisi Mohia', February 9 Aban Bamanshaw Kasad and .Sycfi.v Keki Bhariieha', February 10 Sii:.anne Adi Irani ol Dahanu Rd and Perev Sorab Chawdlirv. February 10 Parizad Cyrus Patel and Hiisliedar Haini Divwala', February 12 Rashna Hashang Biliniaria and Maneek Minoa Palia of Vapi; February 13 Nazneeh Nutizer Vakbaria and Ziibein Dhiin Biiliariwalla', February 14 Armin Bomi Hansotia and Neville Godrej Dolivala', February 15 Pina: Jamshed Thanewala AYitS Surns^i Ker.sy Til)/)', February 15 Klmrshid Jehanbux Tata and Dinshaw Framroze Variava', February 15 Nihtfer Minoo Pate! and Viraf Minoo Malnivewahr, February 16 Rasima Gev Dhunjibhoy and Aspi Pesi Pithawalla', February 16 Auzita Fariborze Kaovasia and Hoshang Mehraban Saniya of Rockville, Maryland, USA; February 16 Shiraz Soli Mandroina and Filly Hoshang Bapuna', February 17 Jenifer Behram Soonawalla and Kershasp Rusi Carnac, February 19 Parizad Adi Ichhaporia and Jamshyd Bomy Patravala', February 19 Meher Minoo Daruwalla and Pervez Faramroze Dhanidaduna', February 20 Keshvar Adi Vakharia and Kali Hoshi Buhariwalla', February 21 Binaifcr Ja! Sadri and Keki Rusi Jaorewala', February 22 Farnaz. Pheroze Patel and Hoshang Sohrab Modi of Thane; Februa^ 22 Azita Rashid Rateshtari of Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA and Rustom Behram KaovaHia', February 23 Romana Khushru Irani and A spandiyar Kaikushroo Kawasia', February 25 Dilnavaz. Jehanbux Jijina and Jumshed Pervez Selhna', February 26 Veera Jehangir Hataria and Kaizad Sam Bhacker, February 28 ¦St DIED Te/imina Sorabjee Irani (81), residing at B, B. Merwan Bldg, Opp Grant Rd Stn, 400007; January 31*- Silloa Nariman Bhagal (74), Dr Kerawalla Bldg, 307, Tardeo Rd, 400007; February 1 Perin Ardeshir Bhumgara (61), Homi Mehta ’s Bglw, Behram Baug, Jogeshwari (W), 400102; February 1 Maneck Dhunjishaw Kapadia Rutton Manor, 39, Garden Rd, Colaba, 400039; February 1 DoAv Mancckji PartWi T15ip, Old Khan Bldg, Zoroastrian Clny, Chikalwadi, 400007; February 1 Dhanjishaw Dadabhov Vesuna (89), B7/16, Mistry Bldg, Dr Shirodkar Rd, Parel, 400012; 178 Parsiana February-March 1999 IMATRIMONIAL USA based girl, age 29, professionally qualified, seeks life partner willing to settle in USA. Write full details with photograph to: The Advertiser Parsiana, Matrimonial (Feb-Mar/4-98)* GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 "Please make sure the reply envelope bears the reference number cited here. MATRIMONIAL Alliance invited from educated young man for our UK born and educated daughter of outgoing personality, aged 30, willing to settle in the Western world. Please send bio data with photograph (returnable) to: The Advertiser Parsiana, Matrimonial (Feb-Mar/2-98)* GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 "Please make sure the reply envelope bears the reference number cited here. February 1 Dadi Eruchshaw Adajania (76), Room no 7/C, Dubash Bldg, Avabai Kashinath Rd,' Tardeo, 400034; February 2 Zia Hoshang Dastoor (23), Modhvanik Vidyarthi Bhuvan Bldg, 15, Swami Gyanjivan- das Rd, Near Dadar Stn, 400014; February 2 Dinshaw Kavasji Duhash (70), B/10, New Khareghat Clny, Hughes Rd, 400007; February 2 Minoo Bhikaji Elavia (70), 5/5, Tala Clny, Tardeo, 400034; February 2 Jer Nariman Gheyara (89), B/17, Tardeo Chmbs, Kashinalh Rd, Tardeo, 4()()()34; February 2 Piroja Ratansha Italia (86), Mahalaxmiwalla Bldg, 18, Sleater Rd, 400007; February 2 Erenie Fredoon Kerawalla (75), C/14, Rustom Bang, Victoria Rd, Byculla, 400027; February 2 Freni Jal Mehala (15), B, Rupali Park, Irani Rd, Dahanu, Disl Thane, 401601; February 2 Ferore Framro-e Pole/ (711. Suryodaya Bldg, 7, Juhu Rd, Santacruz (W), 400054; February 2 yVciJfl Dinsluiw Amalsad (^1), C/o J. D. Katrak, Rati Hse, 17, Gola Lane, Fort, 400001; February 3 Phiroza Merwan Kolah (I}}, K/8, S. B. Bharucha Bang, S. V. Rd, Andheri (W), 400058; February 3 Marzhan Ardeshar Bharucha (56), 5/3, Atur Apts, Minoo Desai Marg, Opp Fariyas Hotel, Colaba, 400005; February 4 Dinamai Sorabjee Zaiwalla (Ih), Chamarbaugwalla Chawl, Dr Ambedkar Rd, Parel, 400012; February 4 Jamshedji Horinusji Divecha New Contractor Bldg, Sussex Rd, Victoria Garden, Byculla, 400027; February 5 Perviz Mancherji Kapadia (11), Shalimar, Nqtaji Subashchandra Bose Rd, 400021; February 5 Narintan Meherwanji Bhagalia (96), 12, Deepali, St Cyril Rd, Bandra (W), 400050; February 6 Dhun Cavas Bilinioriu (56), Avabai M^ns, Jame Progressives 't - - M/d-; ¦c^/stQnce -- _ Distance - - The lens for uninterupted vision at different ranges distance, mid-distance & 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 I 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 180 Parsiana February-March 1998 IWith best wishes from Farah & Tanya Jamshed Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; February 6 Pervin Mehernosh Duhasli (51), 8, Khareghat Clny, N. S. Patkar Marg, 400007; February 6 Peslioian Hoi-iiiorji Kuka (82), Sakarwadi, Nawab Tank Rd, Mazgaon Dock, 400010; February 6 Murazban lieliruiii/i Madon (84), 5/8, Bradys Flats, Sorab Bharucha Rd, Colaba, 400005; February 6 Ketsi .leliuii}>irji Mebtu (64), 4B/5, Tata Clny, Tardeo, 4()()()34; February 6 Giistad Kaikluislvu Patel (12}. lO/A, 668, Desai Bldg, Katrak Rd, Wadala, 400031; February 6 Baby .yirl ol ’ Persis Shahzad Wadia (stillborn), 39, Shirin Bldg, Colaba Post Office, 400005; February 6 Dady Niisxei wan/i Balliwala (83). 