Apr 1998

APRIL 1998 Rs 25 I 4 b /¦ * I I £, F 'k t . J •i / Pt ^ '' ' ¦ a f! V. t;. ( 9 J J f ft Kt JI I » February-March 1998 Volume 20 Number 7 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 OFFICE ASSISTANTS Umesh Poojary, Selvan Mark, Sunil Sakhare, Govind Salgaonkar, Mahipat Jadhav 2 Readers’ Forum 10 Events and Personalities 18 Zoroastrians Abroad: Cyrus Rustamji by Jeroo Irani 24 Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy: The benevolent Baron by Hilla Guzder 31 Marzban Giara: Shrines for the showcase by Parinaz Gandhi 35 What is the world body for? by Aspi Moddie 37 Ronny Mistry: Selling foreign space by Roxanne Kavarana ¦i’ 38 Marzban Patel: Media Marketeer 50 Milestones Cover: Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy, First Baronet Photo courtesy; The Jejeebhoy family Pareiana vs edited aed pubfehed b'^ debau^w 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. Processing Comart Lithographers and Tricolour. All rights reserved. ISSN: 0971-3786. Phone: 2078730,2072624. Fax: 2074541. For editorial enquiries: 2078183. E-mail: parvo@giasbm01 .vsni.net.in For subscription enquiries and payments: C/o Kaiser-E-Hind Pvt Ltd, 300 Perin Nariman St (Behind Reserve Bank of India), Bombay 400001. Phone: 2658619,2665661. Fax: 2654585. Annual inland subscription for one year vssues') 250’, tor two yoaro (,20 xssuos.') Rs 475; for three years (30 issues) Rs 700. Foreign subscription rates: Seamail for one year Rs 450/ US $ 14/UK.C 9; for two years Rs 850/US $ 25/UK £ 15; for three years Rs 1.250/US $ 36/UK £ 22 (please allow six months or more for delivery from the time of publication). Airmail for one year Rs 750/ US $ 23/UK £ 15 (for Pakistan, Indian Rs 525): for two years, Rs 1,400/US $ 43/UK £ 27 (for Pakistan, Indian Rs 975); for three years Rs 2,100/US $ 60/UK £ 37 (for Pakistan, Indian Rs 1,450). For Indian upcountry cheques add Rs 20 for bank charges; for US cheques add $ 5; for UK cheques add £ 3. Cheques and drafts are to be drawn in favor of Parsiana and posted to GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001.READERS’ FORUM 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. of which is of a religious nature, the anjuman could claim the relief of section 80G, in spite of it being for the benefit of a particular community. BEHRAM M. MASANI Mliow appears from the said article that he is now a British subject, and what Britain still confers to British citizens is their concern. One more point. Who has de­ cided that OBE is the equivalent of India’s Padma Bhushan? When GOI does not recognize these honors, the question of equating does not arise. DrP. D. SUNAVALA “Milestones” The letter by Zenobia Sidhwa (“Mile­ stones,” Readers’ Forum, Parsiana, De­ cember 1997) created good reading and “A WOrdy duel I completely support her views. I am also a believer in Parsi Zoroastrianism. Inter- c,i '! 'ustrians but not by Parsi Zoroastri- ans. Zoroastrianism is a universal reli­ gion and anybody can be converted to Zoroastrianism and practice its tenets but not be a Parsi Zoroastrian. Parsis are from Pars, a place in Iran, and they believe in ethnicity, in marriage following rituals. For the latter, places of from the same blood as they are from the worship and priests connected with them same race and hence should not be con- are the natural guides if not “leaders.” verted nor convert somebody else into Leadership ofany group implies belief in the religion. ------- ---------------k,__ If you support the conversion theory then the name of your magazine should Individuals in profession or trade or be Zoroastrianiana and not Parsiana. industry are concerned mainly with their The remote statistics do not bother the fellow-professionals or businessmen, dwindling community because the They invariably have their formal asso- smaller the numbers the lesser the prob- lem.s is the unanimous opinion of us Parsis who believe in the Parsi cult. DORAB P. PATEL I” In the context of the report on the debate between Khojeste Mistree and Nadir ber 1997), the following points may be pertinent: Merc accident of birth, of being bom into a family of Parsis, may not be a sufficiently strong reason other than for those who are religious to the extent of the “CMP or a Common Minimum Pro­ gram.” Individuals in profession or trai '4. ciations, with elected leaders, and there is no valid reason nor motivation for making sub-groups e.g. of Parsi charter­ ed accountants, Parsi photographers, etc. 4. 4. » A multi-disciplinary think-tank, pref- Beware, trustees Meaningless titles erably comprising persons who are tem- With reference to the letter by Mr Rustom I am referring to the two articles by peramentally suited to team effort, is an S. Gae, (“Beware, trustees,” Readers’ - - Forum, Parsiana, December 1997) I would like to add some amplifications: •As per section 13( 1 )(b) of the Income- tax Act, 1961, the income of a trust or institution created or established for the benefit of any religious community or caste could continue to claim benefit under sections 11 and 12 of the Act if the charitable trust or charitable institution is created before the commencement of the today, but only the Republic of India, "and hence the conferment of Orders of the British Empire, like OBE, KBE, KCIE, KCSI and KSI by the King or Queen of Parsis. An exception to this would be England have become meaningless, at least a.s far as India is concerned. Secondly, since all the above men­ tioned honors including baronetcy have been de-recognized by the Government of India (GOI), writing KBE after one’s name is pointless. As lar as Mr Dalal is concerned, it Dilnavaz E. Bhagwagar regarding the excellent idea, conferment of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) to Mr Maneck Dalal purity of our race and where children of (“Dalal’s domain”) and Knight of the British Empire (KBE) to Dr Jamshed J. Irani (“Knight in shining amior”) by the Queen of England (Parsiana, December 1997). In the first place, there i.s neither a breeding. Incidentally, with modern tools British Empire nor an Indian Empire With our present, misplaced belief in non-Parsi fathers cannot be counted as Zoroastrian, the present negtrtive growth of Parsis, of 600 or so per annum clearly forecasts a drop in the next 30 to 50 years to below the critical level demanded for Income-tax Act, 1961; •A trust created for the benefit of a par­ ticular community would still be a public charitable trust. The Supreme Court has held that a section of the public is also the public. Most of our anjumans date prior to the commencement of the Income-tax Act, 1961. Hence, so long as the objects of the anjuman trust do not include any pur­ pose, the whole, or substantial ly the whole of DNA (DeoxyriboNucleic Acid) analy­ sis available, I am convinced that most of present day Parsis will show identical genetic patterns to Gujarat-based non- athornans who have rarely intermanied, as also a small handful of families whose skin-tone, eyes, etc indicate origin from northern latitudes. The logical acceptance in future of these otherwise disqualified children may make the rate of negative growth smaller. But chances of it being reversed seem 2 Parsiana April 1998 *impossible. This is because of conscious choice of a small family pattern by many parents. Singles also make this trend difficult to reverse. Any attempt to persuade Parsi fami­ lies to have more children is, at best, naive. The individual is concerned with his own life and cannot be expected to have more children just for the sake of the community’s numerical increase. More­ over, low birth-rate is a worldwide phe­ nomenon where materially well-off city­ based couples are concerned. And we know that Parsis live, wherever they go, in cities and major towns only. Besides, rural attitudes of earlier generations have disappeared even in villages in advanced countries. To that extent, unless conversion, genetic engineering, cloning, or some new impossible-to-resist incentive scheme is introduced, one cannot reverse the slow but sure attrition of Parsis. It is a waste of time, lowering of one’s cred­ ibility, to preach otherwise. Perhaps Parsis can emulate Ismail is, the Aga Khanis, of the higher economic strata who operate worldwide as an ex­ tremely close-knit, well-organized wel­ fare group giving a lift in busines.s or profession to their less fortunate breth- ren. If a carefully planned effort is made to enlighten, in tenns of commercial or professional prospects, young Parsis, and then to catalyze their education or trade training, and most important of all, incul­ cate a spirit of enterprise for growth, the community would be vastly better off than now. It is better to represent Parsis as a small, elite group than merely harp on numbers. Already Indians (along with the Chi- nese) are the most prominent ethnic group thinking, contemporary individuals who many generations, and with good reason, in others. In the emerging scenario no one wants to know who your family mem­ bers are, which country and in which community or religion you are born. All that is relevant is: what you have done; what you can do; what your aca­ demic background is. In the future. Parsis should be iden­ tifiable with the world of competent. professionally and commercially in the English-speaking First World. Parsis can represent, with proper guidance, the best of all worlds. But that also requires removal of many mental cobwebs, which carry over from simpler pre-war days which demanded only social acceptability (to the ruling establishment) and integrity. Today Parsis cannot survive being just cashiers and railway guards or being good conver­ sationists and club-companions. It is unrealistic to expect Parsis to be secular, non-sectarian, liberal, contem- _____________ _ porary in thinking, and yet help their principles. Thus let^ jaatbhais (coreligionists) as suggested. Either we want to be suited to the emerg­ ing international society or we want to show the very traits we despise now for are equally at home in any society which offers the environment, infrastructure and working conditions they require. Should we not now forget such in­ soluble problems raised in the aforesaid debate and innumerable similar discus­ sions, and instead worry about how the real challenge of the next 25-40 years will be met, in the First World and in small pockets of progress and islands of excellence in even our own country? Any amount of tears shed on emotional basis are of no relevance. It is best to work out solutions rationally, from first -t us ensure excel­ lence in all legitimate pursuits for the Parsis over the next 50 years and forget about encouraging high birth rates. VINCI J. \Vadia 4' MATCH YOUR AMBITION TO A CAREER To do so we offer you: Diploma Course in Business Management (Postal) (IMC) Executive Secretarial Course o Private Secretarial Course o Personal Assistants Programme (Working Stenographers) Shorthand/TvDAwritinn/FloiptrTini/^ o Shorthand/Typewriting/Electronic Typewriting Telephone Operating & Receptionist Techniques English Conversation & Writing Skills o Personality Development and Computer Packages Enquire at: Sir J. J. College of Commerce ! 14, Nanabhoy Lane, Hutatma Chowk Mumbai 400001 Tel: 2871058/2844329 Fax: 2871185 4 Parsiana April 1998“Honor thy father” On the publication of my article “Honor thy father” (Parsiana, June 1997) I re­ ceived a large number of letters and time all the prayers that have to be done Parsee Panchayat arrange for priests, phone calls from people telling me they have been carried out by ErvadEruchshaw khandhias, nasses-salars? Pay a person had been deeply touched by the story of DastoorattheSirJ. J. Agiaryandthattoo adequately and you will definitely be my parents. very capably. On January 9, 1998 my able to get them. There is enough land Two things struck me: The first was aunt expired and we were shocked when and funds with the Poona Parsee that a simple family saga of courage and determination and love had stirred the heartstrings of readers in the midst of controversies regarding intercom- munal marriages and rival factions (the letters published in Parsiana also bear out this fact). The second was the wide reach of your magazine. My sister who was in London at the time the article appeared was shown the article by a common friend there! KHORSHED R. JAVERI No priests to pray In 1994 along with my family I moved to Pune from Bombay and ever since that throughout the world. Why cannot the time all the prayers that have to be done population of Parsis besides Bombay as also of a Parsee Panchayat as rich as any very capably. On January 9, 1998 my aunt expired and we were shocked when we were informed by Ervad Eruchshaw Panchayat to build small residences for that there was no priest to pray over the dead body throughout the night and we, the family members, would have to do be achieved through donations or through so. He however promised that all the other ceremonies would be carried out. His inability was not that he did not want longing to the Parsee Panchayat. to send someone to pray but the fact that there are no spare priests and he along with his old father-in-law have to take care of the Agiary. In our grieved condi­ tion we got a further shock when at the bungli we realized that there was no lady available to give the last bath to the dead body and the same would have to be done these people who are actually doing a thankless job. The money for this could sale of land or from the profit made by selling ownership flats on the land be­ Through this letter I humbly appeal to the trustees of the Panchayat as well as to the philanthropic Parsi business houses of Forbes Marshall, Thermax, Cooper, etc and also to all Parsi families resident I..UI wcia ..u .uuj In Punc to pay heed to this problem at the Business network available to give the last bath to the dead earliest. If no action is taken now the day Following the first Zarathushti Busi- body and the same would have to be done is not far when we will have only two ness Conference in Las Vegas, USA by the female members of our family options before us: to carry our own dear held in November 1997, a new direc- under the guidance of Mr Darab who tory ol Zarathushti businesses has been perform.s various duties. He drives and created on the World Wide Web of the Internet. The address for this Internet site i.s My aunt was 83 years old yet our sensi- www.zbnet.com - and the mission of this directory is to promote networking among Zarathushti businesses and pro­ fessionals. This web page is intended to become a comprehensive listing of Zarathushti businesses worldwide, as well as an grateful to Mr Darab and Mr Tabreez who did everything to help us as we were not aware of the various formalities. Also at this time it was our good fortune that we came in contact with three angels in the form of Ervad Pesi Bharucha, Ms Roshan Bharucha and Ervad Jamshed Karkaria who between themselves prayed ever since the late Ms Perin Karkaria fell throughout the night over the dead body a.s required in our religion and also re­ fused any sort of compensation. May are given a bath by two noble ladies, Ms departed into the dokhmas without even the help of prayers, or forego the prin- maintains the hearse and also performs ciples of our forefathers and go in for the duties of khandhia and nassessalar. cremation. On behalf of my family I pledge ac- bilities were hurt to have a man present at cording to my capacity to pay asurrtjof Rs the lime of the last purification of the body. I wonder what would happen to the families of someone young when they donations could be made tax free and I have to go through this ordeal. At thi.s time of grief we were very 300 a month towards any scheme taken out by the Parsee Panchayat. All such am sure this will succeed. All it requires is a push in the right direction. ADIL MINOO SIDHWA Pune information resource center for all Zarathushtis, whether in business for themselves or employed by others. Also in this site is a directory of investors looking for viable Zarathushti businesses and projects that need fund­ ing, as well as projects that are looking for investment, business partners, and/ or business advice. All services provided are free of charge. The funding is provided through God bless all these people for their effort.s Nergish Kayani and Ms Roda Pavri, free banner advertising and sponsorship of benevolent Zarathushti individuals and businesses that wish to support this project. The database so developed will be used to generate a business directory in hardcopy format. For further information, please con­ tact the project coordinator, Shahriari by e-mail shahriar@zbnet.com or by fax at: (604) 684-6199 or by mail at: P.O. Box 15447, Vancouver, BC, V6B 5B2, Canada. ROHINTON RIVETNA Chicago, U.$A Dara K. Irani, chairman of the Poona Parsee Panchayat replies The contents of the letter by Mr Adil Sidhwa are not true. As a matter of fact. lli (about five years ago) till date, the bodies of deceased Zoroasfrian women by Shahriar at: at helping people in their time of need of charge. Both of them come from very and grief. May their tribe increase. high and noble families and perform the Now to the crux of the problem. Why task at a very short notice. In spite of that, did this situation arise? Does everyone whose family member expires have to go through this extra ordeal? I.s their grief alone not enough to bear? Who i,s respon­ sible for this? What is the solution? The answer is quite simple. This is due to ti shortage of priests in Pune. The RodaPavri,theyansweredthatMrSidhwa reason is that the community has not given them the high position that they deserve which has resulted in the fact that even the sons of the priest,s do not want to take over. Pune boasts of the highest we have advertised for a lady to perform this task on a salary basis. When we questioned the two nassessalars, Mr Dorab Mistry and Mr Tabriz Randeria as to why did they not inform Ms Nergish Kayani and/or Ms was in a hurry to perform the sachkar as the deceased had expired at 1.30 p.m. while the body was brought to the bungli at 7.30 p.m. and therefore they gave the bath. They also answered thatMrSidhwa 6 Parsiana April 1998 Inever objected to their giving the last bath. It would be worthwhile to note that the Poona Parsee Panchayat does not ximately Rs 3.5 lakh per annum (depend­ ing of course on the interest rates) from its corpus, and from this meagre income the Panchayat has to maintain and man- true. Mr Adil Sidhwa was not aware that contributing for the welfare of the com- the Poona Parsee Panchayat has on an average a meagre income of appro- munity. We have made our best efforts to obtain exemption on donations from the Income-tax authorities. We have con­ sulted experts also who have opined that as the Poona Parsee Panchayat is a reli­ gious trust it cannot get the benefit of - _ „ , exemption under the Income-tax Act. then it is the responsibility of the panthak the Rustom Kayani Hall, the land sur- We cannot sacrifice the religious prin- to inform the trustees of the dar-e-meher rounding the dokhmas and bunglis, the ciples and change the objects of the trust to employ more priests. Regarding the roads to the Towers of Silence, repairs to make it for the welfare of all commu- allegation about shortage of priests in and maintenance of the Panchayat prop- nities. Pune, we do not agree with the same, erties and buildings, payment of salaries This responsibility of maintaining and to the staff, caretakers, nassessalars and CrOSS the SOUlld barrier providing priests cannot be taken or as- khandhias, and establishment expenses Two-year-old Jennifer, daughter of Jes- signed to the Poona Parsee Panchayat. including postage, stationery, etc. Every sica (nee Anklesaria) and Mancher This is a matter of direct concern to the year the trustees have to raise money Daruwalla, is a bonny baby in all re- Athornan Mandal, the mobeds, the . - panthaks and the trustees of the dar-e- mehers. The two priests referred to in the letter, Ervad Pesi Bharucha and Ervad Jamshed Karkaria, are only residing in Panchayat buildings. However, we are trying to make arrangements for a and not for the corpus. chlear