Ml\y 2000As 35

The fine art of r st?ring patntlngs

May 2000

Volume 22 Number10

, EDITOR JehangirR. Patel

MANAGING EDITOR Arnavaz S. Mama EXECUTIVE EDITORParinaz M. Gandhi

SENIOR EDITORS

Dina K. Mehta,Hilla P. Guzder ASSOCIATE EDITORRoxana A. Driver SENIOR DESIGNERKranti M. Shilotri DESIGNER NiveditaA. Potdar MARKETINGDIRECTOR Veera J. Patel

2 Readers' Forum

12 Events and Personalities

18 Zoroastrians Abroad: Firdosh Mehta and Dara Panthakee

22 IndoreDharamshala opens its doors by Arnavaz Mama

24 Seventh World Zoroastrian Congressupdate

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27 Firedby faith by Shernaaz Engineer

30 Zoroastrian Kurds: Faith without fetters by Aban Sana

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38 FirozShapurji's Iron Butterflyby Dilnavaz Bhagwagar

40 KayanMarshall: The mastersin her hand by Parinaz Gandhi

46 Sports

50 Books

56 Milestones

59 In Memoriam:Jal Vakil and Mobed Rustam Shahzadi

Cover: Restoredportraits of a young girl (courtesy Hiramaneck and Sons) and a Parsi gentleman(courtesy The ClassicSource)

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READERS' FORUM

'

:> -""'-1141"-....,...

Of course the landlords' lobby con­ siders this five percent annual rent in­ crease too meager considering the long periods during which the tenants have doled out abysmally low rents, and they have therefore appealedin the Supreme Court. But until the Supreme Courtde­ cides the final quantumof annual rent increase, the BPP can at least go ahead with the five percentincrease as formu­ lated by the Maharashtra government.

DrP. D. SUNAVALA

"Insulting Iranis"

I realize the frustration FarokhFalahati

mustbe feeling when Iranis are referred to as "jungiec" by Parsis ("Insulting Iranis." Readers' Forum, Parsiana. March 2000).

Buthe should realizeit is only the frivolousParsi who doesnot know where his roots are, whetherin Vansda or in Iran, who will call his own father "junglee."

The rank and file of the Bombay populace have accepted Iranis as a hard

passed since I first wrote on the "Three Parsi myths" (Parsiana, January1999) there does not appear to be even a glim­ mer of light in the dark wells of our towers of silence.

The letters in your February issue by Dr M. D. Disawalla and R. S. Gae have clearly proved beyond doubt, the utter futility of the various methods proposed for increasing the vulture population. Even as early as 1972, the legal legend Shiavax Vakil had stated: "It is a myth to suppose that even during the months when birds are there 'in plenty,' the fleshof the bodies is substantially con­ sumed... and (they)remain so in that state for months rotting and stinking." On the other hand, I was surprised to read the opinionof some others which tantamounts to saying that 'if we haven't got the birds, then we must manufacture them.' It's like what the French Queen Marie Antoinette is supposed to have remarked, "If the people don't have bread, then let them eat cake."

Why don't we once and for all take a

working, practical and frank lot.

decision that the disposal of the dead in

Readers' views are welcomeon any subject of interest to the communityand should besent to the Editor,Readers' Forum, Parsiana, G.P.O. Box 892, Bombay 400001.Letters are subjectto editing for reasons of space and clarity. Unsignedletters or those without an address will not be published.

''Representation without..!' Aspi D. Moddie has unfortunately tied up the universal adult franchise (UAF) issue withthe deficit incurred by the Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP)on the upkeep of its housing colonies ("Repre­ sentation with responsibility," Parsiana, March 2000). The election of the BPP trustees is held once in seven years, whereas the housing rents haveto be paid regularly every month.

Butcertainly, the loss incurred by the BPP in maintaining its housing coloniesneeds consideration. If80percent of the tenants in the BPP coloniespay pittance rents of only Rs 17-30 per month and contributeonly 25-50 percentof repair costs thus causing the BPP to incur ex­ penses of Rs 1.4 croresin excess of the rents received, then what preventsthe BPP from implementing the recent Maharashtra Rent Control Act which permits an annual increase of five per­ cent in rent?

2 Parsiana May 2000

Whereas the Parsis left thousands of acres of land, ploughedby their fathers for centuriesin Gujarat, and opted for cosy bank jobs in Bombay, the Iranis, who have come for the last 100 years only, went back to the soil despiteno financesand covered the entire Dahanu taluka from Palghar to Umargaon with chikooorchards.

I run a bakery in Fort and I meet a

cross-section of Parsis. If evera bearer comes with some specific requirements when he comes to buy my bread, I am sure his boss must be a Parsi. They want cheap, fresh, hot,clean, wholesome, soft and a long list of otherrequirements before they buy a loaf of bread. There aretypes and types ofParsis. But there is one incident I will never forget. There was a shortage of bread all over Bombay. One poor Parsi lady came and I offered her somebread. Shereluctantly accepted and when she steppedout of my bakery and saw a poorer person begging, she

. gave half of her meagerquota of bread to the starvingperson.

Parsi, thy name is charity, is correct.

So look at the nobler characteristics of the Parsisand Iranis. z. M. ZEND

Sanctity of dokhmas

Although one-and-a-half-years have

doongerwadis, no matter how good and hygienic it might have been in the past. is just not possibleunder the circum­ stances prevailing today? Last month,at my instance, the trusteesof the Poona Parsee Panchayathad a meeting with some prominent citizensof the town to discussthis issue. Somepeople had taken photographswhich showed not more than four birds sitting there at any one time. Due to this, bodieshave been lying uneaten for months on end, and every now and then one of the towershas to be shut down for cleaningand burying the uneaten bodies in the adjacent ground.

