Jan 1999

I r I I JANUARY 1999 Rs 27 I I 1 / f •A, I'i » • •"'y RK 9 ' ¦*> i \ r*7^ •J I* ;»a’ 'f StJanuary 1999 Volume 21 Number 7 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 ASSISTANT Indu Pillai OFFICE ASSISTANTS Umesh Poojary, Selvan Mark, Sunil Sakhare, Govind Salgaonkar, Mahipat Jadhav 2 Readers’ Forum 6 Events and Personalities 14 Zoroastrians Abroad: North American Awards 20 Western Australia’s Homee Wadia 22 The Sri Lankan Zoroastrians 32 When Sam came to Sanjan by Arnavaz Mama 35 Federation Awards: Achievers All 40 Milestones 47 In Memoriam: Burjor Aga Cover: Traditional Sri Lankan masks Photograph by Gustasp Irani Parsiana is edited, published and printed by Jehangir R. Patel for Parsiana Publications Pvt Ltd at Kaiser-E-Hind Pvt Ltd, 300 Perin Nariman Street, Bombay 400001. Processing Comart Lithographers. All rights reserved. ISSN: 0971-3786. Phone: 2078730, 2072624. Fax: 2074541. For editorial enquiries: 2078183. E-mail: parvo@giasbm01 .vsnl.net.in Parsiana@yahoo.com For subscription enquiries and payments: G/o Kaiser-E-Hind Pvt Ltd, 300 Perin Nariman St (Behind Reserve Bank of India), Bombay 400001. Phone:2658619,2665661. Fax: 2654585. Eleven issues of Parsiana are published in a year including a calendar supplement every December. Annual inland subscription for one year (11 issues) Rs 275; for two years (22 issues) Rs 525; for three years (33 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 seamail 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.READERS’ EORUM continue our traditions and way of life ¦ On New Year ’s day, which dawned with brilliant sunshine, my wife and I Readers’ views are welcome on any subject of interest to the community and should be sent to the Editor, Readers’ Forum, Parsiana, G.P.O. Box 892, Bombay 400001. Letters are subject to editing for reasons of space and clarity. Unsigned letters or those without an address will not be published. G.P.O. cient, corresponding to the 10th century. We are a community of less than one and ultimately the religion as we know it. lakh people. There i.s so much to learn and appreciate in Zoroastrianism yet we tear each other to shreds. Can ’t we be proceeded to our nearest Darb-e-Meher kind, considerate and giving as were our forefathers? Where is the Parsi hope or for that matter faith and charity? I read with tremendous interest about the Parsi/Zoroastrian happenings in UK, USA, Canada, Australia and Japan. Do we have to go abroad to express our ‘Zoroastrianness? ’It seems so. I also read of Parsi achievements, personalities, books, poems. There are some whose pictures appear regularly. I am sure there are many behind-the-scene Zoroastri ­ ans who need to feature. Your item on Zarin Mistry was lovely, yet very sad. Your wedding and birth columns are a treat. At the birth of new Zoroastrians I rejoice. About weddings I am cautiou.s a.s our divorce rates are high. I love to display of our religion as a part of their read some of those surnames. I thought I had a scary surname, but some are real tongue twisters. So keep up the good work (on titne) a.s many of my friends borrow my copy. I have 10 bel iefs (as a Parsi ); I be! ieve in myself (absolutely);! am honest (99.9 percent); I live a healthy life (try to); I departments of theology. I found only am not a martyr and will never turn the other cheek; I fight for the underprivi ­ leged (all the time); I love animals espe ­ cially dogs, and an animal beater in my books can also be a human being abuser; I respect my parents (100 percent); I through Yuba City in N. California in love to eat (pizza, steak, salad and brown­ ies in that order); I do save for a rainy day (not much); I am satisfied (with huge write-up about their religion ap most things). in San Jose, which is on the serene Hamilton Mountain road. The view from its location of the city of San Jose about 1,200 feet below is breathtaking, espe ­ cially at twilight! There is an Irani Zoro- astrian family who lives on the premises and takes care of the Darb-e-Meher. All Zoroastrians must forever be thankful to Arbab Rustam Guiv and his wife for their generosity and farsightedness in making available funds to purchase such prime property for our Darb-e-Meher. I wish there were more true guardians of the faith amongst us, especially amongst our youth! The University of California-Davi.s has asked me to put up a small wall drive to highlight the diversity of cul­ tures, beliefs and faith on the University campus. I have obtained most of the material, downloaded from the Internet. I hope to get soon a color photo of Zarathushtra from the Union Press. Our religion is so little known outside the one, just one, book on Zoroastrianism (by Mary Boyce) in the book stores in Davis, while there were scores of books on every other religion or cults. Recently 2,500 Sikhs marched Whither, Parsianal I have been reading Parsiana for ages, and I must congratulate you on your copy and color but do I have to read event.s of August in November? Please rectify this. I read your copies with interest, but I am upset when your readers bicker about Guarding the faith Zoroastrianism, and how each one is correct about his interpretation of our Lord Zoroaster. I do not specialize in religion but permit me to make a few observations. Ahura Mazda made us equals and we shall remain so till we die. Events after death are debatable and I hope writers will debate this event in your columns soon. I do not believe for a second that God will punish a Parsi for marrying a non- Parsi and vice versa. This is a matter of individual belief and one just does not sit in judgment over this. We are marching into the new millen­ nium and yet some of our idea.s are an- procession with their holy book, the Guru Granth Sahih. Their photo and a i)i RUZBEHK.MOWDAWALA peared in the newspapers. This high­ lights our most major problem — falling numbers! diARDESHIRB.damania California, USA Thank you very much for sending me the Parsi calendar. My wife and I really appreciate your gesture in sending it Healing relationship airmail. We got together with a number of Parsi families in the Sacramento area here in N. Cali fornia on Xmas day. How­ ever, we were a bit dismayed to see so many good, handsome, highly educated love) to the suffering of the world. Has Parsi boys with non-Parsi spouses. I am not at all sure now whether Parsi Zoro­ astrians will continue a.s acultural group in its pure form beyond the next two generations. On the other hand the Irani help. I cried out to Ahura Mazda to hear Zoroastrians. although by and large not me.” And, so the heartrending cry ulti- as well accomplished a.s Parsis, may yet mately comes: “Has his unfailing love 2 Parsiana January 1999 Anger is an appropriate reaction to the suffering of good people. It can all seem unfair and unjust. In terms of faith, it poses unanswerable questions about the relationship of Ahura Mazda (a God of Ahura Mazda forgotten to be merciful? Has He in anger withheld his compas ­ sion? These are cries from the heart indeed. “I cried out to Ahura Mazda forvanished for ever?” There seems no intellectual argument that will answer such distress. Those who are “too troubled to speak ” will also be too troubled to hear. The only com­ fort must lie in the conviction that the “unfailing love” will never cease but taking repairing, plastering and painting will be felt in the assurance of the divine presence in every situation and above all in the depths of agony. This is a matter of faith, not proof; of experience, not implemented, theory. Within the standpoint of Zara- thushtrian faith, it is the only hope. Those who seek to care for others pastorally must have the ability not only to sympathize with them, but also to empathize with them, to understand their situation and share their pain. Thi,s is especially so in times of loss and be­ reavement. To go on to identify with them may, however, be going a step too far. Every grief is unique, and no one else can fully enter into that suffering. The danger of over-identification or being, as it were, taken over by others ’ problems is a matter for constant atten ­ tion in the supervision of counselors and care professionals. That danger acknowl ­ edged, there is however the need to do everything possible to “sit where they sit. ” To identify as closely as possible rmcf elderly"pi'iests who lived below the with others ’ pain is to demonstrate a true empathy .-ITsetisitivity is ever-needed , it surely is in times of bereavement. One cannot assure people they will “get over it.” They never will. One cannot even assume that parents will “come to terms Parsi pen pals with if,” most never do. One can only I’m a great lover of the Parsi people so speak and act in such a way that, in please assist me to make pen pals with Parsi youths. I can be contacted at Mun- damala, Patharkandi 788724, Karim- ganj, Assam. deared himself to the tenants. Mr Lalkaka ’s most outstanding con­ tribution during his tenure as the chief recognized dedicated leaders, executive of the Fund was persuading both the Fund and the tenants to share costs, in certain proportions, for under- in order to maintain order and discipline in our own administration. We have no localities. Under his personal care and supervision, this work was successfully Ever helpful To thousand.s he was a man indeed in their hour of need. Mr Yazdi M. Daruvala passed away in Dubai on August 25, 1998 at the age of 57. Hi.s personal help to those in need and his char ­ ity far exceeded those more mon­ eyed than him. Ev­ ery once in a while, he and his wife would drive down Daruvala: gave to Udvada and freely other similar vil­ lages to distribute rice, wheat, dal, oil, etc to about 70 destitute Parsi families the darkest hour and the long, dark days that follow it, one feels for them and with sensitive empathy try to say or do something that will comfort, encourage and sustain them; in other words, to offer a healing relationship. FURHOK K. TANGREE La Roebe-sur-Foron France Building trust It is reliably learnt that Mr Ratan K. Lalkaka will be retiring shortly from the N. M. Petit Charity Fund. In Mr Lalkaka, the trust will be losing an able and dedi ­ cated chief executive. With his gentle disposition, he was ever ready to help tenants of various buildings managed by the trust. To solve their problems, big or small, he would either call them to the trust ’s office, or address them during his weekly visits to these buildings. Mr Lalkaka had Seminars should be organized by Parsi anjumans to discuss the increase in divorces and to suggest remedial mea ­ sures to arrest them. A committee of of all Petit buildings situated at different legal luminaries should suggest suitable amendments and reorganize the Parsi Matrimonial Court to suit the present BHiKHAji M. ADENWALLA situation. Every effort should be made to persuade the couple to pursue com­ promise. Children of divorcees are so badly affected that they are either reluc­ tant to marry or think of marrying out of the community. We have 1,500 trusts with a corpus of more than 30 crore rupees. Why should poverty persist? The method of func­ tioning of these trusts should be revised. Most of the trustees are professionals and cannot spare adequate time for the welfare of the community. Parsi colo­ nies abound with cars in the compound and every family owns a car as well as a scooter whereas the poor and middle class have to run from pillar to post, sanatorium to sanatorium every few months. All couples require indepen ­ dent accommodation, however small, to maintai n peace and harmony , eliminat ­ ing squabbles and interference in their own dominion. The Bombay Parsi Punchayet scheme for the third child is ridiculous and a mere wastage of funds when no efforts are made to pave the way to accommo ­ date the first child. Many poor, aged and young couples are homeless. How can the meager population grow if there is no economic accommodation for "them? They cannot pay fantastic prices on leave and licence basis, hire-purchase or out- - right sale. The poor families do not have Lack 01 unity that kind ofmoney or funds. To improve Even though the Parsi community boasts the community’s future, we should con­ cent percent literacy, our progres.s i.s limited. One of the reasons i.s lack of unity. Every individual, even though lacking in integrity and caliber, consid ­ ers himself a competent leader. We have (marks) basis is confusing, complicated and unconvincing to applicants who are never taken into confidence leading to en- poverty line. I have not met any person in our community in the last 60 years who has helped so many so freely. D. K. BANA,H GOPABANDHULEMPA Kariniganj. Assam centrate on economic housing instead of building and selling posh and expensive flats to the well-off at exorbitant prices. The system of allotment on points in tact more leaders and preachers than listeners and lol lowers. At time,s advice Irom an insignificant person can prove prejudicial, unjust allotment. Unfortunately we hardly bother about the suburban Parsis. We should estab ­ lish a centrally located hospital and schools in the suburban section man ­ aged by Parsi trusts to save them time and money. useful. We can no longer bask in the past glory. We should move with the times. We should shed our lethargy and be prepared for active, solid hard work to face the challenge from the other com­ munities. There should be a constitution for the community with some kind of sanctions 4 Parsiana January 1999 BAHADURM.BHARUCHA Edited by Parinaz M. GandhiEvents and Personalities A windfall for priests A munificent sum of seven crore rupees, the single largest donation to the Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP), wa.s received from the estate of the late - ________ Maneckjee K. Sett of Poona on October 31, 1998. There is also a possibility of re­ ceiving further sums after the tax and other liabilities are settled, notes a commu­ nique from the BPP. As per the wishes of the deceased and the three ex­ ecutors — Burjor Antia, Col Soli Pudumjee and Aderbad Hozdar — the BPP will allot 30 flats at Godrej Baug and five Bats elsewhere in Bombay to the executors (Above, from left) Riistom Tiroiuloz, Diii.show Mehta, Hozdar. PiKhinijee, Giiz.der, Antia, Sdloo Kavarana, Minoo Shroff and Tainboly Photo: C. C. Gandevia Giizder felicilatiny Bharncha Pudumjee As it is, it took nearly four years after Sett’s demise at the age of 80 to clear all the formalities and proceed with the disbursements, states Antia who recalls — •stJ B t S' " Ji I K kF for use by poor mobeds, preferably of the Bhagaria clan. The fortunate resi ­ dents will also be assured of subsidized rents to the extent of 75 percent of the regular rates and will be exempted from the burden of maintaining these Hats, notes a press release issued by the chief executive Behram Dastur. An additional 65 Bats arc to be allot ­ ted by the BPP to those currently on their waiting list as per their merit norms at new buildings to be constructed or ac ­ quired by the BPP, adds the release. While 70 percent of Sett’s estate de ­ volved on the BPP, from the balance, 15 percent will go to the B. D. Petit Parsec General Hospital and another 15 per­ cent i.s earmarked for mobed ameliora ­ tion, Antia gives the details. Altogether Rs 12 crores were generated from the sale of Sett’s bungalow at Poona after paying the capital gain tax of two crores, mentions Antia. Once the other liabili ­ ties and taxes arc paid off, there is a possibility ofthese causes receiving more funds. ‘c- 6 Parsiana January 1999 elor belonged to the same family which manages the Maneckjee Sett Dar-e- Meher at Fort, named after his predeces ­ sor. I A week after this windfall, on November 5, 1998 the BPP’s education advisory committee chaired by Dinshaw Tamboly felici ­ tated Khorshed Bharucha, principal ofthe J. B. Vachha High School, for receiving the Best Teacher Award at the hands of the President of India, K. R. Narayanan on September 5,1998. The rec­ ognition earned Ibgllllll by her (see “The worthy teacher, ’’ fy *"^3 Events and Per- L_. sonalities, Przr- November ¦'n 1998) is illus- ie^ trative of the contribution our community has * made towards the building of modern India, said Tamboly, acknowledging the efforts of dynamic Parsi lady principals of outstanding schools of Bombay. Felicitating Bharu ­ cha, BPP chairman Jamshed Guzder commented, “A school is known by its principal ...may this be the beginning of greater heights... ” e getting involved withSett’saffairs when the man had already made four codicils to his will. Antia says he convinced Sett to use his moneys for the cause of the Bhagaria priests which appealed to the benefactor and thereafter the fifth codi ­ cil was made with Antia, a partner in the solicitor ’s firm of Mulla and Mulla and Craigic. Blunt and Caroe, being intro­ duced as executor. Mancckjcc hailed from the same fam ­ ily as Jalbhai Kavasji Seth, and the be­ nevolent broker Rustam Maneck who has been credited with establishing busi ­ ness relations with the Portuguese and British in the 19th and 20th century, Maneck jee was a businessman who was mainly involved in administering the Panchayat (SPP) Board whose total family ’s assets and properties. Thebach- Assets are appreciating When all their figures fluctuate between thousands and crores, a three-digit pal ­ try amount of Rs 360 surely catches the eye. This sum was shown against the head of rent and income from land in the case of the Nariman Home, one of the many institutions run by The Surat Parsi as ­ sets (not counting the liquid assets)members could contribute amounts of their choice. Alternately they were con- bers being asked to pay a stipulated sum every month as is being done by other anjumans. Below: Awardees (clockwise) Palia, Motashaw. Piii'ineer and Man}>() Alongside: Dadahliai and Taleyarklian renieinhered Bottom: Gowda releasing’ souvenir 78-year-old Nariman Marshal as their templatingstartingaregisterwithmem- new paramobed to look after their Jalejer Shapoorji Ghandhi Daremeher, notes a report sent by Capt Homi Dandiwalla who is serving his fifth consecutive term as president. His wife Shireen wa.s re­ elected trustee for another term of three years. Every month the Fravardin roz jashan as also the Bahram roz jashan is organized at the aramgah and Daremeher respectively. The Anjuman ’s assets now stand at Rs 4,12,000, mentions the president, celebration of Dadabhai Naoroji ’s 173rd Against their maximum fixed income of Rs 48,995 projected for the ensuing year, they expect to spend Rs 44,975, leaving a surplus of Rs 4,020 which “is not a healthy sign, ” indicated Dandiwalla when commenting on the budget, the first ever presented to the members. To augment fund,s there was a sug- were valued at Rs 143,752,711.42 as on March 31, 1998. The SPP itself earns R.s 5,59,318.15 as rent and income from land, according to the statement of ac ­ counts sent by chairman Dr Sam Bhacca. Last year, Bhacca and his eight co­ trustees were in charge of assets amount ­ ing to Rs 1 17,789,565.40, with invest ­ ments accounting for Rs 86,264,459.38 and immovable property for Rs 24,025,468.65. This year the investments increased to Rs 110,417,447.38 and immovable property, Rs 25,214,431.65. These figures would cover the SPP a,s also the Parsi Surat Charity Fund, Surat Boys Orphanage, Nariman Girls Or­ phanage, Parsi General Hospital, Parsi Maternity Hospital, Nariman Home, Patel School, Polytechnic Institute, Alapaiwala Institute, Dastur Meherji RanaTrust, Dastur Darab PhalanaTrust, Sorabji Burjorji Dastur Darab Pahalana gestion to introduce a cash box where Trust. The immovable propertie.s for SPP singly stand at Rs 14,049,839.12 which is the highest, and for Parsi Gen­ eral Hospital at Rs 243,518.71 which is the lowest. Investments again were high­ est in the case of SPP standing at R.s 42,140,065 but lowest for the Alapaiwala Institute at R.s 410,229. When comparing the corpus of their different institutions it appears that the SPP ranks the highest with R.s 48,421,398.48 and the Parsi Maternity Hospital the lowest with Rs 788,228.62. In the case of both Depreciation Fund and Reserve, Development, Sinking Funds, the Surat Parsi Boys Orphanage continued to show the maximum among all their affiliates, and the Patel School the lowest. The Depreciation Fund of the Orphanage now stands at R.s 794,979.48 and the Reserve Develop­ ment, Sinking Funds at Rs 1,636,916.63. The comparative figure.s for the Patel School are R.s 217,986.32 and Rs 85,241.31. Vision and revision “It is important that the agricultural foun­ dation of the Indian economy is strength ­ ened... The issue is how to reduce the gap between urban riches and rural pov­ erty,” declared former prime minister of India Deve Gowda. As chief guest at the birth anniversary at the Indian Mer­ chants ’ Chamber (IMC) on December 7, 1998, Gowda examined a variant of Naoroji ’s famous wealth drain theory which had ascribed Indian poverty to Britain ’s systematic skimming of her wealth. Hosted by the All India Dadabhai Naoroji Centenary Committee, the sub ­ ject for the day, “Vision for the 21st Century” was also addressed by the evening’s president Dr Homi Sethna, former chairman of the Atomic Energy Active in Allahabad From their total of 25, 16 members at ­ tended the last general body meeting of The Allahabad Parsec Zoroastrian Anjunian on October 10, 1998 indicat ­ ing that 64 percent are actively involved in the Anjuman affairs. This count docs not include the three Zoroastrians who are under the age of 18 years. During the year they lost one member Savak Nanavati who had served a.s the first vice president of the Anjuman when it was revived in 1969. Since last April they have inducted 8 Parsiana January 1999L hasten technology development. Not­ ing that the augmenting of electricity generation is India ’s main requirement today, Sethna pointed out that “large scale development of nuclear power is... inevitable, ” and advised the gov­ ernment and industry to effect the changes that would enable them to “make participation of the private sec ­ tor possible in setting up of nuclear power plants ” in the century ahead. Trivedi deplored the usual Bom- bayite way of referring to Dadabhai g Commission and IMC chairman Y. P. Trivedi with social workerHomai Modi, the Committee’s general secretary, as the mistress of ceremony. Thirteen person,s received the Dada ­ bhai Naoroji Awards for excellence and lifetime achievement instituted by Homi Taleyarkhan who had chaired the Com­ mittee until his demise last June. An award, posthumously dedicated to the late politician-diplomat-social worker they spur scientific establishments to of whom Gowda noted, “India lost a kindhearted soul who worked for In­ dia, ” was received by his wife Thrity. Four other Parsis were also conferred Awards; gynecologist Dr Nergish Motashaw, publisher Jeroo Mango, so ­ cial activist Sheru Palia and solicitor Dadi Engineer. A souvenir titled Dada- bhui Naofoji: Britain's First Asian M. P. containing several articles on Naoroji and Taleyarkhan was released by Gowda. The Committee’s secretary general DrS. S. Mohapatra set the ball rolling by recalling how Naoroji had influenced Naoroji Road as D. N. Road: “(That ’s) Mahatma Gandhi a,s also Mohammed Ali Jinnah who had been his secretary. Referring to the famous phrase “Swaraj is my birthright ” which has ofltimes been ascribed to Lokmanya Tilak, Mohapatra asserted, “It was Dadabhai who said (it).” Modi read out a message from envi­ ronmentalist Sohrab Godrej which re­ ferred to Naoroji ’s “extraordinary gen­ erosity of spirit, ” his faith in British value.s and his concerted work loward.s the education and upliftment of women. Like speakers before and after him, BPP chairman Jamshed Guzder harkened to Naoroji ’s patriotism which had led him the population is illiterate, Gowdaurged, to assert his Indianness above and be- ‘ mu.-.i liiiiik w'uvn^ I'ulng,, yond his communal and religious iden ­ tity. In his speech Sethna strove to place India ’.s 1998 nuclear tests and the result ­ ing western sanctions into historical per­ spective. “During the period 1970 to 1975 the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) organized five meet­ ings extolling the virtues of peaceful ¦ nuclear explosions (PNEs)... The USA pursued a program named ‘plowshare' for developing peaceful uses of nuclear explosions... While all this wa.s being talked about, we conducted a peaceful nuclear experiment at Pokhran in 1974. The effect was remarkable; the IAEA did not conduct any meeting on PNEs after 1975; the USA closed down its plowshare program. Though India did not violate any treaty, scientific coop- eralion with India was stopped. ” Sethna maintained that the US’ current “hit list ” includes Indian construction, trans ­ port services and estate management groups and institutes of mathematics and mathematical physics. “I wonder whether analysts in the USA have ap ­ plied their mind.s before coming up with this list, ” said Sethna even as he argued that “all sanctions are good ” as tedious wait until Gowda arrived more than an hour later, inciting Mohapatra to declare ruefully, “The chief guest has come late and wants to go early! ” . Arnavaz S. Mama AIMZ meet The navjote registration form created by the Association of Inter-Married Zoro­ astrians includes the names and signa ­ tures of both parents, the name of the child, his/her place and date of birth, date of the ceremony and the name and signature of a witness to the ceremony. The form has been created at the in­ stance of Soonu Godrej who had under ­ scored the need for a census of navjotes, particularly of the children of intermar ­ ried couples at the 1997 annual general meeting. At the AGM held on October 29, 1998 at the residence of the Asso ­ ciation ’s president Meher Amersey the topic of prime interest was the agiary attendance of the outmarried ladies and their navjoted children. What they are working towards is a formal acceptance by the concerned authorities of the presence of these la ­ dies and their navjoted children in their midst. To this end they are seeking that the notice boards at the entrance to the not the way to appreciate a man ’s work! ” Turning to Guzder, Trivedi noted, “This small community of 100,000 people — how many gems they have given us... If you had been 30 crores you would have been ruling the world! ” According to Trivedi, “The criteria of the 21st cen­ tury will be the economy, not military fire-temples be amended to read, “En- might,” which will significantly de ­ pend on a national consensus on basic issues. Noting that though “the common people want to live as brothers and sisters, ” one-third of the Indian people are below the poverty line and that half ‘6' “We must think where things went wrong and set them right... India is among the 10 most corrupt countries in the world. ” He exhorted “this audience of intellectuals ” to stand united. Whereas the audience had gathered at 4 p.m. a.s per the lime declared in the invitation to the function, Gowda ’s Hight had been delayed, landing just about then to the dis ­ may of the orga ­ nizers. This re­ sulted in a long. J try restricted to Zoroastrians only” by dropping the current double-barrelled “Parsi-Zoroastrian ” definition. A source of joy was the news of the honor accorded to Prof Kai khosrov Irani by the establishment of a chair in his name at New York ’s City College where he has taught philosophy to generations of students. On the other hand some members were agitated by the stench from the dokhma which they experienced in the course of their walks past doongerwadi on Gibbs Road and a general discussion followed on the strengths and weak ­ nesses of the dokhma form of disposal of the dead. a. s. m rX'll J afcflE- At the AIMZ AGM, Khiirshid Naraiif’, Aiiiarxey and Meher Rafaat Photo: Arnavaz S. Mama ¦3* 9 Parsiana January 1999¦a The Bombay Parsee A ssociatioii office hearers with invitees (front row, from left) Umrigar, Bharucha, Lilao- wala, Dastur, Pooniwala, Peer, Dinshaw and Mody. (Rear row, from left) Shroff, Marfatia, Mehta, Patel, Arnavaz and Soli Mistry’ activities and com- petition.s are honor­ ary general secretary Tehmina Peer, joint honorary secretary Aloo Shroff, honorary treasurer Adele Patel and commillce members Arnavaz and Soli Mislry. The function started with a jashan and ended with a contribu­ tory dinner. The singing of Chhaiye Home Zarathoshti and the national an ­ them reinlorced the community and na ­ tional spirit. Ahead of competition Distinction in academics, sport.s and social welfare were recognized by The Bombay Parsee Association (BPA) which felicitated six individuaks at it.s annual meet at the Cama Bang on Octo­ ber 31, 1998. The elders as also the juniors in the different disciplincs were recognized; Dr Nawaz Mody, Khorshed Bharucha and Percy Marfatia for their Portrait of a panther academic brilliance, Polly Umrigar and Shon Pooniwala for earning accolade.s in sport and social worker Nariman Mehta were each presented a plaque. Also felicitated on the occasion were the winners of the different BPA com­ petitions, with the first prize winners in the senior contest.s being gifted a ycar ’.s subscription to Parsiana, according to a communique from the Association. As commented the guest of honor Ruby Lilaowala, with the size of the Parsi community dwindling, there is greater need for hard work and excel­ lence to stay ahead of the severe compe- many books that his talent embellished arc cherished by young and old alike...Acclaimed both nationally and internationally, he won many awards, including the prestigious Noma Con- cours awarded by UNESCO for children ’.s picture book illustrations. ” The colorful birds in flight, the sniff ­ ing by the panther, the petrified man eyeing the panther with barely one eye open, the agitation of the mob, the pomp- OU.S VIP who takes the law into his own hands and shoots the innocent panther, the glorifying of a cowardly act arc all effectively portrayed in Patel ’s distinc ­ tive style which may be recognized by Parsiana readers who have seen Patel ’s many illustrations dealing with commu­ nity topic.s on the covers and inside pages of the magazine. This children ’s fiction, based on an episode related by Pulak Biswas, was brought out in 1998 by Ravi Dayal Pub­ lisher, 51 E Sujan Singh Park, New Delhi 1 10003 and distributed by Orient Longman Limited. The quality paper and the fine printing justify the Rs 160 price tag of this hardbound book. For safety in Bombay “Crime has increased, which i.s a fact All children delight in seeing animals ________, . .................. — alive and on the move especially despite the tacts and figures on the tition. In appreciation of the yeoman services rendered by the BPA over the years, chief guest Cowasjcc Dinshaw (grandson of BPA's founder patron Sir Hormusjec C. Dinshaw who is annually commemorated on his birth an ­ niversary when the Association members garland his statue) pre­ sented the organization with donation of Rs 5,001. He fur­ ther commended the commit­ ment of BPA president Vispi Dastur and presented him a shawl. The others involved in steer ­ ing the Association ’s variou.s a 10 Parsiana January 1999 Irom a sale distance. They can relate to the animal ’s antics, hi.s curiosity, his innocence, his trust. And when man ­ kind misuses its so-called superiority to destroy the animal, children are torn between their loyalty to their human comrades and animal mates. These are the issue.s which come to the fore in Mickey Patel ’s The Story of a Panther, published almost four years after the artist ’s demise in 1994. A.s note.s the introduction to the author on the front inside jacket, thi.s wa.s Patel ’s “last book for children and shows him ______ _________ at the height ol his creative powers. The Rustamji, retired director general of the THE STORY OF A PANTHER Wnntii .iiiif 4l«»»r.M«l bv MICKEY PATEL ***?