implant operation,’which in India 1 part-time mobed to pray during the On receipt ot your letter I personally is performed only on adults. However, funerals of deceased Zoroastrians. invited Mr Adil Sidhwa for a discussion this procedure is carried out on infants Regarding the allegation about the and clarification. Mr Sidhwa acknowled- and children, before they reach the age of ----------------- four in USA and Australia, ^ith a very anyotherPanchayatthroughouttheworld, " ...................... - * ' we only wish that this could have been own any dar-e-mehers or agiaries. It is ' the responsibility of the panthak of the concerned dar-e-meher to make priests available. If there is a shortage of priests age the two dokhmas, the ruwan bunglis, then it is the responsibility of the panthak the Rustom Kayani Hall, the land sur- roads to the Towers of Silence, repairs and maintenance of the Panchayat prop­ erties and buildings, payment of salaries 1 khandhias, and establishment expenses including postage, stationery, etc. Every year the trustees have to raise money from generous donors, for various spects, except that being born with con- projects, as it is not within the means of genital deafness, she does not possess the the Panchayat to meet these expenses. The trustees keep trying to augment the income and raise the corpus, but donors generally prefer to donate for a project undergo a surgical procedure called ‘co- and not for the corpus. On receipt of your letter I personally invited Mr Adil Sidhwa for a discussion sense of sound. Doctors who have examined her have determined that little Jennifer needs to Poona Parsee Panchayat being as rich as ged that he was not aware of these facts. Regarding the raising of funds one high rate of success, should not impose any condition before The Daruwalla family has finalized JOIN ¦r Farrokh Khambata’s Catering Services • Traditional lagan-nu-bhonu and exciting new dishes • Sitdown — (patra) meals and exotic buffets • For all your special occasions to be a grand success Contact CATERING & ALLIED Ness Bang, Nana Chowk, Mumbai 400007 Telephone numbers Office: 3870856/3872350 Central Kitchen: 2011037/2073840 7 Parsiana April 1998 DAVAR’S COLLEGE OF COMMERCE BANKING, SECRETARIAL, COMPUTERS AND LANGUAGES I I 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 IL Income-tax Act 1961. DINSHAW K. TAMBOLY Managing trustee The Wwld Zoroastrian Organisation Trust arrangements with International Co­ chlear Implants Pty Ltd in New South Wales, Australia for the surgery on little Jennifer, subject to their being able to raise the funds required. The total funds required are to the Future spiritual leaders tune of A$ 144,847, equivalent to just Thejoint venture by the Athornan Mandal over Rs 36,00,000. The Daruwallas have and lhe World Zoroastrian Organisation a very modest income; Mancher has his (WZO) to encourage young mobeds to own autorickshaw, whilst wife Jessica is a teacher in a school. The World Zoroastrian Organisation Trust requests Zoroastrian individuals a.s well as institutions to extend their sup­ port for this very worthy cause and help little Jennifer to receive an essential fac­ ulty that has so far been denied to her - the gift of sound. Donations by way of cheques/drafts may please be sent directly to the family gical ceremonies such as gch-sarna, at the following address: Mr Manchersha baj, ijashni, vendidad, nirangdin, etc in R. Daruwalla, Sir S. B. Bharucha Baug, D-2, Flat No 15, 1st floor, S. V. Road, Andheri (W), Bombay 400058 or to The World Zoroastrian Organisation Trust c/ o Dinshaw K. Tamboly, 1215, P. Jeejeebhoy Towers, Dalal Street, Fort, Bombay 400001. (Donations made to The World Zoroastrian Organisation Trust, are exempt u/s 8(Xj (5) of the mobeds capable of providing effective spiritual leadership, and to cover within the ambit of the scheme any and every mobed who professes interest and incli­ nation. The donors, organizers and the com­ munity as a whole expect that: •all mobeds should perform pav mahal ceremonies which they currently cannot; •all mobeds should learn more about our embrace lhe noble profession of inobedi onalull-liine basis was formally launched religion, history, customs, practices, pre- on January 5, 1997 in the precincts of cepts, to enable them to satisfy the spiri- the Banaji Atash Behram, Bombay. The scheme seeks to encourage young mobeds to take up mobedi as a full-time profession by providing fi­ nancial support in addition to their regu­ lar remunerations, and also to motivate them to gradually perform higher litur- addition to the regular boi ceremonic.s at atash behrams and agiaries. During the course of the year, 12 young mobeds have come forward to take advantage of the scheme. Currently, mobeds from Surat, Navsari, Udvada and Bombay up to the age of 35 have been covered. The underlying intention i.s to develop a cadre of enlightened We never take our guests and breath-taking views for granted X ,i, ¦ 9 ii M* ¦ F Lord’s Central Hotel Matheran 410102 Matheran Telephone 021483-0228 Fax 021483-0595 Bombay telephone 3867776 8 Parsiana April 1998 tual need.s of hamdins to their fullest satisfaction. The Athornan Mandal-WZO are grateful to the worthy donors, dasturjis, mobeds and all individuals who have given their wholehearted support to the current scheme which will provide per­ manent financial support, not only whilst the incumbents are active in their profes­ sion but also after they have retired. Support would also be extended by the Athornan Mandal towards meeting ex­ penses on educational needs as well as at the time of marriage. For thi.s scheme to reach fruition, it is estimated that an amount of three crore rupee.s would need to be capitalized to cover the existing potential in te^s of available mobeds. Donations will be gratefully received at the office of; Athornan Mandal, Nav­ sari Building, 2nd Floor, 240, Dr Dada- bhai Naoroji Road, Fort, Bombay 400001. Ervad NARIYOSANG TUREL Jt. Hon. Secretary, Athoman Mandal Chhaiye hame Zarathoshti That stirring song Chhaiye hame Zarathoshti is sung, with gusto, at many Parsi social gatherings. Yet, we seem to know little about its composer. Will Parsiana or any of its readers please elaborate on the foHowing: •Though the name given at the end of the song is “Firoze;” what is his full name? A brief life-sketch of him will be appreci­ ated. •When was the song composed and when was it first publicly adopted/sung and by whom? •Are there any other songs or poems or compositions by “Firoze?” •It is recommended that this song be sung to the tune of another song Goodbye! My Blue Bell! If the latter song is known to anyone and if it is not too long, can it be reproduced in Parsiana'I BHIKHAJI M. ADENWALLA Edited by Parinaz M. Gandhi ? ItEvents and Personalities Guiding the deaf In appreciation of her “outstanding achievements... pioneering work and...dynamic leadership in promoting the education and training of the deaf- blind and their teachers and in recognition of (her) magnifi­ cent contribution as a volun­ tary worker” The B. J. Modi Foundation Award was pre­ sented to Beroz Vacha by The National Society for Equal Opportunities for the Handi­ capped (NASEOH), India on December 3, 1997. On the same day she re­ ceived the National Award for the Welfare of People with Disabilities “in public recog­ nition of her outstanding per­ formance in the field.” The following month she received the Di wall ben Mohan I al Mehta Award at the hands of the Dalai Lama. Currently the director and one of the founder members of The Helen Keller Institute for the Deaf and Deaf-blind, a pioneering institute in the education of the deaf-blind in India and South-East Asia, Vacha has been a teacher of the deaf for over three decades. At the start dictionary manual on manual commu- of her career she came in contact with i ' an intelligent deaf-blind girl who was Singapore School for the Blind, the liqueurs manufactured at Sikkim Dis­ trapped by this severest of handicaps Divine School tor the Blind, Banga- tilleries have retained their quality de- and yet undaunted in spirit. This atti- lore, and has been affiliated with differ- spite the marketing constraints. “It is tude changed the entire course of my ent programs concerning the deaf-blind, the only distillery in India which uti- life, she recalls in a press release. Her according to the press release. lizes gravity as a major source of en- determination to help the hearing im- ... .............................. ...... ergy. Water is collected from mountain streams and is pressure filtered. The production process starts at the top of the hill and works its way downwards, saving fuel and energy,” it was stated in Mid-Day. With a sales turnover of Rs 20 crores and current production capacity of 2,000 international projects. She served member on the executive board of the International Association for the Edu­ cation of Dealhlind, was the first editor of the international newsletter for the as Dusseldorf Hilton Hotel, Germany in October 1997. Earlier Parekh was re­ quired to address the gathering at the ANUGA 1997 at Cologne, Germany which is the largest food and beverages ¦ fair in the world, mentions a I press release issued by the corn- I patiy. I As yet the only Indian li- I quor manufacturer whose I products arc marketed in the I USA, Sikktm Distilleries hope I to introduce their brand- in I Canada too, according to the a write-up. For export, tlrcir pre- I mium brands — paan, coffee, I cherry brandy and creme-de- I menthe — are packed in B mother eartons containing 12 I bottle.s each of 375 ml, noted a I write-up in the Mid-Day of I December 24, 1997. Their much sought after Old Gold Premium Whisky packed in 180 ml khukri shaped bottles will now be avail­ able in tamper-proof thermocole packs. So also, the 50 ml miniature sets of liquors and liqueurs have been intro­ duced in thermocole packing to im­ prove their visual appeal and safety in transit, as related by company sources. Since its inception in 1954 by nication, and has trained teachers at the Jamshedji R. Contractor, liquors and 3 I I •J * Veicliei (right) receiving award from the President of India P. K. Narayanan white the then Prime Minister I. K. Giijral looks on deaf-blind under the UNESCO projects, was honorary director for the NASEOH project on Total Communication — a Divine School for the Blind, Banga­ lore, and has been affiliated with differ­ ent programs concerning the deaf-blind, according to the press release. paired brought her scholarships to study. Distinctive distillcrS train and visit various institution.s in the For their “distinctive and outstanding UK, USA, Holland and Scandinavian products” Sikkim Distilleries Limited, countries. Over the years this winner of The Anne Sullivan Medal has also been associated with different national and represented by managing director Marzban N. Parekh, was conferred the XXth Golden International Trophy for Food and Beverages 1997 at the 10 Parsiana April 1998Parek/i with the Golden International Trophy I I cases aday, the company is concerned about the re­ centhikeinex­ cise which have re­ sulted in the i average prices j of bottles go- j ing up by Rs 10 and have , therefore ap- proached the Sikkim government for relief, men­ tions the Mid-Day article. Only a couple of months ago did they get permission to sell their products from liquor stores in Calcutta and other parts of West Bengal, notes the handout. I ! s >> with all his siblings he received his education at home. Although he had never tasted non-vegetarian food, he became a total vegan at the age of 24 I after visiting a slaughter house, revealed I Roshan. He married his pen-friend Freya and the couple live on the American Vegetarian Society premises in New duties \ Jersey on a shoestring bud get, it was reported. The type of sudreh to be donned and the kind of clothes to be worn when visiting a fire-temple are specified here. “A holy place is a holy place and dress­ ing decently is the least one can do to show respect for the place,” believes the author. As to wearing of caps, it is advised to avoid using anybody else’s Religious etiquette “Religion is the bridge be­ tween the human being and God and religious tarikats (prescribed forms of behavior) serve as a bridge between the per­ son and the religion,” write.s the author Adil F. Rangoonwalla in his in­ troduction to the 30-page booklet Agyari Etiquette. “While none of us may be lb 4CYMl\ By cap even if it is in a good condition and to always carry one on your person. “Red or navy blue velvet caps are perfectly okay. Black color caps are far from desirable because black is the color of evil,” Rangoonwalla is convin­ ced. Among the compass points, “north is the direc­ tion from where evil ema­ nates,” states the author, advocating that prayers should never be recited facing the north. The necessity of recit- able to observe all the tarikats all the time, yet, it is a good idea to put them on record so that we know thoroughly well what is right and what is wrong,” note,s Rangoonwalla. Dividing the book into 15 sub-scc- tions the author touches upon various issues starting with physical purity and ending with the desirability of talking the barest minimum a,s “speaking after the kusti ritual nullifies it.” Among the sub-sections, the maximum number of thing good is as soon pages (nearly five) are dedicated to “The Adorable Atash” referring to the different grades of fires, the way to this compilation car- holy place approach them, tend them and nurture them with genuine and not imitation sandalwood. In an atash behram it is advocated that the devotee visit the esting booklet, free of typographical dadgah first, then the adarian and last errors, is published by the-author (M/4 the atash padshah, praying to the three Dalal Estate, Lamington Road, Bombay fires in an ascending order. When leav­ ing the fire-temple “please do not ever show your back to the holy fire,” it is mentioned in the book. Walking to the fire-temple is ideal. Just for the name Alternately, use a private vehicle and only in unavoidable circumstance.s should public transport be used. Before entering the fire-temple, doing kusti is ing prayers, the names of the prayers to be recited on certain days and at certain times also find a pla^e in this booklet. But at another place it is stated, “Time and space are two physical realities created by Dadar Ahura Mazda...So the good, the right and the auspicious time for doing any- Vegetarian of the year The international Vegetarian of the Year 1996 Award was conferred on the founder and president of The American Vegan Society Jay Dinshaw by the Bombay-based Vegetarian Society. Since 64-year-old Dinshaw was unable to receive the award in person, he wa.s represented by his two brothers Roshan and Jal, both equally committed to the cause of vegetarianism, at the presenta­ tion ceremony at Bombay’,s Catholic Gymkhana on November 20, 1997. The Dinshaws who lead a simple Gandhian life, abhorring even milk products and honey, are in the forefront in fighting against animal slaughter in America, notes a write-up in the Mid- Day of November 21, 1997. It was their father Col Dinshaw Ghadiyali of Surat who promoted vegetarian food habit.s in the West and propagated the use of alternative healing medicine, it wa.s recalled in the Mid-Day. The sixth child of Dinshaw and Irene Grace Hofer, Jay Dinshaw is currently acting executive director of The Ameri­ can Natural Hygiene Society, and had also served as founder president of the North American Vegetarian Society and obligatory, even if it is only a minute’.s walk from your house to the fire-temple, for “the moment you come out on a public road you contact some impurity or the other...” When and where and for Zoroastrian Baby Boys and Girls. how and the number of time,s the kusti According to him there is also a “gen- should be done is also elaborated. eral rule of rhythm and sound” when executive vice president of The Inter­ national Vegetarian Union. Besides ed­ iting the quarterly magazine Ahiinsa, he has authored several books and maga­ zine articles, states a write-up in Jani-e- Jamshed, December 1, 1997. Along 12 Parsiana April 1998 4* * as possible...” Rangoonwalla: The last page of respect the ries a short note on the Union Press, Deen ParastanA Ushta. While we are informed that this inter- 400008), we are not told the source and the authority from which the views and opinions are gleaned. “See that you do not leave your sons/ daughters open to years of ridicule and teasing by ignoring one of the cardinal rules of naming a baby. Resist the temp­ tation to be humorous and/or cute when matching a baby’s name and surname,” advises Rohinton Minocher Mehta in the foreword to his book 4111 Names Inaming a baby. “A full name usually Top Company Secretary sounds most pleasant when the syl- At the final company secretaryship ex- lables of the name and surname are amination held by The Institute of Com- unequal in number. .pany Secretaries of India, Farzana Saiii While he recommends that you “pick Billimoriasecured a name that leaves no doubt a.s to your baby’s sex,” he does not seem too con­ cerned with the baby’s religiou.s iden­ tity. For although the title of the book says names for Zoroastrian boys and girls, nine pages of the 60-page booklet are reserved for Continental names for baby girls. More graduation in com- Billimoria: care seem.s to have been taken in com­ piling this section for in each case the language of origin, whether French, Greek, Spanish or one of the 16 others cution, debating and quiz competitions, sounds most pleasant when the syl- surname are Mehta: offers a wider choice of names is indicated, as also the diminutives and the the first rank, ac­ cording to a merit certificate issued to her on Novem­ ber 5, 1997. She had been pursuing course since her this prizes mcrce from Bom- to her credit bay’s R. A. Podar College of Commerce and Economics in 1995. A year earlier Billimoria had won two prizes for standing first in economics. During her college years she had won innumerable prizes in elo- on December 13, 1997 and an opportu­ nity to participate along with 32 others at the international competition to be held in Berlin in June 1998 which would bring the winner prize money of 10,000 pounds. Studying in the fourth semester at the National Institute of Fashion Technol­ ogy, Bombay, 20-year-oldBomanbehram chose the color grey for her two entries in the avant garde and commercial sections to depict the Indian woman “who has started the process of liberation but has yet toevol ve completely.” As commented reviewer Emam Siddiqui, “The ingenu­ ity and resourcefulness displayed by this talented youngster in terms of materials utilized and the actual execution are truly reflective of a mastermind. It bewildered the audience to know that Theia has sewed 14,000 press buttons on the gar­ ments...” The main garment was a sheet ol press buttons joined together by hand representing a fragile armor, as explained in the press release. Out of some 300 odd entries, 20 had been shortlisted as sejnifinalists. A day before the semifinals, a prejudging round was held in which the judges interacted with the designers and examined the designs. The designs were paraded by models sans lights, music or make-up. > was reserved for the next day to see how the design came across on the ramp, Bomanbehram recounted in the Mid- Day of December 23, 1997. Fond of mixing textures and using fabrics with rough edges, in an inter- notes her eurrieulum vitae. At the Secondary School Certificate examination in 1990 this merit student Ironi the J. B. Vachha High School had scored 86.42 percent and secured the 55th rank, states the press release. the meaning, variations of the name. For these Con­ tinental names he had only to refer to foreign publication from which he made selections, says Mehta. In the preceding sections on baby boy names and baby girl names, neither Transforming the Sari are the meanings consistently given nor is the language of origin indicated. The foreword states, “This book contains several Persian, Turani, Urdu and self- coined names. Continental names for baby girls arc also included just for wider choice, though it is advisable to forego them in preference to our an­ cient Persian names. For history of particular name, against which a num­ ber has been written in bracket...refer appendix.” Of the 4,1 1 1 names, there are only 44 times that the appendix needs to be referred to. Mehta who runs a sandalwood shop, Minoo Dhunjishah and Company, says he started working on this book because the customers who came to buy the Parsiana Book of Iranian Names al­ ways asked him whether there was an­ other book with a wider choice. Details of the English and Indian zodiac signs with the gemstones corre- . „ spending to each month should interest 03®^ new parents although here too the typo- graphical errors have been corrected on the front cover where certain letters have been overwritten. Those interested in procuring a copy of this publication may contact Mehta at D-3/84 Bharucha Bang, S. V. Road, Andheri (West), Bombay 400058, Tel: 6705377. a a a as 14 Parsiana April 1998 “I had my concept clear. I wanted to work on the sari as a cocoon for the Indian woman in which she is transformed from Only a small percentage of marks a caterpillar into a butterfly. I wanted to transform the sari in such a way that it gives the appearance of a western as well as an Indian gamient and makes sense to the MTV generation,” said Theia Mehelli Bomanbehram whose two outfits de­ signed on the theme “Metamorphosis” of this year’s Smirnoff International Fash­ ion contest won her the national award Bomanhehram (left) with her award winning creative outfits h*' * * »1- *’0^1 ij .