Sep 1998

7/ '999/^':. ' ’ /9i^--. ^h/ii/i{9> -M <<'<-<^5?^ r I f 1 '^fY!'/:'!;^ Y'kf: h I 7-; 7^/, ¦ 7 & 7^ ‘{. f>’. !} Z/ I '99^99 '^^^^9999 ^9 ¦ 5^'j •' {¦ i ^¦' i- ¦ '• •.¦'J - 'f/ I I i I J i !¦ I /; Y ,.-i - j '- i 7? ......... T f. !i/&. '’ fYYr‘^‘^''' "99 Tifs.s September 1998 Volume 21 Number 2 EDITOR Jehangir R. Patel MANAGING EDITOR Arnavaz S. Mama EXECUTIVE EDITOR Parinaz M. Gandhi SENIOR EDITORS Dina K. Mehta, Hilla P. Guzder ASSOCIATE EDITOR Roxana A. Driver DESIGN Kranti M. Shilotri, Nivedita S. Dhotre MARKETING DIRECTOR Veera Patel ADVERTISING MANAGER Jasmine D. Driver ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE Susan Hadvaid FINANCE B. L. Arora 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 11th North American Zoroastrian Congress by Porus Cooper 22 Sohrab Chinoy's cheese spread by Hilla Guzder 29 On the Houston skyline by Arnavaz Mama 31 Homi Davier: Marketing the Congress 36 Soli Sorabjee's second serve by Parinaz Gandhi 41 19th century Gujarat Parsis: Near and yet apart - 4 47 Milestones 50 In Memoriam: Minoo Masani Cover: Photograph by Chetan Mistry Parsiana is edited and published by Jehangir R. Patel for Parsiana Publications Pvt Ltd at C/o H. L. Rochat, K. K. (Navsari) Chambers, ground floor, 39 A. K. Nayak Marg, Fort, Bombay 400001 and printed by him at Kaiser-E-Hind Pvt Ltd, 300 Perin Nariman Street, Bombay 400001. Processing Comart Lithographers and Tricolour. All rights reserved. ISSN: 0971-3786. Phone: 2078730, 2072624. Fax: 2074541. For editorial enquiries: 20781 83. E-mail: parvo@giasbm01 .vsnl.net.in For subscription enquiries and payments: C/o Kaiser-E-Hind Pvt Ltd, 300 Penn Nariman St (Behind Reserve Bank of India), Bombay 400001. Phone: 2658619. 2665661 Fax: 2654585. Annual inland subscription for one year (10 issues) Rs 275; for two years (20 issues) Rs 525; for three years (30 issues) Rs 775. Foreign subscription rates: Seamail for one year Rs 500/ US $ 14/UK £ 9; for two years Rs 950/US $ 25/UK £ 15; for three years Rs 1,400/US $ 36/UK £ 22 (please allow six months or more for delivery from the time of publication). Airmail for one year Rs 800/ US $ 23/UK £ 15 (for Pakistan, Indian Rs 575); for two years, Rs 1,500/US $ 43/UK £ 27 (for Pakistan, Indian Rs 1,075); for three years Rs 2,250/US $ 60/UK £ 37 (for Pakistan, Indian Rs 1,600). 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 MIM ISDl* 200 ¦ politan outlook as a distinguished Parsi, while reflecting his indefatigable dedi ­ cation as a front leading crusader lorjust able to marry a non-Parsi. It is sad that they have made their mark in a chosen field certain Parsi youth think it fashion- - .’’¦'A.: iBgi Illi sBill M. I 'A 1000fl ! 300 causes and a champion ol the deprived only the less talented and apparently the A .. - A . . less well-off, it seems, still want to pre ­ serve our community and its culture. ARDESHIR B. DAMANIA Aleppo. Syria Readers’ views are welcome on any subject of interest to the community and spect to khodadad, ” in the Parsiana 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. classes. As acommitted social worker, it was his final endeavor to save the Taraporevala Aquarium. Its press re ­ lease should prompt the chief minister to acknowledge and confirm his verbal assurance to a national patriot and a multifaceted, eminent citizen who has made valuable political, social, cultural by Bhikhaji Adenwalla for the word.s of contribution to the state, but is alas no longer in our midst to lead the causes of the masses. After my successful orchestration in the matter of Khodadad Circle, Mr Taleyarkhan contacted me with regard to the Taraporcvala Aquarium contro ­ versy. It was my pleasure and honor to have worked with such a warm and noble personality, and help in the cause of saving a cherished edifice dedicated to the memory of a munificent commu ­ nity member — D. B. Taraporevala. I would like to take this opportunity to draw your kind attention to a small misconception in your article “With rc- ^^Chhaiye hame.J’ This has reference to repeated requests the song Blue Bell to the tune of which Chhaiye hameZarathoshti is being sung. (Readers ’ Forum, Parsiana, April 1998). Blue Bell is a World War I song popular in my childhood. I think it is correct, but a word here and there may have eluded an octogenarian ’s memory. “Underwater underway” This is with reference to your report on Taraporevala Aquarium in “Underwa ­ ter underway ” (Events and Personali ­ ties, Parsiana, June 1998). In his letter to the chief minister dis ­ patched by Mr Homi J. H. Taleyarkhan the attestations of all those Parsi VIPs/ two days prior to hi.s sad demise, a copy of which he faxed me the following day, he writes: “I am very glad and grateful to you for assuring me the other day that the Taraporevala Aquarium will not be pulled down and it will continue as it is... If you wish to have another modern, very expensive underground aquarium, that may be separately considered but not at (the) cost of the existing one which is serving the need.s of the poor and economically weaker sections of society at a very economic cost of only faith in the community and its stayin two rupees per entrance per person as against the proposed fabulous Rs 140...” His correspondence mirrors his cosmo- Blue Bell, the day is dawning. Sweetheart you must not sigh Blue Bell your tcar^are falling, I’ve come to say Good-bye — Good Bye my Blue Bell, FarewelTto you. Last one fond look into your eyes so blue Mid camp fires gleaming. Mid shot and shell, I will be dreaming of my own Blue Bell Blue Bell they are returning. Each greets a sweetheart true Blue Bell your true love ’s dying Never one greets you. Sadly tell the story. Tell how he fought and fell. No thought of fame or glory 1 V. H. SHROFF 4 2 Parsiana September 1998 issue of May 1998.1 am not an activist a.s mentioned by you in the Events and Personalities column. I merely wield my pen for any deserving cause. It gave me immense moral satisfac- tion/pleasure to be able to mobilize me ­ dia support. From conceiving the signa ­ ture campaign, drafting the memoran ­ dum, press statements, letters of con ­ cern to the chief minister, municipal Only of his Blue Bell commissioner, Congres.s Member of Parliment Murli Deora, leader of the opposition Chhagan Bhujbal, to getting Apropos a reference to “Orthodox Is ­ lamic view of God as a merciless tyrant ” in one of your correspondents ’ letter captioned “A measure of mysticism ” (Readers ’ Forum, Parsiana, February- March 1998), I, as the author of the book on mysticism under review, would like to clarify as follows: The orthodox doctrine of predestina ­ tion holds that God punishes man for sins thrust upon him as if by a fate which is irresistible. It is this doctrine which “A measure of mysticism” supporlive non-Parsi Bombayites, was a single-handed endeavor. An effort worth its while. MICKIEN. SORAB.IEE “Insure and be secure” I am referring to the article “Insure and be secure ” (Zoroastrian.s Abroad, Parsiana, April 1998). It is good to know that Cyrus K. Rustamji has made a success of his insurance and travel business in Canada. However, I fail to depicts God in the light of a tyrant. As against this, the sect of Qadariyya or Mutazila who called themsel ves “par ­ tisans of the divine justice and divine unity,” refuted the orthodox view which made the Quran co-existent with God see how Rustamji hopes to “affirm his power ” by tying the matrimonial knot with a non-Parsi! It is my observation that as soon asI f ! F < I and regarded the divine attributes sepa ­ rate from divine essence. This, accord ­ ing to them, amounted to polytheism. The sect of Qadariyya also upheld the (?) published what was in effect a pri- principle of free-will, and it is the will ot vate letter against me personally, and man acting against the will of God which whatlupholdasaZoroastrian,addressed straightaway that I had been commis- is responsible for evil and the sins of to the Editor of the Royal Asiatic Soci- man in this world (A Literary History of ety (RAS) — so it does now matter to me Persia — E. G. Browne, pp 281 -82). It is to be particularly noted, in this public reply, regard, that a viewpoint propounded by some orthodox or reformist sect or a school of thought i n any branch of knowl ­ edge should not, necessarily, be regarded as an absolute truth which is always elusive. It is true that one of the attributes of God is Rahman ormerciful, but then, the theory of predestination militates against this concept, which should not be over ­ looked. R. R. MOTAFRAM «/«,.which should indicate the itinerant and an undiscriminating one at that! preacher ’.s ethnic preferences. I am sur ­ prised that Parsiana ha.s unthinkingly dealing was dealt with effectively by the distinguished Editor who, when request ­ ing that review from me, was informed His absurd insinuation of double- very much that you print this detailed sioned earlier by Parsiana to do one for them. I was urged nonetheless to submit one for the JRAS. What Hinnells appar ­ ently still doesn ’ t know is that the School of Oriental and African Studies too had “Identity in jeopardy” Indeed sneer and smear characterize the KhojesteMistree-John Hinnells tandem tirade you have decided to print (I won ­ der why the latter ’s?) in your February- March 1998 issue (“Identity in jeop ­ ardy, ” Readers ’ Forum). Doubtless through a Freudian slip. Mistree chooses to re-title Hinnells ’ book Parsis in Brit­ Religious bias and its persistent men ­ tion is something Hinnells himself has approached me to do a review for their frequently exercised in his book — his repetition of the Gaf/ia-onlyists slander, a nonsense on the “rediscovery of the jashan, ” and an oblique attack against refused to countenance Hinnells ’ pro- the heheshti Dastur Maneck Dhalla; it is evident that any defence of our Zoroas- trian religion as expounded in our sa ­ cred books and commentaries against the distortions propounded by his “school ” is to be countered with innuen ­ does, half-truths and a blithe disregard for some important aspects of the actual review printed in the Journal (Third bearers that they would not at all enter- Series, Vol7, Part 2, July 1997, pp. 314- 317). On his own admission, he is no theologian: from broadcasting that we observe a nine-day muktad to a hopeless muddle of Ahura Mazda ’s aspects! He is a religious and community historian. Bulletin, but was turned down by me. The real point is the sequel, carefully avoided by both, the council of the RAS tests and declared as much in a plenary session. This was achieved without any representation, protest or defense on my part. The first sight obtained-by me of any of Hinnells ’ correspondence is from Parsiana, none of it previously having held any interest for me! Additionally, I was told thereafter by the RAS office- tain such attempted interference. Hinnells further implicates High Priest Kaikhusroo JamaspAsa among “unskilled propagandists. ” Nowhere had I implied this; his unwarranted slur (nons, partisan, of course!) against the late LAND 9 & BUNGALOWS ( Purchase or Lease) at ALIBAG* Contact ParkTnae CORPORATION 1107 Arcadia, 195 Nariman Point, Mumbai 400 021 Phone: 287 3270, 282 6125, 282 3932. Fax: 287 3271 e-mail: parktrad@bom3.vsnl.net.in Property Consultants * Alibag Taluka, starting 10 Kms (across the Harbour) from Gateway of India, is connected by hourly Public Ferries Oct to May. 3 Parsiana September 1998 ?Dastur Dhalla had to be countered with reference to persons of the ilk of Mistree, and his agents here. Mr Vajifdar does not belong to the World Zoroastrian Organisation, and does not accept the label of “reformist ” as applied to those who do not subscribe to the conveniently so-called “classical ” Zoroastrianism. Here we must pointedly laugh at Mistree ’s risible attempts to accuse Dr Sunavala and myself of “rejection of the formists, ” whilst those who in fact fol- Middle Persian texts ” — quite simply low reformist texts become “orthodox? ” because we have countered his argu ­ ments on everything from the calendar nor Mr (sic) Sunavala have, to the best to conversion precisely from these very texts utilized both in their originals and in modern translations. His views of a Zarathushtra-free Zoroastrianism are claimed to be based on the so-called “classical ” period. What about the pre- classical era, that of the Prophet under whose sacred name he cloaks all manner of antithetic productions and not a few of his own, and the Avestic period when and not chicanery . This fortunate under- our religion took real shape. These smug signed, long enabled to cast his learn- “classicists ” under pretext of authentic ­ ity, have dipped unsystematically into texts of some 1,500 years later, and have produced a garbled cant of a prophetless nor pecuniary gain. And as such he Zoroastrianism! Where is the voice ot I Mazda that this variety of academic dis ­ tinction has mercifully not come his way. FARROKH VAJIFDAR London, UK the real Zarathushtra? Why the wilful ignoring of the sole, omniscient, om ­ nipotent divinity Ahura Mazda (Zarathushtra ’swords, not mine!)? Why the elevation of that negator of life, angra mainyu/ahriman, whom that ge ­ nius of a Prophet had never counte ­ nanced in any way as an (unworthy) and Khojeste Mistree on the one hand, opponent of Ahura Mazda? Why labels switched when those who inquire into Gathic precepts are dubbed “re- I am deeply distressed by the sharp con ­ frontation between Prof John Hinnells and Farrokh Jal Vajifdar on the other. I have known Farrokh, his wife and son since 1984, and consider myself a friend of the family. Both Farrokh ’s grandparents were ordained priests, but The fact that “As neither Mr 'Vajifdar Farrokh ’s father chose to be an accoun ­ tant. Farrokh came to England alone, at the age of 16 years and stayed on to study. His parents followed five years later to settle in the UK. From the begin ­ ning, the young lad was passionately interested in the Avesta-Pahlavi texts are of my (= Mistree ’s) knowledge, read for a professional degree in Zoroastrian ­ ism, they are at a great disadvantage to comment and indeed challenge... ” fills us with a relieved sense of escape when we realize what Mistree has thereby which he studied with the hel^ofAvesta acquired and disseminated. We are not here to further his career; we are here to serve Zarathushtra ’s cause through truth mastered French, German, Italian, Latin and Greek. Today, Farrokh is much in demand by Avesta scholars^^is a translator of technical articles and books from French, scholars such as the late Prof Zaehner of Oxford University. As he grew up, he ing-net as an independent researcher far wider than these clamorous academics, unlike them seeks neitherpersonal glory German, Italian into English. The K. R. Gama Oriental Institute, Bombdy, also uses his skill in translating ancient texts fervently thanks the benevolent Ahura 4' ¦i. ...because we care for your family too. Your eyes need looking after. You and your family need eye check ups. Spectades Sunglasses Contact Lenses If you need any of these Our professional expertise will look after your problem. Baliwedla & Homi Private Limited Flora Fountain: 365, Dr.D.N.Road, Tel: 287 4916 / 1762. Dhobi Talao: 614,J.S.Seth Marg,Tel: 201 4906 ! 