Once we accept the above situation, we can then work out alternative plans

of disposal either by electric cremato­ rium or burial.Whether we like it or not, we will be forced to do so very soon.

Letus have the serenity to accept the fact that dokhmas are out-of-date; the courage to change to an alternative means of disposal; and our ancientZoroastrian wisdom to know the difference.

Brig N. B. GRANT

Poona

The Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) de­ serves hearty congratulations for taking intelligentand cohesive steps towards safeguarding our most scientifictradi-

Aerialview of a Bombay dokhma (circa 1973)

tiona! system of dokhmenashini by com­ missioning the Parry-Jones report on captive breedingof vultures.

When one looks at any worthwhile

endeavor from the periphery,it appears to be herculean.That shouldnot dis­ hearten the brave.It must also be re­ membered that the Parry-Jones report is the most important first step. We need to consult localexperts to evaluateits prac­ ticality and not hesitate in modifying its recommendations to suitourcircum­ stances, with the help of Parry-Jones, if need be. I am sure in other parts of the

world there are other ex­ perts on birds of prey who could also give us valu­ able inputsbefore BPP takes any decision.

Moreover, otherav­

enues are not closed to us. However unheardof it may seem,one can even think of importingvultures from the USA, Africa or South America, wherever they might beplentiful. In Ervad (Dr) Minocher D.

Karkhanavala's essay on the scienceof ciokhmenashini. it is men­ tioned that in the prairies of USA, the ranchers captured vultures live. The world is now a global village and if we look for resources, I'm sure they can be found. One may explore other thoughts like having a vulture farm, the same way as we have poultryfarms. New ideas always look absurd and people find in­ stant fault With them and refuse to be­ lieve them, just as they once refused to believe that the earth was round. There will always be prophetsof doom who try to frightenus by saying that the project will cost too much, we will no longerget khandhias and nassessalars,environ-

mentalists will file public interestlitiga­ tions,and such nonsense.

Let us understand that the BPP is a non-profit institution. If in one project there is a deficit, it is not like a "business Joss." There are no shareholders waiting to receivedividends from the BPP and no bankerswaiting in the wings to cut off credit.So, let commercialism stay out of community welfareand safe­ guarding of our religioustraditions. And let no one forgetthat whenever the Parsi community has wanted to do something honest and positive, by the grace of Ahura Mazda, money has never been a problem.

The khandhia-nassessalar system only exists in Bombay and perhaps Poona. If we don'tfind khandhia­ nassessalars any more, the kith and kin of the deceased will gladly do the job as is done everywhere else in India and abroad. Putting a loved one to eternal rest is an honor, not a shame. The com­ munity will cross that bridge when it comes to it.

As regardsenvironmentalists,we

welcome them to come and study in depth the systemand philosophy of dokhmenashini. It has been repeatedly acknowledged, not by Parsisalone but

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With best wishes

from

Farah

&

Tanya

6 Parsiana May 2000

by many westernscholars who have studied it as well, that this is the most scientificand environment-friendly sys­ tem of disposal of the dead that existson earth. It would be advisable for those who throw the word "environment" about, to first understanddokhmenashini in terms of science and hygiene before rattling empty vessels.

KHURSHED N. PASTAKIA

Stamford. Connecticut. USA

By now most of the community mem­ bers are aware and appreciate that thereis a seriousproblem in respect of dis­ posal of dead bodiesthrough the age-old conventional methodof dokhmenashini still in use in places Iike Bombay, Poona, Surat, Navsari, etc. The system,which served for centuries, now needs a re­ look as the birds are gettingextinct ev­ erywhere. Places which use the burial system apparently face little problem. The problem is realand cannot be wished away - in fact it will become more pronounced with the passage of time unless we find a practical and an accept­ able solution rather soon. Places which use the burial system apparently face little problem.

I am submitting my views on the sub­

jectfor the benefitof all thecommunity as well as the 'think tank' members of the BPP. I am open to suggestions/discus­ sions and modification of my views.

I have separated the problem in two parts: physical and religious. The physi­ cal part concerns the disposal of thedead body. Theknown methods are bio­ logical, thermalor chemical. Underbio­ logical, the dead body is eaten up by microorganisms when buried under­ ground or eaten up by the vultures andotheranimals on hilltops.If a person dies on a ship, the body is thrown in thesea. The creatures in the sea presumablyeat up the body.

Thermal destruction involves burn­ ing. One methodis by direct contact,

burning on open fire using wood, char­ coal, etc. The second method (electric

crematorium) uses electric furnace where no contact of the dead body with fire takes place. In this method,the walls of the furnace are heated(by the coils em­ bedded in them), to a high temperature of about 700 degrees centigradeand then the body, kept on a steel trolley, is taken in. Through near-white heat radi­ ating from the walls (likethat of the sun), the hydrocarbons of the body catch fire and a self-ignitingprocess takes off.

In about an hour's time only the bones and ashes are left. In my opinion, this is the most hygienic and quickest method. A personal visitto such an installation would be sufficient to convince anyone.

There may be some 'chemical' method also but I am not aware of its practical application.