•• • • • \ A screen, ” noted doughty advocate Freny Ponda who said she “took the easier way out” of her dilemma of an honest lawyer faced with the “rottenness (which has) seeped into the lower judiciary, police and the defense... by leaving criminal law practice. ” Ponda was one of four speakers in­ vited by the Consumer and Civic Affairs Committee (CCAC) of the Women Graduates Union (WGU) to contribute to a symposium: “Make life safe in . Mumbai — bring back law and order. ” Sharing the dais with Ponda were Khusro Border Security Force, D. Sivanandan, Bombay ’s joint commissioner of police (crime) and retired Commodore Om- prakash who is the convener of the Alert Citizens Initiative. Each speaker was introduced by CCAC honorary secretary Dolat Kotwal. The program at the 8 3-year- old WGU Hostel for Working Women’s Amy Rustomjee Hall on December 5, 1998 was flagged off by the Union presi ­ dent Swam Kohli recallingSYMPOSIUM KAJff MUMBAI SAFE • BRING BACK UO^DER" Poiida, Riistaniji and Kotwal: examining the Boinhay scene Photo: Arnavaz S. Mama explaining differ- “the cnce” between Rustamji and himself: “He joined in 1938 and I joined in 1976!” According to the joint commissioner, crime regis ­ tration in the city was coming down with 3,000 less cases registered this year than last. A series of statistics presented visually bolstered Siva- nandan's case. Nonetheless he admit ­ ted that there was increased “apprehen ­ sion and insecurity, ” which he attrib ­ uted to “the Press playing it up... Every­ one ringing you up and asking for money Bombay ’s history as “forerunner in so ­ cial causes and public issues... This city has always been a safe city for women but since the last few years the situation (has become) scary. ” Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) in Madhya Pradesh who has been decorated with the Padma Bhushan and the Padma Vibhushan, Rustamji laid the onus of the high crime rate on the economy of India — with its delicit financing and “unprecedented prices... It is amazing how onions have allecled is not a gangster. He may be a neighbor our life in India ” — with the behavior of wanting to give you the fright of your perfectly honest men brought down by life!” the price rise, unable to pay for the upkeep and education of their children. Citing the example of the 93 ministers of the Uttar Pradesh government who consume two lakh rupees worth ol lea and snacks a month, Rustamji noted, “The government did not appreciate the impact of the price rise until the Legis ­ lative Assembly elections. ” Relerring to the “sleaze that is a part of national politics today, ” Rustamji said, “Crimi ­ nals now think that all they need is good lawyer to get them bail. ” Responding to a question the former IGP noted that at the height of the anti ­ British movement in 1942, the British had refused individual protection, main ­ taining that everyone should protect himself. In contrast, police manpower today is diverted for individual secu ­ rity, resulting in failing discipline. But the attitude ofthe general public also came in for censure. Rustamji cited the example of the four women in the running local who turned a blind eye as Jayabala Asher fought with a drug ad ­ dict purse snatcher who threw her out of the moving train because she resisted. Asher lost her lower limbs to an oncom­ ing train but “those women did not come forward even to give evidence, ” Rustamji pointed out. He urged the audience to “build up the feeling that the suffering of one is equal to the suffering of all. ” Sivanandan began his addres.s by criminals, police and lower judiciary has resulted in the appointment of unsat ­ isfactory prosecutors. “The successful conduct of a criminal case depends on a strong, fearless prosecutor. (There should be) a panel of clean, fearless, capable advocates (but they) belong to a disappearing tribe.” When bail is easy, and matters are taken piecemeal with long adjournments so that eight to 10 years elapse before final disposal and the appeal may drag for another 10 to 12 years, witnesses become untraceable and the accused goes scot free, she explained. Ponda suggested that a panel of re­ tired persons be appointed to review where goondas are a threat to society which could proclaim its assess ­ ment through the media and demand a surrender in three weeks. “Under your leadership (let us) get concerned citi ­ zens, police, lawyers together to work to break the criminal-politician nexus, ” CCAC chairperson Dr Homai Shroff urged Ponda. The Alert Citizens Initiative, Om- prakash ’s brainchild, is based on asimi- lar program in the US known as Crime Stopper, he noted. Its cornerstone is the anonymity of the reporter, he said, as cases with the behavior of a 12 Parsiana January 1999 Providing a guideline for a safer existence in the city Sivanandan ad ­ vised a grill door al the entrance, veri­ fication of a servant ’s address with the fear of reprisal is, apart from apathy, one help of the police (he sir photographs of the servant in the course of family functions), the employment of known agencies to undertake repairs al home, adequate lighting around the home, etc. “Don’t volunteer details of projected trips away from home,” he advised and suggested that the receipt of blank telephone calls be reported to Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited. He also advised that the telephone num- iggested taking of the chief causes that prevent citizens from divulging the knowledge they pos ­ sess. He urged Sivanandan to ensure that the police are receptive when citi ­ zens come forward with information. The Initiative is also in need of media support, especially from the vernacular - Press. The Alert Citizens phone number is 2633333. The WGU’s other activities include a counseling and guidance center, a study her of the local police station be kept center with qualified supervision and handy (“you can get the number by the BehramjeeLalkaka Nursery School dialling 100,” he said), a tape recorder for deprived children. a. s. m . and/or a caller identification system be installed into the telephone. Above all, StrCSS Under durCSS he urged the gathering to avail of police help a.s even oral complaints are ac ­ cepted. According to Ponda the single most important factor in deterring crime is fear of capital punishment. There is “complete lack of fear of consequence,s in the hearts and minds of criminals (because there is) no adequate punish ­ ment.” Life imprisonment means 14 years in prison which may be consider ­ ably curtailed by good behavior. Once “out on parole, strategies are devised and conspiracies hatched, ” Ponda said. The nexus between the politicians, for deprived children. “It is because I love the people and the society that I write books. It may be that in the process I may hurt them, but the truth hurts where there is no intension (sic) as such to hurt, but to place reality before the people so that they are aware of their drawbacks to change towards the better.” This is the kind of sentiment and language that permeates Dorab P. Patel ’s Stress Management and Mod­ ern Life, a 36-page booklet which ac ­ cording to the author “is written spe ­ cially for students, families with young children, and persons working in of­ fices so as to alleviate stress. ” continued on page 30ZOROASTRIANS ABROAD Zoroastrians who excel Seven outstanding Zoroastrians bag the biennial awards at the 11th North American Congress Seven Zarathushti.s were honored at the 11th North American Zoroastrian Con­ gress held at Rye, New York. Selected for outstanding achievement in their respective categories, the awardees were called by master of ceremonies Prof Farrokh Mistree and presented indi ­ vidual trophies and an award certificate plu.s three rotating trophies do ­ nated by Zarathushtis. The awards ceremony has been an intrinsic part of the biennial North American congresses since 1988. In the limelight on July 3, 1998 were Farangis Shahrokh, winner of the 1998 Rohinton Rivetna Outstanding Zara- ihushti Award; Dr Yasmin Thanavala for the Excellence in Business or Profession Award; Dr Yasmin and Jam ­ shed Ghadiali who jointly received the Jamshed Pavri Humanitarian Service Award; Orang Demehry and Dr Parastu Dubash as Outstanding Young Zarathushti awardees; and Phiroz Taraporc who received the Outstanding Zarathushti Sitting: Anonsliiravani, Joshi and Y. Student Award. Iran born, California based Shahrokh, who hold.s a master ’.s degree in social work and occupational therapy from the US, has been instrumental in found ­ ing several institutions in Iran includ ­ ing the Zoroastrian Women’s Organi ­ zation, Women’s Organization of Iran, Ancient Iranian Cultural Society and the Iranian Handicraft Organization, note.s the citation. She had also orga ­ nized the first Iranian Women’s Con­ gress in Tehran and founded the Ardeshir Yeganegi Library there. Migrating to the US, she founded the California Zo­ roastrian Center and was instrumental in establishing the Rustam Guiv Dar-e- Mehr in that state with the Kaikhsorov Shahrokh Library therein. Author of the Persian book In Search of Truths, 14 Parsiana January 1999 Arnavaz S. Mama Shahrokh has been a frequent speaker at North American Zoroaslrian congresses. She was however unable to attend the ceremony due to ill health and the award presented by FEZANA (Federation of Zoroastrian Association of North Ame­ rica) founder president RohintonRivetna was received on her behalf by Shida i f Front left) Stonding: Deniehry, Duhash, Thanaveda, J. Ghadiali and Tarapore Ghadiali Anoushiravani. wife of the newly elected FEZANA vice president Dr Ardeshir pleting a project analysing the US De- Anoushiravani. Thanavala, whose work towards a genetically engineered edible vaccine for Hepatitis B and other infectious dis ­ eases has been covered by the interna ­ tional media, received the award — which included a revolving trophy do ­ nated by Bombay Parsi Punchayct chair ­ man Jamshed Guzder and his wife Shirin — from outgoing FEZANA president Dolly Dastoor. Thanavala holds three politan Washington area. In 1997 he US patents in conjunction with her hus ­ band Dr Arvind Thakur and two other scientists, notes the citation. Bombay- born Thanavala completed her master of science from Bombay University before proceeding to London Univer­ sity to work on a World Health Organi ­ zation funded project to develop a vac ­ cine for fertility control for which she received her doctorate in immunology in 1979. Incumbent FEZANA president Framroze Patel presented the rotating trophy donated by Roda Pavri '.i to the Ghadialis who “over a K ; . period of 10 years (have) given immeasurably of themselves, their sentiments, time and money in service of the Zara- thushti community.” In addi ­ tion to hosting Zarathushti pa ­ tients from India and their fami ­ lies for long periods of time, the Ghadialis have provided emotional support to other Zarathushti familie.s in their own homes or in hospital. Be­ sides, they have organized so ­ cial and religious functions to collect donations for needy families and institutions. Regular re­ cipients of the Ghadialis ’ unremitting efforts have been Bombay ’s B. D. Petit Parsee General Hospital and the Or­ phanage and Parsi Infirmary in Navsari. A CPA (certified public accountant) from Virginia who is currently com­ partment of Defense ’s non-appropri- ated activities while concurrently do ­ ing market research and developing best business practices in some areas for the House of Representatives, Demehry’s interests lie in the area of corporate law, as per the citation. In­ volved in community activities since 1994, Demehry was the founder presi ­ dent of the youth group in the metro- was awarded the Outstanding Contribu­ tor Award by the Zoroastrian Youth of North America. A member of the board of the Zoroastrian Association of Met­ ropolitan Washington (ZAMWI), Deme-hry “was instrumental in getting ZAMWI recognized by the Interfaith Council.” notes the citation. Currently in her second term as presi ­ dent of the Zoroastrian Association of Greater Boston, Tehran-born Dubash received her PhD in psychology in 199,3. Having taught the subject at a number of universities. Dubash is currently adjunct faculty member in the Social Science.s and Policy Studies Department at Mas ­ sachusetts ’ Worcester Polytechnic In­ stitute. She was co-chairperson of the local conference committee of the First International AveslaConference in Bos ­ ton in 1997 and i.s a very active member of the Boston Youth Group. The co-chairs of the 11th North American Zarathushti Congress. Gev Nentin and Noshir Langrana, presented the award to Demehry and Dubash spectively. “A straight gradc-A student since fourth grade, ” California ’s Tarapore re­ ceived the rotating trophy donated by Faridoon and Mehraban Zartoshty from FEZANA secretary Dr Mehran Sepehri. Scoring 99 percent in a variety of North American tests, Tarapore was a member of his school team which tied for cold re- and won seven individual medals in­ cluding three gold at the US National procedures, notes the brochure published Academic Decathlon. Designated Inter­ national Advance Placement Scholar and National Merit Scholarship awardee, Tarapore won the Bank of America scholarsliip lor combined achievement in academics and fine arts, notes the citation. Selected as a “showcase artist, ” Tarapore ha.s performed at several pres- tigioLi.s conceits. Actively involved in Zarathushti youth activities in Califor ­ nia, Tarapore assisted in the planning of the San Francisco Youth Conference in 1996 and presented a highly acclaimed piano recital at the 1996 North Ameri­ can Zoroastrian Congrcs.s there. In recognition of his “significant con­ tribution to the structuring of the FEZANA North American Zarathushti Awards ' FEZANA award.s committee chair Dinshaw Joshi was presented a special plaque by Dastoor in recogni­ tion of hi.s service in that capacity over four years. Until 1994 the awards proccs.s wa.s the responsibility of the FEZANA mem­ ber association hosting the congress. This led to a lack of consistency and rcgiilarily as each congres.s organizing committee ctdopted its own criteria and on the occasion of the 1998 awards. Dastoor institutionalized the process by setting up an awards committee as one of the standing committees of FEZANA, with Joshi in the chair. Pro­ cedures for inviting nomination.s were formalized and specific evaluation cri­ teria established forjudges in each award category. Independent panels of five respected Zarathushtis now evaluate nominees in each category with respec ­ tive members of the awards committee a.s chairpersons to coordinate the results and determine the winner. In addition to the five awards distrib ­ uted is the Lifetime Achievement Award which is presented to an individual for meritorious service to the Zarathushti community worldwide, notes the bro­ chure. Only two men have been so hon­ ored to date — conductor Zubin Mehta in 1990 and philosopher Kaikhosrpv Irani in 1996. A.s is the case with the Federation of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of India ’s Awards for Excellence, nominations for the North American award.s were slow in coming, requiring the committee to ex- i A -'‘A, ' "ii.A ’ * > % s'" A’ ' 'A' It. 14I ” I r • W I’'* ’ t i t *¦ .« S-*'- A «, * 3^ * • ' r .- * V A’ she wants you for herself Without the intrusion of maid servants and in laws. You want to be with her in the peaceful green of nature, with sparkling brooks and green mountains. We suggest you run away, with your wife for a second honeymoon to Brightland Holiday Village It'll be love at first sight all over again. nrightland JLP HO! ID AV \ !! I \(;i HOI IDAV \ !! I A(;E MAH ABALESHWAR 2872590/1/2/3 Fox (91-22) 2873348 PUNE Telefax 020-220 246 MAHABALESHWAR ... ._ __ —_3 Fax; 02168-60707 E-AAAIL: brighfland('d)vsnl.com WEBSITE: vAvw.brightlandholiday.com Tel: 02168-60700ex­ tend the nomination deadline as appears from Joshi ’,s report at the FEZANA an ­ nual general meeting. This wa.s also the first time that the awards were presented over lunch on the first day of the Congres.s instead of the hitherto practice of distrib ­ uting them at the dinner banquet. North American mobeds Ervad Jal Birdy continues a.s president of the North American Mobeds Council (NAMC). The rest of the executive com­ mittee elected at the I I th annual general meeting of the NAMC in Quebec in April 1998 includes vice president Behram Panthaki, secretary Nozer Kolwal, treasurer Gev Karkaria and ccLitive officer Xerxes Bamji. This was the third lime that the Zoro- aslrian Association of Quebec (ZAQ) hosted the mobed.s where I 8 member.s attended and 19 member.s sent proxies. On the agenda wa.s a letter from FEZANA (Federation of Zoroaslrian Associations of North America) asking lor the CoLincil ’.s stand on issue.s like euthanasia, organ donation, spiritual solace for families facing AIDS, what can mobeds do to discourage mixed marriages, etc. While members were asked to come prepared for further dis ­ cussion on euthanasia at the next AGM. the discussion on organ donation estab ­ lished that it was “strictly a personal decision and therefore should be left to the choice of each individual, ” a.s per the minutes of the AGM forwarded to Pursidiia by Kolwal. On the question of mixed marriages the resolution tabled by Cawas Desai and approved by a ma ­ jority vote declared that “NAMC is a body that ha.s the mandate to administer to the spirituality and religiosity of the community... Questions regarding so ­ cial issues are not NAMC’.s mandate and the community need.s to take re­ sponsibility for them.” The discussion on AIDS resolved that the need for spiri ­ tual solace in such casc.s was akin to that required in the case of any other termi­ nal illness and should be dealt with ac ­ cordingly. In a letter to FEZANA, Malinda Fletcher, a healthcare worker from Texas, had requested “a complete sur ­ vey ol religious elements impacting pa ­ tient care ” for inclusion in a proposed “Inlormed Guide ” which would enable healthcare professionafs understand how the patient ’s faith impact.s his/her recep­ tion ofcarc. Kotwal was delegated the responsibility of completing the survey with the help of some colleagues and 18 Parsiana January 1999 forwarding il to Fletcher. In the course of his annual report president Birdy referred to the spondence exchanged between Dr Pallan Ichhaporia, Sarosh Manekshaw and him- sell “with regard to the credentials table media like the National Geographic Society. In his welcome address ZAQ presi ­ dent Karkaria noted the frustration of some NAMC members at the want of agreement on contentious issues. He claimed by Dr Ali Jalarey, ” founder of prescribed patient endurance, contin­ ued dialogue and mutual respect for each other’s views. He also emphasized the need to motivate, train and educate the young mobeds, instilling in them a sense of pride and commitment towards the religion. Zarolia suggested that the executive committee select one religious topic for research, study and discussion each year so that the knowledge of the members could increase. He also suggested the as corre- the California based Zarathushtrian As ­ sembly. Birdy “stated that the commu­ nity i.s looking for a leadership role and that we would be failing in ourduty if we do not rise to the challenge and exert our intluence in a positive way, ” note the AGM minutes. However, “after some discussion il wa.s the majority decision that the NAMC did not have the man ­ date to question anybody ’s credentials including Ali .lafarey ’.s and that care should be taken not to get the Council compilation of a comprehensive list of religious books available with the Zoro­ astrian associations in North America. Fourteen mobeds conducted ajashan involved in similar matters where some ­ one might try to use the Council to serve their personal cause. ” The NAMC will keep a record of all ceremony before the gala banquet hosted trained mobedyars. It was decided that a by ZAQ in honor of the visiting priests, formal certificate from the NAMC, to be designed by Kobad Zarolia, will be pre- An hODOr WCll Camcd seated to the mobedyar who will be recognized and ordained in front of the community in which he lives, prefer­ ably by the mobed who conducted the training. While a mobedyar can assist frilly ordained mobed in performing wedding.s ami navjotes he cannot offici ­ ate himsell al such ceremonies. Panthaki of Washington DC provided details of the methodology and syllabus he had used for the training of Jamsheed Mistry. The mobedyar committee was asked to dralt procedures for ordaining a mobed. A two-day religion camp for young mobed.s wa.s to be hosted by ZAMWI (Zoroastrian Association of Metropoli­ tan Washinglon). Il was scheduled to feature the jashan and navjote ceremo­ nies which the young mobeds would be able to enact in their entirely. While a directory of mobeds wa.s in­ complete due to poor response a.s noted Zarolia. Jal Panlhaky advised that the profound humanity has stayed with his students throughout the years. All of those students would join me in thank ­ ing the donor for honoring Prof Irani in this wonderful way. Through his gener­ osity the Philosophy Department will be able to bring the most renowned phi­ losophers of the day to the College. The presence of these visiting scholars will for ever make City College one of the centers of the philosophical world, and it nirangdin ceremony video had reached the editing stage and should be ready lor the next AGM scheduled for April 2 and ,3, 1999. 'fhe venue wa,s undecided. Birdy ’s letter of protest to the pro­ ducer ol the movie Wishniaster, “which portrayed Ahura Mazda as evil,” was returned unopened to the sender, note the AGM minutes. NAMC majority opinion voted in lavor of ignoring the very bad B-ratcd movie” rather than help continue the traditions of excellent leaching and philosophical research that has characterized Prof K. D. Irani ’s ten­ ure at this institution. ” being drawn into a controversy. Instead, Desai suggested that the Council pro­ mote Zoroastrianism through somerepu- The K. D. Irani Chair of Philosophy has been established at City College, New York. An alumnus of Prof Kaikhosrov Irani ’s 1955 clas.s donated two million dollars to the College to endow a chair for yearly appointments of visiting pro­ fessors, ZAGNY (Zoroastrian Associa ­ tion of Greater New York) committee member Lovj i Cama informed Parsianci on e-mail. The announcement was made by Tara R. Tamny on behalf of her father Dr Martin Tamny, Dean of Humanitie.s at City College, on October 8, 1998: “For thousands of students who graduated (from) the College during the more than 40 years that Prof Irani has taught here, he has been the most memo­ rable teacher they have known, ” said Tamny. “The rigor of his thought, the provocativeness of his ideas, his dedica ­ tion to the life of the mind, and hisZOROASTRIANS ABROAD “A country apart President of the Zoroastrian Association of Western Australia, Homee Wadia describes life in and around Perth Arnavaz S. Mama be counted... All these people from Burma (who have) culturally acquired (Burmese) names under duress... Some Parsis are so rabidly orthodox, they want to kick them (out)... I put my foot down to the community that we have to target these people... I would be very proud if I could get their (children ’s) navjotes done, ” Wadia says. Brett Walker, a white Australian teen­ ager “who felt spiritually lost ” until he landed upon Zoroastrianism in the course of his library research, has become a member of ZAWA. “He calls himself a Zarathushti but (is) disillusioned that his navjote won’t be done and that an un­ dercurrent (of the community) won’t religiously accept him,” says Wadia. “(There’s) a huge crowd of Iranian Bahais and Muslims wanting to come back into the fold, have a fervent desire to become Zoroastrians... Even prac ­ tising Muslims wear the asho-farohar inside. (They) find Zoroastrian scrip ­ tures from the Internet. Pavri however refuses to accept them.” Some community activities and be­ havior is both a source of joy and grief to Wadia. For example, he was all praise for Farah Mehta ’s prize winning thesis on the Persians of Ancient Iran. “Porus Havewal la makes me feel proud by what he writes about the community. But (he is) so vehement that it becomes a bar ­ rier.” Dinshaw Toddy walla (locally known as Dean Todd) is a Bahai with a fund of knowledge about Zoroastrianism who wanted to give lectures on Zoroastrian ­ ism “but certain people objected so strongly that the committee decided to avoid controversy. ” In the upshot, Wadia says ,Todd took offence and didn ’t come to the Pateti function. It took a year to frame the ZAWA constitution, informs Wadia, adding that the moot objective was to preserve mixed marriage couples in Perth (who their identity. The ZAWA team includes continuted on page 48 Homee Wadia and his wife Khurshid “fell in love” with Perth, Australia so they filed their papers and waited three- by Ervad Darius Pavri, who performs all the required ceremonies and was Wadia: "invigorating to get different views ” Photo: Arnavaz Mama or Jaslok, ” though one is often made to wait for non-priority operations, he notes. The Zoroastrian community — one- and-a-half years to emigrate. Currently third Iranian, two-thirds Parsi — is led the second president of the year-old Zoroastrian Association of Western Aus ­ tralia (ZAWA), Wadia describes the city ZAWA’s first president. The son of play- of his abode as “a retire­ ment village which has all the conveniences and facilities of major cities. ” On a visit to Bombay, Wadia spoke to Parsiana on December 5, 1998. The agriculturally and minerally rich Western Australia contributes nearly 80 percent to the Australian national in­ come, says Wadia, though it is lagging in industrial ­ ization. “Western Austra ­ lia was never a convict colony. This was a Span ­ ish missionary outpost. That ’.s why we consider ourselves a country apart from the rest of Australia, ” he adds. Noting that most of the 170 strong Zarathushti community live in beautiful homes with gardens to match, in Perth one ha.s “no need to exert (onesell). ” With "share trading on the computer, banking through the phone, with ‘Bpay ’ to pay your bills, sometime.s we have to wake up and ask, ‘Is this all real? ’” The state provides free education up to 12th standard which Wadia says is very good though a bit insular. At the university level the established system enables the student to borrow funds from the university to pay the subsidized fees. The loan repayment begins when he/she starts earning. The defrayed amount i.s deducted from his/her tax packet, ex- plains Wadia. While private medicare is available (“llashy, five-star hospitals... for which you pay through your nose ”), government facilities are free and its hospitals “streets ahead of Breach Candy were) unwilling to put their hand up and wright Eruch Pavri, Darius is a high-ranking officer in the income tax department, says Wadia. Originally hailing from Nagpur is senior or­ thopedic surgeon Dr Ratal! Edcbam who, with his wife Mehcr, has lived in England and Malaysia before settling in Perth. Their son Cyrus is also a doctor here while their daughter Firoozeh, a bar ­ rister, has settled in Lon­ don, informs Wadia. Ervad Minochehr Shahzadi whose father had a panlhak at the Dadiseth Agiary in Bombay ’sFloraFountainarea i.s “very big in the petroleum industry, ” but refuses to undertake ceremonies lor fear that his Kadmi rituals would not synthesize with Pavri ’s' Shahenshahi concepts and create rifts, according to Wadia. “The community is not too conserva ­ tive but of the view ‘let’s not cause waves,'" says Wadia who is personally “very fanatical about my religion but very modernistic since I believe (that for) any thought process to (be) pro­ jected (it is) always invigorating to get different views. ” For the four years of its existence, Wadia ’s Spenta Oriental, an Indian grocery store and curry take ­ away, doubled as a club on Saturday afternoons where Zoroastrians met and argued, he recalls. “Before ZAWA (there were) a lot of 20 Parsiana January 1999ZOROASTRIANS ABROAD COVER STORY The Zoroastrians of Serendip Enterprise and ethics characterize the success of the minuscule Sri Lankan Zoroastrian community The first thought that came to mind when one read the name “Aban Tours ” on the gleaming white taxi outside Colombo’s Galadhari Hotel was that it opened up employment opportunities was also a Sri Lankan name. But Aban there. Tours as it turned out was owned by a Parsi, and a very enterprising one at that! Welcome to the world ofthe Sri Lanka Parsis. A truly microscopic commu­ nity of around 60 in a coun­ try of 18.5 million, they have made a mark beyond imagination. Aside from highly successful and re­ puted business families, the community also boasts ofaQueen ’sCounsel who served as a minister in the cabinet of the previous United National Party government. The other members of the community too are well settled and the Ceylon Parsi Anjuman Trust boasts of a hall, Navroz Bau; and a large cemetery ground. From a community of around 350 in their heyday, the Zoroastrian nity here started declining after independence from Britain in 1947, explains Kairshasp Choksy, a trustee of the Anjuman and a leading constitu ­ tional lawyer. “The citizenship law.s changed, ” he relates. To qualify for citi ­ zenship a person and his father had to be both born in Sri Lanka: Choksy ’s grand ­ father Kaikhushroo Dadabhoy had come to Ceylon in 1884. An exception could be made lot a distinguished citizen, but Anjuman are “cooperative. ” The com ig. to the civil services. “Many went to plains about the “mog hwari (inflation). ” Australia, ” say.s Choksy. Their qualifi- cations and knowledge of English —a * I 4W..****4'’ WO; ts IB IB S #¦ - •• •**'T - ••I H *: • **. - The modern Colombo skyline «MMWinnku«MwMw According to Choksy, approximately a Parsi Sports Club 40perccntofthecommunily in Sri Lanka have married out either to Sri Lankans or Burghers (of Dutch descent). “Girls who are married out are per­ mitted to attend religious ceremonies so long a.s they continue to be Parsi Zoroas ­ trians and are not married in church, etc,” say.s Choksy . He believe.s the Parsi.s in Sri Lanka arc “conservative ” on the whole. A jashan ceremony i.s performed every month and a former Bombay priest, Aspi Daruwalla, has served the local community for 17 years. Daruwalla says the trustees of the 'g commu- in numbers few would meet the criteria. About half the Zoroastrians residing in the Indian Ocean island returned to India aftei independence, says Choksy. boys and girls come to help for funer- An egg costs five rupees, he notes. His child ’s delivery in 1990 cost between R.s 30,000 to Rs 40,000 Sri Lanka rupees (SL Re 1 = IRe 0.64). Navroz Baug, where the Daruwallas reside, is a one- storey building donated by the Kapadia family in 1927 with a prayer hall, rooms and a garden. The Parsi Sports Club or Parasmani Hall is also a one-storey structure with a large hall where badminton can be played. The compound is also spacious. Pesi Pestonjee, a trustee I ofthe Anjuman, mentioned that pl an s were afoot to ex­ tend Navroz Baug premises and increase usage. The Jawatte Burial Grounds, the Colombo Parsi aramgah, i.s an unusual combination of a burial ground and dokhma. The old dokhma has been converted into a circular burial ground adjacent to which is the present cemetery . The grave.s here date back to 1894. Pestonjee Dinshawjee Khan “a most influential and popular figure... very thoughtfully acquired for the Parsis of Ceylon a permanent burial ground, at Jawatte Road... in Colombo city in ex­ tent over two acres both for the burial of the dead of the Parsis and for their reli­ gious purposes connected therewith. The said land was conveyed by the (British) Crown in the year 1885,” according to a historical compilation. The Parsees in Ceylon, written about nine years ago by Behram Kaikhushroo Billimoria, a former trustee of the Ceylon Parsi munity manage.s to maintain traditions and customs. The last rites and prayers are offered to (he deceased and “Parsi Anjuman who was a solicitor and cin- The next exodus came when Sinhalese was made the state language in 1956, he recalls. Knowledge of the language was compulsory for public exams and entry als. ” Daruwalla ’s wife Daisy works, and their two school going children Naushad and Anita arc happy here. But he com- ema owner. The Sinhalese caretaker ’s residence at the burial ground was donated in memory of Dinshahjee and Framji Bhikhajee Khan by their sons on Octo- 22 Parsiana January 1999? SS-SR 24 Parsiana January 1999 %**" ¦ 7 Chairs in bungli 8 Prayer hall at Jawatte Burial Grounds 9 Wall and garden of cemetery 10 Graves in old dokhma structure 11 Well on Grounds 12 Outer wall of dokhma converted into a cemetery3 1 Kairshasp and Freny Choksy 2 Pesi and Aban Pestonjee 3 Azad and Zarin Ghandy 4 Navroz Baug hall 5 Navroz Baug 6 Aspi and Daisy Daruwallaher 2, 1905. The reputed family firm Framjee Bhikhajee and Company do ­ nated the carriage for carrying corpses, a fzehaii (bier) and the building in which they are stored at Jawatte, according to Billimoria. They also donated a ward at the Colombo Public Hospi ­ tal, note.s Choksy. Both the main buildings at Jawatte were donated by Jamshedjee Rustomjee and his wife Veerbaijee, accord ­ ing to Billiinoria ’s history. The Ceylon Parsi Social Centre or Club House known as Parasmani Hall was do ­ nated by Framroze Rustom- jee (who had written several books on Zoroastrianism) in memory of his seven-year- old son Jamshed who died after being “struck by the buffer of a lorry” whi leal i ght- ing from his car. The land “a large square block... in ex­ tent one rood and nine perches at No 1 1 Palm Grove Avenue, Colpetty, in Co­ lombo” has a pavilion built by Ruttonshah Rustomjee, a successful businessman. Like the Choksys, the benefactors Meherhai Pestonjee family are also and Pallanji Kapadia long-time residents of Sri Lanka, Pesi ’s grandfather Ruttonjee having landed here “towards the close ofthe 19th century,” notes Billimoria. The family fortunes generated as gen­ eral merchant.s and commission agents received another fi 1 lip when Pesi ’s wife Aban decided to start her own small business. Realizing that there wa.s a dearth of electronic household gadgets in Sri Lanka due to import restrictions, Aban would attend auctions of second ­ hand household items, sometimes get­ ting up at five in the morning to reach Ceylon golfing. He take.s interest in all early. She would then recondition the electrical appliances and sell them. The gadgets helped “to make life easier for the housewife, ” recalls Aban. Navmz Bduf’ When the markets opened up and imports started arriving,foreign compa- nie.s “did not know the market, ” Aban narrates. Capitalizing on her knowledge of the Sinhalese consumer Aban took agencies of reputed companies includ ­ ing L. G., Motorola, Hoover Electronics, etc. She then ventured into real estate development, started a duty-free outlet, “Aban ’s Duty-Free,” and a tourist taxi service with its office at the Galadhari Hotel, one of Colombo’s leading es ­ tablishments. “I used to sort of go for it,” say.s Aban modestly. She attributes her business success to a “determina ­ tion to do better... being honest in your business mean.s people will trust you.” The Pestonjees ’ three children Rusi, Behman and Saroshi are also in the fam ­ ily business. AnolherSri Lankan suc- ces.s story i.s that ofthe Cap ­ tain family, said to be the largest