4923 Parel: J.Merwanji Street, Tel: 412 6051 4 Parsiana September 1998 II and critical studies into English. the Parsis on the sacred soil of Sanjan Farrokh has been guiding and helping some 1,250 years ago. me to update my earlier translation of the Gathas done in collaboration with the IateDastur(Dr)FramrozeArdeshirBode her 21, 1998) into a Festival by hosting (Allen and Unwin, 1952). When Farrokh ’s sarcasms were turned against me, I would burst out laughing. They were so deadly felicitating the most honored and deco- to the point. Farrokh would smile rue- - ¦ fully and say ; “Piloo, you are the only one who laughs at my barbed wit.” One day, I said: “I wonder what the Slavonic Book o/Ezioc/r looks like? ” He replied: “It is on the desk. Have a look. ” I pored over the volume, fascinated, not understanding a single word. “Can you read it?” I asked. “Yes, ” he replied, “I’m enjoying every moment. ” Does such an individual need a for ­ mal university degree having achieved his goal the hard way? I urge readers to suspend judgment and request the Edi­ tor to close the issue so that acrimoni ­ ous accusations do not waste our time and energy. This year we have deeided to eon- vert the Sanjan Day (Saturday, Novem- Sanjan 396150. ROHINTAN M. DAVIERVALA President. Sanjan Memorial Column Local Committee V PILOON.JUNGALWAI.I.A New Delhi Sanjan Festival Sanjan Day is celebrated every year to commemorate the historic landing ot Academic distinction Rathestar Mandal and Zarthosti Bhai Bandh Mandali invite applications from Parsi/Iranian Zoroastrian students who havepassedSSC/HSC/ICSE/CBSEex- ofdistinguished delegates from all amination ot Bombay division held in ___ ________J • J. March/April 1998, securing an aggre- The funds required for the Festival gate 85 percent and above marks, at first send xerox copy of their mark-sheet a meeting of the Federation of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of India and also rated member of our community, Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, in the pres ­ ence* parts of India and abroad. will naturally be much more than needed attempt. Eligible students may please every year for Sanjan Day, as boarding send xerox copy of their mark-sheet and lodging arrangements will also have duly endorsed by the piincipal of their to be made for the delegates for three ' ” " " “ days. Sanjan Day will start as usual with a jashan ceremony in the morning fol ­ lowed by a free community lunch in the afternoon. We are sure you will contrib ­ ute to make the Sanjan Festival, the first of its kind in the history of our commu ­ nity, a truly memorable event. We are sure you will extend your whole-hearted support by sending your valuable dona ­ tion in favor of the “Sanjan Memorial Column Local Committee ” to thepresi- dent at Khan Bahadur ’s Bungalow, every year for Sanjan Day, as boarding school/college along with a covering letter giving their full name, address, age and phone number latest by Octo ­ ber 15, 1998 to Mr B. R. Panthaki, trustee and honorary secretary, 721-A, Parsi Colony, 11, Choksi Building, Dr D. Master Road, Dadar, Bombay 400014. B.R. PANTHAKI Honorary Secretary Rathestar Maiidal and Zarthc^ti Bhai Bandh Mandali Montessori training We are running aMontessori Teachers ’ Training Course at R.T.I. Building, •i*. For Pure Diamonds JEWELLERS 6 Parsiana September 1998 324, Grant Road, Bombay 400007. Telephone 3099648 Fax 3073483 APPOINTED VALUERS BY THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIAI laundry care, personal care, auto care, water filters, etc — a range of 21 prod ­ ucts which are very well priced and of excellent quality. In Modicare there are two avenues of income available — the first is a 25 percent commission on all 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 Hughes Road, under the aegis of Stri Zarthosti Mandal. Please note that the diploma is given by the Association Montessori Internationale which has its headquarters in The Netherlands and is the only authority on Montessori edu ­ cation which was started by Dr goods bought for personal use and tor Montessori herself. On obtaining the diploma our students can get jobs in many parts of the world like the USA, Singapore, Middle East countries, etc the Association Montessori Internationale is recognized through ­ out the world. If interested, contact Ms Zarin Malva, R.T.I. Annexe Building, selling to customers (products cannot be sold in shops, only person to person — direct selling). The second income is bonuses, which in the long run, is the larger income. This is generated by in­ troducing relatives, friends, acquain ­ tances, just anyone who touches your .. ........... ....... life, to the business, and building a First Floor, 35, N. S. Palkar Marg network under yourself. You get bo- (Hughes Road), Bombay 400007. Tel; 3802781/82, 3804363, Res: 2841672. ZARIN MALVA as Multilevel marketing I take this opportunity to bring to the notice of your readers in India the im ­ mense opportunities available in multi ­ level marketing today, as part-time or full-time work. I joined Modicare a year ago as a consultant and am today a ruby-star director. The company manufactures household cleaning agents, kitchen care. nuses every month on the total business generated by your network. After a year ’s efforts, I have 1,500 people under me in my network and am today earning Rs 40,000 bonus per month. This figure keeps increasing as the network grows. Our top achievers in Delhi earn Rs 2,50,000 per month as bonus. I have introduced Modicare to many Parsis in India and with my help and guidance they affe doing well in the business. verahomi jesia Edited by Parinaz M. Gandhi 8 Parsiana September 1998Events and Personalities ing a niaachi in the Havan f>ah, in the morning ahama anjuman jashan was led Originally consecrated at Bhendi Bazar in 1851, in 1875 the fire had to be consecrated afresh as the riots in Bombay the preceding year had nullified the sanc- 51 years as panthaky Associated with the Seth Bomanji Merwanji Mevawala Dar-e-Meher for by Bajan on behalf of the well-wisher.s the past 72 years, with 51 years as the panthaky there, Ervad Minochcr Ardeshir Bajan who is believed to be the by. JamaspAsa in honor of the founder of seniormost among the Bombay pant- hakics was accorded a special felicita ­ tion on the 124th anniversary of the agiary on May 5, 1998. On behalf of the trustee.s of the Byculla Dar-c-Mchcr, Dastur (Dr) Kaikhusroo JamaspAsa pre ­ sented him with a shawl, a silver salver and a purse, notes a pres.s release. The present panthaky who is report ­ edly the fourth generation from the Bajan family to have served this agiary since its inception in 1851 was also felicitated by the Athornan Mandal, the Iran and residents of Byculla. The evening function commenced with a jashan led tityofthe temple. In 1914 the agiary was shifted to Byculla but no major repairs to the building had been done over the years, states the write-up. Recently they were able to raise sufficient funds to conduct major repairs, including tiling and electrical wiring. It was on the mid­ night of March IW, 1998 that they reenthroned the holy fire in the original gunibaj. In his vote of thanks Ervad Pafvez M. Bajan commended the cooperation of community institutions, philanthropists and other individuals who have sup ­ ported this institution over the years as also on this special occasion. Captivat ­ ing slides of pilgrimage site.s in Iran were then shown to the gathering by Parvez Bajan, with the function ending with the gusty singing of Chhaiye hanie Zarathoshti. the Dar-e-Meher. Following the jashan, Jivanji Jamadar welcomed the guests and recounted a brief history of the agiary . He also commended the services of Minocher Bajan who had studied under the late Ervad Burjorji Bajan and the late Ervad Dinsha Minocher Homji at the J. N. Petit Orphanage which was then situated at Lalbaug. His training a.s a navar-maratab was at Navsari after which he started practicing as a priest under the guidance of his father and grandfather at this Dar-e-Mchcr. ? * » J League, the Bombay Parsec Associa ­ tion, the boiwalas of the agiary, the panthaky of the Wadia Agiary at Lalbaug and Rohinton Chinoy of Union Press. This first salgirah of the agiary that wa.s being celebrated in the newly reno ­ vated Dar-c-Mchcr was “marked with Rif^ht: Mevawala religious fervorand gaiety. ” After offer 1 X M. Bajan (left) heintr felicitated bv JaniaxpAsa as Paeterasp Patel looks on Photo: Rusi M. Davar Dar-e-Meher The parting She came to us, a slip of a girl. Nervou.s during the first intcrview.she kept fidg­ eting with a rolled up hanky. Twenty- one years later Zarin Mistry (nee 10 Parsiana September 1998 I *A centrally located property in Bombay up for grabs If you or your family back home have been looking for a residential property in the heart of Bombay look no further. * The flat is located in Dadar, the centre of Bombay (or should I say “apru Mumbai ”!) * The flat is well ventilated, has one bedroom, hall, kitchen, two balconies and measures 500 sq ft. * The building is in an agiary compound and can have only Zoroastrian owners/tenants. The building has a lift, 24 hours water supply and best of all wonderful neighbours. * This opportunity will not last for long as the owner is keen to sell. If interested or wish to know more about the property please call the owner in Sydney, Australia on (02) 9890 5250 (A/H) or 0414 279 961 (Bus). Alternately send an e-mail to dinsha.palkhiwala@apac. dmr.com.au or write to Dinsha Palkhiwala 170 Pennant St. North Parramatta NSW 2151, Australia. I will be in Bombay from 6th December 1998 till 1 st January 1999 and can be contacted on 91 22 6511777 (c/o Jimmy & Roshan Mistry). 12 Parsiana September 1998 Billimoria) was the pushing force be ­ hind Parxiana'a advertising efforts. Re ­ lentlessly pursuing advertisers, chasing recoveries, checking office records and documents, searching out new clients to tap, Zarin put her all into the magazine. Tough and persistent when required, she could also feel saddened when an advertiser was rude to her or unkind. Yet she took the downs str)- ically never giving up. ,'^|K \ She had more than her fair measure of life ’s trag- edies. But she neither grudged her lot nor was en ­ vious of those who were •’<“ - more privileged. Mixtry: tough and Hermarriage followed an persistent office romance, her husband Rohinton operated and programed the Company ’s first computer before leav ­ ing for a full-time programing job in a software firm. After trying for a child for many years, a son Kaizad was born five years later. It was a time of joy but Wrenched from her family, friends and colleagues in the prime of her life, 40-year-old Zarin had joined Parsiana Publications in May 1977 a,s a fresh- faced youngster with her entire life ahead of her. Over the years, she grew from secretary to advertising ex- HH^aH ecutive, and then advertis- ing manager. Her portfolio included Voyage's sister - publication, Parsiana, as well as the prestigious Din- ers Club magazine, Signa- ture, which Parsiana Publi- . - «¦ cation.s published till De- Ji ¦ cember 1991. When Voy- XksS w age was launched in April 1992, Zarin soldiered on, endeavoring to shore up the fledgling publication ’s for ­ tunes with her own special brand of selling skills. This, at a time when sell ­ ing ad space for a niche magazine was as difficult as selling chickens ’ beaks! She could be as dizzying in her effi ­ ciency as a roller coaster; as lively a.s a followed by heartache as they slowly fairground, and as^^ober as a judge. A discovered he was mentally and physi ­ cally handicapped. Using all their limited resources they both worked long and hard to help their son. Rounds to doctors, therapists, insti ­ tutions almost depleted their savings. Her parent.s Mani and Cowa.s with whom they stayed in a two-room apart ­ ment next to the former Handloom House assisted with Kaizad, making it possible determination to carry on despite the for Zarin and Rohinton to continue work ­ ing. They all benefited from the fruits of living in a small joint family. Zarin died of a massive heart attack early morning August 5, two days after her 40th birthday. A tribute to her was written by our sister publication Voyage's managing editor Jeroo Irani which we reproduce of Silence in Bombay to bid her fare- here for our readers: well, the heavens opened and the rains came down as though in benediction; mingling with the tears on wet cheeks. f great sport, she would rock with Hima ­ layan bouts of laughter even if.