Jul 1999

u *¦ I L. 1 ‘ I 1 I M PaW u II V M ICT -innn Dr. cc ^5 JULY-AUGUST 1999 Rs 55 n, ¦4^a-_ s r;» tPl wEDITOR 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 J. 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 Bhagwat ACCOUNTANT Anagha Korde ASSISTANT ACCOUNTANT Sampada S. Patwardhan ACCOUNTS ASSISTANTS Indu Pillai, Sreevidya P. Unni OFFICE ASSISTANTS Umesh Poojary, Selvan Mark, Sunil Sakhare, Govind Salgaonkar, Mahipat Jadhav 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. 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Cheques and drafts are ’ td be drawn in favor of Parsiana. 2 Readers’ Forum 28 Events and Personalities 48 Zoroastrians Abroad July-August 1999 Volume 22 Number 1 57 The Federation salutes Sam by Arnavaz Mama 73 Sri Lanka Parsis: Treasured on the Island -1 86 Daring Dosebai Jessawalla by Dr Mridula Ramanna 102b Hallowed be thy name by Jamshed Udvadia 104 Lonavla’s legacy by Hilla Guzder 136 To the marrow borne by Marzban Ardeshir 141 Rushad Eggleston: Crossing musical barriers by Dina Mehta 142 Navsari’s “extended family” by Noshir Dadrawala 148 153 Mota Dadysett: Enshrined ever after by Marzban Giara Business 158 Jeroo Khambatta: To advance in dance by Parinaz Gandhi 166 Pearl Bhumgara: The tricks of the trade 173 Sports 178 Books 192b Recipes by Bhicoo Manekshaw 194 Milestones 208 In Memoriam: Aspi Irani and Rohinton Chinoy Cover: Bombay University Convocation Hall Photograph: Gustasp IraniREADERS’ FORUM ¦ Readers’ views are welcome on any subject of interest to the community and should be sent to the Editor, Readers’ Forum, Parsiana, G.P.O. Box 892, Bombay 400001. Letters are subject to editing for reasons of space and clarity. Unsigned letters or those without an address will not be published. G.P.O. medical practitioner has to sit by the side of the patient to feel the pulse or hear the heartbeats with a stethoscope? I am of the opinion that this ritual signifies a farewell from this earth from man ’s best friend. Let me also take this opportunity to comment upon an erroneous belief trie gadgets like tube lights, exhaust fans, ceiling fans and pedestal fans should not be used in fire-temples. Ms Pervin J. Mistry of Toronto, Canada recently wrote a long article in the Jam-e-Janished Weekly of April 18, eyes, after death? It is better that a blind person sees light again than a vulture or a crow or a kite relishes our eyes. To my knowledge, there is nothing in our scriptures against organ donations. It is such archaic and unscientific beliefs which disillusion our youngsters who are revolted by such suggestions, more so from the clergy. Maybe K.N.Dastoor amongst some Parsis that modern elec ­ draws a liberal inspiration from the Vendidad which states that any part/ organ of the body once detached (from the body) is labelled naso which gives rise to the free exercise of the demon druj-i-nasu. That progress is the watch ­ word of Zoroastrianism is abundantly 1999 contending that the electro-mag- evident in Yasnas 30.9 and 34.15. K. N. Dastoor ’.s proposal puts the clock back by 1,000, if not 5,000, years. The days of spare-parts surgery have already arrived and maybe almost every part of the body could go to a bank for its clinical storage. We are known for meaningful char ­ ity. We exemplify charity. Let ’s not put lead to serious lung problems, Ms Mistry the vultures above spare-parts surgery. BEHRAM T. DASTUR netic field of the electric gadgets clashes with and destroys the electro-magnetic field of the wood fire (she calls it the “aipee of the atash padshah ”) and this results in our ill health. If she knew that sitting in a dark, dingy, smoky and stuffy atmosphere in the fire-temples without the help of exhaust and other fans could would not have written such an article. Dr P. D. SUNAVALA innocent or unintentional but are, never ­ theless, enough to cause insult/humilia- tion/embarrassment to all concerned. “The three Parsi myths ’” We Parsis seem to excel in the art of Brig N. B. Grant of Poona has invited antagonizing others, by perpetrating the readers of “The Three Parsi Myths, ” certain uncalled-for, uncivilized and (Readers ’ Forum, Parsiana, April 1999) senseless acts/customs which may seem to provide scientific explanations for three rituals amongst the Parsis of Bom ­ bay, viz drinking bull ’s urine (taro), diagnosis of death by the Doongerwadi One such act is forbidding non-Parsi dog and not permitting a non-Parsi to see a Parsi corpse after the last funeral rites. I will restrict my comments only to the first two practices mentioned above. friends to go near, cast their shadow and perform sezdo to their dear departed Parsi friends. I have attended funerals of almost all communities, at different places in In ­ dia; no one has ever prevented me from going near the dead reciting our brief prayers, if I wanted to. With the passage of time and after I must mention that I have noted that some priests ask the parties undergoing the ceremony to only touch the vessel to their lips. Thank God, there are at least realizing our folly, the bahargamwalla some sensible priests in our community. Parsis, residing outside Bombay, Ban ­ galore and a few places in Gujarat, are permitting their non-Parsi friends and fellow-office-goers to attend funerals of “In the eye of... ” In the article “In the eye of a storm ” by K. N. Dastoor (Parsiana, February- March 1999) I was appalled at the theo ­ logical case made out against the dona ­ tion of eyes as something a lay reader As far as drinking the torr? is concerned, like me inferred to be a hindrance to the transmigration of the soul. In fact, from the time the ancient Zoroastrians practised our religion in ancient Iran, to the current times, we have attached no importance to the body Only the gullible would drink the dark, which is returned to the elements. We do foul-smelling liquid. The earlier this though attach all the importance to the practice is dispensed with the better, requisite prayers being performed for And why wash the hands with only their Parsi friends, to go near the dead the first four days, the 10th, 30th and Dettol or Listerine when many bacteri- and perform sezdo. This gesture of the 365th day. That is why we do not con ­ struct mausoleums over the corpses. Viewing of the corpse by a dog is an sightedness, liberalism, down-to-earth Now, there are millions who go blind entirely different matter. I don ’t think it approach and common sense. each year and many are in need of cor- has anything to do with the diagnostic The Bombay Parsi Punchayet and neal implants. How can K. N. Dastoor capabilities of a dog. In any case how the community, in the past, acted mag- preach a regressive, almost an anti-Zo- roastrian, message not to donate one ’s Dettol or Listerine when many bacteri ­ cidal soaps arc available in the market? bahargamwallas has proved their far- Viewing of the corpse by a dog is an has anything to do with the diagnostic capabilities of a dog. In any case how can a dog detect life or death from a nanimously and are allowing the dead distance of at least 10 feet when even a bodies of Parsi girls married outside the 2 Parsiana July-August 1999 1community to be consigned to the dokhmas! It is hoped that, once again, the same magnanimity will be shown and our non-Parsi friends will be al ­ lowed to attend the Parsi funerals and perform sezdo, provided the relatives of the deceased are agreeable. This will remove the irritation which exists now and foster better relationship and broth ­ erhood amongst all communities. DALI.I. GUNDEVIA city, surrounded by posh high-rise apart ­ ments. Four other dokhmas are outside the Malabar Hill area and have been closed down for a long time. The dokhmas situated on the Malabar Hill are functional due to the fact that on an More “Parsi myths ” Apropo.s letters from Mr D. Gundevia of Bombay “Outlived the dokhmas? ” and Brig N. B. Grant of Poona “The three Parsi myths ” in your issue of April 1999, I am spurred to add my views on some more myths connected with our cus ­ toms and rituals. I regret my inability to enlighten Brig Grant as there arc no scientific or even plausible explanations for the myths stated by him. The nirang is prepared from the urine of a white bull after subjecting the urine to some lengthy and expensive religiou.s dokhmas in Bombay, almost all the other ceremony. I understand that while pre ­ paring nirang, urine from other ordinary bulls is mixed with the urine of the varasio to make up an adequate quan ­ tity. The dark port wine color imparted Malabar Hill situated in the center of the to the nirang is due to conversion of a pigment urobilinogen present in the urine to urobilin. The nauseating ritual of drinking a small quantity of nirang as a part of the ablution process prior to the navjote and weddingccrcmonie.s amount to consumption of an excretory product average three to four bodies of Zoroas- of another animal. It appears as repul ­ sive a.s the practice amongst the Masais and other African tribes requiring for initiation into adulthood compulsory drinking of a decoction made up of a mixture of cattle blood and semen. The poor varasio leads alonely li fe tied up in an enclosure without exercise, sex or company of other animals, although he is well fed in the true Parsi tradition with malido and daran. When a varasio dies, I am informed that his body is taken to Doongerwadi and buried next to a dokhma, after due recitation ofgeh sama prayers. A Parsi Zoroastrian who opts dead person? The present grave of Cyrus for burial i.s denied geh sarna ceremony by the very same priests. With the possible exception of the trians are consigned daily and hence the carrion birds, vultures, find a regular and adequate quantity of food and due to heavy vegetation around the dokhmas are able to nest and breed in the vicinity away from noise and pollution. Such situations are not available in the vicin ­ ity of dokhmas situated in smaller towns, wherein the consigned dead bodies are left to rot and decompose. Periodically, the bones, non-biodegradable tissues, etc are collected and buried in a pit in a ritual called astodan. Why can ’t we from the beginning give a decent burial to a dokhmas in small towns in India (and earlier even abroad) arc an anachro ­ nism. In Bombay, five dokhmas are situated in an area of 42 acres on top ol the Great is only an astodan, 2,000 years old, containing only the bones. There are two myths connected with dokhmenashini. First, that the dead body is completely consumed within a few hours by the carrion birds. One has only to see “Wild Africa ” on the TV channels of Discovery and National Geographic to realize how long it takes to consume With Best Compliments From Jimmy S. Ardesher Enterprises They say that... behind every successful man there is a woman; behind every boss there is his efficient secretary We say that... behind every beautiful woman and handsome man there is a beauty parlour (9 out of 10 of them are ours) In Calcutta NU ENNIS 6A, Corporation Place, Phone 244-2272 AUGUST MOON Strictly a ladie.s beauty parlour, 27A/B Royd Street, Phone 29-8873 In Madras we have 7 branches ENNIS I & ENNIS ANNEXURE Fountain Plaza, Egmore, Phone 826-2956 ENNIS II & PRETTY WOMAN Bhaoya Complex, Puraswalkam, Phone 642-7117 ENNIS III Paran Manere, Phone 827-0618 JIMMY’S ENNIS Fountain Plaza, Phone 827-8760 ENNIS VI GENTLEMAN JIM Bhaiya Complex, Puraswalkam, Phone 532-5906 Watch out! Opening shortly OH GORGEOUS for ladies and LUCKY SEVEN for gents. Fully airconditioned 4 Parsiana July-August 1999A defunct dokhma in Gujarat ultimate state of the dead body in the dokhmas. The Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) incurs a yearly expenditure/loss of Rs 22 lakhs to maintain the dokhmas. Even the system of burials is not a practical proposition as the upkeep of an addi ­ tional about 1,000 graves per year and the cemetery will be very expensive. The only logical solution is to accept the system of cremation in an electric crematorium which has no fire to defile as the dead bodies are rapidly burnt to ashes by the intense heat generated by the high wattage of electricity. A booklet Tower of Silence pub ­ lished by the BPP in 1994 has a number of letters, mostly more than a century old from British and other foreign visi ­ tors extolling the system of dokhme- nashini. All these invitees were shown relevant to know in this context that only the verdant surroundings of the bones of dinosaurs which became ex ­ hours by the carrion birds. One has only tinct 65 million years ago are still found to see “Wild Africa ” on the TV chan ­ nels of Discovery and National Geo ­ graphic to realize how long it takes to consume a carcass even with plenty of predators and carrion birds. The second myth is that the bones are converted to a powder state by the hot sun rays. It is Doonger-wadi and none of them was given an opportunity to peep into the inside of a dokhma. The other problem that the BPP will have to face shortly will be the replace ­ ment of the aging nassessalars who are the only people willing to undertake the grim job of daily taking the dead bodies inside the dokhmas. There are only 13 intact in the hot environment of the Wyoming desert in the USA (see “Look- ing forward, ” Readers ’ Forum, Parsiana, December 1995). Unfortu ­ nately, even educated Zoroastrians blindly believe in the wrong informa ­ tion passed on to them regarding the CHEMOULD PICTURE FRAMES Princess Street, Near Parsi Dairy Farm, Bombay 400002 GALLERY CHEMOULD Art Gallery and Restoration Services Jehangir Art Gallery, 1st Floor, M. G. Road, Bombay 400023 Tel: 2844356/2833640 Fax: 2836058 E-Mail: galmchem.bom@ smy.sprintrpg.ems.vsnl.net. in 6 Parsiana July-August 1999With compliments from P. A. DARUWALA & & COMPANY Engineers • Contractors • Builders 53-C, Meherzin, 109-A, Wodehouse Road, Colaba, Mumbai 400005 Telephones: 2181352/2187778 Fax: (91-22) 2188952 Piroja Mansion, Ground Floor, Opposite Grant Road Station (E), Mumbai 400007 Telephones: 3092974/3088231 HOTEL PRESIDENT The Businessmen's Home in Indore Located in the heart of the city ’s commercial and business centre, Hotel President is only 11 kms from the airport. All the 65 luxuriously appointed rooms and suites are air conditioned with direct dial telephone, colour television with 24 hours satellite entertainment. Our health club with a gym, steam, sauna and Jacuzzi is an ideal place to unwind. For the business traveller we have a large conference hall and a travel desk. HOTEL PRESIDENT 163, RNT Marg, Indore 452001 Phones: 528866 (16 lines) Fax:0731-512230 Gram: ‘President ’ 8 Parsiana My-August 1999 nassessalars at present left as per the last count that I know of and due to our repulsive attitude of treating them as social outcastes, it will be extremely difficult to replace them as their chil ­ dren are looking out for greener pas ­ tures and marriages outside the com ­ munity. No job in the world is so debas ­ ing as that of a nassessalar who day in and day out sees nothing except the grim and the ghastly interior of the dokhmas and the wailing of the rela ­ tives of the dead. In all religions, be it Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, etc, it is considered a privilege to carry the dead body of the dear and departed one to the ultimate resting place. We too can adopt this system if burial or cremation is taken up as our system of disposal of dead bodies. What was accepted centuries ago as dokhmenashini is completely out of place in the way it is practiced currently in the cities, with the rapid urbanization and keen awareness for the preserva ­ tion of a healthy environment with emphasis on pollution control. We have to be aware of the onslaught from the rapidly growing army of environmen ­ talists and PILs (public interest liti ­ gators) and start thinking of either alter ­ nate ways of disposal of dead bodies, or if we intend to continue with our system of dokhmenashini, then we must be prepared to shift the dokhmas well out ­ side the city limits at considerable ex ­ pense to the community. Any Zoroastrian who opts for burial or cremation is considered an infidel and is denied the usual prayers for the first four days. From the fifth day on ­ wards, the deceased is accepted as a Zoroastrian and all the prayers and cer ­ emonies connected with the first 10 days, monthly, six monthly, annually and thereafter are performed by the same priests who refused to do even a geh sarna ceremony. I have never un ­ derstood this attitude of our priests and any explanation will only smack of hypocrisy and double standards. On more than one occasion, I have been a witness to the most embarrassing situation, when a non-Zoroastrian who came from a long distance to pay hom ­ age and last respects to his departed Zoroastrian friend found that he was not permitted to see the face or even to place some flowers. No religion en ­ forces such a cruel rule as all men are equal in the eyes of God. However, we permit a flea-ridden and mangy dog to see the dead body. It is accepted that a marriage within the community has many advantagesCONTINUE WITH A SWEET TRADITION Mi I S ¦ » I s s I *.T aWs ‘7< I 'A /'I. L ‘sr ¦ Greetings with Royals has always been special and sweet in so many ways. The special festive assortments, from pure, hand-picked ingredients. Made with love and care. Exclusively gift wrapped to say‘Best Wishes’ Main retail outlet: Opp Crawford Market, Mumbai 400003 Tel: 3429414/3444108 Br&ucliGS Grant Road, Mumbai 400007 Tel: 3822972/3891858 Byculla, Clare Road, Opp St Agnes High School, Mumbai 400008 Tel: 3086363 Bandra, Sona Shopping Centre, Mumbai 400050 Tel: 6425997 10 Parsiana July-August 1999 and should be encouraged as it brings together couples who are brought up in the same environment of a common religion, culture and way of life. In certain cases inter-communal mar ­ riages occur due to personal reasons of the couple. In such cases it is imperative that such marriages are accepted if the girl retains her Zoroastrian religion of birth and the marriage is solemnized under the Special Marriage Act and not by any other religious marriage cer ­ emony. Even in such cases, the girl (and not the boy) of such marriage is excom ­ municated and the children are debarred from accepting the Zoroastrian religion, although the non-Zoroastrian father has no objection to his children opting for the Zoroastrian religion. At some places, even the children of a Zoroastrian father and alien mother are debarred from en ­ tering the fire-temple till the navjote ceremony is performed, thus depriving the young children of knowing, learning and appreciating our own religion dur ­ ing their most formative period of life till the navjote is performed nearer the age of nine years. The result of these senseless restric ­ tions is that we are slowly but surely reducing our already depleted popula ­ tion. Prof Jamsheed K. Choksy has rightly stressed that “once a community declines in number, its revival is a pipe dream ” (“How Iran became Islamic, ” Books, Parsiana, April 1999). Even one of our most respected trustees of the BPP has in an article cautioned us that within a few decades our number in India will be down to 30,000 to 40,000 and we might get a status of a tribe or protected ethnic group. Even at present we are only 0.0006 percent of the teem ­ ing Indian population. It is high time we set aside dwelling on our glorious past and work to ensure the survival of our small but still unique ethnic group. One of the most practical and sensible ap ­ proaches, however minimal in impact, is to accept all children of mixed mar ­ riages into the fold of our community. This has become a vital issue as inter ­ community marriages are on the in ­ crease, even as much as 30 percent in some areas. Then there is our low fertil ­ ity rate, compounded further due to late marriages. I have no intention of suggesting radical changes in all aspects of our community life and rituals. Many of our rituals are practical and bring joy and happiness to us. These must be pre-There’s something so real in the taste of life ixmrymilk I Ihe real taste ttfUfe 12 Parsiana July-August 1999 served to keep the identity of our eom- munity and should form a template for our future generations to follow. At the same time let us remove our blinkers and be not afraid to diseard unneces ­ sary, impractical and out of time rituals and customs as we face the coming millennium. di m. d. disawalla Bangalore “Filling in the gaps ” In your issue of April 1999, a letter titled “Filling in the gaps, ” by Dr Ardeshir B. Damania, California, USA refers to the Parsi owned shops at Khodadad Circle. Further to those that Dr Damania has mentioned, I would like to add three other names. There was one Aga Broth ­ ers where we would get evening snacks with lovely bhelpuri and Softy ice cream. Then there were two pharmacists namely Adie and Company, which still exists but the management has changed, and the other was Khushroo and Sons where today the noted shop of Babubhai Bhawanji stands. In his letter Dr Damania also write,s that Khodadad Circle is saved from be ­ ing renamed. I would like to state here with pride that it i.s because of my father MrFiroze K. Sholapurwala ’s efforts that this ghastly act of renaming the Circle has been prevented. He ha.s been fight ­ ing for this cause for the last three de ­ cades with all his disabilities and with the family and other businessmen ’s sup ­ port. It is because of his efforts that today the BEST buses display “Khodadad Circle ” instead of “Dadar TT” as the destination. There was a plan to remove the Circle for easy flow of traffic but due to his zeal and enthusi ­ asm, the authorities had to drop the idea of removing the Circle. RUKHSHANA F. SHOLAPURWALA “We have to learn from... ” In the February-March issue of Parsiana Mr Kobad Zarolia, president of the Zo- roastrian Society of Ontario, made some uninformed and petulant remarks about The World Zoroastrian Organisation (WZO). I feel it my duty to inform your readers and the community how wrong Mr Zarolia is in the views expressed by him (“We have to learn from the churches, ” Zoroastrians Abroad). Despite the facts and the history of WZO’s origin, working and finances, wcl 1-known and repeated for years, some Zarathushtis keep on raising them as questions again and again. They simply TARACHAND & Company Suppliers of the meatiest of Venky's Chicken Products Mafco ’s Pork, Dairy, Meat Cold Cuts, Sausages Al Kabeer ’s Mutton and Tender Meat Products this side of town ^Nq give free home delivery for bulk orders K & D Distributors Exclusive suppliers of Venky's Chicken Products for South and Central Bombay 80, Sleater Road Grant Road (West) Tel 3883691/3871277do not want to accept them, real as they are. The UK Zarathushtis did not arro ­ gate the title “world ” for their organiza ­ tion. The community charged them with viduals and legal entities like associa- the task of creating a world body to fulfil repeated calls made by our World Zoro ­ astrian Congresses, when the Bombay erations are an object lesson to individu- Parsi Punchayet (BPP) failed to respond. A committee of several respected Zara ­ thushtis then representing Iran, India, UK, North America, etc worked on a charter to create the world body and incorporate it in the UK, in the aftermath of the Khomeini revolution. After con ­ sultations world-wide, WZO was estab ­ lished under UK company laws and later on charity laws, to serve the community world-wide. Since then, many associations in In ­ dia, Pakistan, Hong Kong, UK, Singa ­ pore, Australia, New Zealand, Africa and even North America, have joined tecting the community with govern- WZO, and through them, and even di ­ rectly, the Zarathushtis living in their jurisdiction. I know many Zoroastrians who have joined WZO as members and many, many donors to WZO who con ­ sider themselves members of WZO. So the number of Zoroastrians supporting WZO could easily total and possibly Since then, many Zarathushti lives I I 14 Parsiana July-August 1999 exceed Mr Zarolia ’s figure of 28,000 attributed rightly or wrongly to Mr A. Davar. Do such figures really matter? A community is made up of indi- tions and federations. It is strong when both work together as one. WZO’s op ­ als and associations/anjumans to join forces and work together for the better ­ ment of the community. No, Mr Zarolia, WZO is not a welfare organization on ly . That is the label which those like you, who want to create a rival WCZF (World Council of Zoroastrian Federations)', have given to WZO be ­ cause they want to do a part of its work. In addition to its welfare work, WZO supports fire-temples, priests, trusts, their training, research on religion, edu ­ cation within the community, etc. The work of representing and pro- ment.s and international organiza ­ tions, which Mr Zarolia conveniently gests.This would simply not be possible prefers to ignore, has been done by under UK charity laws. As with all cor- WZO as successfully a.s its welfare work since it.s inception 20 years ago. Many Iranian Zarathushtis found ref- headquarters, uge in the West due to its efforts. Moving Moving ahead Moving forward Moving more and more Movers on the move... Buhariwalas SHIPPING, CLEARING&PACKINC AGENTS For a tension-free and cost-effective alternative choose one name that offers a host of services under one roof B. C. BUHARIWALA & SONS Corporate office: 5, J. M. Heredia Marg, Ballard Estate, Mumbai 400001 Tel: 2613137, 2615451/3 Fax: 91-22-2620785, 2693144 E-mail, buhariwalas@hotmaii.com ness.buhariwl@gems.vsnl. net . in Branch Office: 1310 Pragati Towers, Rajindra Place, New Delhi 110008 Tel: 5713540/573 0795 Fax: 91-11-572 0399 have been saved, or their properties protected by WZO’s interventions with governments. To be effective, this work has to be done with diplo ­ macy, tact and without publicity. Mr Zarolia ’s view of WZO finances is also misinformed. Membership fees can hardly support WZO’s many activi ­ ties. It is the munificent donations of individual Zarathushtis, family trusts, etc that do so. In 1998, over $ 1,000,000 was collected and channeled back for community activities. In addition, a Medical Benevolent Fund and a sepa ­ rate World Zarathushtrian Trust Fund endorsed by a Zarathushti family for all activities of WZO, provide additional resources. WZO’s accounts are scrupulously audited every year by a well-known chartered accountancy firm and are pub ­ lished and sent to all WZO members along with an annual report. There is no “secret ” or “hanky panky ” as he sug- porations, outsiders are free to ask for a copy, or scrutinize them at the corporate Despite all this work that our community ’s world body has donetween either sexes according to the I came acros.s an article “Resurrection Mazdayasni religion. No judicial decree was ever passed for allowing induction of children of intermarried Parsi men into successfully for nearly two decades if *^ReSlirrection of Parsis ’* Mr Zarolia does not want to accept it as such, then that is his privilege. But of Parsis ” (Readers ’ Forum, Parsiana, do you, Mr Zarolia, really want to cut February-March 1999) by Roda D. to spite your face? Because that is me to write to you. This is an appeal to wrongdoing for, as the saying goes, “They exactly what you would be doing if Ms Hakim and others like her not to know not what they ’re doing. ” (The you took out Toronto from the Fed ­ eration of Zoroastrian Associations of North America. Does your commu ­ nity back you? Or is it a threat to frighten other North American asso ­ ciations into not joining a restruc ­ tured WZO, and despite a majority wish in our global community in its support, push them instead into join ­ ing a separate world body of federa ­ tions and associations, WCZF? The office bearers of WZO have shown clearly that individual mem ­ bership along with association mem ­ bership has worked very well for the past 19 years. Let us as Zoroastrians stick with this well-tried and tested format of The World Zoroastrian Organisation. Let the world commu ­ nity unite under a restructured WZO. Let us work together to make it strong. By doing so, we only strengthen ourselves and our future. D. T. MARFATIA me to write to you. This is an appeal to Ms Hakim and others like her not to misguide the other members of our Bombay High Court judgment of Justices community by writing something of Beaman and Daver states that children which they are totally unaware. Ms Hakim does not know what she is talking about when she refers to bring ­ ing the children of either parents mar ­ ried outside “into our fold. ” The most important thing overlooked the Mazdayasni Zarathushti religion we by those Parsis marrying outside is that bringing their non-Parsi children into our fold and thus increasing our numbers is not going to solve problems. What can be expected of their children when the par ­ ents themselves have drifted away from their own religion, being totally ignorant of its leachings? Intermarriages by Parsi men or women are not recognizable nor performable and, therefore, their children having any right to be inducted in the Zoroastrian religion does not arise. There disrespectful suggestions. should not even be a suggestion that chil- K. colabewalla dren of intennarried Parsi women or men should have a right to be inducted, for The star and the ship there should be no discrimination be- born of a Parsi father are considered Parsis — Editor) Ours is not a dying religion. Even with the reduced number of members who still are staunch believers only of will survive against all odds. Our ancestors fled their ancient home ­ land for the sole purpose of preserving the religion of Zarathushtra and not for any materialistic or hedonistic motives — this is a covenanted trust and all of us are but trustee-custodians of this solemn legacy. We should, therefore, be able to respect these religious laws with the total faith and sincerity they de ­ serve, instead of maligning them by 'o' “Indians have had for many centuries a MATCH YOUR AMBITION TO A CAREER Executive Secretarial Course < Private Secretarial Course Personal Assistants ’ Programme (Working Stenographers) Office Assistants ’ Course Computer Packages Shorthand 4 Typewriting: English, Hindi, Marathi Telephone Operating-cum-Receptionist Techniques English Conversation & Writing Skills 4 Interview Techniques O Personality Development Business Etiquette Diploma Course in Business Management (Postal) (IMC) Contact us for: Job Placement & In-Company Training Programmes % V V OVER YEARS § Sir J. J. College of Commerce 14, Nanabhoy Lane, Hutalina Chowk, Mumbai 400001 Tel; 2871058/2844329, Fax: 2871185, E-mail: jjcc@bom5.vsnl.net.in Web address: http://IMCnet.org/associations/jjcollege 16 Parsiana July-August 1999Such are, indeed, The saviors of the earth. They follow duty ’s call. The call of love; Mazda, they listen Unto Vohu Mana; They do what Asha bids. And thy commands; Surely, they are The vanquishers of hate/ Such are, indeed. The saviors of the earth, They follow duty ’s call. The call of love; 66 Translation by I. J. Taraporewala of Yasna 48.12 of Spentomard Gatha, Chapter IV With Best Compliments From Behram Rana fine tradition of seamanship and it is well-known that in the days of wooden ships, there was a flourishing Parsi ship ­ building industry in this country. The Hindu colonization of lands across the seas —in Havana and Malaya, in Ceylon and Cambodia —bears testimony to the excellence of the Indian mercantile ma ­ rine in the past and the qualities of navi ­ gational skill. What is perhaps not so well known is that even as recently as the last century, Indian-built ships played no little part in the merchant and fight ­ ing navies of Europe, ” wrote D. Rad- hakrishnan in December 1954. In 1806, with the loss of the British warships, the Fly and the Intrepid, the Bombay Council ordered the building of a 74-gun ship in the Bombay Dock ­ yard. It was completed by May 1810 and was launched on Tuesday, June 19. The Bombay Chronicle of June 23, 1810 describes her launching; “On Tuesday last His Majesty ’s ship, 74 guns, built in the new docks of this presidency by Jamsetjee Bomanjee was floated into the stream at high water, after the usual ceremony of breaking the bottle had been performed by the honorable gov ­ ernor Jonathan Duncan. “In having produced this ship, Bombay Parsis are entitled to the distin ­ guished praise of providing the first and only British ship of the line built out of the limits of the mother country, and in the opinion of very competent judges, the ship for beauty of construction and strength of frame, may stand in compe ­ tition with any man-of-war that has come out of the most celebrated dockyards of Great Britain. ” The master of the ship, Capt McArthur Low, wrote, “I have heard many of them declare, that no ship so highly finished, or composed throughout of material so good, had been launched from any of His Majesty ’s dockyards, or any yard in England, during the last 50 years, nor was the scarcity of good timber likely to admit such selection of that article for any one ship as was observable in this ship for many years to come. We have found her in all circumstances answer extremely well in my opinion better than any ship in which I have sailed hitherto. ” During the American War of Inde ­ pendence in 1812, ayounglawyernamed Key sailed down Chesapeake Bay to obtain the release of an American pris ­ oner held on board an English warship. Key reached the vessel just as the British 5' 18 Parsiana July-August 1999With Best Compliments From DUBASH FRERES &CO. Importers, Exporters, Agents and Manufacturers of Machine-Made Precision Neutral Glass ampoules, vials, suture tubes, test tubes, tablet tubes, etc Victoria Building S. A. Brelvi Road Fort, Mumbai 400001 Cables: “DUBFRERES” Mumbai 400001 Phones; 2660069, 2660130 Fax: 2870199 20 Parsiana July-August 1999 began to bombard Fort McHency. He too was detained as a prisoner. All night from the deck he watched bursting bombs explode over the dis ­ tant fort. In the Hashes of light he could see the American flag still floating. Toward morning the firing ceased. In the darkness. Key had no way of know ­ ing which side had been victorious. When the ‘dawn ’.s early light ’ revealed the stars and stripes still waving in the breeze, Francis Scott Key wrote the first stanzas of the song. Later in the every field they entered. They owned day, after his release from the English nothing in the island when they arrived, warship, he sailed back to Baltimore. It was then that he wrote the other stanzas. For his song Key borrowed an old tune that Englishmen had brought to the colonics. Because it sings of the Hag, Key ’s song wa.s named The Star Spangled Banner. It is now the national anthem of the United States of America. That English warship was the Minden which was none other than the one JamsetjeeBomanjee built in the Bombay the government by mobilizing the Dockyard — the only British gun ship fisherfolk (Kolis) to repel the invasion built outside Britain — and which gave by theSiddisof Janjirain 1692 when the America its national anthem. The Star plague epidemic broke out during which Spangled Banner. Brig n. b. grant quite a good number of soldiers and people were killed. For his bravery the government conferred the title of Patelship upon Rustomji and made it hereditary. Rustomji Dorabji was liv- and which gave BrigN. B. GRANT Poona The prominent Patels “There is an adage in Marathi, ‘Where there is a Parsi, tere is succes.s (Parxi tethe sarasi)"', wrote Govind Narayan Cawasji Patel (left) and Dorabji Madkholkar, a Maharashtrian chroni- 1 1 ¦ ‘c> Photos: Parsi Lustre on Indian Soil cler in his book Mumbaiche Varnan (History of Bombay) published in 1863. He pays handsome compliments to the Parsi community in the following words; “Parsis were in the forefront in trade and commerce and government establish ­ ments. They earned honor and respect both from the government and the people... They converted adversities into opportunities by their sheer enterprise, ingenuity, adaptability and generosity. In the course of time. Parsis excelled in But Parsis owned half of the Bombay island and city. In 1854 Parsis num ­ bered 1,10,544.” During the Portuguese rule, one Dorabji, founder of the Patel family, was residing with his family. Dorabji was looking after the administration on behalf of the Portuguese. During the East India Company ’s regime, Rustomji, son of Dorabji, helpedthe government by mobilizing the fisherfolk (Kolis) to repel the invasion by the Siddis of Janjira in 1692 when Another SHCred fire the plague epidemic broke out during which quite a good number of soldiers and people were killed. For his bravery the government conferred the title of Patelship upon Rustomji and made it hereditary. Rustomji Dorabji wa.s liv ­ ing quietly in the island honored alike by the government and by the fisherfolk (Kolis) whose domestic dispute.s he wa.s empowered to settle. In later years, his son Cawasji be ­ came the Patel during the governorship India which has been burning without a of Hornby. He built the Tank near Bhuleshwarpopularly known as Cawasji Patel Tank (C. P. Tank) and the road passing the Tank i.s still known a.s Cawasji Patel Tank Road. Besides, a street in the Fort area still bears the name of this great Parsi gentleman. Cawasji Rustomji owned large landed properties. He was respected by all alike. After the takeover of Thane from the Marathas by the English, Cawasji Patel was instrumental in its growth and de ­ velopment. He helped establish the Parsi settlements in the island. Besides, Cawasji Patel was himself one of Prof. Sohrab Manchershaw Wadia Scholarship The Pars! Panchayat of Vadodara invites applications for the tibove scholarship from Parsi or Irani Zoroastrian Students prosecuting Under-gniduale, Post-graduate or Research studies til Doetorate/Post- doetorate level, for the academic year 1999- 2001) at any of the understated institutions: 1. Anv Indian Institute of Technology (LIT.) 2. Any Indian Institute of Management (l.LM.) 3. Tiita School of Social Sciences. Bombay 4. Indian Institute of Science. Bangalore ,S. Department of Chemical Technology (UDCT), Bombay b. Engineering University. Roorkee 7. Dhanbad School of Mines S. Bhabha Atomic Energy Centre (BARC) 9. Any National Laboratory or Institute under Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) 10. Any All India Institute of repute 11. Any Foreign University or Institute of repute Only out-standing students with consistently excellent academic record would be considered. Presciiherl application form may be obtained by sending a self-addressed envelope (4" x 9") Io: The .Secretary Sbree Vadodara Parsi Pancbayal. Hira Bang. I’ost-Ofliee Road. Fatebgiinj. Vadodara .39IX)()2 Last rlate for receipt of filled application forms is September .W. 1999. 20b Parsiana Ju/y-August 1999 the big traders. GOI’INATHBHALEKER An extract from a book 1 read here in Manipur, Maid of the Mountains by R. Constantine, may interest Zoroastrians; ” The Loi scheduled caste is a privileged lot inasmuch as the caste Hindus, even royalty, confer a unique honor on them. Most of them live in a hamlet called Andro. They keep a fire going which i.s considered sacred all over Manipur. It i.s a very interesting phenomenon. This is perhaps the oldest manmade fire in break for centuries. Nobody knows when it was started. “According to legend, a ruler by ball rolling with a contribution of Rs name Pana Ningthou (king) ignited the fire by rubbing flints. In day.s of yore, when people did not know how to make a fire they used to come here to take some for domestic use. It is now kept burning by firewood sup ­ plied by each household. The village Pardhan is in charge of the fire. A watchman is earmarked by every house in turn to keep vigil on it. “Being the most sacred fire, it used to be taken by lighting a lamp for the coronation of the king. For other strictly Meitei public functions, the Andro fire i.s a necessary clement. Its ashes arc believed to have some medicinal quali ­ ties to cure certain skin diseases. “The Andro lire deserves wide pub ­ licity. Such a phenomenal element as this is not known outside the state at all. It could be a tourist attraction of no mean interest. ” c g Col M D. COMMISSARIAT linphal. Manipur Indians first and last Ever since our forefathers landed on the hallowed shore.s of India nearly 1,400 ycar.s ago, we Zoroastrian.s have been unswerving in our allegiance and have contributed towards the growth, devel ­ opment and safety of mother India in no small measure. Mahatma Gandhi, the father of our nation, said about us Zoroastrians — “In numbers they arc beneath contempt, but in contribution beyond compare. ” We Zoroastrians have always prided was founded in 1893, followed by the ourselves as being Indians first, Indians last, and everything else in-between. For over a month now, the brave men of our armed forces have been fighting relentlessly, in the most difficult com ­ bat zones of the world, at heights of 15,000 feet and more, to safeguard our freedom, dignity and self-respect as Indians. For our brave soldiers, death and sorrow are their companions, hard ­ ship their garment, determination and valor their only shield. As Indians, we must be united and undaunted in sup ­ port of our gallant warriors who will ­ ingly lay down their lives so that free ­ dom may flourish and we may live. The Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) appeals to Zoroastrians residing every ­ where in India to extend a helping hand to our valiant soldiers, by contributing towards the welfare of the men of our armed forces and that of their families. The BPP will receive and hand over all amounts collected to the concerned authorities. The BPP is proud to start the 5,00,000 from its own coffers. The man ­ agement of Jam-e-Janished Weekly has very kindly agreed to publish every week a list given by the BPP in which the names of individuals contributing Rs 1,000 and more will be acknowledged. Cheques and drafts may please be made out in the name of “National Defence Fund ” and forwarded to The Controller of Finance, Bombay Parsi Punchayet, 209, Dr D. N. Road, Fort, Bombay 400001. A temporary acknowledgement will be given by the BPP. Subsequently, receipts will be forwarded to the indi ­ vidual donors. In conclusion, we urge every Indian to recall the words of Sir Winston Churchill in a speech made on October 29, 1941 — “Do not let us speak of darkerdays; let us ratherspeak of sterner days. These are not dark days; these are great days — the greatest days that our country has ever lived; and we must all thank God that we have been allowed, each one of us according to our stations, to play a part in making these days memorable in the history of our race. ” DINSHAW K.TAMBOLY Trustee, Bombay Parsi Punchayet New Dastur Co-Ed School The Sardar Dastur Schools are pioneers in bringing the benefit of education to Poona. The first school called the Sardar Dastur Noshirwan Girls ’ High School Sardar Dastur Hoshang Boys ’ High School in 1912 and the Bai Najamai Noshirwan Dastur Primary and Nursery Schools in 1953. A separate hostel for girls and boys located in the School premises allows non-Poona residents to avail of a Dastur education. The Dastur family has dedicated it-Advertisement OF THE NUCLEAR GROWTH AND LIFE GROWN UP FROM THE SAD- BRAHMA; THE COMPLETE ATOMIC STRUCTURE IN THE RIG VEDA; DR. B. LAKSHMI for her work on VEDIC FLOWERS BIO THERAPY; DR. S. C. SHUKLAJI for his work on ASTROL­ OGY; DR. THORNTON STREETER for his work on BIO PHYSICS; ELECTRO CRYSTAL THERAPY. All Zoroastrian College Research The ­ sis and many other books are available from the College office address in Bombay. Please write for the list of books and cassettes available*** ***Every one of us has the duty to have the annuaf ’Mukhtad ” or Fravardegan Cer ­ emonies performed for our dear late family members and friends - especially those who have no family members surviving who would have had these special prayer ceremonies performed for 10 days annu ­ ally. According to the birth death rate statis ­ tics published in Parsiana every year about 1200 • 1300 Zoroastrians die - many through old age between 70 and 100 years - and only about 300 are born. This puts a strain on the Agiary Panthakies who have to cope with the full first year after death performed by Ervad Yazdi Karanjia? ceremonies of all the persons who have passed away during the previous year. It is increasingly difficult to cope with sepa ­ rate tables and “Behra- (flower vases) for every individual “Asho Farohar ”, with separate “Baaj ”, “Afringan ” “Furrokshi ” and “Satum ”(once, twice or thrice daily) for the persons who have passed away several years ago. Agiary Panthakies are also facing the problem of finding enough “part time ing the Athornan boys the possibHity of FORTHE ATTENTION OF ALL ZOROASTRIANS WORLD-WIDE: FRAVARDEGAN CEREMONIES vide this benefit for helping our community members world-wide. If you wish to have the names of any dear departed family member or friend included in the list of names of the Asho Farohars, for whom the prayer ceremonies are performed annually in March it is possible for you to do one of the following : (A) You may use the Yadgari Donation form available from College of ­ fice address and send it together with cash or bank draft payable on any Bombay Bank in favour of SHAH BEHRAM BAEG SOCIETY to our Bombay College office address together with the names of the . persons in whose Yadgari the donation is given. Please take care to state - Behdin/ Osta/Osti/Ervad before the name of the person and father or husband of the de ­ parted person in whose Yadgari the dona ­ tion is given:SEE FORM PAGE 211 e.g. Osti Perin, Ervad Nozer, or Behdin Xerxes Behdin Dara; or Osta Mormu~ji Ervad Kaikbushroo etc. (B) If you prefer to give an annual dona ­ tion amount instead of a lump sum Yadgari one time donation, you may give standing instruction.s to your bank to send a Bank Draft in favour of SHAH BEHRAM B AUG SOCIETY to our College Bombay office address and send a xerox copy of your bank standing instructions to us, together with the names of the departed family members or friends, as indicated above for inclusion in the list of Asho Farohars for whom the prayer ceremonies are to be performed The bank draft should reach our office before January end each year. The best way to remember our dear departed family members is to set a side a clean corner of our home for ourselves to Fravardegan ceremonies at the Zoroastrain College-March 99 being (as they also help each one of us, who invoke their help by remembering them and praying for them.) At Zoroastrian College we are endeav ­ oring to cope with this Community crisis and solve the problem by tackling it in two ways: 1. To develop a good cadre of edu ­ cated Zoroastrian Priests, we are provid- mobeds ” - Athoman family men who have being trained in the Zoroastrian College for ¦ ., V, . thedcgrecsofB.Phil;M.Phil;andPh.D.In the long run a new generation of better pray and perform the ceremonies. But in this busy 21 st Century many people do not find the time nor have the facility.Hence through Zoroastrian College this possibil ­ ity is made available to all Zoroastrians world wide. Please contact our College office at 'e- are educated Priests will provide a Spiritual backbone for the survival of the Zoroastri ­ ans world-wide. 2. Al the Zoroastrian College building at (Sanjan) (the historical landing place in India of the Zoroastrians who left Iran alter the end ol the Sassanian Dynasty Bombay address for further details or by where the sacred Iran shah Atash Behram ” was consecrated by Mobedan Mobed Nereyosangh Dhaval) every year in March for 10 days before Navroze, the undergone the Navar ceremony and working in jobs full time - to cope with the “Mukhtad rush ”. Every one of us, as Zoroastrians have to face this problem. In the Fravardin Yasht Ahura Mazda reveals to Spitama Zarathushtra how the Holy Farohars come to the help of those who remember them and pray for them: Karda 1.1 “Mroot Ahura Mazdaao Spitamaai where the sacred Iran shah Atash Behram mailatmazcol@hotmail.com Zamthushtraai. aeva to zaavare aojascha was consecrated by Mobedan Mobed We hope that this will be useful to you; khareno avascha rafnascha framrava, Nereyosangh Dhaval) every year in and the work of the Zoroastrian College , Spitama, yat ashaonaam March for 10 days before Navroze, the Avesta and Scriptural Studies Dept, will p-avashmaam itghranaam sivi-thuraiuiam Fravardegan Ceremonies are being benefit our Zoroastrian Community mem- Witnri m/J irif/ytt rninnnh/i ____1____ _ n i rr-n * . •' bers World-Wide. Our College conducts courses in Avesta language and Scrip ­ tural studies headed by Prof. Sam Doc­ tor. Any interested persons can join these courses. Audio Video cassettes and read ­ ing materials are made available also(by e- mail and postjfor those residing outside Bombay. Turn to page 211 yat yatha me jasen avanghe yatha me baren regularly performed. The Afringan, Farrokhshi and Saturn —morning, after ­ noon, and evening, are ceremonies which are jointly performed for all the Asho Farohars whose name.s are included in the long list of Yadgari Donations. The Baaj is individually performed for only certain name.s in the list. ZOROASTRIAN COLLEGE can pro- upastaanin ughtaao ashaonaam fravashayp ” Thus I declare to you O righteous Spitama, about the righteous powerful and triumphant Fravashis - with their strength and power, their glory and com ­ fort, they came to my assistance, the powerful righteous Fravashis, helped me! ughtaao( self to the continuous expansion of the Schools to meet the ever increasing 'o a demand lor better education. In this spirit the president of the Schools ha.s embarked on an ambitious project of building aCo-Educational High School. A Fund Raising Committee ha.s been formed to assist in the financial require ­ ments of the project. The Co-Ed School will be housed in a new 27,000 sq feet building com ­ prising 18 classrooms, two laborato ­ ries, a cooking class, a library, computer room and administration services. The project cost is estimated at two crore rupees. The succes,s of this project depends entirely on the generosity of well-wish- ers who share the ideals for which the Sardar Dastur Schools proudly and un- scllishly stand. This i.s an appeal to generously contribute to the Building Fund. F Section 80-G of the Income Tax Act. A Remembrance Scheme for larger Donations aic exempt under Society), India, a registered non-profit donations ol live lakh rupee.s and above will entitle the naming of classrooms and facilities according to the wishe.s of the donor. Cheques arc to be made in the name of “The Sardar Dastur Schools ’ Trust" and sent to the Trust office al 2, With Best Compliments From ANTELEC Limited Experienced turnkey Electrical Engineers and Contractors If quality, reliability and time are major parameters in your project, call Antelec Limited Registered Office: 73 Jolly Maker Chamber No II, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021 Tel: 2021067/2020563/2850383/2850384 Fax: 9122-2021040 Branch Office: 802 Chiranjiv Tower, 43 Nehru Place, New Delhi 110019 Tel: 6417345, 6463974, 6480167-68 Fax: 9111-6217662 21 Parsiana July-August 1999 Lt Col Tarapore Road, Poona 411001 Tel: 842630, Fax: 842660. We will be happy to give more de ­ tails of the project on request and wel ­ come personal visits to the premises. My fellow members on the Fund Rais ­ ing Committee and myself thank you in advance for supporting an invaluable cause. TEHMI GRANT Chairperson The New Co-Ed .School Hund Raising Committee Poona An SOS to dog lovers! Starving, neglected, yet multiplying without check, the stray dog.s in Udvada are really leading “a dog ’s life. ’’ We need your help to set up a slcriliza- tion-cum-vaccination camp at Udvada, to bring down their numbers and protect them from rabies. The camp will be run by P.A.L.S. (Plants and Animal Lovers organization based in Bombay. Donations (in cash/chcquc or kind) or your valuable time and help are most welcome. Donations to this trust arc exempt under section 80-G of the In ­ come Tax Act, 1961. For inquiries please contact Dr Silloo Bhagwagar, Tel: 2X32955, e-mail: silloob@bom5.vsnl.net. in or Ms Mehroo J. Mistry, Tel; 4147646, e-mail: kaivu@ hotmail.com or Dr Jairam Ramani, Tel: 8343182 (clinic), 6242518 (res) or Dr Sangecta Vengsarkar Shah, Tel: (mo ­ bile) 9820010047, 4461748 (clinic). MEHROOJ. MISTRY Trade union briefs We are compiling an All India Directory of Trade Unions. The Directory' will include the names and addresses of office bearers, their mailing addresses, details of their political or other affiliations, information about the founders, etc. Be ­ sides, the Directory’ will include write- up.s on major achievements as well as the blunders made by various trade unions. It will also contain historical development.s in the field of trade unionism like the land struggle in Kerala, the takeoverof Kamani by its employees, projects of people ’s participation like the Amul story, etc. Some portion of the Directory will be dedicated to the Who ’s Who of Indian trade unionism. In short the Directory will act as a chronicle on trade unionism in India, very useful to students, research ­ ers and journalists. Further, it will feature various trade union crusaders - past and present, advocates and activists.Kaiser-E-Hind, 300 Perin Nariman Street, Behind Reserve Bank of India, Fort, Bombay 400001. The Iranian names of boys and girls along with their meanings which originally appeared in Parsiana have now been reprinted in an attractive 24-page booklet. The book, which is priced at Rs 40, is available on sale al: Faredoon and Burjor Sandalwood Shop, Princess Street, Bombay 400002. Union Press, 13, Homji Street, Bombay 400001. THE PARSIANA BOOK OF IRANIAN NAMES .. 