4()9/C, Libra Bldg, Lower Kliarodi, Marve Rd, Malad (W), 400095; February 7 Hond Nii.yserwanji Bboot (85), 54, Vijay Climbs, Tribliavan Rd, 400004; February 7 Freiiy Nariman Patel (70), Post Nargol, Via Sanjan, Dist Valsad, 396135; February 7 Pillot) Nariman Snrti (88), C/o Noshir Dumasia, 195. Dosal Mans, Jame Jamshed Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; February 7 Nariman Telimiira.'ii> Daver (84), 24, Palkhiwalla Hse (Tara Manzil), Dhobitalao, 1st lane, 400002; February 8 No.sliir Kbodabii.x Mody (66), B/1, New Wadia Block, Malcolm Baug, Jogeshwari, 400102; February 8 Kami KInir.'ibedii Daruwalla (85), 111, Uniargaon Bldg, Dr Ambedkar Rd, lAirel, 400012; February 9 Aloo .lai Mody (72), Dhun Bldg, Sant Cadge Maharaj Sanatorium Rd, Dadar, 4()()()14; February 9 Dbimji.xha Rn.'itomji Bba^way^ar (IQ), ^19, Sir Ratal! Tata Clny, Tardeo, 400034; February 10 Din.xhaw Dosabliai Karai (15). Ajit St, Malesar, Navsari. 396445; February Shera Arde.xhir Nania (85), A/10, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 4()()()39; February To Behram Kaiklnt.\hr(>o Pate! 10 (60), Lam Bldg, 173, Delisle Rd, 400013; February 10 Gustad Jehangirjee Tampa! (IQ), R/34, Nowroz Baug, Lalbaug, 400012; February 10 Daulat Aspandiar Dinyarian (85), 6/607, Bridge View, 16, Hansraj Lane, Byculla, 400027; February 11 Jal Eruchshaw Maioo (1\), C, Durlabh Bhavan, Jalbhai St, Grant Rd, 400007; February 11 Dossan Dadabhoy Tavadia (82), 3, Tata Mills Co-op Hsg Soc, Elphinstone Rd, Parel, 400012; February 11 Beliram Jehangir Bhappu (76), Hari Niwas, Mathew Rd, 400004; February 12 Sliera Jal Billimoria (83), 6, Jehangir Mans, A. Podar Marg, 400020; February 12 Sheru Dhunjishaw Mehta (75), Botawala Bldg, Tardeo Rd, 400007; February 12 Mani Jamshed Munsiff (82), M/13, Palm Springs, Cuffe Parade, 400005-February 12 Tehmurasp Kai^hushro Contractor (88), C/o Room no 19, Cricket Club of India, Brabourne Stadium, Churchgate, 400020; February 13 Aloo Rattan Engineer (80), 11/12, Tata Bldg, Tardeo Rd, 400034; February 13 Noshir Gustadji Guzder (81), 12, Banaji Hse, Contractor Baug, Mori Rd, Mahim, 400016; February 13 Darabshaw Pestonji Karanjia (81), B/1002, Ahura, Eduiji Rd, Charai, Thane, 400601; February 13 Sorah Dhunjisha Mistry (85), Rcadymoney Bldg no 2, 17, Sir Ratan Tata Rd, Tardeo, 400034; February 13 Darabshaw {Dara) (Dorah) Nuvroji Pate! (85), 75, Shreeji Hse, Mint Rd, Fort, 400001; February 13 Najoo Minocher Vimadalal (80), Cama Bldg, Murzban Clny, Gilder Lane, Lamington Rd, 400008; February 13 Nariman Hormusji MaroUa (68), G/9, Shailesh Apts, Anand Ngr, Vasai Rd (W), 401202; February 14 Tehemina Eraniroz. Panthaki (83), 2B/30, Tata Mills Co-op Hsg Soc, Elphinstone Rd, Parel, 400012; February 14 Feramroz Khudabu.y Pouredehi (80), 607, 182 Parsiana February-March 1998 I* Sawn Timber Doors & Windows Kiln Seasoning With compliments from Chemical Preservative Treatment Packing Cases & Pallets The Saher Furniture Components B. F. Wadia & Sons 142, Reay Road Bombay 400010 Tel: 3721934, 3720235 Fax: 3739373 Tlx: 11-74571 BFW IN Family Bangalore 560051 India For Pure Diamonds JEWELLERS 184 Parsiana February-March 1998 Sukhadwala Bldg, J. S. S. Rd, Opp Wadiaji Atash Behram, 400002; February 14 Homi Dorahji Sepoy (71), 3/29, Tata Mills Co-op Hsi Soc, Elphinstone Rd, Parel, 400012; February 14 Minoo Nuservanji Kerawala (57), 783, Patel Home, M. Joshi Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; February 15 Kuly Palloiiji Karaiijia (73), 8/4, Tala Clny, Tardeo, 400034; February 16 Nergislt Eruch Sidhwci (59), 5/24, Kapadia Bldg, A. H. Wadia Bang, Parel Tank Rd, 400033; February 17 Mehru Minoo Wadia (.55). 4-C/I3, L.l.C. Clny, Borivli (W), 400103; February 17 Khorshed Keki Gandhi (84), A/8-, Pearl Clny, 205, Dr Ambedkar Rd, Dadar (E), 400014; February 18 Dhiin Noshir MawalwaUa (83), 22, Petit Widows ’ Chawl, Mody St, Fort, 400001; February 19 Gool Janished^islry (68), 9/16, Tata Clny, Tardeo, 400034; February 19 Adi Pagadiwala (IS'), B/6, Amar Ashirwad, Agiary Rtf ¦g 324, Grant Road, Bombay 400007. Telephone 3099648 Fax 3073483 APPOINTED VALUERS BY THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIAL With Best Complimen ts From SEALOL HINDUSTAN LIMI TED With Best Wishes From A Weil Wisher February 19 Sai var Rustomji Rashid (Irani) (Tl), 5, Baharistan Bldg, Vikhroli (W), 400083; February 19 Shirin Dinshaw Bhesadia (81), C/19, Godrej Baug, Off Napean Sea Rd, 400026; February 20 Bacha Rustomji Malegamvala (88), Dhunbad, 23, N. Bharucha Marg, Grant Rd, 400007; February 20 Motan Dara Mehta (82), 9/D, Harbour