§he was at the receiving end of a practical joke. One can still see the flicker of that fugi­ tive smile, the witty remarks made with casual nonchalance, the tough exterior that hid the softest of soft hearts... She was blessed with an incisive in­ tellect, a computer-like memory and 4' 'g curves life threw at her. She took them squarely on her chin with a defiant toss of her head. Abundant sympathy flowed for friends who suffered the slings and arrows of fortune less stoically than she did. As close family, relatives, friends and colleagues gathered at the Towers Zarin Mislry ’s presence lingers in our office with the all-pervasive fragrance of afreshly pluckedrose...Especially around the swivel chair on which she would sit, Microwave meals a fierce frown of concentration lining her brow. Occasionally, she would lean back to smile quizzically at a colleague or rustle the neat stack of papers, to be dealt with the next day. But, that routine workday in August, the Indian Palate. From shorbas and no one knew that there was to be no next day for Zarin, our advertising manager. Felled by a heart attack on the morning of August 5 she died instantly and qui­ etly with as little fuss as she had lived. “I know you can heat cooked food in a microwave, but can you really cook in it?” To answer this commonly raised query Bapsi Nariman has authored a 100-page book. Microwave Cooking for soups to chutney, relish and pickles, an entire assortment of dishes are covered by Nariman. The maximum number of pages, 11, are devoted to the fish reci ­ pes. Vegetarian dishes as also mutton. *R MIC /p: the Pt * < «*•* ipsi jrtman ity. Except mutton biryani, ” wrote Ruth Davidar in the Indian Review of Books, April 16-May 15, 1998. She furtheradds, “Another heartening step in the right direction i.s that the ingredients have been listed in the order of use, a rarity in cookbooks written in India. Thankfully, except for minor lapses in page refer ­ ences, method, ingredients and their amounts, by and large, there is not much cause for upset." Irked by the repeated mention of “grind to a paste in a mortar and pistol ” Davidar comments on "the insufficient knowledge of cooking ter ­ minology. ” As mentioned on the back cover, Nariman has contributed articles on vari- ou.s aspects of cuisine at home and abroad Singh, and is the author of Party Snacks, and A Gourmet’,'; Hand Book of Parsi Cook­ ing. The Exotic Vegetarian is a compila ­ tion of her vegetarian and egg recipes. Microwiive Cooking...pneed at Rs 145 was published in 1998 by HarperCollins Publishers India Private Limited, 7/16 mently. ” Ansari Road. Daryaganj, New Delhi 1 10002. Bound in the center of the book are eight color pages bearing photo ­ graphs of exotic recipes by Nauzer Daruwalla. dent of India K. R. Narayanan. Published by retired Lt Gen A. M. Sethna, chairman of The Steering Com ­ mittee and Tirlochan Singh, convener, the book priced at Rs 250 is edited by Dr Shernaz Cama and Sudhir Chandra Mathur. The book is a follow-up on the inter ­ national seminar on the same theme held under the aegis of the India Interna ­ tional Centre, Sahitya Akademi, Delhi Parsi Anjuman and Konrad Adenauer Foundation. The idea to host the seminar origi ­ nated with Prof A. G. Khan, School of Studies in English, Ujjain University, Sethna and his daughter Cama, states “While teaching English writing by Indian authors (Khan) was struck by their alienation from India, ” writes Sethna in the book ’s preface. “He main ­ tained that Parsi writers, mostly from abroad, expressed this most vehe- pork, chicken, egg, paneer, potato and rice dishes are covered here too, with two to three page.s each reserved for rasam and pani, salads, daks and des ­ serts. Parsi readers may be interested to learn that according to Nariman, com ­ munity favorites like a Parsi pora. akuri, kanda kothmir per eda. amhakalio and gajar nieva nu achar can be readied in a microwave oven too. “Once you get used to it, you will find the microwave an indispensable adjunct MuSC and the Minorities of everyday life. I hope that these reci ­ pes will give you enough confidence to use your microwave to cook all kinds of foods," states the foreword. “If there are recipes which you would like to try out other than the one.s in thi.s book, don ’t hesitate to do so. Only adapt the timings, power levels, the food-covering, etc, accordingly . Cooking times are approxi ­ mate and may vary. Once you use a microwave, you will become not only a better cook, but a more imaginati ve one," the foreword gives an assurance. Lest the novice be induced to in­ stantly try out a recipe which fascinate.s him/her, reading the section titled “Back ­ ground — and a few tips ” should be considered mandatory. Therein it is mentioned, “Since microwaves penetrate little more than one inch deep into most foods, the center will cook slower as the heat from the outer area travels inwards: so arrange the thickest part of the food at the edge of a round container for even cooking...Some foods need lower levcLs of power to slow down the process of cooking e.g. liquids may spill over after they come to a boil... ” “All the recipes bear the hallmark of Nariman ’s style — clarity and simplic- "Any attempt to impose a common cul­ tural pattern on India ’.s plurality can only result in tragedy. This book, a col ­ lection of the papers and proceedings of an international seminar attended by a number of India's foremost intellectuals and creative artisle.s stresses that in India differences have alway.s coexisted. ” So state.s the write-up on the jacket of the 413-page book. The Muse and the Mi- noritie.\-Sc>c'vd\ Cimcerns and Creative Cohesion, released this July by the Presi- “On looking inti^ this we found that ethnic anxiety was being felt by many creative persons within the country but was getting maximum attentiem from those writing from abroad. This applied not only to writers of one community but to all. It was also found that many small communities were finding them ­ selves increasingly marginalized, that many had migrated abroad, and others were being increasingly ghettoized, ” added Sethna. At the opening of the seminar held in New Delhi in September 1996, Cama stated this is "the first time leading writ ­ Second from left: Tirlochan Singh, Cama, Karon Singh, Sethna, Mulk Raj Anand, Varadarajan aticl Khan 14 Parsiana September 1998 4' %ers, film and theater artistes and social workers from all the communities of India will share acommonplatfonn and discuss Fusion of fomiS vital issues without fear or favor. ” Among the participants were several noted Zoroastrian writers such a.s poet Keki N. Daruwalla, playwright Dina Mehta and novelist Bapsi Sidhwa. The welcome address of the seminar was delivered by M. Varadarajan, the explained in the invite, “The Eternal keynote address by journalist George Verghese and the presidential address by former union minister Karan Singh, The inaugural address wa,s by writer Mulk Raj Anand. the press release. Dadabhoy to reiterate that the time ex ­ pended does not correlate with the size of the canvas. For Dadabhoy who is an architect by profession, an average of five to eight Overwhelmed by the response to his fourth solo show, The Eternal Femi­ nine. at Bombay ’s Nehru Centre Art paintings are completed in a year. His Gallery from June 3 to 8, 1998, artist last solo show in 1991 was on abstract Firdaus Dadabhoy plans to take thi.s landscapes and prior to that it was com- show abroad to Germany and Italy. As pletely abstracts, the self-taught painter traces the evolution of his art since he held his first solo show in 1975 at the i Feminine finds its source in an hitherto untapped root of this genre wherein Jehangir Art Gallery, printed image and painted abstraction fuse to uncover hidden world.s of time ­ less splendor echoing ancient iconogra ­ phy in a contemporary idiom. ” The background is a subtle play of earthy colors, set in an abstract form on which is juxtaposed a striking image or figure in the forefront. “Technically you can call it mixed media but it’s more than just an assemblage or col- an attempt to blend abstrac ­ tion with printed or photo ­ graphic image. ” The effect of this “ex ­ tremely innovative concept ” on the viewers can be gauged from the feedback received by has been variously described in the visitors ’ book as “absolutely gor ­ geous, ” “outstandingly unique artistry, ” “brilliantly portrayed, ” “the three-di ­ mensional effect is astonishing. ” From the 30 exhibits on view, a favorite of After completing his schooling from St Xavier ’s, Bombay, Dadabhoy stud ­ ied architecture at the Sir J. J. College of Architecture. The next three years he worked as architect in the civil depart ­ ment of Tata Electric Companies and Tata Consulting Engineers before he chose to set up independent practice in 1970. Beginning 1980 he has been manufacturing office furniture systems under the brand name Interlock Sys ­ tems and in 1993 he expanded his busi- ness yet again with the manu- facture of computer work sta- tions in lhe name of Firma. Among the projects he +ias been associated with arc the f Holiday Home of tfie Tata Consultancy Services at Panchgani, the primary school for the Tata Electric Compa ­ nies al Bhivpuri, the modular office system installed at Kilburn Engi­ neering, Bhandup. and the office interi ­ ors for Barrnag Machines at Nariman Point. In addition to his busy profes ­ sional life, Dadabhoy also finds time for poetry and writing. The novel which he was the Portrait of a Lady. In fact thi.s hasjust finished writing is awaiting pub­ piece was sold on the first day itself, says Dadabhoy despite the prices of hi.s paintings being in the five figure range. While the small ­ est exhibit on dis- 4' % lication, he mentions. For the President’s eyes Two brothers, both eminent in their field of specialization, were appointed honor ­ ary ophthalmic surgeons to the President of India, notes a communique issued by the Shroff Eye Centre, New Delhi, where they are both medical directors. While lage, ” Dadabhoy was quoted in Mid- 47-year-old Dr Noshir Minoo Shroff i.s Day, June 4. Tm not doing a collage eminent in the field of intra-ocular lens just for the sake ofdoing it. It’s implant surgery, 42-year-old Dr Cyru.s Minoo Shroff is prominent in the field of vitreo-retinal surgery. They are the third generation ophthalmic surgeons, their grandfather. Dr Sohrab Shroff, being the founder of the Dr Shroff Charitable Eye Hospital, as recalled in Fed Newsletter. Ever since he performed his first len,s Dadabhoy wherein his work implant in 1982, Noshir is said to have perfonned over 13,(X)0 implant proce ­ dures. He wa.s one of the first in India to start phacoemulsification (suture less cata ­ ract surgery ) in 1992 and has since the last two years been performing photorefracti ve keratotomy surgery (excimer laser) for Dadabhoy as also many of the visitors correction of refractive errors, states the write-up. After his early education at Modern School, Noshir graduated and postgraduated in ophthalmology from the Maulana Azad College, New Delhi and has since attended many courses and con ­ ferences in India and abroad a,s guest play was3() ”x24”, speaker/instructor/convener. Practising exclusively in the field of vitrco-retinal medicine for the past 13 years, Cyru.s ha,s reportedly performed more than 3,000 vitreo-retinal surgical procedures and 5,000 laser surgical proce ­ dures. At various seminars and medical education programs in India and overseas on the subject of vitreo-rctina he ha.s made his presence felt as guest lecturer/instruc- tor/convener/faculty. His early education too was at Modern School. His medical training though was at the All India Insti ­ tute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi and the Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, adds the largest was 7’x 4’ in size, explains Dadabhoy. Some ­ times alarge paint ­ ing may get com ­ pleted within a few days and he may be laboring over a small piece for weeks. says Dadahhoy (above) and his Portrait of a Lady Compiled by Parinaz Gandhi 16 Parsiana September 1998 *¦CONGRESS Defining Zoroastrian commitment The 11th North American Zoroastrian Congress heard many young voices enunciate their faith Text and photographs by Porus Cooper Out in the lobby, people were lining up to give blood. Off to one side, Dolly Dastoor, the outgoing president of the Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America (FEZANA), was tai k- ing up the Federation ’s newly created Zarathushti Religion Education curricu ­ lum. In another corner, incoming FEZANApresidentFramroze Patel wa.s spoke. The organizers also decided to discussing his plans to bind the North American community even tighter. In­ side, a slick audiovisual production ad ­ vertised Houston ’s credentials as the venue for the Seventh World Zoroas ­ trian Congress-2000. From the podium, an electrical engineer named Mancck Bhujwala described the “mobedyar, ” or lay mobed, program that he said he enrolled himself in because of a short ­ age of ordained mobeds in his northern president of ZAGNY, referred to the California community. In between, there were passionate and remarkably personal pleadings to the community to think more inclusively about interfaith families — a.s well as relatively staid treatises on such topics as “The Social Structure of the Zoroas ­ trian Community, Past, Present and Fu­ ture. ” Of all the Zarathushti rituals exam ­ ined and re-examined each time one of the North American Zoroastrian con- gresses assembles, one ritual seems to be growing unchecked, and happily so. That ’s the congress tradition itself. The I 1th North American Zoroas ­ trian Congress, held over the July 4 weekend in Rye, New York, was bigger (with about 650 attending the variou.s session.s and about 750 signed up for the banquet, it was the largest ever) and among the most innovative. No doubt, the host.s — the Zoroastrian Association of Greater New York (ZAGNY), in tan ­ dem with the Iranian Zoroastrian Asso ­ ciation (IZA) — built on the experience of their predecessors elsewhere. For instance, gone were the handful of featured speakers, many of them familiar figures, who customarily an- chored sessions at previous congresses. In their place were panels of speakers, many of them appearing for the first time, who examined various topics and invited discussion from those in atten ­ dance. YoLith was served in ample mea ­ sure. In fact, the room fairly crackled with energy when the younger people among all Zarathushtis. For three days, every two years, in one big hotel ball ­ room, the illusion is perpetuated that there ’s a whole lot of us. Let ’s stop talking about survival, let ’s start talking about a thriving community, some of the speakers counseled with a degree of ebullience that the overall numbers may belie. Noshir Langrana, an engineering professor at Rutgers University in New ‘g rely solely on homegrown North Ameri ­ can talent (no resident of Europe or Iran Jersey and co-chairman of the Congress, or India or Pakistan was invited to be on presented the initial findings of a demo- any of the panels). Except for Dr James Lovelace, all the speakers were Zara- thushtis. With the exception of a few student speakers whose expenses were reimbursed, no speaker was compen ­ sated for appearing. In his welcome address Gev Nentin, graphic survey. The survey elicited 3,919 responses from heads of households for a total of 8,851 individuals. But fewer than half the entries were complete, Langrana said, with many leaving out essential information such as ages. Fac ­ toring in non-responses and the fact that the community is not well organized everywhere, Langrana hazarded the es ­ timate that there are close to 20,000 Zarathushtis in North America. “We have a problem of inventory, ” said Anahaita Kotval, a 30-year-old New York lawyer for the Securities and Ex­ change Commission, who was discuss ­ ing the impulse toward interfaith mar ­ riages among many of the younger gen ­ eration. At a very young age, she said, she got the message that it would please her elders if she married.