0 I With Best Compliments From PENOSH 94-A, M. G. Road, Pune 411001 Telephone 645162-64 Fax 645166 We welcome contributions from your readers in the form of material informa ­ tion towards the preparation of such a Directory’. They may send us the names and addresses of trade unions, contact addresses of information sources, news ­ paperclippings, write-ups on trade union stories, etc. All trade unions are also requested to contact us at the Humanist Centre of Direct Communication, Room No 1, M. J. Jadhav Nivas, New Jimmi- baugh, PO Katemanevli, Kalyan (East), 421306. ANTO KANNAN Montessori training We would like to inform your readers about the S. Z. M. Montessori Training Course conducted by Stri Zarthosti Mandal. The international training course in Early Childhood Education is run at the Sir Ratan Tata Institute at 30, N. S. Patkar Marg, Bombay 400007. On completion of this course, the person is eligible to take up a job in the USA. There is a great need for A. M. I. (Association Montessori Internationale) teachers and jobs are easily available. Pl ease inquire at 3679161/62 or 3802781/82. zarinmalva Director of Training, SZM Montessori Training Course 22 Parsiana July-August 1999For Navjote & Wedding Receptions Children’s Parties Contact Ladies Lunches Social Gatherings RESTAURANT at Celebrate at Caravan 65, Murzban Road, Fort, Mumbai-400 001. Tel: 2072492-2077513 Fax: (91 22) 2076310 A very central, convenient location Learning by doing In its 45th year, Sir J. J. College of Commerce is still keeping up with the times. To meet the need of today ’s liberalized economy, it has introduced specialized courses for individuals and companies, based on “learning by do ­ ing. ” The first courses cover “creating marketing strategy, ” “creating adver ­ tising strategy, ” “presentation skills ” and “copywriting, the starting point of great advertising. ” The success of these courses lies in the fact that they accept only 10 partici ­ pants at a time to ensure personal atten ­ tion and discussion of assignments. These courses lead each person through the basics, real-life case histories, and then they have to create and present their own strategies, using the unique “templates ” they receive. The courses cover four consecutive half-days, in the afternoon, except for copywriting, which is in 12 evening sessions. Courses on media planning, print/production, advertising account management will follow. For further enquiries contact the College (Tel: 2871058/2844329), e-mail: jjcc@vsnl. com homaih.mehta Director, Sir J. J. College of Commerce BHARUCHA & MOTIVALA Builders & Engineers Social skills The hope of every nation in the world is its young people. As caring adults, we have the responsibility to touch their lives with a loving hand, and guide them to develop positive social behavior. Skills for Adolescence (SFA) is the result of a unique collaboration be ­ tween Lions Club International and Quest International. This program cov ­ ers young people in their adolescent years (age group 10 to 16 years) since this is a critical, vulnerable stage of development when many forms of nega ­ tive behavior are likely to begin. The SFA program consists of 40 one- hour sessions spread over a period of one year. Innovative and interactive methods are employed to teach students. Teachers also encourage the presence of parents they too should be partners in teaching the SFA program. A parent personally stated, “My daughter ha,s be ­ come more confident, helpful and open. SFA has taught her the art of compro ­ mise. ” A student articulated, “SFA has taught me how to make right choice.s in life and a lot of things that are necessary fortoday ’s teenagers to learn and know. ” Over the years Lions Clubs have always taken on positive youth develop- as 24 Parsiana July-August 1999 Boat Club Road Poona Tel: 625383/4/5 Fax: 626945M/S SHAVAKSHAW M. PANTHAKY Wish all their Parsi Patrons Pateti Mubarak Caterers of Repute Mouth-watering Parsee Cuisine for * Navjotes * Weddings * Parsee Festivals * Parties WANTED Young Parsi professional couple with a newborn baby residing in London require assistance with child-minding and occasional cooking primarily during the week days. Experience of child-minding essential. Free boarding and lodging, return air passage and good salary according to experience and abilities. Apply with bio data and photocopy of all pages of the passport to: The Advertiser Parsiana, (Wanted) Juiy-August/99 GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 REQUIRED Contact: Mr Percy Bhada Mobile tel: 98212-73058 Ground Floor, Captain Colony, Haji Ali, Mumbai 400034 Kitchen: 4966574 Business manager for book and travel accessories retail outlet to be opened in Fort area. Write to: The Advertiser (Retail) GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 Fax 2074541 ment projects. This positive prevention initiative teaches young people specific strategies and skills like self-discipline, self-confidence through better commu ­ nication, improving peer relationships, developing critical thinking skills, tak ­ ing responsibilities, setting goals for healthy environment at home and office, commitment to a vice-free life in pursuit of honesty and integrity. Quest helps kids develop skills. Quest is a comprehensive educational program that helps young people deal with the challenges of our changing world. Teachers are the key in creating rapport and confidence. The teacher ’s role calls for a delicate balance between giving students structure and guidance, and allowing them to take responsibility for their own learning. The program calls for a mandatory teacher ’s training policy. This means that Quest programs are not for sale to schools. The teachers are trained at a three-day work ­ shop conducted by trained members of the Tata Institute of Social Sciences and given reference materials and teaching aids. The program is now actively sup ­ ported by the Education Department, Brihan Mumbai Municipal Corporation not only in schools having English me ­ dium but even in municipal schools hav continued on page 212 • Mawa cakes, • Shrewsburry biscuits, • Seven grain bread. • Apple pie. • Brun pav at: CAWASJI PATEL STREET, FORT, MUMBAI 400001 TEL: 2870739 26 Parsiana July-August 1999Events and Personalities practice. It lends to attract the greatest community support as it strikes a deep- rooted chord in man ’s sacred beliefs, ” g V t scholar I Caiiia (at the mike) stressing on interdependence of all creation 'g- Pledge to protect “Wc hereby pledge to make our best endeavors, individually and severally, to ensure that care for mother earth and nature becomes the inspiration governing human thought and action in the fu ­ ture, ” noted the concluding sen ­ tence of Prithvi Sankalp or the pledge read out by Delhi based religious scholar Piloo Jungalwalla at the National Consultation on Religion and Conservation. The function on April 21, 1999, on the eve of Earth Day which is observed throughout the world to remind mankind of its indebtedness to mother earth, was held under the joint auspices of the World Wide Fund for Nature — India (WWF), the Temple of Understandin the People ’s Commission on Environ ­ ment and Development, and the World Conference of Religion.s for Peace at the Pirojsha Godrej National Conserva ­ tion Centre, New Delhi which is the headquarters of WWF — India. The meet which was supported by plants and all animals, wild and domes- the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests wa.s considered an event of great significance as for the first time repre- sentative.s of lO of the world ’s major religions came together for the cause of saving the earth, noted a prcs.s release issued by Raghuvansh Saxena, man ­ ager, Network Services. Representing the Zoroaslrian faith were Sohrab Godrej, president of WWF — India, Delhi Parsi Anjuman president Lt Gen Adi Sethna, Jungalwalla and her former pupil Dr Shernaz Cama who read a paper on “Conservation from the Zoro ­ aslrian point of view. ” “Linking reli ­ gion to conservation is a relatively new concept in environmental education and according to their write-up. “We pledge ourselve.s to protect and honor this bountiful earth which gives us sustenance, the sacred waters and tic. We honor the sun with love and devotion as also the consecrated fire, emblem of truth, which destroys evil and illuminates our path through life. May the fravashis (guardian spirits) of the righteou.s come to help all human ­ kind through fragrant breeze.s and swcct- sccnled flowers. A.s followers of Zaralhushlra may we never forget this pledge, ” wa.s the Zoroastrian commit ­ ment at the Consultation. “Al the heart of Zoroastrianism lies the doctrine of the interdependence and unity of man and the creation, ” stressed Cama in the course of her speech. “Zo ­ roastrianism places on man...The defeat of evil and the renewal of the good world can only come about through the conscious choice and effort of each individual to preserve and protect this earth. The call to action stresses the fact that mere meditation upon spiritual problems is insuffi ­ cient; the spiritual battle is not to be fought in cloistered retirement but in the struggle.s and suffering of the everyday experiences of the world. .. De ­ spite stress on duty, Zoroas ­ trianism is a faith full of joy...The unity and wholeness which is preached shows that both spiritual and material worlds are intimately linked for both arc part of a universal process of harmony that was marred by the corruption in ­ troduced by evil... ” Educated priests The training imparted at a madressa should be such that the students feel inclined to pursue a priest ’s vocation, impressed Dastur (Dr) Firoze Kolwal when addressing the gathering at the annual day celebrations of Dadar ’s Athornan Boarding Madressa. In present times when there is greater emphasis on secular education, running a madressa is difficult, observed Kotwal who com ­ mended the dedication of the teachers, noted the prcs.s release issued by Ervad Parvez Bajan, joint honorary secretary of the Athornan Mandal, giving the highlights of the function. Whilst congratulating the madressa for its eight decades of service to the community and for fulfilling its mis ­ sion of providing educated priests to the community who are well versed in the great responsibility scriptures, religious ceremonies, tradi ­ tions and history, chief guest Khorshed 28 Parsiana July-August 1999I « J I 1 w th 811 1 1 J Bliarucha, principal of Dadar ’s J. B. Vatcha High School for Girls, distrib ­ uted prizes on the evening of December 19. I99S. Excellence in h/itintar (reci ­ tation of prayers), school studies, Avesta language, religious knowledge and sports were among the categories where good performance was rewarded. A special felicitation was reserved for 23- year-old Ervad Darayus Parvez Bajan, an ex-student of the Madressa, who besides qualifying as a cost accountant, chartered accountant and company sec ­ retary, ha.s been involved in the perfor- mance of religious ceremonies like nirangdin, boi in an atash bchram, con ­ secration of fire-temples, etc. He was presented a cheque of R.s 10,000, a shawl and a plaque at the hand.s of his ex-principal Ervad Rustomji Panthaki. A further reward of Rs 25,000 came to him from Dinshaw Tamboly of the World Zoroastrian Organisation Trust. The present principal of the Mad ­ ressa, Ervad (Dr) Ramiyar Karanjia, conveyed his satisfaction with the progres.s of the students and reported that the Madressa i,s growing from Ar the annual day celebrations of Dadar’s Athornan Madressa (from left) Parvez Bajan, Kotwal, Neryosan,i>h Turel and Karanjia Right: Darayus Bajan receiving plaque from Panthaki strength to strength with the support of the trustees, managing committee mem ­ bers, parents, staff, donors and well- wishers, and the management of The Dadar Parsce Youths Assembly High School. To entertain the guests the junior For Pure Diamonds JEWELLERS 324, Grant Road, Bombay 400007. Telephone 3099648 Fax 3073483 APPOINTED VALUERS BY THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA 30 Parsiana July-August 1999f students then performed a musical item choreographed by Roshni Dadachandji I na ‘g enacting the meaning of the Kent Mazda prayer. The finale of the evenin^ was the hilarious play Agiary ni eti­ quette, staged by the Madressa students under the direction of Silloo Mahava. Religious zeal The central hall of the Sir Jamselji Jcjecbhoy Adaran at Adajan was packed to capacity to honor its panthaky, Ervad Noshir Pirojsha Turd who i.s known to have performed 75 nirangdin ceremo ­ nies. Joining in the felicitation orga ­ nized by trustee Noshir S. Dabhoiwala on the occasion of the agiary ’.s 173rd anniversary on May 8, 1999 were repre ­ sentatives ol nearly 30 Zoroastrian reli ­ gious and social organizations like the left): Dabhoiwala, Bhacca, Dastur, oiga- I At the Adajaii Adaian function (from Adajan Parsi Anjuman and the Surat Athornan Mandal, notes a write-up sent by Soli Gandhi of Surat. Present on the occasion were Dastur Noshirwan Dastur of Surat who com ­ mended Turd ’s religious dedication, and president of the Surat Parsi _______ ____ Panchayat Dr Sam Bhacca who recalled pointed out that due to financial the nirangdin ceremonies performed by many generations of the Turd family. Master of ceremonies Rusi Besania education facilities for their children prompt mobeds to find better jobs, he noted. Turd gave credit to his mentor Ervad Rustomji Panthaki for giving him a good religious foundation and members of the Turd family who have always assisted him. tributes and gifts presented to him Turd Technical model Beginning June 1999, the Patuck Tech ­ nical High School and Junior College was to admit students enrolled by the Yeshwantrao Chavan Memorial Open Turel and Besaiiia highlighted Turd ’s record of service to the I'ire-leinples in Bombay, Ahnicda- bad, Belgaum, Siganpore and Surat. While acknowledging the many floral reasons priests are constantly on the move. In ­ adequate accommodation, salary, perks like medical and travel allowance or The house of Navroji Patel caterers of repute wishes all Iranis and the Parsi community a very happy New Year For all your catering requirements Contact Mr Bomi Navroji Patel Mr Kaizad Patel 139-A, Nazir House, Cuinballa Hill, Bombay 400036 Tel: 3649319, 3640393 Mobile; 98210 28141 33 Parsiana Jufy-August 1999. © r/ Celebrating the 65th anniversary f>f the Patuck Technical High School and Junior College (from left) Colah, Julio Ribeiro, Mody, Patuck, S. Parab and Goiporia t t r _ I University for laboratory practice and workshop training, being well equipped with the requisite staff and hardware, notes a press release issued by Prof Rustam Mody, director and chief ex ­ ecutive officer of the Patuck Polytech ­ nic Trust. The collaboration with the American Concrete Institute was to re ­ sult in high-grade training in concrete technology with placement facilities for students from Patuck who have quali ­ fied a.s vocational technicians in civil engineering. “More such facilities are being planned for other vocations in the future, ” adds the release. Entrepreneurship development pro- rams are regularly attended by the 70 strong faculty which has developed an “excellent linkage with industry...for which it was accorded national level recognition through the 1998 NCERT award for industrial linkage. ” Lately, the institution which caters to a student strength of nearly 1,600 was recognized as an all-India center for teacher train ­ ing as well as a center for eurrieulum development and allied activities. The institute had its humble begin ­ ning in the Model Industrial School started with a handful of poor and de ­ serving students by the late Rustomji Hormusji Patuck, entrepreneur turned technical educationist. Today, after 67 years the Trust named after the settlor manages a full-fledged Technical High School, Junior College (vocational and science with technical) and Industrial Training Institute with built-in work ­ shop and infrastructural facilities under one roof at its premises on Nehru Road, Santacruz (East). “A charismatic figure cast in the true Gandhian mold, what he (Patuck) con ­ ceived and put into practice nearly seven decades back came to be adopted later as the standard accepted norm at the all ­ India level as the main plank of the Center ’s new education policy, making him a perennial source of inspiration and a role model to generations of teach ­ ers and (students), ” writes Mody. Pres- With best compliments from TIME Mar ’clts G Co. WATCH MAKERS Shop No. 14, Empire Mahal, Block D, Khodadad Circle, Dadar TT, Bombay 400014 97/103 Shetty House Opp Bombay University M. G. Road Bombay 400023 Tel: 4143898/4121411 Tel: 2670999/2676412 WATCH MAKERS OF REPUTE 34 Parsiana July-August 1999Bordi Beach TAPOVAH RETREAT n Residential Retreat of the Tapovan Vihar Trust at Bordi • Ideal Sea-Front Location for Physical/Mental relaxation; • Self-contained Cottage Rooms with CTV and other amenities; • KIOSK with STD/ISD facility; • Delicious and Wholesome Food; • Economical Packages for Family/Groups; • Most suitable for Group Training, Creative Workshops, Brain-storming/ Buzz Sessions and general camaraderie/ Togetherness with Family/Friends. ently on the organizing board are chair ­ man DrR. B. M. Colah, K. R. Alpaiwala, Adil J.Patuck, J. J. Goiporia and Mody with K. G. K. Kurup as principal. Among the vocational courses they offer arc accounting and auditing, auto engineering technician, building main ­ tenance, electronics technology, main ­ tenance and repair of electrical domes ­ tic appliances, mechanical technology, medical laboratory technician, tourism and travel techniques. During the ’7()s and ’80s they had to switch over to Marathi and Hindi as the medium of instruction. Now it is back to English, with Hindi and Marathi at the second ­ ary level. A relatively new develop ­ ment is the introduction of pre-primary and primary sections, with admissions being open to all on merit basis, irre ­ spective of caste, creed or religion. Substantial credit for the institute ’s diversification and expansion should go to S. K. Gala of Gold Coin Builders, acknowledges Mody, referring to the donor ’s munificent contribution of the Golden Jubilee Wing covering an area of 22,000 sq ft. The Old Boys ’ Associa ­ tion too which has been reactivated has been coming to the aid of its alma mater through the fund-raising programs it organizes, mention.s Mody. For the suc ­ cessive stages of construction the orga ­ nizing board has sanctioned an expen ­ diture of Rs 31 lakhs, sponsors for which they hope will materialize in the form of Sir Dorab Tata Trust or Gala Founda ­ tion. Appeals are constantly being is ­ sued to finance the high-cost capital expenditure and modernization plans and project.s which are on the anvil. ” notes it With best compliments from NARIMAN NALLASETH Private Limited PLUMBING ENGINEERS & CONSULTANTS Near Vijay Stumbh, Bordi, Taluka Dahanu, W. RIy. Stn. Gholvad Bookings to be made at Tapovan Vihar Trust, Mumbai office Tel: 2665322 (Off) 3674998 (Res) Beacon of light “The P. M. Modi High School and Junior College has become a beacon of light in this short span of2()years...where the children have a safe and happy atmosphere and enjoy coming. the literature on the School which was forwarded to Parsiaiia by trustee Mariam P. Modi. Established as the first English me ­ dium school in Mahabicshwar on April 4, 1979 in the International Year of the Child, the institution “serves as a social advantage to the local residents who mainly come from low and middle in ­ come groups. ’’ The School was started at Slone House, Mahabicshwar which was the residence of the late Pesholan Mcherwanji Modi who requested his wife Mariam to open a school for the 27, Tamarind Lane 1st Floor, Block No 11 Rajabahadur Compound Opp Allahabad Bank Apollo Street, Fort Mumbai 400023 Phones; 2650066 & 2652986 Fax: 091-022-2655834 it 36 Parsiana Ju/y-August 1999local children on the two-acre plot. First they had only pre-primary classes and gradually they have been adding higher grades with now a junior college included, offering arts, science and commerce faculties. Students ap ­ pearing for the Secondary School Cer ­ tificate and Higher Secondary .School Certificate examinations are governed by the Kolhapur Board. In the academic year 1998-99 they introduced the NOS With Best Compliments And Season ’s Greetings M/s Framji Rustamji Choksey Estd: 1850 (Partner Sorabji Eduiji Cooper) Goldsmith & Art Jewellers (Approved Valuers by Govt of India for Jewellery) Shop: 253, Sheikh Memon Street, Mumbai 400002 Phone: 3425422, 3442639 Residence: 585, Khan House, Chira Bazar, Mumbai 400002 Phone: 2051118 38 Parsiana July-August 1999 (National Open School) Delhi Board examination whereby students of Std X and XII can be exempted from Hindi and Marathi while opting for five sub ­ jects of their choice, states their press release. With the introduction of NOS, foreign and Indian students can save a year in Junior College. They have 400 students on their rolls with the teacher- student ratio being 1: 15, according to their information booklet. Seventy stu- The new block at the P. M. Modi High School and Junior College dents from the low-income bracket are educated totally free of cost, writes Mariam Modi while boarders who can afford are required to pay Rs 45,000 per annum for the lower classes and Rs 75,000 for the higher classes. Parsis seeking admission can avail of “a spe ­ cial concession for them, ” she adds. Being a minority institution managed by the P. M. Modi and Amzel Educa ­ tional Foundation, the trustees have allocated 50 percent of the seats in this co-educational English medium resi ­ dential school-college to members of the minority community. Nargis M. Khambatta serves as the principal of this government-recognized unaided institution and Munira Patel as the ad ­ ministrator. In addition to Mariam Modi, the other trustees are: Saleem Fazelbhoy (chairman), Farida Kidwai, Dr Darius Modi, Rashid Oomer, Tehemton Patel and Nazura Sattar. “The aim of P. M. Modi School and Junior College is to impart not only education with the three ‘R’s but to...make him rich in his cultural back ­ ground, his religious instincts to be1 roused in the right direction, (to teach him) to respect his elders and his prog ­ eny, have good morals and love for his place of residence and here in Mahableshwar nothing could be better than being close to nature and God...The ultimate aim...is to see that the highest type of education is imparted to the student.s to make them worthy citizens of India, irrespective of caste or creed, ” declares the literature of the School which has adopted for its motto: “Fiat lux (let there be light). ” For further enquirie.s contact the School at Stone House, Mahableshwar 412806, Tel: 02168/60295, Fax: 2168/60626. ‘o The literary spirit “Our catalyst Behli as he is known to many in Karachi steadfastly served the community and his city right from the days of youth to his old age, in manifold ways on almost all communal institu ­ tions, however high or humble the role might have been. Now an octogenarian, yet of agile mind and of restless soul he brcathe.s in (Bombay) but his heart is in Karachi, ever encouraging his friends here to serve and enliven the spirit of Karachi ’s Parsi community which he dearly loved and devotedly served and gave away the best part of his life too, ” notes an introduction from the trustees of the Infor ­ mal Religiou.s Meetings Trust Fund (IRMTF), Karachi, refer ­ ring to the dedication of Beheram S. H. J. Rustomjee, the author of the booklet The Teachings of Zarathushtra which the IRMTF republished in March 1999. The booklet was initially published by the Fifth Parsi Youth Conference at Karachi in 1940 as part of a series of publications titled Youth Tracts. The author was then the vice-principal of the Bai Virbaiji Sopariwala Parsi High School for Boys, Karachi and subse ­ quently its principal for 19 years. A,s a youth, he was “bursting with energy for social reforms and the well-being of the community (and) was also burning with zeal (to spread) the spirit of the most profound message of Asho Zarathush ­ tra, ” continues the introduction. The 30-pagc booklet was originally “dedicated to M.B.P. (Dr Mancck B. Pithawalla) my teacher and inspirer. ” Rustomjec also acknowledges his in ­ spiration from other spiritual guardians in Karachi, Dastur (Dr) M. N. Dhalla and Jamshed Nusserwanjee Mehta. As Rustoinjee: an octogenarian with an agile mind and restless soul noted Dhalla in his foreword, “The Teachings ofZarathushtra is the admi ­ rably written first tract of the series...May the Tracts that appear from time to time instil in the youth industrious habits and the spirit of enterprise, may they enthuse them to tread courageously the difficult path of their duty...may they lead them to attune their will to the will of Zarathushtra... ” Peace, progress and perfection are AVA MARINE SERVICES For everything in small boats, watersports and water transport 1 1/4, Rustom Battg, Byculla, Bombay 400027 Tel: 3720603/3714207 40 Parsiana Juty-Augusl 1999the three ringing notes of the Gathas, Naineh...Since there is no book on the sounded on the clarion of simplicity life history of Firdowsi, I thought it fit and blown by the breath of sincerity, states Rustomjee in his chapter on the Gathas. “May we be the perfectors of the world, ” is one of the commonest prayers in Zoroastrianism, reminds the author in his chapter on “Zarathushtrian Philosophy. ” Zarathushtrian ethics, the God Head, the Amesha Spentas and the freedom of choice are some of the other concepts on which he enumerates. Those who are well-versed in the Shah Nanieh and those who have a nodding acquaintance with it would be interested to read Shayaran-E-Shayar Persia’s Immortal Poet Eirdowsi Tousi, states a foreword by Adi F. Doctor. The author, “Mr Aspandiar Gotla deserves to be commended for penning a lucid and authoritative account of the life and limes of Firdowsi with copious quota ­ tions in Persian ably translated and trans ­ literated by him, ” mentions Doctor. Lamenting that today ’ s younger gen- eration are quite unfamiliar with the Shah Nameh and the ancient history of Iran, Gotla writes in his preface, “The purpose of this little booklet will be fulfilled if it succeeds in reviving the interest of the young and old in cm Shah pride. ” The first edition of this booklet was published in November 1998 by Gotla (B-9, Anand Vihar, St Martins X Road, Bandra (W), Bombay 400050). lo make an attempt by compiling a few words. ” By carrying couplets in Farsi, Gotla, a chartered accountant by pro ­ fession, hoped lo “introduce the general Combustioil COnSUltant layman to the sweet Farsi language and its literature. ” One never gcl.s tired of reading or chanting verses from the Shah Naineh, Sohrab Dahmubcd ’s opinion is quoted Rustomji Sarkari of Poona, mentioning in the 21-page booklet. Dahmubed re ­ fers to Gotla ’s narration of Firdowsi ’s life and travails for 35 years in the hope substantial sav- of gains, only lo be disappointed by ing of petroleum Sultan Mahmood Ghaznavi, and lauds the synopsis of the Shah Nanieh. “The man who dedicated the best years of his life to write the 60,000 beautiful and heart-lifting verses died heartbroken and penniless... What shines out are Firdowsi ’s virtues of persistence, dedication, ready wit and a higher purpose in life, ” mentions Noshir Dadrawala in his fore ­ word. “Though born a Muslim, he glo ­ rified Zoroastrian Iran and immortal ­ ized its righteous kings, ” continues Dadrawala. “All Zoroastrians should salute this immortal bard for lighting that ever-brilliant flame of cultural “My humble knowledge in research and industry helped me to invent a to ­ tally original technique, ‘computerized fuel savings, ’” writes Prof Tehmiirasp that his invention has resulted in generosity. fuels used in en- ; gines, boilers and j furnaces. This | technique has | earned him rec ­ ognition in the form of a national Sarkari: saving award in 1989 fuel from the National Research and Development Corpora ­ tion, New Delhi. His invention has also found mention in the Marquis Who’s Who in the World (16th and 17th edi ­ tions, the latter edition will be pub ­ lished in 2000) and Marquis Who’s Who in Science and Engineering (fifth ¦ Our vision has electrified life in Mumbai city since 1915 Tata Electric Companies have helped India ’s financial and commercial capital to accelerate its growth. Over the years, we have set pioneering trends in generation, transmission and distribution with state of the art equipment and systems to provide reliable and eco-friendly power to Mumbai city. At Tata Electric Companies, we abide by our commitment to continue to provide reliable power to brighten the lives of citizens of Mumbai. TATA ELECTRIC COMPANIES We Light Up Your Lives 42 Parsiana Ju/y-August 1999edition), he states. After serving the Surat Parsi Poly ­ technic for 12 years as lecturer and later as vice principal, and subsequently for eight years as assistant professor of Bombay ’s Victoria Jubilee Technical Institute, and senior professor for 14 years at the Indian Institute of Technol ­ ogy, Powai, Sarkari opted to make a career with Thermax Limited, after 34 years in the teaching profession. At Thermax, he was head of their research and development department and later appointed technical director on the Thermax board until his retirement in 1983, notes his bio data. Thereafter he ha.s been working a.s consultant on com ­ bustion and fuel efficiency for boilers, furnaces and power plants. Fellow of the Institute of Plant Engi ­ neering and member of the Combustion Institute, Sarkari also enjoys writing play.s and studying homeopathy. Fol ­ lowing the demise of his father at young age, Sarkari was dependent on dillerent Parsi trusts to finance his edu ­ cation, all such aid being gratefully acknowledged by him. More than medicine At the three-day Universal Conference 1 pres 1- (li.scipliiie a on Integrated Medicine held in New Delhi last November, from the over 100 entries that were submitted. Dr Sohrab J. Mehta ’s ar- tide was se- lected for the B* I “Award of Ex­ cel 1 e n c c , " note.s a write ­ up by Capt Homi Dandi ­ walla, dent-trustee of HHV* The Allahabad Melitci: stickler for Parsec Zoroas ­ trian Anjuman, all praise lor the sei Hess service ren ­ dered by this Allahabad resident. The International Institute of Integrated Medical Science.s also recognized Mehta as a fellow of the Foundation of Inte ­ grated Medicine while conferring on him the certificate of academic excel ­ lence. In addition to managing his chari ­ table homeopathic clinic (see “The hon ­ orable homeopath, ” Event.s and Person ­ alities, Parsiana, May 199S) Mehta ha.s Vanishing VUltUFCS to attend to his domestic work and outdoorcommitments, leaving him little lime tor study and research, points out Dandiwalla. Yet Mehta sits late into the night to study. Known to be a stickler for discipline, principles matter more than fortune to Mehta. “Success cannot always be measured by the amount of amassed wealth, ” he believes, “The amount of love, helpfulness and sacri ­ fices we have made for our fellowmen can also be our yardstick. ” Even as a boy, Mehta reportedly did not read a single book on fiction, prefer ­ ring instead to improve his knowledge of science, technology (with aircrafts and spacecrafts being his particular in ­ terest), arts and crafts, ingenuously en ­ joying his hobbies in fretwork, carpen ­ try, metal and plastic work in his small workshop in a garage. He was also fond of inventing his own formulae in math ­ ematics and performing chemical ex ­ periments in his home laboratory. In March 1999 Mehta was honored with a letter from the Vatican saying that the Pope was praying for his noble inten ­ tions and invoking divine blessings on his work, according to Dandiwalla. Members of the Zoroastrian commu ­ nity view vultures with a certain ele ­ ment of awe having heard stories of <2^ STERLING AND WILSON ELECTRICALS PVT LTD Leading Electrical Engineers & Contractors I City Office Esplanade House, 2nd Floor, Hazarimal Somani Marg, Fort, Mumbai 400001 Telephone: 2074177, 2071882 Fax: 2073741 New Delhi Office Flat No 202-205, G K House, 187/A Sant Nagar, East of Kailash, New Delhi 110019 Telephone: 6233381, 6236320 Fax: 6486282 Bangalore Office 183/C K H B Colony, Sth Block, Koramangala, Bangalore 560095 Registered Office 70. Nagindas Master Road (Meadows Street), Fort, Mumbai 400023 Telephone: 2653287 45 Parsiana July-August 1999I lion, poisoning from pesticides and pollutants are the other reasons cited for their fast disappearance. Vultures are be ­ lieved to fetch a good price in the international mar ­ ket with some of them being exhib ­ ited at zoos and museums and oth- g ers employed in 1 circuses, mentions i the article, z O Natural habi- ! HHHI I vultures •BJUE - have been and are being destroyed due to developmental projects, commercial activities, local community pressure, states the article recommending a strict ban on capturing and killing of vultures, identifying the remaining habitats of vultures, setting how they speedily and neatly finish off the mortal re- I mains of those con- I signed to the dokh- ¦ mas. Just as the di- I minishing strength I of the vultures is of ¦ concern to the com- ¦ munity, the World WideFundforNa- lure — India too has expressed its dismay that vul- Ij lures are vanishing I from the Indian I skies at an alarm- I ing pace. The Janu- I ary 1999 issue of ¦¦¦¦¦ I WWF, the WWF '' India Network Newsletter in its cover story on “The Vanishing Skylords, ” has brought to the fore many little-known fact.s about this species. Being “nature ’s disposal squads or ‘incinerators ’ vultures have a definite role to play...especially in preventing up feeding stations for theirconvenience, outbreak and spread of infectious dis ­ eases by appropriating highly decom ­ posed carcasses, ” notes the article by Dr S. M. Satheesan. And whilst they may be equated with predators, vul ­ tures are supposed to be shy birds who live on earth but mankind ’s future is aie afiaid of men and would not attack intrinsically linked to their survival, man or livestock. As elaborates the article, vulture.s get their food from carnivore kills in forests and Bayed carcasses and meat at primitive slaugh ­ ter houses, carcass dumps, carcass pro ­ cessing centers and bone mills. There are known to be eight varieties of vultures: Red-headed (Indian King or Pondicherry) Vulture; Cinereous or European Black Vulture; Asian White ­ rumped or White-backed Vulture; In ­ dian Long-billed Griffon; IndiaFulvous or Eurasian Griffon; Himalayan Grif- providing artificial perching, roosting and nesting sites, and furthering research. Vulture enthusiasts who are known as gypsophils are therefore convinced ' that not only do vultures have a right to A recent article in The Times of India ot June 23, 1999 declares that “vultures have unwittingly contributed to drama ­ tize the English language...the much maligned vulture...ends up denoting contemptible person who preys upon or exploits others... the term ‘culture vul ­ ture ’ is used to describe a person who is interested in the art.s to an obsessive degree. ” Vultures on the whole have been more sinned against than sinning, the article quotes experts. fon; Indian Scavenger or Egyptian Vul- SPOTLIGHT ture; Bearded Vulture. From the de ­ scriptions provided of these different vultures, it would appear that the vari ­ ety sighted at Bombay ’s Doongerwadi United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights for East Timor, noted a write-up in The Times of India of May 8, 1999. As part of his assignment Attorney-General of India and reputed human rights activist Soli Sorabjee has been appointed personal envoy of the East Timor to assess the situation and explore ways in which the Human Rights Commission and the international com ­ munity can help. i.s the Asian White-rumped or White- backed Vulture. Loss of their natural habitats includ ­ ing roosting and nesting sites, felling of Sorabjee was to lead a short mission to trees used by vultures to permit urban constructions, modernization of slaugh ­ ter houses and improvement of civic amenities which bans dumping of car ­ casses has resulted in loss of food for the vultures. Aircraft bird hits, electrocu- Jals ’ Detective and Protection Services, Mazda Security Services & Jals ’ Consultancy Services Conducted and Operated By Jal B. Contractor Proprietor Dy. Commissioner of Police, Bombay (Retd.) No Branch Office We provide all your requirements for: Confidential investigations, security-guards, bodyguards (armed and unarmed) in plain clothes. Armed guards in uniform for property protection. Cash/valuables escorts, dog squads with handlers for land-patrolling, etc. Well trained, disciplined and experienced staff. Reasonable rates, round the clock services. Contact: Office: Jer Baug, 293, Dr Ambedkar Road, Byculla, Mumbai 400027 (Under the Fly Over) Tel: 3711642, 3711670, 3775707, 3728549 Telefax; 3711670 E-mail: jals@bom5.vsnl.net.in Residence: G-1, Fariyas, Cumballa Hill, Kemps Corner, (Next to Shalimar Hotel) Mumbai 400036 Tel: 3634161/3641581 Compiled by Paiiiiaz M. Gaiullii 47 Parsiana July-August 1999ZOROASTRIANS ABROAD Inviting future leaders The latest from the executive board of the Seventh World Zoroastrian Con ­ gress is an academic challenge to the Rawalpindi and one each from Faisala- far-flung youths of the community. Those in the age bracket 17-21 on De ­ cember 31, 2000 are invited to partici ­ pate in an essay competition; “A blue ­ print for a viable Zarathushti Commu ­ nity of the future, ” informs an e-mail from project coordinator Dr Jehan Bagli. While two prizes of educational scholarships worth US $ 5,000 and $ 3,000 for the best and second best es ­ says await the participants, Bagli views the project as a means of stimulating original thought among Zoroastrian youth of all persuasions. He hope.s the involvement will foster the study of culture, religion and history, steering these potential community leaders into an understanding of the need for “unity with the diversity ” of Zoroastrian tradi ­ tions in the new millennium. Those interested in participating are required to register themselve.s with Bagli at 61 Sayre Drive, Princeton, New Jersey 08540, USA (e-mail; ajchan @aol.com ) before February 29, 2000. The essay, in English, is limited to 4,000 words, and will be judged for its innovative ideas, development of the concept, clarity of expression and lin ­ guistic skill apart from its spiritual, cul ­ tural, historical input, informs Bagli. The papers will be evaluated by a panel of impartial and objective Zoroastrianjudges highly regarded by the community. The winning authors will be offi ­ cially invited to the Congress. If they can be present at the Congress at their own expense, their registration, board ­ ing and lodging will be borne by the Congress committee, further note.s Bagli. For the latest Congress news on the web tunc in to http; //www. fezana.org/ WZC2000 KZBM’s Pak directory The third edition of the A & TZamrltiish- triciii Directoiy of Pcikisfan has been published by the Karachi Zarthusli Banu Mandal (KZBM). "The Directoiy is kept as accurate as humanly possible as it can be used as a census of Zarathushtis living in Pakistan, ” writes KZBM president Toxy Cowasjee. She notes that as of March 1999 there are 2,379 residents in Karachi and a total of 2,565 in Pakistan. 48 Parsiana Ju/y-August 1999 There are 37 families listed from Lahore, four from Multan, two from Islamabad, 19 from Quetta, IO from Zarin bad, Peshawar and Sargoda. The Direc­ tory provides the names of the spouse and children in each family together with the residential address, phone number and in a few cases, the e-mail address. A dozen pages have been devoted to e-mail addresses of former Karach i lies who have spread to various parts of the world. Prominent community centers in Karachi have also been listed. Cowasjee acknowledges the assis ­ tance of all the people who worked to bring the Directoiy up-to-date Byromshaw and Bakhtawar Rabadi, the late Hilla Kotwal, Feroza Kanga for the update on Islamabad and Rawalpindi, Dara Hormusji for Lahore and Gulbano Bamji forQuetta. Ronny (GogojByramji and Nader Cowasjee provided their own extensive lists of e-mail contacts “but one e-mail sent to Afshad Mistri... had the network buzzing, ” notes Cowasjee. Arnavaz Sethna contributed from Hous ­ ton, Niloufcr Birdie from Canada, Rohinton Minwalla and friends from Toronto. Lyla Byramji sorted the vast incoming ini'onnation country-wise and Fiona Sukhia rechecked the e-mails with the individuaks concerned. Sheroy Irani and Frayan Mama also helped with the compilation and Tannaz Minwalla de ­ signed the sepia and black cover. “With shrinking of the wealthy and the indigent classc.s and expansion of the 2ABATHUSMTRIAN DIRECTORY OF PAKISTAN middle class, needs and expectations of the community have changed, ” notes the annual report for 1997-98 of the Karachi Zarthusti Banu Mandal. Hav ­ ing come a long way from its initial objective of helping the poor, KZBM activities with their amalgam of imagi ­ nation, effort and resource, touch the lives of most Karachi Zarathushtis, claims the report. The KZBM numbered 620 life mem ­ bers and 15 patrons among its total mem ­ bership of 679 at the end of June ’98. The KZBM managing committee led by president Toxy Cowasjee then had five vice presidents — Gool Talati, Vera Dastur, Julie Anklesaria, Mehroo Khambatta and Zareen Wania. Nargis Dubash and Sunnu Golwalla were hon ­ orary secretaries with Roshan Mehri the honorary treasurer. Hilla Umrigar, Dinaz Polad, Hilla Kotwal, Roshan Kamdin, Aban Aga and Navaz Aga were chairpersons of their respective committees. Niloufer Noshirwani was the linen secretary. Since then, with the revamping of the KZBM constitution, the five vice presidents have been re ­ placed by one, a youth representative has been co-opted and an upper age limit of 70 years has been stipulated for the office bearers. Among its many activities are the workshops, sales and mela.s in which it participates, the Ser­ vices and Blood Donors' directories that it publishes and the counselling service it provides. The long serving ladies man six sub ­ committees in addition to special projects concentrating on the promo ­ tion of youth, education and develop ­ ment. Indeed youth representatives from the subcommittees have been invited to attend the managing committee meet ­ ings “so that they get exposure to th§ actual working of the Mandal. ” The balance of the 57 trust funds under the KZBM rose from an aggre ­ gate of Pak Rs 21,049,435 at the begin ­ ning of the year to Rs 23,487,534 at the end, after accounting for an expendi ­ ture of Rs 2,585,808 in the course of the year. The increase resulted from new donations/contributions amounting to Rs 1,407,970 plus Rs 3,615,937 inprof- its/dividends earned on the corpus. The activities of the welfare sub ­ committee included the distribution of foodgrain, clothing, linen, cash and gifts to its beneficiaries totalling Rs I ‘g ‘O'Get good value for your money With best compliments from Visit RAILWAY HOTEL Railway Hotel Building Charni Road Junction Bombay 400004 Telephone: 3821028 Beer Parlour Permit Room Homely Comforts DINSHAW & DINSHAW ENGINEERS & CONTRACTORS 390/286, Bootee Street Poona 411001 1,037,231. The rehabilitation subcom ­ mittee helps ladies use their sewing and culinary talents and market their wares, providing loans amounting to Rs 300,000 in the course of the year apart from incurring an expense of Rs 76,838. A challenge to the medical subcommit ­ tee was met when a young Zarathushti contacted the rare Guillain Barr Syn ­ drome and “lost all control except the flickering of his eyelids ” in just 24 hours. His immediate need of five in ­ jections costing Rs 70,000 each fol ­ lowed by months of hospitalization and nursing care was borne by individual and Zarathushti trust donations aggre ­ gating Rs 567,581 collected by KZBM on behalf of the patient, notes the medi ­ cal subcommittee ’s report. The educa ­ tion, child welfare and program sub ­ committees also performed their as ­ signed tasks. ‘c? Among KZBM’s many activities in the first half of 1999 was Jashn-e-Sadeh held on January 24. A family event of bonfire, music, songs and dancing, 59 children dressed in white participated, accompanied by Spitman Pettigara on his organ, with Arif on the guitar, in ­ forms the March edition of What’s On, ...because we care for your family too. Your eyes need looking after. You and your family need eye check ups. Sfjectades Sunglasses Contact Lenses If you need any of these Our professional expertise will look after your problem. h I 1 Baliwalla & Homi Private Limited Flora Fountain: 365, Dr.D.N.Road, Tel: 287 4916 ! Yl&l. Dhobi Talao: 614,J.S.Seth Marg,Tel: 201 4906 / 4923 Parel: J.Merwanji Street, Tel: 412 6051 50 Parsiana July-August 1999South Africa, Dilshad Aspi Irani won a Conference in Calgary special mention in the class, “Wizardry The Second International Avesta Con- of the Waves. ” She was one of the 21 participants from Pakistan. A total of 450 individuals from 26 countrie.s had The Governor of Sindh bestowed a at the Institute of Business Administra ­ tion campus on March 15, 1999. Anklesaria had secured an overall first o' ig the KZBM’s monthly newsletter. The children had been coached for the occa ­ sion by Virasp Mehta. A total of 250 persons dined alfresco. The Jashn-e-Sadeh heralds spring and offers thanks to Ahura Mazda for participated in the competition, his blessings. Fire, laughter and com ­ panionship are “an act of defiance by gold medal on Kamal Dorab Anklesaria man against death and darkness, ” notes the January newsletter announcing the event. Diana Dinshaw, a teacher ivho works in her Master of Busines.s Administra- with children with learning disabilities in the US gave a talk and held three workshops under KZBM auspices, Janu ­ ary to March ’99. The talk focussed on ZSBC logo the Attention Deficit Hyperactive Dis ­ order (ADHD) where children are known to have problems in school and problems with social behavior. TheAvcitaBM/ZcZhzisanewmonthly The Zoroastrian Society of British Co ­ issued free in Karachi. Co-edited by lumbia (ZSBC). To be used in a one- two young Zarathushtis — Kiumars Kiani and Kurosh Aryana, the photo ­ stated journal shares knowledge and ask.s for participation from the youth. The articles are concise, easily readable and attractively presented, note.s What’s On. They may be e-mailed on Avesta_btn@ hotmail.com The January issue of What’s On quotes a piece by Daryoush Mehrshahi on the Z-net regarding a Japanese sect known as Haika Kyoo whose ceremo ­ nies and traditions appear to be similar to those of the Zoroastrians. They wear a white shirt and white belt, make a big fire particularly in mid summer and pray and sing before it. It i.s known that there was steady eastward migration from Iran. Is there any other informa ­ tion available on these people, ask.s Mehrshahi. A demonstration of e-mail through the TV was organized under the KZBM auspices by Wavetech, the sole agent for this facility, notes What’.s’ On. The demonstrators came equipped with five to six sets of TVs, decoder, remote control and cordless keyboard to give the audience a hands-on experience of sending email through television. A unit of decoder, remote control and keyboard, normally priced at PR.s 8,500 plus an annual charge of PRs 2,280 for unlimited e-mail was offered to the KZBM audience at PRs 7,900 and R.s 1,900 respectively. The KZBM now ha.s its own website: URL: http://www.aahung.com/banu mandal Al the sixth show of the World Asso ­ ciation of Flower Arrangers at Durban, tion, 1996 and had stood first among her peers in marketing. “Can you come up with a logo which suits our organization? ” challenges the March-May 1999 edition of In Search of the Truth, the quarterly newsletter of ference will be held at Calgary ’s Ramada Hotel Downtown September 24-26, 1999 in cooperation with the Zoroas ­ trian Education and Research Society, notes the newsletter of the Zoroastrian Association of Alberta (ZAA). Pilsum Master and Firdosh Mehta are the co- chairs. Professors from Germany, Is ­ rael, Italy, Japan, Russia, USA and UK arc scheduled to present papers apart from community members from India, Canada and USA, as notes a flyer on the conference. Dr Dhun Noria of North York, Ontario has gifted a generous donation of Farohar pendants with necklace and tie pins, the sale proceeds of which will go towards ZAA efforts to host the Conference. As part of his interfaith activities Mehta had provided an insight into Zoroastrian rituals to various classe.s in comparative religion study at the Uni ­ versity of Alberta late in 1998. Mehta is vice chairman of the Edmonton Inter ­ faith Centre and lectures frequently on the subject. inch square format, the logo design needs to be clear and well-defined. The newsletter stipulates that it may incor ­ porate the ZSBC acronym and the fravahar (neither of which is manda ­ tory) but may not include the likeness of Zarathushtra. The directors of ZSBC, led by presi ­ dent Bella Tata, include Jamshed Gus- Cybersmart Appoo tavsp, who is in charge of the children ’s/ - - youth education, Homi Italia who shoul ­ ders the treasurer and maintenance port ­ folios, Azadmehr Kaviani overseeing youth liaison, sports and culture, secre ­ tary DinazMizan, social secretary Shirin Sethna and Rumi Shroff who looks after the seniors ’ liaison and special tive Rustom Anklesaria. At the end of projects. the course, a guaranteed high-paying Tata, who recently witnessed a par ­ liamentary session in Victoria, BC and lunched with the speaker and several other faith leaders, was taken on a tour of the lOO-year-old Parliament Build ­ ings. On ascending a staircase, Tata came face to face with a stained glass image of Zarathushtra at the first land ­ ing, she notes in the newsletter. Several feet away wa.s the portrait of Pericles, the Greek statesman and military com ­ mander under whom Athen.s reached the summit of her power. “What went through the architect ’s mind when he decided to pul both these powerful people on one wall? How enlightened was the architect that he chose someone like our prophet, who must have been relatively unknown to Europeans, Britishers and North Americans a cen ­ tury ago, to watch over parliamentar ­ ians — even figuratively, ” Tata notes in the newsletter. Zubin Appoo who scored 97.9 percent in the HSC has been gifted a $ 12,000 a year scholarship for a three-year course in information technology (IT) at the University of Technology, notes a press release forwarded to Parsiana by former Bombay Parsi Punchayet chief execu- the course, a guaranteed high-payin; job awaits him, notes the article by Robert Sullivan. Born in Oxford, England, Appoo moved to Australia as a child and has lived most of his life in Prospect where he attended the Giraween High School. He is one of 20 chosen for the scholar; ship from among 800 applicants. In the course of the past year Appoo designed Internet websites for several companies, charging about $ 35-40 an hour as against the prevailing profes ­ sional fees of $ 80 an hour. He has also worked in the computing field. While he likes maths, he doesn ’t want to do it all day long, he says, and hopes to make it into the field of IT management which would enable him “to work with cus ­ tomers, ” he told Sullivan. With an eye on travel, Appoo says “With IT you can go anywhere in the world and get a job because they need IT workers every ­ where. ” Appoo planned to reside with 52 Parsiana July-August 19991 LALATOURS TOURS: *SHIMLA-MANALI *NAINITAL-MUSSOURIE * DARJEELING-SIKKIM * KASHMIR * NEPAL ? SOUTH INDIA * RAJASTHAN *GOA * BHUBANESHWAR ? USA-CANADA *UK-EUROPE ? SOUTH AMERICA ? AUSTRALIA-NEW ZEALAND ? EGYPT-ISRAEL ?KENYA ? SOUTH AFRICA ? MAURITIUS ?SRI LANKA ?THAILAND ? SINGAPORE ?MALAYSIA ? HONGKONG ?JAPAN ?CHINA CRUISES: ALASKA, NORWAY, BAHAMAS, MEDITERRANEAN, ETC. For details contact: H. K. LALA & COMPANY Capitol Cinema Building, Murzban Road, Mumbai 400001 Tel ; 2075094 15744! 