Heights, N. A. Sawant Marg, Colaba, 400005; February 20 Ja! Khurshedji Mowdawalla (1^)), Mumtaz Manzil, 63, Wodehouse Rd, 400005; February 22 Darah Boinanji Pochkhanawala (8'2), 11/6, Rustom Baug, Victoria Rd, Byculla, 400027; February 22 Dhuninai Jalejar Uinrigar (88), 166/1, Maqbul Bldg, Hill Rd, Bandra (W), 400050; February 22 Roda Pesi Ayem (82), Jer Mans, 19, Gazdar S^ Thakurdwar, 400002; February 23 Nergiz Savak Kotwal (89), B/9, Contractor Baug, Mori ,, ‘ O: WiYfe compliments from B. B. GARDA & SONS 10 B. J. Road, Poona 411001 186 Parsiana February-March 1998MATRIMONIAL Alliance invited from Zoroastrian boys up to 32 years, professionally well settled, for a slim, good-looking, graduate girl, aged 26, willing to settle in India or abroad. Please send detailed information with photograph (returnable) to: The Advertiser Parsiana, Matrimonial (Feb-Mar/5-98)* GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 ‘Please make sure the reply envelope bears the reference number cited here. C>’ Statement of Ownership & Other Particulars about Parsiana: Form iv (See Rule 8) Place of Publication: Bombay Periodicity of Publication: Ten issues in a year Printer, Publisher, Editor: Jehangir R. Patel Nationality: Indian Address: K. K. (Navsari) Chambers, 39, A. K. Nayak Marg, Bombay 400001 Proprietor: Parsiana Publications Pvt Ltd, 39, A. K. Nayak Marg, Bombay 400001 Shareholders holding more than one percent of the total capital: Jehangir R. Patel, Veera J. Patel and Simin J. Patel, address same as above. year I, Jehangir R. Patel, hereby declare that the particulars given above are true to the best of my knowledge and belief. Sd. (Jehangir R. Patel) 1 March 1998 Rd, Mahim, 400016; February 23 Rataniai Hirjihhai Patel (91), 5/1, A. H. Wadia Bang, Pare! Tank Rd, 400033; February 23 Honniisji Ardeshir Wadia (81), 52, Forjett St, 400036; February 23 Freny Rohinton Godiwalla {5?,), 13/B, Sai Niketan, 345, Mount Rd, Mazgaon, 400010; February 25 Diithai ./ehangirji Patel (94), Alpaiwalla Bldg, M. M. Cholhani Rd, Mahim, 400016; February 25 Pesi Rustom Billiinoria (85), 2’ 8,51 A, Yusuf Mans, 204, Khetwadi Back Rd, 400004; February 26 Nergish Frachsha Mistry (59), 286, Princess St, 400002; February 27 Kety Pirojshaw Mohta {15), Shirin Mans, Shankarsheth Rd, Opp Grant Rd Stn, 400007; February 27 Nariman Manekshaw Dariivalla (73), M/8, Nowroz Bang, Lalbaug, 400012; February 28 CALCUTTA MARRIED Devika Dutt and Sohrab Setna; December 26, 1997 DIED Homai Frainroz Buchia, sister of Dadabhoy and late Faredoon; February 19, 1998 POONA DIED Piroja Cawasji Bharuclia (90), 470, Centre St, Camp, 411001; February 8 Jamshedji Jivanji Shroff (80), Canopus Apts, Boat Club Rd, 411001; February 16 Bachainai Phiroze Siganporia {1'1 f 88, DSFA Gurudwara Rd, Camp, 411001; February 19 Viloo Minoo Damania {59), 5, Vilman, 202/1, Nagar Rd, 411006; February 21 Ardeshir Jamshedji Masalawalla {lb), 1956, Dr Saldanha St, 411001; February 26 SURAT DIED Jalainai Darabshaw Dotiwa^a With Best Wishes From Mr Rusy M. Shroff, M.B.E. and Mrs Purviz R. Shroff 188 Parsiana February-March 1998Always remember TATA BATA KHAMBATA Ketayun & Bomi 22/A, Wellington Terrace Wellington Street, Bombay 400002 Tel No: 2069636,2057242 Pager No: 9602-104007 MATRIMONIAL Parents of a pretty girl, 37 years, looking much younger than her age, presently working in Tanzania, East Africa, but will be soon joining her parents in USA, invite matrimonial correspondence from nice, good looking boys well-settled in USA. Reply with photograph (returnable) to: The Advertiser Parsiana, Matrimonial (Feb-Mar/3-98)* GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 ‘Please make sure the reply envelope bears the reference number cited here. (70), Timaliawad, Nanpura, 395001; February 1 Homai Faramroz Bheshania (54),,Village Bhesan, Dist Surat, 362020; February 2 Homi Rustamji Palia (69), Vankibordi, 395003; February 3 Homi Darabshaw Patel (65), Lam Bldg, Lower Parel, Bombay, 400012; February 5 Adil Nanabhai Masalawala (45), Village, Siganpore, Dist Surat; February 5 Noshir Pastanji Patel (76), Nariman Home and Infirmary, Shahpore, 395003; February 16 Meharbai Ratansha Master (97), Kotwal St, Nanpura, 395001; February 18 Firoz J. Dukandar IJh), Nariman Home and Infirmary, Shahpore, 395003; February 25 * * * AUSTRALIA New South Wales MARRIED Toranz Davar, daughter of Freyni and Adi, and Keith Wildy, son of Jan and Greig; December 14, 1997 CANADA Calgary DIED Hilla Jamshed Khory, mother of Sheriar and Farouk and sister of Perin Mathur; September 28 Montreal DIED Goolbanu Eruchshaw Mirza, mother of Khushru and Freddy; December 16 Toronto BORN A boy, Zurwan, to Pearl and Khushru Chothia; September 18 Vancouver BORN A boy, Arshaam, to Roya and Jehangir Mojgani; August 25 A girl, Anahita, to Azita and Raiomand Parsi- Feraidooniatf, September 5 MARRIED * Farzaneh Salles of Tehran, daughter of Homa and Rostam, and Jamshid Kavoa^i of California; November 8 190 Parsiana February-March 1998 IGlobal Directory