Since our choice is limited, the BPP should consider installing an electric cre­

matorium for those who want to use it. In other towns, sincethe usage of the crema­ torium would not be high to justify the expenditure, it is suggestedthat they use the municipalelectric crematorium and/ or, (if the landisnot very expensive unlike in Bombay), create a burial ground as is

the practice in Madras, Nagpur,Delhi and other places in India.

Having organized such alternate sys­

tems, the punchayetsand the anjumans would have, to a large extent,fulfilled their obligations to the communitymem­ bers on this sensitive and burning issue. The members of the community may opt for whatever system they want. The experiments with breeding of birds can be continuedside by side, if so desired.

Onemust certainly give due impor­ tance to the religiouspart which in­ volves prayers and other death ceremo­ nies but not so much to the methodof disposal ofthedeadbody, beitadokhma route or a burial route. Views on rituals and ceremonies expressed by two schol­ ars should interestParsiana readers.

Thefirst extract is fromThe Reli­

gious Ceremonies and Customsof the Parsees by Dr Sir JivanjiJamshedji Modi. This book, which may be treated asour Bible on rituals and ceremonies, has a full chapter on the death ceremo­ nies. What is more interesting, however, are the author's own commentson page vi of the preface:

"The times are rapidly changing. The 'new' has been springingrapidly upon the 'old.' As often said, the heresy 6f today becomes the orthodoxy of tomor­ row: the liberalism of this year, the con­ servatism of the next. The readerwill find that many a ceremony, ritualand custom has been spoken of as having become obsolete or as being more hon­ oredin the breach than in the obser­ vance. Many more will be obsolete in the course of a few years.Customs are often as despoticas fashions, but they also change as fashions ..."

Thequestion the communitymem­ bers should ask themselves is, "Has not the time arrived for the change of fash-

ion in the disposalof the dead bodies?" The second extractis from History of Zoroastrianism by Dr ManeckjiNus­ servanji Dhalla (pp 510-511)as under: "With sublimeconfidence Zara­thushtra foretold to the evil spirit that his religion will foreverlive and his follow­ ers will do battle with the forces of evil up to the end of the world.His noble faith has weathered the heaviest of storms and survived them; andthereligion which stood these trials in the past will stand any trialin the future. Zoroastrian­ ism will live by its eternal veritiesof the belief in the personality of Ormazd. an abiding faithin the triad of goodthoughts. good words and good deeds. the inexo­ rable law of righteousness, the reward of retribution in the life hereafter, the progress of the world towardsperfec­ tion, and the ultimate triumph of the good over the evil throughthe coming of the kingdom of Ormazd withthe

cooperation of man. ·

"These are the truest and greatestreali­ ties of life. These are valid for all times. They constitutethe lasting element of Zoroastrianism. In the midst of accretions that have gatheredaround it duringthe long period of its life, these immortal truths have remained substantially un­ changed.and by them Zoroastrianism will live for all times. Dogmas and rituals are based upon the needs of the times and as such they are subject to the natural laws of growth and decay. They have their place in the spiritual development of man. They are the accompaniments of religion but not religionitself.

''Man mayfall away from dogmas

and rituals and yet he may remain reli­ gtous. Righteousness rests on the in­ dividual'spiety and not on a scrupulous observance of ceremonials or a practice of elaborate lustrations. Let the Parsi individually and his communitycollec­ tively abide steadfast in the path of righ­ teousness and they will be practicing true Zoroastrianism."

I trust the above guidingand inspir­ ing passages will be useful to our com­ munity members in resolving the issue in an objective manner without building up unnecessary frenzies and tensions in the name of religion.I am sure our enlightened priests and high priests will also play a very positive role in this matter. KERSEE K. KABRAJI

Poona

Depiction of a Dastur

When I was in Poona recentlyI came

8 Parstana May 2000

acrossan invitation sent out by some Poona residents in 1998 to commemo­ rate Dastur Hormazdiar Dastur' s com­ pletion of 50 years as high priest of the Poona Parsis. A photograph of the Pope has been superimposed with Hormazdiar Dastur' s face and the staff in the hand of the pontiff has been shown topped with a farohar. The invitation reads "An invi­ tation to dine with the Pope."

I fail to see the humor in such a depiction. Have some of us lost our sense of self-respect and decency so completely that we try to portray a das­ tur in such an un-Zoroastrianmanner?

K. R. SETHNA

Aldur, Karnataka

Clinton's entourage

It was good that both India and the US

set aside their rigid postures that en­ abled President Clinton's visit to India to materialize.

Over a year back, Parsiana had

brought out a special issue on the Parsi

entrepreneurs in North America.

Itis sad that in his large entourage of businessmen and media men. there wasn't a single Parsi. It is sad that nei­ ther from the traditional high-tech in­ dustries nor from the nascent ones was there a Parsi face included.Are our brains second-rate? I don't believeso. Or, are we publicity-shy? Maybe so.

Thesame holds good for the various business delegations which came from Britain; not a single Parsi in it, from British trade and industry.

It will interest IndianParsis to get a feedbackfrom the Britishand North American Parsison this issue.

B. T. DASTUR

Access to Asians

Iam an ardent reader of Parsiana and

try to procureor borrow as many issues of the magazine as possible as they are not available on sale in Pakistan.