3006 Fax : 91-22-2076925 Tours to any other destination of your choice available A his parents while attending University, notes the article. as project architect for the 400-room Centaur Hotel under Pheroze Kudiana- vala Consultant Engineers in Bombay. More time with Planning awardee Mistry “Opportunity and challenge are my Rumy Shroff and As- prime considerations, ” writes award winning architect Homi Mistry. He re ­ ceived the 1998 Current Topic Award for Planning and Conservation of Places from the American Planning Associa ­ tion, the only Indian Zoroastrian amon; a number of American peers, inform his Planning Office in parents Thrity and Dinshaw Mistry. Mistry ’s career ha.s encompassed ar ­ chitecture, master planning, and project and contract management, as per his bio data. A Master of Urban and Regional Plan ­ ning from the State University of New York, Albany, Mistry had graduated from Bombay ’s J. J. College of Architecture. Between the two degrees, garnered 17 Pake-E-Mehr is 12 years apart. Mistry harvested valuable working experience beginning as an in ­ tern with Z. N. Gobhai Architect, going on to the Architect ’s Cooperative in Tehran, Iran, where he worked on the development of the master plan for the city of Mashad, among other assign ­ ments. A year with Radicon Consultin, Engineers in Saudi Arabia followed by the challenges and opportunities of the independent work led to his appointment continued on page 98 '6 ig ig sociates and a few more years again with Pheroze Kudia- navalalndustrial De ­ signers led Mistry to the City of Albany the US where he took Mistry: projects his masters degree and plans while assisting thedi- rcctor with review ­ ing and analyzing requests from the plan ­ ning board and zoning board of appeals, addressing short and long tenn planning issues, etc. The bilingual Farsi-English magazine, Pake-E-Mehr, edited by Dr Jamshid Shahrvini of Vancouver, completed 12 years of publication on Jamshedi Navroz. The chorus of good wishes is led by the Canadian Prime Minister; “May the blessings of the spring season touch your lives as you look forward to Gomn/imenis rom Systems and Software Private Limited Head Office: #105, OM Chambers, 123 A. K. Marg, Kemps Corner, Mumbai - 400036 Tel; 022-368 0512/17/18 Fax: 022-368 0513 Email; info@bom.nandn.com Website; www.nandn.com Neville B u I s a r a a n d Nadir Karanjia Venture! 54 Parsiana July-August 1999POLITICS AND POLICY The Federation salutes Sam Justice Sam Variava's appointment as chief justice of the Delhi High Court is celebrated by the Federation of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of India Arnavaz S. Mama council wa.s adopted at the Federation ’s annual general meeting much discussion. A suggestion by Hoshang Wania, The next meeting of the executive council will be hosted by the Mhow Parsi Anjuman on November 20 and 21, 1999. without too ol the entire Zoroastrian community in India found favor with the council. Wania has been given the go ahead to lorm a committee to investigate the possibilities. The Madhya Pradesh anjumans have voted at their intercity meet to petition an increase in the size of the State Mi- norities Commission to include all the five minorities represented at the Na ­ tional Mi nori ties Commission. Presently only the Muslims, Sikh.s and Christians are represented, reported Indore Zoro ­ astrian Anjuman president Bomi together. With several concurrent ses ­ sions, “everybody should be free and welcome to present viewpoints as long as you can attract an audience, ” he noted. Modi requested subsidized registra ­ tion fees for Indian delegates to which Rivetna readily agreed. They “will be well taken care of: Houston Zoroastri ­ an.s are very hospitable, ” he declared. A global essay competition and a year of festivities and Zarathushti ath ­ letics and games are being planned with jashans around the world at the opening of the Congress, noted Modi and re- lishment ol ’a Parsi Matrimonial Court in Indore with jurisdiction over the whole of Madhya Pradesh. Justice Sam Variava of the Bombay High Court who has been transferred as chiel justice of the Delhi High Court was felicitated by the Federation and the BPP at a dinner at the Ripon Club. The meet had begun with a minute ’s silent remembrance of Iranian Anjuman “Houston expects al least IOOdelegate.s from India plus 100 youths, ” Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) chairman and president of the Federation of Parsi Zo ­ roastrian Anjuman.s of India, Jamshed president of the Nargol Zarathushti Gtizder told the assembled delegate.s at Anjuman for a group medical insurance Congress the Federation ’s executive council meet ol the entire Zoroastrian community in HomaiModi,joint secretary of the fourth al Bombay ’s Muncherji Khareghat Hall India found favor with the council, and fifth World Zoroastrian Congresses on June 12 and 13, 1999. Guzder was Wania has been given the go ahead to will be the Indian liaison for the Seventh iclei 1 iiig to the Seventh World Zoroas- lorm a committee to investigate the Congress in Houston, December 28, Irian Congress to be held in Houston, possibilities. 2000 to January 1,2001. Guzder will be Texas, December 28, 2000 to January The Madhya Pradesh anjumans have the leader of the Indian delegation, an- 1, 2001. He urged the anjumans to voted at their intercity meet to petition nounced Rivetna. “The visa section at mobilize lund.s to send at least 10 to 20 an increase in the size ol the State Mi- the US consulate has agreed that if they delegates il not 100. norities Commission to include all the have a list of delegates, visas will be FEZANA (Federation of Zoroastrian five minorities represented at the Na- easy, ” he added. Although the theme of Associations of North America) founder tionalMinorities Commission.Presently the Congress is what we are going to do piesident Rohinton Rivetna made a pre- only the Muslims, Sikhs and Christians in the next millennium as a community, sentation to the council on his negotia- are represented, reported Indore Zoro- the program details are yet to be put tions with the World Zoroastrian Orga- ; ' ' ' ‘ ~ nisation (WZO) on the restructuring ot Heerjee. He also announced the estab- ils constitution to make it more repre ­ sentative. But it appears that equality between its anjuman and individual members cannot be talked away. The Federation has decided to await the re ­ action of other bodies like FEZANA, the Iranian Anjuman of Tehran, Iran, etc. The woe.s of the anjumans regarding the unavailability of mobeds in the molussil were addressed to Athornan president and Federation treasurer Aspi Mandal trustee and honorary secretary Ervad Parvez Bajan who noted that though schemes had been introduced to make mobedi more attractive as a pro ­ fession for athornan youths, it would be some time before the current paucity of priests would be rectified. The Federation of Zoroaslrian Youth Associations (FOZYA) will now be of ­ ficially represented on the executive council of the Federation of Parsi Zoro ­ astrian Anjumans of India by a member of the FOZYA managing committee co- opted by the executive council. The motion, which had been vehemently debated at earlier meets of the executive Irani who has passed away since the last meeting in Sanjan. Also mourned was quested the BPP and the Federation for Rohinton Chinoy of the Union Press whose sudden death marked the end of many years of service to the commu ­ nity. A UNESCO (United Nations Educa ­ tional, Scientific, and Cultural Orga ­ nisation) sponsored project to preserve the culture and heritage of the Parsi community i.s being coordinated by Dr Shernaz Cama of Delhi University. Donations to the funding of the project was (lagged off with a live lakh rupee grant Irom the BPP, and Guzder offer ­ ing an equal amount from his trust. funds for the Congress. Rivetna urged the assembled del ­ egates to contribute/subscribe to the FEZANA Journal, the quarterly publi ­ cation of the Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America avail ­ able at an annual cost of US $ 15. “FEZANA is an NGO (non-governmen ­ tal organization) recognized by the United Nations. This status could be transferred to the world body when it is established, ” he added. Rivetna is involved with the nascent body, United Religions of the World, 57 Parsiana Ju/y-August 1999With Best Wishes From THE PLACE TOUCHE THE SIZZLER Clover Centre 7, Moledina Road Pune411001 Tel: 634632 58 Parsiana July-August 1999 which seeks to resolve religious and ethnic strife around the world, calling for peace. “We Zoroastrians (could) From Zoroastrians it could be the com- look upon ourselves as bridge builders because our image is in all the faiths... Zoroastrianism is recognized as one of 14 major religions of the world because of our efforts as individuals, ’’ he said. Speaking about the third Parliament of World Religions due to be held in South Africa, December 1-8, 1999 Rivetna hoped Bajan, scholars Dr Roo- yintan Peer, Dr Homi Dhalla, Zoroas ­ trian Studies founder Khojeste Mistree and others would come from Bombay because if Zoroastrians are out of sight they will be out of mind. Eighty to 100 Zoroastrians were among the 8,000 India starting with the first in Poona, people who attended the second Parlia ­ ment in Chicago in 1993. On that occasion religious leaders of World body the world, Dastur Kaikhusroo Jamasp- “How we come together is secondary. Asa among them, had endorsed the (We must) harness the potential that concept of a global ethic. This time there is expected to be a call to our guiding institutions like the govern ­ ments, universities, etc. “Zoroastrians should be on that document, ’’ Rivetna harmony means more than unity... ” said, mentioning that so far only 20 were attending, including BPP trustee Silloo Ka varan a. With the millennium celebrations round the corner, the communities of the world are offering a gift to the world. mitment that every Zoroastrian youth would be instructed in global ethics plus civics and parenting which are not al ­ ways taught at the school level, sug ­ gested Rivetna. Dhalla who has recently established the World Zarathushti Cultural Founda ­ tion suggested the presentation of devo ­ tional Parsi poetry as he is in the process of collecting an anthology. He informed the Federation of the Foundation ’s vari ­ ous projects, specifically the preservation of manuscripts on CD-ROM, the estab ­ lishment of libraries in various parts of reprinting of old books, etc. Zoroastrians represent globally, must allow all initiatives to flower, because if we don ’t, we create a situation where people don ’t come forward. Complete His crusade for a world body is based on Rivetna ’s reading of the situation in North America where he says the “need for ties is extremely urgent. If these ties With Best Compliments From Byculla Pharmacy Stores and Wine Department Masina Hospital Chemist Meher Incorporated (Pharmaceutical Distributors) 1 Byculla, Mumbai 400027 Tel: 3725836 Fax: 3740553ii 1’ »¦ . 61 Parsiana Juiy-August 1999 been elusive. Rivetna now presented three alternatives to the Federation: L to R: (1st row) Guzder, Rivetna, Keki Gandhi; (2nd row) Engineer, Tamboly, Eriich Irani, Rustomji; (left) Guzder felicitating the Variavas •* J ¦ w are not there, North American Zoroas ­ trians will develop in (their own) indi ­ vidual way and become unrecogniz ­ able. ” The blueprint for a bonding of fed ­ erations worldwide (the World Council of Zoroastrian Federations — WCZF) ered by Rivetna with WZO representa- presented by Rivetna had been endorsed tive Rumy Sethna, final agreement has by India but FEZANA had held back from joining as a founder member on the request of ±e WZO for a chance to restructure itself into a representative body. The Indian Federation had joined FEZANA in giving Rivetna the man ­ date to negotiate with the WZO for the purpose. Though much ground was cov- ’To go ahead with the proposed World Council of Zoroastrian Federations with a memorandum of understanding with the WZO to demarcate their fields of operation. This means that there will be two world bodies in operation. •To accept the restructured WZO with its 16-member Council of Federations and 16-member Council of Individuals which together constitute the 32-mem- ber International Board of Directors with overall responsibility. Here the original “flaw ” of equal weightage to individu ­ als and associations in the WZO consti ­ tution remains. •To opt for a confederation of the Zara ­ thushti members comprising a council of individuals and a council of federa ­ tions which satisfies the concept of one world body without either section im ­ pinging on the other. The lesson from history according toMATRIMONIAL Alliance invited from educated, good-looking Zarathushtrian girls of respectable families, for two young Zarathushtrian boys of 28 and 27 years respectively. Both boys are professional and career minded graduates and are electrical engineers from Sydney. The elder boy is an electronic engineer and the younger one is a software engineer. Both are working in reputed organizations. Girls must be 21 to 28 years and willing to settle in Australia. The boys along with their parents will be visiting Mumbai in Dec 99/Jan 2000. Please send detailed information with a photograph (returnable) to: The Advertiser Parsiana, Matrimonial (Aug/17-99)‘ GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 ’Please make sure the reply envelope bears the reference number cited here. will be put forward to FEZANA and Iran and others. Let other regions of the world decide which alternative they want Referring to the WZO as “a fact of life, ” BPP trustee and WZO India presi ­ dent Dadi Engineer termed the fusion of as an equal partnership. To deprive the WZO’s individual members of a say in the running of the world body would amount to the withdrawal of a vested right, as in the case of the BPP’s consti ­ tution, resulting in an unequal partner ­ ship. “If the partners are not on equal terms, there has to be a parting, ” he said, (T Rivetna is to hold on to the ideal while accepting reality and make the neces ­ sary compromise. While Poona ParseePanchayat (PPP) to opt for. When the right time comes trustee and Federation vice president we ’ll have a full-fledged debate. ” Eruch Irani sniffed, “This is no solu ­ tion: we ’ve heard this before, ” BPP trustee Rustom Tirandaz upbraided the delegates; “We, a.s a community, have the proposed body with the existing one stopped listening... Our community needs an apex body so that the apex body can thrust certain changes down the throats of the trustees of various institutions. We are all on an ego trip, each and every one of us... Corpuses of small trusts are frittered away on the administration of the trusts... Silent charity is the need of the hour (because) simultaneously hoping that “the dialog the burden of obligation is a destructive burden... Whether you like it or not the BPP is the apex body of the commu ­ nity... change the indifference with which the community is faced. (We tion of halt the cost of the Rs lO lakh are) afraid of taking decisions. The BPP outlay towards the repair and refurbish- is the favorite whipping horse of the ing of the Indore dharamshala while community. ” BPP trustee and WZO, UK vice presi- “We had offered to give a clause by dent Dinshaw Tamboly informed the clause response to the WZO’s new draft constitution which was done, ” declared Keki Gandhi, joint honorary secretary of the Federation adding, “The dialog would continue and that the WZO and the Federation will be able to work hand in hand. ” As an example of WZO’s work Engineer referred to its contribu- gathering that all the WZO trusts in India were zero corpus trusts. “We raise funds per project. (It is) a testimony of the faith of the donors, ” he added. With the compliments of N.S.Guzder & Co. Ltd. Neville House Ballard Estate Bombay 400038 62 Parsiana July-August 1999{ V As / V. i 'W, L to R: (1st row) Kavarana, Dinshaw Mehta, Tirandaz, Mehli Colah, Dastur; (2nd row) Masani, Heerjee, Karanjawalla, Dara Irani; (3rd row) Bajan, Modi; (4th row) Giara, Dhalla Priests With Bajan present. Federa ­ tion members poured forth their woes regarding the non-avail- ability of mobeds. On the one hand Guzder briefly related how interest on a 52 lakh rupee donation from Iranian philan ­ thropists Faridoon and Mehraban Zartoshty was be ­ ing used by the BPP to widen the academic background of mobeds, show them how they should conduct their duties and themselves. On the other hand Mhow Anjuman secretary Behram Masani reported how one of their two mobeds had left Mhow without notice: they received his letter of resigna ­ tion after he had taken up his new job with a trust in Navsari. “The other one is also threat- ening to leave. ” According to Masani, the Mhow anjuman offers a good sal ­ ary because funds are sub ­ stantial with free housing and many ceremonies per ­ formed in their adarian, the only consecrated fire in north India. “There should be an understanding be ­ tween anjumans not to en ­ tice employees away, ” urged Masani. Neither Agra, Jhansi nor Gwalior have a mobed and would be willing to share one, said Jhansi president Ronnie Dick. Delhi has been on the lookout for a second priest as well as an agiary assistant. They pay over a lakh of rupees to their priest annually plus free housing, Delhi Parsi Anjuman youth representative Adil Nargol- wala informed the gather ­ ing. With industrialization in Umbergaon some Parsis have come but they need a mobed at the Navazbai Goiporia Agiary in Davier 64 Parsiana July-August 1999MATRIMONIAL Respectable family from abroad invites suitable match for their daughter, C.A., 26 years working with a multinational Co. Boys from good family background up to 30 years with high academic qualifications may apply to; The Advertiser Parsiana, Matrimonial (Aug/16-99)* GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 'Please make sure the reply envelope bears the reference number cited here. MATRIMONIAL Alliance invited for a genial natured Parsi boy 25 years, studying for his 2nd Masters in dental surgery (admitted vide entrance exams - AllMS - New Delhi) from a pretty, well educated and domestically trained Parsi girl of respectable family between the age of 22-25 years. Reply giving full bio data with family details and a photograph returnable to: The Advertiser Parsiana, Matrimonial (AugZ18-99)* GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 'Please make sure the reply envelope bears the reference number cited here. where they do not have the resourees to pay well, announced Marzban Wadia of Davier. They share their 150-year- old dokhma with Saronda and Sanjan. Saronda pays its inobed Rs 85,000 per annum, according to its representative Homi Palsetia. Calcutta ’s two senior priests have passed away after serving the coinmu- nity for over 60 years. Two young mobeds are currently holding the fort but the community doesn ’t know how long they will stay, reported Calcutta ’s Nauzer Batlivala. Jamshedpur ha.s a “re ­ luctant panthaky ” and a few retired people who arc priests. Five young mem ­ bers of the community have done their navar and maratab but arc mostly away pursuing their education, remarked its rcpresentativeSillooSurti. Muktad time is particularly difficult, she added. Borivli ha.s seven to eight mobeds on its muster but no agiary; Allahabad has made do with paramobeds since 1983; even the wealthy Karachi anjuman can ’t find mobeds despite offering high sala ­ ries, as noted BPP chief executive Behram Dastur. Wania was the only one to declare they had “no problems in Nargol (because) the anjuman pays properly. ” Pervez Irani of the Iranian Zoroas ­ trian Anjuman sought “some scheme to merge some agiaries together ” but Dastur informed him that Dasturs (Drs) Jainasp-Asa and Firoze Kotwal as well as Mistree had opposed the idea when consulted by the BPP. Heerjee sug ­ gested the institution of a central em ­ ployment exchange with the seminaries as a resource bank. To put the current problems in his ­ torical perspective Bajan spoke of the humiliation and indignities suffered by the priests, the social inequality and poverty despite grinding labor. “The Athornan Mandal was formed in 1915 for the amelioration of mobeds, for bet ­ ter prospects and dignity for the priestly class, ” he said. Explaining how the best brains of the priestly class had dispersed to other professions, often at the behest of their fathers and grandfathers who did not wish their sons to suffer the ingratitude and ignominy they had suf ­ fered themselves, Bajan noted, “Today what you are seeing is the result of those social inequalities, ” adding, “Today there is a yen for more money with less effort. ” Bajan agreed on the need for profes ­ sional ethics among priests and said that With Compliments Of Manize Estd: 1959 Ladies Department Store JEUNESSE: Total beauty care and hair dressing Cumballa Hill Flyover, Bombay 400036 Telephones: Shop: 3877833, 3869855. Resi: 2151900 and Spin Weave Textiles Philco Industries HO: Piramal Mansion, 235, D. N. Road, Bombay 400001 Telephone: 2616781 Fax: 2611744 66 Pa/siana July-August 1999¦ ‘o' family, Bajan emphasized. “What does an anjuman do when it needs permanent mobeds? ” asked Bharuch ’s Sarosh Ginwalla mindful of 't J ¦ < L to li: (/.s7 /'OH') Pervez Iroiii, Hoiiii DoiidiweiHo, Ciirsetji, Marzban Wadia; (2iid row) Wania, Noshir Paitlidiwalla, K. Pastakia. Boman Irani: (3rd row) Dinsliaw Patel, Nariman BaLsara, Silloo and Erucli Siirti; Ptdsetia (aloiif^side) ihc age group of 15 to 35 years, as per the terms of the donors, noted Tamboly. Philanthropist Naryman Dubash has dis ­ tributed Rs 50,000 among older mobeds, acknowledged Bajan. Nonetheless, bchdins need to change their attitude from the covert sneer of “Tu khali iiiobedi karech (I.s mobedi all that you do)? ” to one of greater respect, be will- tbe Alhornaii Mandal has a decla ­ ration in its form that the member agrees to go out to other anjumans for at least one month. They were making a short list of mobeds will ­ ing to go out and had sent someone to Madra.s for two months. With the WZO scheme which bolsters the earnings of modeds as well as ensures their training beyond the ing to accept him as a member of the bound.s of ritual practice, more en ­ lightened clergy may be forthcom ­ ing in the future, because the scheme concentrates on mobeds in L 68 Pars/a/I a July-AugusI 1999Personal sale of Authentic Parsi garas, silver, gold and jari borders Contact: 2833078, 2873373 Put your travel plans in top gear Mr Neville Mistry C/42, Cusrow Bang Shahid Bhagat Singh Road Bombay 400039 Tel: (D) 2822605, 2826120 Fax: 3635121 Mobile: 9821092927 9821117914 their six to eight agiaries with no merger or movement of the fire permitted. Young mobeds are averse to go to Bharuch, he noted. Since a Zoroastrian priest is a family institutional support comes from the man, schooling for his children is an important consideration as also the resi ­ dence and returns available to him, responded Bajan. In many of these agiarie.s it would be virtually solitary stantial response from Gujarat with old confinement with no work and no devo ­ tees. Marzban Giara who ha.s been shoul ­ dering a lot of documentation work for the benefit of the community, saw the need to address the problems of agiarie.s — where the population has declined, as in Bombay ’s Port area, and of agiary fire.s dying out in the mofussil — as an intelligent, educated community. There is also need for proper religious and moral education for children, he opined. & culture and heritage for the world, ” he noted. Prof Cama is the consultant to the project and UNESCO has contrib ­ uted a seed capital of US $ 4,500. Other DPA and the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts. The initial cost of the project is estimated at over 40 lakh rupees a year. There is said to be sub ­ UNESCO Delhi Parsi Anjuman (DPA) secretary ploring Farrokh Rustomji informed the del ­ egates about the UNESCO supported project for the preservation of Parsi- Zoroastrian culture and heritage. Aware that valuable information and docu- ment.s arc being lost, “UNESCO has realized the need to document Parsi manuscripts and material for micro ­ filming. The BPP has promised a grant of Rs 5 lakhs and Guzder has made a matching personal promise. It i.s ex ­ pected that associations worldwide will contribute towards the project. Bharuch made an initial promise of Rs 10,000 with a further amount expected. Saronda promised Rs 1,001. Allahabad Parsee Zoroastrian Anjuman president Capt Homi Dandiwalla, in his personal ca ­ pacity, offered Rs 201. All cheques are to be made to UNESCO who have opened a special account and are ex- the tax exemption angle, in ­ formed Rustomji. Udvada-Sanjan Earlier, Pervez Irani had been asked to study the beautification of the Sanjan Stambh in conjunction with Rohinton continued on page 114 3 I*s go into the making ot a hrand. We ’ll take eare of one of them. in Good packaging is vital for the growth of a brand. At Ecoplast, the accent is on delivering packaging solutions that make winners of brands. For leading manufacturers of fast moving consumer goods and perishables, Ecoplast ’s accent on quality has meant a distinct, tangible advantage in the marketplace. In the area of flexible packaging, Ecoplast ’s strengths lie in the production of multilayer films made by the blown film co-extrusion process. To know how your brand could benefit from Ecoplast ’s expertise, do get in touch with us at the address given below. We’d be happy to expose you to packaging possibilities for your brand. Ecoplast Ltd. Packaging Solutions 4, Magan Mahal, 2nd Floor, 215, Sir M.V. Road, Andheri (E), Mumbai - 400 069. Tel.: 832 5364 ! 834 1403. Fax : 836 6384. E-mail: ecoplast@bom3.vsnl.net.in 70 Parsiana Ju/y-Augusi 19991 HISTORY Treasured on the Island - 1 Faith and fortune Parsis who accidontally or intentionally landod in Ceylon contributed to the wealth of their new homeland while prospering as businessmen After being shipwrecked in the turbu ­ lent walers of the Indian Ocean a hand ­ ful of Parsis landed in Ceylon in the early 17th century. In the I Sth century, some adventurou.s Parsis had sought to establish themselves on thi.s beautiful ?......... island as planters and shopkeepers. By (be presenl one on Jawatte Road was Cowasjee Eduljec Colombowalla ear ­ ned him substantial wealth and he used a part ol it to donate a burial ground for Parsi.s in Colombo, mentions the sec ­ ond instalment. (This old burial ground in Kottanchina that was in use prior to the 19th century the communily was so well respected that on the formation of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce in 1839, Hormusjee Espandiarjee and Shapoorjie Hirji were the only two non ­ English members invited thereon. At the turn of the 20th century Zoro ­ astrians in Ceylon numbered less than a hundred, reaching their peak of over 350 prior to World War IL Then fol ­ lowed (he exodus and today around 60 Zoroasirians remain in Sri Lanka (see “The Zoroastrians of Serendip. ” Par­ siana. .Tanuary 1999). Beginning this issue, Parsiana will be chronicling the achievements of prominent Sri Lankan Zoroastrians of (he 19th and the 20th century. These are edited excerpts from Behram Kaikhush- roo Billimoria ’s historical compilation. The Parsee.s in Ceylon, culled from the memoirs of Framroze Rustomjec and K. D. Choksy. Written about nine years ago. faclLially there may be a change of circumslances for some of the individu- afs mentioned herein although we have imposed on Sri Lanka ’s respected legal light Kairshasp Choksy ’.s time to check the episode.s for accuracy. The first instalment detail.s the suc- story of Dady Muncherji also known a.s Dady Parsi who was a mer ­ chant held in high esteem by the locals as also the European.s who patronized (hey gathered there "to celebrate the followed Banajee to Ceylon to per ­ suade him to return, Banajee ’s wife would not allow it for one of his duties wa.s to taste the food before it wa.s served to the Maharaja which she felt could endanger his life. The legal Iraternity ’s claim to fame was Nariman Kaikhushroo Choksy who was ap ­ pointed King ’s Counsel and his son Kairshasp who officiates as President ’s Counsel. The Prayer Hall and priest ’.s residence known as Navroz Baug were constructed by Meherbai who was keen to fulfil her husband PallonjeeNowrojee acquired lor (he communily by Peston ­ jee Dinshawjee Khan.)To Framjee Bhi- khajee and Company goes the credit for making possible (he influx of many Parsi.s from India. The Khan Clock Tower and (he Crippled Children ’s Ward bear (estimony (o their largesse. Fl am jee House was the venue for all Kapadia ’s dream project. Parsi festivities and it wa.s also custom- aiy to have an open house ’’ for all by the Parsi Sports Club was the coni- bined effort of Framroze Rustomjee who donated the land and Ruttonshah con ­ struction, it i.s explained in the fifth instalment. A.s per Ruttonshah ’s last will, every year the. community i.s in ­ vited to a dinner at the Navroz Baug on a date close to his death anniversary. The Parasmani Hall which is in use cess Parsis every Sunday, it i.s recounted. The rags to riches story of Rustom jee Muncherjee who had assiduously toiled Rustomjee who bore the cost of to build up his business empire and invariably presided over every meeting of the community i.s related in the third instalment. Among (he leading profes- sionafs of the 2()lh century were Homi Fiamroze Billimoria who enjoyed the The academician Kaikhushroo Billimo- distinction of serving a.s the first Ceylo ­ nese (the previou.s incumbents being English) chief architect of the public works department ol the government and Dr Rustom Pcslonjee who had served (he King during World War I and returned with distinctions in war service. Some of the imposing struc- ture.s erected by Billimoria arc the Inde ­ pendence Hall, The Elphinstone and Majestic Theatres and Navroz Baug. lanas. tsut tneir accomplishments are A.s supei intendent ol the Leper Asylum fondly recalled in the final episode of thi.s in Hendala Peston jee played host to the treatise on Sri Lankan Zoroastrians. ria, who as principal of the Dharmaraja College was responsible for building up the center of learning into a reputed institute, was always happy to host Parsi visitors to Kandy as theirs was the only Zoroastrian family resident there. Many other outstanding Parsis have their roots in Ceylon. Professional, busi ­ ness and/or family commitments may have persuaded them to settle in other lands. But their accomplishments in Hendala Pestonjee played host to the Parsi community every Christmas when his shops. Transport facilities too came within hi.s purview in the early I9th century and there are reference.s to hi.s establishment running the palanquin facilities for the convenience of passen ­ gers. The coffee estate and exports of occasion with the patients. Another revered medical practitio ­ ner was Dr Dadabhoy Peslonjee Banajee who had served the Maharaja of Morvi before being appointed member of the Colombo Municipality, states the fourth instalment. Even though the Maharaja The Parsis in India were ambitious and inherently possessed of wanderlust. They preferred to travel to distant land.s and to establish themselves in profes ­ sions and skillful undertakings. The Parsis migrated to many countries like Africa, the Mediterranean cities and other part.s of the world. 73 Parsiana July-August 1999PERCY AND KAIZAD ROADLINES Private Limited In their peregrinations they reached the Maldivian coast and proved their worth as expert builders of vessels and sea craft. The Maldivian.s welcomed them openheartedly and not only en- I’asied them and their services for build- carrying on and extending the scope of their business activity in many different places. One such field for the expansion of their business activity was the island of Ceylon, which in the days gone by brought to Ceylon in Maldivian bugga- Transport Contractors & Fleet Owners Contractors to Godrej & Boyce Mfg Co Ltd Godrej-GE Appliances Ltd Krupp Industries (India) Ltd Daily and direct services to: Maharashtra, MP, UP, Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi, Chandigarh and Punjab Regd Office: 111, Trapinex House, 1st Floor, Sholapur Street, Mumbai 400009 Resi: 2185674, 2182885 Office: 3718679, 3727831, 3740913, 3774531, Mobile: 9820077300 ing boat.s but also for manning many of theircrafts across the turbulent waters of the Indian, Ara ­ bian and African coasts. The Parsis who were expert navigators associ ­ ated themselves with their Maldi- If the lost item was taken to the shop of Tarsi Dady ” the finder would receive a reward commercial not only lows vast quantities of goods from the Maidive islands, but also from other parts of India, Arabia and the African coast. The gravest danger lay in the manning and handling of vian comrade.s and proved themselves their trustworthy friends. During their many journeys to distant land.s near the Arabian Coast they taught the Maldi ­ vians to do extensive barter for the goods they carried. The numerous bar ­ ter transactions which the Parsi.s taught the Maldivian.s brought them into promi ­ nence with the Maldivian government which not only permitted them to ex ­ tend their trade facilities hut also em ­ ployed them in their government of ­ fices a.s men of intense integrity. Thu.s the Parsis found ample scope both for these frail craft. The Parsis who were experts in shipbuilding made tremen ­ dous advance.s in the strengthening of the buggalows. Thi.s helped the Mal ­ divian government to acquire consider ­ able wealth and increased their pros ­ perity. Among the persons who had been shipwrecked and whose tombstones are found in remote areas of our maritime province.s of Ceylon will be found the remains of able-bodied seamen, of the buggalows they had built and of which they were the most senior craftsmen, With best compliments from SelVel Vantage 74 Parsiana July-August 1099 Off Dr. E. Moses Road, 83 C, Hansraj Piagji Buildin Shah & Nahar Industrial Area, Worli, Mumbai - 400 018 g ’ Phone : 022- 4961703-7 Fax: 022-4951498 E-mail: vantage.bby@ gnbom.globalnet.ems.vsnl.net. in Branches at: Bangalore, Calcutta, Chennai, Delhithe inborn traits of the Parsis who have never proved hostile or inimical to the interest of all others nor have they at any time been so politically minded as to aspire for office, rank or position in the affairs of government. The interest of the Parsis has at all times been subservient to the interest of the country in which they have made their home and they have been always Happy New Year and Best Wishes From Patience who had risked their precious lives to save their craft being broken up in stormy weather. This accounts for the gravestones which have been discov ­ ered in Ceylon ’s maritime eastern and western coasts dating as far back as 1603, bearing the names of the ancient shipbuilders. Hence the Parsi.s did visit this beautiful island known as the “Pearl of the Orient ” over 368 years ago. Traces of stray Parsi burials in the charitably disposed towards the people eastern province establish that Parsis ventured into this island also around the year 1750. Some of them had been planters and the other.s shopkeepers. Their earlier prosperity, of which we have little information, helped others of their kinsmen from India to launch forth Ceylon, had spent many years making into business activities in Ceylon. Ceylon proved a most hospitable and homely country to the Parsis who had come to the island from remote times and made the country their per ­ manent home. The different govern ­ ments, from times prior to the British occupation, always afforded the Parsis freedom of worship and full freedom ol trade. Parsis have at all times mingled with the indigenous population in every part of the island and have been always welcome in their homes. This is due to with whom they dwell. They have been noted to use their wealth for the benefit of the country in which they have made their home. K. D. Choksy, one of the pioneer research workers of his day, living in ardent investigations at the Govern ­ ment Archives to discover particulars regarding the advent of Parsis in Ceylon for purposes of trade. A few of his available notes, placed at the disposal of the writer by his son, N. K. Choksy, advocate. Queen ’s Counsel, and one time judge of the Supreme Court of the island of Ceylon, have helped to give the data pertaining to the incidents re ­ ferred to in this work. According to the Parsee Prakash of Bombay, it would appear that Hormus- Papeti and Navroze Mubarak WHITE CLOUD FILTER PADS Private Limited 412, Gultekdi Road, Mukundnagar, Pune 411037 Gram: Filterpads Phones: 4263476, 4262236, 4261078 Fax:0091-020-4267923 E-mail: wcfp@vsnl.com Pioneer Manufacturers of Finest Quality Machine-Made Filter Pads in the Country and Merchant Exporters We are now an 180-9002:1994 Company and our Quality and Management Systems have been certified by M/s Det Norske Veritas 76 Parsiana July-August 1999 Jknown for business purposes and a num ­ ber of Parsis founded their businesses in the Fort of Colombo. Ceylon having POWER PUSHER FINANCIAL SERVICES Private Limited Hanoz P. Patel and Zubin P. Patel Dealing in bonds, issues, company fixed deposits, HDFC, UTl, Lie, mutual funds, post office savings, PPF, shares, primary issues, inter ­ corporate deposits, 10% tax free relief bonds. Office: 306, M B House, 3rd floor, 79 Janmabhoomi Marg, Fort, Mumbai 400001 Tel: 2846522,2846521 Fax:022-2846521 Res: 3866533,3879979 jee Espandiarjec Khambata came to Bombay from Khambat (Cambay) and went to Mysore during the Tippu Sultan wars to do business there. He then spread become noted tor its wonderfully pro- out to the Malabar coast and in 1803 established himself in Colombo a.s one of the leading merchants owning three ships. Hormusjee Espandiarjee and a num ­ ber of his Parsi relatives carried on a lucrative business in the Pettah and at 15, Baillie Street in the Fort of Co ­ lombo. Espandiarjee ’s business dealt with the import of goods on consign ­ ment basis from India and large stock.s Bombay, of goods of foreign manufacture from China and Europe. The History of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce reveals that at the lirst meeting held on March 25, 1839 when the Chamber was inaugurated, Hormus- jee Espandiarjee and Shapoorjic Hirji were the only two non-English mem ­ bers of that Chamber — thu.s indicating the high esteem in which these two Parsis had been held in Ceylon at that time. According to the Parsee Prakash, Hormusjee Espandiarjee died in Bom ­ bay at the age of 85 years in 1845. It would appear that King ’s Street and Baillie Street in the Fort were well- ductive terrain, the Parsis of India de ­ cided to come over to Ceylon for trade. In the early 19th century, 1807-1813, there were a number of Parsis who had established themselves in Colombo and elsewhere for business and trade, namely Sorabjee Pestonjee who came from Bombay, Nusserwanjee Eduljee Hor- musjee from Surat, Sorabjee Ruttonjee from Bombay, Dinyarji Burjorji from Dady Munchcrji, known as “Parsi Dady ” or “Dady Parsi ” did business on a greater scale than any of the above named four persons. He dealt in cloth, liquor, imported food items, potatoes, onions and in addition conducted auc ­ tions of furniture of his clients. He also conducted lotteries for the sale of such items. He used to buy or sell for his customers horses and carriages. He held agencies for ships. If anyone lost any item he published a notice stating that it the item was taken to the shop of “Parsi Dady ” he would receive a reward. In those days Europeans did not own shops or conduct business with the result that THE COMMUNITY FARES WELL AT TATAS Community welfare is a social responsibility voluntarily accepted by Tatas many years ago. It was this sense of responsibility that prompted Sir Ratan Tata to finance studies into the causes of poverty in 1912, and the Tata Trusts to establish institutions like the Tata Memorial Hospital for Cancer Research •nd treatment and the Tata Institute of Social Sciences. In fact. Tatas have gone so far as' to turn (he entire town of Jamshedpur into a model in community living. There are wide roads, tree-lined avenues, hospitals and family clinics, and schools which any community would be proud of. TATA ENTERPRISES 78 Parsiana July-August 1999ing address: ‘“Gentlemen, penetrated with the honor which you have done me, I can ­ not express the gratitude and self-satis ­ faction I feel on this occasion; but I beg to assure you it will be the study of my future days to continue to deserve the goodwill and esteem of a community that has long commanded my respect. “‘If, gentlemen, I have in any degree Do you have a G6PD enzyme deficiency? The G6PD enzyme deficiency, common among the Parsis, makes them highly susceptible to certain drugs.* The deficiency may cause jaundice in the newborn and severe hemolytic crisis (destruction of red blood cells) in adults. Ask yourfamily doctorto arrange for a blood test to detect whether you have G6PD enzyme deficiency. If you happen to be a G6PD-D patient, it is essential that you carry your card at all times so that in any emergency you would receive appropriate treatment. 'Analgesics; Anetanilid, Acetylsalicylic acid, Asprin, Acetophenetidin (Phenacetin), Antipyrine, Pyramidone. Sulfonamides and Sulfones: Sulfanilamide, Sulfapyridine, N2 Acetylsulfanilamide, Sulfacetamide, Sulfisoxazole (Gantrisin), Thiazolsuldone, Salicylazosulfapyridine (Azulfadine), Sulfoxone, Sulfamethoxypyridine (Kynex). Antimalarials: Primaquine, Pamaquine, Pentaquine, Quinacrine (Atabrine). Nonsulfonamide antibacterial agents; Furazolidone, Nitrofurantoin (Furadantin), Chloramphenicol, Para-aminosalicylic acid. Miscellaneous: Napthalene, Vitamin K (Water soluble analogues), Prodenecid, Trinitrotoluene. Methylene blue, Dimercaprol (BAL), Pheny ­ lhydrazine, Quinine and Quinidine; Sulpha containing compounds including Septran, DOS and Daraprim; Nitrodurantoin, Nalidixic acid including all derivatives of this group, Antistine, Diphenylhydramine, Pronestyl, Nitrites, Large doses of Chloroquine, Chloromycetin, Vit. C & K. Published in the public interest by Parsiana 80 Parsiana Ju/y-August 1999 English civilians, Supreme Court judges, lawyers, barristers a.s well as military officers and padres were his clients. Owing to his humility people were attracted to him. After having conducted his business for about 25 years, he announced that he proposed to go for a short time to his hometown, Bombay. In recognition of his services to them for 25 years, his customers made a collection and decided to present deserved the praises you have been him with a “piece of plate ” which was meant to be “a small but just tribute of approbation due to the worth of an upright, obliging and benevolent man. ” Thereafter a notice was published in the Government Gazette of March 27, 1824: “The committee appointed by the pleased to bestow upon me, the merit is rather yours than mine — the extensive patronage I have received from this community during my long residence here, the encouragement it has ever given me and the interest it seemed to take in my welfare could not fail to produce effects, which I am happy to subscribers for a piece of plate to Dady find have obtained your approbation. Muncherji commonly called ‘Dady Parsi ’ now beg to inform that the amount of the subscription received has been appropriated to the purchase of a silver cup, made under the committee ’s direc- “ ‘I return my most sincere and grate ­ ful thanks for the Battering present with which you have honored me. I shall cherish it and consider it as a pledge of the continuance of your goodwill and tions at Colombo and which was lately support which, I trust in God, I shall presented to him in the names of the subscribers on hi.s return to this island. The sentiments of Dady Muncherji on receiving this flattering token of public Your most obedient, most estimation are expressed in the follow- I never forfeit. ‘“I remain, gentlemen, with great respect obliged and faithful servant With Best Compliments From MUSTANG ENTERPRISES Manufacturers of Mustang Cotton Socks and Gents ’ and Children ’s Undergarments 219, Milan Industrial Estate, Takarsa Jivraj Road Cotton Green, Mumbai 400033 Tel; (91) (22) 4147453 Fax: (91) (22) 4146319B. Jamshedji Jivanji Jewellers Appointed valuers of jewellery to the Government of India Estd 1901 Opp Mumbadevi Zaveri Bazar Mumbai 400002 Phone: 3427464 (signed) Dady Muncherji Colombo, March 11, 1824.’” The Governiiieiit Gazette of May 5, 1830 contains a notice that on May 2, 1830 “Parsi Dady Muncherji ” aged 70 passed away. There is a possibility that Parsi Dady Muncherji is the same a.s Dady Hirjee hereinafter referred to. Dady Hirjee, a Parsi from Bombay, came over with his family to Colombo and opened a large departmental store in Baillie Street next door to the long ­ standing auction rooms of G. W. Gambo in the Corner House of Baillie Street in the Fort of Colombo. The strict honesty Jamshedjee Bomanjee was Boated from and integrity of Dady Hirjee ’s busincs.s methods and transactions appealed to the government which patronized thi.s firm for every kind of project beneficial to the people and Dady Hirjee became singu/ar/y well-kaown to the people of Colombo. He later acquired the auction rooms of Gambo and established a large auctioning business where almost all goods and stocks of articles seized by this the Parsi traders, who helped to the custom.s were sent to be auctioned. In the year 1 820, Parsi Dady Hirjee, a philanthropist, donated a set of Encyclopaedia Erittanica at a meeting at the King ’s House, Colombo, for the formation of a Society called the Ceylon Literary Society. From the numerous records in the Government Gazettes of the early 19th century it is abundantly clear that in government circles, Parsi Dady Hirjee had been well known for his probity through the large volume of valuable articles he had handled for sale or otherwise for the government of Ceylon. According to the Government Ga­ zette of June 2, 1821, wc learn that a large vessel named the Hastings with an emplacement of 24 guns, built by the notable Bombay shipbuilder, Parsi the docks on May 12, 1821. It reached Colombo on June 2, 1821. The firm of Dady Hirjee acted as agents of thi.s vessel. It i.s known from the Goveniineiit Gazettes of die early I9(h century that transport facilities for the transport of goods from the capital city of the island were very poor and that as a result of send goods to the interior provinces, had to meet with many reverses. These goods used to be sent through coolies who carried the parcels by hand for delivery. In the course of transit the With Best Compliments Of HOSHANG J. BUCHIA & CO ENGINEERS & CONSTRUCTORS 4/24, Tata Mills Co-op Housing Society Ltd Elphinstone Road, Bombay 400012 Tel: 4112539 82 Parsiana July-August 19991 ? * ? ? Sawn Timber Doors & Windows Kiln Seasoning Chemical Preservative Treatment Packing Cases & Pallets Furniture Components B. F. Wadia & Sons 142, Reay Road Bombay 400010 Tel: 3721934, 3720235 Fax: 3739373 Tlx: 11-74571 BFW IN With Best Compliments of CPEC LIMITED 1, Industrial Estate, Lalbaug, Bombay-400012 Tel: 413 7353,7431,0349, 4128387,1591 Fax:0091-22-4130937 Pioneer in the field of manufacture of Mechanical power transmission systems. •Helical and Bevel/Helical Gear Boxes •Worm Reduction Gears •Inline Helical Gears & Geared Motors •Automatic Control Variable Speed Pulleys & Drives ’Non-Standard & Custom Built Gear Boxes •Flexible Couplings etc. merchants had to undergo severe losses due to pilferage. Some of the coolies had even absconded with the goods. Even palanquins were in constant use in those early days for the transport of passengers from one destination to an ­ other. Parsi Dady Hirjee ’s establish ­ ment was in charge of the palanquin facilities. The first new brig known as George the Fourth was built at B atticaloe by Parsi craftsmen to carry a load of 135 tons. It was built to carry freight in safety. Other ships and crafts came to be built with the aid of the Parsi crafts ­ men for voyages from Trincomalee, Point de Galle and Colombo to the distant ports of Bombay, Madras, Calcutta, Chittagong and many other South Indian ports. Parsi Dady Hirjee ’s establishment was in charge of all these transport facilities. Dady Hirjee and his family lived long in Ceylon as prominent citizens, well recognized by the government for their probity of character, honesty and integrity. There is no trace of Parsi Dady Hirjee ’s family having left Ceylon, which had been their home for many J years. To be continued FARROKH KHAMBATA CATERING & ALLIED Wishing All Our Dear Clients a Very Happy Pateti and Prosperous New Year Ness Baug, Annexe 2, 2nd Floor, Flat #3, Nana Chowk, Mumbai 400007 Tel: (Off/Res) 3870856/3872350 • Central kitchen; 2011037/2073840 84 Parsiana Jufy-August 1999HISTORY Daring Dosebai One of the few Indian women writers of the 19th century, Dosebai Jessawalla critically chronicles life in a tradition-bound society Recent research has focussed on auto ­ biographies as source material to gauge responses to social change. This be ­ comes all the more important with re ­ gard 10 the few work.s written by women writers in the 19th century. A woman wrote about herself as a consciou.s act, as it represented her desire to express her feelings and emotions. This article is based on an autobiography entitled The Story of My Life by Dose ba i Cowasjee Jessawalla (nee Shrol'l). .lessawalla was an upper-clas.s Parsi housewife. She claimed to be the first woman to have received an English education in Bombay and ascribed this pioneering step to het widowed mother. Meheribai Shroff, who braved the hostile criticism of both her family and the leaders of her community, .lessawalla repeatedly empbasi/.es the fad that this initiative had been overlooked by a male domi ­ nated society. Jessawalla ’s edu ­ cation was confined to a knowl ­ edge of the English language and an acquisition of western social graces. Her account covers half a century and hence her reactions * to the changing social environ- ment are significant, especially since there arc such few voice.s like hers. She led no campaigns for reform and was an ardent anglophile, taking pride in being the first to adopt certain social praclice.s of the west. She trav ­ elled extensively and recorded her experiences. While there is a tendency to ramble and highlight society events, her writing pro- vide.s a valuable insight into the perceptions of a woman living in the late I91h century. s Jes.sawdlla: devout Porsi Photos: The Story of My Lite 86 Parsiafia July-August 1999 Dr Mridula Ramanna Jcssawiillti ’s pat ents were Horinusjee Cufseliee ShrolT and Meheribai. Horniusiec was ilie son ol Curseljee Manckjee ShrolT. head ol' the Parsi Pnnchtiyel, while Mcherihai was the daughter of Janisetjce Nanabhoy Guzder. Meheribai was I'luent in Gujarati, but had her sons educated in English. She seems to have been an independent-minded woman, with an admiration for western manners. The state of education