<»¦ 1 lbGLOBE 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 show view with Marcellu.s Baptista, Bomanbehram stated, “I love all fab­ rics.” She is also known to like a lot of colors, especially red and blacks. Be­ fore she joined the Fashion Institute she was studying for a commerce degree at the insistence of her parents Hutokshi and Mehelli, it was recounted in the Mid-Day. After completing her early education from the Bai Avabai Framji Petit Girls High School, Bomanbehram went to the M. M. K. College from where she passed her Higher Secondary Certificate examination. She has learnt classical ballet as also the piano, men­ tions her bio data. 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 ??Ipotgysre^ Sound System 16 Parsiana April 1998 Pooniwala: Impressive black belt Winning the black belt at seven years and two months of age, Shon Aspi Pooniwala is the youngest black belt in India, believe the officials of the All- IndiaGojukai Karate-Do where he trains who have submitted an application for inclu­ sion of his name in the Limca Book of Re­ cords, it was reported in Express Newsline, March 9, 1998. He was awarded the coveted black belt on Decem­ ber 28, 1997 at a ka- training rate camp in Pune. Training under Shihan Vispi Kapadia since he was but two and a half years of age, Pooniwala along with his elder brother Shahvir who also earned a black belt, has par­ ticipated in several national and inter­ national competitions. At the age of live he represented India in the inaugu­ ral Asian Pacific Championship in Ma­ laysia and thereafter was a member of the Indian delegation at the goodwill tournament in Bangkok. In the national championships con­ ducted by the Army School of Physical Training in Pune in 1996, Pooniwala won a gold, silver and bronze medal. The next year in Chennai he won two silver medals in the all-style category, it was reported in Express Newsline. Referring to him a.s the “school’s pride,” principal Asha Kapoor of the Holy Fam­ ily School, Andheri, where he studies said to Express Newsline, “It all comes through hard work. He is a sincere and disciplined student, especially active in outdoor games.” With best wishes from Compiled by Parinaz M. Gandhi lif’omusly % Farah & Tanya LZOROASTRIANS ABROAD Insure and be secure If you happen to be traveling to Canada or the US, buy visitors medical insurance as a safeguard against a freak accident or an illness ' Jeroo Irani With travel comes the unknown and as touristsheadforevenmoreexoticclimes, _____ .j.. _______ ,___ „„ maintaining robust health on the road adequate insurance to save a few rupees O M /¦'» ZA-rv* n rt X a* U1 It .s ncllci not to buy any,” he advises. Rustamji’s hometown, where the family ' has struck deep roots. Grandson of Framurz R. Rustamji, senior high court judge in Nagpur and nephew of Rustom R. Rustamji, freedom fighter and emi­ nent lawyer of Nagpur and Bombay, can happen Cyrus is the son of Khusro F. Rustamji, founder of the Border Security Force. (Khusro F. Rustamji is the recipient of the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan awards.) Thirty-ti vc-ycar-oftl Cyrus studied at St Columba’.s High School in Delhi and obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Delhi. Aher a stint with DBS World Travel, he mi­ grated to Canada in 1989. “The role of the travel agent is chang­ ing,” says Rustamji. “Whenl first started, we did not have computers. We used ABC manuals. We had fewer options. The role of the travel agent today is to be the interpreter of alternatives and that is what Uniglobe, an award-winning agency, strives to be,” he says. The agent must not only advise a client where to stay and how to go, but also play doctor by counselling clients about the necessity of obtaining insurance policies. Though his present and future are in Canada, Rustamji is very much aware of his past and his roots. “I have contact with a number of people from the Zoro­ astrian community in Toronto,” he re­ veals. “On the whole the community appears to be doing well.” There are agency opportunities for group interactions rang­ ing from a Zoroastrian Scout group, senior groups, annual Pateti andNavroze dinners as well as speciality evenings like Bharuchi dinners et al. Though Rustamji recently tied the the US, it cost me $ 30 (Rs 808),” says Rustamji. “However, rather than buy in- can become a problem. Many travelers teel that the risks aren’t great enough to warrant the ex- pense of getting a policy. However, freak accident.s fcJv or an illness can change their minds in a hurry. Travel i nsurance i s a most misunderstood commodity. “Some people buy too much, some too little, some don’t buy it at all,” says Cyrus K. Rustamji, president of Uniglobe Enterprise Travel. Rustamji: aids travel His company specializes in corporate travel and has offices in Toronto, Mississauga and Ottawa with annual sale.s in excess of $ 30 million. So if you happen to be in Canada or the US, you can buy visitors medical insurance on arrival, says Rustamji whose agency works with the Nebraska­ based company Mutual of Omaha. All ___ ______ ____ _ one has to do is e-mail, phone or fax the is just one of the many services offered 7:^ 9* details to Uniglobe, such as date of ar­ rival, date of departure, name, address, date ot birth, etc. (However, any pre­ existing ailments or the fact that the person is above the maximum age limit, render him or her ineligible.) “We can issue the policy and give primary cover­ age,” he explains. “We are targeting VFR (visiting friends and relatives) traf­ fic from India.” The cost of the insurance depends on the age of the person, duration of the trip Omaha, Air Canada, KLM, British Air­ ways, Lufthansa, Swissair, etc. Canada is a long way from Nagpur, “Wc recommend that ourcli- ent takes the best coverage. In lact it’s better to over- I insure rather than under-in- I sure.” Accidents i I any time and the importance I ol primary insurance is that I the insurance company I settles the victim’s hospital I bills directly. “In case of, ¦ say, acute tonsilliti.s or ap­ pendicitis where hospital­ ization is required, just phone Mutual of Omaha and their team takes over.” The advantage of buying insurance in Canada i.s that the bills are settled on the spot. If it is bought in India, a claim ha.s to be made, and bills have to be furnished and the amount is settled in rupees. Providing insurance cover, however. by Uniglobe. Corporate travel is an­ other. Rustamji emphasizes the fact that corporate travel is a specialized field. “One has to be more service-oriented. We have a 24-hour toll-free line avail­ able to our clients.” In countries where there is no toll-free line, a client can make collect calls. “We offer emergency travel assistance to our corporate client.s and can handle changes in the routings, upgrades... on the spot.” In the business of managing the travel and the extent of coverage. One can buy spend of mega companies, the a policy of say Canadian $ 10,000 (Rs i 2,69,400) or $ 50,0{X) (Rs 13,47,000). “It special hotel rates, airfare discounts, keep you run up a hospital bill of $ 12,000 (Rs ......... 3,23,280) and your policy is for $ 10,000 (Rs 2,69,400), you go out of pocket,” he warns. “It is a peace of mind issue.” The premium is calculated accordi ng to a table which is in a straightforward format. “For with its multilingual staff can negotiate track ot frequent Bier points, and assist the client to develop a travel policy. Their aim is to build awareness of where ____________ ____ mv the company is spending excessively, knot with a non-Parsi, Namrka Taneja I_______________ 1 _ | r-r*. ¦ ’ --------------------- ....... nxw V'WlltlllUllll.J , Uniglobe has strategic alliances with and its staying power. “As lone as the example, for a week’s visit to India from key travel suppliers .such as Mutual of tong as me where expenses can be pruned, etc. he affirms his faith in the community younger generation has adesire to main- 18 Parsiana April 1998 * * ¦ ¦I tain a connection with their roots and with other members, our community will stay together. If not, we will end up relegated to history books and as an­ swers to trivia questions.” Actively volunteers Having been a part of the Zoroastrian Association of California (ZAC) team religious lectures, when the constitution was established, Dolly Malva is back at its helm in time to celebrate ZAC’s silverjubilee in 1999. The travel enthusiast had flown into Bombay via Portugal and Spain and had had her first taste of Kerala before the Parsiana interview. Malva estimates a ZAC membership of 400 from among the 1,000 Zoroastri­ ans in the Los Angeles area of Califor­ nia. The Iranian Zoroastrians however prefer to frequent their own Zoroastrian Center at Westminster, she says. Malva past 15 years, whose gastronomic high- is concerned that there is “no Parsi rep­ resentation” on the Westminster dar-e- meher and is trying to evolve a modus vivendi with the Iranians there. The community having “increased by leaps and bounds” since the early through sale of food for the city’s AIDS years, Malva wants to get more people involved in community affairs by creat­ ing more sub-committees, increasing the activities of the Association and encour- aging the youths with their natak- cum-variety show every alternate year. Apart from the annual celebra­ tions of Navrozc and Pateti, there are I zSlIii & especially when a scholar priest is Malva: passing through. It community all implies fund- involvement raising which is a Malva activity — both for the Zoroas­ trian community and the secular envi­ ronment. The outgoing Malva is happy to or­ ganize the annual “Doha’s world fa­ mous moonlight picnic” at Long Beach. An event held in July or August since the community in Toronto. Living with her mother in Los Ange­ les Malva enjoys attending classical and semi classical concerts. The peripatetic lady, who has a sister in New York and another in Bombay, was looking for­ ward to attending the forthcoming North American ZoroastriairCongrcss this year being hosted by the Zoroastrian Asso­ ciation of Greater New Y ork (ZAGNY). Malva’s colleagues at ZAC, fbr the period January 1, 1998 to December 31, lights include bhclpuri, the annual get- together was begun by Naval Sidhva who passed away three years ago, she notes. Her volunteer work for the city of Los Angeles includes collecting money project. Another secular event that in­ volves Malva is the March of Dimes each April for which she organizes “breakfast fund-raisers” by getting the metropolitan eateries to contribute free food which is then sold to the citizens who turn out for the walkathon. Last year she was responsible for collecting over a $10,000 which earned a certifi­ cate of appreciation from the city mayor. Describing herself as a “management analyst” Malva says that she had begun life in Los Angeles with a job in the mayor’s office. Educated at St Anne’s High School and Davar’s College of Commerce in Bombay, the travel bug bit Malva into quitting her job to spend a year in London in 1965. From London she migrated to Montreal and was on the scene when the Zoroastrian Association of Quebec was formed, joining it as its first secretary. “At that time there were barely 10-12 Parsi families there,” she recalls and marvels at the growth of the } MATRIMONIAL Young, well-educated (chemical engineer) Zoroastrian boy with good personality, born in 1968, residing in Sweden, invites matrimonial correspondence from well-educated and presentable Zoroastrian girls around 25 years, willing to stay abroad. Please reply with recent color photo and details to: The Advertiser Parsiana, Matrimonial (Apr/7-98)* GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 ‘Please make sure the reply envelope bears the reference number cited here. MATRIMONIAL A girl of 27, professionally qualified, seeks matrimonial alliance with an educated Parsi Zoroastrian boy up to 31 years of age. Please apply with a detailed bio data and a recent photograph (returnable) and family details to: The Advertiser Parsiana, Matrimonial (Apr/8-98)* GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 ‘Please make sure the reply envelope bears the reference number cited here. 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 * House to be sold at Navsari (Gujarat) A big two storied house with compound near Atash Behram. Contact: Ms Nivedita Mghta Bombay: 3698513 Jobs requiring computer typing and typesetting, data entry, proof reading, printing black and white or color Contact J. D. Motiwala Telefax: 3710763 Byculla, Bombay 20 Parsiana April 1998 * ¦1999, include vice president Zubin Prime pOSt Heeramaneck, treasurer Shirin Tehran!, joint-secretaries Zubin Khambatta and Godafrid Aresh, programs chairperson (Jim) Wadia took over as one of the two Havi Lilaonwala and youth director Michelle Camay. Associated with Arthur Andersen for the last two decades, 49-year-old Jamshed worldwide managing partners of the five billion dollar firm in August 1997, ac­ cording to a ncw.s item in Business Today, September 7-21, 1997. An attorney and a chartered accountant by training and a consultant by choice, Wadia is “set to have seven years at the helm of the world’s largest multidis-ciplinary firm” before he starts divesting Arthur Andersen’s unwritten code, adds Business To­ day. “Increasingly ourclient.s are gio- Wadia: deals niultinationaI after year because no applications are submitted. Students are not aware of the wealth that is at their disposal. All they have to do is to take the time to find out what best fits their needs, and apply. How does one find out about these funds? I am providing you with a list of directories that have lists of scholar­ ships for different fields at various lev­ els. These directories are available in college, university, and some public li­ braries, in the reference section. The US Department of Education has assistantships. They have a web page too. The federal and state governments both have educational program funding and should be accessed first. Other fund­ ing sources are shown below. (1) Financial Aids for Higher Educa­ tion-. (17th edition) Ed. Keeslar Santamaria, Nicholas Victor Santamaria. Items (2) through (7) are published by Reference Series Press: (2) High School Seniors Guide to Merit Scholarships (3) College Students Guide to Merit Scholarships (4) and (5) Directdf-y of Financial Aid A thirst to slake In the teeth of Islamic prohibition two Parsis in Karachi are vying with smug­ glers for a hold on the Pakistan market for alcoholic beverages, informs a write­ up in Time magazine (October 27,1997). The 136-year-old Murree Brewery himself of this re­ spearheaded by former minorities af- sponsibility when fairs minister Mino Bhandara, produced he turns 56 as per two million litres of beer and 350,000 cases of hard liquor to earn a profit of more than one million dollars in 1996, according to columinist Hannah Bloch. His up and coming rival is Byram Avari, noted hotelier and president of the Karachi Anjuman, who was granted bal, doing a licence to manufacture in 1990 by across borders — husines.s Benazir Bhutto and, according to Bloch, got a shot in the arm in 1995 when the second Bhutto administration “prevented financing...We’re not just an account- Murree from selling its products in Sind for six months.” Bloch noted that Murree maintained a monopoly on beer as Avari’s Beach Brewery produced only November 30, 1997. Just 42 percent of vodka, gin and whiskey. There is room for expansion vis-a- vis substantial latent demand which is being partly fed by smuggled scotch. But the government policy on alcohol i.s strictly Islamic, which means that Mus­ lims cannot get to tipple officially on the basis of a doctor’s prescription and even Christians were required, until recently, to get their parish priest to okay their application for a drinking permit. The Murree brewery, named after the famed hill station, is located in Rawalpindi. Its last major moderniza­ tion took place in the 1960s when its giant vats were installed wherein the . . beer is fermented from a brew of local offices there and in Chicago and New toral Study: A comprehensive list of barley malt and German hops. Its many York, and travels all the time.” fellowships and grants. Muslim employees including the qual- , , (i3) Directory of Research G rants, \991: ity control manager never taste the prod- SuggCStionS for Studcnt aid Lyn E. Miner. Also has a guide to pro- uct they concoct, writes Bloch. FEZANA Journal olten prints appeals posal planning and writing. Though Bloch says bureaucrats are for student aid. I would like to answer (14) The Grants Register 1997: Com- sad about the revenues that the Govern­ ment misses out on because of its prohi­ bition policy, for the present the indus­ try continues to run on a day-to-day ships, assistantships, research support, basis. She quotes Bhandara: “In the busi­ ness I’m in, its idle to speculate on the future and wise to concentrate on the here and now. I can’t foresee tomor­ row.” buyouts, mergers, acquisitions, large international project ing business anymore...” Wadia, the first non-American to run Arthur Andersen for Minorities-, and Women was quoted in The Financial Tinies of (6) Directory of Financial Aid for Re­ search and Creative Activities Abroad (7) Financial Aid for Study and Train­ ing Abroad (8) Foundation Grants to Individuals: (9th edition) Ed. L. Victor Hall (9) International Scholarship Directory -. (3rd edition) Ed. J. David Cassidy, Presi­ dent. This has graduate and undergradu­ ate sources in every major field of study. (10) Graduate Scholarship Directory’-. (3rd edition) A complete guide to schol­ arships, fellowships, grants, loans for the firm’s billings now come from tradi­ tional accounting services. The balance comes from economic, business and fi­ nancial consulting, and tax and legal services, noted the Financial Tinies, re­ porting that they have put together a network of law firms consisting of more than 800 lawyers operating in 30 coun­ tries. Bombay born Wadia schooled in Geneva, trained as a lawyer in Britain, became an accountant and joined Arthur graduate or professional study. Andersen in its tax practice in 1977. As (11) Fellowship in International Affairs. per the Financial Tinies write-up, “One of a new breed of multinational busi­ ness-people, Wadia lives in London, has (12) Peterson’s Grants for Post Doc- offices there and in Chicago and New York, and travels all the time.” A guide to opportunities in the US and abroad. FEZANA Journal often prints appeals for student aid. I would like to answer that you cannot depend on donations to plete guide to postgraduate funding put you through school. You can how­ ever, depend on scholarships, fellow­ student loans and grants. In the USA students do not realize how fortunate they are with respect to the amount of financial aid available to them. There are funds that lie idle year worldwide. (15) Financial Aid for the Disabled and their Families: Gail Ann Schlacter and David Weber. Each of these sources has its own web site too. Aban Daruwalla Compiled by Ariiavaz S. Mama 22 Parsiana April 1998 *r HISTORY COVER STORY The benevolent B aron Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy ’s vast cosmopolitan charities made him one of the most honored figures of the 19th century Hilla P. Guzder Historians say he left Navsari in the late 1790s as an orphan, with the blessings of ing causes, a kindly neighbor who gave him some food wrapped in a handkerchief. When he returned to Navsari half a century later, he showered handfuls of silver coins from his palanquin all the way from his residence to the fire-temple and all the way back. Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy, the first In­ dian to be honored by the British govern­ ment with a knighthood and baronetcy, endowed the city of Bombay with its first civil hospital, its first obstetric insti­ tution, its first arts school and one of its earliest causeways among his numerous charities, says his biographer Jchangir R. P. Mody in Jamsetjee Jejeehhoy, The First Indian Knight and Baronet. “It was not his wealth that made him famous, but the use to which he put it...every year...was marked with new benefactions...As for his private chari­ ties, nobody will ever know how much he dispensed...” chronicled Delphine Menant in her historical record of the Parsi community. The Parsis (Vol III, translated from French by Anthony Mango). His charities were catholic, sur­ mounting all barriers of race and reli­ gion at a time when the prevailing trend was towards religious benefactions. The merchant prince of Bombay, as phatically thatitwasintheVatchaMohal- he was known, financed the construction of the Poona Bund and Waterworks, wells, bridges, roads, schools, agiaries, Alhaibaugs(baugsforhousing),dharam- shalas andpanjrapoles (homes for stray Jejeebhoy, seventh baronet. Adds his or abandoned animals), disbursing over 150 years ago a munificent amount of almost two and a half million rupees, notes Mody. The geographical reach of The house still exists, and rather than relieving the poor... always lend a help- his generosity extended from Bombay keep it vacant, we have allowed a family ing hand to those who are in need...” and Poona to all parts of Gujarat. He to reside in it, on the condition that they To earn his livelihood, young contributed to the Ireland Famine Fund, the Flood Fund of France, famine funds inlndia, Widows’ and Orphans’ Fund of Jamsetjefl’seaflylifs. “UigSRlvtetfe Marble sfafiie of Si? JamSefjee the Afghan War, TVie Lawrence Schoo) meagre and ill-kept records of priests Jejeebhoy in the Asiatic Library at Mount Abu and a multitude of deserv- that we know that Maiaji was the first known founder of the family,” states Mody. Vatchajee was the eighth in de­ scent from the founder Maiaji, and it is after Vatchajee that the family assumed Jamsetjee was born on July 15, 1783 and while there is unanimity among his­ torians as to the date of his birth, there is a difference of opinion as to the place of the surname VatchajeeorsimplyVatcha. his birth, with some chroniclers main­ taining that he was born in Yatha-ahoo- vairyo Mohalla in Bombay and that his family shifted to Navsari when he was Pocket watch from family collection five years old. Others say equally em- la in Malesar Falia in Navsari that he arrived into the world. “I believe that he was born in Navsari and not in Bombay,” opines the present Sir Jamsetjee After Vatchajee came Ruttonjee, Chanjeebhai and Jejeebhoy, who was Jamsetjee’s father. Jejeebhoy married Jeevibai, daughter of Dhunj ibhai Cowasji Dantra and they had three sons, Maneckjee, Rustomjee and Jamsetjee, and two daughters, ^avajbai and Baiai. They were known as a respectable, middle class family in Navsari and earned their living by weaving cloth, ojpserves Mody. It is said that both the parents thought very highly of their youngest child, Jamsetjee. “In thee I was always proud, and thought that no mother could pro­ duce the like of thee. I had fondly imag­ ined that I should see thee surrounded by pomp and pride, but my hopes are about to be frustrated by the victories of the grave,” Jamsetjee’s mother is said to have told him when she had a premoni­ tion of her approaching death. She died on April 9,1799 when Jamsetjee was not yet 16 years old. His father survived just five months longer, pdJsing away on September 16, 1799. His last words to Jamsetjee, according to Mody, are said to have been, “Though thou art young in years , thou art old in wisdom... sow not the seeds of that tree today which tomor­ row may injure thee in its fruits... to thy care I entrust the whole family...be good to all and never fear to do a good action...bring about the ruin of none, nor hurt even an insect... take delight in * son Rustom, “There is a house in Navsari we know he lived in as a child, hence we like to believe that he was born there. to reside in it, on the condition that they maintain the sanctity of the place.” Scant records are available of Facing page: 24 Parsiana April 1998r 61 sMnSSiiSSSSSoS 1" ’b!?^ 'S'-'.; I*;- ’ ?ft'S. ) I 1 ft ,t.«(M2 ¦L i ^*js. % ii A 4 Sa>3( B ® 5 \r' 5 •*« /? M 26 Parsiana April 1998 1 RS Is. i 1 a*. !?¦ J i, /* <2 'g mStAUNWET - t:. I HF, F- ¦«»: 27 Parsiana April 1998 .-.r S'. ' 2"!* ;i' t.'-x; ’F-« , jB Facing page: Sir Me Jamsetjee’? eldest Cursetjee (second from left, who later become second baronet) with his sons Maneckjee Hr (extreme left) and Cowasjee (extreme - right). In white dagla, second son Rustomjee (also seen below); the baronet’s coat-of-arms Photos: Chetan Mistry. Top row: Jamsetjee’s third son Sorabjee and daughter Pirojbai Photos: Chetan Mistry; Z/ze seventh Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy and Lady Shirinbai; future baronet Rustom with Delara and Jehangir; statue of the first baronet outside Oval maidan Photo: Chetan Mistry; commemo­ rative stamp (below) > A. ¦ ¦ rtWK, HNDIAPOSfACE J 1 Ji ...153 ¦ i )» I.lamsetjee set out tor Bombay, arriving al the end of 1799. .So little was known of horn hcihia (the good bay, as the Portu­ guese called It) in those day.s that when the islands were to be gifted to Charle.s II. king of England, as part of the dowry ol the Portuguese Catherine ol Braganza, in 1661. the Lord Chancell C larendon, i.s said to have written, “and forever annex to the Crown ol' England the island of Bombay, with the town and castic.s therein, which are within a very little distance from Brazil.” By the late 179()s, Bombay wa.s a lortified port where "an admiral in unilorm driving about in a small bullock-cart, with his knee.s close to his chin, must have been a quaint and interesting sight,” describes G. W, Forrest in hi.s Cities of India. Past and Present, publ i sheti in f.on- don in 1905. "The black town, within the lortress, contained good Asiatic houses, anrl sin stood with merchandize from all parts of the world, for the Europe- an.s and the natives. These shops were generally kept by the Indians, especially the Parsis; who. after the established import customs, exempted fromotherduties," noles.lame.s Forbes in his Oriental Memoirs. Vol 1. .lamsctjce's uncle, Framji Nusscr- wanji Battliwala, who wa.s his mother's sister'.s husband, inducted the lad into the lucrative trade ol selling empty hottles.lt wa.s during the first three years in Bombay that Jamseljee learnt to rearl and write Gujarati, a little English and elementary book-keeping. It wa.s also at ihi.s time that vistas ol trade and profit with China opened before him. Though the exact dales of his voy­ ages to China arc not available, histori- an.s generally agree that .lamsetiee made five trips to China between 1X00 and IXOX. in sailing vessels that entailed month.s of braving the fury of wind and water and the threat of pirates. His first trip wa.s as hi.s cousin Tabak's tnehta (accounts clerk) and while he did not succeed in enlarging his fortune, the experience enriched hi.s mind and whet­ ted his appetite for adventure. Jamsetjee’.s next trip was a.s hi.s uncle Battliwala's partner. It is believed that he took a loan of about Rs 40,000 from different people. On the journey, hi.s ship ran aground on a sand-reef and the passengers were ordered to lake to the ay, arriving prInccss. or. Lord many ips paying were 28 Parsiana April 1998 boats. narralc.s Mody. Il i.s said that Jamsel|ee had with him several strm^.s of pcarfs of great value. Hrs Horma.sji Khurshedji Porter, saved the pearfs risking hi.s own life. Thereafter, it is believerl that Jamseljce never went servant. Lala’s wadi which belonged to Ardeshir Dadabhoy. Fuelled by astrong wind, the file laged lor a day and half the nitjht, gutting nearly the whole Fort area. Over a thousand houses, three-fourths of the bazaar known a.s Mahomed’s Market, ¦ ¦ 1 he first htiriniel’s wife. L(i(l\ Aviihai Photo; Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy. The First Indian Knight and Baronet anywhere wilhoiilhis laithlul employee. ;ind tilso gave him in later years ;i two- storied house a.s a gilt. Il i.s well-known, slale.s Mody, that .lamsetjee made I're- quent gilts ol houses not only to his poor relatives, but Io his managers, eooks, coachmen, barber and (lhi>l)i. Most of the houses situated outside the Fort in Battliwala Mohalla were Jainsctjec’s gills to his relatives and employees, nar­ rates Ruttonji Baramji Madon in .S7r .l(iiii.'ieriee .lejeelthoy. hirst Prirsi Bar- niiel pubhshe(.l in Bombay in 1X99. It w;is during his second trip that .lamseljee's ship, one ol the vesseks of the East India Company's fleet, was in­ volved in a battle with the French fleet, as England and France were at war fol­ lowing the French Revolution. Jamsetjee eventually landed safely al Apollo Pier with hi.s precioLi.s merchandise and suc­ cessfully repaid hi.s loans. 11 lortune had favored him through his voyage, it soon frowned on him for on February 17, 1X0.3, just 12 days be- lore hi.s scheduled nuptials, a great fire broke out in the Fort area. It wa.s said to havesiarlctl Irom the stables in Harjivan ¦¦ churches, temples, barrack.s and the Hirji Vatcha Ram Modi’,s Agiary al Modi-khana were completely de- stroyed, according to Sir Ji van j i J. ¦ Modi in his History of the Parsi Panchuyut of Boiithay, Vol I, ¦ .lamseliee lost almost half of his ¦ newly acquired wealth. Most HH chronicler.s maintain that the fire started Irom the very site where ¦ years later the structure of the Sir .lamsctjce .lejcebhoy Parsee Be- ncvolent Institution was built (see “The edifice of ed.ucation,’' ParsianLr February-March 1998). Notwithstanding his immense ¦ loss. Jamsetjee married his cousin. Avabai, daughter of his uncle |||H Baltliwala (who wa.s also his em- |H ployer and later hi.s partner) on the H scheduled wedding day of March I. I X()3. Jamsetjee wTi.s not yet 20 year.s old, hi.s child-bride wa.s 10, and they had been betrothed in in­ fancy. Avabai later gave birth to seven son.s and three daughters. The first four sons, Burjor, Behram, Faram and Bchram (named al ter his deceased elder brother), died in infancy. Twodaughters, Goolbai and Jivanbai, also died young. After them came Cursetjee, Rusloinjee, Sorabjee and Pirojbai. On his third voyage, Mody relates, Jamsetjee consolidated his increasing business by establishing agencie.s in Madras, Bengal, Sumatra, Singapore, Siam, the Archipelago, Manila, Egypt and England, On hi.s fourth voyage, which turned out to be hi,s most adventurous. Jamseljee sailed on an English man-of- war Brtiiiswiek on June 30, 1S05, return­ ing to Calcutta on December 5 after fivc-month ordeal. Narrating hi.s adventures, Jamsetjee wrote a letter in Gujarati to a friend in Bombay, describing hi.s captivity on board the Brunswick, which was cap­ tured by the French on its way to China. The letter was first published in the Boinhay Courier on April 19,1X06. After intermittent sea battles, the Brunswick arrived two months later not in China but in Madagascar, “a Sidi’,s (black man’s) country,” wrote Jamsetjee. After taking continued on pciffe 42 a %1 BOOKS Shrines for the showcase After publishing a series of booklets on Zoroastrianism, Marzban Giara ’s magnum opus gives exhaustive coverage to the fire-temples around the world Parinaz M. Gandhi The history of a few well-known fire­ temples may be accessible. The salgirah of several others can be gleaned from the calendars brought out annually. But if interested in learning about the historical and ar­ chitectural details of 187 Zo­ roastrian places ol worship. 168 color photographs on art follows a short commentary on the his- reach tor the 208-page Gio- paperinthishard-boundbook tory and architectural highlights of each bal Directory of Zoroas- ( which make this compilation place. For out-of-Bombay agiaries, the triauFireTemple.'icompiled ' ---- -------------------------- ------------------ L_r..----------- .o.------- --------- by Marzban J. Giara. “There ‘ cost of Rs 1,200. Asacknowl- has been no reference book edged by Giara in his intro- giving the history of all our duction, it was an editor ac- tire-temples,” states Giara quaintance who first im- in his introduction, regretting that he pressed upon him the need to include “could not find even a complete and color pictures. His original intention wa,s to prepare a simple handbook in the form of a Zoroastrian pilgrim’s guide, giving the names, addresses and salgirahs of the religiou.s instituthms. It would have been like yet another of hi.s unostentatious, self-financed publication.s that he has been working on since 1993: SautDasturji Kookadaru (a translation of Minoo Desai’.s book). First Dastur Meherjiraiia (a translation of Rusi Besania’s book), Jarthosti Gayaii Saugrah (containing about 100 devotional songs), OurZoro- astriait Religion (a translation of Ervad Temples.” The directory of Zoroastrian anjumans in India and associations over­ seas “would be useful to promote ex­ change and fellowship among the mem­ bers of the community,” notes a press release. Visually appealing are the graph of the house of worship. Then 168 color photographs on art paper in this hard-bound book lA ¦X* A of consecration of every fire-temple, the address, telephone number, the name of the present panthaky, visiting hours and the mode of transport available in the area are the other nuggets of infor­ mation provided below the color photo- updated list of names of fire-temples or where they are located." Largely a self-imposed, single indi­ vidual effort, Giara has been involved with this book from its conception in 1993 to its final avatar when it was released on March 21,1998 at the hands of Bombay Parsi Punchayet trustee Minoo Shroff at the Jamshedi Navroze function at the Dadar Parsi Gymkhana. Featured in this book are the eight atash behrams of India, Bombay’s 48 dar-e- mehers (housing adarians and dadgahs) arranged alphabetically from Andheri Faredoonji Rabadi’s to Walkeshwar, 102 dar-e-mehers in the rest of India from Abu Road to Zai Bordi, and 29 centers overseas cover­ ing Australia, Canada, Hongkong, Iran, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, UK, USA. The fire-temples in India and Iran are di­ vided into three grades depending on whether there is an atash padshah (re­ quiring consecration of 16 fires), atash adarian (requiring consecration of four fires) or atash dadgah (one fire) within printed works. In ad­ its precincts. Some of the other commu­ nity landmarks of historical significance also find a place in this Global Direc­ tory a.s do a chapter each on “Status of Atash in Zoroastrianism” and “The Sig­ nificance and Power of our Fire by Giara (abore) f a collector’s item, even at the strength of the present Zoroastrian popu- ‘ '^of\ A—1------1 lation in that area is delineated and occasionally compared to the popula­ tion at the time of the coiftecration of the fire-temple. The top right of each page specifies whether the city/town/ village in which the agiary is locatet? has additional assets 1 ike a dharamshala, dokhma or aramgah. But that informa­ tion is not consistently provided, for among the agiaries in Bombay only on two pages does the word “dokhma” feature. Similarly in the record of the Surat fire-temples, there is no mention of dokhma. Thirty-three dar-e-mehers in India and four overseas are supposed to have closed down as per Giara’s informa­ tion. While he provides the year of consecration of each of these temples and gives details of the shift in fires, where applicable, regrettably he does not specify the year of closing. This would have been particularly interest­ ing in light of the fact that three dar-e- mehers in Bharuch have been closed down and yet when the fire from the Doongaji Agiary in Bharuch was pro­ posed to be brought to Bombay’s Godrej book), plus other works like Words of Wisdom, Keys to Happy Family Life. The Navjote Guide, The Nirangdin. It is the hues and contents of this book that set it apart from any of his earlier dition to giving the full name and date The front corer of the book authored 31 Parsiana April 1998 'SLOBAl. &t«£ClO8r OF ZOROASTRIAN FIRS TEMfUS At IBaug agiary (which is still awaiting the chemistry and physics Irom Bombay’s placate him by reminding him that his arrival of an atash) a stay was brought " " " on the shifting of the fire. It is pertinent that the visiting hours have been men­ tioned in the case of each fire-temple so that devotees need not turn away disap­ pointed. A confessed “orthodox by training,” Giara clarifies, “In today’s world no­ body is orthodox. Everybody goes with the wind. Religion does not mean going to the fire-temple or praying from a book, but living life according to the tenets (of the faith). As Kaikhushru M. Kutar said, ‘It is bread for daily use, not cake.s for special occasions.’” Giara firmly believes, “If you want to follow the faith, you should marry within the community. There should be no gender discrimination. If those who marry out want to follow another trend of thought they should build and sup­ port their own institutions... Religious job with fciCI (The Industrial Credit institutions have been built by Parsi Zoroastrians for Parsi Zoroastrians..." Deploring the prevalent attitude of trying to live with the Joneses, Giara advocates, “Educate the community or change the mindset. Unless you check your expenses, there i.s no end to greed.” After completing hi.s graduation in Ruia College, Giara joined the IBM grandfather had a bicycle when his fa- World Trade Corporation in 1963, mar­ keting computers and data center ser­ vices. Since 1977 he had been involved with International Data Management Private Limited, formed by the em­ ployees of IBM, which took him to Madras for some years. After resigning Irom his job he ha.s been involved with supplementhis income, his wife Homai, community publications. Initially he wa.s involved in hcipin, the late Dr Bahman Surti in publishin and distributing his multi-volume Shah Namah of Firdaosi in English prpse. It started as a hobby and ha.s now become a full-time preoccupation for 55-ycar- old Giara who says, “What is the use of having money if there i.s no content­ ment? We are contented with what we have,” asserts Giara on behalf of his encouraged and inspired mC,” to Boman- wife Bapsy who gave up her lucrative ther was born and he could have an aircraft of his own when he grew up. “My father brought us up (Giara and his two sisters) in a thrifty way,” states Giara matter-of-factly. An electrical­ mechanical engineer, the late Jamshedji was unable to hold on to any one job. To ig ig Marzban and the daughters would sell different items from door-to-door, which in later life gave Giara the experience to undertake sales activities. “Be a creator, not a spectator in life,” Giara acknowledges his father’s advice as also his inspiration to give back to society what they had gained from it. Not surprisingly the Global Directory’ is jointly dedicated to his parents “who and Inveslmcnt Corporation of India Limited) following the birth of their son Zareer who is now in his second year of commerce studies at the South Indian Wellare Society College in Bombay. He recalls the time though in 1987 when his son cried when they sold off their ear. Giara however was able to jee Byramjee Patell, “the great Parsi chronicler,” and “those pious athravans who preserved the Zoroastrian religion, tenets, prayers, rituals, ceremonies and scriptures in their pristine form over the centuries and sacrificed their lives to preserve the race and religion.” Dastur Kaikhushru Kutar was Giara’s mentor at the navjote classes he at­ tended. Hi.s navjotc, though, was per- 4* * For Pure Diamonds JEWELLERS 324, Grant Road, Bombay 4(>()()()7, Telephone 3099648 Fax 3073483 APPOINTED VALUERS BY THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA 32 Parsiana April 1998 * ¦I 3SSB= sasMWffix tion that he received at Bombay’s J. B. _______ Vachha High School before proceeding volvement with the to St Joseph’s High School, Wadala, enabled him to learn Gujarati which stood him in good stead when he took on the work of translations in later life, he realizes. Last year Giara was also immersed ..... ___ _ in translating from Gujarati to English countability and tr«r.spmenvy’’”Acm- never free and frank discus­ sion,” he insists, “there’s always guided discussion by remote control. Even the World Zoroastrian Congresses, (all) people are not allowed to speak.” In his opinion, “There is unneces­ sary ^emphasis on housing because community publications and theiravail- ability, he recommends there should be one central hub from where those inter­ ested could order books by mail or buy from the existing stock. Invariably at community functions and conferences, Giara carries his books with him “so that people get an oppor­ tunity to buy. If Mohammed cannot come to the mountain, the mountain. must go to Mohammed. I believe in Peshotan Peer on vegetarianism from the viewpoint of Zoroastrianism. After attending a nature cure course in 1984, Giara himself has been avoiding a non­ vegetarian diet, he says. During the course of his translations, Giara learnt that the armies of Cyrus the Great supposed to be vegetarian. An avid reader, Giara serves as presi­ dent of the J. N. Petit Library, Dadar. Besides community literature, he keeps himself abreast on other topics through his membership with the Indo-Ameri- can Society, British Council, K. R. Cama Oriental Institute, Bombay Management Association, Computer Society of In­ dia. Until five years ago he was active were ^ect with their charities, he believes. 