manufacturers of paints in the country. Eduiji Sorabji Captain arrived in Colombo in 1914 a.s the general managerofthe Wellawatte Spin­ ning and Weaving Mills, according to the The Parsecs in Ceylon. He wa.s mar ­ ried to Dhunmai Ekivia and they had fourchildren, Diana, Rusi, Soli and Perin. “Soli, the third child, after his educa ­ tion went into business and with the guidance of his father during his early years, ha.s today become one of Cey Ion’s best known businessmen with interests in various undertakings. He is a keen golfer and has won many trophies in 0 'o matters relating to the community and is a trustee of the Ceylon Parsi Social Cen­ tre. “Perin, the fourth child, is a well- Tortes, Gateaux & Chocolates Navroze Mubarak This Navroze Celebrate In Style With A Double Chocolate Nut Torte With Cracked Toffee. A speciality torte to adorn your table and make your taste buds go wild. a Unforgettable Chocoholic. A smooth, mouth-watering dark chocolate gateau that melts at the first bite and leaves a lingering never to be forgotten flavour in your mouth. This Navroze gift your friends, clients and staff a fabulous box of DESIGNER CHOCOLATES made with a variety of fabulous fillings. ... And at the end of the day Irish Cream Liqueur. A perfect Liqueur at the end of a perfect day. .O .s Choksy’s Guinness Record At the conclusion of the 1988 Presiden ­ tial Election, S. Bandaranaike, the former Prime Minister, who lost, filed apetition in the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka chal ­ lenging the election of the successful candidate, PresidentRanasinghe Prema- dasa, on the ground of general intimida ­ tion of voters and other legal grounds. Kairshasp Choksy successfully de ­ fended Premadasaas his senior counsel. The case i.s entered in the The Guinness Book of World Records as the longest trial in history. The hearing in Court lasted 525 working days at which 910 witnes.se.s testified and the Court’s re­ corded proceedings ran into 26,000 pages. Swiss trained Chef Mehemosh Khajotia 3640665 or3681209 E-mail celebrationsfc@hotmail.com All cakes serve 14 to 18 Orders to be placed well in advance 21 Parsiana January 1999 ig CELEBRATEWITH CELEBRATIONS FINE CONFECTIONSn good social record of the Parsis in Sri Lanka has made the community accept ­ able to the major communities of the country,” she notes. Of the Choksys ’ three sons, two, Khursheed and Vishtasp, live in Colombo. Vishtasp is a lawyer and Khursheed is a research manager with the United States Agency for Inter­ national Development. Their third son Jamsheed is an associate professor of Near Eastern Languages and Cultures at Indiana University and has authored two books on Zoroastrianism titled Pu­ rity and Pollution in Zoroastrianism and Conflict and Cooperation: Zoroas­ trian Subalterns and Muslim Elites in Medieval Iranian Society. The community is “recognized and respected, ” says Kairshasp. “We have opportunities in the professions and busi ­ ness. If the younger generation marries (within), the community will survive. ” As regards the management of commu­ nity assets, Choksy notes, “we are able to generate our own funds. ” Pesi Pestonjee feels that though the numbers are small, “there will still be a community” in the future. “We are bound to be successful if we follow our reli­ gion.” His wife Aban adds that the com­ munity “seems to be okay so far, ” though the future is difficult to predict — “we are trying to hold on to what we have. ” known social worker m Colombo. She Interior and exterior ofthe Parsi has been the secretary of the Ceylon Sports Club and past presidents (now Sri Lanka) Cancer Society for many Framroz Rustomjee (top, in suit) and years and is the live wire behind all the Ruttonshah Rustomjee Bhoory activities of this Society. She is also an active member of the Parsi Sports Club and has the unique distinction of having been president for three years, ” notes Billimoria. Other families include that of Azad K. Ghandy, also a trustee of the Anjuman and the Jillas, Rustomjees, Markers, Lakdawallas and Dadabhoys. They are all respected fami- in Colombo, notes Choksy. The community meets a month at the Sports Choksy ’s wife Freny sees “a good future” for the Parsis in Sri Lanka. “The J* Caretaker’s bungalow at Jawatte and Sinhalese caretakers (inset) 28 Parsiana January 1999ZOROASTRIANS ABROAD “A country apart President of the Zoroastrian Association of Western Australia, Homee Wadia describes life in and around Perth 44 Wadia: ''invigorating to get different views " Photo: Arnavaz Mama Homee Wadia and his wife Khurshid “fell in love” with Perth, Australia so they filed their papers and waited three- and-a-half years to emigrate. Currently the second president of the year-old Zoroastrian Association of Western Aus ­ tral i a (ZAWA), Wad i a desc ri be s t he c i ty of his abode as “a retire­ ment village which ha.s all the conveniences and facilities of major cities. ” On a visit to Bombay, Wadia spoke to Parsiana on December 5, 1998. The agriculturally and minerally rich Western Australia contributes nearly 80 percent to the Australian national in­ come, says Wadia, though it is lagging in industrial ­ ization. “Western Austra ­ lia was never a convict colony. This was a Span ­ ish missionary outpost. That ’s why we consider ourselves a country apart from the rest of Australia, ” he adds. Noting that most of the 170 strong Zarathushti community live in beautiful homes with gardens to match, in Perth one has “no need to exert (oneself)." With “share trading on the computer, banking through the phone, with ‘Bpay ’ to pay your bills, sometime.s we have to wake up and ask, ‘Is this all real?' ” The state provides free education up to 12th standard which Wadia says is very good though a bit insular. At the university level the established system enables the student to borrow funds Irom jected (it is) alway.s invigorating to get the university to pay the subsidized fees. The loan repayment begins when he/she starts earning. The defrayed amount is deducted from his/her tax packet, ex­ plains Wadia. While private medicare i.s available (“flashy, five-star hospitals... for which you pay through your nose ”), government facilities are free and its hospitals “streets ahead of Breach Candy 20 Parsiana January 1999 Arnavaz S. Mama or Jaslok, ” though one i.s often made to wait for non-priority operations, he notes. The Zoroastrian community — one- third Iranian, two-thirds Parsi — is led by Ervad Darius Pavri, who performs all the required ceremonies and was ZAWA’.s first president. The son of play- wright Eruch Pavri, Darius is a high-ranking officer in the income tax department, says Wadia. Originally hailing from Nagpur is senior or­ thopedic surgeon Dr Ratan Edebam who, with his wifeMehcr, has lived in England and Malaysia before settling in Perth. Their son Cyru.s is also a doctor here while their daughter Firoozeh, a bar ­ rister, has settled in Lon­ don, informs Wadia, Ervad Minochehr Shahzadi whose father had a panthak at the Dadiseth Agiary in Bombay ’s FloraFountain area is “very big in the petroleum industry, ” but refuses to undertake ceremonie.s for fear that his Kadmi rituaks would not synthesize with Pavri ’s Shahenshahi concept.s and create rifts, according to Wadia, “The community i.s not too conserva ­ tive but of the view ‘let’s not cause waves, ’" says Wadia who is personally “very fanatical about my religion but very modernistic since I believe (that knowledge about Zoroastrianism who for) any thought process to (be) pro- wanted to give lectures on Zoroastrian ­ ism “but certain people objected so strongly that the committee decided to avoid controversy. ” In the upshot, Wadia says ,Todd took offence and didn ’t come to the Pateti function. It took a year to frame the ZAWA constitution, informs Wadia, adding that the moot objective was to preserve mixed marriage couplc.s in Perth (who their identity. The ZAWA team includes were) unwilling to put their hand up and continuted on /^age 48 d i 11 erent views. ” For the four years of its existence, Wadia ’s Spenta Oriental, an Indian grocery store and curry take ­ away, doubled as a club on Saturday afternoon.s where Zoroastrians met and argued, he recalls, “Belore ZAWA (there were) a lot of be counted... All these people from Burma (who have) culturally acquired (Burmese) names under duress... Some Parsis are so rabidly orthodox, they want to kick them (out)... I put my foot down to the community that we have to target these people... I would be very proud if I could get their (children ’s) navjotes done, ” Wadia says. Brett Walker, a white Australian teen­ ager “who felt spiritually lost ” until he landed upon Zoroastrianism in the course of hi.s library research, has become a member of ZAWA. “He calls himself a Zarathushti but (is) disillusioned that his navjote won’t be done and that an un­ dercurrent (of the community) won’t religiously accept him,” says Wadia. “(There’s) a huge crowd of Iranian Bahais and Muslims wanting to come back into the fold, have a fervent desire to become Zoroastrians... Even prac ­ tising Muslims wear the asho-farohar inside. (They) find Zoroastrian scrip ­ tures from the Internet. Pavri however refuses to accept them.” Some community activities and be­ havior is both a source of joy and grief to Wadia. For example, he was all praise for Farah Mehta ’s prize winning thesis on the Persians of Ancient Iran. “Poru.s Havewallamakes me feel proud by what he writes about the community. But (he is) so vehement that it become.s a bar ­ rier.” Dinshaw Toddy walla (locally known as Dean Todd) is a Bahai with a fund ofTRADITION When Sam came to Sanjan The Sanjan Memorial Column Local Committee felicitated Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw and hosted 2,000 Zoroastrains from all over India regaled the 2.{HX)-sliong The rainbow hues of the shamiana re­ flected the brilliance of the Sanjan Stambh on the sparkling morning of November 21, 199S. And light and color were refracted through the genial worths of India ’.s first and only surviving Field Marshal, Sam Manekshaw, the day's chief guest. "Aiipro Sam ” — the nomenclature he most prefers as this darling of the community con filled to his appreciative audience gathering, that had converged to cel­ ebrate the annual thanksgiving of Zoro­ astrian asylum on Indian shores, with anecdotes of his.service ciirecr ;mtl asides about his wife anti family. “1 am fully conscious of the honor and privilege that i.s mine to he invitetl as your guest, ” said the venerable soldier sporting a Russian fur cap over hi.s sparse hair, his eyes a-sparkle at the sight of all the lovely ladies as he smiled and demurely complimented each one who came his way on the beautiful border on hersari! And paid thepriceof popularity by signing autograph.s for well over an hour after the conclusion of the func­ tion. The Russian cap had a history. Re­ calling an official visit to the USSR, as General Officer Commanding the In­ dian Army, to obtain much-needed am ­ munition for the Soviet gun.s that had been sold by Russia to his predecessors. Manekshaw said his Soviet counterpart offered him a wad of roubles. Manekshaw said he declined lite offer, noting that he “came from a capitalist community and had a lol of money of ing to the FfS. Westmoreland had told (his) own." He told them il was ammu ­ nition he wanted. They “fountl they didn ’t have enough ammunition. If we had it wouldn't we give it to our friends? ’” they asked with feigned inno­ cence. Though everyone was scared st i IT of the Marshal who was a member of the Politburo and Manekshaw had been counseled to watch his step. Manekshaw a wad 32 Parsiana January P)P9 Arnavaz S. Mama sail! he confronted the Russian head on. “Was so much talk about outstripping America so much mythology'.^ Or do you not want Io give it to us'.' ’' he spelt out. At that they agrcetl that if the Indian prime minister wrote to Comrade Kosygin (the USSR prime minister), “you'll get enough ammunition. ’' At which Manekshaw presented the letter from Indira Gandhi which he had been carrying, noting with some asperity that he hadn't thought “we'd have to depend on a woniiin!" Pile mission completed, he was in- viletl to a big tiinner with ;i Slav girl pouring vodka into their glasses. They tlrank so many toasts, they were “even­ tually drinking to each other’s eyes! ” The next morning on a ceremonial salute al the tomb of the unknown sol ­ dier. the “bear-like " marshafs could barely keep up with Manekshaw's pace and his interpreter kept requesting him to walk slower. After the ceremony his counterpart offered Manekshaw his cap saying. “You tlitl not accept my roubles. Will you accept thi.s cap from me?” Since then Manekshaw has sportetl that capon a zillion occasions, including that Siinjan felicitation. .lust before the 1.3-tlay 1971 conflict with Pakistan that won independence for Bangladesh (and crowned Manek ­ shaw with iintlyingadmiration) Manek ­ shaw bail been visiletl by General West ­ moreland. the US joint chief of defense anti htitl “got into trouble with politi ­ cians anti babus" for having shown Wesimorelantl everything. On return- President Richartl Nixon anti his secre ­ tary of state Henry Kissinger ihtit East Pakistan was the size of France, that the Pak soldiers are good and that an Indo- Pak war woultl drag for onc-and-a-half Io I wo months. Noting that after the brief war and India's decisive victory Nixon and Kissinger had given him “a bad lime." Westmoreland wrote to Wcslinorcland Manekshaw asking, "Whal is il, Sam, that you didn ’t show me?” Rohinton Davierwalla, president of the Sanjan Memorial Column Local Committee (prominent among whom are Dossabhai Oliaji, Nariman Balsara, Gustasp Jassawalla and Dara Varvade- wala), welcomed Manekshaw present ­ ing him with a replica of the Sanjan Stambh while Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) chairman Jamshed Guzder read out the scroll of honor presented to him in a silver casket to commemorate the old soldier ’s many achievements. Surat Parsi Panchayat president Dr Sam Bhacca referred to Manekshaw ’s visit to Lahore after the 1971 war when an old man had publicly lauded his char ­ ismatic leadership when he had main ­ tained the Pakistani prisoners of war at a higher level of comfort than his own Indian soldiers enjoyed, without any protest from the latter. "Sorry my wife isn ’t here to hear all the kind words you said. She would have treated me with greater respect than she does! ” quipped Manekshaw in response. Then, more solemnly, Manekshaw noted, “We produced Aspy Engineer, the air force chief, Jal Cursetji, the naval chief. No doubt, you, your children, will produce excellent people in India. ” After the Field Marshal had presented the awards for excellence instituted by the Federation of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of India (see “Achievers All,” page 35) Marazban Patrawala, member of the National Minoritie.s Commission welcomed the recognition of young Parsi achievers, noting that the quality of the community had never declined. “Oh my dear Zoroastrians, never for­ sake your religion, the basic principle of righteousness. Follow the principle and you will always go ahead, ” counseled noted solicitorBurjor Antia. Noting how “our forefathers had come with zeros and become heros, ” Antia urged the33 Parsiana January 1999 tion according to BPP trustee and WZO marriage could have produced a Sam Manekshaw. He was also concerned that no facilities had been extended to community to forget jhagdas (disputes) and remain united. “Not will we survive, but how long (World Zoroastrian Organisation) Trust will we survive? ” should be the ques- Funds managing trustee Dinshaw Tam- 1 (From left): Tirandaz, Davierwalla, Manekshaw, Guzder and B. Dastur 2 Pilgrims at the Sanjan Stamhh Stambh photo: Amavaz S. Mama 3 (From left): Bhacca, Antia, Patrawala, Tirandaz, Davierwalla, Manekshaw, Guzder, K. Dastoor and Tamboly 4 Davierwalla; 5 Balsara; 6 K. Dastoor; 7 B. Dastur Other photos by Mukesh PanchaiDorrabji’s JERROZ HOTEL Under Cliff Bungalow, Ring Road, near Parsi Fire Temple Panchgani 412805 Phone: (91) (02168) 40238 MATRIMONIAL Parents of lovely, caring Zoroastrian girl, aged 28, settled abroad invite correspondence from intelligent career minded boy of good family background. Interested partners please send photo and bio data. Only applicants willing to settle abroad need apply to: The Advertiser Parsiana, Matrimonial (Jan/1-99)' GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 'Please make sure the reply envelope bears the reference number cited here. MATRIMONIAL Alliance invited from educated young men, 35 to 40 years for girl, seven years resident in Sydney, Australia. She is well employed in an airline booking office in a senior position. Appli­ cants must be willing to settle in Sydney, the second best city of the world to live