in the mid 19th century is described by Jessawalla, WH - ¦-js: I to show the reader the environment in which Meheribai took the bold step of educating her daughter. Only some men knew English and did not think of teach ­ ing the language to women. A slight smattering of the vernaculars was the extent of a girl ’s attainments, which was acquired from schools conducted by mehtajis. The school consisted only of a ground Boor verandah, where the student.s squatted on a hard mattress. Jessawalla felt that the very appearance of the teacher.s was not such as to “com ­ mand respect. ” The method of 21 teaching was the recitation ol mul- I tiplication tables in “a united roar," with girls picking up “a few crumbs of learning. ” For the rest, a girl passed her time in routine house ­ work or in “idleness and gossip. ’ The orthodox Parsis wanted to keep "the females stationary, ” and con ­ sidered them “vastly inferior" and a career was “undreamt of. ” Mchcribai made the acquain ­ tance of Ms Ward and her mother Ms Mackenzie through her family ‘J doctor Baptist (son-in-law of Sir '¦| Roger de Faria) and subsequently I sent Dosebai to Ms Ward ’s Semi ­ nary (a.s the school was called) in 1842. This action created a scandal among the Parsis. Not only did hei; father-in-law oppose her, but the Gujarati papers, Jam-e-Jaiiislied and the Chobiik, which catered to a Parsi readership, made critical comments. The family wa.s even threatened with excommunication. On the other hand, the Bombay Courier, of August 23, 1842 hailed the step and declared, “We shall watch the progress of this girl with deep interest and will rejoice to find the noble example followed by others. ” Jcssawalla points out C that the paper, while highlighting ( the fact that she was the grand-Jessciwalla ’.v bungalow at Tardea Holding the reins: Dosehai with Cowasjee in 1876 / *» i daughter of Cursetjee Manekjee Shroff and the daughter of Hormusjee Cursetjee, had remarked that her mother had cooperated with other memher.s of that enlightened family in procuring every advantage of education. Jessawalla spiritedly dismisses this statement as being “far wide off the mark." Her grandfather also received a letter of praise from Mounistuart Elphinstone from England. She regrets that in both the editions of hi.s volumes on the manners, customs and ancestral lore of the Parsis, Dosabhai Framji Karaka, while mentioning the founder of female education, passe.s over "in silence" an event which had caused “so much consternation." Jessawalla concludes that the “male sex is ever lardy of acknowledging the meril.s of a female rival. ” Ms Ward ’s school closed in 1847 but Jessawalla ’.s ex ­ ample wa.s followed by her cousin. of g Cursetjee wa.s associated with its main ­ tenance. Jessawalla ’s Contention was that while thi.s initiative was highlighted, her mother ’,s bold step two decade.s earlier wa.s overlooked. Meheribai died in 1879. The Indian Magazine and Re­ view of London, 1908 seems to have eulogized her. The Bombay Gazette of 1887 also acknowledged Meheribai ’s contribution, after Manockjee ’.s death. Karaka date.s female education to 1849, when educated men saw the need Io educate their womenfolk, particu ­ larly since they exercised such an influ ­ ence on children. Thi.s wa.s - realized through the efforts *¦ of the Students ’ Literary and Scientific Society. Jessawalla refers to the Society and com- mend.s Dadabhai Naoroji, Nowroji Furdoonji, Ardesir ¦R Framji Moos and Bomanji Pestonji Master for promot- ing vcrnacularcducation. She m observes that only later were the “plutocrats roused to their H sense of duty" and those who i gave “the mere assistance of IB their purse ” were held up for praise, even though their own F*- women were not educated. When Jessawalla left school at the age of 13, she continued her “education" under the tuition of a govern- Cooverbai, who wa.s taught English by ess twice a week. She contrast.s favor- a governess. Subsequently, Jamscljee ably her own “manner of sitting" and Jejeebhoy had his only daughicrPirojbai educated, while Framji Cowasji Banaji ’.s 18-year-old married daughter was in- slrucled in secrecy by a Portuguese maslcr called .Amadorc Viegas. Jcssawalla asserts that while these lead ­ ers of Parsi society were afraid ol' let ­ ting il be known that their daughters were being educated, her mother had openly espoused the cause. Thi.s ex ­ ample wa.s cimdated by Sir Albert Sassoon, after overcoming the objec- tion.s of his father, as Jewish women never appeared unveiled in public. He sent his daughters to a school set up by Ms Hinton in 1849. Manockjee Cursetjee ’.s daughters, Aimac K. R. Cama and Serene Manockjee Cursetjee also attended this school. Manockjee founded the Alexandra Native Girls ’ English Institution in 1863 and Serene 88 Parsiana July-August 1999 ably her own “manner of sittin, “modulated voice ’’ with those of her acquaintances, who talked “loudly." Her “education" came to an end when she was 17. Her mother had begun scouting for grooms a year earlier. Jessawalla states that she was convinced that she -• had a right to assent or decline a pro ­ posal. She disapproved of the practice of consulting horoscopes as “idle su ­ perstition." She had apparently devel ­ oped a fondness for a cousin of hers and with her mother ’s approval had broached the subject of marriage with her uncle, but he refused to permit the alliance since he disapproved of Meheribai'.s ways. Finally, Dosebai married her mother ’s fricnd ’.s son, Cowasjee Jessawalla, a widower with six chil ­ dren. Cowasjee had been educated in En ­ glish and worked in his father ’s firm. friend ’ sJehangir and Company. He was present in I 839 during the war in Kabul and was responsible for establishing the family business at Multan, Sukkur, Lahore, Rawalpindi and Kabul. Subsequently being essentially domestic. She records he worked as a guarantee broker with Volkart Brothers and took an active part in Bombay Native Insurance Company and Bombay Oil Press Company. A He had hi.s steam- (Lsosv.C'.wyb.Q.ywi.iiw • Bombay Kathiawar. Cowasjee appar- cully suffered 879 and Dosebai, who had private property of debts the tune of Rs I U.OOO. She this for him gave her “much satisfaction. ” She also state.s that she sue- ' cessfully defended herself and her husband against “spuriou.s claims ” in a court of law. She appears to have been devoted to him, and on hi.s death at the age of 80, declared, “To an Indian wife, there is no greater bereavement than losing her husband. ” Initially, Dosebai and Cowasjee lived in a joint family of 50 to 60 members, but under her inlluencc he took to “new jamsetjee remarked that it pleased him ways ” and set up a separate establish ­ ment. Now she had her daughter trained in dancing. Her husband encouraged her to travel outside Bombay. Her mar ­ ried daughter voyaged to England with ­ out an escort and, on her return, wore a western style riding dress to the band ­ stand. This llouting of conventions evoked critical comment, but with the spread of “education ” she observe.s that Parsi girls moved about freely. Jessawalla makes specific mention of a “close friend ” called Kesarbai. Kesarbai is described as “a progressive Hindu. ” She was the wife of Kalyandas Manmohanda.s and seem.s to have fol ­ lowed Jessawalla in adopting the use of stockings and different type.s of orna ­ ments and expressed her appreciation of the changes in Jessawalla ’.s family through a small verse she composed. Contemporary social practice.s among Parsi.s are seen a.s gender discriminatory by Jessawalla. Thu.s while widows spent their lives wearing black dresses and no ornaments, she notes that a widower resumed the “gaiety and amusement of his bachelor days ” after amonth of mourn ­ ing. A woman ’s role wa.s perceived as that she look over the cooking Irom servants when her husband ’s busines.s establishing the i fe • and 1 — <3. . 90 Parsiana July-August 1999 ered. Thi.s willingness to try western medicine, in the middle of the century when its availability and acceptance were limited, is significant. Being an ardent admirer of British monarchy, .Icssawaha attributes all that she sees as progress to the “human inlluence ” of Queen Victoria. .She believed that “equal dis- tribution of justice and prosperity ” had re ­ sulted from British L wTc. . Cry ssyjxs, I vein, she contends, I “India boast.s of I many noble chiefs, I I doubt if one could ¦ be found who I would bring order I out of chaos a.s the ¦ English do. ” The I year 1870 is termed R / “memorable ” be ­ cause of the visit of the Duke of Edinburgh, IKSBIE^ when the Government re- quested people to whitewash their houses and observe “clean ­ liness ” and princes and native chiefs came to Bombay to pay their “respects. ” The visit of the Prince of Wales in 187,S is hailed as “an auspicious omen ” as it provided Parsi women “a freedom un ­ known before ” with even widows com ­ ing out and attending functions. Streets and public gardens were repaired and put in order. In the following year, she attended the Delhi Darbar, where she was the only Parsi woman present, the other.s being Zenana ladies “who were screened from view. ” She is aware of the famine of 1876, but sees the Darbar as a mean.s of providing employment to the poor. The splendor and display of wealth made her feel how “powerful was the scepter ” of Queen Victoria. Socializing with Europeans was im- - portant to Jessawalla and she records with pride the various receptions; she attended. Her regret was that upper-class Indian women were devoid of interest and curiosity and reluctant to take what she regarded as their “legitimate place ” at state ceremonies. At the same time, she observes that Europeans made “incorrect surmises ” about India, their “supercil ­ ious superiority ” being “taken down a peg ” when they saw how Indian.s ac ­ cepted western facilities. European visi ­ tors to her friend Kesarbai ’s home were amazed at the comforts she had. Descriptions of Jessawalla ’s exten- 1 ¦& Ml w ‘o Dosehai Jexsciytillci (riiiht) and son Dad'ahhoy (in pnyree) with Ms R. Alders and her children in Bonn in I87B stilTered a downswing during the share crisis. On another oeeasion, when she eooked for her husband ’s guests, Nowroji Furdoonji, Dorabji Frainji and others, Sir that so “refined ” a person as Dosebai possessed the “sterling qualities ” of a “capable housewile. ” The contemporary male perception of an “educated ” woman wa.s one who possessed western man ­ ners, and yet performed her homely tasks. Critical of those who learnt English and on the strength of that knowledge ignored their household duties, disre ­ garded religion, or the performance of rituals, Jessawalla wa.s outraged that some even upheki Christianity as the “embodiment of truth. ” There is an inevitable acceptance of certain prac ­ tices. Thus her daughter had to spend 40 day.s “lying-in ” after her second baby, as wa.s the custom, even though she had not done likewise for her first child in England. She also mentions the effects of 1 1 childbirths on her own health. However, when Dosebai and her brother had been afflicted by cholera as chil ­ dren, their mother had moved house to the Fort area, where with the timely treatment of a physician they recov-SI VC I travels form a major part of her autobiography. She appears to have been an indefatigable traveler. The first trip she record.s wa.s to Mahablesh war, which was a “heavenly retreat ” and notes that such "healthful ” resort.s were not availed of, due to “ill lounded, dreadful prejudice. ” She maintained that since "steam had obliterated ” the dif ­ ficulty of travel, “a woman should shake off the antiquarian dread of locomotion." Her trip to Delhi in 1876 wa.s by train, via Allahabad. She wa.s im ­ pressed by the large railway sta- tion at Allahabad and visited the Sangam and what she de ­ scribes a.s the “subterranean cel ­ lar" where Hindu rites and cer ­ emonies were performed. At , Delhi she mentions visiting | •lama Masjid and Chandui | Chowk. the latter reminding her I of Bhintli Bazaar or Parel Road | in Bombay. She is amused by I the speculation in Chandni I Chowk among the locals a.s to | whether she wa.s a Chinese or an I Egyptian. | Her visit to the Taj Mahal * evokes the comment that while "the architecture of the British rule wa.s large and showy, ” it ** was "nothing approaching the exi|uisite details and costly el ­ egance of the Taj. ” Her ardent pro British sentiments lead her Io regard Lucknow as “a land ­ mark of British heroism ” and she IS moved by her visit to the Residency there. ,She took a ride on an elephant in the howdah, creating a stir, with passersby asking her to partake of pan siipari (betelnut). Benares, the ‘sa ­ cred city of India, ’ disappointed her with il.s "filth and squalor ” everywhere, except in areas where European meats were lodged. At Calcutta, “the city of palaces, ” she attended a recep ­ tion at Government House, where Lady '.Sirachey welcomed her as the first Parsi latly to ever do so. On her way back to Bombay, .lessawalla stopped al Jabalpur where she saw the Marble Rocks and even visited a jail where the prisoners, she noted, looked “far from discon ­ tented." Being a devout Parsi. she un ­ dertook a trip to Navsari to worship at the fire-temple there. .lessawalla traveled Io England in 1878 with her son. She points out that rcm- ? .93 Parsiana July-AugusI 1999 while her husband was encouraging, her brother disapproved of her trip. On board the 5. S. Nizam she socialized with her fellow passengers. She de ­ scribes the slow progres.s of the steamer II i” I , * Ji wW * Dosehdi Jessawalla with grand­ daughter J. R. Pate 11 (standing) and great-grandson through the Suez Canal. They disem ­ barked al Malta, where they saw Indian forces mustered in large numbers. She they saw the Pantheon, the Colosseum note.s that the ship rounded the tip at Gibraltar and reached Southampton af ­ ter a 27-day Journey. Arriving in Lon ­ don was the realization of “the greatest aim ol her 1 ile. ”She found that Jamseljee ing ” and was allowed to kiss his fingers Jejeebhoy wa.s so well-known in Lon ­ don that she wa.s identified as belonging to his community. She was impressed by the railway network in the city and the “majestic bridge ’’ over the river Thames. She mentions her visit to Ma ­ dame Tussaud ’s, the India Office Li­ brary, the Crystal Palace, with it.s col ­ lection of roses, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, the Tower of London, St Paul ’s, Covent Garden Theatre, the aquarium and the Polytechnic, where she saw the telephone. At the House of Commons, she was inspired by Gladstone speaking against the “infamous ” Press Act, and cham ­ pioning the cause of India ’s rights and liberties. She notes, with in ­ terest, that numerous saleswomen and seamstresses were employed in London. She met friend.s like Framji Bamonji Cama who had established his busines.s there, DrRustamji Nusserwanji Khory, who wa.s a doctor educated at the Grant Medical College, Bombay and Dr George Birdwood (cred ­ ited with the creation of Victoria Gardens), who had been curator at the Government Central Mu- j| seum, Bombay, and secretary to I the Agri-Horticultural Society of Western India and was at the I time with the India Office. I Jessawalla also visited Brighton. I Her trip to England so over- I whelmed her that she declared I “England affords her people an I unceasing round of refinement I and legitimate pleasure, even a « 10th of which cannot be had in j India. ” - Jessawalla and her son went ¦ to Pari.s next to see the exhibition I there. They visited the English, Chinese and Indian stalls, exhib- I iting their products, arks and in ­ dustries. Jessawalla even man ­ aged a balloon ride. Since she wore her Parsi costume every ­ where, she found herself photographed in London, Paris and Bonn. They vis ­ ited Switzerland, particularly Geneva, with its “romantic mountain scenery. ” Passing through Parma, Bologna, and Ravenna they arrived at Rome, where and St Peter ’s Basilica. She even had an audience with the Pope, Leo XIII. She was exempted from the customary kiss ­ ing of the toe, as she regarded it “pollut- instead. On her return to India, Jessawalla traveled to Rawalpindi and Kashmir, which she terms the ‘Venice of India. ’ She remarks that she found men to be educated there but not women. Her next trip wa.s to South India in 1904. At Madras, she visited the General Hospi ­ tal, which had the reputation of beingN. DAVAR & Company Painting Contractors Decorators 2, Commerce Centre, Tardeo Mumbai 400034 Tel: 4944856, 4943210 Fax: 4947151 the best hospital, with facilities for women and children. She describes Pondicherry as “the relic of an unbuilt empire ” and is amazed by the noiseless traffic there, with no horse conveyance, but only the pousse (rickshaw). She went up the Nilgiris to Ooty and was impressed by the engineering skill that went into the construction of the rail ­ way. The Todas, with their tall and athletic looks, are compared to the Jews. Jessawalla ’s next halt was Bangalore, where she enjoyed the green meadows and drive to the Cubbon Park, and then on to “enlightened ” Mysore. She man ­ aged a trip to the Kolar Gold Mines where she saw the “processes ” by which gold was extracted. After selling some of her property in Bombay, 76-year-old Jessawalla went on a second visit to England in 1906. She disembarked atMarseilles and trav ­ eled to London by train. She stayed in England for three months. She particu ­ larly mentions her meeting Dadabhai Naoroji, whom she had known since childhood, and remarks that she was amazed by “the energy and enthusiasm with which he worked for the good of India. ” In 1907, Jcssawalla went on a world With Best Compliments From Manufacturers of ‘Wibs ’ Products IRANI FOODS AND INVESTMENT COMPANY Private Limited 100 D’Limit Street, Dockyard Road, Mumbai 400010 94 Parsiana Juty-August 1999ing the reproduction of the historic lour with two of her sons. She waxes eloquent about Bombay, as it appeared temple ot Palilana, in teak, from the ship, P & O’s Delta, with its “magnificent harbor, busy wharves ” and Jessawalla and her party went on to England where she was gratified to “amphitheater of distant hills, ” a “truly have been able to attend a talk on edu- sublime spectacle. ” This time, she trav ­ eled east via Colombo which, she notes, was famed for its cinnamon and cloves; on to Penang, Singapore and Hong Kong. Here they met leading Parsi mer ­ chants, Sir Hormusji N. Mody and Sorabji Dhunjibhoy Sethna. They then visited Shanghai, “the Paris of the Far East ” where they were surprised to find a Parsi cemetery in “good order. ” Their next halt was Japan, described as “a perfect study in color and configura ­ tion. ” They went Yokohama to Tokyo. Though “a city of temples, ” Jessawalla notes that Tokyo was modern with electric lighting and tram lines. They then sailed for nine days till they reached Honolulu where they saw collections of colored fishes. On the voyage from Honolulu to San Francisco, Jessawalla was photographed and interviewed by the Press. At San Francisco, they found signs of the recent earthquake. Yet the view from the hills, Jessawallti declares, was beyond comparison with what they had seen in Rome, Malta or Hong Kong. They then proceeded to Chicago by Jessawalla train and went on to see the “awful majestic plunge ” of the Niagara Falls. Their next stop was New York city, where they found a number of estab ­ lished Parsi firms viz. J. N. Tata, Bhumgara and Company and Cowasji Brothers. Jessawalla was struck by the sympathy of the American people for “all things Indian. ” She makes discern ­ ing comments about New York. The addressed city of four million “never knew the darkness of sleep, ” and concludes that because people were always rushing ward about and keeping late hours, they lived short lives. She did the sights on “a sightseeing tour ” in the company of a Parsi who was an American citizen, Nasserwanji Panthaky. Jessawalla cat ­ egorizes New York ’s restaurants into those for the poor, where women served, and those for the rich, where only men waited at tables. Their last stop in America was Wash ­ ington and the Jamestown exhibition in Virginia, where the tercentenary of a permanent English settlement was be ­ ing celebrated. Bhumgara and Com ­ pany had displayed ivories, tapestrie.s and bronzes, the crowning exhibit be- cation of Indian women bv N. G. via Kobe and Devoted eoiiple: Cowasjee and Dosehai 96 Parsiana July-August 1999 mark of social status and respectabil ­ ity. ” She gifted the royal couple a cap and dress trimmings, embroidered by her in silver and gold lace and assured the King that Parsis were happy “under his benign rule. ” Jessawalla also at ­ tended the opening of the British Parlia ­ ment, and claims to be the only Parsi lady to have done so by 1908. At the Tableau Vivant, organized in aid of the India Famine Fund, she met Indian men and women dressed in national dress, and heard talks on Indian subjects, in English. Jessawalla ’s almost childlike enthusiasm to try new things is appar ­ ent in the fact that she became a motor ­ ist in England and had a car transported to Bombay, through the offices of Tho ­ mas Cook. Jessawalla left England in 1908 gratified by what she terms the “entente cordiale ” between different communities. En route to India, Jessawalla and her sons made a brief halt at Marseilles where they were impressed by the pan ­ oramic view from the Notre Dame de la Garde. They also went ashore at Aden, where they were entertained by the family of Cowasjee Dinshaw and Brothers who had a reputation for being “first and foremost ” in wel ­ coming royalty, viceroys and gov ­ ernors. Jessawalla 1 records her joy al I returning home, i Subsequently she I offered prayers at I all the fire-temples I in Bombay. I Jessawalla died I in 1911 and her ¦ sons had the auto ­ biography published. Her views had obviously made an impression on them for they note, in an epilogue, that when the history of India would be written, it would bear witness that progress in the 19th and 20th centuries owed as much to her sons as to her daughters. S' Wclinkar, a retired professor from Wilson College, Bombay. She was 'Ji also present al a meeting presided over by William Wedderburn and ¦HF by ® speakers who be- Bh longed to the “for- 1 school, ” with “sympathy ” for India. An in- terviewer of the Daily Mail tried to draw her into a political discussion, but she declined to speak of anything but her travels. She was also interviewed by Ms A. A. Smith, editor of the Indian Magazine and Re­ view. Being an ardent monarchist, the high ­ light of her trip was her presentation before King Edward VII and Queen Edited version of a paper by Dr Mridula *7* Alexandra, arranged through the good Ramanna published in the Journal No 61,1997 offices of Lord Ripon, “the most popu ­ lar Viceroy India ever had. ” To Jessawalla, the presentation was “ahall- of the K. R. Cama Oriental Institute. Dr Ramanna is the head of the department of history at the SIES College, Bombay.We never take our guests and breath-taking views for granted Lord ’s Central Hotel Matheran 410102 Matheran Telephone 021483-0228 Fax 021483-0595 Bombay telephone 3867776 With Best Compliments From DINSHAW SHAPOORJI & COMPANY 414/3, Kasarwadi, Bombay-Poona Road Pimpri, Pune 411034 Pimpri Phones 7124055, 7124373 Fax (020)7124656 Poona Phone 842052 Poona Grams “Truck ” ZOROASTRIANS ABROAD continued from page 54 New Year, ” he writes. Bella Tata, president of the Zoroas ­ trian Society of British Columbia notes, “Let us...get on with it, living life to the fullest, tackling obstacles and changes, and doing as much as we can in har ­ mony with the message of Asho Zarathushtra. ” Says Khorshed Jungalwala, chair ­ person of FEZANA (Federation of Zo ­ roastrian Asso ­ ciations N o A m e r i c a ) ’ s publications committee, "Tl'ic Palic-H- Mehr and the FEZANA Jour­ nal are sister journals that have brought Shalirvini: spreading positive infor- (news and) knowledge mation, knowl ­ edge and news to the Zarathushti com ­ munity, catering to readers in Farsi and English. (With) the diasporic move ­ ment of Zarathushtis into different parts of the world... the news media can play of t h r Branch Office: 92C Mohamedali Road Mumbai 400003 Phone 3432497, 3423977, 3435392 Telex 011 76597 DS A IN Bombay Grams “Motor Truck ” TRANSPORT CONTRACTORS LUXURY COACH & STAFF BUS OPERATORS 98 Parsiana July-August 1999a critical role in giving news, comfort and guidance. The advancement of technology and the freedom of press has made it very easy for us to obtain and dispense information. This advantage has been used by the Pake-E-Mehr judi ­ ciously and to the benefit of all. ” I I Three Prayers A request from her son Rich for “a couple of prayers with meanings, ” has propelled Dina McIntyre, Pennsylvania based attorney andGatha scholar, into publishing a 26-page booklet titled Three Prayers and the Name of God. In it she has meditated on the Ashem Vohu, Yatha Ahu Vairyo, Yenghe Haataam and the name of Ahura Mazda. An Introduction seeks to place these offerings, which she describes as “manthras, little nuggets of wisdom with many layers of meaning, ” into a historical context. Referring to the loss of pre ­ cious knowledge, McIntyre lays the blame on the marauding Greeks and Arabs, but not only on them: “Part of the reason may have been that with the passing of time, the religion for many centuries was in the hands of souls who were not enlightened, who made political compromises, who turned it into a profit making institution, a con ­ trol mechanism, and who were not able to grasp, and therefore maintain, the pure, spiritual truths that Zara- McIntyre: good purpose and love ( thushtra taught. ” She recalls Zarathushtra ’s belief that prayers are always answered if they have two ingredients — good purpose and love. He says to God: ‘...For I know that words deriving from good purpose and from love are not to be left wanting by you ’” (The Gathas, Y28.10). In a covering letter McIntyre notes, “The conclusions I have come to are not in accord with Zoroastrian ideas of the last few centuries. But I have to go where the evidence leads me. I cannot compromise with the truth as I understand it (not knowingly, anyway). ” McIntyre provides two meanings for the Asheni Vohu. At the simplest level she say,s it “stands for the proposition that truth is the best, that it is available to all who desire it and that we should desire truth for truth ’s own best sake... because it i.s the right thing to do. ” At a deeper level she discusses the concept of Asha — “of which ashem and ashai are grammatical variants. ” Noting that “there is no one English word which accurately encom ­ passes the meaning of ‘Asha, ’” McIntyre uses “truth ” in conjunction with its other “divine ” aspects: “what ’s right, goodness, compassion, loving kindness, generosity as well as the laws that govern the spiritual and material worlds includ- ’ing that perfect justice which sets in motion the law of consequences. ” Concluding with a deeper understanding of the Asheni Vohu, McIntyre defines Asha as the best good — “it is divine, the way to divinity and the heaven of becoming one with the divine ” — which can be attained by all who desire it for it.s own sake, without ulterior motives. The Yatha Ahu Vairyo (or Ahuna Vairya) has often been described as a talisman capable of producing extraordinary effects, including the impotence of the evil spirit, according, to the post-Sasanian Bundahishn, notes McIntyre, defining 101 Parsiana July-A ugust 1999 MAGNUM W/iW A HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR Travel with the people who care MAGNUM GROUP OF COMPANIES Opening a whole new world of travel for you. /ATA MAGNUM INTERNATIONAL TRAVELS & TOURS Domestic and International ticketing, visa, passport and assistance in foreign exchange, car and coach hire MAGNUM LEISURE HOLIDAYS Private Limited Domestic and International hotel bookings, individual and group tours, honeymoon packages and corporate holidays CREATIVE OUTDOOR DEVELOPMENT EDUCATION Private Limited Student education camps, festival camps, learn to swim camps and flexi-camps, educational holidays and tours world-wide For all your travel inquiries contact: Frainy Villa, lO, Henry Road, Colaba, Mumbai 4(XX)f)l Phone: 2852343, 2840016, 2838628, 2838629 Fax: 2874730 E-mail: magnum.intnal@axcess.net.in Approved by Government of India TourismI search for Your Face. In the moving lights and darks of earth and space. the Yatha as the prayer of choices: the first as that of the lord (ahu — in accord with the truth, Asha); the second as the judgment that accords with the truth, Asha; the third establishing the rule of actions (khshathra) stemming from an existence of good thinking for the sake of the wise lord. The first choice leads McIntyre into an examination of the attributes of di ­ vinity as embodied in the amesha spentas in contrast to the pantheon of local gods in Zarathushtra ’s time. The second choice i.s made with an understanding of Asha — “good thinking is the key to accessing the divine. And Zarathushtra requires that we think for ourselves — not blindly accept what others may tell us. ” The importance of the third choice — of action prompted by good thinking — “is reflected in Zarathushtra ’s view of what it takes to be a saoshyant — a savior or redeemer... According to Zarathushtra each individual is a poten ­ tial saoshyant... In other words, ‘ac ­ tions in harmony with good thinking and truth ’ bring the divine to life, not only in our spirits, but also in our world I search for Your Face. And find in my grasp. Wisps of eternity... elusive... In the silent rhapsody of the universe, In tree, and sky, and star, and sand. tual worlds as Zarathushtra saw them, the purpose of life being to realize the divine in both worlds. While one explanation of the Yeiighe Haataam prayer is that it is addressed to the amesha spentas, another tradition refers to it a.s a statement that we revere of Thee, all good men and women whose daily Grasp, as You move and breathe in all actions are known to God as prompted around me, by Asha. Quoting Chicago high priest Kersey Antia, McIntyre accepts that the prayer is “deliberately ambiguous ” and reconciles both aspects — revering the divine in concept (amesha spenta) and in being (those who have realized them) I feel your Hand, and serving both with love. Dissecting Ahura Mazda, McIntyre say.s “...being ahura and mazda means to be enlightened oncsell and also help In an act of grace, others to become enlightened. This cor ­ roborates Zarathushtra ’s idea that man and God are part of the same whole. ” She acknowledges however that this is not the conventional interpretation ol Ahura Mazda. Before tailing off with two pages of quotations from the Gathas, McIntyre introduces a poem ol hers — hi Search I stretch my mind to grasp at the thought In a loving heart. In a truthful mind. I sec"Your Face, Beloved. Like the 12 essays on the Gathas by different scholars that Dina and her late husband Richard had published earlier. Three Prayers and the Name of God is offered free to anyone who would like a copy. Write to Dina McIntyre at PO Box 461, Glenshaw, Pennsylvania 15116, USA (e-mail: dinamci@aol.com ) and so establish good rule (vohu Of—which may perhaps be reminis- khshathra). ” McIntyre stresses the “in ­ extricably linked ” material and spiri ­ cent of Sufi verses: Beloved, Compiled by Arnavaz S. Mama MAGNUM ARMS Dealers in most kinds of Arms & Ammunition Railway Hotel Building, R. M. Roy Road Off Grant Road, Bombay 400004 Tel: 3895855 (12 to 6), 3852035 102 Parsiana July-August 1999ETYMOLOGY Hallowed be thy name The terms Zarathushtra, Zarathushti Din anid Zarathushti should be standardized when referring to the Prophet, his religion and its followers, avers the author Jamshed R. Udvadia A variety of spellings and forms of the name of the Prophet, his religion and its followers have been used on the e-mail and in articles submitted to FEZANA Journal, the newsletter of the Federa ­ tion ofZoroastrian Associations of North America, When Zarathushtis talk at in ­ ter-faith seminars or to the local news ­ papers, the same diverse forms and pro ­ nunciation are noticed. It would be desirable to have one standard nomenclature and one stan ­ dard set of spellings for the name of the Prophet, his religion and the followers of the religion. This would: •Eliminate any confusion in the mind.s of the readers and listeners, especially the younger Zarathushtis and the people ture from them. Dastur Dabu explains of other religions, who are not conver ­ sant with the mental translation that Zarathushti elders go through, when they speak of Zoroastrianism as the re ­ ligion of Zarathushtra, to reconcile two translating the rest, which through fur ­ words with different roots. •Give proper respect to the Prophet of our ancient religion, which ha.s aroused considerable interest among the diverse communities of the world. The Prophet ’s name has been spelt is variously: Zarathushtra has been used by vari- OU.S scholars, teachers and authors of religious books such as Dastur Khurshed S. Dabu, Dastur (Dr) Framroze A. Bode, Dr Pallan R. Ichaporia, Ervad Jal R. Vimadalal, Framroze Rustomjee and others. Zarthustra, occasionally preceded by the honorary title ‘Asho ’ was used by pejorative FEZANA Journal (prior to 1997). It is almost identical lo the first form, but was adopted to simplify the spellin; Zarlhost or Jarthost (usually suffixed by Saheb) is mostly used by Parsis in India. This is obviously a shortened form of the first usage with a slight sloppiness of tongue in the variation where the J is used instead of the Z. This particular substitution is noticed in other names like Jarinc instead of Zarine, Jal instead of Zal, etc. Zardusht, the form in use by some Iranian Zarathushlis, might be traced to the Shah Nameh. The author, Firdowsi, compiled his information from various poets and authors who had written about Persian history before his birth. It look.s like a contraction of the first form with the simplification of the middle ‘th ’ by for the convenience of reference. ” This the ‘d ’ sound. Zoroaster is used mainly by western authors and others with a western edu ­ cation. While the first four forms are related to each other, the last form, Zoroaster shows a considerable depar- Zoro-aster. However Dr Pallan Ichaporia says; “The above etymology from Dari is like putting the cart before the horse. Dari is a very late development — at least 3,000 years after the Gathic A vesta where we find the name of our Prophet as Zarathushtra. ” What ’s in a name? Some would ar ­ gue that “there is nothing inherently sacred in a name which exists primarily that the three Avestan syllables Zara- thush-stra meant golden shining star and that the Greeks simplified the name by dropping the middle syllable and school of thought generally relies on the line made famous by Shakespeare: “That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet. ” While the rose would “smell as sweet ” even if one called it by another name like dahlia or pansy, it would be impossible for the listener to understand that what the speaker really meant was a rose. Each person ’s name is important to him. This is more true when we talk about an important historical person; even more true when we talk about a ther translation by western authors be ­ came Zoroaster (golden or shining star). Prophet who has founded a religion that Some Zarathushtis prefer the form Zoroaster, because of the claim of some non-Zarathushti scholars, that ‘ushtra ’ related to ‘ushtor ’ which means ‘camel ’ in Dari, a current language of Iran. Hence the mean ­ ing ‘owner of old camels, ’ attached to the name Zara ­ thushtra, seems to them. Dr Sim ­ mons adds that the Greeks had no knowledge Avestan deriva ­ tion and tried to make sense of the name by calling it ‘shining star ’ or / ZARPU51 / ZARTHOSHT -ZARATHO5T , , ............ , zoRCA^TEfR... / zarathushtra .’ ITMEY'RE ALL THE/ V / has been followed for over 3,000 years. Chuck is a short form of Charles, hut no one would address Prince Charles of England as Prince Chuck as it would show a lack of re ­ spect. This is meant to answer , those who might try to use Zar- thustra, Zarthost or Zardusht. There those who allow the westerners to change their ori ­ ginal name to a westernized form,forexample Jim instead of Jamshed, Phil in- continued on page ] 12 NAH1 RE ftAWA NAHI. IT IS A / are ig. of ‘o' ter us ) > KNOW WH6N, ) NOU D6C1B6/Z 102b Parsiana Ju/y-August 1999RELIGION Lonavla ’s legacy The Bai Jerbai Cowasjee Dinsbaw DaremeVier in Lonavia has ioTliiied the faith of residents and visitors over 100 years A bright blue "kingfisher flitted among the foliage of the Rye "Woods near the agiary as a breeze wafted the fragrance of sukhad and loban through the serene surroundings of the Bai Jerbai Cowasjee DinshawDaremeher(Adenwallaagiary) as well as local residents wovetheir way in Lonavia. Above the eight fluted col- in and out of the packed hall offering umns of the fire-temple stood its em ­ blem of a rising sun, as the brilliant sunshine of a May morning cast speck ­ les of light and shadow through the green canopy in the compound. The agiary was consecrated 100 years ago on June 3, 1899, when the hills of Lonavia were alive, not with burgeon ­ ing bungalows, but with bird song and tigers roaming in the gloaming! Leading the seven mobeds in the jashan on May 10, 1999 to mark the Hilla P. Guzder centenary wasSardarDasturYiormazd'iar Dastur, high priest of the Deccan who had come from Poona ’s Sardar Sorabji Ratanji Patel Dar-e-Meher. A congrega ­ tion of devotees from Bombay, Poona the original fire in and out of the packed hall offerin, sandalwood to the two fires housed within its precincts consecrated a century ago and an even older (116-year-old) fire brought in 1976 from the Adenwalla agiary in Aden, South Yemen. Addressing a large gathering in the shade of a shamiana in the compound, Cowasjee Nusserwanji Dinshaw, the chairman of the agiary trust, narrated how his great-grandfather Cowasjee Dinshaw Adcnwalla (the agiary ’s tounheT) was in two iinmYs as 'to'now Yd commemorate his wife Jerbai ’s death — should a fire-temple be built in her memory or a dokhma? “People come crying to a dokhma, ” he said, whereas an agiary is used for weddings, navjotes, etc, when people come smiling. And so an agiary it was. Describing some of the trials and tribulations the trust has faced through the years, Dinshaw described how the government had sought to req ­ uisition some of the land to broaden the road which would then have touched the agiary steps. Thanking Dr Mehroo Bengalee, who was a member of the Minorities Commission at that time and Dinshaw addressing the gathering Photo: Homyar Mistry, Homz Prints 104 Parsiana July-August 1999The agiary was consecrated on June 3, 1899, when the hUls of iMnavla were alive, not with burgeoning bungalows, but with bird song and tigers A r '• ?¦' ? - i« =L i^- i '^'r, nrl J.KP'«'-'•*¦ 1 ••9 <• tlR •» i w ill ifii 106 Parsiana July-August 1999 ¦Wr " I * ‘ J Alongside: Portraits of the founder Cowasjee Dinshaw Adenwalla (far left ) and his wife Bai Jerbai (Photo: Homyar Mistry, Homz Prints) and thejashan in progress Photo: Hilla Guzder fi-’ t] Below: The founder’s grand­ daughter the late Jerbai Savakshaw Dinshaw Adenwalla whose largesse benefitted the agiary Photo: Studio Suder lii ¦ ww. * i From left: Guzder (top); Dinshaw (below); the Daremeher (center) and Dinshaw garlanding Sardar Dastur Photos: Homyar Mistry, Homz Prints rBelow: Gotla Alongside (I to r): Lilaowala, Bengalee, Khodaparast Dinshaw, Guzder and Dinshaw, with Shroff (in pugree) at rear Photos: Homyar Mistry, Homz Prints Fatakia (and J ' ! '’i who was present at the lunction, Dinshaw stated that it was due to her letters and personal representations that “this land has been saved. ’’ The dokhma lands (near the Don Bosco School on the way to Tungarli), originally con ­ sisting of 1,40,000 sq yards had also been encroached upon. “Encroachment is very common in Lonavla, ” asserted Dinshaw, “and it is very diflicult to get anyone out. ” The trustees were advised to keep 40,000 sq yards for the dokhma and sell the rest of the property for building bungalows for Parsis. The char ­ ily commissioner relused permission for an all-Parsi colony, so the land wa.s divided into 57 plots and auctioned, with the dokhma trust retaining a lew plots and a number of Parsis buying the others, related Dinshaw, thanking Bombay Parsi Punchayct (BPP) trustee Dinshaw Mehta for his guidance and assistance in this matter. The new na ­ tional highway 1 inking Bombay lo Poona will touch the dokhma boundary, he informed the gathering. Recalling the dedicated services of Ervad Savaksha Falakia as the agiary ’s ’ panthaky for 57 years, Dinshaw slated that so pious a man wa.s Fatakia (and extremely strict towards any ladies seek ­ ing to enter the agiary in shorts or mini ­ skirts!) that he would offer four days ’ I Middle: Entrance hall of the aitiary Photo: Hilla Guzder Alongside: Variava (second from right in foreground) inaugurating the fountain Photo: Homyar Mistry, Homz Prints 108 Parsiana July-August 1999Fatakia would offer four days’krlya at his own cost for any Zoroastrians who had met an unfortunate end on Duke\ Nose, the national highway, etc. ¥ -I I H s "C ' -i * ¦ I 1 i ’ Is o' Ute lakhs, if not crores, to the poor and needy. “But I’m afraid we have scared them away and lost their trust. Our fire ­ temples are starved of funds, yet 1,001 Parsi endowments and charity trustshave helped the agiary in various ways. The in the past become redundant. ” Bengalee proceedings were enlivened with BPP appealed to Variava and other legal lu ­ minaries to “help get back ” the trust funds for the benefit of the community, exhorting Dinshaw ’s eldest son Anoo- The recent frequent murders of elderly Parsi,s living alone in Bombay do not seem to have shaken the community, be ­ lieved Bengalee. “The Christians and Muslims are so well-knit as a community that they can bring the entire country upside down, but the Parsis have raised no hue and cry. ” Build strong family bonds, she advised, hold back married children charge you with the responsibility that to stay under one roof with their elders for “physical, social and emotional support. ” Channelize the career patterns of Parsi youth and involve them in definite schemes of apprenticeship and understudy in suc- trustee Rustom Tirandaz removing the shawl from across his shoulders and High Court, Dinshaw opined that he “was proud M and happy but sorry to see him leave Bombay. ” “Paak parvardegarno liaath apri kauin per che (God ’.s blessings arc on our community), ” de ­ clared Guzder as he in ­ formed the assembly that UNESCO (United Na ­ tions Educational, Scien ­ tific and Cultural Organi ­ zation) had decided to ex ­ tend support for the pres ­ ervation of Zoroastrian culture and religion. “Parsis must respond, ” as ­ serted Guzder, “by donating to this Enjoying the repast Photo: Hilla Guzder cause too ” and suggested that a fund be started witheven small contributions of R.s 50-Rs 100 from the public. Chiding the community for con ­ stantly saying that there i.s “niaara- tiiaari” (infighting) among the BPP trust ­ ees, Guzder emphasized that all the trustees worked in a spirit of coopera ­ tion and differing opinions could never be termed “maara-niaari.” In a hard-hitting, prepared speech, Bengalee, ex vice chancellor of Bombay University and former BPP trustee, launched a broadside against those “who treat religion as a matter of con venience. ” The community possesses certain at ­ tributes and qualities like honesty, in ­ tegrity, nobility, charity, enterprise and humor, she said, and “it is a sin to de ­ stroy these by mixing the seed. The to stay under one roof with their elders for as long as you are alive, you will con- children of a Parsi lather and non-Parsi “physical, social and emotional support. ” tinue to walk in the strong footsteps (of mother should never be accepted. ” A Channelize the career patterns of Parsi your forefathers). ” greater sin, she maintained, is commit- youth and involve them in definite schemes Hosting the invitees to a sumptuous ted by Parsi women married to non- of apprenticeship and understudy in sue- lunch, Dinshaw, his wife Khodaparast Parsis. “We as a community have tailed cessful Zoroastrian enterprises for all 365 (who is also a trustee ofthe agiary, along to excommunicate mobeds who per- days of he year, she counselled, as the with solicitor Jimmy Shroff) and chil- lorin such marriages, ” she specified, “bestindustriesarestill in the community, dren Anooshihravan,Freny and Saroosh . Even UNESCO is trying to preserve In every field we are second to none. ” mingled with the guests, ministering to the purity of our race and religion. We — - need Io form a brigade of like-minded, spirited Zoroastrians to backtrack on the slep.s of the reformists, to preserve the purity, ” she said. Lamenting that large Zoroastrian funds arc often given to cosmopolitan charities, Bengalee stated that there are wealthy Zoroasirians who can contrib- ergy, which is strength ­ ened also during the boi ceremony five times a day. Praying the AtashNyaish, she believed, “cleans the inner soul. ” If suffering from mental torment or de ­ pression, “sit in tranquil ­ ity in front of a consecrated fire, it will do far more good than many a visit to a psychiatrist. ” As their gift to the fire ­ temple on its centenary, the 12 members of the committee of the Lonavla Anjuman contributed to renovating the fountain in front of the agiary steps, “We have brought avei ardavisurbanoo in front of the fire, ” stated secretary Darius Gotla. Shawls and flowers were presented to numerous individuals, both local and from Bombay and Poona, who had shihravan to approach the dais: “I do not feel cold in Bombay, but I am not given to returning things which are given with affection. I want to put the shawl around the shoulders of the coming generation, so drop everything and come here be ­ fore I change my mind! Your great- great-grandfather built the agiary and I days of he year, she counselled, as the “best industries are still in the community. In every field we are second to none. ” Elaborating on the significance of their earthly comforts with bottles of the consecrated fire, journalist Ruby Lilaowala termed the fire of Ahura Mazda “the greatest of all yazads. ” The sun is the symbol of heavenly light in a man ’s soul, she averred, and prayers like the ijashne and vendidad, through heat, light and sound vibrations, trans ­ form physical energy into cosmic en- mineral water thoughtfully provided, as well as stronger spirits donated by Lon ­ don Pilsner and Perzon Zend of Peekay Wines. The evening function saw a larger attendance with permanent Lonavla resi ­ dents and bungalow owners fraterniz ­ ing over dinner. “There are almost 100 Parsi bungalow/apartment owners in 110a Parsiana Jufy-August 1999the police commissioner but a messen ­ ger who informed the Parsis inside that there would be no inspection as the commissioner had died! Under motorcycle escort, the fire was moved in the still of the night to Air India ’s special Boeing 707, Lhotse, manned by an all-Parsi crew. It landed at the VIP section of the tarmac in Bombay, according to Dinshaw, with the president and prime minister of In ­ dia sending flowers and greetings! It traveled by special bus from Bombay to Lonavia under police escort, with the g ghats closed to all traffic except the I cavalcade of eight buses and 70 cars! I The Aden fire was ceremoniously in- fl stalled on roz Behram, mah Khordad, I YZ 1346 (November 14, ’76) in the fl specially constructed sanctum san ­ fl ctorum by the side of the existing fire, ¦ details the booklet. I A plaque fixed in the entrance hall I informs devotees that the agiary had been M opened for use on roz Govad, mah Adar, I YZ 1268 (AD 1899). Nearly 700 Zoroas- ¦ trians are said to have attended the con- 5 secration performed by Dastur Kaikhushro Jamaspji JamaspAsana, Poona ’s deputy Dastur Kekobad Adar- bad, Kadmi Dastur Khurshedji Bejonji and others. “The rest houses, hotels and sanatoria in this small village were packed with Zoroastrians, ” narrates the booklet. Two large mandaps were put up, one for the ladies, the other for the gents, with the ladies outnumbering the latter! The contract for construction was awarded to Pirojshaw Dhunjibhoy Patel under the supervision of an architect from Bombay, Dinshaw Dorabji Mis try. Built of Porbandar stone, with marble on the steps and beautiful Minton tiles inside, the agiary has the priests ’ quar ­ ters alongside. The founder, it is said. agiary and the Aden fire ’s journey to India and enthronement therein. After the departure of the British in Lonavia, ” estimates anjuman vice presi ­ dent Maneck Shroff as wife Rashida adds: “We are about 28 families living here permanently. Of the approximately 1967, South Yemen turned communist, 100 individuals, most are old, there are very few young people and even fewer children. We do get together every year to celebrate the agiary ’.s salgreh. ” Over the past five to seven years, Rusi Cama, Shera Jussawalla, Percy Master, Sam Choksi and others have played a major part in maintaining the agiary, acknowledge.s Dinshaw. The old Adenwalla bungalow, Jer Lodge, now in a perilous state, and the agiary were originally part of the same complex which extended over 12-13 acres, he reminisces. The road bridge, which has separated the bungalow from the agiary, wa.s built on land surrendered by the Adenwallas. “I remember that years ago our bungalow had no electric lights, only lamps, though the other bungalows in Lonavia did have electricity. But that is the way my grandfather Sir Hormusjee Cowasjee Dinshaw (whose statue stands next to Bombay ’sBhikha Behram Well) wanted it. It was grandfather who had the old tank (on which stands the present Shivaji park near the agiary) filled up as it was a breeding ground for malarial mosquitoes. ” Out on an evening walk one evening, Dinshaw narrates, his grandfather asked the accompanying ladies of his family to quicken their steps to return to the safety of the bunga- rapidly losing its premier position as a trading center. The Parsis, at one time numbering over 1,000, exited the erst- J The Aden fire arriving in Bombay Photo courtesy: Forward Studio while British colony, moving to UK, Canada or India. The dokhma, agiary and their funds became “nationalized state properties. ” It was decided in the low as dusk approached. The ladies paid 1970s that the fire be brought back to no heed, till a glimpse of a striped, furry form acros.s the path ahead added wings to their feet! The original firm of Cowasjee Dinshaw and Brothers, shipbuilders, was founded in Aden in 1850 when Aden was a prosperous port, strategical ly situ ­ ated on the sea route between East and West. When the dar-e-meher built in memory of Merwanji Kharcgat, possi ­ bly the first Parsi to stake his claim in the Arabian Sea port, needed repairs, Cowasjee decided to build a new fire ­ temple which was consecrated on Sep ­ tember 20, 1854 (see “The Flight of the • Fire, ” Parsiana, December ’76-January ’77). In 1883, the Adcnwalla family problem arose when the Aden police Dinshaw Adenwalla had fulfilled consecrated an adarian grade fire in the township. Their “generosity and char ­ ity... even went to the extent of building box that was to hold the urn, lest it be a mosque in Aden for the use of the local Mohammedan population which was known as Cowasji Masjid, ” state.s an article penned by Rustom K. Anklesaria in a booklet which describes the Lonavia India. “The buildings all around had been bombarded, but the adarian was untouched, ” explained Dinshaw. But the president of Yemen refused permis ­ sion to shift the fire. An approach was made to Queen Elizabeth and the World Bank for assistance in the matter, but the efforts bore no fruit. It was Maharashtra ’s strongman Y. B. Chavan, then foreign spent nearly Rs 30,000 on its construc- minister of India, who finally prevailed tion and Khan Bahadur M. C. Murzban upon the Yemen president at a Non- Aligned Conference to accede to the presented an address in a silver casket to Dinshaw, stating that the pennanent request, aided by pressure from Prime Zoroastrian population of Khandala and Minister Indira Gandhi. The condition, however, was that the fire could be shifted only at midnight. An unexpected and in building a fire-temple Cowasjee Lonavia was 100 persons, with the num ­ ber enhanced 10-fold during the season much-felt need. “This agiary is a unique privilege we have in our family and I hope it will continue forever, ” asserts Dinshaw, re ­ inforcing fellow trustee Shroff ’s proph ­ ecy made at the start of the celebration: “We will be here on this dharti (earth) 1,300 years later. ” commissioncr, a Muslim, decided he would personally inspect the metallic used for smuggling! “This would have been sacrilege as the holy fire cannot be set eyes upon by any non-Zoroastrians, ” states the booklet. A midnight knock on the agiary door brought, however, not 110b Parsiana July-August 1999Save your Family from Burglary & Theft INSTALL ’ETHOR' SAFETY TAMPER PROOF DOORS. 