^ Zarathushti — and she did. But she said she can economic and social prosperity of the North American Zarathushtis and proph ­ esied continued growth. “Aconsequence of this migration... i.s that inevitably, we will play a greater leadership role within the worldwide Zarathushti community. Thi.s i.s our destiny. ” On display was the sinew and fiber of a community that has grown not only in numbers (to 20,000 in the United State.s and Canada, by some estimates) but also in maturity and organizational sophisti ­ cation. And new technology has ex ­ panded the sense of community. The understand why many don ’t. As she was host group, ZAGNY’s, informative inter ­ net web page beckoning people to come to the Congress was evidence of thi.s wider community. It joined an already thriving Zarathushti community on the the greatest interest. The hall was packed, web and off it. At least two video pro ­ ductions tracing the life and times of Asho Zarathushtra were on sale, along with numerous publications, some schol ­ arly, some of immediate practical use, such as the second edition of the direc ­ tory of North American Zarathushtis. The Congress, as others before it, seemed only to make thi.s kind of com ­ munity connectedness more palpable not just between Iranians and Parsis but growing up, there were “perhaps 20 young Zarathushti people in the tri-state area, ” she said. Expectedly, the panel on interfaith and intrafaith marriages drew and the personal testimony of the speak ­ ers, sometimes tormented, sometimes defiant, always strikingly candid, could have riveted the attention of any Oprah Winfrey viewer. In the minds of many, marriages outside the Zarathushti com ­ munity remain a key cause of its ero ­ sion. Turn marriage from an exit point to an entry way, some counseled in re ­ sponse. Accept the children of such marriages into the faith, they said, and 18 Parsiana September 1998 «» %D 1 ! r The standoff was never acrimoni ­ ous, though Ervad Kersey Antia from Chicago brought up its dark side. He said he and another mobed had received death threats for trying to perform an interfaith marriage. The debate was hardly ended at the 11 th Congress; what it afforded, however, was a forum for creative potential ways to move beyond the ideological impasse. TaminaDavar, 30, a journalist work- the faith, if not its ethnic complexion, will be safe. “We must do everything we can, as a community, to encourage parents of in- lerfaith marriages to bring up their chil ­ dren as Zoroastrians, ” said Zarine Weil. She and her Jewish husband, Richard, have two children, Darayus and Delna, and have “adopted a lifestyle where Zoroastrianism is the dominant faith, ” Weil said. Zareen Karani Araoz, president of an international cross-cultural management consulting firm, said her first marriage, to aZarathushti, ended after seven “chal ­ lenging ” years. She is now married to a non-Zoroastrian. “I am not here to advo ­ cate interfaith marriages, ” she said, but asked: “Is it better to have an unhappy, un-Zoroastrian marriage to a Zoroas ­ trian than a genuinely sacred and happy marriage that dem- onstrates Zoroastrian ideals with someone from a different com- inanity'. ’” That sort of sentiment was echoed by Spenta Cama, 26, a law student at Rutgers Univer- sity. “From the outset I’d like to say that I am not arguing that interfaith marriages are better. In fact, my belief is that intrafaith marriages are preferable, ” Cama said. “However, given the Zoro- astrian integration into North American society, interfaith marriages will occur. The real issue then becomes how the Zoroastrian community can and will respond to something that has hap ­ pened, is happening and will continue to happen. ” Her wedding rites incorpo ­ rated both Zarathushti and Methodist traditions. If the community rejects the children of marriages such as hers, Cama said, it would lose not only that one member but also that member ’.s chil ­ dren. She also said that non-Zarathushti spouses often are the most dedicated members of the community, “they arc greatly involved in planning events and activities, give generously of their time and money, and can be counted on at any time for any kind of help — all very Zoroastrian-like qualities. ” In the Brooklyn neighborhood where she makes her home, said Mina Zand Siegal, a graphic arts entrepreneur, there are few Zarathushtis. Her “community ” there is all Jewish. “When I need help or have to go to a hospital, I have no Zoro ­ astrian to turn to for help... I have to rely comport better with Zarathushti tradi- on those other people. ” She and her Jewish husband have been married for 13 years, she said. Looking back to the anguish her decision to marry outside the community caused in her family all the way back to Iran, she said she now wonders, “What was all the fuss about'. ’” Stating the case for emphasizing and encouraging marriages within the com ­ munity wa.s Jamshed Gandi, a San Fran ­ cisco certified public accountant (CPA). “Being of the same faith ha,s brought a great commonality amonst us parents in ing in New York, has found a way to espousing our common beliefs, tradi- create a larger, lookalike community of tions, rituals, customs, goals especially South Asians and other Asians around in the matter of religion, faithand other her. At least some of the impulse among spiritual matter.s to our children, ” he said. Looking in from the outside. Prof Lovelace, Zarathushti spouse, tried to get to the a Wasliington-area non- / Lively participation from the floor soul of the debate. “Have you been grasped by Zoroastrianism'. ’” asked Lovelace, associate vice president for academic affairs at the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute. “Is your spiritual life your ultimate con ­ cern'. ’ Chances are if you don ’t take your spiritual life unconditionally seriously, neither will your children. ” Respect our choice, speakers who have married outside the community said. Respect our choice to hew to tradi ­ tion, countered some like Kaemerz Dotiwala. a businessman and leader of the Houston Zarathushti community. Some felt the very panel was skewed toward presenting the case for accepting interfaith families. Moderator Lovji D. Cama, one of ZAGNY’.s founder mem ­ bers, said the panel only reflected the wider community ’s response — few came forward to articulate the case for the intrafaith marriagc.s that many feel lion. her. At least some of the impulse amon; young Zarathushtis to marry outside the community comes from a lack of self- esteem, she conjectured, the result of living in white suburban enclaves. “When kids grow up among-people of ¦jjjHiiH their own color, they tend to like themselves, ” she said in an interview. In this respect, the opportu ­ nities that the Congress al ­ lowed her to socialize with fellow Zara^iushtis were invaluable, she said. Oth ­ ers pointed out efforts, in­ cluding on the Internet, to conneetZarathushtis look ­ ing for mates of their own faith. “The Zoroastrian Com ­ mitment in the North American Context ” was the theme of this Congress. For most of the speakers, that translated into a search for some common ground to override the obvious divisions that remain. For some, like Prof Kaikhosrov Irani, that meant a quest for a common goal. “Every religion has a core belief, ” said Irani, who is emeri ­ tus professor of philosophy at City Col ­ lege of New York and a venerable figure in the North American Zarathushti community. “There may be variations in the core belief, but there must be a common goal. The function of religious practice is that it binds the community through common actions. ” As he has in other settings over the years, Irani ex ­ horted those gathered to examine' “our total traditions, beliefs and practices and ask, what must be maintained and what may or may not be and what ought not to be or cannot be maintained. Scientific and other advances require adjustments — rationally and with respect. Tradi ­ tions cannot be permitted to die out casually, but they cannot challenge rea ­ son and survive. ” 19 Parsiana September 1998 I“Traditions cannot be permitted to die out casually, but they cannot challenge reason and survive” Dina McIntyre, a Pittsburgh lawyer, has searched for and found her religious core in Zarathushtra ’s “own words ” — the Gathas. “If we must express the teachings ofZarathushtra in a nutshell, I think it i,s the concept of the Amesha Spenta, ” McIntyre said. “In the Gathas, they are the beginning, the end, and how we get there. According to Zarathushtra, they are the essence of divinity — the attributes with which he describc.s God. And they are also the way to God. They are what we worship and how we wor ­ ship. They are Zarathushtra ’s way of life and the purpose of life. ” For Dotiwala, it meant seeking out a new way to maintain a com- mon Zarathushti goal in the form of two coalitions of groups, one on the tradi- tional side and one liberal. “A rather broad spectrum ” of approaches to the prac- tice of the faith ha.s frag- / mented the community, he -..“J said, tracing the spectrum from the Khshnoomists and Pandolite.s on one end to “orthodox fundamentalists ” to “moderate traditional ists" (who would frown on any tinkering with the corpus of Zarathushti scriptures) and “moderate liberals" (who would allow such tinker ­ ing) to “the Gathas only fundamental ­ ists. ” “I believe that the time is ripe for our community... aftercareful consideration, (tostart)anewcxpcrimcntof the forma ­ tion of a new Zarathushti group that would embody the outlook of the groups falling under the ‘moderate liberal' and the 'Gathas only fundamentalists.' In order for this experiment to succeed, 1 believe that in the initial, formative years, the leaders of the new group be from those who are born Zarathushtis. T'he gates be cracked initially to allow the children and spouses of Zarathushtis. rather than be thrown totally open. What thi.s will do is allow the children of a Zarathushti to be sustained within the community. What it will also do is that the traditional groups will continue to maintain the religion in its totality the way it has been practiced. This will serve a.s a safety net for the community in case the experiment runs into a hitch. The leaders of both the groups will have personal and professional experiences, to work with each other honestly and it is simply this to work with each other honestly and help each other blossom and flourish within theirown parameters, ” suggested Dotiwala. For Yezdi Rustomji, a lecturer in sociology at the University of Houston, it meant moving beyond a “tribal ” con ­ cept of the Zarathushti community, where somehow the religion i.s transmit ­ ted as “genetic material ” would be. “I will not hestitate to say that the reasons lor adherence to the tribal concept by Zarathushtis range from outright racist feelings, to claim.s of cultural exigency, and a superstitious acceptance of what The coiiiiiiniiily's sentiments were well represented amounts to nothing more than ideologi ­ cal canards. ” For Kcki Bhote. a Chicago executive and international consultant, the ques ­ tion to ponder is, will there be a new renaissance of the faith in North America? “We can no longer look to India for inspiration. The Parsi century there is over. We can no longer look to Iran, because despite Khatemi (the cur ­ rent, reform-minded president), the mullahs still reign." Bhote stressed the taking of individual responsibility — from learning the scriptures to practic ­ ing the practical tenct.s of the faith, iticluding environmentalism — to per ­ petuate the religion. For Villy Gandhi, an education me ­ dia specialist from New Jersey, it meant better parenting. “1 have spent the better part of my adult career raising our two sons and educating many others. If there is one thing that 1 have learned from my we just get one shot at it,” Gandhi said. Parents, educators, priests and other members of the com ­ munity, all “share the ultimate responsi ­ bility of studying, understanding and modeling the precepts of our religion as well as its rituals in a balanced and knowledgeable way, ” she added. “Why then would our children want to aban ­ don this inspiring religion? ” Those who do, she said, may well be discarding “cultural baggage ” rather than the faith itself. For Shiraz Antia, a young healthcare administrator from New York, it has meant expressing her faith in action. When there was some damage to the New Rochelle Darbe Mehr, she said, “In a matter of less than a week, there were eight of us wlTo came on a Friday night to clean the walls and lepaint the prayer, room... faith, ” she said. For Aysha Ghadiali, a first year student at the Uni­ versity of Boston, it has meant comprehending the prayers both spiritually and literally. “It is the literal translation (in English) that opens the door to help u.s to understand spiritually what we were taught as children, ” she said. One way to do that would be to routinely follow traditional ceremonies - with an English translation, she sug ­ gested. For Kaizad Cama also, soon to be a senior at Tenafly High School in New Jersey, it meant especially making the navjote ceremony understandable to the child being initiated into the faith. Cama said he surveyed about 40 Zarathushti youths, asking them if they had realized what pledges they were making when they underwent the navjote, and of the 24 who responded, 19 said they did not. He suggested both an English interpre ­ tation of the ceremony and an increase in the traditional age of navjote initiates. “Children of, say, 13 years of age, are more mature and will more readily un­ derstand the intricate meaning of this very important ceremony, ” Cama said. Firdosh D. Mehta, an engineer and continued on page 26 20 Parsiana September 1998 i 4' % •»BUSINESS Chinoy ’s cheese spread Cheesophile Sohrab Chinoy makes a connoisseur’s range of natural and processed cheese and A.B.C. Farms’ four restaurants serve speciality cuisine in a picturesque setting Hilla P. Guzder ‘g The farm on the bank of a river in Pune ’s exclusive Koregaon Park offers scenes of serenity. Along one flank flow the gentle meanders of the Pawana, all around are vistas of monsoon verdancy. Silk cotton, chickoo, mango and banana trees dot its two-and-a-half acres. A cheese dairy churns out cheeses, tour restaurants serve different cuisine, not in the plush setting of five-star culture, but in a green and earthy ambience. “Very few people have an insight