I feel there is a strongneed to form an

organization which represents the Zoro­ astrian community in Asia. The com­ mittee of this organization should com­ prise of one representative from eachof the Asian countries. Through this orga­ nization the Zoroastrians in Asia can become a close-knit communitysolving problems faced by them. These could be resolved through the combined effort of the committee by having conferences or seminars once a year where all the prob­ lems faced by Zoroastrians in any par­ ticular country can be brought up. Zoro-

astrians in Asia should also get a chance to participate and offer their ideas to solve problems.

Events like sports can be arranged in any Asian countryto enable participants to meet and help each other. There are many like myself who are very keen to attend conferences like those held in the UK and USA but the cost of the trip is very expensive. We can in fact have similar conferences in Asia which can promote talent.

I have visited Bombay twice so far

and on both occasions I noticed that the Zoroastrians, even though living in one colony for years, do not know each other. Maybe they are aware of their existencebut never mix. Here in Karachi we are a close-knit commu­ nity having eventslike tambala eve­ nings. fashion shows, picnicsat nomi­ nal fees which people of our commu­ nitycan afford. These events are or­ ganized by committees like Karachi Zarthosti Banu Mandaiwhose presi­ dent is Hutoxi Cowasjeewho is al­ waysarranging functions to help some cause or another. Then there are other committees like the Zoroastrian Youth Association and the Pakistan Pars1 Collegiate Association.

Ihope that someonewill take the initiative to startan Asian Zoroastrian

Organization in the near future.

RASHNA HOM! KHAMBATA

Karachi. Pakistan

Parsees or Spars-eesWhen about Parsees' declineI read And about their dwindlingseed­ Smugly I say "Good ole Jeroo and

Pesi­

We contributed to the clan-unlike

other Parsees!"

When I look at a singleBharucha.

Daruvala or Anklesaria

Ishudder and lapse into hysteria ...

Oh Ahura Mazda, why don't they

marry?

If they did, we wouldn't be Spars-ee.

The Hindus reproduceby leaps and

abound. Their women'stummies are always

round. Muslims, Christians and Buddhists too Are far too many -only we remain

few! Who is the culprit? Who is to blame? The Parsees who don't marry! Shame!

Instead of multiplying and increasing

the number

They remain single and singly

slumber! They garner degrees one by one

Instead of begettinga daughter or son They choose success and run rat races While the Parsec race, extinction

faces. Even now it is not too late

If Parsecs date, marry and procreate!

JEROO P. DINSHAW

Poona

Most of the museum

May I requestyouto regularly keep

alive a discussion on the Parsi museum in Bombay which according to the cura­ torNiveditaMehta. who was interviewed by Doordarshan II, has been totally un­ serviceable due to lack of funds and interest

It's your duty to save the Parsis from

their extirpa­ tion as the magazine is the mirrorof your com­ munity whose iden-

tity youAn artefactat Bombay's

should keep Alpaiwalla Museum alive. YouPhoto: Rashid Bamanbehram should also

publisha discussion to gain acceptance of Farsi as the mother tongueof the Parsis. GOPABANDHU LEMPA

Readerredressal

Many newspapers in USA carry a public

mediator column.The mediator tries to settie minor complaints and grievances of the readers against a third party by using his column and position on the newspa­ per. Most of the complainants are those who do not wantto go to court, and prefer to suffer a monetary loss rather than spend time and money on litigation.

Here are some examples of the type of disputessettled:

•The purchase of a car which proved to

have a defectivewindshield wiper. The car dealer claimed the damage was done after the purchase. The mediator per­ suaded the dealer to replace the wiper free of charge, citing the advantagethe dealer would gain by this goodwill ges­ ture being mentioned in the columns of the newspaper. The dealer would have to weigh this advantage over the nega­ tive publicity he would face if the news column reportedthat the dealer had re­ fused to make the correction.

•Similar inducements have helped solve

other disputes suchas,whereabook

10 Parsiana May 2000

ordered from a catalogwas delivered with several pages missing and no refund was forthcoming, even though it was returnedpostage paid to the bookseller.

Another kind of service performed by the mediator was locating a person. A woman wrotethat her eldersister had been given up tor adoption 25 years ago because the family was too poor at the time. She had found out the name of the adopting family but did not know where to look for them. The mediator wrote aboutthis case in his column giving family details, asking anyone with pos­ sibleinformation to respondto him. This resultedin uniting the two sisters.

The solving of these cases gives good publicity to the newspaperand Parsiana should consider appointing a mediator and includingthis column in the maga- zine. JAMSHED R. UDW AD IA

Michigan, USA

The Editor replies

Much as we would like to offeraddi­ tional services. it's not possiblewith our limited resources. Whenever readers write to us with a specificcomplaint. we forward the letterto the concerned party if we thinkfit. But this is only in regard to communityissues. Readers however are welcometo write to us if they feel we may be of assistance to them.

Pilgrimage to Bahrot

The Tapovan ViharCulturalTrustat

Bordi in association with the World Zarathushti Cultural Foundation has em­ barked upon a project to rejuvenate the ancient caves atop BahrotHill. It was here that our holy Iranshah fire was preserved for 12 long years during the turmoil period at Sanjan between1345- 1357 AD.

Standing on the periphery of the dam

reservoir at Aswali village near Bordi, you can view a hillock. That is Bahrot. Behind it is cultureand history dating back to 1299 AD.

As per legend,in 1297 Gujarat was ruled by a Hindu king, Karan Vaghela, one of the descendants of King Jadav Rana. In that year the king of Delhi, Allaudin Khilji, sent his army under the command of Altaf Khan to conquer Gujarat.