of Zoroastrian Fire Temples by Marzban J. Giara The book covers 187 places of public worship for Zoroastrians in nine countries and has 168 color pictures The directory is available from the author at Dhunmai Building 667, Lady Jehangir Road Dadar, Mumbai 400014 Tel: 4166204 DIED Rashid Irani (65), husband of Margaret and father of Yasmin and Parween; October 10 Victoria DIED .lini Koaka (75), mother of Rashna Charania, Ncrges, Yezdi, Farrokh and Meher; October 3 NEW ZEALAND Hamilton DIED Freddie Nariman Rao (43), husband of Bakhlavar and father of Furzan and Vizina; January 16, 1998 PAKISTAN Karachi BORN A girl. Naomi, lo Neena and Yazdsar Haveliwala; December 5, 1997 DIED Jainshed Sorah/i Cooper (58); January 23, 1998 Piroja Jainshedji Doliwalla Ol'); January 28 Hoshang Maneckji Dastur (67); January 30 Hoshang Cowasji Sethna (76); February 5 Mehru C. Vachha (84); February 5 Shaheryar K. Felfeli (68); February 9 Goolcher M. Vatcha (75); February 10 Pcrviz Behrani Lohar (78); February 13 Quetta DIED Daulat Meherwan Irani (82); January 24 UAE Dubai BORN A boy, Kayras, to Farzana and Percy Engineer; December 15, 1997 UK London DIED Feroze Madon (93), brother of Naval; November 19, USA Arlington BORN A boy, Zane, to Arhez and PRUDENTIAL SHIPPING AGENCIES PRIVATE LIMITED Shipping agents, cargo brokers and container operators 55A/63A, Walchand Hirachand Marg, Opp G.P.O., Mumbai 400001, India Tel; 2692787 (10 Lines), Fax: 2652841, Tlx: 11 82307 PSAB IN Email: g=prudential / s=bom / p=gems / a=vsnl / c=in Internet: prudential.bom (§)gems. vsnl.net. in Registered Office: 11, Mint Road, Fort, Mumbai 400001, India Tel: 2694203, 2659055, 2658396 Branches Bombay — Nhava Sheva — Kandla — New Delhi — Ludhiana — Ahmedabad 192 Parsiana February-March 1998Hoshctiig Patel, brother to Zara; February 2, 1998 FIGURES AT A GLANCE * Boise, Idaho BORN A boy, Sean, to Shahnaz and Shariikh Chhor, brother to Sanaya; January 23 Lewisville BORN A boy. Danesh, to Keshntira and Mehelly Bam; February 1 I Miami BORN A boy. Zane, to Lyla and Sant Todiwahr. September 11.1997 Rochester Hills, Michigan HORN A girl. Rashiia, to Mr and Mr.\ Sooiiawalla', December 23 San .lose, California Koiirosh .laiiishidi (36). son of Bchman and Jamshid and brother of Fariborz. Khushrow. Dolly Bhopti, Parichehr Kademi and Mahin Soroushian; October 21 San Ramon, California BORN A girl. Marina, to Natasha and Daraius Mehta'. October 2 Suwanee, Georgia BORN A boy. Connor Ryan, to Farida and Richard Tinker, brother to Scot Allen; January 19. 1998 Virginia BORN A girl. Connie Sarah, to Calliv Mar and Kersi Bltiwandi- walla: December 23. 1997 MARRIED S/icnta Dinshaw and Farshad Horinoz.dYaran: January 31. 1998 Washington BORN A boy. Dara, to Mandana and Bahrain Slialiriari; November 10, 1997 Westminster, Maryland BORN A boy, Cyras, to Arinaits and Marz.han Daroowalla; November 11 Compiled by Roxana A. Driver 194 Parsiana February-March 1998 BIRTHS Boys Girls MARRIAGES Parsi INTERCOMMUNAL Males married out Females married out DEATHS CONSIGNED Males Females CREMATED Males Females Bombay This issue 19970 1998* India This issue 1997^ 1998* This issue World 19970 1998* 10 3 37 39 46 104 101 275 52 44 451 474 6 7 15 13 74 82 95 1 7 8 7 4 5 2 115 99 1 2 1 15 15 10 5 27 33 5 2 1 8 8 11 5 2 42 41 1 5 6 oRunning totals for 1997 (January 1997-February-March 1998 issues) ?Running totals for 1998 (January 1998-February-March 1998 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. Bombay: The Telling Figures During the last decade, since Parsiana started computing the figure.s in 1987, intercommu ­ nity marriages in Bombay had been registering an increase. For the year 1997, although the actual count of inter ­ community marriages, 96, showed an increase of 19 over last year'.s tally of 77, in terms ol percentage representation there i.s a decline. The percen ­ tage ol intercommunity marria- ge.s works out to 26 as versus hospitals in south and central 28 in 1996. This percentage is calculated a.s a ratio of inter ­ community marriages to the total number of marriages (96:371). Ifcalculatedasaratio of intercommunity marriages to community (96:275), it is 35 percent (still lower than the 39 percent of 1996). Of the 646 Zoroastrians who married last year. 52 males and 44 females married out of the community as versus 4,3 males and 34 females in 1996. But while the intercommu ­ nity marriagc.s rose by 19, the count of community marriages increased by 78 over the pre ­ This despite the fact that only the data ol' those cremated at the Chandanwadi crematorium is culled by us and not the other Bombay crematoriums. ceding year's figure of 197, thus giving a total tally of 371 marriages in 1997. Once again the births regis ­ tered a decline. The 205 births (104 boys and 101 girls) known The details of those consigned to Parsiana indicated a decline of 1 1 (rver the prcviou.s year ’s figure of 216 when there were 20 more female babie.s born (98 boys, 118 girls). Our information