into what we are doing at the farm, ” say.s Sohrab Chinoy, owner and managin' director of A.B.C. Farms Private Lim ­ ited which makes and sells over 50 vari- etie.s of natural and processed cheese — Edam, Gouda, Parmesan, French bas ­ ket, Mozzarellas, cheese dips and spreads, cheese flavored with wine or herbs, low fat, no salt and special goat milk cheese. Milk, butter, yoghurt and their own speciality lemsi, a lemon-fla ­ vored lassi, (“health in a 200 ml pouch, ” Chinoy calls it), are some of the other products sold at the farm and through their three shops in Pune. Franchisees in Vasai, Goa, Ujjain and Hyderabad also vend their products. Forty-one acres of land at Dehu Road on the outskirts of Pune support 100 head of cattle including Holstein and Jersey breeds, pure bred Swiss Saanen goats as well as local and cross bred ones. Rice and wheat are grown organi ­ cally, without the use of inorganic fertil ­ izers or pesticides. Of the over 7,000 litres of milk pro ­ cessed per day, 80 percent is converted into cheese. “We sell more young cheese than mature, with an average of six weeks ’ maturing time, ” explains Chinoy who has five years of dairy technology training in Germany and 20 years of hands-on experience in the field tucked under his belt. Adds microbiologist Ashwini Oak, “This being a food Indus- try, we cannot take chances. We take care that nothing is contaminated. ” Ex­ plaining that cheese-making requires dif­ ferent microbes, she describes Camembert as a “cheese wrapped in white velvet, ” while in blue cheese “the It was Diana Ratnagar, president of Beauty Without Cruelty, who convinced me to do so. ” The 22-year-old A.B.C. Farms sells around 600-700 kgs of cheese a day, and much of the sale is institu ­ tional, states Chinoy. “We sell cheese to a number of five-star hotels and they are I very fussy customers. Our cheeses have I substituted imports in hotels. ” Prices I range from Rs 150-800 per kg. The farm I also maintains dairy cultures, bacterio- I logical as well as fungtl, which are sold I to franchisees and other institutional cli- I ents. It also offers agro-based consultancy I services like plant layout, equipment se- I lection, operational know-how, etc and I has set up a number of farms in the I Sultanate of Oman in the 1980s, states I the company profile. Annual turnover, I according to Chinoy, is in the range of I three crore rupees. I The Koregaon Park farm is situated I close to the Osho international commune ¦ with its multitude of foreigners whose taste-buds, believes Chinoy, appreciate the flavor of exotic cheeses. Much of ABC’s produce is also utilized at the tour restaurants within the farm. “We serve Thai, Mexican, Indian, Italian and other continental cuisine, ” elaborates Chinoy. The open-air Greenfields Jazz Garden, inaugurated a year and a half ago, can accommodate al most 500people, informs Chinoy ’s cousin Homi Bhathena, who manages the restaurant with his friend Anand Shankarnarayanan. The terrace _____ ___ _,___ overlooking the river is accessed by a cut, agitated and cooked, making it shrink quaint iron spiral stairway^ the brick- and release more and more whey. This green cheese is then put into molds, pressed and made into one body. It is ripened in the cheese bank, processed in the processing kettle and machine- packed. “As a thumb rule, 10 litres of milk give one kilo ot cheese, ” discloses Chinoy. “Our cheese is 100 percent veg ­ etarian. We use plant, not animal, rennet. ? i i V™ hSHI Chinoy: 100 percent vegetarian cheese inoculated culture grows like abluc vein, ” giving the cheese its name. Taking Parsiana on a tour ot the dairy , Chinoy hrietly explains the cheese ­ making process. The cheese is made in four to eight hours in large tanks with a capacity of up to 4,000 litres, hand- stirred with long whisks. The starter cul­ ture and rennet added to the pasteurized milk cause it to curdle, after which it is SI- I < I* % and-stone tables in sync with the out-of- town atmosphere. “A live band on Satur ­ day evenings plays jazz and soft rock, ’ observes Bhathena, with Sunday brunch and evening dinners attracting customers of varying age-groups. Sala Thai, specializing in Thai'cui ­ sine, has split-level seating in cabins surrounded by verdure. “We grow Thai 22 Parsiana September 1998 LI f Top row; Chinoy amidst his cheese at the dairy’ (Photo; courtesy ABC Farms) a verdant view Middle row: Farm restaurants Sala Thai and Swiss Cheese Garden Bottom row: Greenfields Jazz Garden, Zubin Chinoy, cheese-making equipment (Photos: Hilla P. Guzder) basil, galangal, sweet tamarind, lemon interest in starting a Thai restaurant and grass and other herbs in a special nurs- asked if we could accommodate him ery, ” claims Chinoy with pride, bending here, ” recalls Chinoy, adding succinctly, down to part the luxuriant leaves of the “for me, there has to be a reason for a lemon grass bushes to display the lower restaurant with a particular cuisine to be thick stems which are used in Thai cook- on the farm. Thai cooking uses almost no ing. “The chef, Kannika Suwann-putra, dairy products, but it can use a lot of our is very particular about the way the in- agro-products like rice, herbs, etc. ” gredients are cut,” he laughs. “Only her Aibara, declares Chinoy, has put in a assistant, Sombat Manthap, knows ex- substantial investment and is respon- actly how she wants things done! ” Sala sible for the running of the restaurant. “I Thai, just a few months old, saw the provide the back-up for the restaurants, involvement of Bangkok hotelier Sarosh appoint managers, etc. Unfortunately, , Aibara when he visited A.B.C. Farms on people are often ‘stolen ’ in the restau- a trip to India. “Sarosh evinced keen rant business. If a client likes the food, he 23 Parsiana September 1998 rcalls the chef, strikes up a conversation I ' ~__ ;;;___ and then quietly slips his business card three survived out of the 20 seedlings into the chef ’s hand, ” he remarks rue- ' ¦ - • - fully. Much of Chinoy ’s cheeses are used in the fondues and other specialities served at the Swiss Cheese Garden. Chinoy and 19-year-old son Zubin point to the numerous logs of the babul tree that impart a Swiss log hut atmosphere to the interior of the restaurant. “We have done everything on our own, with ­ out the services of an interior decorator. The upside down kowlas (mangalore tiles) lining the ceiling below the slab keep the place cool even in summer and the babul logs, which people so often ____ discard are put to use, ” notes Chinoy. Chinoy ’s list of priorities. Afterschool- Outside, the restaurant ’s manager Kranti feeds a covey of pigeons, including a pure white one, which flutter among the foliage. The 20-foot tall central stem of a flowering African cactus reaches for the sky. This plant flowers just before Jogeshwari, a suburb of Bombay. A Turkish policemen and Interpol who It dies, ” enlightens the dairy-cum-nurs- ‘---------- ' ¦ ' • eryman. “Its segments fall and propa ­ gate themselves towards the end of its life span of 15-18 years. ” The pool tables nearby engross young guests. At the special nursery, an old gardener tends to the Brazilian date palms (“only labor, but I exploited them by putting in many long hours and learning every ­ thing! ” he quips. A masters degree from the Gelnhausen Molkerei Hochschule near Frankfurt followed, which inci- planted, ” informs Chinoy), tissue cul­ tures of orchids from Thailand, avoca ­ dos from Kodaikanal, chives from Ger ­ many, Italian basil and other herbs used dentally he did in German! By 1976, his father, along with his mother Freny ’s brother Adi Bhathena (founder of Wanson Thermax) and „ ------ ---------------- cooler climes. The price range for the Thermax) had purchased 27 acres of main course at the farm restaurants varies from Rs 70-120. Native fare is the spice of life at The A.B.C. Garwali Dhaba situated at its retail outlet on Salunke Vihar Road. As a teenager, farming was not on in the restaurants. The Sanghmitra, with continental and oriental cuisine, provides an air- conditioned lounge for those in need of Rohinton Aga (managing director of land at Dehu Road and started A.B.C. Farms, so named after the first letters of their surnames. “Aga persuaded me to return to India to run A.B.C. Farms, ” observes Chinoy. Teaming up with brother Kersi who was in England study ­ ing dairying, the two zoomed back to India on their 750 cc Hondas, traversing an adventurous route through Europe and Asia. “We had a rough time in ing at St. Mary ’s in Bombay, he wanted to be a doctor, he claims. But the sight of blood and gore proved too much for him so, abandoning medicine, he helped Turkey, ” Chinoy laughs, recalling the his father Eruch at his Modern Dairy in one-night imprisonment and grilling by two-year stint at the National Dairy thought they were part of a group of Research Institute in Bangalore earned i _ ¦ him a diploma, gold medal and offer to ----- “ work in a dairy in West Germany in 1971. “That was a wonderful opportu ­ nity for them to exploit cheap Indian welcomed everywhere, “I remember his father Eruch at his Modern Dairy in motor-cycle gangsters ! Driving into Iran was “like going from hell into heaven! ” he narrates. The Shah of Iran was still in power and as Zarathushtis they were •we * With Best Wishes From Mr Rusy M. Shroff, M.B.E. 1 and Mrs Purviz R. Shroff 24 Parsiana September 1998 t »¦I our research and development capabili ­ ties. ” Zubin, the eldest of three chil ­ dren, plans to join the dairy institute at and Diana, are at college in Pune. “My granduncle Nusserwanji Gove- walla used to be known as the ‘milk king of Bombay. ’ His Byculla Dairy Farm behind Victoria Gardens had over 1,500 buffaloes. My father and maternal uncles Adi and Minoo had set up a milk-bar. Farmer Brothers, at Dadar T.T. in the GLOBE THEATRES Pvt Ltd I 1 man. When the government run Aarey Milk Colony was established in Bombay, Pune which later closed down, but has since been revived at Greenfields Jazz Garden, narrates Chinoy. Farmer Broth ­ ers, presently a Chinese restaurant, is run I, I Established April 3, 1915 Pioneers of Show Business in India for the last 82 years reached Ahvaz at night, and as an exhi ­ bition was on in the city, there was not a single hotel room available, ” he re ­ lates. After two hours of futile search, a Aarey in Bombay for a two-year di- hospitable hotelier fixed up two beds for ploma, while 16-year-old twins, Tina them in the hall, charging not a penny, his only request being that they awaken by six o ’clock, so that everything would be in place before the other guests ar ­ rived for breakfast! Back in Pune, the fledgling farm awaited him. “The land was lovely, but there was nothing else! ” he remembers. The well was to be dug, the cattle yard 1940s, ” recalls the third generation dairy- to be built, cold Pune nights were oft spent in a sleeping bag on the floor or in the Thermax guest house nearby. It took private entrepreneurship in the milk line three to four years for the farm to stabi- became difficult and the dairy moved to lize. By 1979, after a series of mishaps Kamshet. Minoo set up Greenfields in resulting in a ripped leg, squashed fin­ gers, etc, with medical help being miles away. Chinoy with wife and child de ­ cided to move back to Pune city. His uncle Minoo Bhathena, who owned a by brother Kersi. The senior Chinoys, dairy and milk-bar named Greenfields in Pune, offered him an outhouse be ­ hind his residence in East Street in the heart of the town. The Koregaon Park premises, originally apoultry farm, were purchased in the mid-80s. War with the authorities followed. “I wouldn ’t pay a penny ’s bribe, so the dairy license did not come, ” asserts Chinoy. When it did come a couple of years later, the fine print in Marathi stated that it was a storage, not a production license! “I went to see the assistant municipal com ­ missioner and poured my heart out to him. He was very helpful and saw to it that I was not hassled any more. ” Prac ­ tical problems over the years included a sudden surplus production of 1,000 litres of milk a day, when his biggest buyer, the Rajneesh Ashram, decided to move out of Pune to Oregon in USA! That was when, in the early ’80s, Chinoy started making lemsi, fruited yoghurts and some cheeses, begging people at first to try a slice! In 1993, he held a cheese exhibi ­ tion of over 50 varieties, allowing cus ­ tomers to freely taste and buy only what ­ ever they liked. Within two days, he sold Rs 50,000 worth of cheese! Today not know of any other Zoroastrian who Chinoy believes, not in aggressive ad ­ vertising, but in “selective promotion. ” Chinoy met his wife Marlene, a trained bacteriologist, while he was working in Germany. “She is a wonder ­ ful person, ” he enthuses. “She has been our dairy ’ s microbiologist from day one and makes the mother cultures for the cheeses. One of our major strengths is Eruch and Freny, managed the Dehu Road farm till last year, enlightens their son, and “even now, my mother man ­ ages to slip away to Dehu Road at least once a week !” Eruch, with over 60 years of experience in livestock and milk management, is the chairman of A. B.C.Fanns. Future plans include revamping the existing cheese dairy and expanding the dairy processing facility to double its size. Also on the anvil is the launch of lemsi in Bombay. “Farming is not risky, ” main ­ tains Chinoy. “But one has to persevere, gain experience and not give up.” His advice to Parsi boys: “Take up an assign ­ ment and stick to it. If you pull out, it is a loss to the institution and to yourself ” Praising the Parsis of yore who “worked for 40-50 years in one com ­ pany, like Tatas or Godrej, ” Chinoy says he is “very happy to be born a Parsi. ” Though married to a non-Parsi, Chinoy remains a believer in the ances ­ tral faith. “I may not say my kusti every time I visit the bathroom, but we do go to the fire-temple and the children ’s navjotes have been performed. ” He does is into cheese-making, he says, but if someone were to evince interest, he would certainly “lend them an open ear, ” advise and guide them. “It is easier to locate me at the farm than at home, ” he chuckles, “as I am here from eight in the morning till about 10 at night, ” committed as he is to his customers and to hi.s cheese. 