King Karan in his hour of need asked for help from the Parsis. A brave Parsi commander named Ardeshir Babekan responded to the call. He createdhis own battalion of 1,400 soldiersand foughta brave battle,defeating the forces

of AltafKhan. Unfortunately, the battle did not end there. Altaf Khan mustered a much larger army of 5,000 soldiers and made arenewed attack on Babekan. The sheer strength of numbersindicated that Babekan would not be able to win!

Babekan then went straightto the fire­

temple and invoked AhuraMazda' s guid­ ance andblessings. Legend goes that whilst praying, he fell into a trance and an angel told him that in the event of danger,the holy Iranshah fire. then in Sanjan.must be shifted to the nearby caves inthe Bahrot hills. The angel also showed Babekanthe way to the Bahrotcaves.

Babekan at once reportedthe inci­

dent to Dastur Dinyar and to his brave son Shapur.He instructed Shapur that in the event of his defeat, all Zoroastrians at Sanjan, along with the holy fire, be shifted to Bahrot.

As destinywould have it, Babekan

was defeated and killed. Shapur faith­ fully carriedout his late father's wishes and the holy fire. with a large group or Zoroastnans. was shifted to Bahrot. The holy firewas then properlyensconced in one of the threecaves and verycarefully guarded. Attempts were made by the invaders to pursue thegroup into Bahrot but they were ably foiled by the valiant soldiers guardingthe holy fire.

For 12 long years, the holy fire was kept in the caves, piously looked after and guardedby the devout band of Zo­ roastrians. A regular colony of Zoroas­ trians resided in tents and makeshift arrangements around the cavesduring this period. When peace again settled in Gujarat, the holy fire was first shifted from Bahrot to Vansda near Val sad and later in 1419 it was installedat Navsari.

It remainedat Navsari for almost 300

years and for a short period was moved to Surat. Again it was broughtback to Navsari. Finallyin 1742 AD it was in­ stalled at Udvada.

In order that we can plead with the government to declare the site a heritage precinct and pilgrimage centerfor Zoro­ astrians, it is veryessential for members of our community -young and old - to frequentthe caves as often as they can. This alone willstrengthen our case.

We are making all infrastructure ar­

rangements at Bordi to assist fellow Zoroastrians who wish to visit the caves. We also urge all Zoroastrians living abroad to make it a point to visit the caves dunng their visit to India.They couldeasily combine it with their pil-.

continued on page 51

Events and Personalities

Minorities' men

During his three-year tenure as member

of the NationalCommission for Minori­ties, Lt Gen (Retd) Adi Meherji Sethna. president of the DelhiParsi Anjuman and vice presidentof the Federation of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumansof India (FPZAI),plans to travelextensively throughout India interacting with Mus­ lims, Christians. Sikhs, Buddhists and Zoroastrians who have been nationally declaredas minorities. He succeeds the late MarazbanPatrawala whose sudden demise on October 20. 1999 had created a vacancy on the Commission.

After serving the Army for 40 years. Sethna retired as vice chief of the Army

Staff in 1983 during which time he had been decorated with the Ati Vishist Seva Medal, the Param VishistSeva Medal

and the Padma Bhushan. He was also conferred the Dadabhai Naoroji Award for National Integration, according to his curriculum vitae,

Seven members on the Commission are nominated by the centralgovernment from amongst persons of eminence,abil­ ity and integrityfrom the minoritycom­ munities(by convention, one member is also nominated from the majoritycom­ munity), noted a report on the constitution and powers of the Commission by Dr Saiesha K. Mistry, convener,Colaba, South Mumbai Development Councilin the Jam-e-Jamshed of April 16, 2000. The Commission is expected to review the progressof the minorities under the prevailing laws and to recommend safe­guardsto protect their rights. It is obliga­ tory for the government to table the rec­ ommendations of the Commission before each House of Parliament or the state legislature and issue a memorandum onthe action taken or proposedto be taken. When executing its functions, the Com­ mission has all the powers of a civil court,

12 Parsiana May 2000

explains Mistry. in her article.

As chairman of the Muse and the Minorities, Sethna is involvedwith this non-governmental organization con­ cerned with bringingthe minorities into the mainstreamof India's civilsociety. He is also on the core committee of the UNESCO assisted projectfor preserv­ ing the Parsi Zoroastrian culture and heritage and is a familiarfigure at inter­ faith meets organized by the Temple of Understanding. the World Conference on Religious Freedom and the Vivek­ anand Centenary Conference, mentions

Sethna (left) and Rabadi

his bio data. Scthna is further involvedin creating an awareness aboutthe armed forces in India. is chairman of the India Australia Council, a public charitable trust set up by the ministry of external affairs, and is on the governing council of the Indian Spinal Injury Centre.

Those in need of assistance can con­ tact Sethna at the NationalCommission for Minorities, LokNayak Bhavan, Khan Market, New Delhi 110003,Tel: (0) 4621177, (R) 5016734/5017148, Fax:

4693302.

While Sethna is based in Delhi, Adi Bapuji Rabadi, residingin Calcutta, has after a three-year term as member of the West Bengal Minorities' Commission been elevated as vice chairperson, as per a communique datedJanuary 14, 2000 issued by the special secretaryto the GovernmentofWestBengal. This nomi­ nation by the governor "has changed the

dimensions of his responsibility very substantially in the activitiesof the Mi­ norities' Commission,"writesDinsha

B. Surti. president of The Parsi Zoroas­ trian Association (PZA) in Calcutta.

·'This promotiongranted to him augurs well for the minuscule Parsi community of Calcutta and reveals the extent of confidencethestategovernmenthas

developed for our role in espousingthe

cause of welfare of minorities," he adds.