on births being accessed from only four marriaucs al the Doongerwadi sent to us by the Bombay Parsi Puncha ­ yet show that 451 male.s and 474 females were consigned in 1997 a.s compared to 457 males and 502 females the previous year. The mean Life Expectancy at Birth (LEB) in 1997 was 75, the same a,s in 1996. The highest LEB, 78, was in the month of July, and the lowest, 71, in December 1997. Listed below are the 1997 figure.s pertaining to the com ­ munity in Bombay as collected Bombay, we presume that Parsiana accounts for around 50 percent of the births in the community in Bombay. Thi.s still means that the birth rate in the community is les.s than half the death rate. The death toll of 938 Zoro- astrian.s include.s those (925) by Parsiana; who were consigned at Bom ­ bay's Towers of Silence and the 13 (six males and seven females) cremated in the city. While there were 25 les.s deaths thi.s year as compared to last Consigned: 925 year's total of 963, there were nine more cremations in 1997 as compared to the fourof 1996. Bom: 205 Boys: 104, Girls 101 Marriages: 371 Parsi 275, Intercommunal 96 Died: 938 Males 451, Females 474 Cremated: 13 Males 6, Females 7 Ithe guidance and recommendation of Art is the Catalyst “Many of our US executives feel they are at a disadvantage compared with managers from other countries, ” Dr Farrokh Langdana told the Business News reporter who interviewed him. Having taken over as director of Rutgers the principals of their educational insti ­ tutions before applyin abroad. The KZBM’.s other subcommittees work in the areas of general and child welfare, rehabilitation and medical help. Like other Karachi based Zarathushti University ’s flagship executive MBA institutions the affluent KZBM regis ­ tered a total income (donations plus dividend income) of Rs 3,891,325 against its cxpcnse.s of Rs 1,550,276 at the end of June 1997. g to colleges as on program, Langdana has introduced art and culture into its course, including visits to museums, art galleries, the theater and musical concerts. According to Langdana, “Knowledge of the arts and architecture is woven closely into the corporate culture ” of Europe. The Rutgers summer program involves visits to Cambridge, London Meetinnewsletter of February 14- March I;5, 1998, there were a total 38 deaths in Karachi in 1997. This figure compares to 50 in 1996 and 42 in 1995. In the 1990s, the highest number of deaths took place in 1992 when ¦¦ ¦ Karachi lost 61 Zarathushtis. Since then, barring 53 deaths in 1994, the total number of death.s uSuS has been receding. At the same iHhH time the average age at death BjBlIM has risen from 75.64 in 1992 to ||h|||||||| 77.71 in 1995. This year the average age at death for men was 72.66 Langdana: letting imaginations soar and for women 79.32, with a maximum nine males dying in their 70s and a maximum seven females in their 80s. Two females survived to the age of 92 as R 81 ZOROASTRIANS ABROAD continued from page 36 Eager to promote its youth, KZBM sponsored the winner of its essay con ­ test, Farishte Dinshaw, to the Second World Zoroastrian Youth Congress in London in 1997 and submitted the names of 100 Pakistani Zarathushti youths for inclusion in the second edition of the World Zoroastrian Youth Directory, informs the report. Addressing the demographic issue the KZBM produced its second Zarathu ­ shtrian address and telephone direc ­ tory, establishing the figure of Paki- Deaths in Karachi stani Zarathushtis at 2,567 as ol March According to the Informal Religious 1997. They are now making an effort to collect data on births in the community, requesting medical officers of various hospitals lo provide sex-wise data Zoroastrian births during the 90’s. Loan schemes exist for entrepre ­ neurship and education. Rs 2.5 lakhs were advanced to a gent who provided the best feasibility and collateral, notes the report. On the educational front they are trying to provide school fees a.s well as private tuition costs where ap ­ plicable. The education subcommittee has a member specialized in children ’s learning disabilities and suitable reme ­ dial action for a few such identified youngsters is on the anvil. The report by Hilla Kotwal, chair ­ person of the education subcommittee, indicates that students are prone to be against zero males. Due to deaths, the carried away by the current trend for MBAs without assessing their own ca ­ pabilities. Also, though the KZBM re- quire.s its donees to mail biannual progress reports, it is an agreement not generally implemented by the students. IrHIli ’s gold They also require the loan amount to be repaid in full if study on the agreed course is discontinued. Other help the KZBM provides the youth included a two-day seminar on the career choices available. They also organized a talk by educationist Dr Rummi Gazdar, chief executive of the Bangkok based journal Let’s Go Study Abroad. Gazder advised the youth that foreign education is more easily avail ­ able