25 Parsiana September 1998 We rededicate ourselves to the ideals we have cherished and practised all along — namely to s|;|ow 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 nni OOtBySTEBEO I Sound System¦?i ’^5 ¦ 26 Parsiana September 1998 ^£7 7? -’‘Mi DEFINING ZOROASTRIAN COMMITMENT continued from page 20 L to R 1st row: Dolly Dastoor, Framroze Patel, Rohinton Rivetna, Gev Nentin, Rustom Kevala 2nd row: Noshir Langrana, Kaikhosrov Irani, Anahaita Kotval, Trareen Karani Araoz,. Jamshed Gandi 3rd row: Spenta Cama, Mina Zand Siegal, Villy Gandhi, Kaizad Cama, Firdosh Mehta 4th row: Pallan Ichaporia, Aysha Ghadiali, Farhang Mehr, Yezdi Rustomji and Mehta 5th row: Keki Bhote and Adj^Davar, Bella Tata, Karmerz Dotiwala and Farrokh Mistree 6th row: Maneck Bhujwala and Kersey Antia, Dorab Mistry and Silloo Kavarana, Pervez Patel and Firoz Kotwal 41 ? ¦ I 1 VLto R (1st row): James Lovelace, Lovji Cama and Zarine Weil, Behram Panthaky, Burzin Unwalla and Behram Deboo; (2nd row): Jamshed and Yasmin Ghadiali, Orang Demehry and Parastu Dubash, (second and third from left) J ehan and Freny Bagli; (3rd row): Ardeshir Anoshiravani, Erach Munshi, volunteers who ensured the smooth flow of Congress events; (4th row): Ofllce bearers of FEZANA, committee chairs and delegates of member associations after the 1998 annual general meeting 21 Parsiana September 1998 hrpresident of the Zoroastrian Associa ­ tion of Alberta, suggested a variant of that, with the navjote ceremony fol ­ lowed at a later date, “after the indi­ vidual has attained a contemplative com ­ mitment to the faith at some stage of adulthood, ’’ with a second “affirmative ’’ navjote. For Ardeshir Homozay ari , a first year student at the University of Boston and a member of Kankash-e-Mobedan, or the Council of Iranian Mobeds, the Zo ­ roastrian commitment in North America has meant enrolling in the “pre-mobed- yar ” program to deepen hi.s knowledge of the religion. The program, set up in cooperation with the Parsi Mobed Coun ­ cil, teaches youth “how to be the leaders of the next generation of Zarlhushtis," Homozayari said. For Sam Vesuna, an Ontario CPA and founder-member of FEZANA, it meant sharing his years of experience in running successful volunteer projects. A spirit ofcompromise is essential here, he said. “If there is no interest in the project, ’’ he said, “ask yourself the ques ­ tion: Is the project worthwhile? ’’ For Bijan Khosraviani, a Stanford graduate student and chairman of the FEZANA sports committee, it meant emphasizing a better rounded life, cel ­ ebrating art, music and sports skills as much a,s academic accomplishments. For Adi Davar, president of an inter ­ national consulting firm and president ol the Zoroastrian Association of Met ­ ropolitan 'Washington, it meant seeking answers to present-day dilemma.s in the mists of antiquity, when a “multi-racial, multinational mix ” of peoples practised the Zarathushti faith. For Ervad Brig Behram Panthaky who served in the Indian army before moving to the 'Washington area, where he works in a computer consultancy firm, it has meant being an energetic communicator of the religion to the Zarathushti youth of both area,s and to curious members of other faiths. At the Congress, he traced the evolution of the gambhar celebrations from Iran to India to North America. “The Zarathushti re ­ ligion teaches universal brotherhood, ” he said, and the “celebration of the gambhars i.s the best way to achieve this a.s the rich and poor meet together and learn from each other. ” For Yasmin and Jamshed Ghadiali, the Zoroastrian commitment in North America has meant tending to their roots in India. They created, and for years the scenes. What she took special pride in, she said, was that she designed the logo for the 11th Congress — a kusti encircling an afargan superimposed on a map of the United States and Canada. A professional journalist in the US for over two decades, Porus Cooper graduated from Bha- van's College, Andheri and received his Mas­ ters in journalism from Co­ lumbia University. From his fledgling years in the Evening News (a Times of India publi­ cation), he went on to India Abroad, the Courier-Postand is currently senior editor with the Philadelphia Inquirer. 1 1 f f ? ?? have led, an effort to raise funds for the B. D. Petit Parsee General Hospital in Bombay. For their quiet but dogged ser ­ vice to the les.s fortunate, they received the Jamshed Pavri Humanitarian Award. For Ardeshir Anoshiravani, a South ­ ern California psychiatrist, it meant ad ­ monishing the community ’.s leaders to work hard to forge unity and show “moral courage. ” In the Gathas, Anoshiravani said, “there i.s no evidence that Asho Zarathushtra did ever engage his oppo ­ nents in a verbal or physical battle. ” For Behram S. Deboo, president of the Zoroastrian Society of Washington State, it meant exploring why Parsi.s do not cel ­ ebrate Mehrgan (mj Mehr, niah Mehr), Tirgan (mj Tir, niah Tir) and Jashn-e- The ZAGNY-IZA initiative Sadeh (roj Mehr, mail Bahman), which Iranian Zarathushti.s tnark to this day. For FEZANA secretary Mehran Sepehri of California, it ha.s meant rede- lining his laith — from “a passive to an active following, from static and micro to adynamic and big picture understand ­ ing” ol the religion. “Unquestioning ac ­ ceptance is not conducive with Zoroas ­ trian philosophy or asho mano, ” he said. ForRohinton RivetnaofChicago, the first president of FEZANA, it ha.s meant raising the profile of the faith among the other faiths. “We can hide or be more visible — the choice is ours, ” he said. The second diaspora of Zarathushti.s — to North Americti — “comes with cer ­ tain responsibilities — to be known, to make the word Zarathushti synonymous with charity, industry, goodness, ” he added. For Patel, a CPA by profession, it meant articulating an agenda to address critical community need.s such as educa ­ tion assistance for the youth and safety- net programs for the elderly (see sidebar). For Dastoor, a Montreal psychologist, it meant issuing a call to “create in North America a comfortable Zarathushti space ” in which each individual can make hi.s or her own unique expression of commit ­ ment to preserving the religion. “Let u.s make the religion spiritually, emotionally and socially relevant and attractive to all age groups, that we all want to commit ourselves to it,” she urged. For many, it meant giving a blood sample in hope.s of finding a bone marrow match needed to save the life of a Zarathushti. For Mehru Cama, co-chairperson of the logistic.s committee and one of small army of volunteer.s at the Con ­ gres.s, it meant working quietly behind The evolution of the Zoroastrian Asso ­ ciation of Greater New York (ZAGNY) itself illustrates how far the community has come — from private gathering.s of a handful of area Zarathushtis, some ­ times meeting at restaurateur Rustamji Wadia ’s little Indian eatery in the early 1960s, to a vibrant organization with 370 members. Wadia, a,^vigorous and gregarious man who arrived in America before the Depression and lived into liis 90s, passed away a few years ago. Hi.s tiny upstairs restaurant just off Broad ­ way in New York City, also has passed on. Other names and faces, however, brought alive the legacy of those early days in the ballroom of the Rye Town Hilton, whenZAGNY ’sfoundingpresi ­ dent, Erach Munshi, who is a professor of management at St John ’s University in New York, was recognized along with other early leaders of the area ’s then fledgling Zarathushti community. In 1980, at the behest of Fred Morris, who was then an administrator with the Boy Scouts organization, a committee was formed to develop a course “of study for Zarathushti scouts to earn a religious emblem, just as scouts belonging to other faiths could. Since then, the “Good Life ’’ emblem has become part of scout ­ ing in the United States, and the 50-page book that is part of the curriculum has become a publication much in demand worldwide by scouts and non-scouts alike and i.s now in its second edition. There have been stumbles along the way, including a contentious period that set apart many Parsi and Iranian Zara ­ thushtis in the New York area. The dis ­ sension stemmed in part from the very thing that was meant to bring the two closer together: a new darbe mehr. Cul- eontinued on page 46 0 g »e in le ’y to )f sissociation devel ­ ops them. He would also use FEZANA’s influ­ ence to help counter any media misrep ­ resentations of the Zarathushti faith and culture. In that regard, he says, “FEZANA should become a more ac ­ tive participant in interfaith activity at local and national levels ” and “wher- ^ver possible, knowledgeable members of our community should address religious con ­ gregations and better inform and educate other faiths about our glorious religion. ” Finally, he says he would make it a priority to create an education assistance fund to help de ­ serving students as well as provide ca ­ reer and marriage counseling to young Zarathushtis. “Our children are highly educated and secular in their outlook, years that he says he put in his bid to lead They are exposed to a multicultural so- FEZANA, which isthccoalitionof more than 20 Zarathushti organizations in the United Stalc.s and Canada. His election virtually coincided with the recent North American Zoroaslrian Congress, held in Rye, New York. One key task, he says, is to help and encourage smaller, unorganized groups of Zarathushtis in the vast American hinterland to organize themselve.s a.s compartmentalizing its members by na- member associations and join FEZANA. “In their formative years, I will person ­ ally advise them ” in incorporating, says ciety and have a different vision ” from the older generations, Patel says. It will take a constant dialogue and repeated opportunities for the youth to meet among themselves to make the relation ­ ship between generations more amicable, he believes. Citing what he says is the North American community ’s mentality of tional origin or liberal or conservative viewpoint, Patel concludes, “What we need is unity, not uniformity. ” ‘S' P. c. ¦4' * »MILESTONES I ( I I 1 t r This issue of Parsiana presents data for the months of July and August 1998. However, due to constraints ofspace, the Bombay registered in July, they being: death list for August will be car ­ ried in the October ’98 issue. The age of Zoroastrian brides scleroderma (hardening and ul- — as listed in this issue — ranged ceration of the skin), tuberculo- between 18 and 36 years, the arithmetic mean (the total num- berof individual ages divided by injuries, diarrhoea, diabetes, kid- the total number of brides) being ney failure, haematemesis (vom- 24 years. The corresponding fig­ ures for the grooms were 22 and 37 years, averaging at 28 years. As compared to 26 Zoroas ­ trian births in Bombay for the two-month period there were 83 deaths in the month of July only. Heart disease, the major killer, took a toll of 27 lives of whom 15 were 80 years and above. The other major killers were pneumo- nia/lung disease (13) and cancer (11). Li ver ailment and brain dis ­ ease claimed five lives each, whereas fourZoroastrians fell prey various newsletters and anjuman.s itting of blood), septicemia, fever and bronchitis. Four youths with ages varying from 18 to 35 years and a stillborn baby boy were lost to the community. In the case of one death the coroner ’s report wa.s yet to come. The eldest to breathe her last was a 97-year-old lady. The Zoroastrian life expect ­ ancy at birth for July, in Bombay, was 72 years. The data on births, marriages and death.s has been compiled required. We are sure our readers from information supplied by wouldappreciatethisrequirement and cooperate with us. BOMBAY BORN A girl, Nazneen, to Farida and Zarir Rharucha, sister to Aazrine on June 9, 1998 A boy to Firoza and Dinyar Contractor; July 5 A girl, Nyra, to Jasmine and Burgis Daruwalla, sister to Malcolm and Farah; July 6 A boy to Khushnuina and Gilan Ferzandi; July 1 A girl to Jasmine and Shavir Irani; July 8 A girl, Sanaya, to Shiraz and Sharoukh Irani; July 13 A boy to Parvana and Yazdi Katrak; July 21 A girl to Danizada and Rummy Jada; July 22 A boy to Rukhshana and Behram Guard; July 23 A boy to Benaaz and Phiroze Mistry; July 25 A girl to Veera and Romie Umrigar; July 25 A girl to Dilshad and Jamshed Kershaw; August 1 A boy to Roshni and Feroze Soonawalla; August 2 A boy to Roxan and Nikhil Jhaveri; August 5 A girl to Mehernavaz and Rustom Vesavevala; August 6 A boy to Jeroo and Kayumars Mehta; August 8 to hypertension, three to old age/ general debility and two to ure ­ mia. There were 13 isolated cases haemorrhage and shock due to firearm injuries, malnutrition. sis, nervous disorder, haemorr ­ hage and shock due to multiple ing homes are not included unless individuals send us information together with a copy of the birth certificate. There may be an inad ­ vertent repetition of names in the marriage list when a civil mar ­ riage precedes a religious cer ­ emony. In the breakup of deaths according to illnesses, especially (84), Room no 20, 382-A, of the elderly, death is often due to acombination of several diseases. If readers have any births/mar- riages/deaths they would like pub­ lished, some proof to ensure the veracity of the report would be A boy to Arnawaz and Hoshie Mevawala; August 12 A girl to Shernaz and Gerard Desa; August 17 A boy to Mehernaz and Zubin Malao; August 18 A girl, Kainaaz, to Pearl and Farrokh Pavri; August 19 A girl, Huz.an, to Havovi and Shahz.ad Madon, sister to Danish; August 20 A boy to Hilla and Khushveer Engineer; August 21 A girl to Gulshan and Firdaus Shroff; August 22 A boy to Monira and Jimmy Bhada; August 25 A girl to Nina and Edul Dhondy; August 27 A girl to Nancy and Dinshah Fulwadiwalla; August 27 A boy to Melter and Pervez. Dhanidadunei; August 31 MARRIED Faranaz Adi Aga and Khushru Hoshang Kavarana', May 3 Sanaya Soli Jainooji and Rayoniand Jehungir Eranee; July 5 Anahita Ratansba Paowala and Nawzor Hoshang Billinioria; July 12 Mahvash Faredoon Kajian and in India and abroad, courts and hospitals. This information is not Arni Sorab Malegamwalla always complete or consistent; we are unable to carry data from areas where the anjumans do not furnish the particulars; the birth figures for Bombay are supplied Queens Chmbs, M. Karve Rd, by four hospitals — births in sub ­ urban hospitals and private nurs- Khushroo Bomi Irani; July 16 Farida Behram Irani and Darius Parvez Mistry; July 24 Ruhv Aspi Driver and Minochear Boman Parva of Lonavla; August 2 Mahbi Dara Golimar and Shazad Noshir Chikliwala; August 10 Velvin Ratansha Salter and Yazdi Pesi Billimoria; August 30 DIED Ratamai Bomanshaw Patel (81), residing at Dossibhai Home (charity trust). Behind Masina Hospital, Victoria Rd, Byculla, 400027; June 30 Kavasji Behramji Lhnrigar (75), Room no 2, Doctor Bldg, S. B. Bharucha Baug, S. V. Rd, Andheri (W), 