5 are getting dissipated with the mushrooming of group that meets different bodies: the Society for the -- --------------- 1 Religious Knowledge and Education, the Zarthoshti Dharmasambandhni Shodh- Khol Karnari Mandali, the Parsee Veg­ etarian and Temperance Society, the Zarthoshti Bhai-Bandh Mandali... “There should be something like an information center,” advocates Giara. Enthusiastic about his plans for a central information center, Giara points out, “So many people don’t know where to get books.” While he periodically brings out a leaflet listing the recent sponsibility, he shares his views. A The community energies relatively new development is his in- every month at Cusrow Baug to enjoy Promotion of Zoroastrian the lyrics of devotional songs. Earlier he had brought out an audio cassette of such songs. He is also keen to register his views on the lack of leadership in the community, the non-existent ac- I transparency. “Actu- the lyrics of devotional songs. Earlier at people want to make money out of it. Career guidance, counselling services, marriage bureaus, publication of reli­ gious books should instead be the community’s concern. There are many organizations for poverty relief.” Instead ot reducing the community to beggary, “asking for educational assis­ tance, housing aid, we should tell the community to be self-reliant. We are giving so money too easily.” Unless it is taking books to the people...” * 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: 77, Mint Road, Fort, Mumbai 400001, India Tel: 2694203, 2659055, 2658396 Branches Bombay - Nhava Sheva - Kandla - New Delhi - Ludhiana - Ahmedabad 34 Parsiana April 1998COMMENT 4 4 What is the world body for? The author lists his priorities for the community ’s world body Aspi D. Moddie 99 Paisiana (November 1997) has thrown global community debate, especially up three articles on a long-sought world by some of the best minds in the global body for Zoroastrians, one more repre­ sentative than the forerunner, the World Zoroastrian Organisation (WZO). Arnavaz Mama, first offered a review of years of painful seeking for such world body, with unsuccessful results so far (“The world body in perspec­ tive”). In the second, (“A new structure for the WZO?”) she deals with change.s in the existing WZO structure to in­ clude chapters and federations around the world in a kind of coalition of community organization.s based on Shahpur Captain’s observations. Then ____ , _ ___ a thiid, A union of ledeiations, with problem solving, nor for community a communily. It is significant that both the global constitution builders, and letter-writers to the Editor, are asking for what is loosely called ti brains trust of wise men. It is really a call of despair lor the best minds on community prob­ lems, which may have held aloof hith­ erto, and who may not be elected repre­ sentatives. For me, constitutions come last, not lirst, for the following reasons: •History has shown that, intrinsically, political constitutions are instrument.s for sharing power, not for community Rohinton Rivetna’s constitution-mak­ ing contributions. Ironically, these tides for greater global unity and mon purposes are preceded in this issue by a letter from D. D. Neterwalla on “the sagging and degrading image of our community” (“This sagging im­ age,” Readers’ Forum) with the pros­ pect of “having no voice in anything in this country” in the next 50 years; and ______ ____ ____ ___ another by Homi B. Minocher Homji problems, needs and aspirations, and ar- com- of the future will need to be understood, articulated, and accepted first in each of the three arenas. Or else, Zoroastrians will be like lost molecules in oceans of humanity. We have no Martin Luther King. And there are no “self evident truths” in our situation. It will involve imaginative work, creative minds. Ques­ tions confront us. So what are our futurist priorities? Like any good corporate strategy, we have to make future impact assessments and risk assessments in each of the three scenarios before formulating future strategies. We need to know our demo­ graphic and socioeconomic realities. We need to be economically and tech- ' nologically competent and competitive in each of these three arenas, as the Jews have been. We need to revive our tradi­ tional role, since the landing in Sanjan, ‘Futures’ visioning. •Five World Zoroastrian Congresses — the best lorum for community problem.s globally so far — have made over 100 ................., ______ _ ... ..unj,,.,. recommendations over 25 years with of being “sugar in the milk” of our host no follow-up actions. So globalized talk is not enough. •Most intelligent and objective people — including constitution-making friends — would agree that community 1 a from Toronto (“Any options for sur­ vival?” Readers’ Forum) asking us to wake up to the dangers confronting us, with the challenge of “survival” and “keeping afloat.” So, behind the years-old attempts at global constitution-making, there lurk central, hard and persistent questions: What is the world body for? What will be its approach? With widespread dis­ satisfaction in existing anjumans and federations, even on grounds of repre­ sentativeness apart from functions, will a new coalesced global body be qualita­ tively significant? Now that Amavaz has given us a three-barrel burst of the subject for wider public information, hopefully, “We, the people,” (the guys for whom constitutions are allegedly made), will respond thoughtfully. My own small contribution here may help initiate a deeper, if not also a wider societies, and not antibodies or those who don’t count. If our religion and culture have something significant to offer, what is that significance for other cultures in these arenas? Having done this homework, can our global and re- Vohumanic vision of the 21st century gional leaders plug into futurist multi­ cultural knowledge centers like the masters programs of Houston and Ha­ waii Universities, and the new course in Leeds, UK, as well as the Clutfnf Rome and other such bodies as Future Genera­ tion Alliance Foundation based in lobal lutures call for basic visions for Kyoto, Japan? In science, technology, .... economic management studies and in religious thought, we ought to be at the centers of gravity of the 21 st century. In all this, the ‘Futures’ may be signifi- must come first. Or what arc constitu­ tions and organizations for? Our leaders, the elected ones as also the desired wise men must first be able to imagine and articulately create worth­ while relevant ‘Futures.’ Realistically, gl............................ the global community as well as for the three regions in which it is divided. Zoroastrians are microscopic minori­ ties in three very different host societ- ______ __ . ____ ics: those of secular Hindu India, of cantly influenced by the non-West, by .................... T... , . .. Asia in particular, which behind mod­ ernizing technologies, has its own deep and different cultural heritages, which may find new expressions in the 21st century, as Japan has shown in the 20th. A tall order? Then why seek wise men? You don’t need them to tell you that in the World Council of Federa­ tions, there should be one vote for 1,000 conservative Shia Iran, and of the secu­ lar, multi-cultural Christian western societies. If Zoroastrians are first seek­ ing their identity, and then seeking rec­ ognition of it, they have to find strate­ gies to place identity, recognition and actions, in these three different reli­ gious, sociopolitical worlds of the fu­ ture. Those clear identities and visions 35 Parsiana April 1998Zoroastrians; or that officc-holdin^ should rotate, or any such constitu­ tional nitty-gritty. To come to the more practical area of the proposed functions of the proposed World Council of Federations in Arnavaz’s third article, I honestly be­ lieve that the priorities have been con­ fused and need to be reviewed. If the prime questions of the 21st century, after a millennium in India, after the slow, cautious emergence of an identity in Iran, after 30 years of migration to new west­ ern societies, are: “Who are we? What do we represent? What can we offer the host societies?” — then the first functional ____ , . .......... pi ioiity of a sense of identity” has to go planning problem for the community. \ I I 1 t l-^ rv I-X _ __ - - I * a 1 fl fl> 'g with a better educated grounding in a meaningful Zoroastrianism globally and in each of the three regions. Hence this needs to be upgraded from a “secondary objective” into a primary one: Our iden­ tity to ourselves and the world is based on the Zoroastrian religion; the secular as­ pect flows from this religious condition­ ing, as in the careers of Dadabhai Naoroji and Pherozeshah Mehta. They were em­ bodiments of their religion in public af- 1 airs, exemplars to present leadership. If I were asked to propose a list of Futures’ priorities, globally and region­ ally, for Zoroaslrians, 2050, I would suggest the following: Global •The ‘Vohumanic’ resolution of the internal conflict: I.s the message of Zarathushtra in the Gathas universal and inclusive, or ethnic and exclusive? This would be the beginning of “Asha,” the Truth. •Assess how this would affect the community’s demographic plight and the repercussions of mixed marriages. •Help regional bodies in periodic de­ mographic and socioeconomic surveys. There is no hard data, creating a major A leadership which does not know its facts cannot lead. •Strengthen the core identity of global Zoiodstrians in an overwhelming world by 2050, with inclusive, not exclusive in all three arenas, especially through policies around intermarriages and their consequences, qualitative and quanti­ tative. Assess the impact of such a policy on community institutions and community life. •Review the priority and performance of housing policie.s till 20S5 on realistic demographic assumptions. •Create measures for greater commu- coiitinued on page ^1 more meaningful World Zoroastrian Congresses. •Find ways to mobilize global resources for the community’s global needs. Pri­ vate wealth and community poverty won’t make a future. •Seek the higher competitive capabili­ ties of the highest potential youths in vanguard knowicdgc/career areas of the 21 st century, e.g. genetics and bio-tech­ nologies, space aviation and remote sensing, international money markets, environmental sciences, digital tech­ nologies, etc and bring them to the forefront. In all relevant fields of the future, let us be in the vanguard. •Find ways to forge greater interna­ tional cosmopolitan awareness of the human rights of minority Zoroastrians everywhere. Also create a greater aware­ ness in inter-faith circles of Zara- thushtra’s message and Zoroastrian his­ tory and its contributions in the interna­ tional intellectual world. There would be similar priorities for the three regional arenas: In India •Face demographic nemesis squarely Progressives . ¦<» * - M/Qf-, ^®Q/ ¦^^^Qnce Distance _ - ijf' The lens for uninterupted vision at different ranges distance, mid-disfance & reading. Progressives are multifocal lenses without the tell-tale lines of bifocals. Progressives need professional care . For the best results come to Baliwalla & Homi. One of the finest optometrists & contact-lens practitioners in the country. BaViwaUa & Homi Private Limited Flora Fountain: 365, Dr. D.N.Road, Bombay 400 001 Tel: 287 4916, 2871762 • Dhobi Talao: 614, J.S. Seth Marg, Bombay 400 002. Tel: 201 4906 Parel: J.Merwanji Street, Parel, Bombay 400 012 Tel: 412 6051 36 Parsiana April 1998PROFESSIONS Selling foreign space Starting with NeiA/siA/eek, Ronny Mistry today represents the advertising sales interest of leading foreign publications f Roxanne Kavarana breadth of the country searching for ad representatives to take over the territo- ing to media agencies. Life was tough. I Mistry looks after the administrative and financial side from RMA’s new office at Bandra. Right from the beginning, this alum­ nus of St Xavier’s School and St Xavier’s College (inter-science) always wanted to do something in the international field. To that end, RMA’s focus has remained entirely on foreign publications. He ad­ mits that the domestic market has never held any interest for him. But something ¦ nance his venture, not i knowing whether he would I succeed or not. And suc- I ceed he did. bit by bit. I Newsweek wa.s hi.s first title. ¦ which he holds even today. B In his first two years. Mistry domestic i.s holding his interest at the 3 relied solely on Air-India ¦ (A-I) to give him business. H “I succeeded in convincing depends on what kind of gpvernancc we “ A-I to share its ads between Time and Newsweek, and not concen­ trate just on the former which it had been doing till then." Today, the low-profile Mistry ha.s seven offices all over India and RMA represents a host of international publi­ cations, including creme de la creme players like the Intenieitioneil Hereilel Tribune. New York Times. Los Angeles' Times. For Eeistern Eeoneniiic Review. Horvord Bnsines.s Review. The New Yorker. Business Week. Deiilv Tele- yroidi. The Sfroil.s Times and Reeicler'.s Digest. It also deaks with 77;c Doily Moil. Le Fi^’oro. Izvestio. Nikkei Busi­ ness, Gulf News. The Bonf>kok Post, Voyue. Cosmopol iron. Trovel Ayent...Wc list is by no means over. time of writing this piece; the uncertainty on India’s political front. “The future A.S advertisement manager of media giant Bennett, Coleman and Company Limited (publishers of The Times of riesconcerned, meetingclientsand talk Indio), Ronny D. Mistry handled no less than 17 publications. It wa.s a job Mistry used hi.s provident fund to fi one didn’t throw up in a jiffy. But that is precisely what Mistry did. “One of my colleagues, who knew I wanted to branch off on my own. introduced me to Julian Sale, then advertise­ ments director of News­ week, when he was in Bombay to scout lor repre­ sentatives. Sale gave me just one hour to decide whether to join him orcontinue withT/tc Times." Mistry decided he had had enough oiThe Times job and wa.s willing to take the risk of setting out on hi.s own and represent the US-based Newsweek in India. Having worked in The Time.s for 17 long years, he says, “It was a tough decision giving up a cushy job." Sixty-cight-year-old Mistry i.s today the gracious, charming and genial man­ aging director of Ronny Mistry Associ­ ates (RMA), a top media representation company for international publications. The urge to do something on hi.s own wa.s not the only thing that spurred Mistry to move on. He also realized that although he was happy at The Times, at .50 hi.s financial future didn’t seem all that bright. It’s the classic dilemma people in The Time.s face even today — lots of fun but little money. “I used to see people retiring every other week in the office, and there would be party for them. I told myself that that would be my state too eight to 10 years later: they 'll throw a party for me and then I'll be forgotten. Where do I make the money? I’ve worked all my life." .Set­ ting up office at home initially and then from a poky little place in Bombay's Fountain area, which he shared with foreiyii others, Mistry toured the length and pnhiicotion.s ‘g have. Advertisers arc scared, this is cer­ tainly not the time to advertise interna­ tionally. They do not know what tl^ winds of change will bring.” As Mistry cautiously awaits what lies ahead, he looks with nostalgia at the years gone by. Sans fax and computers, handling a business — and that too virtually alone except for a “very help­ ful wife” Dinaz — was a different ball game altogether. Mistry had to rely on business houses in the Fountain- Nariman Point area for his telex mes­ sages. “I either sent my peon to collect them or went over personally," he says, adding, “1 used to do my own typing before I got my first secretary. Looking back, I can’t imagine how weTnanaged without a fax and computers!” He still With the business growing, Mislry works from the first table that he bought, now has one of his four sons-in-law F a r e d o o n ^aMuaa— ¦ r-.",¦ Kuka helping him out as general man- While man Cosiiiopol item. agcr. Kuka age.s the hec­ tic sales side. Mistry with his focus on ¦j*’ 37 ParsianaAprill993 although the typewriter which perhaps once occupied pride of place on it has been replaced by a ¦ «f w 1 tt, T “ - .. ' computer. The sturdy table may dwarf ev- erything else in Mistry’s small but com­ pact office, but continued on poye 41 eifcXcttH!