in the US, Japan, Thailand and judged outstanding in the areas of pro ­ Philippines while Australia and Canada fessional competence and teamwork and have fewer opportunities to offer. Again, Thailand and Philippines provide the same quality of education as Japan or the US, at less cost. He had also advised them to learn the correct process for applying for visas before filing their papers with the consulates and to seek total number of the community has de ­ clined by 684 since 1985. There is no information on migrations from Paki ­ stan. tor 196 Parsiana February-March 1998 F Lake and Prague when executives taking the Rutgers MBA interact with their Euro ­ pean counterparts. “The British manag ­ ers would chat casually about Elizabe ­ than facades and Tudor architecture. We felt really intimidated, ” he remarked. Apart from keeping up with the Joneses, internationally, Langdana also theorized that an induction into the arts could stimulate creative thinking whether the catalyst be classical music or classical literature. “Peopje who ex- 4 “Through your professionalism and dedication you ’ve created a new stan ­ dard of service, one that challenges all cel do so because they have sharp bursts of us, ” wrote Global Consumer Bank ­ ing general manager Nadeem Hussain to Tanaaz Jimmy Irani, conferring on her Citibank Karachi ’s Gold Award. The citation read that she was selected for “exemplifying the highest standard of excellence and achievement in serv ­ ing Citicorp customers. ” Irani was ad- of innovation, ” he said. Justifying this unorthodox curricu ­ lum, Langdana notes that such inno ­ vativeness is “the main difference be ­ tween our program and others. ” Bor ­ rowing an idea from London ’s The Economist, Langdana has also intro ­ duced a short story contest into the course where the first few paragraphs are provided to the students who are then expected to let their imaginations soar. “We want the executives who come out of our program to be creative exceptional in her work quality and timeliness as well as in problem solu ­ tion. She now begins to identify the best practice.s outside Pakistan to employ and stand above the executives that them locally and has been selected to take part in an audit in Europe as a guest reviewer in Germany and Belgium. other MBA programs are cranking out. ” Compiled by Arnavaz S. Mama IIN MEMORIAM Sidhwa ’s benchmark Parinaz M. Gandhi Died; Justice Rustam S. Sidhwa, 69, former judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan as also the United Nations (UN) International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia, on March 31, 1997 in Karachi following cardiac arrest. Referring to Sidhwa as “a noble man who always stood for truth, righteous ­ ness, fair play, justice and service to humanity, ” Muhammad Rafiq Tarar, the present president of Pakistan, remarked in his con ­ dolence letter, “he was a real darvesh who lived less for him ­ self and more for others. ” “His sound knowledge of law, analytical approach, deep 9 appraisal of facts and rational I conclusions, ” were commented I upon by the Chief Justice of I Pakistan, Sajjad Ali Shah at a I full court reference in Sidhwa ’s I honor in Islamabad on April 15, I 1997, “Law journals and peri- I odicals are replete with his jud ; ment.s published therein which speak volumes for themselves demonstrating indisputably his ability, knowledge and knowledge. He appeared alone and shy, proficiency in all branche.s of law, ” added the Chief Justice commending his landmark judgments involving the Federation of Pakistan or the President of Pakistan. At the commencement of any hearing Sidhwa was alway,s found Ranjha when introducing hi.s mother sitting in prayer, his eyes closed for a couple of moments, recalled Shah. “He sat with us for less than three years, ” acknowledged the then acting Chief Justice of Pakistan Nasim Hasan Shah at the full court reference on the eve of Sidhwa ’s retirement in 1992. “Even in this short period (he) exhib ­ ited a remarkable originality of mind and displayed complete independence sembly a.s one ofthe 11 judges to serve of outlook. ” A judge should hear the matter with an open mind but rule-on the case with his heart totally aligned with the head was Sidhwa ’s belief as recalled by Dr Khalid Ranjha, advocate general, Punjab at the full court reference in 1997. In his determination to dispense fair justice, Sidhwaalways tried to reach Senate of The Islamic Republic of Paki ­ stan. Particularly significant was the fact that Sidhwa, despite being a Zoroas ­ trian, was chosen to represent his Islamic nation on the Tribunal which examined the atrocities perpetrated on Muslims in the crux of the problem. “While hearing criminal matters his lordship displayed the Bosnia-Herzegovina region, a very pragmatic approach. He often said that an investigating officer always knew the real facts but seldom gave true evidence in court, ” stated Ranjha. “He had compassion and yet he was