Representing the "well-knit" Zoro­ astrian community in Calcutta, number­ ing around 900, in a telephonicinter­ view with Parsiana, Rabadi refersto the issues where the Commission's inter­ vention has been sought.Presently, Zo­ roastrians getting marriedin Calcutta are not governed by the Parsi Marriage and Divorce Act as there is no registrar of marriages to notify such unions. Thi problem will soon however be redressed as the government is expected to ap­ point a registrar soon. As per the West Bengal Minorities' CommissionAct, "the government is ordinarily bound to accept the recommendation of the mi­ norities ..." quotesRabadi.

Another issue which is vexing the Zoroastrians in Calcutta is the Banaji Agiary where thelone trustee in charg_e has been unable to protect the sacred fire. The fire-temple has ceased to func­ tion as a religious precinct for many years and the premiseshave now been encroached upon by unsocialelements, reports Rabadi who is preparing a white paper to enablethe authorities to take necessaryaction.

Earlier, Rabadi'sresponsibilities

wereconfined to attendingthe Commis­ sion's meetingsonce a month although he invariably attended office at least twice a week on the requestof the chair­ man, stated Rabadi in a letter to the secretary of the FPZAI.His new ap-

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pointment requires him to attend office two-three hours daily, attend various functionsof the minority communities and undertake tours of variousdistricts which have a concentration of minori­ ties. "We have a grievances cell and I have to regularly participate in the hear­ ings and prepare recommendations for forwarding to the stategovernment, whenever necessary ..."

From Darjeeling there was a com­ plaint of a Buddhistmonastery being destroyed.The churches in that districthave also written to the Commission statingthere is unwarranted interroga­ tion from the Intelligence Bureau de­ mandinginformation on the number of new convertseach month.

These are but some of the many is­ sues the Commission is expected tore­ solve. RecentlyRabadi and his col­ leagues were required to spend a couple of days in the Burdwan districtwhere the Muslims felt discriminated against, saying their Urdu collegeswere not be­ ing recognized by the government and also that they were unableto avail of employment opportunities in the state.

In a lightervein Rabadi jests, "Re­ gardingthe additional privileges or perks entailed to my assignment, all I have at present is a flashing red light on the top of my car which enables me to disregardcertain traffic rules...! Other than this I only get a fee ofRs 150 for attending the Commission's meet­

ingsonce a month and this helps to cover the cost of my homemade tea which I carry daily in a flask!"

Following his ap­ pointment as vice chairman,Rabadi has been named a member on the advisorycom­ mittee of the Univer­

Charity Funds and erstwhile president of the Calcutta ParseeClub, Rabadi con­ tinues to serve as trustee of the Mehta Atash Adaran,the only fire-temple in the eastern region oflndia, mentionshis bio data. Having been reelected as presi­ dent of the PZA for the term starting 2000 (he had earlier held this post for the 1993-96 term),Rabadi says he is not in favor of office bearers holding on to their post ad infinitum.He has been appointed president for life of the Office Sports Federation, West Bengal,and has at different times served in different capacitieson the Cricket Association of Bengal, Bengal Hockey Association and West BengalRifle Association. The Vijay Ratna Award, the Glory of India International Award and goldmedal, the Shiromani Award, the Rajiv Gandhi Excellence Award and the Indira Gandhi Priyadarshni Award are but some of the many accolades Rabadihas received.

Doyen of documentaries

"I was a madcap son of my father and am

a madman even now. How do you think I could have survivedotherwise for all

these years making documentaries?" vet­ eran filmmakerHomi D. Sethna jocu­ larly enquiredof his audience on being

conferred the V. ShantaramLifetime

Achievement Award by the chief minis­

terof Maharashtra VilasraoDeshmukh at a glittering ceremony at the sixth

Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF 2000) for Documen­ tary, Short and Anima­ tion Films in early Feb­ ruary, accordingto a report in the Afternoon Despatch and Courier of February4, 2000.

He must have made

nearly 50 films,the ex­ act count Sethna him­

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14 Parsiana May 2000

uled tribes and backwardclasses and

minorities.

Since his retirement as vice chairmanand joint managing director of M. N. Dasturand Company Limitedin 1995, Rabadi, a charteredaccountant by train­ ing, has been servingas financial and management consultant to variousre­ puted groups of industries. Former trustee for 14years of the CalcuttaZoro­ astrian Community's Religious and

ment, a famine in Bihar to the nuclear

winter. Most of his efforts though fo­ cussed on the arts and crafts oflndia with which his late wife Nelly was substan­ tially involved, it was recounted in an article in IDPA Update (the magazine of the Indian Documentary Producers' As­ sociation) February-March 2000. His two films, one depicting kalamkariexhibits and the other artistic metal ware, which were 'silent' films were considered re-

markable coming from a man who con­ fesses "talking is my worst strongpoint." His last film made five years ago was a documentary on Dr Vikram Sarabhai, mentions Sethna.

Inthe presence of information and broadcasting ministerArun Jaitley and other dignitaries, Sethna "blasted the bureaucrats at the Films Division, lashed out at Doordarshan for not providing enough funds to produce documentary films and 'not realizing their responsi­ bility to the people,"' accordingto the Afternoon report. "When millions are spent on defence, can't a fractionbe spent on public servicefilms?" Sethna was quotedin the Mid-Day of February 4.