in. All correspondence will be positively acknowledged and reasons given. R.S.V.P. with a full photo (returnable) to: The Advertiser Parsiana, Matrimonial (Jan/2-99)* GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 'Please make sure the reply envelope bears the reference number cited here. MATRIMONIAL Alliance invited for a good-looking, fair girl, 27 years, CA, working with a multinational company and well settled abroad. Boys up to 30 years with high academic qualifications may apply to: The Advertiser Parsiana, Matrimonial (Jan/3-99)* GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 'Please make sure the reply envelope bears the reference number cited here. 34 Parsiana January 1999 Udvada despite the Government’s an- nouneeinent proclaiming it a religious pilgrim spot. BPP chief executive Behram Dastur urged the community to hearken to the Gathas “to redefine our moorings... Reinvent the Gathas for ourselves and follow the teachings ’’ of Zarathushtra. His Gujarati eloquence undimmed by advancing years, his scholarship ever a source of inspiration, Surat ’s Dr Ratan Marshall marked an impassioned recall of the community’s consciousness to what the function was all about. “This land gave u.s shelter when we came fearful and scared, ” Marshall revived the scenario of the 10th century Zoroas ­ trian boat people. “What would have happened if Jadi Rana had not given us shelter? Therefore, on behalfofall of us, I remember him with love and grati ­ tude. ” said Marshall. Sarosh Bana, president of the WZO’s youth wing referred to their “Save Udvada ” project and Meher Master Moos, founder of the Mazdayasnie Monasterie, took the opportunity to in­ vite everyone Io her Zoroastrian Col­ lege for a lea party. After a vote of thanks by Nariman Balsara the day ’s compere Rati Wadia gave a call for the singing of ClihaiyyeHanie Zarathashti but wa.s overruled by Dastur Kaikobad who insisted that the meeting conclude with the singing of the national anthem instead. The day ’.s function had begun with a two-minute silence in remembrance of the late politician diplomat Homi Tafe- yarkhan and Parsi Dairy Farm partner Naval Nariman. Even while the speeches were proceeding the crowds had begun to drift towards the lunch table.s laid with patrawal where a substantial veg­ etarian meal, prepared under the super ­ vision of Udvada ’s Manek Todiwalla, was served. Always remember ^ICHHiTATA 9 BATA ig^^HiKHAMBATA v---—' \ I Ketayun & Bomi 22/A, Wellington Tenrace Wellington Street, Bombay400002 Tel No:2069636,2057242 Pager No: 9602-104007 GLOBE THEATRES Pvt Ltd Established April 3, 1915 Pioneers of Show Business in India for the last 82 years We rededicate ourselves to the ideals we have cherished and practised all along — namely to show 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 DOLBY STEREO I Sound SystemAWARDS Achievers All The Federation of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of India acknowledged the success of 12 outstanding Zoroastrians Arnavaz S. Mama 'o The Federation of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjuinans of India acclaimed 12 out­ standing Zoroastrian achievers, gifting them with a shield and a citation and the ultimate feather in their cap, congratula ­ tions from community and India ’.s doyen. Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw. Of the 12 awardees, five received kudos for exceptional achievement in sports, three for professional compe­ tence, two in the military field and one each for community service and educa ­ tion. Moreover, the awards crowned achievements over a wide range of lime, from 1986 to 1997. The first to be honored that bright morning of November 21, 1998 in San- jan was the late Col Yazdi Ilavia of the 7th Battalion ofthe Kumaon Regiment. When he assumed command in 1996 of the Regiment to which he had been commissioned at the inception of his army career, it was committed to the dual tasks of ensuring the sanctity ofthe Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir and simultaneously undertaking counterinsurgency operations. Ilavia “infused his command with controlled aggression and confidence, ” notes the citation. “His reorganization of the counter (insurgency) posture and selec ­ tive engagement of the enemy on the Line of Control manifested itself in ex­ cellent results... Under the gallant and fearless command of Col Ilavia, the Battalion displayed outstanding opera ­ tional efficiency by remaining steadfast and undeterred despite seemingly unsur- ’mountable odds of adverse weather and enemy threats. ” Though the Battalion was awarded the Unit Citation of the Chief of Army Staff for its gallant achievements on Army Day 1998, Ilavia had succumbed to cardiac arrest earlier in the year. The Col Adi Tarapore Me­ morial Award for 1997 was received by his youthful widow Dinaz. The Col Adi Tarapore Memorial they serve as honorary ophthalmolo- Awavd for 1996 was presented to Lt Col Narayanan since 1997. Awarded the Nargis Adi Gandhi Memorial Award for 1997 for “medical and surgical work of the highest cali ­ ber,” Noshir Shroff was extolled for having designed the widely used special co-axial irrigation cannula used for cata ­ ract extraction and intra-ocular lens im­ plant surgery, informs the citation. Optikon of Italy, Mid Labs and Mentor of USA are among the organizations that have implemented his suggestions for development and improvement in the design of phaco-emulsification ma ­ chines, adds the citation. Noshir has younger doctors in the complexity of these techniques in India as well as in professional preoccupations, Noshir has been secretary general of the Second International Congress of Intra-ocular dent of the 10th international meeting on cataract implant microsurgery. The G. K. Panthaki Award for pro­ fessional competence in 1997 was awarded to Cyrus Shroff, one of the foremost vitreo-retinal surgeons of Delhi. With an award winning career behind him, Cyrus has been joint sec ­ Society and joint treasurer of the 50th All India Ophthalmological Conference held in New Delhi in 1992, has partici ­ pated in over 45 national and interna ­ tional symposia and workshops in his field and conducted study tours in UK, USA, Belgium and France. He has also evaluated the performance of several vitrectomy machines at the request of the manufacturers, states the citation. DrFarokh Umrigar ’s internationally recognized expertise in the sphere of urban public transport won him the Firoze Patel ofthe Grenadier Regiment. Aide-de-camp to two Presidents of In­ dia, Patel too won his laurels in the Kashmir Valley. “In a long period of low intensity warfare which the army has had to conduct in the glare of public­ ity, Patel, then holding the rank of ma ­ jor, worked inconspicuously but with determination, courage and profession ­ alism, ” read.s the citation. His unit launched approximately 600 operations against militants, killing 140 of them including foreign mercenaries, appre ­ hending 150 and recovering 300 weap ­ ons, further adds the citation. The Shiavax Nargolwala Memorial played an active role in instructing Award for social and community ser ­ vice in 1996 was awarded to Mchcr Banaji who has headed Bombay ’s Happy other parts of the world. Among other Home and School for the Blind since 1969. The recipient ofthe Government of India ’s National Award for Teachers for 1996, Banaji “has been instrumental Implant Society in 1993 and vice presi- in pioneering and initiating various train ­ ing programs includingMontessori train ­ ing and early intervention programs for preschool visually impaired children, ” notes the citation. In addition Banaji has been involved in visual efficiency train ­ ing for children with residual vision, and pottery and ceramics training for those visually impaired. She simultaneously retary of the Delhi Ophthalmological conducts remedial education classes for maladjusted and educationally sub-nor ­ mal children, organizes short-term train ­ ing courses and in-service programs for parents and volunteers plus counselling and guidance services, scrvicc.s for par ­ ents and students, adds the citation. The professional competence of two members of Dclhi’.s outstanding Shroff family wa.s recognized that November morning. Third generation ophthalmolo ­ gists and brothers, Dr.s Noshir and Cyrus Shroff continue as active directors of Dr Shroff’s Charity Eye Hospital founded Nargis Adi Gandhi Memorial Award for by their grandfather in Delhi even as professional competence in 1988. Over the years Umrigar has participated in g\s.ts, to the PveAdetA of IttdvA K. R. pvoksstonal whh jVApevy 35 Parsiana January 1999*5^ Alongside (L to R) Awardees N. Shroff, Patel, C. Shroff and Palia All photographs by Mukesh Panchai I IraniMemorial Award for sports in 1986. A member of the managing committee of the Mumbai Cricket Association and Dotiwalla ’s umpiring days, ” reads his citation. During that year he officiated at of Bombay ’s Girton High School holds Pakistan versus West Indies test matches held in 1986 in Lahore and Karachi, states the citation. recognized her unstinted, sincere and national match in New Delhi between India and Pakistan in 1983, the first test education. match between England and India in Umpire, paper setter, disciplinarian 1984 and when neutral umpires were na Vidoyadaya Pathakam, a voluntary selected to officiate in World Cup matches in Australia and New Zealand in 1992, as notes the citation. Reporter for 1996 which is yet to be surpassed, notes the citation accompanying the Jiji D. Irani Memorial Award for sports in 1996. In the approximately 30 recog- over the weekend. nized athletic meets in which she has Contending for party popularity was participated Engineer secured first place cricket umpire Piloo Reporter who re- pared in collaboration with other indi ­ viduals accepted for presentation at na- organization for mobilizing rural educa ­ tional and international conferences and tion which has been sponsored by the for publication in professional journals. National Integration Council. The award had officiated in the first one-day inter- During 1988 Umrigar ’s papers on vari ­ ous aspects of urban bus transit in India long-standing contribution to Montessori were presented at the annual transport and planning meet of the University of Bath in the UK followed by similar and administrator over the last 50 years, appointed for the first time during the meets in France and Indonesia, notes Dara Dotiwalla was conferred the Jiji D. the citation. Umrigar ’s award was ac- I............................. .. cepted by his father. The 1993 edition of the Mazda Edu- of the Mumbai Cricket Association and Having received the Government of cation Foundation Award, presented to honorary secretary of its Board of Um- India Sports Talent Search Scholarship outstanding achievers in the spheres of pires, “1986 was the golden year of Awards for three consecutive years from education, research, science and tech- Dotiwalla ’s umpiring days, ” reads his 1993-94 to 1995-96, Feroza Engineer nology was conferred on Khurshid Taraporewalla. Honorary treasurer of the Ranji Trophy and Duleep Trophy the Maharashtra State Pentathlon Record the Montessori Training and Research finals as well as the tied test match be- Trust established by the Holland-based tween India and Australia in Madras. AssociationofMontessoriInternational, Dotiwalla ’s wealth of cricket anecdotes the octogenarian Taraporewalla has made him a hot favorite of the gathering dedicated her life to propagating the movement, notes the citation. Educated directly imder Dr Maria Montessori, cricket umpire Piloo Reporter who re- in 25 and established seven new meet Taraporewalla received the National In- ceived the Dr Dadi Balsara Award for records, adds the citation. The sports tegration Award 1993 from the Gramee- sports in 1992. The only Indian umpire captain of her school in 1997 the sprinter 36 Parsiana January 1999i MATRIMONIAL A 38-year-old Zoroastrian male, B. Com, with a diploma in computers, working for an international bank and having own accommodation in Mumbai seeks alliance from home-loving, good-natured, preferably working women. Reply with bio data and photo (returnable) to: The Advertiser Parsiana, Matrimonial (Jan/4-99)* GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 ’Please make sure the reply envelope bears the reference number cited here. Personal sale of Authentic Parsi gar as, silver and gold and jari borders Contact: 2833078, 2873373 Sardar Dastur Schools’ Trust runs four renowned schools right from pre-nursery to SSC, imparting high level of education through English medium, with separate hostels for boys and girls, and best mess facilities (veg and non-veg). The school has an excellent record in the field of academics including computers, as well as extra-curricular activities like karate, Indian and western music. Students are sent up for Hindi, Marathi and drawing government exams. Special concession to deserving Zoroastrian students may be considered. Parents desiring to enrol their wards in the schools' hostels are requested promptly to write to or contact The President Sardar Dastur Schools’ Trust 2 Lt Col Tarapore Road Poona 411001 for the hostel prospectus. 38 Parsiana January 1999 is a 70 percent scorer in academic sub- ject.s and has completed several exami ­ nations in elocution and chorus speech Irom Trinity College, London. Dr Dadi Balsara Award for sports in 1997 was bagged by Yohann Doongaji in absentia, as he was then participating in the Maharashtra Stale Roller Skating Championship in Bombay. The Nagpur lad had raced to fourth place in all India placements within a year of starting to skate, states the citation. In October 1997 fing is a pleasant pastime for the com- Doongaji stootl first in speed in the puter buff. Nagpur District Roller Skating Champi ­ onships, captured two gold plu.s one silver medal in the Maharashtra State Roller Skating Championship in Bom­ bay. Two months later he competed against 800 participant.s in the 25th National Roller Skating Championship perhaps the most prestigious member of in Poona and bagged a silver medal in the road race. Al termore wins in Nagpur in 1998 Doongaji was declared joint district champion in the boys group aged six to nine. Doongaji ’s award was accepted by his mother. Captain of the Bombay swim team for 1997 Riyad Palia represented Maha ­ rashtra at the National Championships “The pyramid is very steep” “Army life is a one-way ticket, ” says Lt Col Firoze Patel. “If you’re not made for it or your expectations are too high, it’s difficult for you and the organization, ” he amplifies. The officer, whose bravery and zeal in counterinsurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir won him the Federation of Parsi Zoroastrian Anju­ mans of India ’s Col Adi Tarapore Award forexcellenceinthemilitaryfield,spoke wa.s 20 years ago, he adds. Moreover, to Parsiaiia on the pro.s and cons of life in the services. While the services provide varied exposure and experience, a healthy way of life and the opportunity to travel, the accent i,s on conformity: “You are slotted in,” says Patel. Nor i.s it alway.s possible to reach the top slot because “the pyramid is very steep and the promotions slightly slow. ” It’s the ideal way of life however if you are not unduly ambitious, implied the reticent Patel graduated from Poona ’s Fergusson bachelor who is “quite happy ” reading Col lege beforejoining the army in 1980. literature on psychology to help youths His penchant for parajumps, rock develop personalities in relation to the climbing and handling a rifle (he won services. He is currently involved in the gold medal and Chatewode trophy in psychologically assessing candidate.s desirous of joining the army as officers. The product of a services-oriented family with his father, brother and maternal uncle pledged to the defence of the nation, Patel says his “interaction in Poona that year, winning one gold and five silver medals. Earlier that year, in the Maharashtra State Championship Palia had bagged five gold and two silver medals. In the course of the year he also broke 15 records. The citation accompanying the Jiji D. Irani Memo­ rial Award for sports in 1997 also notes that Palia ’s academic scores range in the 70s in class X at St Andrews High School, Bandra and that Internet sur- The time range covered by the Fed ­ eration awards was perhaps the widest so far and is attributed to a time lag in nominations reaching the Federation secretariat. While this award ceremony had the largest audience to date, with the community giving away some ofthe awards, the function lacked the preci­ sion and sparkle that Rustom Anklesaria normally brings to the event. The former IAS officer and ex Bombay Parsi Punchayet chief executive now heads the Federation ’s awards committee and functions as its treasurer, but illness had