firm, ” observed Ranjha, adding, “Having achieved the place that he did, he never legal thinking, and to the cause of jus- llaunted hi.s position, legal acumen or During his term of office from 1993 until 1996 when he resigned due to ill health (he was suffering from cancer), “Judge Sidhwa made outstanding con ­ tributions to the laying of the founda ­ tion for the work of the Tribunal, its '5' 'o 198 Parsiana February-March 1998 a a; Sid/iwa: rational concluxions however, to people who cared to get closer, he was warm, affectionate and indulgent. ” Sidhwa was called upon to judge on the domestic front too a.s he admitted to tice in the former Yugoslavia, ” stated UN secretary general Kofi A. Annan in his condolence let ­ ter. Similar sentiments were expressed by the president of the Tribunal, Antonio Cassese who wrote, “Judge Sidhwa was a very wise and perceptive member of the Tribunal and hi.s contributiojjs to the work of the Tribunal have a historic value which can be measured only by time itself. ” He is sup ­ posed to have been at the fore ­ front while drafting a two-vol- umc handbook prescribing rules and regulations and other procedures to be adopted by the nascent Tribunal. Prior to this appointment Sidhwa had served as minister for law and par ­ liamentary affairs and irrigation and power in the Caretaker Punjab Govern ­ ment for three months. His longest term of government office was as judge of the Lahore High Court from 1978 to 1989. His book. The Lahore High Court and its Principal Bar, 1866-1988 is considered the only source book on the % and hi.s wife on the occasion of his silver wedding anniversary celebrations. In his inimitable style he joked, “Some ­ times these ladies do not get on too well history of this institution. Yet another with each other. Anyhow, I make no hesitation in telling them that neither of them is entitled to impinge upon the rights of the other. ” Hi.s election by the UN General A.s- 'a on the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugo ­ slavia at The Hague was considered a befitting tribute to his “high credentials as an outstanding jurist, and a manifest reflection of the confidence reposed in (his) honesty and impartiality by the international community, ” remarked Wasim Sajjad, current chairman of the long innings Sidhwa served was as ad ­ ministrator general and official trustee. West Pakistan from 1966 to 1978. The highlights of his career were carried in a pamphlet circulated by the Zoroas ­ trian Association of Pakistan at the memorial meeting on April 27, 1997 in honor of Sidhwa and the late Justice Dorab Patel. As early as 1968 the gov ­ ernment of Pakistan had nominated his name for inclusion in the United Na ­ tions register of experts in legal and other fields. The same year, 1950, in which he completed his law graduation from the I1' Punjab University, Sidhwa had also emulated, ” it was mentioned in the passed the Central Superior Services centenary brochure of the Bai Avanbai continued from page 60 Examination. He was even offered the ArdeshirCooper Agiary Trust. As man- the various venues, coordinating ef- post of superintendent, central excise and land customs, and later the post of cantonment executive officer. But he declined both and opted to enrol as a pleader in the District Courts of Lahore Trust in impeccable order, for his in ­ in 1951, as an advocate in the Lahore High Court in 1953 and as an advocate in the Supreme Court of Pakistan in guiding spirit in organizing the cente- 1958. He had acquired proficiency in both the civil and criminal fields, and made frequent appearances in the supe ­ rior courts on behalf of the state and the government. “He always used to come to the court fully prepared and would render assistance in a manner which was highly appreciated... ” acknowl ­ edged the chief justice. Alongside his Lodge of England. He was a very ac- legal practice he also taught at the Punjab tive member ofthe District Grand Lodge own soil. Bisney, a founder-president University Law College for over two decades as recalled by grateful students who are now well established names in the profession. The building blocks for the Surat born Sidhwa ’s character and personal ­ ity were laid during his school days listed among his hobbies, mentions his (primary schooling at Cathedral School, daughter-in-law Zarnak, who being a Lahore and Senior Cambridge from St secretary by profession “had the privi- Anthony ’s High School, Lahore), as analyzed by Sajjad Ali Shah. His middle school was five miles afar from his physics, village which he used to attend by foot, traversing a distance of 10 miles daily. This then was the beginning of traits too, its Muslim saints and its Sufi phi- thethemeof50yearsoflndianlndepen- and characteristics “of achieving goals losophy. In his article, “The sacred dencetobillitasadoublecommemora- with persistent determination, hard work sojourn, ” carried in Parsiana, Febru- and honesty of purpose. ” But travelling