1. ETHOR' TAMPER PROOF ONE PIECE HINGE DOOR 2. 'ETHOR' SAFETY VAULT LOCKING ARRANGEMENT DOOR FOR MILK, LETTERS. VEGETABLES, NEWS PAPERS, ETC. 3. 'ETHOR' TAMPER PROOF LOCKING ARRANGEMENT FOR YALE LOCK 4. 3 WAY LOCKING ARRANGEMENT 5. 'ETHOR' UNLIMTTED DESIGNS WE UNDER TAKE GRIL L MANUFACT URING WORK : • M.S. GRILLS • COMPOUND GATE • MILD STEEL DOORS . STAINLESS STEEL DOORS • M.S./S.S.TERRACE RAILINGS • STRUCTURAL WORKS • SITE FABRICATION ‘ETHOR’ ENGINEERS A FABRICATORS UNION SALES CORPORATION 1181/C. Parel Tank Road, Near Ambekar Colony. Parel. Mumbai - 400 012 PHONE: 412 8433 / 413 6673 112 Parsiana July-August 1999 use Zarathushtra when speaking in Gujarati switch to Zoroaster in English there would be tremendous resistance now to the idea of reverting to the original fonn of the name. Let us not fall into the sameerror and allow the westerners to change the authen ­ tic name of our Prophet, his religion or its followers. Let us exert a little effort to educate western society, instead of fall ­ ing in step with them, using the argument: “Zoroaster and its derivative forms are HALLOWED BE THY NAME authentic name of Jesus is Yeshua, but continued from page 102b since all English language Bibles and stead ofPhiroze. This results in a loss of other literature refer to him as Jesus, identity and is possibly done to gain some temporary advantage with the westerners. Sometimes it may be due to a mental laziness which prefers to permit the Some Parsis who change in their name, rather than make the effort to correct and educate. There are oth ­ ers who steadfastly refuse to do that be ­ cause they are proud of their identity as Zara ­ thushtis. They have no difficulty in getting the westerners to spell and pronounce their names as they more recognizable in the West. ” should be. Some Parsis who use Zarathushtra when speaking in Gujarati switch to society. The adoption of these standards Zoroaster in English in the mistaken belief that that is the English translation ofZarathushtra. As we all know a proper noun such as a name cannot be trans ­ lated. The rules of etymology and semantic derivation require that words related to the original word keep the same root and build upon it, to show the relationship. The words Zarathushti Din and Zara ­ thushti designating the religion ofZara ­ thushtra and its followers would satisfy the above rule. While Zarathushtra is the authentic name of the Prophet, there are some who advocate that we should retain Zoroas ­ trianism and Zoroastrian. This was sug ­ gested in the interest of being under ­ stood by the western world which is more familiar with those forms. It does not take long for people to adapt to a The time to do that is now, when the name is little known outside Zarathushti by FE7ANA Journal now could be the first step to achieving this goal. All change has always been started by a few far-sighted individuals and the rest of society has followed in time. That was how the US constitution was adopted by the representatives of 13 states at the start, who then convinced the people of their state to accept it and later the people of other states followed one by one. It is suggested that for all the reasons given above, we should adopt Zara ­ thushtra, Zarathushti Din and Zara ­ thushti as the standard forms and spell ­ ings henceforth. The effort needed to standardize these names would certainly be much less than that needed for the adoption of the US constitution. Let us all make a decision now and stand by it. (The proposals in this paper were different form or even a totally different accepted by the Federation of Zoroas- name, for example, everyone has adapted trian Associations of North America at to Sri Lanka which was known as Ceylon its 1997 annual general meeting.) a few years ago; and Beijing (Peking), Malawi (Nyasaland) and several others. Anotherconsideration against the temi Zoroastrianism is the meaning of the suf ­ fix ‘-ism. ’ The American Heritage Dic­ tionary gives this meaning among others: “a distinctive doctrine, system or theory —generally useddisparagingly. ” It should be noted that the disparaging use is only as applied to doctrines and not to practices or actions like patriotism, heroism, etc. It i.s of interest to note that all religions aie referred to a.s ‘-isms ’ in the English lan ­ guage, except Christianity (and Islam- Ed) — which may be a point to ponder. Some scholars pointed out that the Jamshed R. Udvadia retired from the Michi ­ gan Civil Service as a computer program ­ ming supervisor. For three years his commentaries on community matters were broadcast over WKAR (Michigan State University Radio). He started the Zarathushti Din classes for Michigan Zarathushtis in 1985 and continues to be a guest teacher there. Edited and reprinted with permission from FEZANA Journal, Spring 1999.For an authentic Udvada experience Globe Hotel and Hotel Majestic Contact 02638-70282 Majestic 02638-71144,70243 Globe Managed by Neville Godiwalla 13/13, Sai Niketan, B Wing, 345, Mount Road, Mazagaon, Bombay 400010 Tel Nos .: 3775842, 3775360, 3742065, 3717036 THE FEDERATION SALUTES SAM continued from page 70 Davierwalla, president of the BPP’s Sanjan Stambh subcom ­ mittee, in order to make it a prestigious community memorial. He reported that the fence there is frequently breached by the local people and that another well or boring is required to augment its water supply for gardening purposes. While Guzder spontaneously offered financial support up to a lakh of rupees, Tamboly, knowledgeable about boring costs in Gujarat, noted that the project would probably cost Rs 70,000 to 75,000 at the rate of Rs 120 per foot. He also suggested that the best time lo work on it is during April-May when the water table is at its lowest, otherwise a transient water level would be reached which would recede in the summer months. Accord ­ ing to Palsetia, there is no municipal pipeline in the village. Gandhi would like to see the Stambh maintained in proper style with the necessary security arrangements. The North American Zoroastrians would like to see Udvada develop on the lines of Jerusalem as an international center where we can establish a library and other facilities for the world community, said Rivetna. Guzder referred to a large plot and two enormous bungalows on the seaside bequeathed to the Kasturba Sev Ashram Trust by the late Mithuben Petit. “Can the BPP or the Federation do something to preserve them? ” he asked. Providing information on the work of the Save Udvada Committee (SUC), Modi informed the gathering that after the demise of Homi Taleyarkhan, Temas Pundol was the chairman of the Committee with Bejon Baldavala as co-chairman and treasurer. Meher Master-Moos continues as secretary. The offshore marine wall ha.s been completed with the stones now embedded in sandbanks, noted Modi. “The sea is playing with Kermani Transport Service Truck Owners & Contractors H. 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C., Tel: (02638) 30037/32766/32767 Valsad: Kamala Nehru Road, Tel: (02632) 53294 Biilimora: Gohar Baug Road, Tel: (02634) 53175/53397 Navsari: Opp Central Bank, Tel: (02637) 59009 59008 Delivery Godown: Zaveri Sadak, Tel: (02637) 59194 Udhna: Road No 2, Tel: (0261) 678612 Surat: Near Suraj Talkies, Falsa Wadi, Begam Pura, Tel: 435428-435712 Delivery Godown: Ring Road, Near Surat Textile Market, Tel: 621774 UNN: Tel: (0261) 872807 Delivery Godown 114 Parsiana Ju/y-August 1999-s. f there is no threat to the Iranshah. Chief Justice Variava In the course of his welcome address IT- 117 Parsiana July-August 1999 Variava as counsel and as judge re ­ marked on his friendliness and infor- L to R: (1st row) Dick, Ginwalla, Oiiiiti Dehara, Pithawalla; (2iid row) Melirwaii Irani, Perzon Zend, Noble and Shanna Ig- Bi I.; wall was the only viable solution reached after a lot of trial and error. The concept of transporting sand from other places along the coast was abandoned as too Bombay High Court judge Variava and costly. She noted that the SUC had tried in vain to get the local people ’s support. us. We find a different topography each lime, ” she added. The scheme to plant Though the Gujarat Government had specific species of plants so that their roots may provide a bonding for the sand has not succeeded because people steal them, said Modi. Dara Irani, vice president of the PPP had described the marine work a.s "shabby. ” “Stones have been laid but the waler is crossing the stones and remaining there, ” he averred. Besides villagers arc taking away sand to build their own homes and the beach is very dirty. Observer Mahrukh Noble en ­ dorsed Irani ’s statement. In her estima ­ tion about 35 bullock-carts ’ load of sand i.s removed daily. “When I tried to question the bullock-carts ’ (authority authority. Gandhi advised Modi to in ­ to lift the sand) they asked, 'Tahinara hawanti die ke (Is it your father ’s prop ­ erty)? ’” noted Irani. Modi recalled that the SUC was formed to contain the sea erosion at Udvada and admitted that initially the quality of the material used had been found to be substandard. However the construction of the underwater marine his wife Dilnavaz were the honored guests at the dinner traditionally hosted at the Ripon Club by the BPP trustees at the end of the first day ’s conferencin; Variava has been appointed chief jus ­ tice of the Delhi High Court. Also in ­ vited on the occasion was Air Vice Mar ­ shal ManekMadon with his wife Yasmin and son Kaizad. The Madons are cur ­ rently posted in Allahabad but were vite Dara Irani, Pervez Irani and Noble to the next meeting of the SUC. Alarmed at the possible subsoil deg ­ radation Dastur advocated the drawing up of a contingency plan to shift Iranshah. To ensure that the fire be safe from aerial attack he further noted that it not be brought to Bombay. Modi however noted that at this point in time given a fair amount of funds, even Taleyarkhan was unable to secure its administrative help, she said in response to an inquiry by Eruch Irani. Rustomji suggested that the SUC apply 10 the Central Ministry of Envi ­ ronment and Forests and the Central Pollution Control Board to put an end to briefly in Bombay, the sand piracy, asking for a copy of the letter to enable him to pursue the matter Guzder fondly hoped that Variava ’s ca- in Delhi. He also recommended that the reer will take him to the apex of India ’s SUC involve the local NGOs on their judiciary. Engineer who has known side. Pervez Irani suggested that the SUC officebearers, as citizcn.s of India, make a formal complaint to the local mality. Variava, who constituted the commission investigating the economic misadventures of “Big Bull ” Harshad Mehta, had earned the sobriquet “Scam Sam ” among his friends on the bar. Modestly disclaiming the accolades, Variava hoped more community youth would go into busines.s or the profes ­ sions than into service. “It ’s only by taking risks and succeeding that people shine, ” he commented acknowledging1 'The Gourmet' Restaurant Buffet Breakfast from 7.30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Buffet Lunch from 12.30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Buffet Dinner on request Dilnavaz ’s support in his own career. Continentai Food inciuding Sizziers i Tandoori Food Takeaway & Tea Time Snacks Fish Specialities Pure Vegetarian Food West End Hotel Open From 7.30 AM to 11.30 PM 45, New Marine Lines, Bombay -20 Tel: 2039121,2057484 Fax 91-22-2057506 Individual anjumans The woes of the Allahabad Parsee Zoroastrian Anjuman seem almost quintessential to the community in the mofussil. Now reduced to about 28 in number, the majority over 60 years of age, the Allahabad Zarathushtis spend about Rs 10,000 annu ­ ally on repairing and maintaining their aramgah boundary walls against encroachers as noted Dandiwalla. Their re ­ peated representations to government bodies has evoked the usual response — the encroachment is outside the aramgah itself. “But encroachments require boundary walls to be repaired every year. We have a limited corpus — only three- and-a-half lakh rupees, ” said Dandiwalla, adding that the ashes of the former prime minister Indira Gandhi ’s husband Firoze Gandhi also lie there. The Allahabad dar-e-mehr belongs to the private trust ot thcGandhy family but its managing trustee DossabhaiGandhy is currently battling cancer. An old paramobed from Calicut who was looking after the fire has been operated for hernia and the Gandhy brothers are looking after the fire as of now, informed Dandiwalla. A huge property donated by Keki Gandhy to the Surat Parsi Panchayat ’s (SPP) Nariman Home and Infirmary was sold last April and the SPP donated Rs 2,000 from the proceeds to the Allahabad mobed fund. The Universal Healing Centre operated by Shernaz and Rustom Gandhi, provides pranik and reiki healing. Currently the posting of Air Vice Marshal Madon and his wife Yasmin in Allahabad has infused some enthusiasm in the community. Despite their advanced years and medical problems, Dandiwalla and his wife Shirin hold an almost “100 percent record of Federation attendance, ” as noted Keki Gandhi, saluting their dedication. PIONEERS IN HAEMODIALYSIS MAZDA MEDICAL ELECTRONICS & BURJIS N. KHURSEDJI & CO 104, Amit Industrial Estate, 61, Dr S. S. Rao Road Parel, Mumbai 400012 Tel: 4135468 Fax: 91-22-4130148 118 Parsiana Ju/y-August 1999L Io K: (I.st row) Nargol wala, Bat livedo. Dihiavaz Mehta, Cooper; (2nd row) Talati, Mistry, Aga, Daniwalla; Percy Paghdiwalla (alongside) ig The DPA will be 75 years old next January and planning a three-day cel ­ ebration which will focus on an educa ­ tion program aimed to inculcate in the other communities an appreciation of the Parsi role in national life, informed Rustomji. At a recent seminar orga ­ nized by the World Wide Fund for Nature the Zofoastrian community re ­ ceived equal attention with other com ­ munities “because we consume a large amount of sandalwood and bawal wood. ” Two new members — one of them a youth — have been inducted among the officebearers of the Borivli and Subur ­ ban Zoroastrian Association after their 120 Parsiana July-August 1999 last elections which are held every three years, as noted its secretary Khurshed Pastakia. Other activities included an overnight excursion to Udvada and a moonlit cruise as well as the fe ­ licitation of two Parsi cricket umpires after the Dae mail jashan, he added. The Borivli Zarathushtis are working on theirproject to create a community hall and address ­ ing the problems of finance. The Thana Parsi Zoroastrian Anjuman has been facing the uphill task of re ­ gaining its 3,000 sq ft property in Thana ’s central business district which has been allegedly encroached upon by suprcmo Bal Thacketa^ . Shi V Sena ’s Anand Dighe, a local shakha pramukh. The property, allotted for use to an indigent Zoroastrian on humani ­ tarian grounds had been passed on to a non-Parsi. On paper the property re ­ verted to the Thana Anjuman when it won the court case in the early 1980s but physically it never regained control a,s the defendant arranged for Dighe to infiltrate it. Thana president Rustom Cursetji who provided the 25-year back ­ ground reported that legal and personal persuasion had failed. Now there was unauthorized construction on the prop ­ erty and they received no proper hear ­ ing in the Thana court. Cursetji sought the Federation ’s intervention either as co-petitioner or by way of filing a peti ­ tion against the Thana Anjuman “for not looking after the property. The mat ­ ter needs to get the immediate attention of the High Court. ” While Keki Gandhi said the Federa ­ tion was prepared to help and awaited the moves of the Thana Anjuman, En ­ gineer suggested that along with the approach to the High Court which may refuse to entertain the issue as being too delayed — the Thana Anju ­ man make a representation to Shiv Sena Their Stree Mandal has completed its round of celebrations to mark its golden jubilee, informed Jamshedpur ’s Surti. The high point was the “Changing fash ­ ions of the Parsi community ” wherein the models ranged from under six to over 60. In the course of the year the Bag-e-Jamshed, the pre-primary cos ­ mopolitan school run by the StreeMandal completes 25 years of exist ­ ence. Earlier the Jamshedpur Parsi As ­ sociation organized a picnic at the pic ­ turesque Dimna Take where boat rides and good food were the order ofthe day. Astad Deboo also gave a dance perfor ­ mance under the aegis of Loyola School and Jeelu Billimoria won two Emmies one of which focussed on child safety Anjuman is that the road to the dokhma, and two Grade Awards for her docu ­ mentaries on breast cancer, noted Surti. a At Calcutta two memorial gahambars on Olpadwala'.s death anniversary, community natak and the Calcutta Parsi Club ’s prize distribution and dinner for new arrivals, carol singing at Xma.s and a campfire in February were the activi ­ ties of the past six months highlighted by Batlivala. During this same period the Calcutta community mourned the passing of Ervad Bapuji Desai who had served them for over 60 years. In remembrance of Late Meher Shahrukh Contractor The 144-year-old Davier agiary was re ­ cently painted with boys from Bombay ’s Nowroz Bang working on the kebla, informed the anjuman ’s representative Wadia. The anjuman had to pay off a female encroachcr; there are no Parsis in the vicinity ofthe agiary any more. The anjuman needs fund.s to maintain its lone mobed. Angel of love and peace flew away with a promise to meet some other day The reconstructed dharamshala at Bardoli ha.s enabled 12 families to be settled in the Hats in the building put up through community funding, a.s well as donation.s from the WZO and the Mancckbai Jeejeebhoy Trust. Their lirst gahambar was held on June 3, 1999 and its representative Homi Pithawala ac ­ knowledged the Rs 50,()()() received through the offices of Tamboly towards it.s R.s 70.000 gahambar fund. The 26 members on the roll of the Agra Parsi Anjuman includes non-resident members. They continue to maintain their dharamshala and their 114-ycar- old aramgah. by renting a part ol the dharamshala. a.s per the report ol Dolat Debara. Jhansi's 45 Zoroastrians will be holding their annual aramgah jashan on Fravardigan day. noted Dick. Principal of Bombay ’.s Queen Mary School Rati Wadia and her husband who have a fine collection of slide.s on Iran had given a lecture demonstration at their Jamshedi Navroz celebration in March. The Mhow Anjuman, the only one to have accepted the Federation as a trustee, will be hosting the next Federa ­ tion meet in November as they hope to acquire the use of army guest houses to accommodate the delegates during a fallow period at the army school. A long-standing complaint of the Mhow constructed by a Parsi philanthropist, is not being maintained by the canton ­ ment on the plea that it is not registered in their books. The army as well as civilians in the vicinity enjoy the facil ­ ity. The Anjuman has gone to court against its absentee tenants as their propertie.s arc deteriorating due to lack of maintenance. Maintenance i.s par ­ ticularly necessary with the Mhow prop ­ erties as the army is preventing the repair of roads and bungalows owned and occupied by Zoroastrian.s as the land belongs to the army. It even resorts to such tactics of harassment a.s stop ­ ping water supply and giving notices to bungalow owners to vacate under the Public Premises Act, informed Masani. Judgment on the Hyderabad Secun ­ derabad Anjuman ’s case against the Andhra Government Board is awaited, informed their representative Omim Debara. The Government Board had attempted to take over the propertie.s of the Anjuman on alleged charges of mis ­ management. Numbering 1,320 Zoro ­ astrians, the Anjuman runs a school which has only 23 Parsis among it.s 1,500 students. The Zarthosti Stree Mandal work,s for the old and disabled while the youth wing is active collect ­ ing funds, he added. Heerjee spoke of the '‘happy experi ­ ence ” of 40 person.s from Indore. Mhow. Rat lam and Neemuch who made a group trip to Udvada. Hcerjee acknowledged the cooperation ol the Railways which stopped the train both ways for them to board and alight. He also announced the establishment of a Parsi Matrimo ­ nial Court in Indore with jurisdiction over entire Madhya Pradesh (MP). Hith ­ erto Parsi marriages in the area used to be registered under the Special Mar ­ riage Act. A former IAS (Indian Ad ­ ministrative Service) officer, Hecrjee has also taken up the matter of Parsi representation on the District Minori ­ ties Cell. The MP State Minorities Commis- 122 Parsiana July-August 1999Giizder inaugurating the FOZYA website » sion provides for a chairman and two members, from the Muslim, Sikh and Christian communities. The MP anjumans resolved al their intercity meet to seek an amendment to increase the number of members on the lines of the central commission which recognize.s five minority communities. “If the stale and district committees (prove) indifferent, the Fed ­ eration should take it up directly with the chief minister, ” opined Heerjee. Al the anjuman level Heerjee i.s busy revising it.s bylaws. The last amendment date.s back to 1920 with the bylaws “out of date, not in keeping with modern concepts, ” said Hccricc. An anjuman directory is on the cards and the over I OO-ycar-old decrepit dharam-shala is to be rebuilt al a total cost of over 15 lakh rupees, lhank.s to the financial support provided by Guzder, Tamboly and the WZO, he added. Another project Heerjee is working on i.s the collation of the large number of facilities provided by the government to the minoritic.s in the fields of education, banking, finance, etc. He wanks to publish them so that the community may become aware of them. The Bharuch Anjuman with its eniphasi.s on “continuity, stability and maintenance ” enclosed half its tower of silence properly and another property where there was encroachment at a cost of one-and-a-half lakh rupees, informed Ginwalla. “What do we do if the government takes over the land for industrial or residential use of major corporates? ” he asked, mentioning that the old dokhma lands lie close to their development plan area. According to Tirandaz no land re ­ served for schools, hospitaks or crematoria “can suffer change of user ” as they have a 999-ycar lease. NargoTs Waniti painted a picture of growth: Its agiary, which nced.s R.s 36,000 worth of kalhi annually has collected R.s 3.36 lalhs in donations by offering to pray the tandurasti or palct on specific days. Wania said Nargol had received substantial community contributions. Its two-acre Doongerwadi has been planted with bawal trees which will mature for harvesting in 15 years ’ time when they will be able to fell one or two as required, planting others in their place. Wania recommended the practice to all the anjumans, especially Bharuch. “After 15 years not a single agiary (Bharuch has six) will be short of kalhi. ” The only problem will be that of watering the trees for the first five to six years. 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Contact 3821494 Pager No. 9628238800 02528 41182-41336 dering the body of a 340 kg Zoroastrian lady as the nassessalars proved inad- While Bomi Talati of Baroda spoke of his anjuman ’s education, medical and miscellaneous charities it was the Davier representative who informed the gath ­ ering that the B aroda trustees themselves The PPP has begun the construction of discharge khandhia responsibilities. 224 flats of 620 sq ft each. The project has been totally funded by the Maneckbai Jeejeebhoy Trust, informed Dara Irani. The PPP trustees, whose current president is Firdaus Kayani, expect the first phase to be ready by December 2000. The total Hats envis ­ aged at Lullanagar approximate 440, noted Dara Irani. The dharamshala plan has also been sanctioned. Comprising three floors with a total of 24 rooms, the dharamshala is expected to cost Rs 40 lakhs and will necessarily be taken up after the housing project is complete, unless additional specific funds are forthcoming earlier, said Dara Irani. Apart from the usual help the PPP provides the community from its educa ­ tional, medical relief and anaj funds, the Youth The Parsi Youth League of Ahmedabad secretary Perzid Daruwalla briefly re ­ ferred to their programs involving reli ­ gious discourses and honoring achiev ­ ers , especial ly Merzban Lahewala whose 14 feet nine inches tall, six-inches thick agarbatti has vaulted him into the Limca Book of World Records as well as The Guinness Book of Records. The agarbatti emits three fragrances and burns for 66 hours. The BPP Youth Club ’s Zelda Mistry spoke of their hike to Sanjan, the crazy Olympics and a barge party where ex HPY (Hol iday Programme for Youth) members met the new batch. Merzeen Aga spoke of this year ’s HPY where Bombay based and upcountry students participated in the BPP’s month-long ground plus Ingersoll-Rand (India) Limited, Rh6ne-Poulenc House, S. K. Ahire Marg, P. O. Box 9138, Mumbai - 400 025. Tel: 022-493 6765, Fax : 022-495 0516. 126 Parsiana July-August 1999MATRIMONIAL Alliance invited from parents of a young, well-educated, working Zoroastrian (Parsi) girl born in 1973 coming from a well-educated and cultured Parsi Zoroastrian family. Smart, good looking and well-educated boys up to 29 to 30 years of age, from similar family background may please apply with details and photograph (returnable) to: The Advertiser Parsiana, Matrimonial (Aug/19-99)* GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 ’Please make sure the reply envelope bears the reference number cited here. Though the Delhi youths are involved in organizing plays and musical pro ­ grams, and receive scholarship facili ­ ties up to college level, they are not very interactive with the youths of other anjumans, admitted Nargolwala. There are five to six functions a year when the youths are involved with the DPA’s activities. For the 75th anniversary of the DPA they expect to be involved in planning the brochure and in fund-rais ­ ing. The Thana anjuman encourages its youths in social service projects as a binding force for future growth as noted MATRIMONIAL A Zoroastrian boy. Civil Engineer, 29 years, 5’6” with a good physique, seeks marital alliance with a suitable Zoroastrian girl with good family background. Kindly reply to: The Advertiser Parsiana, Matrimonial (Aug/20-99)’ GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 ’Please make sure the reply envelope bears the reference number cited here. star program which helps the youths bridge the end of their school lives and the start of their collegiate years. Delna Pastakia of Borivli noted how the HPY has enabled her to acquire several Parsi friends. A picnic, religious lectures and a pilgrimage to Udvada ensure that for Borivli youths enjoyment and religious education go hand in hand, as noted Borivli ’s Percy Paghdiwalla. Batlivala referred to art and music competitions in Calcutta. Poona ’s Sarosh Palkhiwala mentioned that a new managing com ­ mittee of youth.s was elected at the annual general meeting in April and Cursetji. The anjuman is encouraging were busy with a jashan and enrolment for the summer sports camp. They had hosted the Baroda youths ’ trip to Poona for which they were thanked by Talati. The Poona youths are following up on the marriage bureaux they organized last year and learnt from Keki Gandhi that they need to add a column of per ­ sonal attributes in their form for more efficient matchmaking. Talati spoke of the Baroda youths ’ commitment to help requested the Bombay youths to invite maintain their 75-year-old Sayajigunj them to their functions. Agiary and a lecture by Dadar Athornan young couples with financial assistance for the second child up to the SSC level. The support is against requirements and not as a dole, emphasized Cursetji. Speaking on behalf of Jamshedpur youths Surti declared that they tradi ­ tionally organize the entertainment tor the community at the Jamshedi Navroz functions. Noting that several of them live in Parsi hostels in Bombay, she ¦ " ' 1 Bombay ’s Dilnavaz Mehta gave the Madressa principal Ervad (Dr) Ramiyar audience an insight into the working of Karanjia. the Zartoshty Brothers ’ Fund established With best compliments from DIANA SOAP COMPANY Diana hand washing liquid soap ideal for clubs, hotels, restaurants and hospitals Sussex Road, Pallonji Compound Near Victoria Garden, Byculla Mumbai 400027 Phone (Res): 3747624 Phone (Off): 3723779, 3720863 Fax: 3720863 E-mail: diananet@bom5.vsnl.net.in Free delivery from Colaba to Mahim 128 Parsiana July-August 1999in 1996 under BPP aegis. Its aim i.s to increase religious and historical aware ­ ness. With a roster of 19 speakers, the Fund enables upcountry anjumans to organize programs of lectures and dem ­ onstrations by hosting the speaker and making the necessary publicity arrange ­ ments. The Fund also supports madressa students, as well as research and publi ­ cation of books, amplified Tirandaz. A series of articles on Parsi saints by Noshir Dadrawala have been collated and the book i,s under print, announced Tamboly. Poona ’s Eruch Irani noted that none of the youths had mentioned looking after agiaries and/or dharamshalas in their area. The Baroda dharamshala for example is not in the condition it should be in, he pointed out. Gandhi suggested that youth associations mention their socially relevant activities in their news reports. The venue and dates of the next FOZYA youth seminar are uncertain as no positive reply ha,s come from Ma ­ dras, as per FOZYA president Porus Karanjawalla. Counselling The Federation ’s school counselling A DVT I i The late Dr Nowshir Kaikohad Jungalwalla who, 50 years ago, had received his masters degree in Public Health from the Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, was posthumously honored with a medallion hearing his name and the year 1949 on one side and the University’s coat of arms on the reverse. Dr Jungalwalla was the founder director ofthe Government of India’s National Institute of Health Education and former director of the World Health Organization’s Health Unit. The expertise he had gained over the years was put to use by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, die Union Public Services Commission as also the Royal College of Physicians of which he was a Fellow. 130 Parsiana Juty-August 1999 scheme, conducted by Diana Marfatia and Anupama Sharma under the aegis of the BPP, covers three schools: the Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Parsee Charitable Institution, the A. F. Petit and the Cowasjec Jehangir High schools. The three phases of the job start with per ­ sonal counselling where parental prob ­ lems, dysfunctional relationships, etc come to light, informed Sharma. Diag ­ nosis of the problem constitutes the second phase and therapy, the third, she said. The counsellors maintain contact with parents, teachers and in case of the A. F. Petit residential students, with matrons. The BPP has arranged for psychological testing material and 78 cases are currently under treatment while 26 have been concluded, said Sharma. Eight cases are being handled by social workers of the Tata Institute of Social Sciences. Remedial group work, solving ad ­ justment problems for students, behav ­ ioral therapy techniques all aim to fa ­ cilitate confidence building. In addi ­ tion, the counsellors give career guid ­ ance talks, do aptitude and interest test ­ ing and counsel students individually. They also teach basic counselling skills to chosen students like group leaders FIFTY YEAR ALUMNUS and monitors so that they then help teachers in a peer group promotion pro ­ gram. Mediclaim Recommending medical insurance for all Parsis, Wania suggested that the BPP contribute 20 crore rupees and the other anjumans of India together con ­ tribute 30 crore rupees into a pool that would ensure medical insurance for ev ­ ery Parsi in India. To ensure that there were no exceptions, Wania recom ­ mended the division of India into 10 parts, each having a major hospital which would have on its rolls the name.s of each and every Zoroastrian in the area. Wania, a chartered accountant, said expenditure on the scheme would be permissible under trust law. Keki Gandhi proposed that Wania “set up and head a committee and go ahead; ” the BPP and the Federation would back him up. The question of insuring old people was addressed by Rustomji who claimed his mother was over 75 years old and still insured while Engineer noted that a new clause now seeks to enforce an upper age limit of 75 years. He however added that the WZO would also endorse such a scheme.who do and those who don ’t attend Federation meetings because “non-at ­ tendance is counter-productive. Heerjee suggested a provision in the case lor group rnsurance. d suggested a provision in the views being ascertained and accepted. Annual General MeeUng consiitution that those who don ’t attend To provide a youth ¦’epr^entauv.ton The existing vice presidents were con- tluee con«eutive tnjttngs auWtnatn ^e counc, .^t^e^^ounc^ w, firmed in their respective positions. Lt cally forfeit their * at no individual Z: W« aZ ^:«erent .... o.- tL country would he Dr Sam Bhacca for west zone B. The usual practice of the Federation ’s ac- role, ’’ he recommended. The provision would be subject to a leave of absence, argued Gandhi. It should be applied tor in writing, countered Heerjee. Gandhi ensured. representative has promised to attend assured the delegates that the Surat Pervez Irani has been co-opted in place of the late Aspi Irani. The other co-opted members continue to be Rustomji, Eruch Surti, Mani Clubwala and Rustom Anklesaria. Tirandaz who counts being approved first by the ex ­ ecutive c— body and receiving the auditor ’s ap ­ proval thereafter, was <' „ ' '. Wania. Jain and Co, the existing audi- wmp .—s 7^' v; . co-opted in his former capacity as tors will continue to audit the accounts respectively. Rust j J chief executive of the BPP sought the of the ~n for ^J^ccounting vor “S^^hXrrent BPP inc^ent L7V111^ w » J 1 council and then by the general the next Federation meeting. uLlL,..'__ - A point of argument in recent meets challenged bv has been the two west zones — AandB ------------- . comprising Maharashtra and Gujarat mistakenly assumed that Anklesanahad respectively. Rustomji and Heerjee fa ­ vor tx central zone instead. But Gandhi explained that the largest community settlements being in I---- ---------- Gujarat, these states had individual rep ­ resentation. The anjumans of Madhya was the nominee Pradesh are included in the north zone. “In what way will involvement increase Bhacca do valuable work for the Fed ­ eration, Dastur held that members who do not attend are a problem. He gested that a survey be made of those 132 Parsiana July-August 1999 sug- Gandhi. The Borivli anjuman asked tor an official place on the executive council on the grounds that they attended all experience. Rocky road ahead The BPP is coping with a ferment of QA^itk the Comp^imente o|j BiimnT sanitary fittings 73, Nagindas Master Road Fort, Bombay 400023 Phones: 2653310 • 2652091 THE BOMBAY BUILDING MATERIALS TRADING CO. JEROS THEATRE continued efficacy of dokhmenashini. There are few vultures at Doonger-wadi and the BPP is examining a proposal for the breeding of vultures in conjunction with a UK agency, said Tamboly. Then again there are pressures due to ideas as circumstances are turning tra ­ ditional thought on its head. Slowly, the priorities seem to be changing. It faces a persistent demand for adult franchise from a section of the community. Though housing remains an acute prob ­ lem for historical reasons, as per Dastur, the paucity of mobeds, shortage of bawal (“it is a fallacy that large houses will wood, the question of the assimilation produce more children. Our strength of children of interfaith marriages, the lies in quality ”), the emphasis is shift ­ ing to education — 70 lakh rupees from housing reserves have been placed at the use of the education committee to finance higher studies. This is apart from a one crore rupee corpus earmarked for special coaching Federation meetings are not achieving to students aiming at the medical and engineering colleges. While Rs 88,000 question of merger of agiaries, the as ­ sets of defunct anjumans where Surat ’s Katpitia has done much work. All these questions are related to economic com ­ pulsions and the responsibility for them rests with the entire community but much because “we have not prioritized our objectives, ” lamented Dastur. The management of Eros Theatre is dedicated to provide the best in entertainment to the discerning public of this great city of Mumbai. The “Housefull ” placards are your way of expressing your faith in our tradition to give you, your friends, plus value for your money. ‘Eros Theatre ’ has been equipped with Dolby S. R. Dolby Digital D. T. S. Sound Cambata Building 42, M. Kai'vc Road Church gate Mumbai 400020 Tel; 2826828, 28222335 have been s^ent on coaching of stu- Those attending the Federation meet ­ ing were: Dolat Debara from Agra; Porus Karanjawalla, Perzid Daruwala and Dinaz Gandhi from Ahmedabad; Capt Homi and Shirin Dandiwalla from Allahabad; Pervez Mehta, Homi Pithawala and Eruch Baldawala from Bardoli; Cyrus Cooper and Bomi Talati from Baroda; Sarosh and Pilloo Ginwalla from Bharuch; Jamshed Guzder, Dinshaw Tamboly, Silloo Kavarana, Dinshaw Mehta, Rustom Tirandaz, Behram Dastoor, Sheroo Master, Adil Crawford, Gool Kias, from Bombay; Noshir Paghdiwalla, Khurshed Pastakia, Marazban Mehta, and Delna Pastakia from the Borivli and Suburban Zoroastrian Association; Nauzer Batlivala from Calcutta; Marzban Wadia from Davier; Keki Gandhi, Farrokh Rustomji and Adil dents for the central administrative ser ­ vices, only one girl has made it so far, noted Dastur. He suggested that the Punchayet “fund only the cream of stu ­ dents. It will be an excellent invest ­ ment, ” he added. Guzder urged Federation members to donate towards the Bombay Uni ­ versity ’s Sir Pherozeshah Mehta Bhavan for Civics and Politics so that the University can be persuaded to reserve a couple of seats in medicine and engineering for Parsi students. Though the question of reservation for Parsi students in Poona ’s Wadia Mehli Colah, Zelda Mistry, Merzeen Colleges as requested by ProfHoshang Aga, Delzin Irani and AnupamaSharma Mugat had fallen through since these colleges are not administered by a community trust, Guzder said he had Mehernosh Mehta, Percy Paghdiwalla been informed by Nusli Wadia that he had taken over as chairman of the management committee. Wadia has suggested that the Federation wait for a few months. With 62 on the roll of the third child Nargolwala from Delhi; Bomi Heerjee scheme, the Punchayet is seeking to create a two crore rupee fund, interest on which will ensure that the project Zoroastrian Anjuman; Eruch and Silloo continues, said Guzder, who has per ­ sonally contributed Rs 25 lakhs to the kitty. With cancer, heart and liver diseases taking their toll of individual budgets, Poona; Behram and Dolly Masani from the BPP has earmarked 50 lakhs of Mhow; Hoshang Wania from Nargol, rupees, the interest on which would support the medical treatment of indi ­ gent ailing Zoroastrians. “Sickness is arising out of poverty, congested liv ­ ing, poor education. Poverty is the fo ­ cus, ” believes Dastur. With a “crisis situation regarding and Dr Homi Dhalla were special birds of prey in India, ” as Tirandaz noted, the BPP is worried about the 134 Parsiana July-August 1999 from Indore; Mehrwan Irani, Pervez Irani and Perzon Zend from the Iranian Surti from Jamshedpur; Ronnie and Zerin Dick from Jhansi; Dara Irani, Boman Irani, Eruch Irani, Sarosh Palkhiwala and Kashmira Udachia from Homi Palsetia, Nariman Balsara and Dinshaw Patel from Saronda; Omim Debara from Secunderabad; Rustom Cursetji, Pervez Bhesania and Rusi Gandevia from Thane. Homai Modi, Rohinton Rivetna, Ervad Parvez Bajan invitees. The Press was represented by Parsiana.OBSERVATION To the marrow borne The ordeal of helping Imroze recover from Fanconi’s anemia has fortified the Ardeshir family to help similar victims marrow, born a Ours was a very happy family of four living a normal life. My daughters Farah and Imroze were doing well in school and so was my wife in the French Con ­ sulate, Bombay and I in the British Deputy High Com ­ mission, Bombay. Suddenly our live.s fell apart. Our younger daughter Imroze was diagnosed with an in ­ curable degeneration of her bone marrow, called Fanconi ’s anemia. Fanconi was a Swiss scientist who found this marrow defect. The bone marrow respon ­ sible for producing blood cells gradually degenerates and death occurs. Imroze was healthy baby with no physi ­ cal signs of a Fanconi child. A Fanconi child is short statured, has an additional finger or thumb, crooked limbs and i.s very weak in appearance. None of this wa.s in Imroze although she was a dilfi- cult child and had a peculiar dislike for food, being never hungry, even at the age of lO years. This i.s normally when the degeneration of the marrow starts. Wc used to feed her with force or with bribes of a better toy, very common in children. But we never expected any ­ thing serious. In 1995, when she was 12 years old, on the insistence of my wife Daisy we found a doctor to examine her a.s wc never had a family doctor for the chil ­ dren or the family. We asked him to give us some tonic to increase her appe ­ tite observing that she was losing weight and her appearance was turning dark. He advised a blood lest and the results were alarming. This i.s when the first bell rang. The doctor advised a special ­ ist to look into the medical history of Imroze as he felt her condition wa.s serious. How could a child be serious I I 136 Parsiana July-August 1999 Marzban Ardeshir done on it. Aplastic anemia was diag ­ nosed and Imroze was asked to be ad ­ mitted into Breach Candy Hospital where an expensive drug ALG was administered. A week later, the injection course com ­ plete, she wa.s discharged. The medicine takes six months to show results and Imroze was back at school and play. She was advised not to run around much to avoid falling down for bleeding would not stop if she cut her skin, we were warned. It was nearing the end of nine months when Imroze developed a gut infection and was profusely bleed ­ ing. We rushed her to Breach Candy Hospital where she was declared very serious. Many drugs were admin ­ istered but Imroze did not respond. Surprisingly some of the life saving drugs were available from only one outlet and one could get them only if luck was on his side. I remember a drug costing Rs 10,000 and we needed three. Two were immediately needed so my wife took Rs 20,000 to a Sandoz outlet in Bandra. The salesman said the pre ­ scription was for three vials and my . wife being so much in shock began to cry. That salesman, God bless him, gave my wife the three vials and asked her to be with Imroze and not to bother to pay for the third. We began to see the goodness of humanity. The then British Deputy High Com ­ missioner, Terrance Curran, spoke to I still never believed that Imrozc could the Breach Candy Hospital ’s accounts have cancer as it had not struck anyone in my wife ’s family or mine. Dr M. B. Agarwal, the hematologist, did a bone marrow biopsy, a very pain ­ ful test in which a small chip of the bone i.s removed from the hip bone and tests when she went to school, played like a normal child? Her white blood cells count was 3.2, platelet count was 29,000 and hemoglobin was 6.8. I fr ty Q fe 5 V I The Aideshir faiiiily (from left): Daisy, Farah, linroze and Marzban We consulted a pediatrician at the Hinduja Hospital who asked for various expensive tests including bone marrow aspirations which ruled out leukemia, but her illness wa.s still not diagnosed. We were advised to see a hematologist and wc were shattered. We kept all this from both our daughters lest they get scared. Imrozc was always asked to leave the doctor ’s room and sit outside when wc were given the results of her tests. Being a smart child she ques ­ tioned U.S as to why she was made to sit out, why were mummy ’s eyes always moist when she came out of a doctor ’s room, etc. I would make up stories and my dear little one alway.s believed me. h 4 a C3 department to spare me the torture of regular payments and to permit me to pay at the discharge date, saying he would stand guarantee. All prayed for fmroze to be saved and the last possible drug worked on her and she recovered.I other daughter Farah being the perfect attendance by the Mithibai College prin- donor. Unfortunately the transplant failed and another was planned on De ­ cember 6, 1996. Thi.s meant our Farah undergoing another operation for do ­ nating her bone marrow which she will ­ ingly did. Farah was great and brave and took the burden of two marrow donatioiKS in 40 days very well. Thi.s should inspire other donors too. The Hammersmith Hospital has very promoted her. Meanwhile, Imroze had to be admit ­ ted thrice again in the hospital (as is normal after a transplant) for fever and other complications. By God ’s grace we sailed through all those months and returned to India in October 1997. After all that we went through, I want to be of help to people in similar circumstances. Every year thousands of people with bone marrow disease.s such as leuke ­ mia, aplastic anemia and inborn meta ­ bolic and immune deficiency condi ­ tions reach a state when only a bone marrow transplant can possibly save them. The chance of a match between siblings is in the ratio of 1:4. During our stay in the Hospital we saw many pa ­ tients awaiting transplants whose sib ­ lings did not match their type of bone marrow and many others who had no siblings at all, hence awaiting the inevi ­ table end. The F & I Bone Marrow All prayed for Imroze to be saved and the last possible drug worked on her 'O' Six months later, the worst was yet to come. Dr Agarwal pronounced the failure of the ALG drug and asked us to go for a genetic test which declared her a Fanconi anemia patient, where the only cure can be a bone marrow trans ­ plant with a 70 percent chance of suc ­ cess. To avoid further risk of infection and hospitalization we prepared to go to Vellore where transplants are done in India. Dr Agarwal arranged our ap ­ pointments there. By now we were touching the bottom of our savings. My office travel agent, Sterling Travels, declared that our travel anywhere would be covered by them. They sent the tickets for us to go to Vellore. We met the specialist Dr Mamman Chandy who confirmed that a trans ­ plant was the only hope for Imroze and the cost would be eight lakh rupees. He however cautioned that such a trans ­ plant had never been done in India and advised us to try abroad where the suc ­ cess rates for Fanconi transplants are increasing. Our enquiries revealed that the cost of such a transplant was USD 150,000 in the USA, £ I 10,000 in Paris, £ 70,000 in the UK. My wife ’s cousins explored all pos ­ sibilities and then zeroed in on Hammersmith Hospital in London which agreed to do the transplant for £ 45,000 a.s Imrozc was below the age of 14 years. Now began the race to collect £ 45,000, approximately Rs 28 lakhs. 