400058; June 30 Zarin Bejanji Kanga (55), 22-23, Four Bglws, Andheri (W), 400053; July I Pheroze Cooverji Ktidianawala (80), 127, Desai Chmbs, Mody St, Fort, 400001; July 1 Homi Rustomji Vajifdar (86), 259, Engineer Bldg, Princess St, 400002; July 1 Cyrus Khodadad Irani (40), 32/C, Mulla Manzil, Balaram St, Grant Rd, 400007; July 2 (52), G/7, S. B. Bharucha Baug, S. V. Rd, Andheri (W), 400058; July 2 Dhun Rustom Sidhwa (65), 89, 400020; July 2 Homaye Rusi Dastur (81), C-1, Breach Candy Apts, B. Desai Rd, 400026; July 3 Bomansha Eruchshaw Writer (71), C/o Dali J. Dastoor, Readymoney Bldg no 2, Ratan Tata Rd, Tardeo, 400034; July 3 Parvez Behramshaw Engineer Pouwalla Bldg, Grant Rd, 400007; July 4 Freny Fali Pardiwalla (67), Room no 13, 7-E, Dinsha Bldg, Fish Market Lane, Dhobitalao, 400002; July 4 Rati Burjorji Driver (76), Tapia Bldg, Jalbhai St, Charni Rd Junction, 40^004; July 5 Naju Rustomji Laskari (65), C- - 21, Contractor Bldg, Mori Rd, Mahim, 400016; July 6 Homi Nariman Kapadia (76), E/220, Anjali Bldg, J. P. Rd, Seven Bglws, Versova, 400061; July 7 Ardeshir Pestonji Ravji (70), Fatima Manzil, R. S. Marg, Fort, 400001; July 8 Rita Eric Rohinton (76), 10/7, Tata Clny, Tardeo, 400034; July 8 Pilloo Burjor Suntook (74), Mody Mans, 49, Mereweather Rd, Colaba, 400001; July 8 Meheru Jalejar Bharucha (87), 5, Nadirsha Dinshaw Bldg, 4, Babulnath Rd, 4000(77; July 9 Jal Cooverji Patel (88), Glamour, 24, Malcolm Baug, Jogeshwari (W), 400102; July 9 Bejon Eruchsha Rao (75), 18-12/14, Ashish Apts, Sorabji Suntoke Lane, Dhobitalao, 400002; July 9 Banoo Kaikhushroo Mehta (84), Wimbridge Hse, 20, Sleater Rd, 400007; July 10 Sarosh Sorab Irani (49), C/o Rohinton S. Irani, M/3, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039; July 13 Daisy Hormasji Kapadia (80), A2/20, New Khareghat Clny, Babulnath Rd, 400007; July 13 47 Parsiana September 1998Freni Dadiha Mistry (72), Kala Niketan Bldg, 95, M. Karve Rd, 400020; July 13 Frenny Shavaksha Madon (87), Sleater Hse no I, Sleater Rd, 400007; July 14 Banoo Sohrcdr Mahwa (76), B/603, Ahura Apts, Edelji Rd, Cherai, Thane, 400601; July 14 Nelly Bejan Anklesaria (68), C-1, Gowalia Tank Bldg, Gowalia Tank Rd, 400036; July 15 Naval Cavaji Dumasia (80). 667, Dhunmai Bldg, Lady Jehangir Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadai\ 400014; July 15 Meherhanu Farkhondeh Parveresh (81), 207, Alpaiwalla Bldg, Dhobitalao, 400002; July 15 Nujoo .lehangir Ginii (95), Khush Villa, 621, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; July 16 Rustum Burzor Joshi (88), Panday Bglw, Panday Rd, Colaba, 400005; July 16 HillaKaikhushruBhedwar(Y<9), 17, Sleater Rd, 400007; July 17 Adi Burjorji Bhiwandiwala (86), P-3, S. B. Bharucha Baug, S. V. Rd, Andheri (W), 400058; July 17 Banoohai Ardeshir Bokdawala (84), Batliwala Bldg, 721, Dr Dinshaw Master Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; July 17 Russi Pirozshaw Vachha (75), Hirji Sethna Bldg, 275-A, Zoroastrian Clny, Chikalwadi, Tardeo Rd, 400007; July 17 .Shehroo Keki Behrainkamdin (78), 9, Kala Nikelan, 47-C, B. Desai Rd, 400026; July 18 Manchersha FduIJi Billimoria (90), F. S. Parukh Dharamshalla, Hughes Rd, 400007; July 18 Adi Kaikhiishru Daruwalla (91), Cama Bldg, 739, Rd no 5, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; July 18 Hilla Phiroze Dastur (89), F-1, Mistry Bldg, Captain Clny, Haji Ali, 400034; July 18 Navaz. Jimi Kathawala (30), 4/2, Malcolm Baug, .logeshwari, 400102; July 18 Dara Rustiimji MotaJ'ram (82), Sethna Bhabha Bldg, Banaji Atash Behram Comp, B. J. Marg, 400002; July 18 Zenohia Neville Velali (30), 0/26, Godrej Baug, OIT Napean Sea Rd, 400036; July 18 Rohinlon Framroz.e FIGURES AT A GLANCE Bombay This issue 1998* India This issue 1998* World This Issue 1998* BIRTHS Boys Girls 13 14 62 56 29 21 MARRIAGES Parsi INTERCOMMUNAL Males married out Females married out DEATHS CONSIGNED Males Females CREMATED Males Females 149 14 17 41 44 281 310 24 26 81 71 20 18 ?Running totals for 1998 (January-September issues) Overseas deaths are listed in the consigned column as Parsiana does not have a breakup of those cremated. *These figures pertain to information provided to or collected by Parsiana. They do opt represent the total number of births, marriages and deaths in the Zoroaslrian community in India and abroad. Badhniwalla (61), 302, Noorani Apts, Rebello Rd, Bandra (W), 40()()5(); July 19 Nergi.th Bomansluni¦ Colsawala (84), 691, Dinshaw Master Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; July 19 Peril! Kaikhushru Kalyaniwalla (66), 2, Cyru.s Bldg, 1st Ganthan Lane, Andheri (W). 4()()()58; July 19 Firoz.e Hormasji Lala (82), 2()-G, Seervai Bldg. Girton School Comp, Sleater Rd, 400007; July 19 Homi Navroji Mislry (75), 7, Bhedwar Bldg, Khan Est, Mahim, 4()()016; July 19 Bachoo Fredoon Mods (73), A-56, A. H. Wadia Baug, Parel Tank Rd, 400033; July 19 Nadirsha Darahsha Umrigar (74), Lady Jehangir Bldg, 785/B, Khareghar Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; July 19 Jamshed Darahshaw Doctor (68). Captain Bldg, 275/B, Zoroastrian Clny, Chikalwadi, Tardeo Rd, 4()()()07; July 20 Bertie ('iirsetji Major (11), 33, Alexandra Ter. Byculla. 400027; July 20 Pervez. Niisserwanji Mehta (44), Room no 9, Dr Engineer Bldg, Kashinalh St, Tardeo, 400034; July 20 Mani Burjor Vakil (68), Dina Abad, 644, Khareghat Cross Rd. Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; July 20 Minocher Janishedji Pavri (80), 46, Devchhaya, Tardeo Rd, 4()()()34; July 21 Dina Pesi Colahewala (75), P-35, Nowroz Bang, Lalbaug, 400012; July 22 Cawa.s Minocher Bilpodiwala (57), '196, Jame Jamshed Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; July 22 Perin Hosang Dhahhar (64), 15/1, A. H. Wadia Bang, Parel Tank Rd, 400033; July 22 Rusloin .lehangirji Khainhata (96), Sister Bglw, 39, Kliurshed Bhabha Rd, Bandra, 400050; July 22 .lini Horniusji Misirv (83), Zoroastrian Bldg, 642, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; July 22 Naja Sorahji Ayrton (96), 24, School Bldg, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 4()()(')39; July 23 Yer.ad Firoz Fngineer (18), 4/59, A. H. Wadia Baug, Parel Tank Rd, 400033; July 23 Pali Dadahhai Mehta (76), 23/10, Sir Ratal! Tata Bldg, Tardeo, 400034; July 23 Gool Merwan Baria (91), Laxmi Bhuvan, 8()3-C, Dr Ambedkar Rd, Dadar, 400014; July 25 Cavas Hormusji Daruwala (55), New Khan Bldg, 275/N, Zoroastrian Clny, Chikalwadi, Tardeo Rd, 400007; July 25 Diiiamai Ratanshaw Khainbatta (86), 1, Shushrut, MBPT Hospital Campus, Wadala, 400037; July 25 Bahadur Pirojshaw Petigara (81), H-4, Cusrow Bang, S. B. Rd, 400039; July 25 Gaol Noshir Aiiklesaria (86), Dhunmai Bldg, 667, Lady Jchangir Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; Jrily 26 Daulat Phirojsha Ila\da (81), Adajania Hse, 8C)3/B, Dr Ambedkar Rd, Dadar, 400014; July 26 Bajrsy Dara Mistry (47), Room no 5, Parekh Bldg, Marazban Clny, Gilder Lane, 400008; July 26 Khushroo Boman Moradian (Irani) (TAr), A-302, Vikas Towers, Opp Amboli Phatak, Andheri (E), 400069; July 27 Burjor Minocher Writer (66), 42, Lalkaka Hse, 684, Khareghat Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; July 27 Manekhai Mancherji Italia (97), Clo Pesy D. Gundevia, 22-23 Ashish Bldg, Sorabji 8 7 4 1 1 1 4 4 1 1 3 7 2 6 1 i ¦W 4' A 48 Parsiana September 1998 I¦¦ Suntoke Lane, Dhobitalao, 400002; July 28 Minoo Pirojsha Patel (77), The Cliff, Raghavji Rd, Cumballa Hill, 400036; July 28 Hoshi Dadiba Zaiwalla (35), 7-A, Hormuz Baug Bldg, Kashinath St, Tardeo, 400034; July 28 Dhunmai Rusi Bharucha (82), Room nos 3 and 4, 13, Shehnaz Manzil, Mehela Patel Agiary Lane, 400007; July 29 Meher Ardeshir Dubash (92), C/o Dr M. N. Nalladaru, B. D. Petit Parsee General Hospital, 400036; July 29 Dara Dhunjishaw Mistry (63), Tehmi Villa, 798, Jame Jamshed Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; July 29 Khurshed Jamshedji Sanjana (74), 12/4, A. H. Wadia Baug, Parel Tank Rd, 400033; July 29 Pallon Jalejar Mistry (72), A-2/23, New Khareghat Clny, Babulnath Rd, 400007; July 30 Pillamai Jemi Adenwalla (75), Padamji Bldg, Station Rd, Mahim, 400016; July 31 Pilloo Dhanjishaw Bilimoria (69), Najoo Mans, Nawab Tank Rd, Dockyard Bridge, Mazgaon, 400010; July 31 Nariman Ratansha Daruwalla (48), F, Adam Mhl, Wadia St, Tardeo, 4(X)034; July 31 Dinsha Khodayar Irani (83), 304, Mahavir I, Off J. P. Rd, Opp Pratap Soc, Andheri (W), 400058; July 31 Baby boy of Villoo Khusru Mistry (stillborn), 84, Satnam Apts, 93, Cuff Parade, 400005; July 31 I CALCUTTA BORN A boy, Zahan, to Kainaz and Kurush Bharucha, brother to Kayan; August 12 I ) ) ) DIED Phiroze Motabhoy Guzder; June 13 Diniar Peshotan Madan, husband of Antara and brother of Shirin and Ratan; June 23 Jer Nariman Guzdar, mother of Tina Meher Mehta; July 4 Nurgez Ratan Dustoor, mother of late Meher R. Panthaki and Manek; July 9 Tehmina Minocher Bulsara, mother of Beji; July 12 Hoshang Buchia, husband of Dolly and brother of Soli; July 20 Naju Contractor, daughter of Tehmi and Malcolm and sister of Dilshad; August 21 NAGPUR DIED Amy Medhora (40); June 9 NAVSARI DIED Pirozsha Manekji Asundaria, husband of Nargis and father of Villie, Minoo and Firdosh; July 31 POONA DIED Rus tom Kaikhushroo Commis­ sariat (84), Ruvina, 101, Salisbury Park, 411037; June 1 Dina Erach Sarondewala (79), Green Acres, Salunke Vihar, 411048;June 2 Rustom Kaikhushroo Irani (84), 840, D. M. Rd, 411001; June 8 Hoshang Rustom Irani (33), 2415, East St, 411001; June 9 Shirin Faramroze Vakil (92), 1, Kahaun Rd, 411001; June 9 Mani Nusserwanji Kharadi (82), Shanti Kunj Comp, Opp GPO, 411001; June 10 Veera Alborz Irani (37), 12, Banton Court 2, Salisbury Park, 411037; June 11 Hilla Homi Toddywalla (74), 189, Dhole Patil Rd, 411001; June 12 Navajbai Eduljee Batliwala (94), 2, Koregaon Park, 411001;June 15 Hormusji Ardeshir Aibara (99), Sakar Villa, 1980, Convent St, 411001; June 26 Bezonji Firozshah Moos (89), 24, Central Apts, Convent St, 411001;June 28 Faramroze M. Merchant (74), Anklesaria Bldg, D. M. Rd, 411001; July 1 Silla Jehanbtix Satha (89), 201, Cawasji Apt, 11/1, Salisbury Park, 411037; July 1 Keki Burjorji Cooper (84), 608, Miami Apts, St Vincent St, 411001; July, 11 Nariman Navroji Icchaporia (54), K/6, Konark Puram, 411048; July 15 Noshir Hormuz Gaiulhi (72), Behramji Bldg, Sholapur Bazar, Near Poolgate, 411001; July 16 Nariman Ratansha Sukhia (86), 2/A, Clover Ter, Nathan Rd, 411001; July 16 Katy Sohrab Wadia (75), Sanaya Plot 10, Rajiv Ngr, Viman Ngr, 411014; July 21 Rus tom Ardeshir Irani (68), H/ 1,6, Salunke Vihar, 411048; July 27 Ratansha Darabsha Chhoga (82), 616, Sachapir St, 411001; July 28 SECUNDERABAD DIED Alamai Behramji Chinoy, mother of Roshan Patel, Feroze and Jehangir; May 6 SURAT DIED Rati Savakshaw Cooper (87), Saiyedpuri Bhagol, Bibiniwadi, 395003; July 8 Khorshed Rustomji Bhagat (75), Vakil St, Shahpore, 395003; July 11 Adil Bomi Master (29), Bejonji Kotwal St, Nanpura, 395001; July 11 Roshan Hiraji Daruwala, Joshi Block, Shahpore, 395(X)3; July 17 Maneckben Bhikhaji Munshi (67), Village Umersadi, Taluka Mandvi, Dist Surat, 370465; July 31 Bomi Sorabji Patel (71), Savasadi Sadan, Bhavnagri St, 395003; August 1 Siloo Burjor Sethna (70), 12/627, Kelani Vakhar, Rani Talao, 395003; August 8 Goolbanoo Hirjibhai Dastur (75), Dhunchhaya, Agiary St, Rustompura, 395002; August 9 Cooverbai Ardeshir Roowala (87), Parsiwad, Rander; August 14 Eruchshaw Merwanji Jijina (69), Shakti Apt, Vakil St, Shahpore, 395003; August 14 VADODARA MARRIED Rukhshana A. Debara and Javed Cawas Wykes; June 11 DIED Meherainai Navroji Hirjihehdin (91); January 25 Dolalhanoo Kaikhushroo Patwa (14); February 14 Jehangirji Frainroze Marawalla (63)', February 28 Sam Dhunjisha Ankle.saria (74); March 3 Manimai Behramji Chinoy {l^y, March 24 Bahadursha Dhunjishaw Khambatta (Godrawalla) (86); April 22 Frenymai Rustomji Patel (80); May 5 Behroze Yezdi Surti (42); May 6 Fakirji Rustomji Chitalwalla; May 30 A<// Marazban Elavia (Rajpipla) (54); June 10 AUSTRALIA South Australia BORN A girl, Tanya, to Kamal and Car/ Kavina, sister to Zhea at Adelaide; May 5 New South Wales BORN A girl, Zoish, to Ashish and Zal Irani; August 6 A boy, Kevin, to Dinaaz and Farokh Balliwalla, brother to Annita; August 28 MARRIED Shahrzad Yazdani and Jams hid Goshtasbi at Sydney; July 24 Victoria BORN A boy, Arman, to Mehrnaz and Kurush Bilimoria at Melbourne; July 2 CANADA British Columbia BORN A girl, Neeku, to Monick and Jamshed Amanat at Vancouver, April 28 A girl, Maleena, to Roshni and Daren Dell at New Westminster; April49 A girl, Neusha, to Armita and Azadmehr Kaviani at Vancouver; May 29 A boy, Zubin, to Farah and Roozbeh Mehrabadi at Vancouver; June 16 A girl, Zahra, to Tazeen and Kersasp Bharucha at Coquitlam; June 25 A girl. Monaz, to Shahnaz and Porus Irani at Vancouver; July 26 MARRIED Armity Namiranian and Parviz Javanmardi at Vancouver; June 21 Compiled by Roxana A. Driver 49 Parsiana September 1998IN MEMORIAM The titan against the tide Parinaz M. Gandhi racy, Forum of Free Enterprise, Free­ dom First, Hindustani Andolan, Indian Committee for Cultural Freedom, Leslie Sawhny Programme, New Quest have made such a mess of our country ’s affairs that, in my opinion, we have no right to preach to young folks. ” “I rebelled against him as a teen ­ ager, ” recalled Masani ’s son Zareer by his second wife. “I became a socialist when he had strongly rejected social ­ ism. He used to say to me, ‘If you are not a socialist at 20 you have no heart, if you are still a socialist when you are over 40 you have no head. ’” As men ­ tioned Zareer who had flown in from London to pay his tributes at the condo ­ lence meeting, “He would not have expected a eulogy. He would have ap ­ proved if I begin by mentioning some of his faults. ” His impatience, particularly for the proverbial inefficiency and in­ discipline endemic to India, was his major drawback, according to Zareer. “God give me patience but hurry up about it,” read a plaque presented to Masani by his third wife Sheela, con ­ fided Zareer to sum up his father ’s impatience. “He totally rejected popu ­ lism whether of the socialistic sort or of the nationalistic sort...He was not pre ­ pared to compromise his principles on u. Masani: constructive dissent, active citizenship and courageous stand Died: Minoo Rustom Masani, 92, one tur), Bharatiya VidyaBhavan, Bombay of the last surviving members of the SarvodayaMandal, Citizens for Democ- Indian Constituent Assembly and an eminent parliamentarian who was a socialist turned liberal with a progres ­ sive vision for a free India, on May 27, 1998 in Bombay following cardiac ar ­ rest. “The best tribute that can be paid to the memory of