Alaw graduate, Sethna had joined the prestigious legal firm of Mulla and Mulla where his father was a senior partner. On the rationale that "I can't defend people with vested interests," Sethna opted out from law afterjust nine months and joined theater which had been a passion since his school days, notes the/DPA article. His first job was as stage manager, prompter and odd job man after which he joined theleftist Indian People's Theatre Association group and later the Army Films where he was initiated into the art of making films. More intensive trainingcame dur­ ing his years with Britain's Ealing and Pinewood Studios, Denham Laborato­ries, Kodak and Crown Films Unit.

The 79-year-old filmmakerhas also

made two documentaries depicting Zo­ roastrian history and philosophy. His Gathas of Zarathustra, says Sethna, taught him to respect the philosophy of "happiness unto him who gives happi­ ness unto others."

Weaving wonders

''In a bid to keep this rapidly dying art of

handloom weavingalive, I have per­

sistedwith it even after the sad demiseof my mentor Nelly Sethna.I have also tried to adapt this exquisiteart form to current trends withoutcompromising on its authenticity ..." declaresRoshan Mullan in the invite to her exhibition of wall hangingson view at Bombay's Cymroza Art Galleryfrom February 23 to March 4, 2000.

The 24 exhibitsin varying sizes and diverse hues bear the stamp of Mullan'sdedication to this art. From conception to designing to visualization to execu­ tion, this is solely Mullan's effort. Only thedyeingisdoneoutside,explains

16 Parsiana May 2000

Mullan who says she laborsover each work for one or two months dependingon the size of the hanging, using cotton, wool and rayon which comes from Panipat,Haryana. Depending on the ef­ fort, the prices fluctuatebetween Rs 20,000-30,000, she mentions.

"The technique of handloom weav­ ing is one which is not fraught with the dangers of environmental pollutionand keeps our MotherEarth a healthy and clean placeto live in and at the same time pleasesour senses by providing us with meticulously woven themes in vari­ ous vibrant shades," the artist was quoted intheinvite."Youcouldnarratean

Mullan: "meti­ culously woven themes"

entire story througha wall hanging us­ ing mythological characters," she ex­ plained to the Mid-Day, February 25- March 2, 2000.

Before joining hands with Sethna nearly 31 years ago, Mullan was work­ ing as a textiledesigner with Bombay Dyeing soon after she completed her graduation from the J. J. School of Art. Her earlier solo show was at the Jehangir Art Gallery in 1997. Happilypreoccu­ pied with her art, for Mullan,"weaving is therapeutic."

Elements of education

"In thissmallcommunityofoursin

Baroda, we have done a lot to promote the causeof education," notes the De-

cember issue of Zend, the house maga­ zine ofShree ParsiPanchayat Vadodara. Opinions of three Barodaeducationists find space in their guestcolumn: Arnawaz Havewala, principal,Baroda High School;Neville Wadia, principal, New Sunrise School;and Roda D.Hakim, principal, Blossom Pre-School.

Education today has more width and less depth, commented Havewala who has been in the education profession for the last 35 years,20 of these as the head of different educational institutions. She had started the Baroda High School with just 13 children in 1974. Today there are 800 studentsin the Alkapuri branch withnearly 40 teachers in the coeducational English medium institution managed by the Baroda LionsClub Education Trust.She was sorry that students in large classesfail to receive individual attentionfrom teach­ ers and are burdenedwith books, home­ work and tuitions.

Havewala was not in favor of free

education though she was not averse to granting scholarships to economically backward children. More vocational educationfacilities should be provided, she believed.

"We are burdeningthe children...

pressurizing them and psychologically we are hamperingtheir mental growth," commented Wadia who heads a Gujarati­ medium coeducation school started in 1976 with 15 students and gradually up­ graded to standardVII. Concentration needs relaxation and therefore recreation is essential for every child,pointed out Wadia who would like the government to make educationtotally free.

Hakim's main aim is to gear the 120

tiny tots in the one-and-a-half-year to three-year age-group to step into pre­ primary school with joy and without any hang-ups. The School startedby her in 1986 has been named Blossom be­ cause she identifies kids with bloomingflowers.

MA topper

A gold medal and five other prizes were

won by Havovi Homi Wadia for ranking first at the Pune University's MA ex­ aminationin English in1999. She was conferred the honors at the 93rd convo­ cation of the University on December 23, 1999, accordingto a press release. Presentlyshe is pursuing her MPhil.

Born in Hyderabad, Wadi a's primary education was at Secunderabad and de­ spite the frequent change of schools

continued on page54

ZOROASTRIANS ABROAD

"Is it a racial issue?" Defining a Zoroastrian is a complexproblem, notes FEZANA vice presidentFirdosh Mehta of Alberta

Arnavaz S. Mama

"Here at leastyou have hun, bawa ne Mangaldas 0. my father and another). There, there is no Mangaldas!" laughs Firdosh Mehta,vice president of the Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America (FEZANA) and the Edmonton based former president of the Zoroastrian Association of Alberta. He was explaining why the Albertaconsti­ tution permits

membership w

anyone who choo­ sesto join. "All people, ofall in­ klings, are wel­ come," he adds.