1 was aghast. How many people do I contact to accumulate so much money? Penny Curran, my office colleagues, M.S Beraud-Chaulel (wife of the then French Consul General), the tenant.s ol the Bandra Tata Colony, some of our relatives and many friends here and abroad began the fund-raising. The message spread and so did the network. People I had never met sent donations and even helped in collecting funds. Many trusts when contacted responded 120 days ol total hospitalization and I spontaneously and generously. The French Ministry of External Affairs donated French Francs 20,000. Dona ­ tion.s from Hongkong, Malaysia, Singapore, Dubai, UK, USA, Canada poured in too. With ticket.s from Ster ­ ling Travels we went to the UK. Air India also helped with the tickets which we used later. The ANZ Grindlay.s Bank helped in a very big way to transfer funds to the Hammersmith Hospital. Imroze was tested all over again at 1 lammcrsmith and the transplant was done on October 24, 1996 with my cipal. Although we had informed the principal, the deputy director of educa ­ tion when approached, rudely said “no exceptions. ” My wife contacted many people to save our daughter ’s year but ultimately help came in the form of Mr Sudhir Joshi, the education minister and the deputy secretary Mr Phansalkar who believed in Farah ’s sacrifice and daughters, has been set up by me to help such cases find a match here in India and abroad. Twenty-nine people, of whom around 10 are Zoroastrians, are registered as donors for the four pa ­ tients awaiting transplants. Unfortu ­ nately we have yet not succeeded in finding a match. So far we have managed to raise Rs 1,80,000 with the largest donation of Rs 1,00,000 coming from the Tulsi Trust. People have come forward to be poten ­ tial donors and many more are decid ­ ing. Many cases of cancer and anemia ’ are asking for my help which is readily available whenever needed. Many job offers have come but I am concentrat ­ ing more on the Foundation. The chance of saving a life by donat ­ ing your marrow and the satisfaction one gets no one can explain better than Farah who donated her marrow twice in 40 day.s and did save a life. Then why not you? Contact The F & I Bone Mar ­ row Foundation at 24, Ratanbai Tata Building, 38th Road, Bandra, Bombay 400050 or call on 6404989. Help us build a lifeline. caring doctors and nurses, and good arrangements for children. During the transplant Imroze was kept in isolation for one-and-a-half-months which was repeated for the second transplant. She had her up.s and down.s there too. She nearly gave up her fight for life after the havoc the radiation along with chemo ­ therapy created on her physically. Pain became unbearable and she pleaded that medicinc.s be stopped and she be allowed to pass away. The Hospital provided the services of a psychologist who worked on her miraculously. The play teachers and entertainment kept Foundation, aptly named after my brave her spirits up. Drawing, computers, read ­ ing, craft and painting were in her regu ­ lar curriculum under the watchful eye.s of a school teacher and play leaders. The people of the UK were very help ­ ful too. Many who were unknown to us came with food and toys for Farah and Imroze. Get-well cards were received in plenty. Mr and Ms Curran visited us in the Hospital and made sure we had ev ­ erything. They proceeded to their next posting which wa.s Toronto. Imroze was discharged on February 11, 1997 after rushed back to India on February 15, 1997. I resumed work in the same posi ­ tion as when 1 left, but alter two week.s I wa.s demoted and my position was adver ­ tised as a vacancy. To find your position advertised when you have returned to your job leaving a sick child behind wa.s too much to bear. 1 resigned and returned to London to be with my daughter and my wife returned to her job to keep the home fires burning. A.s if that were not enough, Farah wa.s asked to repeat the year (first year junior college. Arts) on grounds of poor 138 Parsiana July-August 1999OBSERVATION Crossing musical barriers After his training in classical music Rushad Eggleston has taken his cello to the jazz stage Dina Mehta 1'1, W I knew his mother in Bombay as a Concerto in D — and wowed his audi- young girl. Nazneen played the flute ence. In 1996 he was invited to attend and wanted more than anything else to create music. Her dream proved elu ­ sive, but years later she was jubilant when the intimations, urgencies, prom ­ ises she had glimpsed in herself were effortlessly articulated by her gifted son Rushad. On the cello. On the guitar. On the bass, the mandolin... Yes, Rushad plays them aU. The cello from the time he was nine, the guitar at age 12 and the bass and mandolin in high school. (Here I recall that his grandfather Jal Khambatta — Nazneen ’s dad —played the harmonica and tink ­ ered with the amplification of ? sounds on his electric guitar.) With so many instruments beck- oning him, it is not surprising that Rushad ’s approach to his music that his talent embraces diverse styles and genres. A braveheart who is not afraid to cross musical boundaries, his oeuvre ranges from the classical (in which he received his basic training) to the more spontaneous stuff gener ­ ated by glad and venturesome spirits. Bom almost 20 years ago in Carmel in California (USA) to Nazneen and Bob Eggleston, the eldest Eggleston: making real music of a brood of three sons, Rushad has been involved in music from his college of music with a jazz orientation schooldays. He was a member of the Carmel High jazz band for three years, _________ _____ _________________ first on string bass, then guitar, then tory progress in each successive year bluegrass cellists, he hopes to open up the scene for cello players. What is more important to him is to reach out to audiences and share with them his ex ­ travagant delight in music. The bets are on that aapro Rushad will rocket into a major professional orbit by the time he passes out of Berk ­ lee. May a chorus of ashirvads accom ­ pany him on his flights! So in his friend ’s garage Rushad re ­ corded a tape of him performing a clas- the Aspen Music Festival. sical piece by Giovanni Sammartini on Then last year the gods really smiled the cello, some improvizations, a jazzy on Rushad: he won a full-tuition schol- version of Sweet Georgia Brown, “a arship ($ 60,000) to the Berklee College bluegrass thing and all kinds of stuff. ” of Music in Boston, the world ’s largest It was fun, though unlikely that a cellist could bag a jazz scholarship — since traditionally the cello is not a swinging instrument. But Rushad was ready to tempt the devil... what the hell... just in case... And he was in! Then came the second round of screenings when three senior Berklee staff members flew in to audition 21 hopeful Californians winnowed from the large num- ber of tapes received at Berklee. Rushad came out of his audi- tion feeling great. Apart from the required pieces, he had per- \ormeh a^a6n 'm C bat segued into a heady tune hy jazz giant John Coltrane, Mr P.C. What charmed Damien Brac- ken, director of Berklee scholar- ships about this swinging cellist was his free and open approach to music. Rushad, who had in the past turned down offers from clas- sical conservatories, puts it this way: “I didn ’t go to a classical school because I was into more than that. ” For him Berklee was just right because it gave him a direction “where I could follow my own path. ” Rushad wants to make “real music, true music. ” Noting the dearth of jazz or and an enrolment of 2,900 multicultiual students. A renewable award, satisfac- cello and guitar. He played chamber allows the recipient to attend Berklee music; he played as the first cello and right through to graduation, tuition ­ soloist in orchestras; and at top folk free. Rushad competed for this plum festivals he played with major jazz and bluegrass musicians. At a joint concert of the Youth Music Monterey orchestra learn something of the process that went and the Monterey County Symphony into the selection. orchestra he performed the Beedioven Triple Concerto and Hayden ’s Cello had to submit demo tapes of their work. with about a hundred Northern Califor ­ nian candidates and it is exciting to As a starter, the aspiring musicians 141 Parsiana Juiy-August 1999OBSERVATION An “extended family On the completion of its first year, the author observes that the inmates of the Bai Maneckbai P. B. Jeejeebhoy Senior Citizens Centre feel ‘at home’ Noshir H. Dadrawala few had just returned from their daily Having been present at the inauguration of the Bai Maneckbai P. B. Jeejeebhoy visit to the atash behram in Motafalia. Senior Citizens Centre in January 1998, I took the opportunity of visiting it again during my scheduled visit to Navsari on May 5, 1999 to attend the anni ­ versary celebrations of our atash behram. The modern, spacious center is a fine example of how community re ­ sources, if pooled to ­ gether with a sense of pur ­ pose and commitment, can make a positive change in the lives of those for whom the wealth has been left in trust. While the building funds for this center were provided by the trustees of the Bai Maneckbai P. B. Jeejeebhoy Deed of Settlement Fund, the entire project was conceptualized and executed by the WZO Trust Funds. Situated in the heart of a classical Parsi mohalla (Pinjar Mohalla), the Se ­ nior Citizens Centre provides a serene environment free of the hurry-scurry of life. The ground plus four storeyed struc ­ ture covers an area of 20,000 sq ft. Each floor has seven ample rooms — four single, two double and one quadruple. All rooms are modern in ternis of facili ­ ties, well ventilated and with attached bath and toilets. Visiting the Centre after a year, we were impressed with the quality of life enjoyed by its 18 inmates. And I feel I must share my happy experience with other community members. The moment we entered the foyer our hearts warmed to the sight of a couple of aged Parsis playing carrom, a few watching cricket on television, one or two reading newspapers and others engrossed in animated conversation. A Shermin Tamboly, the administrator of the Centre and manager Soli Vandre- Engrossed in a game of chess walla introduced us to the inmates who seemed to be in high spirits. Jimmy Das ­ tur, and his wife who ha.s had three heart attacks, “feel absolutely at home here living as one big family. ” A retired medi ­ cal representative, Dasturformerly lived in Tadkeshwar, a remote village in Gujarat. “Our neighbors there were vio ­ lent and abusive in nature. It is a wel ­ comechangeliving with our own people in a clean and cultured environment, ” he said with satisfaction. Nargish J. Wankadia who moved into the Centre in September 1998 said, “I am so well looked after here, I never feel lonely. ” Eighty-three-year-old Minoo (Bob) Damri suffers from weak eyesight but is strong as ever. A profes ­ sional musician and sports enthusiast, he said, “Here I am very happy and comfortable. ” How did he spend his time? “I go for walks, watch television and pray, what else would you expect a man of my-age to do? ” he smiled. Hilla R. Irani expressed the same sentiments: “I rest, I pray and I play carrom. ” Katy Patel, 71, was busy weaving a kusti. She manages to produce two to three kustis every month which fetch a good price in Bombay. Probably the most en ­ ergetic was Eruch Kar- karia, 82, who zips around Navsari on his own moped, visiting friends and doing odd jobs as an electrician. He said, “Most people go to heaven after they die. We are lucky to find heaven during our life ­ time here. ” Agreed Jimmy, “We must have done good deeds to have earned this heaven. We pray for the soul of Ma ­ neckbai and bless WZO Trust Funds. ” At 12.30 p.m. we are invited to join the inmates for a ‘simple ’ lunch which turned out to be chicken dhansak with kebabs and kachumber. Each one had a fixed place on the common table and all ate with zest and satisfaction. “The food is always very good and I’ve never had to complain even once, ” said Dastur. Inmates are encouraged to help in the kitchen. Many of them are experts at cooking. For a change some of them , prepare idlis, dosas and generally have fun pampering their taste buds. Shermin said, “We grab every oppor ­ tunity to celebrate. We feast on birth ­ days, Christmas, New Year ’s day and every other holiday. ” Added Soli, “Ev ­ ery last Saturday of the month we orga ­ nize Housie, take the inmates out for picnics and make them enjoy life fully. ” Morning tea is at 7 a.m. followed by breakfast at nine o ’clock, lunch at 12.30 p.m., tea and snacks at four in the after ­ noon and dinner at eight. Discipline in terms of these timings is strictly en ­ forced. In all other matters, procedures 142 Parsiana July-August 1999¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ':?< t" 145 Ju/y-August 1999 Clockwise from top: Inmates of the Navsari Centre paying their respects on Avan roz. nu parav; a single occupancy room ('Photo: Homyar Mistry, Homz Prints^; facade oj the Centre; on their way to Uhhral beach atid residents savoring their meed ¦¦ Ma BM Mt I I £ iii Bi ¦ iU T With Best Compliments From Fiviii left: (seated) Ditishaw Tamholy, Shamiin Tamboly, Bachi Tainholy, Vandrewalla and Wadia. Tanyri and Variava (standing) Photo: Homyar Mistry, Homz Prints and of course the dedication with which Sharmin, Soli and his assistant Pervin Kasad as also the kitchen staff Khorshed Variava, Bapsy Tangri and Zarine Wadia discharge their duties. It was truly an uplifting experience. Perhaps some of the inmates had lived disturbed and turbulent lives, but they will be spending their autumnal years in peace, comfort and safety. Said Eruch, “We have been reading about the many are simple and flexible. The Centre re ­ ceives important newspapers like The Times o/ India, The Bombay Samachar, Gujarat Mitra, Jam-e-Jamshed and has a modest library of books and magazines. Soli finds a lot of satisfaction in his aged Parsis murdered in Bombay. Thank ­ fully we have no such fears out here. ” So far the Centre has taken in only the poor and needy. Now in keeping with the requests and needs of those who are well placed, the management is admitting those who arc in a position to pay the full fees. We know quite a few cases where there is no financial pov- work. “It ’s like my home and the in ­ mates are like my extended family, ” he said with joy. Sharmin concurred, add ­ ing, “When I took on this responsibility I was a bit nervous. Today I find a lot of satisfaction in bringing so much cheer in the live.s of our elders. ” Sharmin and Soli also took us to the D. N. Mehta Hospital where one of the erty but lots of emotional poverty — inmates,64-year-oldGoolGotlasethwas persons feeling insecure, lonely and hospitalized for a fracture. Despite the deprived in the evening of their lives. ' These are also ‘deserving ’ cases in a different context. It i.s a very welcome pain Cool ’s face was radiant and cheer ­ ful. “My friends from the Centre come to visit me every day. They are all so development that those who can afford loving. These people are doing more for me than my own family, ” she said with tears of gratitude. We have seen a few other senior citizens ’ homes in India and in most Jcejeebhoy Deed of Settlement Fund place.s our experience has been unpleas ­ ant. Often there is a pall of gloom, an atmosphere charged with negative emo ­ tions and impulses. The Senior Citizens Centre in Navsari is strikingly different, full of life and positive attitudes — all very Zarathushtrian traits. We were im ­ pressed with the overall cleanliness, the smooth administration that runs the place, the bonhomie among the inmates; to pay can now enjoy the hospitality of this excellent institution. The trustees of the WZO Trust Funds and those of the Bai Maneckbai P. B. must feel satisfied. They probably must be going through the same emotions J.R.D. Tata experienced after reenact ­ ing his pioneering flight of 50 years ago from Karachi to Bombay. Surely JRD’s words apply to our trustees; “Despite all the difficulties, all the frustrations, there is ajoy in having done something as well as you could and better than others thought you could. ” 147 Parsiana Juty-August 1999 PERKS ENGINEERING Pioneer and leading manufacturers of shrink and stretch wrapping machinery and systems in India Address: Perks Engineering B-24, New Empire Industrial Estate Shri Ramakrishna Mandir Rd Andheri (E), Bombay 400059 Tel: 8326349/8347745 Fax: 8384001OBSERVATION Enshrined ever after Mota Dadysett is known to have donated one-third of his wealth for religious and charitable causes Marzban J. Giara Two hundred years ago there were no newspapers, railways, telephones. No television, cinemas, educational insti ­ tutions. People used bullock carts lor commuting. At such a time, Dady Nosherwanji Dadysett (1734-1799), popularly known as Mota Dadysett, built the first atash behram for the Parsis in Bombay who numbered less than 3,000. Dady ’s grandfather Homji Behramji came to Bombay from Surat. Homji Street near Horniman Circle in Fort, Bombay is named after him. . His fatherNosherwanji Homji . • ¦ W and uncle Behramji Homji V were freight brokers for ships, Dadysettwasawell-known WMF merchant, owner of ¦|||||¦||^^ ships and a jagirdar (landlord). A freight broker for commercial came from the UK, he is mentioned in Britain ’s Celebrities of the Age as: “The great Dadysett, the first Parsi to establish the native trade of Bombay with England. ” He owned five ships. They were: Shah Ardeshir, 839 tons; King George, 1,022 tons; Friendship, 872 tons; Brig William, 390 ton.s and David Scott, 350 tons. He car ­ ried on extensive trade with Europe and China. As a banker Dadysett was widely known and mentioned in several mem ­ oirs of the time (e.g. Admiral Carden ’s autobiography, pg 190, Hove ’s tours in Gujarat, etc). The Bombay directory and were: assembly of the Parsi caste. You will Dadajee ’s Dhakleshwar shrine, Kalika make the same known in the general assembly and act therein agreeably to the rules of your caste; doing strict calendar for 1793 printed by Joseph justice to all parties without fear or Burnes mentions hi.s name a.s one of the six Parsi shareholders in the Insurance Society which insured good.s of English businessmen. Each share was worth R.s 20,000. 148 Parsiana July-August 1999 In 1776 Dadysett set up a “screw ” for pressing cotton bales at Apollo Street. On September 29, 1783, he established the first atash behram in Bombay. In 1790, during the famine in Gujarat, along with other Parsi sethias he fed thousands of destitute migrants who came to Bombay for 10 months. He built a dokhma at 'Walkeshwar on his own land and had it conse ­ crated on April 22, 1798. He was a trustee of the Bombay Parsi Punchayet. A letter dated March 16, 1787, addressed to him by the then governor of i, ft Bombay, says; “I now send you the power for holding the committee of '•yi Fl ¦< I 6 Dadysett Atash Behram with founder Dady (Mota) Dadysett (inset) 12 out ol' 24 persons as the Panehat or affection to anyone. I am. Your friend and well-wisher R. H. Boddam" One of the religious duties of aZoro- astrian is to observe gahambars or sea ­ sonal feasts. On the day the Dadysett Atash Behram was consecrated, Dadysett organized a community feast. Since then every year he organized six gahambars which served as community get-togethers. Dadysett had the Persian Revayats translated into Gujarati by Ervad Minocher Behram Minocher Homji, a resident of Navsari. This book was writ ­ ten in Samvat 1828, i.e. 1772 AC. In 1796 he established a school for teach ­ ing Zend Avesta in Pitha Moholla in Fort, Bombay. Dossabhoy F. Karaka writes about Dadysett in his book The History of the Parsees: “He was a man of great sim ­ plicity of character, remarkable good nature and unbounded benevolence. He was one of the most opulent and influential Parsis of the time. ” Two hundred years ago Parsis lived amica ­ bly with people of other communities, just as they live now. The Parsis and Hindus were fond of each other. Dadysett owned about 25,000 square yards of land on the seafront opposite- Mahalaxmi Hill. He gave this land free to the Hindus for building their seven temples and 19 dharamshalas. These temples are: Mahalaxmi Mandir, Dhackjee I i Mandir, Devi shrine, Udasi Bawashrine, Anand- ji Mistry shrine, Ramchand Bhashan- kar shrine and the Vithoba Kanji shrine. According to Ratanji Faramji Vachha of Mumhaino Bahar, Dadysett ’s wealth amounted to Rs 30 lakhs, and his chari ­ ties to a minimum of Rs 10 lakhs (at today ’s rate this figure would equalGLOBE THEATRES Pvt Ltd Established Aprils, 1915 Pioneers of Show Business in India for the last 84 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 CALCUTT A All the above Cinemas have now been equipped with nnI DOUgy STEREO Sound System 151 Parsiana July-A ugust 7999 r The Dadysett dokhnia at Walkeshwar. now in disuse .several crores of rupees). This philan ­ thropic Parsi Zoroastrian gave freely one-third of his wealth for religious and charitable activities. His greatness lies in his humility. There i.s no tablet or plaque in the atash behram built by him. This shows that he had no craze for name and fame unlike most people who donate money and want their names engraved in gold. In his will dated August 21,1794 he advised his son to live harmoniously with others: Be kind and loving to your lellowmen. Even if some were to do evil, you be good to them. This friend of the poor gave gener ­ ously so that people benefitted not just for years or decades, but for several generations. HOMI & Company Opticians and Contact Lens Clinic Authorised dealers of Bausch and Lomb Raybans and soft contact lenses and solutions. Varieties of frames, lenses - CR39 plastic multifocals, photochromatics tinted - high index and UV for ultra violet protection from computer glare. For complete eye-care, a trusted name for over 50 years. Only at Grant Rd; tel 3823980 Peddar Rd; tel 3861073 Girgaum Rd; tel 3879629 3823564BUSINESS Tata trends The spiffy, new 20,000 sq ft shop strate ­ gically situated on Hughes Road in south Bombay seeks to provide a different, elegant shopping experience to India ’.s burgeoning middle class, accustomed to battling it.s way in bustlin market places. Designed on the lines of international stores like Marks & Spen ­ cers, Tata ’s new enterprise. Westside, has plush interiors designed by Talati and Panthaky Associated Private Lim ­ ited and stands at the place TELCO (Tata Engineering and Locomotive Company Limited) dealer United Mo ­ tors had its showroom. Westside, launched by TRENT (Tata Retail Enterprise) a little over a year ago, now has lifestyle stores in Bangalore, Madras and Hyderabad and aims to project il.s Bombay unit as its “flagship store, ” according toapublicity handout. TRENT, a whol ly-owned subsidiaiy of Lakme Lim ­ ited, bought over Littlewoods Interna ­ tional which had one store in Bangalore, revamped and re-launched it as Westside. The company promotes its in-house label. Westside. “We are not aiming to Shop ’ houses a range of affordable gifts, compete with any established market brands in India. Our objective is to cre ­ ate new choice.s for the customer who previously did not have access lo inter ­ national retailing, ” stated Simone Tata, chairman of Lakme Limited. “At Westside we are more product driven; there ’s a certain cxclusivenes,s but not at a high price... Young people won ’t have by the end of the year, bringing their g ’ overcrowded to ask friends and families to send clothes from abroad, ” Noel Tala, the company ’s managing director, i.s reported to have told a reporter of Sunday Mid-Day. First into the entrance at the Bombay store is the ‘Lady at Westside, ’ with its colorful racks display ing skirts, blouses, trousers, chinos, etc standing alongside salwar kameczes in mangalkari cot ­ tons, printed georgettes and sand crepe. Lingerie and versatile nightwear, jewellery, cosmetics and handbags ca ­ ter 10 current fashion needs. The mens ­ wear range includes formal and casual wear, with the Slone RivcrClassics seek ­ ing to entice the trendy teenager. Pervading the mid-section of the store i.s the tempting aroma of freshly brew ­ ingcoffee, with the self-service cafetaria replenishing the energies of enthusiastic shoppers ’ The bright children ’s section has garments, soft toys, etc for the new ­ born to the 12-year-old. The ‘Home Beautiful ’ department showcases, on the lines of stores in the West, flowery table and bed linen, kitchenware, crockery and bathroom accessories, the ‘Gift 'e ¦ to;;- '4;® Mm ¦VP a / s, 153 Parsiana Jufy-August 1999 total to six, with further expansion all over India. Award-winning hotelier Jehangir J. Ghadiali, general manager of the Welcomgroup Mughal Sheraton Hotel in Agra, has won the “General Manager of the Year-Luxury Hotel, 1998” award instituted by the Hotel and Food Service Review. “We the Zoroas ­ trians of Agra comprise just 25 mem ­ bers and an achievement by any one of us is a matter of great pride for all of us, ” states the presi ­ dent of the Agra Parsi Anjuman Hosang Debara, forwarding write-up Ghadiali ’s achie ­ vements. The award is a national one and this year ’s panel Uhadiali: Agra of jurists con- Parsis’ pride sisted of Homi Aibara of Mahajan and Aibara, leading consultants from Bombay who were “We arc trying to look at the middle to appointed to conduct the evaluation, upper middle class... We will catertothe top end also... Therefore the pricing is under control, ” Ajay Mchra, the vice president of Trent Limited told the Af­ ternoon Despatch and Courier of May 6, ’99, adding that the company will open one or two more stores in Bombay a of W:?- Ck A* . ? ¦i 1 Vijay Thacker, a Bombay-based man ­ agement consultant, Rajiv Chopra, se ­ nior hotel consultant and Arnaud Kindt, India head of the Accor group of hotels. Forty-two-year-old Ghadiali heads a staff of about 550 people at the five- star deluxe, 300-room Hotel sprawling over an estate of 30 acres which in ­ cludes, among its other five-star facili- ¦ ties, kennels for thoroughbred dogs! ™ With his razor sharp memory, Ghadiali can address all his staff members by name, writes Debara, besides knowing H in most cases the names of members of " their families and the class in which H their children arc studying. Ghadiali is 9 also the secretary of the Tourism Guild 9 of Agra. 9 With the Welcomgroup since 1979, 9 Ghadiali ’s first assignment as general 9 manager took him to Port Blair in the 9 Andaman Islands, where the Welcom- ¦ group Bay Island Hotel he headed won 9 an international award from British Air- 9 ways for promoting eco-friendly tour- 9 ism. He ha,s been on training stints with the Sheraton group in London and New 'Westside: new choices for the customerYork and has also attended a course for general managers at Cornell Univer ­ sity. Ghadiali, whose interests include wild life, photography and reading, re ­ sides in Agra with wi fe Vandana, daugh ­ ter Vera and son Manek. etc. Shroff supplies mineral water, toi ­ letries, detergent.s and other products Ro ’s image, they routinely require. Shroff also sup ­ plies the snacks, salads, desserts, etc corporate houses need for their .£ - board meetings, conferences, training programs, etc. The food market in Bombay, states Shroff, is un ­ believably big and his “sheer attractive packaging and creating Ro- I Ro-Ro ’s reach “Nobody feels the need to reach out to me because I’ve reached out to them already !” declares marketing man Rusy love for food ” led him to tie S. Shroff, explaining his philosophy of life. The gregariou.s individual behind Ro-Ro ’s Market Reach, Shroff left the security of a job in J. K. Ansell Limited (part of the Raymond group) last year to start his own new marketing service, providing corporate houses, clubs, res ­ taurants, institutions and households in Bombay with theirproductrequirements, delivered to their doorstep at no extra pate, etc. “There are a number of Cor- charge subject to a minimum delivery order. “My main focus is to offer rock bot ­ tom prices, along with quality and prompt elaborates. Piloo Vakil and her two service, ” he asserts. Currently counting daughters, Shireen Vakil and Tanaz among his customers large shipping Shroff, ot Vtex Enterprises tied up with companies such as P & O Nedlloyd Shroff to market their range ot deter- (India) Limited and Maersk India Lim ­ ited, banks like Credit Agricole Indo- Suez and Bank of Tokyo/Mitsubishi, “In my earlier job, I was experienc ­ ing what you might call the ‘middle management squeeze. ’ I ¦i^-. / ¦ could not see what I expected to see (in the form of career advancement). There were phenomenal advantages — I was travelling all over In ­ dia as assistant brand man- ager for the Kama Sutra brand of premium condoms, I I had independence in brand I creation and liaising with ad- fl vertising agencies, etc, ” but there was, he felt, a need for change. Moneywise too, he believes he has benefitted in his new business, though he took the plunge at a time when the economy was in a downswing! “Of course there are ¦ up with talented individuals . .jgflk like Rishad Suntook who makes a select variety of fresh pastas with no coloring or pre- n|K^||n||fl^H servatives, Zarine Kotwal ‘ with her choice of cakes. Shroff: extending brownies, mousses, etc, market reach Gulshan Marfatia ’s variety of chocolates, Hema Aref ’s chicken liver don Bleu cooks in Bombay but they lack the marketing thrust to promote days of dullness and drops, but I am their product, which I can provide, ” he gents under the brand name Sudsy. Visualizers Daisy Sidhwa and Shireen Kapadia assisted Shroff in designing now beginning to reap the fruits of my labor. Corporates are my bread and butter, but it has been the individual, particularly Parsi householders, who encouraged me in the initial days and who by word of mouth helped me to make it to the corporate customer. ” Shroff ’s varied interests include the- ZORO GARMENTS PRIVATE LIMITED (An Eligible Export House Recognised by the Govt, of India) Manufacturers and Exporters of Readymade Garments, Made-Ups & Fabrics Address: C-3, Industrial Estate, Ambattur, Chennai 600058 Phone: 0091 -44-6252416/6252497/6256215 Fax: (0091) 44-6257789 E-Mail: mogrelia@giasmd01 .vsnl.net. in 154 Parsiana July-August 1999I White Cloud Filter Pads Pvt.Ltd,Pvne Quality System Ceptificate For ^s i t.i-i • ’! J I Busy J. Kapadia (center), managing director of White Cloud Filter Pad.'i Private Limited, Poona, receive.'; the ISO 9002:1994 certificate for conforming to the quality system standard in the manufacture and supply of paper filter pads, from Col R. M. Bedi (retd), lead auditor of Det Norske Verita.s of The Netherlands. At far left is director Pervine Kapadia. ater and music. He joined the Paranjoti San Diego and San Francisco to hear us! ” Choir under Coomi Wadia way back in 1984. “In 1989, we made a world tour covering Japan, USA and Europe. I re ­ member in Los Angeles (LA) we sang on Pateti day for a large audience of Parsis who had come not only from LA but from Web way Hyderabad-based computer engineers Dadi R. Bhote and Viraf Kalyaniwalla have designed and produced the country ’s first Internet access device for television, reports Business India, June 14-27, 1999. Named Eye-Net, the digital set-top box comes with a remote control keyboard which can be used even as far as 20 meters away. “We think the product has a mind-boggling market since it is available at a 10th of the price of a computer, ” Bhote told the magazine. Launched by Hyderabad-based Kayz Distech Private Limited, Eye-Net is priced at Rs 14,500 and includes 25 hours of Internet access from Satyam Infoway. “Eye-Net ’s greatest advan ­ tage is its ease of use. One need not be conversant with a computer to use the product, ” a vice president of Satyam Infoway is reported to have stated. The product has been designed to suit the Indian environment. “Most of the for ­ eign products work on dedicated ISPs (Internet Service Provider). Ours had to be independent of the ISP so that it could be used for a VSNL (Videsh THE ZOROASTRIAN PILGRIM’S GUIDE by he recollects. Hi.s music tours, he says, have won him many acquaintances all over the world, with one of hi.s German friends especially IlyingdowntoBombay Sanchar Nigam Limited), MTNL last year to visit Shroff ’s dying mother (MahanagarTelephoneNigamLimited) who unfortunately passed away just be ­ fore he arrived. “I also love acting, and it was Noshirwan Jehangir who put me on the telephone, video, public stage for the first time when I was a schoolboy in Campion when he gave me one of the lead singing roles in the musical extravaganza Pippin," he recalls. He ha.s acted in Janak Toprani ’s Cause Celehre and Hima Devi ’s Co Back for Murder, he reminisces, adding our present facilities where that his experience in theater and art helps to bring out creative talent in marketing as well. A first class student through ICSE and HSC, Shroff won a state scholarship for his BCom studies. “I did three years of articleship with the well-known chartered accountants firm of P. C. Hansotia and Company, but I wasn ’t cut out for accountancy! ” he opines. When Raymonds selected him during their all-India management train ­ ing program, the interviewers were in no doubt that they found him to be not or Satyam connection, ” asserted Kalya- niwalla. Eye-Net has a number of ports through which it can be connected to a Marzban J. Giara A comprehensive handbook of all Zoroastrian places of worship, dharamshalas, sanatoria around the world. Price Rs 150/- postage extra. For the finest literature on Zoroastrianism, Parsi history, research services contact; Marzban J. Giara Dhunmai Building 667, Lady Jeliangir Road Dadar, Mumbai 400014 Tel; 4166204 E-mail: giara@bom5.vsnl.net. in Presently assembled in Singapore, the company plans a large investment six months hence to go into an assem ­ bly line for 35,000 set-top boxes an ­ nually. “Once we get economies of scale we can begin manufacturing in ; we are already making circuit boards, ” stated Kalyaniwalla. According to Bhote, the response from smaller towns like Ludhiana, Bhopal, Coimbatore, etc has been encouraging: “They are not used to computers and do not need its sophistication. The price also seems to be a key factor prompting pur ­ chase. ” Besides the household customer, the company has targeted schools, hotels, libraries, etc as prospective purchasers. “Every primary center in the taluk or a finance but a marketing man! Having mandal has a television and telephone found his metier, Shroff says he now wants to innovate, to tie up with more and more individuals to distribute a wider range of products to households and corporates. Just dial 2024988 tor Shroff to reach out to you. 156 Parsiana Juiy-August 1999 line. This eliminates the cost of buying and maintaining a computer and is rela ­ tively maintenance free, ” Kalyaniwalla told Business India. Compiled by Hilla P. GuzderI DANCE To advance in dance Classical Indian dances need avenues for promotion, avers Jeroo Chavda Khambatta Parinaz M. Gandhi ''Aap kaise hai? Tiiinhi kashe aalwt? Tame kein chho''! How arc you? ” Wc hear this refrain over and over again as though there is some multilingual class in progress. Seen in action are the pri ­ mary students at Nritya Jyoti, the school of Indian dance founded by Khurshid Chavda 50 years ago at their terrace ‘studio ’ at Master Chambers (behind Metro cinema) and now run jointly with her daughter Jeroo Chavda Khambatta. The children are practising the three- beat di-di-thai, one of the basic steps of Bharat Natyam, but instead of repealing the monotonous di-di-tliai, Khambatta has introduced the four-language varia ­ tion of ‘How are you? ’ The first lime the query is posed in the national language, Hindi, as we arc Indians. Slaying in Bombay, Maharashtra, the next time the intonation i.s in Marathi. Since the ma ­ jority of the children have Gujarati as lheirmolhertongue, the third time around thi.s language is used. And as the medium of instruction for all these youngsters i.s English, this language too is incorpo ­ rated, Khambatta explains the rationale. “When made to say things, il brings about a sense of participation. They for ­ get about their inhibitions when concen ­ trating on both things (their hand-leg movements and speech), ” Khambatta has noticed. “I see a dance class its personality development, ” declares Khamballa. “There is an integration of disciplines because Indian dancing has a lol of act ­ ing and miming. (Plus), you must know music, when the beat ends and when the line starts. Unfortunately the parents to ­ day want everything instantaneously. ” They expect their children to become star perfomiers overnight and unles.s they have studied some classical art form themselves they do not understand the depth and training required, points out Khamballa who has had art in her genes 158 Parsiana Ju!y-August 1999 ** 5^1 a.s also her immedi- ¦ ate environment, her mother 1 having achieved fame a,s a dancer as one of the celebrated Vajifdar sisters and her late fa ­ ther Shiavax Chavda being a reputed artist on the Indian fir ­ mament. Soon thereafter wc see the pre-primary girls enacting their nursery rhyme.s while standing on one foot. No, J this is not a punishment but ¦ practice in balancing. I Khamballa hersel 1 has to do 1 a lol of balancing loo. In addi ­ tion to conducting bi-weekly classes atNritya Jyoti she also leachc.s | at Nritya Manjari, the dance class started by her mother ’s sister Shirin * Vajifdar at Cuffc Parade. Then, she lectures on Indian dance at the Nirmala Niketan College. All this in addition to pursuing her own career as a performing artiste. At the Femina-'Miss India 1999 show early thi.s year in Poona, Khambatta led a six-member troupe of dancers to per ­ form a 15-minuie interlude which was envisaged a.s an Indo-West fusion. While her artistes performed dances mainly in the Odissi style they had to synchronize their movements with the male jazz danc- of Mahesh Mahboobani ’s troupe. Hemani Trivedi. the consultant-director of the show found this presentation “fan ­ tastic, ” says Khambatta. “This item (at the pageant) stood out because of its uniqueness although in the coverage by Doordarshan il was hacked to death. ” Apparently one of the cranes for the lights was not working which meant that half of the 150 ft wide, 100 It deep stage was not covered. Among her performancc.s abroad, she has very happy memories of being the first artiste from this country selected to ers ' ¦ promote the Indian Food Festival in Dubai. For two months she had to stage dances every night and as |, is her style, before each & rendition, she explained Xk the theme and the corre- Sm spending hand gestures, realizing that the audience Ini would not otherwise un- derstand the intricacies. In g:K Bahrain she felt “the crowd pW was very hungry for clas- Kg sical Indian fare. ” Her ex- planation that Odissi was ' practised as an “avenue to B give vent to the divine longing of an individual soul for sublimation ” was quoted in the Khaleej Times which gave her a rave review. In Bulgaria too she had promoted the Indian Food Festival for two months. When sailing up the Rhine from Co ­ logne in Germany Khambatta had to per ­ form Bharat Natyam and Odissi numbers for the guests as their ship passed through five countries in 1994. This was in addi ­ tion to the modelling shows lor Burlingtons choreographed by Jeannie Naoroji in which she featured regularly.. In the India Book House published coffee table brochure India Calling depicting the life and culture of this country, it was once again Khambatta ’s face which was chosen to represent the quintessential Indian woman on the cover. After her stay in Antwerp, Belgium where she conducted a two-month work ­ shop in folk dance for those aged 15 and above, giving the participants three hours of rigorous training in the morning and three in the evening each day, the danseuse was offered a work permit to stay there which she declined. “I don ’t think I could ever live abroad, ” she says although she¦ -V }j Through facial expressions, hand and leg coordination, Khambatta conveys the different moods ofthe Bharat Nat yam and Odissi dance styles Photos: Dayaram Chawda 160 Parsiana July-August 1999“You are never too old to dance. You have to be a beginner at some point ” I 3 ¦'"i has some knowledge of foreign languages having studied French at the Alliance Francaise and Gennan at the Max Mueller Bhavan. “I’ve alway.s felt the vibrancy, the spontaneity, the warmth is missing in their atmosphere; there i,s something lacking emotionally. ” Her shows in India have been per ­ formed before appreciative local and foreign audiences. “Tall, beautifully formed, with a grasp of Bharat Natyam far above others of her generation, ” com ­ mended dance critic Hima Devi. “Sur ­ rounded from her childhood by dancers and the dance, she has naturally absorbed from this atmosphere around her the essence of the classical schools. The tragedy lies in the fact that Indian.s in urban Bombay are not alive to the trea ­ sure we have in our cultural heritage, ” continued the article. “We have to break the mindset that everything classical is boring which can ­ not be enjoyed, ” points out Khambatta. RealizingthattheSouth Indian languages in which most Bharat Natyam numbers are performed may not be comprehen ­ sible to the layman, she is endeavoring to ing the occasional 11.30 p.m. slot for present her dances in language.s which are understood. Khambatta has experi ­ mented with shloka.s in Sanskrit and bhajans in English. “My forte i.s choreog ­ raphy which is very creative, ” she had conveyed in an earlier interview. “I study their music period perhaps to give the the music and if 1 am moved by it, I set the children a chance to decide tor them- dance to it. Why should one be limited by selves whether they wish to pursue fur- traditional songs? ” In fact she ha.s even choreographed a dance in classical style for the Koi ladki hai song from the Yash Chopra musical hit Dil to Pagal Hai. For those who may have seen the rendition on the screen, Khambatla ’s composition would look quite alien. As Khambatta see.s it, “In Jazz dancing (which is in vogue on the Hindi movie scene and popular in Bombay because of it.s keep trim credo) the movements are more uninhibited, ” observes Khambatta. “They can do so much more, if only that pelvic thrust ” would be eliminated. With classical dances, one has to be very conscious of the framework. A slight change in gait or posture or limb movement and one can easily impinge on any one of the seven classical styles: Bharat Natyam, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Mohini Attain, Kathakali, Manipuri and Kathak. Unless school,s and the TV promote them, classical dances will slowly but surely die, believes Khambatta. Classi ­ cal music enters the home much more easily than dance, she points out, criti ­ cal of Doordarshan ’s policy of reserv- such programs. Many schools may in ­ sist that they have no budget or no time for dance periods. Khambatta though maintains that this exposure can be worked in subtly, combining it with ther training in this art. At her dance classes, Khambatta wel ­ comes students aged thrce-and-a-hall upwards. “You are nevertoo old todance. You have to be a beginner at some point, ” she tells many mothers who say 'Mane shikvuno hau sliauk hata (Fve always longed to learn Indian dancing). ’ “At least give yoursel fa chance; do it for your own satisfaction, ” she convinces them. Even if you don ’t have the necessary aptitude, if the interest is there and the student i.s willing to put in the effort, a new dancer may emerge on the horizon, she is convinced. The sense of timing or taal is something you have to be born with but even if that i.s missing she docs not dissuade students so long a,s they are enjoying their dance. She endeavors to create an element of fun while teaching classical dance so that the students feel free to express themselves. “I also have to enjoy myself whilst teaching, ” she gives her dimpled smile. When asked how the Parsi commu ­ nity reacts to her doing traditional dance, she had earlier responded, “Our commu ­ nity is known for being Anglicized but they are proud of my achievements and pleasantly surprised. ” But sometimes she is not sure whether the Parsi label which she is born and stuck with deters mem ­ bers of other communities from taking her dancing seriously, from doubting her credentials. “I don ’t advertize myself, ” says Khambatta who after completing her schooling from The Alexandra Girls ’ English Institution had initially joined the J. J. School of Art to study textile designing and left the course within a few months when she learnt that the Bombay University was offering a degree course in Bharat Natyam. She is now a double graduate, Bachelor ofFine Arts andBach- elor of Arts from the Bombay University. She was trained in Bharat Natyam by her mother and aunt before she qualified for admission to the University. Her groom ­ ing in Odissi was at the hands or rather the feet of Natbar Maharana and Kelucharan Mahapata. Since she was three-and-a- half, she has been happily performing on stage, first with the group shows pre ­ sented by Nritya Jyoti biennially, then giving solo shows and now presenting items with her students. In March 1999 Khambatta was in ­ vited to perform with her troupe for the Navroze Dhamaka at Allbles.s Baug. Al ­ though last year they had rendered items at Cama Baug as part of the Navroze Dhamaka, this year she had to turn down the offer due to prior commitments. Among the other Parsis who are into classical Indian dancing are Hosi Mulla,- Mani Mulla, Rohinton Cama and Khurshid Irani, the latter two having settled abroad. “Every moment of your life should be a prayer, ” says Khambatta who does not feel the need to frequent fire-temples regularly or wear the sudreh-kusti which are “just material symbols. Love and consideration should be the main prayer and being mentally vigilant at every in ­ stant ” i.s more important to her. Children of intercommunity marriages should be given the option to follow the religion of their choice, she believes,viewing the Judaic law which permits such children 162 Parsiana July-August 1999Engineers of repute for construction works of good quality RATAN SURVEYOR &Co Engineers,Contractors & R.C.C. specialists Arbitrator (Member -- The Indian Council of Arbitration) Piramal Mansion Dr Dadabhoy Naoroji Road Fort, Bombay 400001 Phone; 2619670 VIRJEES of Panchgani extend Greetings to their Patrons in India and abroad Pesi JalVirjee “Maidstone ” Panchgani 412805 Phone; 02168-40256 to follow their mother ’s religion as more practical. Staying in close proximity to Bombay ’s Doongerwadi with her hus ­ band Noshir, a stock broker who runs Khambatta Securities Limited, Khambatta views dokhmenashini as the most environment-friendly mode of dis ­ posing the dead. If any organ from the deceased can be of use to another, she would favor donating it rather than being sentimental. The praj. inatic danseuse is willing to adapt to a changing scenario. While originally dance programs were per ­ formed to the accompaniment of live music, today she has to settle for prere ­ corded music. “Half the time organiz ­ ers of different shows want you to per ­ form for free, and very often their open ­ ing line is that they have no budget or only a token amount to offer, ” she re ­ veals. Artistes also have to earn a liv ­ ing, declares Khambatta, and since not everyone can become a star or a stage performer, the next best option for them is to teach dancing and in this their efforts to preserve India ’s heritage need to be commended. Is there then a future for Indian dancers? “Yes, definitely, ” says Khambatta, “if there is sufficient exposure, propagation and promotion. ” With Best Wishes J. M. SHROFF TRANSPORT Private Limited TRANSPORT CONTRACTORS For Bulk Liquids, Petrochemicals, Petroleum Products Acetic Acid and other Chemicals all over India. Special Fleet of Stainless Steel “MINI-TANKERS” for loads upto 6.5 KL or 4.5 KL Sita Estate, “A" Wing, 1st Floor, Unit No 1, R. C. Marg, Chembur, Bombay 400074 Tel; 5555425, 5519359, 5567175 Fax: 5566907 Branch: BARODA; Tel No 792924, 791818 164 Parsiana July-August 1999HOBBIES The tricks of the trade As both Pearl and father Mhelly Bhumgara participate in the same magic conventions, they share the prizes in different events Parinaz M. Gandhi She wants the colorful scarf her father is wearing around his neck in exchange for her black one. She tries pleading and cajoling but to no avail. So what docs she do when he doesn ’ t obi ige? She uses another competition in Udupi where she was placed against her father, it wa.s Pearl who was declared the winner. And what was Mhelly ’.s reaction to that? “See what a good teacher I am! ” the resources at her com ­ mand and pronto her scarf changes color while the one worn by her father turns black. In real life, Pearl, the lO-year-old magician girl, may not have such control over her father Mhelly Bhumgara but while she is on stage she enjoys doing such acts to the bemusement of the audience. “First she used to assist daddy at his JL. , li, h jnkh Ml THE MAGICIAN GIRI. ‘bit ’ persisted; she got rid of ‘b ’ even then ‘it ’ remained; she then rejected ‘i ’ but the ‘t ’ was a fixture! How long does it take Pearl to learn a new trick? “About half an hour, ” she says. She does not elaborate though on the hours of practice she has to put in with her father to perfect the art, when mummy ’s presence in the room is a must too to officiate as arbitrator. As Kaizad explains, “She makes it sound simple but actually it takes time to mas ­ ter the intricacies. Her daddy makes her stand in front of a mirror to explain the movements and the poise and the angle she should maintain ” so that she does not divulge her secrets. As notes Pearl ’s Pearl has learnt the tricks of the trade from Mhelly who has nurtured a major interest in magic a.s a hobby since his col ­ lege days in Calcutta con ­ vinced that “if you take money you lose the love for magic. ” Besides magic, he is also known to be a talented musician and carpenter. “Actually my first trick was taught by paternal grandmother Dolly Bhumgara, my mummy. My daddy fame and success followed “long hours thought I was too young magic. of hard work, perseverance, a few tears and a lot of heartburn. Heartburn as she watched her friends playing merrily outside while she was confined to a room practicing trick after trick, act af ­ ter act, word after word, over and over again till she reached the perfection that raised her on the pedestal she is pres ­ ently on. ” Was Pearl keen to learn magic or was she coaxed into it? Ever since she was two-and-a-half and had won the first prize as a magician in a fancy dress competition she had assumed that she would be able to don the magician ’s . decision to compete with adults required robes in real life too, reveals Kaizad. At her to learn paper magic which was then alien to her, recalls her mother. Seeing her exhausted after her first day ’s in ­ volvement they did not try teaching her anything new that night. Early next morning she was initialed into this new craft by her father and they were perfect ­ ing that art even during their car ride en route to the destination. Pearl explains for more. Since both of them cannot how, with paper, she showed that she was into a bad habit of drinking tea and tried to overcome it gradually. She re ­ moved the ‘h ’ from ‘habit ’ but ‘a bit ’ still remained; she dismissed ‘a ’ but a to learn," says Pearl. As she was per ­ fecting the art of pulling out coins from a Thums Up bottle, the family decided that for her fifth birthday party, as a magic shows. Then daddy started assist ­ ing her during her performances. And now she prefers to be on stage alone, ” explains Pearl ’s mother Kaizad who takes pride in the dual accomplishments surprise item. Pearl would demonstrate of her husband and daughter. In 1999 while Mhelly won the first prize and Bharucha Rolling Trophy [Parsieinii had done an article on Rutton Bharucha when he won the Merlin Excaliber Award (see “What ’s up his sleeve? ” February-March 1997)] at the competi ­ tion organized by the Society of Indian juniors and a consolation prize when Magician.s in Bombay, Pearl won the first prize in the junior section. At a competition in Trivandrum, Pearl was the only participant to com ­ pete in all the three categorie.s — close ­ up (which requires performance at close quarters before a small audience), con ­ juring (where things are made to appear from nothing) and table hopping (show ­ ing tricks using the artefacts available with the audience and some other trivia that can be carried on person). While Pearl won prizes in the close-up and conjuring events, in the more difficult table hopping event it was Mhelly who walked away with the prize. At yet some tricks to the guests. When she was six-and-a-half, the parents decided to expose her to the competitive world of magic by making her participate at the Bombay conven ­ tion of the Society of Indian Magicians where she won the first prize among the competing with seniors. The last-minute one international convention of magi ­ cians, Kaizad remembers Pearl, then four years old, looking at the different acts with rapt attention late into the night while many other older children in that hall had already dozed off. She is ever keen to learn new tricks and is constantly pestering her father perform the same tricks at one meet, it means Mhelly has to perpetually in ­ crease his repertoire. “She ’s very intelligent but not dili ­ gent, ” opines Kaizad of her daughter. 