- ’ it s. I ¦PROFESSIONS Media Marketeer From selling advertising space to organizing exhibitions and publishing, Marzban Patel s company Mediascope is a name to reckon with Roxanne Kavarana “When a guy plugs into Mediascope, he representatives would admit that they T J- 1 • I- ’ - wuuiu uuiiiii iiiai iney plugs into India, marketing, events and hesitated to even step inside the offices of promotions and distribution (of the prod­ ucts being serviced). It’s a total pack­ age that we offer,” stresses Marzban Patel, chairman and managing director of the high profile Mediascope __ Group. Today, his Group of compa­ nies is not just a name to reckon with in international media rep­ resentation circles, but is also going great guns in domestic representations, distribution, publishing, events manage­ ment, exhibitions and manage- ment training. Mediascope rep- resents nearly a hundred inter- national publications, includ- ing in-flight magazines and au- HI diovisual media, in North America, Eu rope, South-East Asia, West Asia, Af­ rica and South Asia. So, how did this “Jack of all trades, master of all” reach where he is today? theater) man Burjor Patel, he didn’t plan to follow in his father’s footsteps. In fact, Patel obtained his diploma in hotel ad­ ministration and food technology from Sophia Polytechnic and took up a job at the Taj. After a brief while there, he found himself setting up a commercial farm in Dahanu, growing chickoos. It was at the instance of his father that Patel, who had spare time, decided it would be a good idea to try his hand at space selling. Patel Sr. introduced his son to a small South Gujarat newspaper, Gujarat Mitra, since it needed an ad representa­ tive in Bombay. And life was never the same for Marzban Patel. Beginning at the bottom, Patel says he learnt two things while working for Gujarat Mitra-, that the way media was being sold left a lot to be desired, and that the industry really looked down on space sellers unless they came from the ‘big five in the field. “In fact, a number of ad top corporate people. Nine out of 10 limes, you were thrown out,” remem­ bers Patel. Not one to shy away from challenges. 38 Parsiana ApriH998 eign publications already.” So, Patel had a problem: “where do I begin?” This was the 1970s and Indian firms were just realizing the value of the Persian Gulf market. Patel saw his El Dorado there, “sauntered down to Dubai” and tried to find out if he could represent the number one title — there, Khaleej Times. The people at Khaleej weren’t impressed with his seemingly Gujarat Mitra connection and his youth. “I must have been 19 or20 then,” he sSys. Patel didn’t get the Khaleej business but he - was determined not to return empty-handed from there.^o he walked across to Gulf News, which had yet to be launched then but had just started free distribu­ tion. They say much of success is being at the right place at the right time. Patel’s timing was perfect: Gulf News, then an infant in the field, was more insignificant 4' Patel with some oj the international publications he represents (below) trades, he sought advice from his experienced ------- ^ ? father, learnt from-'"d “-----* —- ddoing ,Kings ihe way ,hey shinSVe' ihan happy ,o sign ^wi,’hhini"be(au“;; whatever business he got the newspa­ per would be a bonus. father, learnt from him and “went about done.” Soon, he was also representing Samaj, Orissa’s leading Hindi newspa- ___ i/wimo per. But the suave Patel always wanted to ' Within a shoruime, Patel was over­ do something in the global field. Egged joyed to see that Gulf News had beaten on by a desire to get a break in interna­ tional media representation, he looked around and found that ; “ named Ronny Mistry (see “Selling for­ eign space,” page who once was a colleague of my father Sanuij, Orissa’s leading Hindi newspa- in The Times of India — had the best of for- 5L ts market leader Khaleej when it came to advertising from India. It’s another story up Cm// News, began his now well-known asso- ciation with Khaleej Times and turned business the other way around. Today, eight to 10 percent of Khaleej's total business comes from India, thanks to Mediascope. Then came a time when Patel wanted to sign up with global giants. A big player in his kitty is the Finan- cial Times (FT) of UK which, Patel claims, has close to 450 Indian clients today as against the three who used torect term to describe the vast range of degree in business to be a successful communications-related services that the Mediascopc Group offers not just to the advertiser but also the publisher. Mediascope recently made a foray especially since he describes himself as a into publishing by bringing out the Taj businessman. With so many companies to take care of, does Patel have any personal life. that wife Anita is the joint managing director and handles the administration side of the business, which is her forte. “hands-on MD?” “Let’s just put it this way — my wife and I sort of see each lication meant for the hotel’s guests. It other at the office,” he laughs, explaining has also tied up with British Airways for a magazine to be published this year for its Executive Club members in South Asia, called Free and Easy. “Now that Interestingly, at work, she likes to be we have experience in all fields, what stops us from going into publishing?” is Patel’s response to a query why he wants to enter the complicated world of pub­ lishing. As if dabbling with publications isn’t addressed as the joint managing director first, and then as his wife. The couple has a nine-year-old daughter Aleesha who studies at the Cathedral and John Connon School. Despite his busy schedule, this son of theater buffs Burjor and Ruby Patel still finds the time to watch plays and is open to the idea of producing them “if the right advertise sporadically eight years back when Mediascope began representing it. “FT is a big, big brand in India.” Mediascope, which was established in 1979, also signed up with biggies like Forbes magazine of the US, Asiaweek, and South China Morning Post, which is City (Mumbai) Guide, a quaterterly pub- Hong Kong’s numero uno newspaper. Not to be left behind are Frankfurter Allegemeine Zeitung of Germany, Conde Naste Traveller, Kuwait Times, Arab News and Dawn Group of publica­ tions of Pakistan. Having consolidated the international side of his business, Patel, in the past two and a half years, has diverted his resources and energy to expanding his Indian base. Mediascope now also represents Business Standard, Taj magazine, Anuradha Mahindra’s enough. Mediascope conducts manage- much-acclaimed Verve, the recently launched Marwar magazine. Interiors and Cine Blitz, among others. With 13 offices in India and a staff of training organization in the US. tor sister, Shenaz, has her own theater 200, the Mediascope Group includes Mediascope Expositions has tied up with company. Rage Productions.) Mediascope Representations, Media- the world’s leading exhibition organiza- Butactingisadefiniteno-noforPatel. scope Publishing, Mediascope Book- tion, Reed, and offers 325 exhibitions It never has been. “I was always in and house. Mediascope Promotions, Me- (trade fairs) worldwide to Indian busi- out of green rooms/backstage but I never diascope Management Plus and Media- nesses. went on stage. I was mOfe interested in scope Expositions. Actually, “media Thirty-eight-year-old Patel is living the business side of theater, not the ere- . representation” would not be the cor- proof of the dictum that you don’t need a ative aspect. I was always trying to see ment programs for Indian professionals in Bombay, Bangalore and Chennai in tandem with Crestcom, the third largest opportunity comes by.” (Actress-direc- training organization in the US. the world’s leading exhibition organiza­ tion, Reed, and offers 325 exhibitions (trade fairs) worldwide to Indian busi­ nesses. Thirty-eight-year-old Patel is living proof of the dictum that you don’t need a 40 Parsiana April 1998 %WHAT IS THE WORLD BODY FOR? continued from page 36 nity participation and more transparent public works with community involve­ ment. •Ensure larger resource mobilization to A tial youths, and for health insurance for the poor. •Aim at the resumption of secular Zoro­ astrian leadership as in the halcyon where comers could be cut,” observes Patel, who managed Burjor Patel Pro­ ductions when it was launched and when his parents left for Dubai 10 years ago. “I used to tell my dad he was wasting his time and energy; he was not making a farthing outofit.People got their laughs, promote the capabilities of high poten­ that’s it. Of course, my folks didn’t agree,” he reminisces nostalgically in his plush Colaba office. Patel admits that his involvement with the affairs of the Parsi community period, 1850 to 1950. “has been virtually nil.” It is all in the past. “The only involvement — which would make interesting reading — was through our family theater company (Burjor Patel Productions). We used to stage a number of shows to raise funds for various charities, some of which were for deserving Parsi causes.” Today, Burjor Patel is general man­ ager (marketing and advertising) for Khaleej Times. Away from home turf, the senior Patel hasn’t forgotten the­ ater: he hosts and stages plays from India out there. “Burjor Patel is a name in theater circles in Dubai,” says the son. Then, pausing for effect, he laughs, “And, as always, he’s not making any money!” In Iran •Forge inter-faith links with Shia Islam on the basis of monotheism and a na­ tional historical pride. •Forge an Iranian historical identity, inclusive of pre and post seventh cen­ tury events, i.e. two complementary monotheist religions, one history and one people. •The preservation of Zoroastrian heri­ tage sites, with Iranian tourist promo­ tion and UNESCO’s patronage. •The last three items in the India list. Western communities •Resolve the core problem of identity and assimilation, in the context of the predicament of identities in plural soci­ eties. •Address the fact of intermarriages, and a policy of inclusiveness and growth. SELLING FOREIGN SPACE continued from page 37 that’s the way he wanted the room to be planned. Blame it on sentimental qualitative and quantitative. reasons — at 68, he can afford to do so. What he can’t afford to miss is the joy he and Dinaz, who is also the joint globally and in inter-faith circles. Cre- managing director of RMA, get from spending time with their six grandchil­ dren on weekends at their home in ‘Support the global body. Matunga. Every weekend, he says, he looks forward to the whole family com­ ing together. This includes his four forces of higher minds. Beyond constitu- married daughters — Nancy, Pinky and tions, what can the leadership (including Reena, who are all housewives, and enlightened priesthood) produce by the Aileen who is director of Aakaar Fluxes Private Limited. That and the joy of working keeps him going. Despite a busy schedule. Mistry has had the time to involve himself in the affairs ofthe community, being a founder Law, which does not exist. Reverend member of Youths Own Union (YOU) and a past managing committee member of Ranina School at Parsi Colony, Dadar. “People always tell me that I look younger than my age. It’s perhaps be­ cause I enjoy working. Retirement is not for me,” he says proudly. Hasn’t someone truly said, “You don’t stop working because you grow old. You teaching with positive agendas in a vast, grow old because you stop working?” •Make Zoroastrian research studies an engine for a comprehension of the faith ate an identity based on knowledge, not a myth-filled vacuum. All these will require not just one group of wise men, but specific task climactic year, 2000? Can those who are elected to represent the community get cracking? The high priests need to share a ‘Futures’ leadership, without presum­ ing to be medieval Popes with Canon Martin Luther King is a role model. Let us accept realities and move towards convergence, not rifts; more result-ori­ entation, public participation and trans­ parent accountability. And through all, ‘Vohuman’ (higher mind) and ‘Frasho- Kereti’ (healing renewal). In short, how can we be embodiments of Zarathushtra’s changing and challenging world? 41 Parsiana April 1998 22 Carat Guaranteed Gold KUMAR JEWELLERS House of Gold, Silver & Diamond Jewellery Specialist for: Asho Farohar & Lord Zarathushtra Medals in Gold and Silver 596, Chira Bazar Near Wadia Fire Temple Bombay 400002 Tel: 2017707/2011894 We buy old Gold, Silver and Diamond Jewellery We accept Masted Visa, Diners, BOB & Inter cards 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 (Apr/6-98)* GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 ’Please make sure the reply envelope bears the reference number cited here. Always remember fej '*4 TATA BATA KHAMBATA Ketayun & Bomi 22/A, Wellington Terrace Wellington Street, Bombay 400002 Tel No: 2069636,2057242 Pager No: 9602-104007THE BENEVOLENT BARON continued from page 28 provisions and water she set sail again, sighting the Cape of Good Hope on September 16. The ship cast its anchors but the wind being strong, both the cables broke. The next day the Brunswick en­ tered Table Bay River and ran aground, fortunately on sand and not on rock! “We asked the captain to let us go ashore, but he said the admiral’s orders were not Rogay, a Concanese Mahomedan who to permit anyone to land. We passed the night in a very sad mood... At the time there was a great scarcity of rice and even for 35 or 40 dollars one could not gel a bag of rice... The French captain was informed that a conspiracy was laid by the Parsi, Mussulman and the four En­ glishmen to murder him. There- upon he put us all under arrest...and got our kit searched, and on finding no dangerous instruments with any of us, the captain again set us at large. Our troubles in this respect were inexpressible.” Begging for a berth on another ship to Calcutta, Jamsetjee wrote, the com­ mander asked 800 dollars for the Parsi and Mussulman passengers! “I argued that as we did not want to sit at the table, nor ask for liquor or wine, why (was) such an exhorbitant sum as 800 dollars demanded?... Eventually it was arranged that I should give a bill of exchange on myself for 800 sika rupees, payable in Calcutta, the whole passage money for all ot us being Rs 1,600. On board the Rustom). In 1836, Jamsetjee’s eldest son Cursetjee and Furdoonji Sorabji Parakh joined as partners and the firm rector ofthe Bombay Bank. The Bombay was renamed Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy Sons Association, the first political associa- ' Presidency, had Jamsetjee as its president, with eminent personalities like Dadabhai Naoroji, Kharshedji N. Cama, Cowasji Jehangir Readymoney, Maneckji Limji Banaji, Manockjee Petit, business in two of the staples of the confidence universally reposed in his ’ “ uprightness, clear-sightedness, liberal­ ity and skill,” states Williamson Ramsay in Memorandum of the Life and Public Charities of Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy, China trade,' cotton and opium. Its En­ glish commander, Captain Robb, seems to have had some profit sharing interest in the venture. When Jamsetjee’s father- in-law and partner died in 1818, he took published in London in 1855. in two new partners, Motichand Ami- chand, “the very essence of a mild Hindoo,” says Cooverjee Nazir in The Jamsetjee’s services to the public started around 1819, states Mody, and the range of his activities was remarkable. In 1827, was a “very pious and good-natured he became one of the first Indian jurors man. The firm was then named when Indians were given the right to serve on juries. Along with other Indians, he petitioned Parlia­ ment demanding the right of Indians to serve on grand juries and be appointed justices of the peace. Their efforts were fruit­ ful and on July 5, 1833, Jamsetjee and other Indians served on the Grand Jury, re­ counts Bomanji Patell in Parsee Vol I, Bombay, 1888. The next year he became one of the first justices of the peace. In 1835, the first Savings Bank opened inTBombay. with verse of diamond-stud- Jamsetjee as one of its directors. He was - a member on the committee of the Bombay Native Dispensary which Was started to give free medical aid to the poor. Elected a member of the Royal Society of Great Britain and Ireland, Jamsetjee was also on the committees appointed to send addresses of congratu­ lation to Queen Victoria on her ascen­ sion to the throne, on her marriage and on the birth of the Prince of Wales. He was a member of the Harbour Commit­ tee (Port Trust) and the only Indian di­ First Parsi Baronet, and Mahomedali The firm was then named Ml 1 Obverse and re ded gold medal Photo: Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy, The First Indian Knight and Baronet Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy and Company. In 1821, it made huge profits by cor­ nering the entire import trade of China. Jardine Matheison and Company was their principal agent in China (Jam­ setjee’s portrait still hangs in the Ma­ theison office in Hongkong, explains Danish ship (some historians maintain it was a Dutch vessel), “we used to get one biscuit a head in the morning, and at four or five o’clock some khichri or boiled rice. The Danish captain, for 1,600 sika Rustomjee, and six years later his young­ rupees, gave us such miserable berths “ that they were worse than that of a coun­ try craft which we get for Rs 50. ..he gave one pot of water between nine men both for cooking and drinking...the cold was severe, severer than that experienced in g,,, v, ,„uin auu m ? me iirm sur- China. My sufferingsand privations were fered heavy losses during the China war. as I had never before experienced, and I Jamsetjee had started his voyages with and Company. In 1844, his second son Public activities * est son Sorabjec also became partners. Alter Parakh’s death his sons were in­ ducted into the Company. In later years, heavy duties on cotton DrBhauDaji and V. Shankershethamong and opium drastically reduced the mar­ gin of profit and in 1840 the firm suf- am unable to express them in writing.” During his fifth and last visit to China in 1807, say his biographers, Jamsetjee gathered a prolific commercial harvest. He was not yet 25 years old. His shrewd business instinct soon told him that to save freight charges he needed his own mercantile fleet. In 1814, he purchased his first ship, Good Success, to carry on its members. When the great fire of 1837 in Surat reduced half the city to ruins, Jamsetjee sent food and clothes worth Rs 30,000 the insignil leant sum of R,s 120 and in 40 by a chartered ship, instructing his Surat years had made over two crores ot ru- agent, Hormasji Dadabhai Alpaiwala, to pees, according to Madon. “It is to a distribute four bags of rice, one of dal, saris, cotton cloth and five rupees to each affected Parsi and Hindu family. He subscribed Rs 10,000 to the Ireland Famine Fund and £ 500 to the Lord Mayor of London ’ s Relief Fund for flood victims in France, forgetting all the per- Strict and very orderly system, carried into effect in every department under his own immediate superintendence, and with very little subordinate help, that much ol this success is to be attributed; but it can have been no less owing to the I 42 Parsiana April 1998 » '* I ¦ ¦¦ - .a fit IB Bh ¦ III ^¦1 'W- I. ¦ ini -. ¦ till 118 ili s » ««« I I Ihf ? «9nr> » I I toll III ’ ! .^¦ Old and new buildings of the Sir J. J. 1 ’ ' Hospital Photo: Jamseijee Jejeebhoy, The First ofindia). For a time, Jamsctjee was one Indian Knight and Baronet of the proprietors of the Bombay Cou­ rier, which was later amalgamated with sonal deprivations he had sullered at the the Bondjoy Telegraph and subsequently "" ' ' ¦ merged with The Times of India. to Pestonji Maneckji, when the Jame- Jamshcd Press was lounded in 1829. In Sorabjee Shapoorjee Bengallee, Dossa- 1832, the Jame-Jamshednewspaper was started, and it is said that in later years Jamsctjee gifted a house to Maneckji and also made him secretary of the Parsi 1861 the paper was renamed The Times by Dastur Edulji Dorabji Sanjana. His third son Sorabjee was a Persian scholar of repute with publications like Ahad Nameh and Rahe Parsis to his credit, ., „ , . statesMody.Sorabjeewasalsothemov- hands of the French during his voyages, merged with The Time.s of India, ing spirit behind the Sir Jamsetjee His total contributions to the victims of Jamsetjee also gave large sums of money Jejeebhoy Philosophic Institution, pre- fiie, Hood and famine, according to to Pestonji Maneckji, when the Jame- senting lectures by Dadabhai Naoroji, Madon, amounted to one lakh rupees. ’ ' '" .................... * Encompassing in his activities the patronage of literature, Jamsetjee gave substantial financial help to The Bombay Samachar when it was founded in 1822 by Furdoonji Marzbanji, the pioneer of Punchayet. Indianjournalism in western India. When the biweekly Bombay Times was born in 1838, Jamsetjee was on its syndicate (in bhai Framji Karaka and others. According to Mody, Jamsetjee him­ self authored the Kholaseh-i-Panchayat under the nom-de-plume of Mazdiasni- din-no-tabaydar — ak-bunday-khoda. Written in Gujarati, it was meant to explain the working of the Parsi Pun- He financed the publication of Per­ sian and Gujarati translations of numer­ ous scholarly works, including Vendidad chayet and contained his suggestions for 43 Parsiana April 1998making the body a more mean- ||H|B inglul institution. In it, Jamsetjec advocated the system of voting flR by ballot, gave his views on “dog- riots”(which were precipitated by the mass killing of stray dogs) |Hb and “autopsy-upheaval” (where autopsies were sought to be per- hH formed in case of death in cer- tain circumstances) and the “behdin-andhiaroo” marriage controversy. He held priests re- sponsible for the degradation of the community, passed strictures on the ignorance and greed of the clergy and the incredulity BH and orthodoxy of the laity; he resented members not attend! ng the meet­ ings of the Punchayet; he chastised rich Parsis for neglecting the poor, and proph­ esied evil days in store for the commu­ nity . His bold views often made him very unpopular, recounts Mody. Jamsetjee was a trustee of the Parsi Punchayet for over 35 years, from No- „ .... , vember 28, 1823 till his death on April ably necessitated, elaborate! Modv be I C loco 'T'K^ J -.4. _ _ i? .»