ary-March 1997, he had compared the was not the only hurdle for the young Sidhwa. Being the only child of a wid ­ owed mother (his father had died when he was but nine years of age), to assist in the management of Excelsior restau ­ rant on McLeod Road, Lahore, which was the family ’s only source of income, he was often manning the cash register, it was related in a write-up by Teenaz Javat. With The Lahore Parsi Anjuman he continued to have enduring ties until his implore all pious souls to maintain their resignation as president ofthe Anjuman faith, ” he beseeched. “They should con- in 1996. Since 1959 when he started as stantly seek something higher, some- managing committee member, until the end, his services were enlisted for legal work concerning the Anjuman affairs ally stronger and bring about a general and properties, notes a resume by the Anju ­ man honorary secretaiy B. H. Engineer. “Mr Sidhwa has served the Parsi community of Lahore, both as mentor and as an active member of various trusts with a humility and zeal to be KALEIDOSCOPE ’98... Ardeshir Cooper Agiary Trust. As man ­ aging trustee, chairman and patron of fortlessly with colleagues and ‘star guests ’ this Trust at various times he has been (some with inflammable egos) with given credit for dispensing good legal oodlesoftactandomnipresentcellphones. advice, for handling the finances of the AddsBisney, “The planning started some time in September/October 1996, when we realized that we would be completing 10 years of service to the community. Around that time we put forth a proposal to host the ’97 Youth Seminar. ” But a last-hour decision by the convening body , Federation of Zoroastrian Youth Asso ­ ciations (FOZYA) accorded the privi ­ lege to Vadodara, as that city had not hosted one earlier. The TCZYL how ­ ever, having already got into the act, decided to go ahead with the planning and execution of a youth meet on their volveinent in the building of the Agiary on its present site, and for serving as the nary celebrations of the Agiary in 1993 and compiling a history of the 100- year-old fire-temple. He had also found time to work on The District Grand Lodge of Pakistan, 1869-1969, a source book on the his ­ tory of Masonic lodges in Pakistan under the jurisdiction of the Grand of Pakistan. Being a keen philatelist, he (and currently treasurer) of FOZYA had not only collected stamps and first day covers, but authored Siclhwa’s Cata­ logue, Pakistan Stamps, Errors and meets) that such fora seldom have a Varieties, 1947-1978, the only such compilation. In fact, writing could be noted from his experience (and he has plenty of it, having attended eight of 11 200 Parsiana February-March 1998 lege of typing out all (his) articles. ” His interest also lay in astrology and meta- focus. “Elders spoke and youngsters were forced to sit and listen.^There was very little involvement of the youths them ­ selves. ” He sought to remedy this failing, ' and the seeds of K ’98 were sown, ¦j Probably, so as not to invite unchari ­ table comments on holding a parallel youth meet, the TCZYL pegged K ’98 right from the start as its way of celebrat- Known to be a deeply religious Zo ­ roastrian, he had great respect for Islam ing a decade of service, and latched on to too, its Muslim saints and its Sufi phi- tive tribute. Yet perhaps it ’s not premature, to write an elegy on the decade-old manner attitude of Zoroastrians setting out on a pilgrimage to Udvada with his Muslim of conducting youth seminars. As associate ’s proceeding to Mecca and Bombay ’s HPY coordinator Diana Mar- had expressed concern about the future fatia says, “It ’s time to do away with of the Zoroastrian religion and its priests, annual conferences that wasteour time... ” “Spiritual levels are not raised by finan ­ cial benefits, though these may remove some of the irritants... Our own spiri ­ tual evolution can bring about the nec ­ essary changes in the mental and spiri ­ tual levels of our din dasturs... I only sonally, ” he says, “this may be our last go at such a mega-event. The core group of TCZYL now has other priorities, ” eyes veering off with paternal attention to his thing which will raise their spiritual two small children. “It is now for the next levels. By so doing, we will be spiritu- K ’98 had a purpose, and TCZYL en ­ sured it was well served. But whether it could be a format for future youth semi ­ nars is for the youths to determine. Bisney himself is sagely non-committal. “Per- lot to come forward, and take on the work. Of course, we shall be around to revival to meet the challenges of the guide and assist them. ” And is the next new millennium... ” The respected judge is survived by his wife Roshan, sons Yazdi and Sohrab, and daughters Kermin Soli Parakh and Dhun Farokh Setna. batch revved up to replicate the event? “All good things don ’t come to an end, ” tinkles Tanaz Wadia, “they only get bet ­ ter. ” Though in what direction may re ­ main a moot point. / I