166 Parsiana July-August 1999js ; ¦ 169 Parsiana My-August 1999 After learning a trick, you need to prac ­ tice it for an hour for around 10 days to perfect it, explains the mother who has often to nag Pearl to complete her chores . “Her friends at Godrej Bang (where she resides) are the most important thing in life for her...Her ace card though is that she ’s a bom performer, ” states Kaizad, adding, “Even if she makes a mistake, she smiles so beautifully and covers it up that no one would notice it. ” There is no knowing how many shows she will perform in a month. In Decem ­ ber 1998, she was entertaining audi ­ ences almost every alternate day. And in , the month of May 1999, she was per ­ forming her first show on May 27, the day following the interview with Par­ siana. How many times did she practice for the 15-minute slot assigned to her i for the next day ’s program? Three times, she candidly confesses. Whilst earlier the bag was invariably packed by daddy and the table too set up by him, now she is relatively confident of handling both these tasks by herself, although the setting up of the table itself takes nearly half an hour, often longer than the per ­ formance. Of late, she has even made it to some functions on her own when mummy and daddy are not able to ac ­ company her. Kaizad, being an air- hostess with Air India, has to adhere to her own flight schedule and Mhelly ’s new responsibilities as general manager of Samsara Shipping mean he has less time to devote to the family which in ­ cludes two-year-old daughter Zeenia. Domestic matters then are left in the capable hands of Pearl ’s maternal grand ­ mother Amy Gandevia. Even when both the parents have accompanied her there have been minor mishaps along the way which have now become family lore. At Udupi when both Mhelly and Pearl were participat ­ ing in one event, on reaching the venue, Mhelly realized that Pearl ’s stage cos ­ tume had been left on the bed in the hotel room. Kaizad had to dash back and returned in time for Pearl to perform, although not as the opening participant. Last December when Pearl was to per ­ form at the Sophia College in Bombay, they forgot to carry the ropes necessary for one of her tricks. Mhelly was of the opinion that she should improvise but Pearl insisted on her familiar strings from home. So again mummy had to make a quick journey. “Once on stage she seemed in total command, ” unfazed by the earlier commotion, points out the mother. A part of her performance is usually set to music, catchy tunes like Barbie Girl, Macarena, etc. The rest of the show requires her to keep her audience engaged in her patter as she relates “a long tale of tails ” whilst the toy mon ­ keys perched on her wand lengthen or shorten their tails depending on her nar ­ ration. The lines for the pom-poms dan ­ gling on different ends of the rod have the audience in laughter too. She memo ­ rizes the script which is the combined effort of both her parents and sometimes surprises her parents with her own im ­ promptu delivery, bringing to the foreWith best wishes from Farah & Tanya 170 Parsiana Juty-August 1999 lier magical touch. “If magic be entertainment, your daughter was the most entertaining. ” Kaizad remember.s the words of one of the American judges at a competition in Bangalore when little Pearl won a prize against experienced adolescent partici ­ pants. It is also al this competition that the parents learnt a lesson from their daughter. She had won a cash award of Rs 7,000 and this being her first earn- ing, her parent.s felt she had the right to decide howto spend il, expecting her lo squander il on her favorite chewing gum and other fri ­ volities. “I want to give il to the poor." shows. Now that she is promoted to the fifth standard at the Villa Theresa High School, the academic pressures will be even greater for young Pearl who last year had often to complete her home ­ work on the bu.s journey to school or during the half hour before school com ­ menced. Magic is only ahobby for Pearl whose favorite subject at school is mathemat ­ ics. She would like to be an air hostess “If magic be entertainment, your daughter was the most entertaining ” when she grow.s up, she declares whilst happily chewing gum and soothing her restless little sis ­ ter. The free air tick ­ ets that the mother gets enables the family to make quick trips to different destinations to participate in magic shows. Just four months back, during the three-and-a- half days they were at Dar es Salaam. Pearl performed four magic shows, in ­ site decided. Her parents explained that she need not give the entire sum to the poor, but she was determined, the sight of poor children scraping food from a dustbin al Kemp's Corner having re ­ mained with her. Thereafter the family eluding one for the local TV channel, has maintained the tradition of donat ­ ing all her earnings (she charges Rs 2.000 for magic shows that she per ­ forms at birthday parties) to charitable causes. “Thanks lo her wc have a wealth of friend.s and well-wishers. ” says Kaizad. Members of the Mobile Creche, handicapped children. Three Cheers arc getting stagnant, ” says the mother who but some of the organizations which have gained from her support. Many from the Zoroastrian community may have seen her in action at the Tenth All India Youth Fest held in Bombay in November 1996. Pearl's community involvement in ­ cludes participating in various activities organized by ifie Godrej Baug Resi ­ dents ’ Association: dance talent, sports, prayer classes. ’ She ha.s the spirit lo win, ” observes her mother relating how she borrowed spikes from her friend to compete at the All Parsis Athletic meet in 1999 even though she had never prac ­ ticed in them earl ier. And to her mother ’s surprise she won over those who had been taking athletic coaching. She likes to accompany her friends to the I ire- temple, refuses lo eat food until she ha.s lied her kusli, and alway.s steps out of the house with a prayer on her lips. Yet her mother is not sure whether she would qualify as being religious! She ha.s recently started to go for Shiamak Davar's dance classes, enjoys swimming, skating and juggling which she i.s trying lo incorporate into her Rccently, the family received a letter from a Japanese writer Mami Yamada informing them that Pearl will feature in her new book on south Indian magic named The Mayo Tree which is to be translated into English. “She now needs to improve. She is is “happy supporting and promoting them. ” While Pearl look.s forward to learning new tricks, she has decided her shows would never involve doves for she perceives that a,s an act ot cruelty. Her maxim in life is; “The more you give, the more you gel. ” No wonder then, her favorite trick is the one where she make.s a candle appear from a scarf. It would help her bring light into the lives of others... MATRIMONIAL Parents of a slim, tall (5’7”), 31-year-old Parsi girl working as a music teacher in a reputed school seek matrimonial alliance from a well-settled Parsi boy from a respectable family. Please reply with photograph (returnable), bio-data and family details to: The Advertiser Parsiana, Matrimonial {Aug/21-99)* GPO Box 892, Bombay 400001 ‘Please make sure the reply envelope bears the reference number cited here.SPORTS Twin talent Every ‘waugh ’ hashisday. Andcricket ’s controversial Waugh twins have had more than their share. Possibly, as a happy result of being twins, they have been more celebrated and criticized than others, and written about doubly, since every time one is mentioned, the i lishing Division, 63A Gokhale Road (North), Dadar, Bombay 400028, 1999, 206 pp, Rs 195] of the rise-and-fall (and occasional rise again) of the 23 men who have led India into the field, in the face of power politics and passions that -T I 1 Imciiiii l/ie ncher-lioiiiji twins' successes and struggles c?' 'O' language and stylized strokes (to bor ­ row a cricketing phrase) to account for a ‘well-crafted ’ work. Meher-Homji ’s large-formatted, al ­ most coffee-tablebook-l ike volume con ­ taining over 60 photographs, some from the Waugh family album, traces the story have exerted themselves from the ple- ofthe twins (Steve is older than Mark by beians to the parliamentarians, four minutes, being born at 8.14 and 8.18 on the night of June 2, 1965), not just from their infant days, but their ‘bloodline ’ in sports. The twins ’ par ­ ents, Beverley and Rodger Waugh were outstanding tennis players, and their parents loo played a neat game of ten ­ nis, rugby and even cricket. How the boys grew through backyard battles and early successes and struggles lo rise to the lop at international level, scoring between ihcmsclvc.s together 28 centu ­ ries and over I 1,000 runs in 181 Tcsl.s (supplied by Rajneesh Gupta) appended, (up lo August 1, 1998), forms the crust of the book. Meher-Homji ’.s work abounds with anecdotes, fascinating trivia, assess ­ ments by peers and colleagues, to most certainly rank not just as another cork-n- willow tale, but a fine piece of cricketing literature that should appeal to Waugh fans or cricket lovers all the world over. As writes Bob Simpson in his foreword: “As the book is by Kersi Meher-Homji, 1 know it will be accurate, honest and a very good read. ” A good biography, to quote A. C. Grayling, “requires the psychologist ’s eye, the historian ’ s eye, and the novelist ’s feel for narrative. ” Meher-Homji ’s work reflects all these qualities, with the added The Captains is an extremely read ­ able book, enveloping within its 193- page-narrative crisp and comprehen ­ sive accounts of variou,s aspects of In ­ dian cricket, and the men who led what was often euphemistically called a “team, ” onto the pitches from Australia to Zimbabwe. The book should be of interest, and even pride, to the Zoroastrian commu ­ nity because two of these 23 men were Parsis, and, as per the statistical records are yet holders of the distinction of be ­ ing amongst the most successful Indian skippers with a success ratio of 50 per ­ cent, surpassed only — possibly as a result of the plethora of Tests played after their departure from the cricketing scene — by Mohammed Azharuddin (52.70 percent) and Sunil Gavaskar (51.60 percent), if one discounts Ravi Shastri, who led India in only one Test and won it. Interestingly, both Polly Umrigar and Nari Contractor in chrono ­ logical order, did not allow their batting to suffer when they led the country, and notched till their time the highest bat- other loo falls in the media glare. Kersi Meher-Homji ’s new book. The Waugh Twins (Kangaroo Press, Austra ­ lia, 1998, 142 pp, price not mentioned) is not the first book on the sports ’ best- known twins since the Bedser brothers, even it the blurb says so. There have bounty ofa research analyst ’s skill, as he been others (by way of tour diaries, especially), including a book Waugh Declared by Mark Gately. But Galcly ’s work was published in 1992. And many a Waugh-willow has been wielded since then by the twins, Steve and Mark, and many a record laid to rest. Yel, it ’s not just the records Meher- Homji ’s eighth book on cricket is con ­ cerned with. As in hi.s seven earlier ConSCicntioUS CaptainS . There could scarce be a better illustra- lion of how hot a seat being India ’s cricket captain i.s than the fact that in the last 50 years of independence, the coun ­ try ha.s had 23 Test cricket captains. Partab Ramchand. a professional sports journalist for nearly 30 years, puts togetheracompcilingly written tale Indian Cricket: The Captains, Nayudti to Tendulkar [The Marine Sports Pub- ‘g weaves in masses of statistical facts and figures in the 107-page long narrative. (For those who like their figures straight, there arc 32 pages of statistic.s appended to the text.) A double life, blessed by the advan ­ tage of having such a line Boswell. Hoini J. Rogers IndIan CnicKET THE CAPTAINS Nayudu to Tendulkar Partab Ramchand works, he draws on history and histrion ­ ics, laced with wit and whisper, and served with his inimitable style com ­ bining pun and pizzazz. Even the chap ­ ter headings here (“Gone with the Windies, ” “Oh Brother, ” “Wog Twins ’ World Cup ”) give an impression of the author ’s outwardly cavalier approach, but in actual fact, much like his sub ­ jects, are a result of a fine control of the Foreword by K.Srikkanth 173 Parsiana July-August 1999( ling averages as captains of 32.83 per ­ cent and 29.16 percent respectively, below only Vijay Hazare (41.18 per ­ cent) and Hemu Adhikari, who like Shaslri, captained India only once, and made 103 runs in that match (hence an average of 51.50 percent). But mere statistics apart, it is the quality of these two players, especially Pehlon (Polly) Ratanjee Umrigar, that places them in a class ol their own. Ramchand displays a particular shine for Umrigar, who assumes through hi.s writings an almost Hamlet-like tragic proportion, as he recounts how Umrigar lime and again despite displaying his captaincy skill was denied, and even ousted, from the crown that should right ­ fully have been his for more than the mere eight Tests he led India into. “Umrigar was the nearest Indian cricket had to offer as an example of the perfect captain...a captain who seemed born to lead Indian cricket to great achieve ­ ments, a leader who combined deep thinking and planning and analyzing with imaginative and deft changes on the spot, depending on the situation. ” Ramchand recalls how during that tur ­ bulent period in the early ’50,s when the selectors experimented with captains and teams, Umrigar led India in the first (unofficial) Test (against the Silver Ju ­ bilee Overseas Cricket team) and won it, drew the second, and found himself “suddenly replaced ” for the rest of the series. He achieved personal milestones as well, such a.s scoring a record 223 at New Delhi in the first Test against New Zealand in 1955-56, and bettering it by ravaging 231 runs in the third at Madras. The “climax of the tragedy ” came, as Ramchand tells it, when Umrigar, denied the presence of another batsman in the team in place of Vijay Manjrckar, submitted his letter of resignation to the Board, and “did not withdraw it, be ­ cause he did not consider himself in a fit state of mind to do justice to his duties a.s captain ” the next morning, after it was discussed. Rightfully, Ramchand i.s all praise for such exemplary selflessness where Umrigar placed the country ’s interest ahead of self-glory; and in the proccs.s rung down the curtain on his nascent career as captain, which he could well have been till hi.s retirement from the game in 1962. Strangely, an equally tragic career, though for different reasons, lay in store tor the other Zoroastrian cricketer and Umrigar ’.s latcr-day contemporary. 175 Parsiana Juiy-August 1999 APPOINTED VALUERS OF JEWELLERY TO THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA GAZDAR PRIVATE LIMITED Taj Mahal Hotel Bombay Tel: 2023666, 2023366 Ext 3204 Telegrams: “MANUSCRIPT”Nariman (Nari) Jehangir Contractor. Contractor ’s cricketing days almost ended when he was felled by a nasty delivery from Griffith, during a ‘colony ’ game (not a Test, a.s somehow com ­ monly believed) at Bridgetown against Barbados, sandwiched between the sec ­ ond and third Tests against the West Indie.s in 1962. The 28-ycar-old Con ­ tractor, who had by then already led A fine SCtJUel India in 10 Tests, and by the end of the series would have equaled Amarnath ’s record of having led India in most Tests (15), found his career nipped, a.s he battled between life and death for sev ­ eral days. It is to Contractor ’s credit that despite a career so dramatically and sadly cut short (even as his best years a.s leader potentially lay ahead of him), he made a brave bid to stage a come ­ back, opening the innings for Gujarat in the Ranji Tro ­ phy ’63-’64 season (and scoring a hundred), and maintaining a fine form even four year.s later, when by hitting a century for West Zone in the Duleep Trophy, he staked a claim to be in ­ cluded in the Indian team to Australia. “He (Contractor) rcmain.s one of the most tragic figures in the Indian captaincy hierarchy. ” writes Ramchand, a statement that almost seems an echo of Umrigar ’s chapter heading, “The tragic figure of Indian captaincy. ” It is clear from Ram ­ chand ’s writings that despite the sad overtones shading lliem, two of his favorite Diiishaw: /yoindari- captain.s of the 23 to lead zini’ martial arts India have both been Parsis. If Umrigar is oft praised for his deft managing of the team, and his exem ­ plary handling of bowling and field placement, Contractor i.s lauded for his .humility and even while being a captain learning “like a dedicated pupil from the master ” (Umrigar) or “consulting him on the field. ” While summarizing the story of In ­ dian cricket captains Ramchand states: “...if anything ha.s come out of thi.s narrative, it is that... the seemingly les.s successful captains — Nayudu, Amarnath, Umrigar, Pataudi — emerge somewhere at the top. ” The Captains i.s certainly a work that itself emerges at the top and should find a place on any cricket lover ’s bookshelf, even if it is too crowded with the plethora of book.s on cricket released to coincide with the World Cup craze. Its insightful look and it.s racy journalistic style qualify it for thi.s position. h. j. r. The Marine Sports, Bombay which brought out Sensei Farokh Dinshaw ’s The Code of Bushido, introducing the original oriental martial arts to India, has now published in response to “an extraordinary demand for a sequel, ” as claimed by the author in the prologue, a follow-up title, Biishi: The Warrior. The new book (1998, 122 pp, Rs 1 10) is the result of several lectures, semi ­ nars and demonstrations presented by Dinshaw, a qualified martial artist and fitness instructor, who runs a martial arts school, Com ­ bat Center, a fitness acad ­ emy, Bodylinc, and an ad ­ venture camping institute, Eco-venturer.s in Bombay. The work elaborates on sev ­ eral specialized trainin techniques, many of which are developed and im ­ proved upon by Dinshaw. The book also explains the philosophy behind the vari ­ ous martial art.s and their applications in daily life. Besides providing a well-rounded curriculum for those who are interested in learning the martial arts, the book also serves to dis ­ pel popular myths and be ­ liefs associated with them. Amply illus ­ trated with photographs and neat sketches portraying the techniques in sequential form, the book should find favor with anyone interested in the mar ­ tial art.s and learning them. A few chap ­ ters on Reiki, Zen, and FAQs (Fre ­ quently Asked Questions) should make the work appealing to the lay reader a.s well. The book wa.s recently released in Bombay by RamdeoTyagi, formercom ­ missioner of police, Bombay. H. J. R. With Best Wishes From EAGLE POONAWALLA INDUSTRY LIMITED g 'g ¦g Compiled by Hilki P. Cnizder 177 Parsiana July-August 1999BOOKS COVER STORY A community contributes Arnavaz S. Mama The Parsis in Western India: 1818 to 1920 edited by Nawaz B. Mody. Published in 1998 by Allied Publishers Limited, 15, J. N. Heredia Road, Ballard Estate, Bombay 400038. Pp: xxxii+288. Price: Rs 290. I'V Jamshedji Madan ’s pioneering of the film industry in India; Dr Gopal Shastri who received his doctorate for his re ­ search on Parsi theater sharing his knowledge; renowned musicologist Dr Sharalchandra Vishnu Gokhale speak ­ ing on Indian music among the Parsis and Prof Vispy Balaporia, dean of the _ eluded papers by research University ’s Faculty of Arts, providing I scholar Dr Y. D. Phadke on a cameo on Homi Wadia of Wadia I Behramji Malabari as a social I reformer; Mody ’.s assessment I of Madame Bhikhaiji Cama as I a sentinel of liberty; and first H baronet, Sir Jamsetjee Jejee- f' bhoy ’s philanthropy and build- Parsi contribution and its impact on various aspcct.s of the socio-politico- cconomic scene, specifically in the building of India ’.s Urbs Prima — Bombay. The seminar was organized in four parts; “The role of Parsis in the national movement and nation building ” in- & a cameo Movietone. The presence of the octogenarian Wadia at the seminar was an added attraction. Also present at that session were Maneck Sidhwa of Regal Theatre, film distributor Roos Balaporia, emi- ing of social institutions by nent tabla player Dr Aban Mistry and the president of the Bombay Parsi Association and chair ­ man of the Sir J. J. Dharam- shala, Vispi Dastur. The second part tracing Parsi renowned musician Kersi Mistry whose father Pherozeshah Mistry had com ­ posed the music for the first Indian talkie, Alam A ra, records Nawaz Mody. The four sessions had been consecu- involvemcnt in urban development, trade lively chaired by the late politician-dip- and industry received the contributions of Dr Mani Kamcrkar, former head of the department of history at the S. N. D. T. Women ’s University on the maritime trade; Dr Zenobia Shrolt, reader in the “Let no time be lost nor money be spared in making Bombay as strong and defensible as you can and to be fitted with all conveniences and materials for building and re- pairing of ships... land in that place will certainly be worth double what it is now when our whole trade and shipping is entirely fixed to that place..." So wrote the directors of the East India Company to its Mody: agents in Bombay on August 3, chronicling the 1687. Research scholar and community director of the Prince of Wale.s Photo: Hoshi s. Patel Museum Dr Kalpana Desai, who quotes the letter in her paper titled . . “The Role of Parsis in the urbanization and industry received the contributions lomat Homi Taleyarkhan who was vice of Mumbai, ” notes, “It would be no of Dr Mani Kamerkar, former head ol the chairman ot the Sir PMB ACC until his exaggeration to say that the history of department of history at the S. N. D. T. death, Bombay Parsi Punchayet chair- ihe development of this city, in the 181h Women ’s University on the maritime man Jamshed Guzder, The Bombay and 19th centuries, is directly linked trade; Dr Zenobia Shroff, reader in the Samachar editor Jehan Daruvala and with the history ofthe Dockyard headed department of history at Elphinstone Vispy Balaporia, recalls Mody. She also by the Wadia Master Builders... The College on Jeejeebhoy Dadabhoy and records the other special features at the uenius of Lowji Wadia and seven gen- the industrialization of Bombay; and seminar; the playback of old Paisi garhas erations of his descendants, contributed Desai on the urbanization ol Bombay in and lagan na geet thanks to Gokhale and largely lo the development ofthe Dock- the 19th century. Ganesh Shandvankar who made the le- ya,-J ” The third part dealing with the cordings available. Also featured was the Desai ’s was one ofthe 13 research community ’s contribution lo Indian lit- documentary Happiness UntoOtherscie- papers presented at the two-day semi- eratures and linguistics was addressed ated by Homi Sethna. nar, “The contribution of the Parsi com- by Dr Nilulcr Bharucha, prolessor ol The compilation of the work into th? munity to Western India between 1818 English at the University of Bombay, present volume embellished with and 1920,” jointly organized by the Sir who assessed the involvement with lit- photographs by Hoshi Patel and Dr Pherozeshah Mehta 150th Birth Anni- erature and journalism; chartered ac- Viraf Dhalla as also other vintage pic- versary Celebration.s Committee (Sir countant Dr Firdaus Gandevia who re- tures has been enabled by the aid of PMB ACC) and the Bombay Univer- called the impact of India ’s first gradu- RussiLalaandothertrusteesoftheSir sity ’s department of civics and politics, ateCorneliaSorabji and Dadar Athornan Dorabji Tata Tiust. under the auspices ol the Gulestan and Madressaprincipal Ervad (Dr)Ramiyar Veteian Gandhian Dr Usha Mehta Rustom Billimoria Trust on February Karanjia who traced the transition in who gave the inaugural addiess, in- 15 and 16, 1997. Edited into this book thestudy ofindo-lranian languages from eluded in the book, notes that the by Dr Nawaz Mody, Sir Pherozeshah the traditional methods lo scientific Wadias ’skill in shipbuilding and repair Mehta professor and head of the philology. had been appreciated with the official University ’s department ol civics and Part lour wa.s concerned with the presentation of a silver footiule and politics as also secretary of the Sir film industry, theater and music with K. shawl. Tracing the contribution of other PMBACC, they mark a serious attempt R. Cama Oriental Institute trustee-sec- members of the Wadia family who did at compiling lesser known facets ol retary Homai Modi speaking ot not join in the shipbuilding activity. College on Jecicebhoy Dadabhoy and the industrialization of Bombay; and Desai on the urbanization of Bombay in the 19th century. The third part dealing with the community ’s contribution to Indian lit- eratures and linguistics was addressed by Dr Nilufer Bharucha, professor of English at the University of Bombay, who assessed the involvement with lit ­ erature and journalism; chartered ac ­ countant Dr Firdaus Gandevia who re ­ called the impact of India ’s first gradu ­ ate Cornelia Sorabji and Dadar Athornan Madressa principal Ervad (Dr) Ramiyar Karanjia who traced the transition in the study of Indo-Iranian languages from the traditional methods to scientific philology. Part four wa.s concerned with the film industry, theater and music with K. R. Cama Oriental Institute trustee-sec ­ retary Homai Modi speaking ot 178 Parsiana July-August 1999» Group photo of the Gayan Uttejok Mandali founded on 1.10.1870 Photo courtesy: Sharatchandra V. Gokhale I Mehta speaks of Lowji ’s grandson Pestonji who “carried on extensive trade with Europe, China and several cities of Asia. ” His brother Hormasji was high sheriff of Bombay in 1859. Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy ’s son Kharshedji became a member of the Legislative Council of Bombay. His second son Rustomji was honored by ported ” from England: “Think of mar- the King of Portugal for his charities in Goa and third son Sorabji became a scholar of Persian. Framji Kavasji who had been ap ­ pointed government member of the ing the aid of a loreign law in dragging Board of Education worked hard for the that tender, innocent child to his house, promotion ofagriculture. “It was mainly or to the nearest prison... ” Malabari because of his efforts that the forest of Powai was converted into a fertile es ­ tate growing indigo, sugarcane and mul ­ berry, ” says Usha Mehta. “Reforming Indian society and im ­ proving the condition of women had been pursued by Malabari as the sole mission of his life. In hi.s Niti Vinod, a collection of lyrics in Gujarati, his po ­ ems on the woes of enforced widow ­ hood and the horrors of infant marriage are considered the best... He found that child-widows had hardly cut their milk- teeth. The custom of infant marriage.s was not restricted only to the Hindus. It had worked havoc for a long time among the Parsis... Malabari could never for ­ get the heart-rending shrieks of a 10- year-old Parsi girl when she was ‘raped ’ by her husband, ” note,s Phadke. The ‘first marriage ’ contracted in infancy papers reported her passing as a news wa.s consummated by the ‘second mar ­ riage ’ at the age of 10. Malabari fought Hind, with the latter publishing a trib ­ ute by Harendranath Chattopadhyay on the 10th day after her death. Nawaz Mody ’s paper is followed by nine ap ­ pendices which include articles from The Indian Sociologist and L ’Humanite, Chattopadhyay ’s obituary write-up, Cama ’s will and death certificate and a piece by K. F. Nariman from The Bombay Chronicle, August 20, 1938. Dastur enumerates Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy ’s many philanthropies. He also notes that Jamsetjee was “the first Indian and Parsi to grant freedom to women. On March 9, 1840 for the first time, ladies of his family appeared in public amongst men of different com ­ munities ” when he gave a banquet to celebrate Queen Victoria ’s marriage to Prince Albert. In 1843 he published his Kholaseh-l-Punchayet under a pseud ­ onym and in 1855 the Freedom of the City of London was conferred on him, for the first time on an Indian. An annual tax called “choola-vero, ” then levied on the Parsis of Navsari by the Gaekwad of Baroda, was a burden on poor Parsis. “Jamsetjee prevailed upon * - * ¦ along with a number of Hindu reform- er.s to legally raise the age of consent to 12 years. Phadke ’.s paper highlights Malabari ’s role as a social reformer with special reference to thi.s campaign conducted between 1884 and 1891. An appendixed extract from the Indian Spectator edited by Malabari, one of the first English journals to be pub ­ lished from Bombay, deals with his the Gaekwad to abolish this annual tax by aversion to the clause “restitution of conjugal rights ” which had been “im- paying Rs 12,000 to the Baroda trea ­ sury, ” notes Dastur. He also recounts Jamsetjee ’s funding of the publication of lying a girl of five to a man of 25, and Gujarati translations of Zoroastrian scrip- of the man claiming her person as soon tures and peripheral works on the reli- as she is 12, whatever the disparity gion. His last benefaction was a donation between the two. Think of a man invok- ig of Rs 5,000 to the newly launched pen ­ sion fund for dock workers. When Jamsetjee died not only were uthamna ceremonies performed in all the towns of Bombay Presidency and other parts of India as well as Hong Kong, his name has been incorporated among the names of great Zoroastrians and continues to be invoked. Kamerkar recounts the changing trading patterns from entrepot trade in the Straits of Malacca (which was an intermediary center of trade and tran ­ shipment) to the opening up of trading networks in the Atlantic and Pacific believed there should be no cohabita ­ tion until the girl reached puberty and then too only if she was agreeable. Nawaz Mody reveals that contrary to romanticized accounts of political recited in all Zoroastrian ceremonie.s and attitudinal differences between Ma ­ dame Bhikhaiji Cama and her husband Rustom, it was his ongoing liaison with Shirin Warden that led to the breakup of their marriage. “She was the first of the modern feminists who could not toler ­ ate thi.s situation... (and) turned to poli ­ tics in her hope of a new life... ” Mody regions. The European demand changed refers to Cama ’,s contacts with Irish rebels, European socialists, Italian revo- lutionarie.s and American sympathisers, her defence of Veer Savarkar, and her help to his family when he was interred Limji Company prospered by trading in the Andamans. Nonetheles.s when on the Malabar and Coromandal coasts. Cama died on August 12, 1936 only two Spices, piecegoods and teak were the top commodities. The buying and sell ­ ing of Arab horses from the Persian Gulfand even Australia interested Parsis 180 Parsiana July-August 1999 from pepper and spices to cotton, tex ­ tiles, opium and tea. Building suppli ­ ers, watchmakers and wine merchants began to thrive in Bombay. The Banaji item, two days after the event; The Bonihay Chronicle and the Kciiser-E-I' ' A V ft Vk Patct! banquet at Criterion Rextaurant, London in 1906, with Naoroji in the chair Photo courtesy: Malcolm Deboo, ZTFE in the early 19th century. It was “the introduction of steam that brought Indian shipbuilding to an end by 1857,” she notes. The arrival of new technologies in communications, banking, engineering look their loll. They made the Europeans less depen- denl on indigenous merchants and the fortunes of the latter began to decline, ” notes Kamerkar. Jeejeebhoy Dadabhoy ’s enterprising spirit led him lo help in the establish ­ ment and running of three banks, the Bombay Chamber of Commerce, the Parsee Insurance Society and the Great Indian Peninsular Railway. However, his greatest achievement was the estab ­ 182 Parsiana Juiy-August 1999 Manockjee died shortly therealter but his son. Sir Dinshaw Petit shared grand ­ father Dadabhoy ’s vision and foresaw the development of the cotton industry in Bombay, establishing six flourishing cotton mills by 1884, earning Bombay the title “Manchester of the East. ” Desai relates how Cowasji Patel had had a big lank constructed between Kumbhar Tukda and Khetwadi which came to be known as C. P. Tank — a name that the area still bears. It pro ­ vided waler to the townsfolk for a cen ­ tury until it was eventually filled up. When Bombay faced one of its acute water shortages in 1839 Framji Cawasji Banaji got the Dhobi Talao Tank cleaned and deepened, and arranged lo elimi ­ nate the inflow of dirty water. Il came lo be called the Framji Cawasji Tank by an order of the government. Desai re ­ lates how the Wadias, Dadi Seth and Sorabji Mancherji Readymoney fed thousands of hungry migrants from fam ­ ine devastated Gujarat in 1791 for 10 months, making no distinction of com ­ munity or religion. The urbanization of Bombay wa.s reflected in the overall development of the city. Numerous wells were dug and Sir Cowasji Jehangir Readymoney or ­ dered and had installed 40 decorative drinking water fountains in various part.s of the city, notes Desai. The danger of westernized Parsi youth becoming attracted to Christian ­ ity under the influence of Rev John Wilson was countered by religious re ­ vivalism fostered by Parsi reformers like Dadabhai Naoroji, Naoroji Furdoonji, S. S. Bengalee, K. R. Cama and Ardesher Framjee Moos, declares Bharucha. The Gujarati newspaper Raxt Goftar, established under the leader ­ ship of Dadabhai Naoroji, became the mouthpiece of Parsi reforms such as female education, free association of women with men at public functions, abolition of child marriages and accep ­ tance of widow remarriage. “Under the lishment of the Bombay Steam Naviga ­ tion Company which commissioned a steamer from London lo ply between Bombay and Surat and other parts of Gujarat, and eventually lo Karachi and Colombo, notes Shrolf. The company even obtained a government contract lo conduct a mail service between Bombay and Karachi for three years beginning 1853. A steamer commissioned by influence of the reformists, the^scien- Dadabhoy was constructed at Mazagon Docks. Called SirJainxetjee Jejeehhoy, it wa.s launched on November 12, 1848, she recounts. The first cotton mill using steam energy — 1 Weaving Company — was projected in 1856 by Kavasji Nanabhai Davar. Two years laterManockjeePetit, Dadabhoy ’s tific, natural aspects of Zoroastrianism were stressed and its monotheistic na ­ ture showcased, ” notes Bharucha. In 1777 Bombay ’ s first English news ­ paper, the Bombay Courier was printed the Bombay Spinning and by Rustomji Keshaspathi. By 1854 six Parsi Gujarati newspapers were in cir ­ culation; The Bombay Samachar, Mumbai Vartman, Jam-e-Jamshed, son-in-law, established the Oriental Mumbaina Chabuk, Samachar Dai pan Spinning and Weaving Company. ; and Chitranjan Durpan. In the field ofmade sizable conlribiilion to their sub ­ ject. In 1888 Cama succeeded in getting Avesta and Pahlavi introduced a.s second language for the MA degree in Bombay University. In 1896 the Uni ­ versity allowed Avesta-Pahlavi as a sec ­ ond language at all the arts faculty examinations, notes Karanjia. a r showcase, ” r r ' i I. ¦ > W|‘ '* charisma, ” Sorahji; first woman law student at poetry there were Jamshedji Petit and JehangirMarazban, Behramji Malabari and A. F. Khabardar. “It i.s intriguing to note that none of the Parsi writers of thi.s period centerstaged their ethno-religious Parsi Zoroastrian identities. Malabari called himself a Hindu Zoroastrian... Even (he more westernized and at times anglophilic (Cornelia) Sorabji _ --irt and (Fredoon) Kabraji, when I fl they envisage an identity dis- “ fl tinct from the colonizer, it is * fl always the Indian identity that I H they showcase, ” write.s I |fl Bharucha. R fl| Cornelia Sorabji\s father had B sH converted to Christianity and had translated {heBihle into Gujarati. |" Her mother was a Hindu con- verted to Christianity, “a woman who combined intellectual abil ­ ity, strength of character and j spiritual charisma, ” notes J Gandevia. The children were " never allowed to forget that they were Parsis and were told tales of Persian O.xford ancestors and famous Parsis. They grew up familiar with western as well Indian culture. Sorabji, the first woman to graduate from Bombay University, was one of only four first class students Jamshedji Madan, Homai Modi dc- froni the Presidency. Thcrcalter she picted his progress from a leading con ­ tractor for the supply and transport of goods, and wine and general merchant to become the leading cinema owner and distributor. Starting out as a ‘trav ­ elling cinema showman ’ Madan began by showing movies in a tent in Calcutta ’.s Hati Market. On the first Minocherhomji, working as a music day only two customer.s showed up. “Instead of cancelling the show, he showed two movies in one ticket. The two happy viewers spread the news and the next day there were 200 viewers! ” narrate.s Modi. Madan went on to de ­ velop “a film production, distribution, exhibition empire that for three de ­ cades dominated the scene in the whole of British India, which at that time also included Ceylon and Burma. ” But in Calcutta, no Parsi wa.s ever asked to they went free. Naoroji which was tended for many years by Faramji Gustadji Dalal. The first Gujarati drama was Rustom and Sohrab. Among other contributors to the growth of Parsi theater were Kaikhushroo Kabraji, Cooverji Nazir, Eduiji Khori and Dadabhai Patel. A club in Surat performed a Gujarati translation of Trim - Bm of the Shrew\ In course of Hfl time there were 19 drama com- fl fl panics as enumerated by Shastri. H9 They not only staged Gujarati ^^fl plays but also Urdu dramas and Hfl operas and took their produc- flfll tions on tour. “There does not appear to be any record of musician.s among the Zoroastrians arriving in India...They imbibed Indian music here... and gave a pro ­ gressive outlook in the field of music, ” writes Gokhale. The Parsi garbas were either invoca ­ tive or a reportage of current evenLs or even a social satire. Manekjec Minochcr Homjee and Nanabhai Raneena wrote many articles on them in the Mumbai Samachar. Chief among the serious songs in the grand vein is the famous Aatashnu geet, a long poem taking hours to sing composed by Jeewanjee and Dosaabai Bharucha. Dhanjibhai Patel ’.s kirtans were based on the Shah Namah and the Kisseh-e- Sanjan. The Gayan Uttejak Mandali trained many Parsi ladies and gentle ­ men including Saraswati Devi — the assumed name ofaParsi lady, Khorshed Source; Rajabai Tower Library, University of Mumbai as Speaking of her great-grand father was the first and only woman law stu ­ dent at Oxford. Despite earning her degree she, being a woman, was not admitted to the legal profession — until nearly 30 years later. She returned to India and started her campaign on be ­ half of the widows, wive.s and orphans ofindia, especially purdanashin women, receiving the Kaiser-i-Hind gold medal in 1909 for her work. Her life and time.s have been well documented in her auto ­ biography. K. R. Cama went to Paris and Erlanger in 1859 to study the system of application of the rules of grammar and philology to ancient Iranian language.s under eminent orientalists Jules Oppert and Friedriech Spiegel. In the course of hi.s studic.s he came into contact with P.rofcssors Eugene Barnoufe, Franz Bopp, Albrecht Weber, DrMartin Haug, Janic.s Darmesteter and Dr A. V. Will ­ iams Jackson, all of whom had contrib ­ uted to the study of Indo-Iranian lan- ' guages, notes Karanjia. In 1861 Cama started a private class to teach Avesta and Pahlavi in a scientific manner. Among hi.s students were Tehmurasp Ankicsaria, Sheriarji Bharucha, Kavasji Kanga and others, all of whom later director in films — and the Vajifdar sisters. In 1931 Pandit Pheroz Framjee of Poona published the Hindustani Sangeet ki Encyclopaedia. Homi Wadia ’s career comprised 150 films spanning the silent era as well as the talkies, notes Balaporia. Wadia be ­ came an expert cameraman and ex ­ celled at shooting subtitles for the silent films, always displayed in English, Gujarati and Urdu. When a former schoolmate jokingly suggested he make his own picture, Wadia took up the challenge and on the advice of his brother J. B. H. Wadia, who already had a footing in the film industry, produced Dil-e-Dakoo, a remake of The Mark of Zorro. Balaporia traces the progress of Wadia Movietone from the silent era into the talkies probing the reasons be ­ hind their box office success. In his valedictory address Dr Fredie Mehta quoted respected jurist Nani purchase tickets add.s Modi. A share certi ficate of Madan Theatres Limited and a copy of the CBE (Commander of the British Em ­ pire) awarded to Madan in 1923 have been reproduced in the book. During the 19th century the Parsis were the first to write drama and were the founders of Gujarati theater, note.s Shastri. A drama club, Parsi Natak Mandli was established with the blessings ofDadabhai 185 Parsiana Juty-August 1999I With Best Compliments From D.B.MADAN and Company “MADAN HOUSE” 50, MOORE STREET, CHENNAI 600001 PHONE: 5340667, 5340687 & 5340727 TELEX: 041-7088 DBM IN FAX: (44) 5341559 CABLE: GENITS, CHENNAI Palkivala that of the four great emblems of India, three have been given by Parsis: The magic word “swaraj ” by Dadabhai Naoroji, Mme Bhikhaiji Cama ’s flag which was accepted by the nation with minor modifications; and the industrial renaissance of India spearheaded by Jamsetji Tata. He spoke of the great JamshedMehta, father of modern Karachi and eminent economist Jamshed Mehta of Allahabad on whose death “the whole of Allahabad stood still. ” Addressing the problem of a dimin ­ ishing community — no marriage/late marriage, emigration leading to a thin ­ ner spread of Zoroastrians across the globe and the increasingly secular out ­ look — Fredie Mehta concluded gloom ­ ily, “Future generations will not con ­ demn us for perpetrating this holocaust because there (may) be no future gen ­ erations in the first place. Even today it may not be too late for the Parsi com ­ munity to give itself a ‘wake-up call; ’ too much of what we are doing today resembles the discussion of a lunch menu on a sinking Titanic.” At the inaugural Bombay University vice chancellor and Sir PMB ACC chair ­ person Dr Snehalata Deshmukh had pronounced herself a beneficiary of the Parsis and hence “(had) a right to speak at this gathering. ” She acknowledged the professional guidance of Dr Aspi Golwalla and Dr Rustom Irani in her surgical career. LaudingNawazMody ’s service to the department of civics and politics and her marathon effort in orga ­ nizing this seminar Deshmukh said, “She is another Parsi in my life who has helped in the success of my career, ” and praised the “uniquely distinctive com ­ munity (which) never sought special favors, (remained) content with the har ­ vest of its labors. ” The volume includes 16 pages of bibliography prepared by research scholar B. Venkatesh Kumar of the University department of civics and politics, and an efficient index. While one wishes that the pictures were better reproduced, preferably in color, the substance of the presentation whets the appetite for more. Future seminars and/ or research dissertations could perhaps concentrate on the theme of each ses ­ sion in greater depth. Literary, analyti ­ cal biographie.s of some of our stalwarts of yore may provide a substantial an ­ swer to the questions how and why such small community could make this awesome contribution in so many fields. a 186 Parsiana July-August 1999 With the compliments of DAKS COPY SERVICE PRIVATE LIMITED Apeejay House 3rd Floor 130 Apollo Street Mumbai 400001 Phones: 2844672, 2844862BOOKS Pahlavi Primer The Persic (“Pahlavi"), A Grammatical Precis by Raham Asha. Published in 1998 by Erman- Rudaki and distributed by Editions Khavaran, 49, rue Defrance, 94300 Vincennes, France. Pp: 130. Price: Not mentioned. This book, about the grammar of the Pahlavi language which flourished in Iran tor about a millennium between the first 10 centuries of the Christian era, is very significant from the .jig Zarathushtrian scriptural S point of view. Pahlavi wa.s the state language during the glorious Sasanian dynasty, the last of the five dynasties of Zo- roastrian sovereignty in Iran. It was during this time of ' the Sasanian era that the Avesta literature, destroyed by Alexander in 330 BC, and \slxa: siiif’iilarly existing in scattered frag ­ ments, was regrouped, re ­ structured and translated into Pahlavi, the spoken language of the day, along with copious commentaries and glosses. Not only that, but even after the downfall ofthe Iranian Empire in 641 AC, Pahlavi continued to flourish, and the ninth cen ­ tury is in fact considered lo be the golden era of Pahlavi language and literature. During this particular period of the ninth century, voluminous Pahlavi works of an independent nature were composed by the well-known high priest.s of the Zoroastrians in Iran at that time; and these works in fact constitute the link between the present time.s and the Sasa ­ nian era of the past. The grammar of the Pahlavi language i.s rather simple in nature a.s compared to that of Avesta. But it has two major areas of difficulty. One i.s the ambiguity ofthe .script which ha.s only 14 letters — sev ­ eral among them having more than one form of reading. The practice of joining the letters further complicatc.s the pro- ces.s ol reading and deciphering, as one single word can be read in various com ­ binations. The other difficulty is about the frequent use of ideograms through the language, thereby necessitating the study ol two sets of vocabulary (Iranian equivalents forthcnon-Iranian forms) in simple 189 Parsiana Ju/y-August 1999 order to understand words in their proper context. Pahlavi is also known by the term “Middle Persian, ” though it is only one among a group of Middle Persian lan ­ guages. The author of the book under review, the French-based Raham Asha, calls it Persic, and explains the same in the very beginning of the first chapter titled “Introductory Remarks. ” I '91 At present we have quite a Hk -SB works on Pahlavi gram- W ’“nar, most of them published in the latter half of the last 1 . century or at the beginning of this century. But a fresh and comprehensive work on the subject in English has been overdue since C. Salemann ’s original German translated into English by L. Bogdanov in 1930 as Middle Persian Grammar. The present work, therefore, appears to have served this requirement to a considerable extent. This book is intended for those who have a basic knowledge of Pahlavi, at least of its script, since no use of the actual script is made throughout the pages. To the credit of the author, the work has not been written in heavy or highly technical terms, but rather in a simple and lucid manner. He has practi ­ cally covered all the part.s of speech like nouns, pronouns, adjectives, verbs, dc- ri vative.s et al in a precis form, with all of them divided into sub-groups. Asha treats each form by explaining it in a sentence or two, then gives quite a num ­ ber of examples to substantiate his state ­ ments. This style helps one in under ­ standing that particular classification im ­ mediately. As the author himself says in the preface: “This book is intended to be a preliminary guide and framework for the more detailed study of Persic... In this work, I have tried to describe how the language functions by citing whole sentences in order to illustrate the con ­ text in which this or that nominal or verbal form can be used. ” Finally, the bibliography given can be very useful for reference work, and for further study in the given field. \ Emulsifiers and Speciality Chemicals * Tailor-made Emulsifiers based on Condensates of Ethylene Oxide and Propylene Oxide * Tailor-made Spin Finish Oils for Man-made Fibre Industry * Tailor-made Speciality Chemicals UNITED PESTICHEM & NONIONICS Private Limited “Ahura ”, 84, Sion Road, Sion (East), Mumbai 400022 Tcl nos: 4074295/96, 4091752, 4073355 Fax no: (022) 4092031BOOKS Farrukh ’s fables Dina Mehta Janaky and the Giant and other stories by Farrukh Dhondy. Published in 1998 by Har ­ perCollins Publishers, India Private Limited, 7/16, Ansari Road, Daryaganj, New Delhi 110002. Pp: 191. Price: Rs 95. a; I Dliondy: eni>(iy iiii^ iiamitives The illustrations are all in black-and- white, which is something Priya, the nine-year-old daughter of a friend of mine, rather dis- dams; but this time, instead of turning up her nose, Priya buried it in the pages of * Farrukh Dhon- dy ’s collection of nine exuberant ? tales with obvious I enjoyment. The I absence of col- / ored pictures was more than compensated for, it appeared, by the author ’s gift for endlessly detail ­ ing the things a child could accept with ­ out balling an eyelid. In other words, Dhondy doe.s not intimidate his young readers, nor does he talk down lo them. He mixes the implausible so neatly with the plausible in his engaging narratives that you never drcam of challenging his credibility (unless you arc one of those tiresome adults who must inject logic into every ­ thing and spoil the fun). No, you believe in him right away. If you have any sense, that is. You are not really shocked, for in ­ stance, that WW (‘double-u doublc-u, ’ the wicked witch) has certain food pref ­ erences. Al the parly that King Asman gives for his newborn daughter Surya, WW insists on being served rat and lizard cake. When that is not available, she graciously offer.s to make do with frizzled pig-tail crisps. But when she Icarn.s that even these arc not on the menu, nor her favorite drink (sick bull ’s blood with a dash of freshly shaved black cat ’s hair) she slamp.s her fool and calls the footman “a chewed-up dog biscuit.'" (Dhondy can be really rude when he wants to be and Priya never EaiTukh Dhondy 190 Parsiana July-August 1999 huitarian. In The Beasty Burden, Tinbad the tailor is a lake-off on Sinbad the sailor, and the tailor is as enamored of faraway lands as the sailor. This is the mouth ­ watering account of England that Tinbad has heard: “...in England there was a big man called Ben who sat in a lower and had to ring a bell every hour. There was a shop as big as a small town named after a man in the Bible who killed baby fails to be charmed by this.) Then WW pronounce.s a curse on little Surya, gath ­ ers up her golden gown and sweep.s out to the parking lol where her donkey is awaiting her. Can anything be more whacky and boys... places which were really pick- delightful? led circuses... pools ofblack water where Born in Poona, 55-year-old Dhondy people went for holidays... a wax mu- sludicd English at Cambridge, then taught for several year.s before he look lo professional writing. His books for young readers include East End nt Your Eeet, and Come to Mecca (both winners of the Other Award), Poona Company and Trip Trap. His first adult novel, Bombay Duck, was shortlisted for the 1990 Whitbread Award. Dhondy has also written for television and the stage, and ha.s done good work as Commis ­ sioning Editor for Multicultural Programmes at BBC’s Channel Four. In the book under review I find Dhondy al his best when he improvises on existing stories, fables, characters. The Bripht Princess (from which I’ve quoted above) echoes the familiar tale ofthe wicked 1.3th fairy who curses a princess at the royal baby ’s birthday bash. It i.s the unpredictable and outra- gcoLi.s twists Dhondy give.s such stories as he part.s company with the original version that make them irresistible. Hi.s endings arc particularly delicious. When WW calls off her spell on Surya, the grateful king offer.s her a choice of gold, silver, or a free ticket lo Disneyland! Of course, WW will have none of that. At Surya ’s wedding feast she cxpccl.s to be fed her favorite fare, and lhal ’.s it. Except that she add.s "wild dog samosas ’’ lo the menu. Croc Saw-Bone.'; and Delilah, Dhondy ’.s ver ­ sion of the ancient fable about the wily crocodile who carrie.s the monkey on her back, end.s with the carnivorous Croc be ­ coming a vegetarian — or more precisely a Ja flaky Giant other stories seum named after a woman with two swords... ’’ Surely this para wa.s aimed more al me than at Priya? Yes, Dhondy has lot.s of fun with his readers, young and old. But to gel back to the tailor. On his travels Tinbad, too, has trouble shaking off the obnoxious old man he has been kind enough to take piggy back across a. river. In the end it is an invitation to tea (for one) from the Queen of England on his 100th birthday that makes the codger dismount and Tinbad, momentarily mi ­ nus his burden, wisely takes to hi.s heels. Come lo think of it, the old man in The Beasty Burden is the only scoun ­ drel in all the nine stories. The rest of the villains are rather nice. The giant Mr Boghulbumphulboochyboochy (in the title story Janaky and the Giant, one of Dhondy ’s original tales) is supposed to breathe fire, crush bones, cat six goat.s a day and sleep “with his own beard as a blanket. ” But in truth he is in chains, bullied by his diminutive owner and has a surprisingly tender heart. Janaky helps to free him and to this day he works as a school bus in her village, car ­ rying children back and forth on his gentle per ­ son. Even WW “hates to be as unpopular as a jug of castor oil ” and takes her spell off the - lovely princess. And the g churail (an Asian I witch) in Chew Chew, I descended from a clan I of gory gut-chewers, a turns out to be a lost little girl who becomes I addicted to — chewing 1 sum! A few words about cthe bktck-and-white illustrations by Tapas Cuba that Priya had no quarrel with. The drawings are expressive, ap ­ pealing. For example, who can resist the mute plea in the eyes of the thirsty, woebegone camels as their owner Pally Ali (spelt ‘Pali ’ in the title and list of contents, ‘Pally ’ in the text of Pali Ali and his Camels — and there are a few other proofing errors), impervious to the animals ’ plight, takes smug swigs from his bottle of orange juice? Not I. Not Priya. The aim of the arrow My youngest daughter is called Tir. The English can ’t pronounce it. They interpose a ‘u ’ sound as though they were saying ‘deer ’ or ‘beer. ’ Then there ’s the soft ‘Th ’ for ‘Tir. ’ Europe ­ ans, at least those who haven ’t trained in acting school, can ’t manage it. Poor Tir comes out as ‘Tear ’ and the die-hard hippies who hear it swoon — “Wow, ‘tear ’ — that ’s a far-out name man! ” If the truth were told, the name came to me in my mother ’s bathroom, which happened to have a Parsi calendar han ing on the wall. Practising my faltering Gujarati, I was reading the names of the days of the month. As a good Zoroas ­ trian child I had memorized them, half as well as seven-times tables: Hormazd, Bahman, Ardibehesht, Shahrevar... Some of them I recognized a,s names. I have a cousin called Bomon and a sister called Meher. Then I came to the name ‘Tir. ’ I have never heard it used on a child before, but it passed through me like an arrow. A strong, unusual and undoubtedly Zoroastrian name. It had the advantage of being a beau ­ tiful ‘Indian ’ idea too: the Hindi word for an arrow. That was it. I looked into the derivations. The Persian or Zoroastrian was ambiguous. One book said that ‘Tir ’ was the name lor Sirius the Dog Star. I know it. It ’.s at the bottom of Orion ’s Belt. Another book said it was the name for Cupid. Now that made sense: Cupid? Bow and arrow of love? Venus ’ boy? And die word in Hindi meant precisely that — an arrow, associated now with love, with a merging of Parsi and Hindu myth.s and with my daughter. So what if they call her ‘tear ’ in Britain? ‘g- Reprinted from Outlook, June 7,1999 where Farrukh Dhondy has contributed to “Native Tongue," their weekly column on Indian words in common use in Indian cities. 