!. •• .. , O - V VW VI IW n I, . ,r. years various persons Punchayet’s request, and since then “it the Punchayet cannot be crystallized, were in charge of the Punchayet’s mon- explains Mody. The Gazetteer of ies, but strangely the Punchayet did not Bombay City and Island, Vol III states, Jhe Parsi Punchayet of Bombay ap- brom 1820, Wadiaji Hormasji, one Religious benefactions Lior to 1 M p T ‘r® u community, be- Ramsay summed up Jamsetjee’s reli- P h I Naoroji R. Sethna, came the custodian of the Punchayct’s gious outlook by stating, “He has ever ,n ± o'f" heTr p" " p‘’"'^‘‘ “ “ ''r" "> by ™ means a ThT f r u Punchayet. relieved of this responsibility. On No- oted adherent of its (the community’!) The function o this body appears to vember 23, 1823, a meeting was held at ancestral faith.” Alongside his cosml to c^rrX tfiT merP"?^disputes and Waduqi’s residence, when it was re- politan charities, Jamsetjee made nu- 0 carry on the internal management of solved to create a body of four members, merous religious endowments He built the community Before Jamsetjee stime, to be known as the trustees of the Parsi adarians in Poona and Adajan Realizing asserts Mody, the representatives were Punchayct, to whose joint names the that Malesar Falia, the mohalla where hl trX!’ r* S" K transferred, the three be- had passed his boyhood, had no fire- from November ^8 1^823 ^^f ‘’,‘1 BO’ temple though it had over 450 Parsi imeLaZbt Cowasjee and Now- homes, he built an adarian there in 1853, time Jamsetjee became one of the first rojee Jamsctice. It was decided on J«m. adjoining the famous Jamshed Baug 15, 1859. The exact date of the origin of 44 Parsiana April 1993 a I I ? - The Sir J.J. School of Art, Sir J. J. Institute of Coniinercial Art and Sir J. J.College of Architecture. Photo: Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy, The First Indian Knight and Baronet four trustees of the Parsi Punchayet, as also its chairman. The change was prob- cause 1 were in charge ofthe Punchayet’s mon- keep a record of their transactions. From 1820, Wadiaji Hormasji, one of the akabar.s of the community, be­ came the custodian of the Punchayct’s funds. Three years later he asked to be relieved of this responsibility. On No­ vember 23, 1823, a meeting was held at Wadiaji’s residence, when it was re­ solved to create a body of four members, to be known as the trustees of the Parsi monie.s were transferred, the three be­ sides Jamsetjee being Hormusjee Bo- manjee, Framjce Cowasjee and Now- rojce Jamsetjee. It was decided on Jam- setjee Jejeebhoy’s suggestion to open an account in the well- known firm of Remington Crawford and Company with a sum of Rs 18,062, one quarter |r^H| and 66 reas, which became Rs E 2,77,500 at the time of ’I Jamsetjee’s death in 1859. « IH Jamsetjee’s dismay, ; H the Punchayet’sAvorkremained “ H beset with difficulties, with trust- - B absenting themselves from • meetings, vacant seats cauled f by the death of elected members being usurped by their sons or im relatives, the rich openly flout­ ing its decisions while the poor, seeing that the Punchayet had no power to punish, did not respect its authority. Mody reveals that in 1835, the Punchayet made a desperate attempt to obtain the government’s authority for its actions stating, “unless the body is made re­ spected by the act of Government, the most serious consequences must ensue.” B ut the government did not accede to the performs no other function than that of trustees administering certain charities.” 4' %fer dences were attended by high-ranking ing permission to do so! The practice British civil and military officials at a was regularized, several complaints later. Other endowments (used for communal feast.s and as a stop by at the dharamshala without ask- dharamshala) he had built earlier. The adarian in Surat’s Rustompura was re- builtin 1823 and again in 1854inmemory by a garrison order! of his father Jejeebhoy Vatcha. He planned to rebuild the decrepit adarian belongingtothemobedsoftheGodavara A subscription of Rs 50,000 to the Dis- panth in Cowasji Patel Street in Bombay, but he died before his wish could be fulfilled. His three sons completed the task at a cost of Rs 20,000 and the structure was ready on Jamsetjee’s first death anniversary. He also donated over Rs 12,240 for the proposed anjuman’s dokhma in Bombay, and built a dokhma each in Baroda and Ahmedabad. For the celebration of jashans and ghambars he made a trust deed of Rs 1,68,500 in 1838. Feasts were held at his expense in Udvada, Navsari, Bulsar, Broach, Surat, Bilimora, Gandevi, Chikli, Medhora,Mahhava, Karadi,Mutradand dogs, Jamsetjee and his partner Ami- Tarapore. He built an Alhaibaug in Abdul Rehman Street opposite his old resi­ dence in 1839 at a cost of Rs 70,000 as well as an Alhaibaug in Surat. Moved by to different charities for poor Hindus, the plight of travellers on their way from Bombay to Poona and vice versa, Jam­ setjee built a dharamshala at Khandala, which proved to be such a boon that English troops on the move would also time when it was not customary for the rulers to mix with the ruled. On the occasion of the marriage of his eldest son Cursetjee (later to become the sec­ ond baronet) to Dinbai Saher in 1822, the governor of Bombay, Mountstuart Elphinstone, and the commander-in- chief, Lord Colville, were present with their staffs. Jamsetjee’s farewell ban­ quet at his Mazagaon residence, Mazagaon Castle, in honor of his old business friend John Crawford, one of trict Benevolent Society, aided by a sum of Rs 20,000 from Lady Jamsetjee, en­ abled the building of a new dharamshala at Byculla, for all castes and creeds. Two more dharamshalas were built, at Atash in Ahmedabad district and atBarkas-na- Hajira near Surat. Jamsetjee also donated large sums the partners ofRemington Crawford and for the sinking of wells at Colaba, Bazargale, Mandvi and Masjid Bunder, and for enlarging and deepening exist­ ing tanks. Bridges were built in Poona, Bombay and in Bathii village near Surat. To stop the practice ofmass killing of ably and judiciously arranged, as this of Jamsetjee’s.’’ The housewarming ceremony of his palatial Fort House on Hornby Row on June 3, 1834 was attended, among oth­ ers, by the governor and his wife, the Earl and Countess of Clare, with a “con­ tinual stream of carriages’^bringing dig- nitarie.s and prominent citizens of all communities. Jamsetjee is credited with being the first to introduce ice and i^e Company, was described thus in the Bombay Courier, “We had seldom had an opportunity of witnessing, even in the houses of the first European gentry in this island, an entertainment so agree- chand founded apaiijrapole in the C. P. Tank area. When Amichand died, Jam­ setjee donated in his memory Rs 30,000 HLs hospitality As famous a.s his generous charities was his princely hospitality, states Mody. The lavish banquets given at his resi­ c' With Best Wishes From Mr Rusy M. Shroff, M.B.E. 45 Parsiana April 1998 and Mrs Purviz R. Shroffhis orthodox coreligionists. SirDinsha Wacharecords in hismem- oirs that, after the Fort was found redun­ dant for defence, weddings were held on annual choola-vero or body-tax levied on the Parsis of Navsari. At a dinner for the prominent Parsis of Navsari, every guest received a gold spoon as a gift! Jamsetjee lavishly disbursed, states Mody, silver coins as well as gold chains and bracelets, which had been especially carted from Bombay in a long line of wooden cases! confectionery at one of his banquets, made Jamsetjee very unpopular among with it being reported in The Bombay Samachar that both Jamsetjee and his guests caught a very bad cold as a result of this innovation! At his banquet on February 5, 1835, its ramparts, particularly on the stretch in honor of the departing governor, the opposite Fort House. K. N. Kabraji, edi- Earl of Clare, over 300 guests were tor of Rast Goftar, recounts that when present. “Gaily decorated shamianas Jamsetjee built a residence for his son were erected opposite the mansion to Sorabjee next to Fort House, since the serve as dining rooms. Hundreds of scin­ tillating lights from multi-colored Chi- Fort wall was very narrow, “Sir Jamsetjee Rivett-Carnac had viewed at close quar- nese lanterns turned Hornby Row into a succeeded in inducing the government to ters during his governorship Jamsetjee’s fairyland. Flags and buntings decorated break down aportionofthc Fort wall and vast charities and public services. He the marquees. Scores of candelabras and rebuild it a few yards further out, so as to chandeliers shed their pleasing diffused light on the diners,” describes Mody. In 1840, probably for the first time in the social history of the Parsis and other Indian communities, Jamsetjee intro­ duced the ladies of his family, his wife, his daughter and his sons’ wives, to the governor, SirJames Rivett-Carnac, Lady within, Sharada Dwivedi and Rahul Jamsetjee the patent of knighthood, the Carnac and to the ‘hero of Kabul,’ Lord Mehrotra).” first to be conferred on an Indian. As a Keane at a banquet in honor of Queen When Jamsetjee visited Navsari in mark of “high respect for the character Victoria’s marriage to Prince Albert, 1850, he was accorded a princely wel- of Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy,” the East with the Bombay Times commenting that come by Gaekwar Ganpatrao of Baroda India Company waived the payment of the ladies “of whom two were of distin- in whose territory Navsari lay. Earlier, fees on the patent of kp^hthood. guished beauty...all comported them- Jamsetjee had paid a sum of Rs 12,000 At aspecial durbar heldonce again at selves with grace and dignified cour- into the Baroda treasury, in return for Gc imcnt House, the governor. Sir ' tesy.” His progressive ideas, however. space between the new house and the The knighthood Fort wall was very narrow, “Sir Jamsetjee succeeded in inducing the government to allow a wider road. The work was no doubt carried out at his own cost, but it was counted as his great influence with the authorities that instead of telling him to set back his own house, they had consented to the wall being put back for his convenience (Bombay, the Cities recommended to the East India Com­ pany the case for the grant of a knight­ hood on the merchant prince “whose munificence amounted to a hundred thou­ sand sterling,” writes Mody. On May 25, 1842, Sir George Anderson, gover­ nor of Bombay, held a durbar at Parel’s Government House and presented to When Jamsetjee visited Navsari in 1850, he was accorded a princely wel- in whose territory Navsari lay. Earlier, Jamsetjee had paid a sum of Rs 12,000 into the Baroda treasury, in return for which the Gaekwar agreed to abol ish the George Arthur, presented the knight >^ith Gc •4' MASTER MARINE SERVICES Surveyors Licence No: SLA 19207 Surveyors and Consultants Ship, Cargo and Marine Surveyors, Loss Assessors, Technical Consultants, Container Terminal Superintendents and General Contractors, Container Repairers Reefer Cargo/Container Surveyors 22/D, S.A. Brelvi Road, Fort, Mumbai 400001 Phone: 2873567/2832145/2870716/2886642/43 • Cable: ‘MOORINGS’ Telex: 118-2119 MMSB IN • Fax: 91-22-2870139 • Email: g=mms/s=bom/p=gems/a=vsnl/c=in Internet: mms.bom@gems.vsnl.net.in Branches Ahmedabad — Calcutta -- Jaipur — Kandla -- Ludhiana -- Nhava Sheva -- New Delhi - Surat 46 Parsiana April 1998 LI a diamond-studded gold medal on De­ cember 15,1842, bearing on the obverse the Queen’s face encircled with dia­ monds and on the reverse the inscrip­ tion, “Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy, Knight, from the British Government in honor of his munificence and patriotism.’’ In 1843, when Jamsetjee and his fam­ ily left for Khandala by sea via Pan vel, as his ship drew away from the pier, the three men-of-war — Queen Victoria, Bombay Castle, and Earl of Clare — fired a salute in honor of the first Indian knight, notes Mody. Later, Jamsetjee sent by the ship Bombay four Arab horses as a gift to Queen Victoria. The Merchants Magazine of New York (December 1852) wrote of the knight, “It was in the spring of 1850 that we had the pleasure of knowing Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy at Bombay. He bears the marks of age in the whiteness of his hair and the slight tremulousness Jamsetjee for a sum of Rs 28,125. In of his hand; but his expression is quick and his manners kind and genial, for his heart is warm and his mind is as clear as ever.’’ When train services were first inau­ gurated between Bombay and Thana in 1853, Jamsetjee made the return trip in a special train placed at his disposal, as­ serts Mody. In 1855, the Freedom of the City of London was conferred on him by the inaugurated on May 15, 1845. Years later, a bronze statue of ings cost Rs 30,000. Jamsetjee’s total contribution for the Sir J. J. Hospital, Grant Medical College and the Sif J. J. Obstetric Institution thus came to Rs 2,00,000. land of Salsette. There being no land access, travellers from Mahim to Bandra committee was formed to select the site, and it recommended that the hospital be named after Jamsetjee, that a special ward be set apart for those who bring letters of recommendation from Jam­ setjee or his heirs, and that the manage­ ment be left to a committee of three, of Lady Jamsetjee Causeway whom two would be government nomi- A treacherous strait of water separated nees and the third would be Jamsetjee or Bombay from the thickly populated is- his heir. A large plot of land near Babula Talao, belonging to Dadabhai and Muncherji Wadia, was bought by and vice versa were compelled to cross the stretch in small boats, resulting in frequent drownings. During the mon­ soon of 1841, almost 20 boats had cap­ sized while crossing the creek. Jamsetjee wrote to the government that his wife. Lady Avabai, was willing to contribute Rs 45,000 towards the construction of a causeway linking Mahim and Bandra. As the cost proved to be much higher. Lady Avabai raised the amount of her donation first to Rs 1,00,000 and then to Rs 1,40,000, on the condition that no toll should be levied on the public, en­ lightens Mody. A tablet in English, Gujarati, Marathi and Persian engraved on one of the arches read:*“The Cause­ way was commenced on the 8 th of Feb­ ruary 1843 under the auspices of Lady T ...u .1^, contributed towards its cost the sum of “We used to get one biscuit a head in the morning, and at four or five o’clock some khichri or boiled rice ” corporation of London in recognition of his “blameless private life and public Jamsetjee in Parsi dress, sculpted by worth as a citizen of Bombay, and of " spotless commercial integrity...” It was the first time such an honor was be­ stowed on an Indian. (Nine years later, Jamsetjee’s son Rustomjee was the sec­ ond Indian to receive this signal honor.) addition he offered Rs 10,000 as his contribution for the erection of the hos­ pital building, but as this was far short of the estimated cost, he increased his do­ nation to Rs 50,000, according to Mody. The foundation stone was laid with full masonic rites on January 3, 1843, with the governor. Sir George Arthur, Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy who munificently bringing Jamsetjee in his carriage from FortHousetothesite. The Hospital was Rupees 1,55,800... and opened to the public on the 8th of April 1845.” Sir Jamsetjee also obtained permis­ sion to give Rs 5,000 as a gift to Captain Baron Marochetti, was placed in the Cruickshank of the Bombay Engineers, entrance hall as a permanent memorial and a gift of Rs 15,000 to the contractor, to the lounder. Even today, grateful pa- Jamsetjee Dorabjee Naigaumwala ! tients place Howers, agarbattis and even their newborn babies at the foot of the statue, relates Rustom Jejeebhoy. (The Causeway” was also accepted by the old building of the Hospital was demol­ ished and a new eight-storied structure was built in the 1950s.) The Grant Medical College, named the same year, SirJamsetjee paid half the alter Sir Robert Grant, a former gover- cost of building a road leading to Mount nor, was opened on November 3, 1845 Mary Church, and in 1854 paid for a road to link the Bandraend of the Cause­ way to Mount Mary Road. (Legend has it that the Causeway was constructed in Lady Jamsetjee’s offer of Rs 22,000 to pay for a “handsome approach to the governor, and Lady Jamsetjee Road, as it was called, from Mahim bazaar to the Causeway was opened in June4848. In The Sir J. J. Hospital Before J. J. Hospital came into exist­ ence, there was no hospital in Bombay for civilian patients, often ravaged by fevers, cholera, small-pox and a variety of liver ailments due to its polluted water.The small Bombay Native Dis­ pensary, started near the Esplanade in 1834 disbursed free medical aid to the poor, but seriously ill patients found it difficult to reach it. In 1838, Jamsetjee expressed his desire to the government to build a large hospital with 300 beds. He offered to donate Rs (,00,000 for the purpose, provided the government gave plot ot land near the Hospital to build a thecitizensofPoonapetitionedJamsetjee an equal amount. The government ac- f ’ - - ' ' ¦ ' • ............................ ceded to his request and by his letter ot Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy Obstetric Insti October 23,1839, he forwarded acheque ( ’ _ 2 ... .12., lor one lakh rupees to the treasury. A tablet mentioning that the land and build for the purpose, as stated in the Gazet­ teer of Bombay City and Island, of “im­ parting through a scientific system, the benelit ot medical instructions to the gratitude to The Lady of the Mount, natives of Western India.’’ Jamsetjee contributed R.s 18,000 for the establish­ ment of the Sir J. J. Books, Prizes and Medals Funds. Jamsetjee also offered as a gift a large Plagued by a chronic scarcity of water. lying-in hospital for poor women. The 47 Parsiana April 1998 4' Bandra, for the birth of Pirojbai, Jejeebhoy’s only surviving daughter.) Poona Bund and Waterworks in 1841 for help in providing an ad­ equate supply of water. Jamsetjee in- tution was opened in 1851, with the formed the government that if the chief 1- engineer had a scheme to supply water. ¦he was prepared to defray all expenses, rent-free into Jamsetjee’s old residence visited Marochetti’s studio in London to In 1842, the government sent him the at Abdul Rehman Street where he had see it before it was shipped to Bombay, plan and the estimated cost of abundto livedtill 1834. After further vicissitudes, reaching a little after Jamsetjee’s death, enclose the waters of the Mulla and lhe Art School was housed in its own The statue stands in the Royal Asiatic Mutta rivers. Believing the cost of Rs building on April 1, 1878, much after Library in the Town Hall. (In 1934, a 1,34,359 to be too high, Jamsetjee de­ cided to import the machinery and ac­ cessories from England, informing the government that that he was also agree­ able to paying the passage money and salary of a first class engineer to be called from England. He would also donate Rs 75,000 towards the cost of erecting the bund, provided the govern­ ment paid for its maintenance and lhe salary of an engineer/supervisor. Work started in 1844, with the English engi­ neer arriving the following year. Twice during the monsoons of 1846 and 1847, the waters of lhe swollen rivers swept away parts of the bund, but it was rebuilt. Finally, on October 1, 1850, the inhabit­ ants of Poona received their long-awaited supply of water. The Bund and Water­ works cost Jamsetjee Rs 1,73,050, with the government expending an amount of Rs 84,449, elaborates Mody. rent-free into Jamsetjee’s old residence at Abdul Rehman Street where he had lived till 1834. After further vicissitudes, the Art School was housed in its own Jamsetjee’s death. Due to the ever in- “He has ever been a steadfast but by no means a bigoted adherent of its ancestral faith ” replica of the bronze statue that stands in the J. J. Hospital was gifted by the third Baron Marochetti. It now stands oppo­ site the Bhikha Behram well at the north end of Oval maidan.) The Baronetcy In her Birthday Honours List of May 24, 1857, Queen Victoria elevated the first Indian knight to the baronetcy, also the first in India, declares Mody. Jamsetjee was then 74 years old. The letters-patent of baronetcy were delivered to him on August 6, 1857 and notified in the Gov­ ernment Gazette on September 2, 1858 creasing number of students, the govern­ ment of India trifurcated the School 101 years later into three independent insti­ tutions — the Sir J. J. School of Art, Sir J. J. College of Architecture and Sir J. J. (the Baronetcy Act was passed in 1860). Institute of Commercial Art. A bare 20 months after the baronetcy was conferred, Jamsetjee passed away in Fort House on April 15, 1859 (April 14 according to the Parsi calendar). The governor. Lord Elphinstone visited Fort House to pay his last respects and banks, schools, colleges, shops,'*governmentand private offices remained closed in his- honor. Parsi shops and businesses, it is said, downed their shutters for two days. Flags Hew at half-mast on Govern­ ment House, government offices and men-of-war in the harbor. Lord A permanent memorial On June 24,1856, the sheriff of Bombay convened a public meeting in the Town Hall presided over by lhe governor. Lord Elphinslonc. “The manner in which Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy acquired his great wealth was hardly less honorable to him­ self and beneficial to the community Educational benefactions Jamsetjee’sdonationofRs 1 LOOOtothe Native Education Society in 1827 was hisfirstgranttowardseducation.Through than the mode in which he dispenses it. the years he continued to contribute to By strict integrity, by industry and punc- the setting up of scholarships and funds, tuality in all hi.s commercial transactions including the teaching of Zend, Avesta he has contributed to raise the character Elphinstone offered a military funeral and Gujarati to Parsi boys. of the Bombay merchant in the most with troops and a military band, but this was declined as per the orthodox tenets of the Zoroastrian religion. The entire route from Hornby Row to Malabar Hill was lined with mourners, writes Mody, with thousands of Parsis following the cortege. It is said that the uthamna was performed not only in agiaries in Bombay and Gujarat but in far-off Multan, Calcuttta and Hongkong as well. After his death. Lady Jejeebhoy and his sons continued his acts of charity, including the construction of a pucca road at doongerwadi from Kemp’s Cor­ ner right up to the dokhmas, the estab­ lishment of a Zend madressa in Bombay and lhe Victoria Charitable Dispensary in Navsari. The institutions Jamsetjee founded and his charitable legacies still stand. In 1842, he was elected one of the first members of the Board of Education. When the University of Bombay was established in 1857, Jamsetjee was ap­ pointed one of the first five Indian Fel­ lows, a rare honor for a man who had never been to school! In 1848, he made his largest benefaction — Rs 4,40,000 towards the Endowment Fund of the Sir Elphinstone. H. L. Anderson, chief sec- J. J. Parsee Benevolent Institution (sec “The edifice of education,” Parsiana, February-March 1998). of the Bombay merchant in the most distant markets... I may be permitted to observe that his public benefactions, amount to a quarter of a million ster­ ling... Sir Jamsetjee’s benefactions, with the sole exception I believe of the Parsec Benevolent Institution, arc made... not for Parsis only, but for Hindus, Jews, Christians, Mahomedans,” declared retary to the government, stated in his eulogy : “The days arc past when good deeds done in India remain unknown...there is not a region on the The J. J. School of Art civilized globe, from China to lhe far At a time when schools for boys and girls Republic of the West which has not heard were few and far between, observes Mody, Jamsetjee offered in 1853 a lakh of rupees to the government to start school of arts and industry, where draw­ ing, painting, sculpture, diamond-cut­ ting, wood-engraving,'etc could be taught to the students of all communities. The School started on March 2, 1857, when drawing classes were opened in lhe Elphinstone Institution. From there the School, named after its donor, shifted a 48 Parsiana April 1998 > -4' of the benevolent Knight ofindia...” The meeting unanimously resolved to erect a life-size marble statue of Jamsetjee and place it in the Town Hall and almost R.s 18,000 were subscribed 139 years after his death, living testimo- on the spot, with the total collection nialstoAnderson’swords:“Ifastranger amounting to Rs 46,346. The famous landing on these shores were to inquire Italian sculptor, Baron Marochetti was what the works were by which the Parsi entrusted with the work for Rs 40,000. It Knight, of whom he had heard so much, is said that so beautiful was the statue that Queen Victoria and Prince Albert had acquired his renown, we should but have to tell him to look around.” 5MILESTONES The age of Zoroastrian brides (as listed in this issue) ranged between 22 and 50 years, the arithmetic mean (the total num­ ber of individual ages divided by the total number of brides) being 29 years. The correspond­ ing figures for the grooms were 24 and 55 years, averaging at 33 years. There were 16 births in Bombay in March as compared to 60 deaths. Thirteen Zoroas­ trians fell prey to heart disease of whom four were 80 years and above. Pneumonia and lung dis­ ease took a toll of nine lives whereas old age/general debil­ ity claimed five Zoroastrians. Four patients each succumbed to cancer, kidney failure and brain disease. The other killers were septicemia and asthma (three victims each) and tuber­ culosis, hypertension, diabetes and hemiplegia (two each). In­ testinal obstruction, malnutri­ tion, ischaemic colitis, pneu­ mothorax, bronchitis, pancre­ atitis and anemia were the iso­ lated cases registered for the month of March. The youngest to breathe her last was a 17- year-old girl as compared to the oldest — a 99-year-old lady. Three youths, aged 24, 30 and 33, were also lost to the com­ AHMED ABAD BORN A girl to Ferzeen and Sarosh Vesuna on March 6, 1998 BOMBAY BORN A boy, Astad, to Persis and Sharukh Kohinoor, March 2 A girl to Bakhtawar and Neville Karbhari; March 3 A boy to Maharukh and Shiamukh Marshall-, March 3 A boy to Persis and Danesh Irani; March 4 A girl, Benaz, to Rashna and Farokh Karanjia; March 4 A boy, Burjis, to Yasmine and Kaizad Elavia, brother to Rayomand; March 5 A girl to Diana and Dinshaw Doctor, March 7 A boy to Parizad and Homiar Pestonjamasp-, March 7 A girl to Homa and Rumi Merchant-, March 15 A boy to Yazjneen and Cyrus munity. The Zoroastrian life ex­ pectancy at birth, in Bombay in March, was 74 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. This information is not always complete or con­ sistent: we are unable to carry data from areas where the anju­ mans do not furnish the particu­ lars; the birth figures for Bom­ bay are supplied by four hospi­ tals — births in suburban hospi­ tals and private nursing homes are not included unless indi­ viduals send us information to­ gether with a copy of the birth certificate. There may be an in­ advertent repetition of name.s in the marriage list when a civil marriage precedes a religiou.s ceremony. In the breakup of deaths according to illnesses, especially of the elderly, death is often due to a combination of several diseases. If readers have any births/ marriages/deaths they would like published, some proof to ensure the veracity of the report would be required. We are sure our readers would appreciate this requirement and cooperate with us. Contractor, March 21 A boy to Binaifer and Khusliru Jijina', March 25 A girl to Annuity and Jal Ainrolia', March 26 A girl, Shiraz, to Rashna and Frecloon Chiniwala; March 26 A boy to Zarin and Bonii Daruwalw, March 26 A boy, Ashdin, to Parveena and Farofdi Mahava', March 30 A girl, Ava/i, to and Rooini Madotr, March 30 MARRIED Paricher Soli Jasawalla and Kaizad Homi Bhiwandiwalla; February 24 Behroz Sorab Pochkhanawala and Rustam Nave! Mulkr, February 27 Nazitecn Sarosh Soonawalla and Fardoon Dara Devlaliwalla; March I Kamal Keki Mobedjina and Meherji Adi Tantra-, March 2 Soonoo Eruch Sumariwalla and Porus Soli Aria-, March 3 Niloufer Hector Shroff and Daraiiis Rustom Zaiwala', March 5 Shernaz Noshir Driver and Zubin Feroze Engineer, March 8 Farida Kersasp Commissariat and Firoz Adi Italia-, March 9 Kainaaz Dinshaw Doongaji and Zubin Sohrab Morris-, March 9 Kamal Minocher Sahukar and Hosidar Minoo Khajotia-, March 10 Mehr Phiroze Banaji and Neville Phiroze Sahukar of Colorado, USA; March 10 Huloxi Hormusji Havaldar and Khurshed Minoo Anklesaria-, March 15 Minaz Fhiroz Mondegarian and Farshid Jamshed Nooshiair, March 18 Ruby Behram Faredooni of De vial i and Firdosh Dhun- jishaw Balsara-, March 19 Zarin Noshir Dhabhar and Minoo Naozer Kavarana-, March 19 Azmin Keki Cooper and Zal Aspi Balsara-, March 20 Shernaz Phiroze Dhabhar and Percy Minocher Doctor, March 20 Simoneel Hoshang Davierwalla of Panchgani and Behram Nowrosji Gamadia; March 20 Kaizeen Aspi Byramji and Farzad Janiasp (Jimmy) Palia-, March 21 Avan Keki Mistry and Rohinton Nariman Chaina-, March 22 Armin Minoo Dastoor and Kaizad Adi Hazari; March 23 Yasmin Keki Captain and Neville Eruch Tampab, March 24 Zenobia Savak Palia and Viraf Homi Jhaveri-, March 29 Kainaz Keki Mistry and Cyrus Eruch Talati-, March 29 Homai Rumi Hodiwalla and Sam Tehmurasp Bharda-, March 30 Havovi Farok Deboo and Khurshed Ardeshir Katkv, March 31 DIED Cyrus Jehangir Irani (52), residing at F. D. Petit Sanatorium, Kemps Corner, 400026; March 2 Sorabji Bejanji Subedar (83), 3/16, Padamji Bldg, M. M. C. Rd, Mahim, 400016; March 2 Pesi Maneckshaw Colabawalla (76), Purshottam Bldg, Corner of Grant Rd, 400004; March 3 Khorshed Firdaush Patel (86), F/20, Satguru Apts, Near Vardaman Complex, Azad Ngr No 1, Thane (W), 400601; March 3 Zarin Padainji Dover (55), 20, Mistry Bldg, Khareghat Clny, Hughes Rd, 400007; March 4 Cover Faredoon Irani (70), Room No 16, 32/C, Mulla Manzil, Balaram St, Grant Rd, 400007; March 4 Banoo Behrain Kuniana (33), Clo Dhanji S. Pithawalla, C/27, Nowroz Baug, Lalbaug, 400012; March 4 Jal Honnusji Amrolia (72), F/8, Nowroz Baug, Lalbaug, 400012; March 5 Dolly Bhaya (88), Shreeji Hse, 75, Mint Rd, Fort, 400001; March 6 * Banoobai Darabsha Sabawala- (99), C/o M. P. Saiwala, 35, Madhuban Apts, Worli Hill Rd, 400018; March 6 Boman Shapurji Bengali (95), A/5, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039; March 7 Minoo Erach Khambatta (7A), 9, Reshma Apts, 13, Pali Hill Rd, Bandra, 400050; March 7 Adi Jamshedji Hakim (70), New Khan Bldg, Chikalwadi, Tardeo, 400007; March 9 Dolly Khodamurad Irani (66), Ebrahim Mans, J. Petit St, Balaram St, 400(X)7; March 9 Hiraji Dadiba Kerawalla (75), E/4, Shapur Baug, V. P. Rd, 400004; March 9 ** Dady Dinshaw Mistry (74), B/2, Shireen Mans, J. Dadaji Rd, 400007; March 9 Freny Keki Mistry (7i), Ajay Nivas, 443, J. S. Rd, 400002; March 9 Kainaz Hoshang Deboo (24), 23, Fareena Apts, Opp Fariyas Hotel, 400005; March 10 Jal Nusserwanji Driver (86), 7, Falgurni, Sarojini Rd, Santacruz (W), 400054; March 11 Jamshed Rostani Asrabadi (»0), 8, Khodabux Bldg, Mazgaon, 400010; March 12 Aloo Rusi Ghasvala (87), 7, Cozy Bldg, Gowalia Tank, A. r -4 50 Parsiana April 1998 *K. Marg, 400036; March 13 Noshir Faraniroze Panthaki (90), 20, Noor Mhl, Ratan Tata Rd, Tardeo, 400034; March 13 Rati Nadirshaw Poonjiaji (53), 562, Rustom Mans, Adenwalla Rd, Matunga, 400019; March 13 Najamai Sorab Kapadia (88), Beach View Co-op Hsg Soc, 77, Chimbai Rd, Bandra (W), 400050; March 14 Darahshaw Nowroji Bhathena (88), 9, Venus Bldg, T.P.S. 6, Rd 1, Opp Milan Theatre, Santacruz (W), 400054; March 15 Mehrroo Naval Pithawala (60), 584/85, Lady Jehangir Rd, Matunga, 400019; March 15 Ratan Jehangir Ranina (89), Princess Climbs, Opp Colaba P.O., 400005; March 15 Dinvar Phiroze Daruwalla (30), 183/5, NH8, Swadeshi Mill Comp, Chunabhatti, Sion, 400022; March 16 Nergish Jal Jhaveri (65), 15, Sapoorabai Manzil, Wadia St, Tardeo, 400034; March 16 Firoz Dinshawji Kotwal (75), Room No 2, 32/C, Mulla Manzil, Balaram St, 400007; March 16 Ghaver Cyrus Dastur (80), H-7, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039; March 17 Nariman Jehangir Morris (75), Kharegat Bldg No 2, Gamadia Clny, Tardeo, 400007; March 17 Sheroo Peshotan Tavadia (76), Springfield Apts, G-7, Anand Ngr, Vasai (W), 401202; March 17 Kekhusru Dosabhai Chargeman (84), 604/B, Laxmi Sadan, Dr Ambedkar Rd, Dadar, 400014; March 18 Mehelli Rustomji Mistry (65), Hill View, Raghavji Rd, Cumballa Hill, 400036; March 18 Bachoo Soli Shroff (79), Soonaiji Ter, A. K. Marg, 400036; March 18 Aloo Nussenvanji Sethna (72), West View, 616, Jame Jamshed Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; March 19 Minocher (Minoo) Sorabji Pooniwala (86), 12, Gulnar, Hill Rd, Bandra, 400050; March 20 Nergish Minocher Marker (78), Soonaiji Ter, 66-D, Gowalia Tank, 400036; FIGURES AT A GLANCE 51 Parsiana April 1998 BIRTHS Boys Girls Bombay This issue 1997o 1998* India This issue 19970 1998* World This issue 19970 1998* 9 7 104 101 24 20 2 7 4 4 2 4 27 33 7 4 MARRIAGES Parsi INTERCOMMUNAL Males married out Females married out DEATHS CONSIGNED Males Females CREMATED Males Females 26 26 34 275 100 1 6 11 1 52 44 451 474 108 129 17 5 2 1 5 2 6 7 ?Running totals for 1997 (January 1997-April 1998 issues) ?Running totals for 1998 (January 1998-April 1998 issues) 115 99 32 20 6 7 42 41 11 13 1 I 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 Par si ana . They do not represent the total number of births, marriages and deaths in the Zoroastrian community in India and abroad. March 21 Ardeshir Burjorji Talali (81), E-29, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039; March 21 Daulat Eruch Chinwalla (68), Park Haven, Malcolm Baug, Jogeshwari (W), 400102; March 22 Bhickhamai Jamshedji Surti (76), Cooper Bldg No 1, Dr Anandroo Nair Rd, 400011; March 22 Jer Soli Driver (67), Nanabhoy Climbs, 11, R. S. Marg, Fort, 400001; March 23 Nadirsha Bomansha Engineer (78), C/o Sethna Bldg, 266, B. Jayker Marg, 400002; March 23 Najnmai Erachshaw Limzerwala (95), New Satnam Co-op Soc, Parseewada, Sahar Rd, Andheri, 400099; March 23 Khorshed Eruchshaw Mistry (91), 586, Jagannath Shanker Seth Rd, Chirabazar, 400002; March 23 Jerbai Jehangirji Pastakia (85), C/o Farokh J. Pastakia, 722/6, Dinshaw Master Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; March 23 Roshan Ratansha Bhesania (67), Little Sisters of the Poor Home for the Aged, Mahakali Caves Rd, Andheri (E), 400093; March 25 Rutty Merwanji Mehta (82), 71, Aderbad, N. S. Patkar Marg, 400007; March 25 Mani Rattanshaw Wadia (79), 603, Gulla Mans, Jame Jamshed Rd, Matunga, 400019; March 25 Ruby Aspy Engineer (83), Khatau Apts, 243, Walkeshwar Rd, 400006; March 26 Gool Burjor Motafram (85), R/10, Dalal Est, Lamington Rd, 400008; March 27 Anahita Noshir Patel (17), 85, Patel Apts, Tembi Naka, Thane, 400601; March 27 Banoo Eduiji Vajifdar (83), 201, Blue Haven, 31, Nehru Rd, Vakola Pipe Line, Santacruz (E), 400055; March 27 Dorabshaw Ratanji Govadia (78), D/34, Gilder Baug, J. B. Ngr, Andheri (E), 400059; March 28 Keki Rustomji Mobed (89), Kaldate Hse, Eduiji Rd, Charai, Thane (W), 400601; March 28 Dinshaw Mothabhai Chothia (68), Rusi Mehta Bldg, 8, Dinshaw Petit St, Grant Rd, 400007; March 30 Burzor Framroze Billimoria (69), F. S. Parukh Dharamshalla, Khareghal Clny, Hughes Rd, 400007; March 31 Banoo Khurshedji Khariwalla (84), 762, Ahura, M. Joshi Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; March 31 Hilla Bomanji Master (92), B/5, Shapur Baug, V. P. Rd, 400004; March 31 CALCUTTA DIED Jehangir Dalal, son of Shirin and Faredoon; March 19 JAMSHEDPUR BORN K,. A girl, Tanya, to Zavher and Amit Chowdhury, January 27 MARRIED Mahatah Karanjia of Bombay, daughter of Dolly and Tehmton, and Rohinton Pithawalla, son of Roshan and Hoshang; December 27, 1997 POONA DIED Boman Khurshedji Anklesaria (86), 47, Universal Apts, East St, 411001; March 2, 1998 Merwan Khodabux Irani (10), 593, Sachapir St, 411001; March 3 Bejon Sorab Wadia (65), 28,Pilloo Villa, Yeshwant Ngr, Ganesh Khind; March 4 Jini Adar Irani (97), 2070, Camel Bldg, Jan Mohammed St, 411001; March 6 Jal Rustomji Modi (97), 3, Napier Rd, 411001; March 6 Nadirshah Muncherji Daruwalla (87), 401, Ashish Corner, Ma-Parvez Rd, 411002; March 8 Tehniurasp Rustomji Fitter (73), 41, Mody Clny, Synagogue St, 411001; March 10 Ardeshir Erachsha Kapadia (82), 2 MIT Gardens, Kal- yaninagar, 411006; March 26 Khushroo Savaksha Vankadia (54), 28/29, Greenfield Co-op Hsg Soc, Fatimanagar, 411013; March 28 Jeroo Firoze Anklesaria (50), 226, M. G. Rd, 411001; March 30 Adi Hormusji Nania (82), 613, Sachapir St, Camp, 411001; March 31 SURAT DIED Mehernosh Noshirvan Dastur (57), Village Ilav, Dist Bharuch, 394801; March 3 Jalajer Kaikhushroo Kapadia (86), Bhavnagri St, 395003; March 10 Farainroz (Fali) Meharwanji Cooper (69), Sayedpura, 395003; March 13 Dina Jalajer Dadinatha (82), Parsi wad, Gopipura, 395001; March 14 Dinu Sapurji Karkaria (76), Nariman Home and Infirmary, Shahpore, 395003; March 14 Minor) Eruchshaw Tadiwala (14), Mota St, Rustompura, 395002; March 20 Bahadur Jahangirji Nalawala (60), Ukandji Dharamshalla, Muglisara, 395003; March 21 Tehmina Pirojsha Randeria (62), Nariman Home and Infirmary, Shahpore, 395(X)3; March 25 Hortnasji Eruchsha Dalal (82), Nariman Home and Infirmary, Shahpore, 395003; March 27 Noshir Jahanjir Dhanjisha (53), Nariman Home and Infirmary, Shahpore, 395003; March 31 CANADA Edmonton DIED Burjor Sohrabji Billiinora, father of Rashna Firdosh Mehta; March 20 Kitchener, Ontario DIED Manchi Balliwalla, father of Viraf, Persis Banker and Meher Love; March 22 Ontario BORN A girl, Aidan Genevieve, to Khorshed and Darrin Tooth, sister to Zara and Emma; March 26 A girl, Gauri, to Nergish and Gautam Khandke', March 31 Toronto DIED Rutty Karanjia, mother of Jeroo Hosie Mancherjee; February 24 IRAN Tehran DIED Fimzeli Nameraniaii, mother of Daryush, Manijeh Compiled by Roxan^A. Driver Kaiser-E-Hind, 300 Perin Nariman Street, Behind Reserve Bank of India, Fort, Bombay 400001. Faredoon and Burjor Sandalwood Shop, Princess Street, Bombay 400002. 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: Union Press, 13, Homji Street, Bombay 400001. THE PARSIANA BOOK OF IRANIAN NAMES Tchmasb Mandgaryan, Gover, Farshid and Eruch; March 10 PAKISTAN Karachi DIED Mani Gustad Mobed (83); March 3 Nargis Gustad Irani (59); March 11 Kaikushru Jainshedji Medhora (84); March 12 Soonu Rusi Sukhia (82); March 15 Darius Khurshed Mana (72); March 23 Mani D. Marker (79); March 23 SINGAPORE BORN A girl, Sharah, to Rashne and Carl Atbayde, sister to Freya; January 15 UAE Dubai BORN A boy, Kehaan, to Rinki and Noshir Baria', March 7 UK London Born A girl, Aisha, to Sylla and Jehangir Petit', January 30 USA Atlanta DIED Mehri Dinyari, wife of Khodayar and mother of Mahnaz and Homa; March 6 Chicago DIED Rustom Irani', February 17 Dallas BORN A boy, Ahneesh, to Shernaz and Jayant Mohanty, brother to Shayan; March 5 San Diego DIED Rostain Ghaihi, husband of Farhangiz and father of Puran, Paridokht, Parimah and Farhang; March 1 52 Parsiana ApriH998