not spared him for the 1998 event. with Parsis has been limited ” having had several postings in forward and field areas. Hence he is unable to explain the dearth of Parsi officers now as compared to the earlier decades of this century. “Perhaps they don ’t want to leave the cities, ” he hazards. “There may not be enough exposure of the community to the army unless they live in cantonment areas. ” Army life is not as comfortable as civilian life, nor is it as lucrative a.s it there is a “shortfall of officers in the services (and) more so in the army. (We’ re) not getting enough officers from society at large, ” Patel puts the com­ munity shortfall within the larger con­ text. The officers who are coming in are the children of jawans. For them it’s an achievement that their fathers couldn ’t attain, he explains. Scion of a Hyderabad-based family, rifle firing) served Patel well during his hush-hush stint in Kashmir. Prior to that he had held the glamorous job of ADC to two Presidents of India where his economy with words must have been a major asset!MILESTONES The age of Zoroastrian brides (a.s listed in this issue) ranged be­ tween 21 and 42 years, the arith­ metic mean (the total number of individual age.s divided by the total number of brides) being 26 years. The corresponding fig­ ure.s for the grooms were 22 and 46 years, averaging at 29 years. For the month of December there were 73 people who breathed their last a.s compared to 30 newborns. Heart disease took a toll of 23 lives of whom nine were above the age of 80. Fourteen victims succumbed to pneumonia/lung related diseases, eight to diabetes and five each to kidney failure and hypertension. Old age/general debility and can­ cer claimed four Zoroastrians each, whereas three patients fell prey to brain disease and two to septicemia. Cerebral malaria, bronchitis, cerebral dementia, liver disease, thrombocytopenia (a reduction in the number of platelets in the blood), hemiple­ gia, hyperkalaemia (excessive potassium in the blood), Alzhei­ mer’,s disease and malarial fever were the isolated cases regis­ tered for the last month of the year. The age range fluctuated between 19 and 100 years. The Zoroastrian life expectancy at BOMBAY BORN A boy to Kamalrukh and Farhad Colah on November 29, 1998 A boy to Avan and Cyrus Mistry, December 3 A boy to Dhun and Kersi Toddywalla', December 3 A girl to Sonali and Yazd Goi/wria', December 4 A boy to Anjana and Farhad Tarai>orwala', December 4 A girl, Kaizarine, to Julie and Mehernosh Mislrv, sister to Anahita; December 5 A boy to Farah and Firdaus Bakhshay, December 6 A boy, Kai'zan, to Meher and Farhad Engineer, brother to Meherab; December 6 A boy to Fai'zana and Viraf Master, December 7 A boy, Dinshaw, to Yasmin and Karl Divecha, brother to Ariza; December 10 A girl. Pashmin, to Parinaz. and Manecksha Dee (Dotiwala)', December 1 I 40 Parsiana January 1999 birth for the month of Decem­ ber, in Bombay, was 82 years. The data on births, marriages and deaths has been compiled from information supplied by various newsletters and anju­ mans in India and abroad, courts and hospitals. This information is not alway.s complete or con­ sistent: we are unable to carry data from area.s where the anjuman.s do not furnish the par­ ticulars; the birth figure.s for Bombay are supplied by four hospitals — birth.s in suburban hospitals and private musing homes arc not included unles.s individuafs send us information together with a copy of the birth certificate. There may be an in­ advertent repetition of names in the marriage list when a civil marriage precedes a rcligiou.s ceremony. In the breakup of deaths according to illnesses, especially of the elderly, death i.s often due to a combination of several diseases. If reader.s have any births/ marriages/deaths they would like published, some proof to ensure the veracity of the report would be required. We are sure our rcader.s would appreciate this requirement and cooperate with us. A boy to Behroz. and Rustam Miilla', December 1 I A boy to Farida and Ranjan Munshi', December I I A girl to Ava and Neville Poonawalla', December 12 A girl to Riikshana and Feroze Titina', December 1 2 A boy to Farah and Perev Amrolia', December 14 A boy. Rayaan, to Parizad and Mahrenosh Bhagal', December 14 A girl to Veera and Joy Patel, sister to Anaisha; December 1.5 A boy to Yvonne and Ardeshir Billimoria'. December 16 A girl to Mehroze and Firilosh Cardin', December 19 A boy to Simeen and Burgess Colabawalhr, December 20 A girl to Kashmira and Rus tom Tahiti', December 21 A boy. Zeus, to Mahtab and Darayus Chhai>khanawala. brother to Shaleen; December 22 A girl to Zinnia and Hormuz. Aderianwalla', December 23 A boy to Ruby and Rayomand Bhathencr, December 2.3 A boy to Tanya and Arvind Duhash', December 24 A girl to Farida and Rustom Hiramaneck', December 24 A girl to Nancy and Burzin Aga', December 2.5 A boy. Sharukh, to Tanaz and Adil Bhesania, brother to Aarish; December 25 A boy to Zenobia and Farhad Unwalla, brother to Rushad; December 30 A boy. Varzan, to Zenohia and Viraf Jhaveri', December 31 MARRIED Rozy Pervez Kakalia and Kaiyumars Burjor Contractor, November 22 Franak Nariman Pavri and Rohinton Shavak Fitter, November 22 Shahenaz. Natishir Mogrelia and Nekzan Noshier Wadia', November 22 Samanaz. Shahrukh Nariman and Riikshad Noshir Billimoria', November 26 Aashish Eruch Cama and Adil Minoo Dhalhr, November 26 Denaz. Eruch Khumbatta and Zubin Farrokh Chichgar, November 27 Khushnam Nariman Palia and Fiirrokh Soli Irani', November 27 Tenaz Rustom Variava and Hormuzdiar Rustom Irani', November 29 Firoz.a Keki Engineer and Miirzban Fall Shroff, November 29 PercF As])! Pastakia and Vispi Noshir Driver, November 30 DU shad Ardeshir Liniki and Farz.ad Boini Mistrv, November 30 Na}'az. Ratan Cooper and Rustom J)inshaw Batlivala', December I Nazneen Keki Khambatta and Dinsha Jolly Mttnshi', December .3 Anahita Jamshed Sunavala and Firoze Dinshah Patel', December .3 Jasmine Noz.er Irani of Dahanu Rd and Parheez. Shiraz. Gimi', December 4 Pervin Percy Bharucha and Jimmy Maneck Mithaiwalla', December 4 Farahnaz Jimmy Vaida and Adil Dinshaw Doctor, December 5 Shemaaz Ratan Todiwalla and Zubin Ker SI Patel', December 5 Annin Farhang Farzadi and Faredoon Boman Irani', December 6 Nilufer Minoo Engineer and Shazad Eric Gaiidevia', December 1 Khushnaz Behram Laskari and Rohinton Adi Kanga of Thana; December 7 Franuck Baji Patel and Hufrid Jehangirshaw Patel', December 7 Benaifer Minoo Mehta and C'yriis Host Khajotia', December 8 Maki Phiroze Ela'via and Khurshid Kekhushru Mehta of Nagpur; December 8 Sherna Dinyar Wadia and Rustom Khurshed Jainaji of Singapore; December !0 Parizad Minoo Mistry and Zubin Minoo Sanjana', December 10 Bakhtawar Homi Golwalla and Adil Jimmy Toty, December 10 Shenaz Rezashah Chothia of Vapi and Vistasp Sorabji Mewawalla', December 11 Armcdty Viraf Bharucha of Austin, Texas and Viraf Dinshaw Patel', December 11 Scheherazade Farokh Dover and Darayus Parvez Sarkari', December 11 Tanaz Darayas Master and Cyrus Maneck Golimar; December 12 Freny Kersi Mistty and Kaezad Hector Karanjuwala', December 13 Nancy Farokh Todiwala and Percy Cawas Marfatia', December 14 Rukhnaz Homi Bookbinder and Rohinton Rustom Wadia of Poona; December 14 Roshni Soli Magra and Keki Hoshang Bapuna', December 15 Delnaz Nadar Baria and Eddy Darayas Batty, December 15 Denaz Behram Bharucha of Ahmedabad and Sherzad Marazban Irani', December 15 Kashmira Dara Fitter and Kaiwan Savak Batsara', December 16 Dilnavaz Darayus Irani of Vasai and Porus Shapoor Fitter, December 20 Beroz Pesi Bhopti of Navsari and Mehernoz. Jal Astin',December 22 Maharukh Behrani Surty and Rohintan Jal Bhamgarer, December 22 Meher Behram Khajatia and Murazban Firoz Patch. December 24 Goalnaz. Ronny Dick and Cyrus Pesi Debara; December 25 Vahbiz. Burjor Thanawalla and Sam Shiavax Gandhh, December 25 Firaza Khurshed Jamaji and Zubin Dara Irani', December 25 Naazneen Pervez Dalal and Firdosh Khushrav Wadicr, December 26 Diana Paurusasp Khajautia of Alexandria, Virginia and Cyrus Viraf Bharucha of Burke, Virginia; December 27 Navaz. Jehanbux Dastoar and Malcome Dinshaw Mistry, December 27 Armaily Noshir Mistry of Poona and Farrokh Behraniji Shroff', December 28 Meher Jamshed Tatna and Jimmy Kaikhushru Colabavalcr, December 30 DIED Piilla Nadirsha Anklesaria (78), residing at Sushila Bhavan Co-op Hsg Soc, Station Rd, Vasai (W), 401201; November 30 Coami Rustamji Bajan (77), 14, Manekji Petit Block, Marzban Clny, Gilder Lane, Tardeo, 400008; November 30 Erach Sarabji Kapadia (94), Queens Chmbs, 89, M. Karve Rd, 400020; November 30 Perin Cawas Mullan (82), A/42, Meherzin, Wodehouse Rd, Col aba, 400005; November 30 Nergish Jamshedji Dumasia (70), C/o H. Y. Munsif, A/27, Godrej Bang, Napean Sea Rd, 400026; December 1 Coomie Phiroze Merwanji (89), Pallonji Mans, 43, Cuffe Parade, 400005; December 1 Dhunjishaw Burjorji Jijthra (89), Banaji Bldg, Forjett St Cross Lane, Gowalia Tank, 400036; December 2 Adi Rustamji Mistiy (63), C/29, Bhagat Ngr, Grant Rd, 400007; December 2 Phirozeshah Nawrojee Patel (70), 10, Sunita, Firozeshah St, Santacruz (W), 400054; December 3 Aloa Ratan Ghadiali (76), 42 Parsiana January 1999 189, Hirabai Petit Bldg, Grant Rd, 400007; December 4 Mary Nusserwanji Cassinaih (84), Laxmi Nivas, 26-26/D, Napean Sea Rd, 4()()()36; December 5 Rustam Jehangir Karkaria (90), 384/A, Kapadia Mans. Grant Rd, 400007; December 5 Hira Ramvar Tata (79), 50, Hill Rd, Bandra (W), 4()0()5(); December 5 Kelly Hashang Sarkari (64), 26/1 1, Navjivan Soc, Lamington Rd. 400008; December 6 Dinshaw Cawasji Tengra (74). 32/F-2L Dubash Bldg, Old Khareghat Clny, Hughes Rd, 400007; December 6 Perin Kavas Vuzijdar (80), Krishna Niwas, 790, Jamc Jamshed Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar. 400014; December 6 Hamai Minacher Bana (80). Dhun Mhl, Garden Rd, Colaba, 400039; December 7 Dilber Sarah Irani (74), 54, Hirabai Petit Bldg, Grant Rd, 400007; December 7 Soli Shapurji Kalvachwalla (76). C/o Dr B. Y. Khambatta, Shushrut No 1, B. P. T. Hosp Qrts, Wadala (E), 400037; December 7 JHoo SoH Franiroze (80), 205, Marine Drive, 400020; December 8 Najanmai Peslanji Karadia (80), 19/7, Panthaky Bang. Andheri (E), 400069; December 8 Gaalhai Jamshedji Panihakv (79), 8. Raj Mhl, 84, Veer Nariman Rd, 400020; December 8 Kharshed Nashir Dastoor (93), M/43, Cusrow Bang. S. B. Rd. 400039; December 9 Goolbai Savaksha Karunjia (88), 9, The Crescett, Alexius Rd, Bandra, 400050; December 9 Mani Eruchshaw Mandviweda (82), 194, Wilson Bldg, Dr Ambedkar Rd, Dadar, 400014; December 9 Kaikshroo Harmusji Billinioria (76), Bakhtawar, 703, S. B. Rd, Colaba, 400005; December 10 Alao Rustam Ghadiali (79), Ava Mans, 230, Tardeo Rd, 400007; December 10 Minao Ardeshir Irani (65), 19, Mahalaxmiwalla Bldg, Sleater Rd, 400007; December 10 Caoniie Dorahji Oomrigar (78), 406, Dholakia Apts, *O’ Mahakali Caves Rd, Andheri (E), 400093, December 10 Banaa Nanahhoy Banaji (75), 7, Soona Mhl, 143, Marine Drive, 400020; December 11 Jal Darahji Banalwalla (93), 19, Ravindra Mans, Sir Dinshaw Vatcha Rd, Churchgate Red, 400020; December 1 1 Phi raze Manchershaw Bharitcha (74), 4, Petit Bldg, Grant Rd, 400007; December 1 1 Boman Pestonji Bodhanwala (86), Homi Hall, Lawrence Rd, Deviali, 422401; December 1 1 Alaa Meherwan Merchant (71), B-11/101, Florentine, Hiranandani Gardens, Powai, 400076; December 11 Dara Fruchshaw Mukadam (87), B, The Reward, 220, Tardeo Rd, 400007; December 11 Khorshed Ardeshir Rabadi (90), 8 (16), Daruwalla Bldg, 145, Alibhai Premji Maq Grant Rd, 400007; December 11 Dinshaw Maneckshaw Batliwala (89), Batliwalla Villa, Sleater Rd, Grant Rd, 400007; December 12 Frenv Savak Daruwalla (77), Zaverbanu Ter, 670, Rd no 13, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; December 12 Gaolhai Minocher Hansotia (86), 5/A, Balmoral Hall, Mount Mary Rd, Bandra (W), 400050; December 12 Rati Dhunjishaw Bhesania (74), 611, Jame Jamshed Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; December 13 Rustomji Dhinshawji Chiniweda (93), 5/B, Rawal Pindiwalla Bldg, Tribhavan Rd, 400004; December 13 Dalezad Rohinlon Jalgamwalla (19), B57/551, M. I. G. Clny, Bandra (E), 400051; December 13 Dally Ruslamji Merchant {'ll), 7, Razak Haven, Darabsha Lane, Off Napean Sea Rd, 400026; December 13 Zenabia Pirosha Mistri (95), Reay Hse, BEST Marg, 400039; December 13 Sorabji Dinshavji Fitter (88), 25, Asha Kunj, 2nd Parsee Wada, V. P. Rd, 400004; December 14 Soanaa Nashir Grant (77), 1/36, A. H. Wadia Bang, Parel Tank Rd, 400033; December 14 Dara Bhiinjibhoy Patel (75), 2/7, Panthaki CIny, Andheri (E), 400069; December 14 Jal Manchersha Khambata 1^5), 181, Surti Chmbs, 2nd Dhobitalao Lane, 400002; December 16 Mani Bapoo Mama (79), do Keki S. Mama, Hardinge Hse, Gowalia Tank Rd, 400036; December 16 Dorah Dosabhai Bajan {'16'), Avan Mans, 230, Tardeo Rd, 400007; December 18 Dhiin Manecksltaw Uiiwalla (71), 327, Bhagatsingh Rd, Fort, 400038; December 18 Rattansha Merwanji Batiwala (70), Vevai Villa, 686, Khareghat Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; December 19 Hilla Pbiroze Framroze (72), Dhun Villa, 615, Jame Jamshed Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; December 20 Nelly Vispi Spencer (62), 8/2, Tata Clny, Sir Ratan Tata Rd, Tardeo, 400034; December 20 Dhun Sohrabji Mistry (73), B, Banoo Mans, Cumballa Hill, 400036; December 21 Naval Pirojshaw Writer (86), P/32, Cusrow Bang, S. B. Rd, 400039; December 21 Jal Noshirwan Billimoria (88), C, Imperial Mhl, Khodadad Circle, Dadar, 400014; December 22 Khorshed Ardeshir Irani (73), C, Vacha Bldg, Captain Clny, Tardeo, 400034; December 22 Datdat Hormusji Kaka (I'i), B/10, Tardeo Chmbs, Kashinath St, Tardeo, 400034; December 22 Dali Pestonji Suklieshwalla (58), 5, Karai Villa, Sri Ram Kripa Hsg Soc, Bhardawadi, Andheri (W), 400058; December 22 Kety Bomansba Mehta (83),' 64, Tardeo Court, Javji Dadaji Rd, 400007; December 23 Aimai Maneckji Patel (94), New Khan Bldg, Chikalwadi, Tardeo Rd, 400007; December 23 Rustam Framroz Workingboxwalla (80), Bode Bldg, Marzban Clny, Gilder Lane, 400008; December 23 Gaola Jamshedji Bdia (90), 654, Firdoshi Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; December 24 Homai Pirosliaw Karani (100), Fiaona, 176, Juhu Tara Rd, juhu, 400049; December 24 Roshan Jal Patel {11), 207,Pradyu Sadan, Dr Ambedkar Rd, Matunga, 400019; December 24 Homi Faramroz.e Pavri (69), 194, Talati Bldg, 194, Khetwadi Back Rd, Girgaum, 400004; December 24 Meheroo Naval Cooper (69), B/45, Gool Mhl, Sleater Rd, 400007; December 25 Phiroze Viraf Ankleswaria (60), 24/25, Asha Mhl, N. Shmma&aSvb, December 26 Najamai Nariman Chinos (92), A/14, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039; December 26 Freny Jhirmnsji Dadrawalla (85), 3/1 1, Atur Apts, Opp Fariyas Hotel, Minoo Desai Marg. Colaba, 400005; December 26 Farainroze Dhunjishaw Fitter (81), G/5, Nowroz Baug, Lalbaug. 400012; December 26 Hoshi Jehangir Lelinvvala (61), B, The Reward, 220, Tardeo Rd, 400007; December 27 Mani Ardeshir Driver (83), C/15, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039; December 29 Shirinhai Ardeshir Motawara (86), 12, Khareghat Clny, N. S, Patkar Marg, 400007; December 29 Rustam Ratansha Naoroji (84), G/22, Cusrow Baug, S, B. Rd, 400039; December 29 Minocher Burjorji Pastakia (IS). 