192a Parsiana July-August 1999 With best compliments from SEW ELECTRICALS Private Limited Electrical Engineers and Contractors 104, Shree Hanuman Ind Estate 42-B, G. D. Ambekar Marg Wadala, Mumbai 400031FOOD With the compliments of Basil and Thyme Menus that are offered at Delhi’s Basil and Thyme restaurant can now be sampled at home Bhicoo J. Manekshaw in India) Tomatoes C/, kr; — 116 lbs — blanched and seeded, finely chopped) Chicken stock (strong — 2 cups) Tomato puree (4 tbsp) 750 ml) Basil and Thyme is a charming little restaurant where I cook. It is owned by Garlic (1 medium pod — crushed — use my son-in-law, Sunil Chandra. It is 3-4 cloves, in India) situated in the Santushti Complex in Cumin powder (2 tbsp) New Delhi which in happier days was Paprika powder (3-4 tsp) started and run by the Air Force Wives Welfare Association. Some of you may have heard of it and lunched or snacked Oregano (dry — 1 tsp) there, and some of you may not have had the opportunity to do so. The res ­ taurant is open from 10.30 a.m. to 6 Bay leaf (1) p.m. where one can have a light or a heavy snack, or the “du jour ” of the day, from 12.30 p.m. onwards. The “du jour ” has duck on Mondays, seafood on Tuesdays, tornadoe on Wed ­ nesdays, lamb on Thursdays, trout or fish on Fridays and chicken on Satur ­ days. To the credit of the restaurant it must be said that since its opening seven years ago, the “du jour ” has not been repeated, except when especially asked for! (No wonder the children and grand ­ children cannot understand why I go to bed with a cookery book instead of a novel! I read recipes, gloat over them, get inspired by them, then work out the menu or make my own.) Given below are two of the menus which were cooked recently. MENU NO. ] Chilli bean and beer soup Duck with mangoe.s Fresh peach flan Beer(l bottle Salt, pepper (lo taste) Put all the beans in a saucepan, cover with four cup.s water and bring to boil. Remove from fire, strain. Put back in pan, cover with water, simmer till just ingredients and simmer for five-eight done. Keep aside. Heat oil in a saucepan, add onions and garlic, saute till onions are soft. Add cumin, paprika, bay leaf and saute one minute. Add stock and beer, mix well, simmer for five minutes, then add tomatoes and puree, mix well, simmer for two-three minutes, add beans and oregano, season to taste. Simmer till tered zucchini, soup is thickish. Garnish with chopped spring onions and serve. FRESH PEACH FLAN (serves 6-8) Oven temperature 180°C-350°F. DUCK WITH MANGOES Line a flan tin approximately 9" in (serves 6-8) diameter with short crust pastry and Oven temperature 180°C - 35O°F bake blind. Duck (1 — weighing about 3-3‘/2 kg — Filling 6-7 lbs) Creme patisserie Butter (60 g — 2 oz) Egg (1 whole) Salt, pepper (to taste) Egg (1 yolk) Sauce Castor sugar (60 g — 2 oz) Flour (30 g —loz) Stock (1 cup — made from the neck. Cornflour (15 g — 16 oz) wingtips and gizzard of duck, flavored Milk (10 oz) with onion, carrot, bay leaf and black Brandy (2 tbsp) peppercorns) Peaches (2 — puree) White or red wine (2 cups) Cream (2 tbsp — whipped) Orange (juice — */2 cup) Topping Peaches (6-8 — peeled, sliced) Plum glaze Plum jam (7^ cup) 2 oz) a a----- 2 oz) CHILLI BEAN AND BEER SOUP Flour (% cup) (serves 6-8) White haricot beans (60 Red kidney beans (60 g — 2 oz) Chickpeas (60 g — 2 oz) Water (to cover the beans) Oil (3-4 tbsp) Onions (2 — chopped — in India take Thyme (dried — I tsp) large onions, as in the USA, Canada or Europe the onions are much larger than Salt, pepper (to taste) Mangoes (2 peeled and sliced) 192b Parsiana Juiy-August 1990 Wash and clean duck well. Remove giblets from its cavity. Wipe duck dry, place on a baking tin. Spread with but ­ ter, salt and pepper. Roast in preheated oven about P/i hour, basting with fat from the duck, once or twice. The duck is cooked when white liquid comes out of the flesh when pierced with a skewer in its thigh. Cool and slice. Keep aside. Sauce Remove half of fat from the roasting tin in which the duck was roasted. Keep aside. Place tin on top of high heat, and scrape all the crust from tin. Add flour and mix till brown. Add stock, simmer for two-three minutes. Then add rest of minutes. Strain. Pour sauce in a sauce ­ pan. Add duck to sauce. Reheat. Place on a warm platter. Lightly fry mango slices in remain ­ ing duck fat and arrange with duck on the platter and serve, with sauteed pota ­ toes, buttered carrots and sliced, but-I Gelatin (1 tsp — dissolved in 4 tbsp water) Lime (juice — 1 tsp) Lettuce (1 bunch — green-brown) Tomato Mousse Tomato (7^ kg — P/2 lb approx — pureed and strained) Garlic (4 cloves Spring onions (2 — chopped with a little of the green) Salt, pepper (to taste) grated) Wash and chop greens, removing stems. Chop leeks, peel and slice potatoes. Melt butter with a tablespoon of oil (to pre- finely chopped) saute for three to five minutes. Pour in chicken stock. Simmer till potatoes are cooked. Add milk. Cook further for an ­ other five to eight minutes. Season to ter) taste. Cool and puree. Chill. Add cream, Tabasco Salt, pepper (to taste) Sugar and lime juice (to taste) Gelatin (2 tbsp dissolved in 6 tbsp wa- Water (% cup) Potatoes (250 g — Vi lb) Lime ('/>—juice) Butter (100 g) Salt (pinch) Chicken stock (3 cups) Creme patisserie Milk (2 cups) Beat egg, yolk and sugar together. Mix Cream (1 cup) flour with cornflour. Add to egg mix ­ ture. Mix till smooth. Gradually pour in Nutmeg (1 tsp milk, stirring till smooth. Place pan on medium heat. Cook stirring gently, all the while, till mixture is thick. Cool, add brandy, cream and peach puree. Spoon vent butter from burning). Add leeks. Celery (1 stick — chopped) into baked cold pastry shell. Arrange saute till soft. Add potatoes and greens, " sliced peaches on top. Chill. Plum glaze Place jam, water and lime juice with a pinch of salt in a pan. Place pan on medium heat, bring to boil, stirring all taste. Cool and puree. Chill. Add cream. Timbales (6-8 wetted) the while. Strain, cool slightly. Spoon chill and serve. Garnish with chopped Mix tomato puree, garlic, spring onion, evenly over peaches. Chill and serve. chives. celery and seasoning together. Add melted gelatin and semi set over ice. In PRAWNS WITH AVOCADO AND the meanwhile, spoon a little dissolved TOMATO MOUSSE gelatin in the timbales and arrange slices of avocados on top, dribble a little gela ­ tin on top and set. Carefully spoon semi set tomato mousse on top of avocados, without disturbing them. Chill till set. Lightly fry prawns in butter and oil. To serve MENU NO. 2 Spinach Vichyssoise Prawns with Avocado and Tomato (serves 6-8) Mousse Prawns (I'A kg — 3 lbs — medium Figs in Red Wine sized lime juice and salt) SPINACH VICHYSSOISE Butter (90 g — 3 oz) (serves 6-8) Oil (2 tbsp) Spinach (1 kg — mixed greens with Avocado and Tomato Mousse spinach predominating in flavor) Avocados (2 — medium sized, peeled Place on plates the set avocado and Leeks (2 — large) and sliced — sprinkled with lime juice) tomato mousse, loosen them by dipping peeled and marinated with ^C5' c.; «(( RESTAURANT&6AR )» Prakash Mansion, 186, Dr Ambedkar Road, Opp Fire Brigade Stn, Dadar, Mumbai-400014 Telephones: 4114946, 4114713 192d Parsiana Juiy-August 1999them in hot water for I -2 seconds and then invert on plates. Place prawns on green and brown lettuce, serve with car ­ rot sticks,french beans and baby corn, boiled and lightly sauteed in butter. FIGS IN REDWINE Sponge cake (1 — 9” in diameter) Fig.s (250 g — 8 oz — dried) Red wine (1 cup) Lime (2 slices — seeds removed) Cinnamon (1 stick) Star anise (1) Cream (as needed) Place figs in wine with rest of ingredi ­ ents except cream. Simmer gently for 30 minutes. Cool in syrup. Slice cake, place a slice of cake on plates, spoon some ofthe liquid from the figs on top. Place 3-4 figs on top of slice of cake. Decorate with a rosette of whipped cream. Bon appetit! The client wanted six color printing, color fastness, gold foil stamping, BOPP lamination, heat and oil resistance, strong gumming, fibre tear if the self adhesive label was removed, and a six month guaranteed shelf life for the stickers... That ’s why they came to Kaiser-E-Hind Pvt. Ltd. We’re offset printers specializing in self adhesive labels, carton manufacture, tags and magazine production. Why not give us a call and discuss your quality printing requirements with us. Bhicoo J. Manekshaw, a graduate ofthe pres ­ tigious Cordon Bleu School of Cookery, Lon ­ don, and author of the Traditional Recipes of India and Parsi Food and Customs, has been associated with many haute cuisine organiza ­ tions in the country. Kaiser-E-Hind Private Limited, 300 Perin Nariman Street, Hanuman Building gr.fir. (Behind Reserve Bank of India), Fort, Mumbai 400001. Telephones: 2662709,2665661,2665630,2654244. Fax: 2654585,2074541. E-mail: kaiserpress@yahoo.com parvo@giasbm01 .vsni.net.in With compliments from B. B. GARDA & SONS 10 B. J. Road, Poona 411001 192f Parsiana My-August 1999MILESTONES ure, asthma, head injury and der ­ matomyositis (an acute inllam- and hospitals. This information mation of the skin and muscles) (two each). There were 13 iso- This issue of Parsiana presents Milestones data for the two- month period of May and June 1999. The age of Zoroastrian brides lated cases registered for the two (as listed in this issue) ranged months. They were: dislocation between 22 and 40 years, the arithmetic mean (the total num­ ber of individual ages divided by the total number of brides) being 28 years. The correspond ­ ing figures for the grooms were 25 and 45 years, averaging at 33 years. Twenty-eight babies were born in the two-month period of May and June 1999 as versus 183 Zoroastrians who breathed their last. The major killer a.s always, heart disease, took the lives of 77 patientsofwhom 50were 80years to the community. Three centc and above. Twenty deaths were attributed to pneumonia/lungdis ­ ease, 16 to cancer and 10 to brain disease. Nine victims fell prey to septicemia, eight to old age/gen- eral debility and six each to liver disease and hypertension. The other killers were diabetes (four) and nervou.s disorder, kidney fai 1 - of the spine, burns, anemia, tu ­ berculosis, leukemia, malnutri ­ tion, Non-Hodgkin ’s lymphoma, uremia, malaria, fracture, gastro ­ enteritis, diverticulitis (inOam- mation of a sac protruding from the wall of a lube or hollow or ­ gan) and arteriosclerosis (a de ­ generative arterial change asso ­ ciated with advancing age). The coroner ’s report was still awaited in the cases of three deaths. A stillborn baby and two youths in their early thirties were also lost narians, aged 100, 105 and 112, also breathed their last. The Zo ­ roastrian life expectancy at birth for May and June, in Bombay, was 78 years. The data on births, marriages and deaths has been compiled from information supplied by this requirement and cooperate various newsletters and anju- BOMBAY BORN A boy to Auzita and Naresh Asrani on May 7, 1999 A girl to Roshani and Navroze Gamb". May 13 A boy to Naazneen and Mehernosh Deboo', May 15 A girl to Parizad and Hushedar Divwala', May 15 A boy to Anahita and Phiroze Hava I da I", May 15 A boy lo Yasmin and Afsad Motashaw, May 16 A hoy to Anaita and Melter Sethna', May 17 A boy to Avan and Eruch Patel', May 19 A girl to Kamal and Meherji Tantra', May 21 A girl to Binaifer and Mahendra Bhagat', May 24 A boy to Pinaze and Darayus Bharucha', May 24 A boy, Kavi, to Dinaz and Rajendra Shinde, brother to Freyana; May 24 A girl to Monaz and Rayomand Noble', May 28 A boy, Fardin, lo Faranaz and Khushru Kavarana', May 3 1 A girl to Tanaz and Sarosh Patel', June 2 A boy to Shireen and Shiavax Vazifdai", June 2 A girl to Firooza and Phiroze Wankadia', June 4 A girl to Roxanne and Nicholas Pilgrim', June 9 A boy to Roshni and Hormazd Sanga', June 13 A girl to Shaheen and Santosh Kumar'. June 14 A girl to Phirozi and Anosh Irani', June 15 A girl to Razvin and Hemavand Namdariair, June 22 A girl to Sharmila and Rustom Pavri', June 24 A boy to Ruby and Yazdi Pareklr, June 28 A boy to Sherin and Luigi Bisol', June 30 A boy to Pervin and Ratan Misiry, June 30 A hoy to Villoo and Sharok Nikorawalla', June 30 A boy to Nazneen and Meheriar Patch, June 30 MARRIED Shahnaz Dara Wadia and Kersi Firoz Elavia of Houston, Texas, USA; May 3 NUufer Firoze Bam and Kerman Khurshed Billimoria', May 6 Dilnaz Jehangir Khamhatta and Zubin Rusy Mory, May 8 Navaz Rumi Gyara of Bangalore and Freddy 194 Parsiana July-August 1999 mans in India and abroad, courts Zarthost Ardeshir Tata (84), Khorshed Abad, 658, Firdoshi Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; May 1 Sheroo Framji Elavia (72), 'E-1, 36, A-10, Sector no 8, Nerul, New Bombay, 400703; May 2 Manee Maneck Mehta (83), 101, Sagar Darshan, Worli Sea Face, 400025; May 2 Jal Erachsha Mistry (93), C/30, Jer Baug, Dr Ambedkar Rd, Byculla, 400027; May 2 Cyrus Pesi Udwadia (46), D, Dinbai Petit St, Grant Rd, Homi Nariman Cooper (86), 109, Roxana, M. Karve Rd, Churchgate, 400020; May 3 Kavarana (98), Kavarana Mans, 176, Dr Ambedkar Rd, Dadar, 400014; May 3 Homee Phirozeshah Chinoy ill), 11, Narialwala Bldg, M. M. C. Rd, Mahim, 400016; with us. Darabshah Bavaadanr, May 9 Leena Jhangoo Jokhi and Cyrus Kersi Dupetawalla', May 9 Persis' Kersi Raja and Shazad Nariman Mogrelia ot Bangalore; May 12 Delbar Naval Bhaya and Zerxis Hoshang Mirza', May 16 Shernaz. Pesi Mistry and Polly Minocher Shrojj', May 21 Anahita Rustom Irani and Yez.ad Percy Siganporia', May 22 Sairin Darabsha Patel of Surat and Mehernosh Jamshed Homavazii", May 25 Frangiz. Cyrus Hakhamaneshy and Jehanbux Faredoon Chithiwalla', May 28 Dinaz Piloo Motiwalla and Zarir Homi Bharucha', June 5 Negar Mehraban Dehmoubed (Nasrabadi) of Tehran, Iran and Shahhahram Ardeshir Mehraein of California, USA; June 16 is not always complete or con ­ sistent: we are unable to carry data from area.s where the anjumans do not furnish the par ­ ticulars; the birth figures for Bombay are supplied by four hospitals — births in suburban hospitals and private nursing homes are not included unless individuals 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 religious 400007; May 2 ceremony. In the breakup of deaths according to illnesses, especially of the elderly, death is often due lo a combination of Hirjibhoy Muncherji several diseases. If readers have any births/ marriages/deaths they would like published, some proof to ensure the veracity of the report would be required. We are sure our readers would appreciate May 4 Aloo Fardoonji Driver (86), Banaji Bldg, Forjett St, Gowalia Tank, 400007; May 4 Minocher Kaikhushroo Shroff (95), Patel Palace, 580, Jame Jamshed Rd, Matunga, 400019; May 4 Roshan Dinshaw Avari (72), Minocher Block, Balaram St, Grant Rd, 400007; May 5 Dina Khurshedji Bilimoria (72), Pallonji Hse, 35, Rajaram Mohan Roy Rd, 400004; May 5 Rati Behram Daruwala (74), C-1, S. B. Bharucha Baug, S. V. Rd, Andheri (W), 4(X)058; May 5 Homi Rustomji Lakdawala (74), A-6, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039; May 5 Parviz Homi Colabewala (76), 18, Nawab Manzil, Wadia St,, Tardeo, 400034; May 6 Nariman Gustad Hathidaroo (.84), Star Mans, 66, Wode ­ house Rd, 400005; May 6 Minocher Jamshedji Master (90), 608, Jer Villa, Jame Jamshed Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; May 6 Jal Soltrabji Wadia (87), Yusuf Bldg, J. Petit St, Grant Rd, 400007; May 6 Khorshed C. Bharucha (90), Sir J. J. Dharamshalla, Boman Behram Rd, Nagpada, 400008; May 7 Goola Rustomji Lakdaweda (83), Manibai Bhuvan, DIED Perviz Kailash Tickoo', January 14 (cremated) Perin Dara PasUtkia (81), residing at 2A, Belair Apts, Union Park, Pali Hill, Bandra (W), 400050; May 1Khetwadi Back Rd, 400004; May 7 Kuxioinji Ndvroji Machliwalla (11), 1, Baria Bldg, Gamadia CIny, Tardeo, 400007; May 7 Shirin Rauin Se/my (S8), 44/B, Karani Bldg, Rajaram Mohan Roy Rd, 400004; May 7 Eruch Maneckji Dalal (^1), N-1, CiilTe Caslle, CulTe Parade, 400005; May 8 Mani Hoini Daxtoor (90), 12A, Colaba Climbs, Wode ­ house Rd, 400005; May 8 Nar^ish Dinshaw Engineer (82), 618/C, Bhiwandiwalla Ter, .1. S. Rd, Dhobitalao, 400002; May 8 Pc.v; Ardeser Italia (1^), Clo Dhan F. Mavji, Room no 6, Zaveri Bldg, Raja Ram Mohan Roy Rd, 4()0004; May 8 Dina Earedoon Marker (94), Petit Widows ’ Chawl, Mody St, Fort, 400001; May 8 Dady Niixxerwanji Shroff (80), A, Botawalla Bldg, 239, Tardeo Rd, 400007; May 8 Pesi Darahsha Baliwala (83), 1/1, Neelkanth, Sanjana Lane, Oft' Carter Rd, Bandra (W), 400050-, May 9 Mehroo Janished Bilinioria (11), Brightlands Glow, l95,Turner Rd, Bandra, BECK ENGINEERING COMPANY Private Limited and BECK CONSTRUCTION COMPANY Private Limited Civil Engineers and Contractors 23, Police Court Lane, Fort, Mumbai 400001 Tel: 2615820, 2694752. Fax: 2626389 196 Parsiana Juiy-August 1999 400050; May 9 Hoini Sheriarji Gonda (94), 30, Kashinalh Hse, Khelwadi 7th Lane, 400004; May 9 Ainv Keki Lavangia (83), 26, Hughes Rd, 400007; May 9 Keki Hiraji Marawalla (53), Jalbhoy Sett Bldg, 279, Tardeo Rd, 400007; May 9 Janixhed Nanahhoy Master (83), 5, Jehangir Mans, Isl Marine St, 400020; May 9 Aloo ./al Mehta (80), Noor-E- Rehinat, Byramjee Jeejibhoy Rd, Bandra, 400050; May 9 Phirozesha Riistoinji Mohed (80), Lilycot, 1st Pasta Lane, Colaba, 400005; May 9 .laiji Frainroze Pastakia (91), Avanbai Mans, 788, Jame Jamshed Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; May 9 Mehra Dara Sukhadwalla (85), 6, Rustom Baug, ¦Victoria Rd, Byculla, 400027; May 9 Dhan Sorahji Talati (79), Talati Ter, Seven Bglws, Andheri (W), 400061; May 9 Maneckinai Manchersha Bhadlia (^1), Engineer Bldg. Ardeshir Dadi St, C. P. Tank, 400004; May 10 Jal Erainroz. Parhhit (78), Vevai Villa, 686, Khareghat With best compliments from Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; May 10 Freiiy Frainroze Pastakia (85), 1/4, Sir Ratan Tata Clny, Tardeo, 400034; May 10 Tehinina Jehangir Tantra (87), D-28, New Vinay, Manipada, Vidyanagari, 400098; May 10 Hoxi Behrainji Duhash (71), 6, Dalamal Apts, 15, Cuffe Parade, 400005; May 11 Dhan Ardeshir Karat (87), 22/5, Heera Meher, 110, Wodehouse Rd, 400005; May 11 Aloo Maneck Madan (65), C/o Fall Aderbad Bamji, Bhandari Bldg, 14, Wadia St, Tardeo, 400034; May 11 Kersy Burjor Mehta (60), Bharucha Bldg, Khetwadi 12th Lane, 400004; May 11 Piroja Pirojxhaw Patel (93), Room no 17, Hirabai Petit Bldg, Opp Grant Rd Stn, 400007; May 11 Goolhai Shainarda Irani (105), Salma Manzil, Oliver St, Colaba Causeway, 400039; May 12 Hormuz. Ratansha Balsara (ii5), Jchangir Mans, Hughes Rd, 400007; May 13 Goolhai Ardeshir Daruwala (87), Puspa Nivas, Uranwala St, Grant Rd (E), 400007; May 14 Nariman Dorabsha Panthaky (94), Ahunavar, ¦617, Jame Jamshed Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; May 14 Dhunjishaw Dorabji Patell (93), 3/3, Rustom Baug, Victoria Rd, Byculla, 400027; May 14 Mani Pirojsha Sachinwaila (86), 275, Green Hse, Village Valiv, Taluka Vasai, Dist Thane, 401208; May 14 Shirin Eruch Hansotia (79), Rehana Manzil, L. T. Rd, Mahim, 400016; May 15 Jamshed Nariman B. (58), Ripon Guest Hse, Nagpada, 400008; May 15 Anahit Jehangir Wadia (48), Bakhtawar, 22, Narayan Dabholkar Rd, 400006; May 15 Jal Hormusji Anklexaria (87), C/o 50, Gowalia Tank Rd, 400036; May 16 Baby of Pervin Jimmy Mithaiwala (stillborn), D-3/13, M. S. Bldg, S. B. Bharucha Baug, S, V. Rd, Andheri (W), 400058; May 16 Nariman Eruchsha Amrolia (64), R/22, Nowroz Baug,Lalbaug, 400012; May 17 Nadir Darasha Bharucha (73), 10/275, Princess Bldg, Princess St, 400002; May 17 Meher Shahrukh Contractor (69), 34, Capadia Bldg, Parel Tank Rd, 400033; May 17 Shirin Navroji Kelawala (91), E-14, Ginwala Bldg, Captain Clny, Tardeo, 400034; May 17 Perin Arach Bajina (79), 4/2, Tata Mills Co-op Hsg Soc, Elphinstone Rd, Parel, 400012; May 18 Behrain Dinshaji Bhagwagar (68), Mistry Bldg, 36, Sunmill Jehangir Rd, Parsi Clny, Rd, Lower Parel, 400013; May 18 Sheran Naoroji Fatakia (79), Room no 19, 16, Shree Ram Nivas, Khambatta Lane, Khetwadi, 400004; May 18 Hilla Dara Kapadia (95), 1/11, Rustom Baug, Victoria Rd, Byculla, 400027; May 18 Tehinina Rustomji Pesikaka (92), F. S. Parukh Dharamshalla, Hughes Rd, 400007; May 18 Savaksha Nawroji Kavarana (84), 74, Vijay Chmbs, Tribhuvan Rd, 400004; May 19 Firoz. Nusserwanji Mistry Ig. (79), Room no 13, HongKongwalla Cooper Bldj Khetwadi 9th back Rd, 400004; May 19 Dinshaw Edulji Shastri (69), M-32, Nowroz Baug, Lalbaug, 400012; May 19 Framroz Sorahji Tarapore (67), 583, J. S. Rd, Chira Bazar, 400002; May 19 Sarvar Jamshed Irani (85), E-5, Godrej Baug, Off Napean Sea Rd, 400006; May 20 Naval Darabshaw Mistry (75), Khurshed Hse, 604/D, Lady Dadar, 400014; May 20 Kelly Rusi Engineer (68), Sethna Bldg, 689, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; May 21 Eruch Ratansha Ichhaporia (75), Desai Bldg, 668, Katrak Rd, Wadala, 400031; May 21 Mancck Cursetji Patel (95), 31, Gautam Niwas, Seven Bglws, Versova, 400053; May 21 Fall Rustomji Billimoria (81), 20, Soona Mhl, Marine Drive, 400020; May 22 Ratanbai Navalsha Cooper (99), Rubans, Setalvad Lane, 30, Napean Sea Rd, 400(X)6; May 22 Rustomji Jamshedji Desai (83), Suleman Manzil, 176, Dr Ambedkar Rd, Dadar, 400014; May 22 Banoo Hormusji Tampal (74), H-21, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039; May 22 Kaikhushroo Cooverji Wadia (84), E/34, Jer Baug, Dr Ambedkar Rd, Byculla, 400027; May 22 Perinhanoo Khodahux Irani (68), 3/25, Sidhwa Bldg, Balaram St, Grant Rd, 400007; May 23 Khorshed Peshotan Dover (85), B-14, Shapur Baug, V. P. Rd, 400004; May 24 Shirin Dhunjisha Lakdawalla (79), D/18, Godrej Baug, Napean Sea Rd, 400026; May 24 Roshan Rusi Poonewalla (65), 31, Anmol Apt, 6/10, Sorabji Santok Lane, Dhobitalao, 400002; May 24 Kekhashru Mervanji Buhariwalla (82), 190-A, Presswalla Bldg, Lamington Rd, 400007; May 25 Boman Jamshedji Kharas (80), B/103, Dhanbai P. Jeejibhai Bldg, Next to St. Peter ’s School, Vasai (W), 401201; May 25 Alainai Rustom Madon (92), 604-B, Madhu-Milan, Eksar Rd, Borivli (W), 400092; May 25 Rustom Kharshedji Pavri (86), 33, Jamaspji Apts, 32, Sleater Rd, 400007; May 25 Sheroo Manek Bilimoria (83), D, Imperial Mhl, Khodadad Circle, Dadar, 400014; May 26 Kaikhushroo Maneckji Mahva (88), F-1, Shapur Baug, V. P. Rd, 400004; May 26 Piloo Peshotan Postwalla (84), C/o Amy R. Irani, Vijay Niwas No 5, Sleater Rd, 400007; May 26 Khushru Khodaram Rosimi (66), 42, Olympus, M. M. C. Rd, Mahim, 400016; May 26 Kami Phirojshah Fitter (67), Faredoon Ter, 676, Katrak Rd, Wadala, 400031; May 27 Zarine Ruttonji Dastoor (68), 501, Bhagwati, 68, Yari Rd, Versova, 400061; May 28 Aloo Dara Kanga (74), Tehmina Captain Bldg, Zoroastrian Clny, Chikalwadi, 400007; May 28 Erach Navroji Patel (70), R. F. Cooper Bldg, Corner of Burjor Framji & Company Licensed Plumbers Sanitary & Drainage Contractors Marine Mansion, 1st Marine Street, Mumbai 400002 Tel: 2083207 198 Parsiana July-August 1999Grant Rd, 400007; May 28 Aloo Khodabux Surveyor (89), Chapsey Ter, Altamount Rd, 400026; May 28 Tehniina Gustadji Gandhi (97), 3/23, A. H. Wadia Baug, Parel Tank Rd, 400033; May 29 Maneck Jamshedji Colaba- walla (78), Old Chinoy Bldg, Zoroastrian Clny, Chikalwadi, Grant Rd, 400007; May 30 Rati Jehangirji Damania (86), Wadia Bldg, 6, Babulnath Rd, 400007; May 30 Dorabji Maneckji Patel (86), Shilpa Apts, Naigaum Cross Rd, Dadar, 400014; May 30 Sarosh Naval Goghavala (85), 24, Sai Darshan, Cumballa Hill, 400036; May 31 Rusi Naoroji Marolia (80), 7, Bai Ratanbai Tata Bldg, S. V. Rd, Bandra, 400050; May 31 Eruch Ardeshir Mehta (80), Karim Bldg, Grant Rd, 400007; May 31 Ruby Nariman Nallaseth (65), Mayfair Hse, Little Gibbs Rd, Malabar Hill, 400006; May Piroj Darabshaw Bilimoria (75), Dhun Villa, Malcolm Baug, Jogeshwari (W), 400102; June 1 31 200 Parsiana July-August 1999 Shireen Dosoo Jeejeebhov (79), South Ville, 106, N. Parekh Rd, Colaba, 400005; June 1 Banoo Miiioo Pavri (15), 6?>, Mumtaz Manzil, Wodehouse Rd, Colaba, 400005; June 1 Jal Framroz Barucha (83), B/8, Princess St, 400002; June 3 Mehru Behram Contractor (87), Hormuzd Mans, Opp Bhatia Hosp, Tardeo, 400007; June 3 Nargish Dhanjishaw Medhora (16), C/o Dhanjishaw Medhora, Parsi Students ’ Hostel, 8, Gamadia Clny, Tardeo, 400007; June 3 Phiroze Darabshaw Pundole (10), A/2\, United Chmbs, 347, Maulana Shaukat Ali Rd, 400007; June 3 Yezdi Savciksha Chandana (14), 21, Dubash Bldg, Old Khareghat Clny, Hughes Rd. 400007;June 4 Shirin Keikobad Elavia (87), E/14, Shapur Baug, V. P. Rd, 400004; June 6 Shekufeli Farshid Yazdani (32), 1/31, Sangam Bldg, Opp Century Bazar, Worli, 400025; June 6 CHampiqM Manufacturers and Exporters of “CHAMPION” BRAND Asbestos/non-asbestos, fibre jointings sheets, cloth, packings, seals, PTFE, spiral wound metallic and CAF gaskets Gram; “CAFJOINT” Andheri. Telex: 011-79003 FIRE-IN Fax: 091-22-837 02 47 091-22-838 14 47 Telephone: 8321071, 8367311-15 CHAMPION JOINTINGS LIMITED 15, Parsi Panchayat Road, Andheri (E), Bombay 400069 Franiroze Ardeshir Boomla (85), Holland Hse, S. B. Rd, 400039; June 7 Honiai Tehmul Bulsara (82), Palia Mans, 622, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; June 7 Narges Darabsha Kapadia (79), Chaman Chmbs 4, 1st Marine St, 40(X)02; June 7 Dolat Keki Khambatta (82), 8, Sea-shell, Perry Rd, Bandra, 400050; June 7 Pheroze Rustomjee Bharucha (100), The Homestead, 6, Kashibai Navarange Rd, New Gamdevi, 400007; June 8 Shirin Phiroze Bharucha (85), Homi Hall, Deolali, 422401; June 8 Fcdi Behramji Gordon (68), Plot no 5, Above Grant Rd P. O., Sleater Rd, 400007; June 8 Mani Eracli Irani (73), Rustom Court, Worli, 400025; June 8 Bainansha Byramsha Pardiwcdla (80), 15, Safoorabai Manzil, Wadia St, Tardeo, 400034; June 8 Eruch Jal Writer (75), Dinu Villa, 631, M. Joshi Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; June 8 Piloo Sorabji Captain (82), Central Bldg no 1, Bomanji Master Rd, 400002; June 9 Bapai Bomansha Khan (79), B-1, Triputi Apts, Warden Rd, 400026; June 9 Allan Rustomji Chiniwala (16), CI5, Rustom Baug, Victoria Rd, Byculla, 400027; June 10 Jaiji Nusserwanji Patel (112), S. B. Bharucha Baug, S. V. Rd, Andheri (W), 400058; June 10 Jerbai Jehangirji Talavia (95), B/9/204, Brahmand Face 3, Azad Ngr, Thane (W), 400601;June 10 Hilla Cawas Bharucha (86), 5, East and West Court, Colaba Causeway, 400039; June 11 Pesi Khurshedji Bulsara (74), Mishra Bhavan, Wadia St, Tardeo, 400034; June 12 Lim Ardeshir Dumasia (10), M-13, S. B. Bharucha Baug, S. V. Rd, Andheri (W), 400058; June 12 Zubin Savak Mogul (30), L-2, 62, Cama Park, Cama Rd, Andheri (W), 400058; June 12 Sorab Ardeshir MullaPhiroze (84), A, Gool Mhl, Sleater Rd, 400007; June 12 Boman Kaikhushroo Shroff (85), 53, Mistry Park, B. Desai Rd, 400026; June 12Dosahhoy Motabhoy Shroff (83), G-52, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039; June 12 Dinshaw Jehangir Antia (73), Ajay Niwas, 443, Girgaum Rd, 400002;June 14 Pliiroze Sorabji Devitre (80), 6, Divecha Bldg, Malcolm Baug, Jogeshwari (W), 400102; June 14 Dhunmai Navalshaw Driver (80), Room no 5, Cama Bldg, Murzban Clny, 22, Gilder Lane, 400008; June 14 Goolbanoo Boman Irani (69), Room no 35, Maneckji Petit Charity Trust Bldg, Mody St, Fort, 400001; June 14 Kaikhashru Dhunjishaw Mehta (89), 215, R. K. Mans (Amroliwalla Bldg), N. M. Joshi Marg, 400013; June 14 Roshan Keki Raghina (11), Lady Dorab Tata Bldg no 1, Tata Blocks, S. V. Rd, Bandra (W), 400050; June 14 Adi Behram Sagar (68), 9, Colaba Chmbs, Wodehouse Rd, 400005; June 15 Nargish Behramshah Dhahhar (78), 406, Alankar Bldg, Balaram St, Grant Rd, 400007; June 16 Jer Tirandaz Iranpur (68), A-20, Jer Baug, Dr Ambedkar Rd, Byculla, 4(X)027; June 16 Aloo Behramshaw Mistry (80), 53, Hirabai Petit Bldg, Opp Grant Rd Stn (E), 400007; June 16 Noshir Cawasji Engineer (88), R3/3, Sunder Ngr, S. V. Rd, Malad (W), 400064; June 17 Edulji Pirosha Ghaswala (78), Jame Jamshed Bldg, 811, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; June 17 Jahangir Rustamji Kapadiya (88), C/o B. A. Daruwala, Dinshaw Bldg, Dhunbaiwadi Dhuswadi, Vile Parle (W), 400056;June 17 Khorshed Sarosh Zorahi (Tafti) (84), At Post Mankiwali, Tai Khalapur, 410202; June 17 Adi J. Bode (90), 86/K, Bhadwar Park, Railway Clny, Wodehouse Rd, 400005; June 18 Pervez Rustomji Commissariat (52), 310, Panchai Ngr Co-op Hsg Soc, Nilemore Rd, Nallasopara (W); June 19 Firoz Faramroz. Elavia (69), 11/16, Tata Clny, Sir Ratan Tata Rd, Tardeo, 400034; June 19 Homai Eruch Khergamwalla (81), Pehelvi Bldg, 315, Lamington Rd, 400007; June 19 Rati Noshir Mistry (72), Ahunavar, 617, Jame Jamshed Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014;June 19 Mcliroo Erachsha Panthaki (79), 598 A, Wadia Bldg, Girgaum Rd, 400002; June 19 Homai Piirvez Bhiwaiidiwalla (81), Gemfrina, 630, Khareghat Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; June 21 Ngjoo Cali Daruwala (82), Doctor Engineer Bldg, Kashinath Rd, Tardeo, 400034; June 21 Banoohai Franiroz Wadia (92), 609, Singapori Bldg, J. Shankersheth Rd, 400002; June 21 Navazbai Pallonji Hilloona (SI), Koka Sadan, Sopari Baug, Parel, 400012; June 22 Kaikashru Hormesji Vajifdar (95), 2, Doctor Daji Bldg, M. M. C. Rd, Mahim, 400016; June 22 Rustom Sheriarji Zarolia (66), 403, Rizvi Palace, Hill Rd, Bandra, 400050; June 22 Sheroo Kavashah Aiiklcsaria (11), 20, Malbari Bldg, New Khareghat Clny, Hughes Rd, 400007;June 23 Dhunjishaw Fardoon Garda (90), B-9, New Khareghat Clny, Hughes Rd, 400007; June 23 Dosabhai Jamshedji Dav er (92), New Khan Bldg, Zoroastrian Clny, Chikalwadi, Grant Rd, 400007; June 24 Dolly Minoo Kasad (57), Room no 12, Petit Widows ’ Chawl, Thakurdwar, 400002; June 24 Homai Nariman Katgara (81), Sai-Ashish, 31-32, Tertulian Rd, Off Peter Dias Rd, Bandra 400050;June 24 Shavak Jehangirji Kheshwala (70), B-305, Kailash Apts, 293, Bellasis Rd, 400008; June 24 Roshan Ardeshir Kolah (61), 2, Noor-E-Rahmat, 59, B. J. Rd, Bandra (W), 400050; June 24 Tehmurasp Bhikhaji Andhyarujina (75), The Reward, Next to Ganga Jamuna Theater, Tardeo, 400007;June 25 Freny Bejonji Panthaky (71), 19/2, New Wadia Bldg, Malcolm Baug, Jogeshwari (W), 400102; June 25 Nergish Adi Mehta (66), B-203, Ashirwad Complex, With Best Wishes From Mr Rusy M. Shroff, M.B.E. and Mrs Purviz R. Shroff 202 Parsiana July-August 1999Bhaskar Alley, Vasai Village, Vasai, Dist Thane, 401201; June 26 Shera Dinsha Balsara (73), Readymoney Block, 784, M. Joshi Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; June 27 Gaol Piroz Khan (72), Jame Jamshed Bldg, 811, Jame Jamshed Rd, Dadar, 400014; June 27 Rusi Darahshaw Mody (81), 14-B, Vijay Bhavan, St Sebastian Rd, Bandra, 400050; June 27 Thirity Percy Avan B-20, Tardeo Chmbs, Avabai Kashinath St, Tardeo, 400034; June 28 Dhunjisha Pirojsha Ratnagar (85), C-20, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039; June 29 Boinanshaw Darahshaw Patel (86), Meherbai Wadia Bldg, 764-D, M. Joshi Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; June 30 Sarosh Bomanslmw Patel (49), 73, Piroja Villa, Malcolm Baug, S. V. Rd, Jogeshwari (W), 400102; June 30 CALCUTTA BORN A boy, Danesh, to Shenaz and 204 Parsiana July-August 1999 Jubiii Dahw, January 4 DIED Shirin Minu Jila, mother of Darius and Pervin Darius Nus- serwanji; December 10, 1998 Aspy Jal Dandiwala, husband of Roshan and father of Shahruk and Kaizad; January 2, 1999 Banoo Shapurji Guzder; January 18 Jeroo Sherosh Kaikohad, mother of Pervez and Gaver Chatterjee; January 25 Mani Hoshang Engineer, mother of Parvez and Meheryar; January 31 Hoinai Dosabhai Jila, mother of Zarin Gimi, Homi, Behram and Khorshed Davar; May 22 POONA DIED Dolly Pallonje Mistry (74), Mody Clny, Synagogue St, 411001; April 5 Homuyun Gustad Yazdegardi (75), C-1/21-22, Brahma Baug, Mundhwa, 411036; April 12 Roshan Sam Khansaheb (76), 20, Banu Apts, D. M. Rd, 411001; April 15 Maneck Jeejehhoy Ghyara With Best Compliments From R.NOWROJEE and Company Specialised in MICR Cheques, Public Issue and Multicoloured Offset Printing Pallonji Compound, Dadoji Kondev Cross Marg, Victoria Garden, Bombay 400027 Tel: 3745863, 3722550, 3745825 (84), 19/D, Mody Clny, Synagogue St, 411001; April 16 Goolbanu Sorahji Bharucha (82), E/2, Gita Soc, Syna ­ gogue St, 411001; April 28 Homi Merwan Irani (16), 21, Empress Gardens, Sopan Baug, 411001; April 29 Ardeshir Gustad Lawyer (lA), Priyadarshini, Koregaon Park, 411001; May 4 Eruch Ardeshir Patel (86), 24, Pushpak Soc, Kalyaninagar, 411014; May 5 Shenaz Boman Irani (47), 63, St Patrick ’s Town, 411013; May 17 Homi Muluk Irani (71), 7, Napier Rd, 411040; May 19 Dara Phirojeshah Antia (84), A-7, Ashoka Apts, Naylor Rd, 411001; May 24 Nergish Behram Irani (73), 3, Mody Clny, Synagogue St, 411001; May 31 SECUNDERABAD MARRIED Nazneen Murzban Uinrigar and Hoiniyar Sam Dehara; February 26 Farahnaz A. Jami and Kaizer D. Billimoria; June 25 DIED Parinbanoo Bomanshaw Patel (86); March 3 Shirin G. Wadia (79); April 17 Fareed J. Italia (57); April 24 Shirin R. Vakshur (71); May 10 Gaol Phiroz Chenoy; May 18 SURAT DIED Rusibhai Jehangirji Anklesaria (15), Pinakin Apt, Nanpura, 395001; May 10 Jamshedji Hormasji Katpitia (84), Machhlipith, Shahpore, 395003; May 21 Najoo Jesi Patel (72), Parsiwad, Village Adajan, Dist Surat; May 21 Jhanbux Framroz Dastoor (72), 1, Sahkar Ngr, Magdalla Rd, Post Althan, Udhana, 394210; May 26 Noshir Pirojshaw Bhathena (65), Dangore St, Nanpura, 395001,June 6 Jalejar Ardeshir Daver (61), Kavina St, Vanki Bordi, 395003;June 15 Rusi Maneckji Wadia (82), Nariman Home and Infirmary, Shahpore, 395003; June 16 Dadiba Eruchshaw Gandhi (86), Nagoriwad, Sayedpura,395003;June 20 CANADA Ontario BORN A boy, Thomas William Firoze, to Yasmin and Randy Clark in Toronto; April 27 A girl, Alisha Farah, to Persis and Cyrus Banker in Oakville; May 4 BIRTHS Boys Girls Bombay This issue 1998* 16 12 116 92 FIGURES AT A GLANCE* India This issue 1998* 1999*=* 1999° 42 41 1 3 5 6 2 World This issue 1998* 1999° 2 3 51 35 8 8 DIED Miiioo Eruchshaw Treasurywala (81), husband of Coomi and father of Anaita and Adi in Toronto; February 18 MARRIAGES Parsi INTERCOMMUNAL Males married out Females married out 13 262 127 2 15 6 1 19 3 63 56 9 4 1 1 2 9 1 Quebec MARRIED Shirin Palkhivala and From Petit in Montreal; June 26 DEATHS CONSIGNED Males Females CREMATED Males Females 89 94 481 513 254 264 15 16 125 115 54 41 4 55 47 16 13 1 11 7 2 2 PAKISTAN Karachi DIED Jimmy Mehta, father of Delna Minwalla; April 13 USA California BORN K 'g,vi\, Recttwa, Favcdv and Khushroo Unwalla in Highland; January 29 ?Running totals for 1998 (January 1998-July-August 1999 issues) oRunning totals for 1999 (January 1999-July-August 1999 issues) Overseas deaths are listed in the consigned column as ParsianatiQQZ not have ‘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. Texas BORN A girl, Madison Kate, to Maynaz and Matthew Olson in Houston; June 25 Compiled by Roxana A. Driver a breakup of those cremated. Georgia BORN A boy, Ruzan, to BaWuavac and Hushe- ilar Daruwalla', April 1 Illinois DIED Nariman Jokhy (82), husband of Rati and father ot Aban and Pervez in Peoria; March 4 c X’l L'- J t’f ASSOCIATED BREWERIES 8. DISTILLERIES PVT. LTD, Bakhtawar, 12th Floor, Backbay Reclamation Scheme Block 111, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021. Tel: 2871516/2871125 Fax. 2871121 Makers of 206 Parsiana July-August 1999 ?/i0ND0N\\ PILSNER V BEER V If London Vi '4 Diet LOW CALORIE ^[beer|»’ LOW CALORIE 5 beerIN MEMORIAM I An anjuman asset Parinaz M. Gandhi t Died: Aspi Merwan Irani, 74, president of the Iranian Zoroastrian Anjuman (IZA) and vice president of the World Zoroastrian Organisation (WZO)-India, on March 19, 1999 in Bombay follow ­ ing cardiac arrest. Irani ’s “very valuable services as trustee, vice president and president of the Anjuman extending over 14 years, ” were recorded in the con- dolence resolution adopted at the working committee meeting of the IZA. “His guidance for such a long period had helped the Anjuman in various ways, ” continued the resolution commending his “ever 1 willingness to attend to the work of the Anjuman whenever the same (was) placed before him. ” “Very conscientious ” and “an asset to the Anjuman ” was how IZA vice president Zal K. Eranee viewed the president. “He saw to it that he attended all themeetings of the Anjuman even at the cost ol his health and work, unless he was out of Bombay, ” added Eranee. At the executive council meet ­ ings of the Federation of Parsi Zoroas ­ trian Anjumans of India too Irani was among the most regular members who had recently been elected treasurer. At its last meeting in Bombay on June 12, 1999 the Federation observed a two- minute silence in his memory. When speaking at the condolence meeting convened by the WZO in joint honor of Rohinton Chinoy and Irani, Marazban Patrawala, member of the National Minorities Commission gave Irani credit for taking up matters at the senior level when Iranian Zoroastrian students were being deported from In ­ dia. He even went up to Rajiv Gandhi and ultimately saw to it that the depor ­ tation was halted. Lands in Palghar and Marker Manzil in Lonavla being valu ­ able properties owned by the IZA, Irani would make personal visits to the sites to keep himself abreast of the latest developments, stated Eranee. r! Irani: ever obli^iii}’ 208 Parsiana July-August 1999 Behram roz he would visit the Iranshah until two years ago when he suffered a paralytic stroke and subsequently suf ­ fered from an enlarged heart which necessitated a slowdown in his activi ­ ties. “But he did not like living life that way, ” observed Tafti who convinced him to wind up his firm which he was in the process of doing in March 1999. With his elder daughter based in Dahanu and his younger daughter At the last World Zoroastrian Con ­ gress in Tehran, Irani had represented the Bombay-based IZA. “Full of life, optimistic, cheerful and gregarious, he lived life to the fullest, ” remarked Eranee. Another characteristic of Irani which had endeared him to his col ­ leagues and juniors was his humility. Tanaaz Timblo settled in Goa, most of He showed great consideration for his staff members and was al- ways willing to take up their cause, believing that charity begins at home. The day the family would be touring differ- poor and needy who ap- proached him knew he had a soft corner for the eco ­ nomically weaker section. “He never used his of ­ fice to grant any out-of- paidust, his younger daughter who has turn favors, ” recalls his el ­ der daughter Phiroza Tafti who says that she knew very little about his com ­ munity involvement, and that too often from outside sources, her father prefer ­ ring to maintain a low profile. She inevitability of changing with the times recalled though that her father ’s firm, Aspi Irani, reputed as engineers and contractors, had made a humble begin ­ ning from their then residence at Ghoga Street, Fort. Over the years he had built reason only later when she was in col- up a reputation whilst building facto- lege. He too was very naughty as a child ries for Bombay Dyeing, Morarji Mills and was in and out of several schools, and others, and undertaking some resi ­ dential constructions like the new build ­ ing at Cusrow Baug and Daisylea on finally completing his schooling from Mount Pleasant Road. “It is indeed sad to lose a person who has been so closely associated with the Poona University and was employed Bombay Dyeing over the last few de ­ cades, ” remarked the company ’s mar ­ keting manager Ness N. Wadia in his condolence letter to the family. “I spent Irani, with Khurshed Antia and when many an evening just sitting and talking his partner chose to move to Dubai, about work and life with him. I will miss his wisdom dearly, ” he added. At Udvada, Irani was instrumental in building Spenta and Phiroz Ghar, affordable residential complexes forZo- roastrians. He was also known to be “a great devotee of the holy fire in Udvada, ” recalled WZO president Dadi Engineer and daughters PhirozaTafti and Tanaaz at the condolence meeting. Every Timblo. Irani ’s trips in later years were to these destinations although travelling was once a passion for him. There was a time however when every school holi- ent parts of India, “nothing exotic, ” clarifies Tafti, but covering distances by road and staying in affordable board ­ ing houses. Known to be a conservative, at his married out of the community sat not in the main bungli at Doongerwadi but in the adjoining room, mentions Tafti. And while he had great faith in the tenets of the Zoroastrian religion, he also be ­ lieved in Kamu Baba and realized the and accepting his daughter ’s decision to marry a non-Parsi. “He was a very strict father, ” accord ­ ing to the elder daughter who learnt the she was told — Cathedral and John Connon, the boarding school in Deolali, St Xavier ’s in Bombay. Subsequently he graduated in civil engineering from with Shapoorji Pallonji and Company Private Limited for some years. He then set up a partnership firm, Antia and Irani branched out on his own in 1969, mentions Tafti. “A silent person who got things done, ” was the tribute paid to him by Bombay Parsi Punchayet trustee Rustom Tirandaz which aptly sums up Irani ’s nature. Irani is survived by his wife KatieIN MEMORIAM Press, prayers, projects that the only way to survive in the business was to adopt new techno ­ logy...The changeover clearly showed that Rohinton had a vision and foresight much ahead of some of the stalwart.s in the printing industry, ” remarked N. R. Patel, past president of the Mumbai Mudrak Santih. th I I ** J US Died; Rohinton Pervez Chinoy, 49, pro ­ prietor of Union Press and joint honor ­ ary secretary of the World Zoroastrian Organisation (WZO)-Indla, on March 5, 1999 at Bombay following cardiac arrest. “Every time you open a prayer book in an agiary, remember him." urged Dadi Engineer, president of WZO-India, at a condolence meeting convened under the join! auspices of lhe WZO and The Navsari Parsi Associa ­ tion on April I, 1999. Known to be religious. Chinoy had continued with the Union Press' tradition of printing Avesta prayer books in En ­ glish and Gujarati without looking at its financial viabil ­ ity. Their calendars too, syn ­ chronizing the Shahenshahi and Kadmi roz with the Gregorian dates were popular among community members. As proprietor of India ’s old ­ est existing commercial print ­ ing establishment, on the occasion ofthe 14()th anniversary ofthe Press in 1997, Chinoy had been felicitated by the Karnataka State Printers Association in Bangalore. To coincide with their 140th- yearcelebrations Chinoy had announced would be so involved in his work that he his plans to distribute free copies of the Khordeh Avesta to all the firc-tcmpic.s in India. “He was a dynamic, lively and very loving personality in the printing frater ­ nity and we at Mumbai Mudrak Sangh have lost a jewel, ” noted president Ram Desai in the March issue of Print Bulle­ tin, the journal of the Mumbai Mudrak Sangh. Chinoy had also served as hon ­ orary joint secretary of the All India Federation of Master Printers. The fifth generation from the family to take overthe rein.s of Union Press, “he entered the business as an inexperienced young man full of enthusiasm and soon picked up the intricacies of the trade and hi.s hunger to acquire technical knowl ­ edge was fantastic...Soon he realized Chinvy: Pioneering and expanding Photo: Chetan Mistry “In business he was eonslanlly inno ­ vating, pioneering and expanding. He an.s interested in praying at the Atash Behram there as also introducing a cheap local conveyance facility. At Udvada too he was involved in one of his many social welfare projects — distributing foodgrain to the poor household.s in the vicinity . Not only the destitute in Udvada but the widow.s at Lalbaug, the hapless for whom he printed invi ­ tations free of cost, the young entrepreneurs as also the sportsmen of the community, the many trust.s and organizations which felt free to use his premises...will mis.s his presence. “More than 90 percent of the Zoroastrians of the world have been touched by Rohinton Chinoy, ” de- dared Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) trustee Rustom Tirandaz at the condolence meeting recall- ing his warmhearted per- sonality. “We at the WZO miss him very sadly, ” mentioned Engi ­ neergiving his reasons: His address was aval lable for WZO correspondence; tick ­ ets for their functions would be sold at Union Press; all managing committee meetings were held at the Press pre ­ mises when Chinoy played host. For the Navsari Parsi Association too. Union Press was their official address, stated president Burjor Antia who described Chinoy as a “great worker of our community...He was everywhere. ” He loaned his premises at Wadala for use by the Jani-e-Jamshed Weekly, said BPP trustee Dinshaw Tamboly. “He was in- lilB CT O would neglect food and rest. Alone, he used to work till late in the night, ” wrote Noshir Dadrawala who considered him an elder brother “alway.s by my side...in times of distress. ” Dadrawala also re ­ ferred to Chinoy ’s sense of humor and his zest for the good things in life, pre ­ ferring to count his blessings than his calorics! Every Behram roz he was invariably terested in the working of the Parsi at Udvada, dutifully paying his respects Punchayet and could one day have been to the Iranshah. “God has helped me at all times. He has given me more than what I wanted, ” he had told Parsiana in an interview (see “Chinoy ’s pressing role, ” February-March 1997). It was at Udvada that he wa.s keen to start a lodg ­ ing house to provide affordable accom ­ modation for 24 hours to poor Zoroastri ­ a trustee of the BPP,” noted BPP chair ­ man Jamshed Guzder. He was “deeply dedicated to the Li­ ons movement and (was) committed to furthering various ongoing service projects for the betterment of society, ” noted an obituary write-up in honor of Chinoy who had worked as secretary of CT 'C? 210 Parsiana Ju/y-August 1999I Chinoy who had worked as secretary of the Lions Club of Byculla for the year 1998-99. With the Freemasonic and Giants movement too Chinoy had main ­ tained ties. Being burdened with several respon ­ sibilities he was always in a tearing hurry to fulfil his duties and Chinoy had acknowledged the good managerial counsel of Tamboly who used to con ­ tinuously goad him to adopt a slower pace. “He never joined any organiza ­ tion without a purpose, ” revealed his elder daughter Meher. “He died as 1.^ had lived: speedily, suddenly and with ­ out any fuss. ” On the day of his unexpected death, mall Meher, roz Meher, the family were to move into their new house at Dadar ’s Mancherji Joshi Parsi Colony. As noted a communique from wife Dinaz, daugh ­ ters Meher and Kainaz, “While Rohin ­ ton ’s passing away so suddenly has left us all shocked and in grief, we his family members also recognize that the responsibility of continuing his work and fulfilling all his dreams now rests on us... ” After his initial study at the Antonio D’Silva High School, Chinoy had ma ­ triculated from the Dadar Parsee Youths Assembly High School. He then pro ­ ceeded to the Government Institute of Printing Technology for higher studies. Viewing himself as “a product of Nowroz Baug, ” he continued to main ­ tain his ties with the residents there who convened a condolence meeting on March 14 under the joint auspices of the Nowroz Baug Play Centre and the N. N. Wadia Welfare League. As was re ­ called at the meeting, he started his social activities by taking up various responsibilities as managing commit ­ tee member and joint honorary secre ­ tary of the N. N. Wadia Welfare League including conducting educational tours and sports tournaments. Sports activi ­ ties continued to be dear to him and there were many competitions and ath ­ letic meets within the community where Union Press had associated itself as a sponsor. To Chinoy, a conservative at heart, events that contributed to the commu ­ nity ’s well-being were worthy of en ­ couragement. As the good Samaritan had told Parsiana, “Anything good I can do for the community, I’m avail ­ able. ” Chinoy is survived by his mother Perinbanoo, wife Dinaz, and daughters Meher and Kainaz. p. m. g. 212 Parsiana July-August 1999 duced a calendar giving the Shahen- shahi, Kadmi and Fasli rozs. This ha,s also added to our costs. Readers will appreciate that to cover the costs of ______ publishing a professional community ment. The program has been implemented journal we have no option but to raise in many schools in south Bombay like The Alexandra Girls ’ English Institution and Panday Girls ’ High School. For further information contact Roshan M. Master on 2046526/ dized by advertising (60 percent of our 3082994. ROSHAN MASTER income, Rs 20.4 lakhs) and donations (three percent, Rs 1.02 lakhs). he More on Marker , When East Timor, a part of Indonesia, J. K. IX 1313 S 30000 was in the news over the issue ol granting it autonomy, I had witnessed on lelevi- READERS’ FORUM continued from page 26 ing Marathi medium. The lessons in the Quest program fit under the topic “Value- Based Education Policy ” of the govern- ROSHAN MASTER J. R. D. Tata was among the top few influential decision makers of the world, sion a CNN presenter in the Q&A - Asia He headed the powerful Tata organiza- series asking Mr Jamsheed Marker ques ­ tions on East Timor. Mr Marker looked like a soft-spoken man in his sixties. He was introduced as the United Nations ’ Secretary General ’s personal envoy. It is an honor that Mr Marker, a Parsi, should hold such a highly trusted post. Who is Marker? Where does he live? Will any of your readers throw light on the above questions and also give a life-sketch of him? BHIKHAJI M. ADENWALLA The Editor replies Jamsheed Marker has at various times been Pakistan ’s ambassador to the United States and the United Nations and has represented his country on the Security Council. He lives in the US. Whither, Parsianal To improve the readability of yourmaga- . zine please introduce interesting columns converted into a historical monument which our youngsters can enjoy. Please also incorporate columns which bring in contributions from read ­ ers. This we feel can boost the circula- CLARIFICATION tion. The increase in the subscription In response to our report “When Sam rate also makes us think twice before subscribing. r.m. davar The Editor replies While we may not have a column ex ­ clusively devoted to the youth, we are always keen to feature their accom ­ plishments in our columns. Despite our subscription base being limited, Parsiana has never stinted in giving coverage to community events be it a Federation meeting in Indore or a Youth Congress in the UK or a World Congress in Tehran. We have increased the number of editorial pages per issue both lor color and black and white. In 1998 we intro- our subscription and advertising rates. Only 37 percent (Rs 12.58 lakhs) of our income is derived from subscription. Hence the subscription rate is subsi ­ tion with a turnover running into sev ­ eral crores of rupees. Apart from this, he was a pioneer in Indian aviation and supported any worthwhile national cause based on family planning or sci ­ entific research and education. On a number of occasions, his group built prestigious flats and houses in India so that from the rent received they could support the fine arts. He preferred to stay in a rented house called Cairns in the posh Altamount Road locality for 50 long years. This 100-year-old two-storeyed bungalow was built on a 4,700 sq m plot. Its 15 rooms provided a panoramic view of south Bombay . Unfortunately it is about to be destroyed very soon because it is in shambles. Now that he is no more, our nation pays no heed to repairing his bungalow. This prestigious bungalow should be in memory of J. R. D. Tata. DINSHAW D. NATERWALLA came to Sanjan ” (Parsiana, January 1999) where it was mentioned that the call to sing Chhaiye Hame Zarthoshti was overruled, one of our readers Behram Rustomji sent us a letter (Readers ’ Forum, Parsiana, May 1999) stressing on the impor ­ tance of singing this song. Rati Wadia who was the master of cere-monies on the occasion has clarified that the call to sing Chhaiye HameZarathoshti was not overruled. The gathering hap ­ pily sung this all-time favorite, after which the function concluded with the national anthem. Edited by Parinaz M. Gandhi