Minoo Masani is to imbibe his spirit of constructive dis ­ sent, active citizenship and courage to speak out what needs to be said for the public good, ” concluded the resolution passed at a condolence meeting in Masani ’s honor on June 12, 1998 at the Bombay House Auditorium. “A fighter for the country ’s independence...a pa ­ triot with an international outlook...a diplomat, a prolific writer and a rare combination of a thinker and a man of action, Minoo Masani was a man who strove constantly to educate himsel f.. .He was indeed very ‘modern ’ and intellec ­ tually relevant, ” summed up the condo ­ lence resolution. The importance of practising what one preaches and never resorting to wrong means to achieve right ends were People ’s Union for Civil Liberties anything. The result was he never held the lessons he said he learnt from Ma- (PUCL), Project for Economic Educa- high political office. He was always hatma Gandhi, conveyed eminent free ­ dom fighter Dr Usha Mehta who chaired Society for the Right to Die with Dig- the meeting. Commending him for his nity. Swatantra Bharat, Trusteeship office himself or when he did, he re ­ independent judgment, Mehta referred Foundation, Yusuf Meherally Centre, to one occasion when there was a pos- " sibility of offering him ministership in mentedon Masani ’s “unsurpassedrepu- He had been nominated by the Gov- the union government. When Masani tation as a man of total integrity in ernment of India as representative on was asked whether he would side with public life. And this quality by itself the United Nations Sub-Commission Pandit Nehru or Sardar Patel on becom- was sufficient to disqualify him from on Minorities. However, as points out ing minister, Masani is said to have being a successful politician. ” The last his close associate of40 years S.V. Raju responded, “I won ’t side with either of decade of his life, observed Palkhivala, them. I will wait to see who agrees with the proposals I would be putting for ­ ward... ” While Mehta was representing the deregulation and economic liberaliza- Bombay Freedom Fighters Association, tion. ” The future of India lay in impart- the Bombay Gandhi Smarak Nidhi and the Mani Bhavan Gandhi Museum at the condolence meeting, the other orga ­ nizations to participate in the meet were: Adult Education Institute, Arun Mangal books. We Indians, he had candidly Seva Vikas Yojana, Avagahana (Gun- acknowledged, “We, of my generation, held were chairman of the Public Ac- (PUCL), Project for Economic Educa ­ tion, Rajaji Foundation, The Secularist, greatly respected. He had great influ­ ence on those in office but he never held Eminent jurist Nani Palkhivala com ­ mented on Masani ’s “unsurpassed repu ­ tation as a man of total integrity in signed for reasons of principle, ” stated Zareer. in his editorial in Freedom First, a quar- was devoted to free the Indian economy terly of liberal ideas founded by Masani from the shackles of bureaucratic con ­ trol. “He became a great champion of ing value-based education and giving the youth the right lead to realize their true potential, Palkhivala conveyed Masani ’s views. In the last of his many in 1952, “Masani invited Prime Minis ­ ter Jawaharlal Nehru ’s wrath when he refused to turn a blind eye to the perse ­ cution of minorities in the Soviet Union and its satellites in Eastern Europe and was sent off in 1948 as India ’s ambassa ­ dor to Brazil. ’’ During his tenure as member ofthe Lok Sabha between 1957 and 1971, among the important posts he 50 Parsiana September 1998r said in Our India. His other works in- Jayaprakash Narayan, Sampattidani No elude: Your Food, Picture of a Plan, Plea for a Mixed Economy, Our Grow­ ing Human Family, Cooperative Farm­ ing, the Great Debate, The Communist Party of India — A Short History, Too Much Politics Too Little Citizenship, made available as a result of Bhoodan. This modest attempt at ‘trusteeship ’ gives me considerable personal satis ­ faction, even though it also creates a certain amount of financial strain and embarrassment. ” The Stoic philosophy and the logic of the Meditations of the Roman emperor, Marcus Aurelius, m had impressed Masani since his youth. As conveyed by him, “It is |H only what we ourselves do that can hurt us, nothing that anyone else does, however beastly, can possibly diminish one ’s dignity or make one shrink. I find that this philosophy helps in making it pos ­ sible to tell the truth even when it is unpalatable and builds resis ­ tance to smears and lampooning as also a relative mdifference to popularity, the pursuit of which is . the bane of our national leader ­ ship. From youth onwards I have responded to Tagore ’s invitation ‘Ekla cholo re (Tread the path alone) ’ and the sentiment of James Russell Lowell in his Stanzas on Freedom: They are slaves who fear to speak/For the fallen and the weak;/They are slaves who dare not be/ In the right with two or three. ” As editor of Freedom First he fought the censorship imposed during Indira Gandhi ’s Emer ­ gency. As wrote India ’s attorney general Soli Sorabjee, “At a tune when fear gripped editors and proprietors of most newspapers, Minoo decided to “Some years ago he asked me to help challenge the censor ’s action. He suc- arrange his finances for his old age. And ceeded. The Bombay High Court in a when I saw his assets I was surprised landmark judgment... observed, ‘Under that they were so meagre. It was an the censorship order the censor is ap- indication of what has been said that for pointed the nursemaid of democracy a person who has been honest in public life he must be committed to voluntary poverty. Had he concentrated on his counts Committee of Parliament and leader of the single largest party in the opposition (the Swatantra Party which he had co-founded with C. Rajagopala- chari in 1959) with the accompanying prerogative of opening the debate on the Finance Bill that follows the intro ­ duction of the Union Budget. Although Liberalism, Is JP the Answer. he was elected to the Lok Sabha as an independent candidate from Ranchi, Bihar, within two years he was at the helm of the liberal-conservative Swa ­ tantra Party, directing its policies and affairs. Referring to his self discipline, one of his colleagues in the fourth Lok Sabha, D. N. Patodia, nar- rated one incident when the Speaker Sanjeeva Reddy accus- tomed to repeatedly ringing the bell to remind parliamentarians to stick to the time allotted to them for their presentation, mis- takenly pressed the bell before the time limit while Masani was making a point. Masani, report- edly, stopped speaking instantly and sat down before even finish- ing the sentence. Reddy pleaded with Masani to continue but he declined. A stickler for punctual- ity, on one occasion he is even supposed to have started a meet- ing without the chief guest who was late, recounted lawyer Nav- roz Seervai at the condolence meeting. Referring to Masani as a “mas- ||H ter draftsman, ” Tata Sons direc- tor Dr Fredie Mehta declared, “His brilliance combined with his passion for punctuality and inability to suffer fools may have unfortunately won him a few enemies, but that still did not prevent him from exchange of ideas emerging as an organizer par excel ­ lence. But above all, Minoo belonged to that band of incredibly fearless warriors of the intellect who would suffer any penalties rather than bow to the prevail ­ ing wind of populism. ” Commending his intellectual hon- a person who has been honest in public and not its grave-digger. ’” But when the esty, Yogesh Kamdar of the PUCL life he must be committed to voluntary Janata Party was elected to power in noted, “In our society and country we poverty. Had he concentrated on his 1978,Masaniwhowasappointedchair- don ’t admit we are wrong. He did it a profession which was management man of the Minorities Commission re ­ number of times in his'life. ” His book, consultancy, he would have been a rich signed from this post soon thereafter Our India, was a textbook in schools person. He gave his time and talent for over differences on principles and ap ­ even in pre-Independence India and it the cause of the country. ” proach. was a primer for all social activists. Yet In Masani ’s own words, first carried Yet another occasion when Masani a few years later in Socialism Reconsid- in The Illustrated Weekly of India, No- had chosen to oppose the authorities ered he admitted he was mistaken and vember 16, 1969, “Since 1954, I have was when the Indian government abol- repudiated many of the things he had been, at the instance of my good friend ished privy purses. His Swatantra Party 29 on the roll of the All India Sarva Seva Sangh, giving a small part of my income every year to enable the land ­ less to be given a plough or a pair of cattle or some seed to cultivate the land 51 Parsiana September 1998 His impeccable integrity — intel ­ lectual as also financial — was a source of admiration for all. As revealed M. R. Pai of the Forum of Free Enterprise, ...A-'- Masani (left) with J. R. D. Tata: consultancy, he would have been a rich person. He gave his time and talent for the cause of the country. ” In Masani ’s own words, first carried in The Illustrated Weekly of India, No ­ vember 16, 1969, “Since 1954, I have been, at the instance of my good friend t'then was reportedly alone in opposing the move in Parliament. “As the party ’s ideologue he was clear that the Swatantra Party should eschew non-parliamentary forms of pro ­ tests like satyagrahas, morchas, bandhs and walkouts in the legislature. He was largely influential in ensuring that the Party did not form fronts in the trade Bombay Municipal Corporation where union and student movements. Perhaps it was his insistence on discipline and doing the right thing that led to the Party ’s exit from electoral politics, ” assessed Raju. In 1971 after their miser ­ able performance in the polls, he resigned from the presidentship of the Party and from party poli ­ tics. Following his retirement from politics he continued to be active in public life. He founded the Leslie Sawhny Programme of Training for Democracy, the Project for Economic Education, the Society for the Right to Die with Dignity. His own health was in sound condition thanks to his regimen of diet and yogic exer ­ cises. As explained Sheela, “Minoo would have lived to be a hundred, so robust was his con ­ stitution but for the fact that the most cherished part of his self started giving way — his sight...And as his ability to read and write started giving way, so did his zest for living. ” She quoted a couple of lines from his two- volume autobiography. Bliss was it in that Dawn and Against the Tide, wherein he wrote, “Whether mine is a life of wasted opportunities I do not know, but it is a life I would live again, if I had the option. ” The son of Sir Rustom and Lady Legislative Assembly (later the Con- Manijeh, the formative years of Masani ’s exhaustive life were spent at the Bharda School. He later graduated from the Elphinstone College, the Lon ­ don School ofEconomics andLincoln ’s Inn. He joined the Bombay Bar but soon gave up practice to participate in the of the Constituent Assembly in Decem- freedom struggle. He was instrumental ber 1996, he was to have been felici- in forming the Congress Socialist Party tated in the Central Hall of Parliament (CSP) with the likes of Jayaprakash by the former President of India Dr It scraps its obsolete steam engines and Narayan, Achyut Patwardhan, Yusuf Shankar Dayal Sharma. Due to his ill dynamos; but it won ’t scrap its old Meherally and became its joint secre ­ tary. Disillusionment with Soviet com ­ munism led him to question Marxist dogma and to rethink his socialist be ­ liefs, with his consequent resignation from the CSP. When Gandhiji launched the Quit India Movement, Masani who was then working with the Tatas, re ­ signed from his job and volunteered as a satyagrahi, even courting imprison ­ ment. On his release from jail, Masani entered the political arena via the 52 Parsiana September 1998 ¦I .ijaw 1^' I 1 vember 8, 1997. His efforts were next expended on the Democratic Research Service which he founded with the blessings of the then deputy prime minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. He later took the initiative to establish the Indian Com ­ mittee for Cultural Freedom with some other stalwarts and affiliated it to the Congress for Cultural Freedom in Paris. The Swatantra Party ’s affairs then kept him busy for the next 12 years or so. The reservoir of experience g came to the conclusion, “Since W; our politicians are by and large beyond repair, if India is to be saved, it will have to be saved by the small man, particularly the middle class of tHe cities and the landed farmers of the country ­ side who are the backbone of the nation. ” The hard-core liberal who was known to be an agnostic had opted for cremation. Masani was not active in community institutions but took an interest in community developments, often commenting on something he had read in Parsiana to the magazine ’s editor who is also associated with Freedom First from the time Masani rejoined as editor in 1971. His father Sir Rustom had authored a book on Zoroastrianism titled The Reli­ gion of the Good Life which for years was the standard text on the religion in many universities abroad. According to Masani, “Liberalism is not anti-religious but it is non-denomi- he had served as mayor in 1943 and national and perhaps scepljpal... A good thence to membership of the Indian fe. Masani as a child: "ft is a life I would live again, if I had the option ” liberal would tolerate and respect all religions equally. ” On another occa ­ sion he wrote, “To those timid spirits who are afraid of radical change, I stituent Assembly). He was then called upon to assist in the drafting of the Indian Constitution as a member of the commend the words of George Bernard Fundamental Rights Sub-Committee Shaw in his play Major Barbara: ‘Well, and Union Powers Committee. On the you have made yourself something that 50th anniversary of the first meeting you call a morality or a religion or what not. It doesn ’t fit the facts. Well, scrap it. Scrap it and get one that fits. That is what is wrong with the world at present. health, the memento to Masani was prejudices and its old moralities and its eventually presented almost a year later at his residence by the Maharashtra chief minister Manohar Joshi, as per a write-up in The Indian Express of No- old religions and its old political consti ­ tutions. ’” The non-conventional thinker is sur ­ vived by his wife Sheela and son Zareer. I