4, M. P. Agiary St, Grant Rd, 400007; December 29 FIGURES AT A GLANCE Bombay This issue 1998* India This issue 1998* World This issue 1998* BIRTHS Boys Girls 20 11 115 91 1 1 5 5 1 45 32 MARRIAGES Parsi Males married out Females married out DEATHS CONSIGNED Males Females CREMATED Males Females 50 31 46 253 'il 36 513 7 4 7 15 8 14 4 18 1 1 1 2 2 9 116 92 10 5 48 44 ?Running totals for 1998 (January) 998-January 1999 issues) Overseas deaths are listed in the consigned column as Parsiana does not have a breakup of those cremated. *These figures pertain to information provided to or collected by Parsiana. They do not represent the total number of births, marriages and deaths in the Zoroastrian community in India and abroad. DEHRA DUN DIED Noshir Nowroji Kapadia (92). husband of Tehmina; October 8 2/20, Guruprasad Soc, 24, Bund Garden Rd, 41 1001; November 15 Roshan Feroz.e Dajee (52), 585, Sachapir St, Camp, 41 1001 ; November 17 Pestonji Ardeshir Batha (85), 3/IO. Konark Abhishek, New Salisbury Park Rd, 411037; November 24 Kersi Eruch Chinos (46), 7. Serene Esl, Kondhwa Rd, 41 1040; November 29 DELHI MARRIED Tooshna F. Major and Hoini Gandhi, son of Margaret and Keki; December 26 NAVSARI DIED Pii'ozsha Manekji Asundaria, husband of Nargis and father of Villie, Minoo and Firdosh; July 31 POONA DIED Freiiy Rustoinji Byraniji (86), 74, Wanowrie Garden, 411040; November 10 Jainshed Eruch Sanjana (70), SURAT DIED Bainaiisha Maiiekji Mehta (79), Siitar Falia, Bardoli, 394601; October 9 Hillaiiiai Hiraji Parahia (89), Near Shahenshahi Atash Behram, Bibiniwadi, Sayed- pura, 395003; October 15 Minoo Pesloit/i Tiirel (63), Popal St, Nanpura, 395001; October 26 Eruchsha Bhathena (61), Samralh Park, Adajan Rd, 395003; November 11 Fall Jahangirji Baltiwala (64), Nasarvanji File, Bhusawal, 425201; November 14 Shavak.sha Barjorji Jijina (1A), Nariman Home and Infirmary, Shahpore, 395003; November 23 Jehanhia Kavasji Dalal (49), Malesar Si, Ruslompura, 395002; November 27 Eriichasha Nasarvanji HUhtwala (90), Dahla Moholo, Rustompura, 395002; November 27 Dola! Dhanjisha Hatariya (90), Sumvali, Taluka Choyarsi; December 5 Ratamai .Jamshedji Doctor (S3), Nariman Home and Infirmary, Shahpore, 395003; December 10 Dhaninai Dhanjishaw Chacha (S5), Nariman Home and Infirmary, Shahpore, 395003; December 16 Na rill! an Khui si i edji Madaiiwala (.10), Allahi Baug, Rustompura, 395002; December 30 VADODARA BORN A giO, Natasha, to Dinaz and Yezdi Umrigar; August 2 MARRIED Huto.xi Tehmus Anklesaria and Farokh Madoir, October 5 Hutokshi Bavaadain and Homyar Wadia', November 5 Alice Siganporia and Cyrus Palsetia', November 15 Hufrish Diiiyar Tadiwalla and Nai'iiiian Mirza', December 1 1 Nancy Bahadur Patel and - 44 Parsiana January 1999 Vispi Nariman Patver, December 27 Arinaity Hiraji Wadia and Cyrus Dali Patel', December 31 DIED Aspi Cawasji Gai (56); July 11 Shirinbai Eruch Jal (85); July 15 Pilloo Gustadji Kaviua (55)', July 30 Phiroze Kekhashru Talati (51.)', September 30 CANADA British Columbia MARRIED Jean MacRae and Farahad Dastoor, son of Dolly and Phiroze at Robert’s Creek; February 7 Armaity Nainiranian and Parviz Javanmardi', June 27 DIED Banoo Poulad-Noshirvan {Rokhwa) (82), mother of Parvin Zartoshty, Rostam and Poulad at North Vancouver; August 18 Ontario MARRIED Soona Kothawala, daughter of Aban and Noshir, and Christopher Cardin', May 17Quebec BORN A boy, Zachary, to Leena and Aurelio Useche at Quebec; July 18 IRAN Tehran DIED Simidokt Siabakshi Torky (62), mother of Mehry Farzaneh; March 31 IRELAND Dublin BORN A boy to Amiradha and /'a/i Laiiydaiia, brother to Rehyan; December I PAKISTAN Karachi MARRIED Ereiiy Wadiwalla, daughter of Zarin and Nariman, and Meheroz. Rethadi of Indiana, USA, son of Roda and Hoshang; June 17 DIED Frenv Dhunjishaw Patel (65); September 27 Shirin Nausharwan Bastani nCA; September 29 A.vpy Hormazd Irani (Vilhal) UJ); October 2 Ratan Dinshaw Aya 115); October J Ahw Byramjee Collector (11); October 12 Jamshed Dosahhoy Umiriyar October 13 Minocher K. Katrak {bbY November 9 THAILAND Bangkok DIED Maaek /yhitiijishct Daver <05), husband ol' Dilnavaz. and lalhcr of Roxana Peter Masscon and Tannaz; December 6 USA California MARRIED Pearl Shrojf. daughter of Vera and Pesi of Ottawa. Canada and Sharnkh Alamshaw. son of Dhun and Burjor of Costa Mesa, California at Lo.s Angeles; July 4 DIED Zonnnorrod Kasravi at Huntington Beach; August 15 Khodayar Ashoojahanian (JJ), lather of Homa Bouzarhomehr Bidabadi and Daruish at San Jose; September 8 Colorado DIED Jehanf>ir Pocha (63), son of Gerty and late Dhun and brother of Mike at Denver; August 4 Kentucky BORN A boy, Kaizad, to Neena and Cytiis Joshi; July 29 Massachusetts MARRIED Rasima Kliariwalla, daughter of Armaily and Rumy, and Paul Siaid at Boston; Auiiust I DIED Maneck JJasinr. father of Zarine Dumasia at Boston; July 12 New Jersey MARRIED Kamal Kapadia and Adil Heera- inaiieck of Long Beach, New York at Paramus; October 17 Pennsylvania BORN A boy, Jamshed, to Shireen and Hormuzshaw Wania at Lebanon; May 22 Texas BORN A girl, Olivia Zarine, to Tami and Jamshed Rivetna; November 19 Washington BORN A boy, Daraius, to Sia and Alex Boston; November 19 Wisconsin DIED Goshtasp Espantma (83), husband of Nakhostin and father of Abtin and Azin at Madison; September 27 Compiled by Roxana A. Driver 46 Parsiana January 1999IN MEMORIAM Aga ’s architectural acumen Parinaz M. Gandhi Died; Jamshed Burjor Aga, 82, presi ­ dent of the Iranian Zoroastrian Anjuman (IZA) and former president of The In­ dian Institute of Architects on August 8, 1998 in Bombay following cardiac ar ­ rest. One of the seniormost Fellows of The Indian Institute of Architects (IIA), Aga was considered “a source of inspi ­ ration ” by the members ofthe fraternity, acknowledged a condolence letter from the Institute. As was recalled in another condolence letter: “The Nagpur Centre of the IIA was inaugu ­ rated on August 26, 1973 at the hands of Jamshed B. Aga, then president, IIA. The I’ is celebrating its silver jubilee this year and we had hoped to invite Ar­ chitect Aga to Nagpur on thi.s occasion. ” A fourth generation architect who took pride Aga: a pillar of strength in being proprietor of the Photo: Ratan R. Mody family ’s 130-year-old firm Shapoorjee N. Chandabhoy and Company, the oldest firm of architects in Maharashtra, for the last over 10 years Aga had opted to dissociate hi.s company from construction activities. Disillusioned with the prevailing cul­ ture of bribes, delays and deterioration of labor and material, his rationale a.s explained to Parsiana in 1994 (see “Yet another landmark," Parsiaiia. Febru­ ary-March) was he would “neither be able to cure the system nor endure. ” He was an architect who liked to build enduring structures keeping in mind the climatic conditions and finan ­ cial resources ofthe client. Insisting on personal supervision, he would even climb the 30 storeys ofthe Union Bank point in the presence of the then urban building at Nariman Point when it was under construction. Among the other monuments built by their firm in Bombay were the Cama Athornan Institute at Andheri, the Petit Sanatorium at Cum- balla Hill, the mosque and St Mary ’s Church at Bandra. The agiaries in Bom­ bay built by their firm were Sethna, pointed by the Planning Commission of Nagpur Centre 47 Parsiana January 1999 *” 'J I- Li the Government of India, of the advi ­ sory committee of the Bombay Munici ­ pal Corporation regarding the develop ­ ment plan of Greater Bombay, of the Bombay Building Repairs and Recon­ struction Board. Early 1997 Aga had been featured on the cover of the Journal of the Indian Institute of Architects for being “a pillar of strength and respect for the archi ­ tect...” While the write-up attributed his success to “wit, wisdom and worth." Aga who had studied architecture at the J. J. School of Art, before qualifying as a registered, incorporated and finally chartered architect, laughed it off, pre­ ferring to give credit to “work, wine and women.” “Nothing pleased him more than to ive and make others happy, ” mentions his son Naozer, adding, “This was the project...that he completely dedicated himself to for many years before his passing away. ” Echoing these sentiments Batliwala, Mithaiwala, Motlibai Wadia, Fasli...Among other community institu ­ tions they had erected were the Sardar Dastur Boys ’ and Girls ’ Schoofs at Poona, the orphanage and clocktower in memory of Peshotan Marker in Yazd, Iran. Notable were their palaces too, at Gwalior, Rajpipla... After opting to halt their construction activities Aga chose to officiate as an arbitrator, being a member ofthe Indian Council of Arbitrators, and advisor on important architectural matters brought before him. Earlier he had also functioned as a fire loss assessor a.s also estate duty and wealth tax valuer. Commending his seniority and experience, the con­ dolence letter from Sharad Ranadive, partner of Greg­ son Batley and King, ac ­ knowledged that he had learnt a lot from Aga. One of the avant garde Lion Dr Jehangir Major noted, “The projects that he wanted to undertake was an under- the-sea restaurant near Nariman Point at Bombay. Want of promoters or sponsors made him abandon his dream plan, re­ marking, “Aavtaa hhaave aavsu tare karsu (we’ll take it up in our next life).” Most of the condolence letters re­ ceived by the family refer to Aga ’s wit, his jovial and friendly nature making him popular among hi.s varied friends ’ circle of architects. Freemasons and Li­ ons. Yet, when the need arose, “he ex­ pressed his views without reservation, ” noted a write-up in The Times of India of usual splendid manner. ” August 18. Critical of developments at Nariman Point and a proposed multi­ storey car park at Horniman Circle, one of hi.s colleague.s recalls Aga making his . sf,;, , 2- ‘C? g goodness of his nature, the sweetness of his smile and his zest to do things for others were some of the excellent quali ­ ties he possessed. ” The Parsee Engi­ neers ’ and Architects ’ Union, where Aga was president, commended his “various accomplishments...and particularly his acts of benevolence...” “He had dedi ­ cated his meaningful life to the good of humanity with lofty thoughts and ac ­ tions, ” acknowledged Dr Feroze and Aban Duggan of London, adding, “We will never forget the courage and fore­ sight with which he guided us in his Among the many community chari ­ table institutions where Aga served as trustee were .the Framjee Cawasjee In­ stitute, Maneckji Cooper Education Trust, Navajbai Mulla Education Trust, development minister RafiqZakaria who Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy Charity Fund, eventually dropped the proposal. Be- side.s serving as chairman of the expert committee appointed by the Govern­ ment of India under the Architects Reg­ istration Bill, he was a member of the panel of economy in construction ap- The Zoroastrian Building Fund... “A great source of help and inspiration to the Anjuman, ” he was associated with the IZA since the 1930s when his father Burjor was the president. During Jamshed Aga ’s 13-year stint as IZA president until his demise, he oversaw“A COUNTRY APART” marine valuer and surveyor Behram Cooperas vice president, taxi fleet owner Firoz Pestonji as secretary, and accoun ­ tant and computer expert Mehrnosh Buhariwalla as treasurer. They conduct picnics, outings and BBQs “just to keep together.” The Z/UTA Chronicle, a bi­ monthly newsletter ha.s been launched food). The fare had to be only Parsi and is self-financing through advertise ­ ments. Within ZAWA’s short lifespan it ha.s chalked up a balance of Aust $5,000 from membership fee.s and functions and they collected another $350 to help Zoroastrians affected in an accident in Tehran that they learnt about on Inter­ net. Wadia ’s aim during his year-long tenure i.s to have a place of their own, as almost every other community has one. thanks to an Iranian Zoroastrian lady they learn that the president of ZAWA is working in the department of land ac ­ quisition, he says. A section of the community wants some land to be demarcated for Zoroas ­ trians only at the local cemetery grounds. Wadia ha.s told his committee members to pursue the objective if they’re inclined. Wadia himself favors the elec­ tric crematorium where there is “no apniiiaii (insult) to the atash ” with the ashes being scattered in the “beautiful King’s Park where certain avenues are Singapore, New Zealand, Australia and nominated tor ashes, grow a tree, put a a bus driver! The air-conditioned and fully computerized taxis and buses pro­ vide a secure and decent living, he af ­ firms, adding happily that there is “not a single Zoroastrian family on the dole queue” and no Zoroastrian works as a domestic. The year-old ZAWA is too nascent to participate in the proposed Federation of Australian and Far East Associations which aims to incorporate Burma, rc- so the Anjuman ’s assets valued at Rs 50 lakhs in securities with the 1,500 acres continued from page 20 of land in Palghar serving as the finan ­ cial backbone to conduct the Anjuman ’ s many activities. Besides offering finan ­ cial assistance to the needy, the IZA i.s also involved in promoting educational, vocational and religious cause.s (see “The assisting anjuman, ” Parsiana, March 1986). “Despite his professional and social vocations (Aga) devoted his valu- and is self-financing through advertise- dishes. Wadia extolled public servant able time for the affairs of the trusts and ments. Within ZAWA’s short lifespan it turned taxi dri ver Persis Marfatia ’s ^a/ejz in matters relating to the properties of ha.s chalked up a balance of Aust $5,000 and Villee Khambatta ’s sas-ni-machi. the trusts, noted a condolence resolu- from membership fee.s and functions and The community includes public ser- tion passed by the Sir Jamsetjee Jejee- they collected another $350 to help vants and professionals like one doctor bhoy Charity Fund. Zoroastrians affected in an accident in and several accountants. Five of them In honor ofthe “encyclopaedia of Tehran that they learnt about on Inter- are taxi owners. Others are professional Lionism...whobreathedLionism, ajoint net. taxi and bus drivers. With gestures and condolence meeting was convened by Wadia ’s aim during his year-long expressions reminiscent of his humorist the governors of three districts at Bom- tenure i.s to have a place of their own, as father Jimmy, Wadia charades the usual bay sCaina Hall on August 18, 1998. It almost every other community has one. reception (raised eyebrows, dropped was recalled that his letterhead bore the They have identified a beautiful plot jaws) he gets from the community when message; “Live every day the Lions ' ¦ ' ' ' ¦ ¦ ¦ —.-.. . way; ‘Service pure, unselfish service, all through life’s allotted span, nurtures, strenghtens, widens and lengthens man ’ s affinity with man. ’” In September 1998 Aga wa.s to ceive the 60-year jewel for as many years of association with Freemasonry. But that was not to be for Aga breathed his last in August. Hence on October 29, 1998, it was a funeral lodge service held jointly by three lodge.s where he was a member to bid farewell to “a perfect ritualist and our guiding inspiration. He brought our Lodge from the abyss plaque there. Wadia considers it an of darkness to light,” noted the condo ­ lence letter from The Lodge Star of India. His association with different causes seemed endless; he was founder chair ­ man of The Maharashtra State Anti Tu- berculosi,s Association, former chair ­ man ofthe Bombay Mother.s and Chil­ dren Welfare Society... Yet, according to his son.s Naozer and Vistasp, “He fully met the test of fatherhood...He was alway.s there for us, fully dependable with tremendous intel­ ligence, foresight and wisdom. ” The sys ­ tematic and perfectionist architect who was cremated is known to have taken care to “taperecord his own obituary" which was played at the condolence meeting organized at the J. J. College of Architecture. In his own words, reported earlier in Parsiana, “I want to be remem­ bered on this earth as an architect who lived respected and died regretted. ” The dedicated architect i.s survived by his sons Naozer and Vistasp. ing, he admits. “Everyone has forgotten Navroze and Pateti for 20 to 25 years. The children of first generation immi ­ grants stayed away because they knew nothing else. ” Until ZAWA was born, about 50 like-minded individuals used to meet every year at someone ’s place with con­ tributions of lagan nu bhonu (festive Hong Kong Zoroastrians, says Wadia. Dr Sam Kerr of Sydney had come to Perth to invite ZAWA to join but “we have written to him that at this stage we can ’t afford the contribution because we have other things on our agenda like a place of our own. From write-ups and visits we feel that the logistics might lead to misunderstandings. .. the distances are too great. ” Nor is ZAWA a member of the World Zoroastrian Organisation, Wadia clarifies. While wife Khurshid works for the environmental ly friendlier form of dis ­ posal and has nominated that form for himself. Hitherto there have been two deaths, both cremated, with the commu­ nity rallying around and Pavri conduct ­ ing the prayers, informs Wadia. With the younger generation num­ bering around 35 and ranging in age from three months to SOyears, ZAWA is seeking to embark on religious educa ­ tion. “(We) don ’t know how to strike a balance. Either it’s too ritualistic and Australian Anny’s ordnance department, rabid which puzzles children or very very general, ” Wadia describes the birth pangs. Humbandagi that he witnessed at (16) will be going into his Tertiary En- Bombay ’s Banaji Atash Bchram is an ideal that his heart i.s set on, “once we have a place ol' our own.” His intention is to take a young mobed there “to live family ’stimberbusinessinBombayuntil he emigrated. “Our duty is to assimilate and give loyalty, ” says Wadia of their new life in Australia. “People tend to compare note.s with what they’ve left behind, but they do not want to go back... ” their elder son, Jamsheed (19), is study ­ ing environmental management. Firoze trance Exam that will qualify him for the university. With basic education in com­ merce, Wadia had been minding the lite like the rest of us ” and discharge his religious duties in his spare time, wel­ come visi ting children and, through con­ versation, “change their frame of mind. ” The two or three prayer meetings they have held so I ar have been disappoint- 48 Parsiana January 1999