Anjuman for­ mation pursues a different logicin Canada from the US model.being

who is a Zarathushti more complex. "Is it a racial issue?" he asks, adding,"I find it very difficult to think that Zarathushtra was racist (though there are) reasonsfor maintaining norms, lifestyles, ethnicity ..."Havingbeena "Sethnachar­ ity recipientand availed of community infrastructure" there is a conflict in Mehta's mind born of the confrontation

with the very dif­ ferent thoughtpro­ cessesof the Judea-Christian system.

A prime orga­ nizer, locally,for the Second Avesta Conference held in Alberta in Septem­ ber 1999, Mehta says, "Wewant to

A product of Bombay's BhardaNew High School and K. C. College, Mehta graduated as a mechanical engineer from Sangli beforeacquiring his master's degree in England, followingit up withtwo years at the WorcesterPolytechnic in Massachusetts. He had applied for immigration to the US as well as Canada but "the Canadianpapers came first." Since the past 14 years Mehta has been with the chemical processing equipment department of RNG Controls. Rashna was office managerfor the government of Alberta's housing and public works department for 15 years though she doesn't work any more. Their only child Sherazade Is based in Boston. teaching at the Boston Montessori Education School owned by Pheroza Madon. for­ merly of Bangalore.

"FEZANA's objectiveis work ori­

generally prov- Mehta with wife Rashna

ince-wide with dif-

move the faith be­ yond good

ented," notes Mehta who chairs its plan­ ning and coordination committeeand is

ferent chaptersinthevariouscities.

Thus Alberta has two chapters - Calgary andEdmonton andthe presidentship flip-flops between them annually. Mehta'swife Rashna being the current incumbent. Though anyone ''can standfor any position." the Alberta Association's objectiveis to promote knowledge of Zoroastrianism and sup­ port therituals, especially navjotes. Most non-Zoroastrian members are spouses and university students and professors avail of their libraryof 500 books, notes Mehta.

"A lot of us are out of the logic that you haveto be born a ParsiZoroastrian, but we havevery little say in suchdeci­ sionswhich are takenat the mobed coun­ cils." says Mehta. Even the two mobed councils- TheNorth American Mobed Council with its memberscomprising Parsis fromIndia and Pakistan and their children, and the Councilof Iranian Mobeds drawing its inspiration from Iran -differ in opinion,notes Mehta, which makes the problemof defining

18 Parsiana May 2000

thoughts, good words, good deeds."

Alberta had hosted85 delegates, taking care of all the local logistics. Mainly organized by Dr Pallan IchaporiaofZERS (Zoroastrian Education and Re­ search Society)with the supportof Khorshed Jungalwalla of Boston the conference had speakers from Russia, Japan and Italy. India was represented by Ervad Parvez Bajan and the late Marazban Patrawalla who was the key­ note speaker.It was shortly thereafter that Patrawalla, Mehta's first cousin, passed away.

Zoroastrians in Albertacurrently number150including childrenand non­ members. The Association has 89 adult voting members(33 of whom belong to the Edmonton chapter), and lackingcom­ munity infrastructure, operatesfrom two or three homes, informthe Mehtas. It holds burial plots which are given free of charge when required,they note. Ervad Hosi Karanjia, a heavy duty me­ chanic who works as a supervisor, is their only qualifiedmobed.

a member of its Researchand Preserva­

tion Committee, among others.

Author of the time capsuleproject to commemorate the Seventh World Zoro­ astrian Congressto be held in Houston this December. Mehta has appealed to world Zarathushtis to provide material of perennial interest to the community like coins, medallions, first day covers, stamps, the history of prime Zarathushti institutions, etc (see "TheHouston bee­ hive," Zoroastrians Abroad, Parsiana, March 2000). In a cryptic referencetothe controversies surrounding who may (or may not) be invitedto speak at the Congress, Mehta noted, ''Wherethere's the right to speak, there'sthe right to listen!"

The Mehtasbelieve that "oneway

(for the community) to survive is to do a superfine job"at whatever you are en­ gaged in. "Pick up the good stuff from others. Make them comfortable withinterfaith... By the time our grandchil­ dren come the world will be so differ­ ent..."

ZOROASTRIANS ABROAD

Homes to build

dreams on Arnavaz S. Mama

tertops, marble floors and marble walls. Ahura Homes also feature the exquisite staircases and spacious kitchensfound in multi-million dollar luxury custom built homes," states Francis.

Panthakee's visionof the finished

home is what motivateshim. Curb ap­

A merchant bankerwho fell in love with thebuilding industry while inspecting properties and arranging fundingfor builders,ZoroastrianSociety of Ontario (ZSO) vicepresident Dara Panthakee started his own Ahura Homes in 1992,notes Builder/Architect magazine in its August 1999 issue, containing a special featureon the company subtitled "Build­ ing Quality Homes in FineCommuni­ ties." Ahura Homes is in the business of constructingsinglefamilycustombuilt luxury homes in the Torontoarea. Dedi­ cated to consumerserviceandsatisfac­ tion, thearticle by Elizabeth Francis notes that Panthakee lives close to most of his jobsites, visitingthem eight to I0

times a day. His ready availability to his clients persistslong after they move into their home. "Infact, he visits and inspects his homes a year after his cli­ ents have moved in, as part of his com­ mitment to customer satisfaction," writes Francis.

Panthakee's custom built homes are

designed to make optimumuse of space and natural light.Hence "oversized sky­ lights (feature) in most of his foyers, kitchens and bathrooms ... Lavish bath­ rooms are adorned with granite coun-

Panthakee outside one of his luxury homes (top) and an exquisite interior (alongside) Photos: Daniel Dutka Photography

peal with the use ofbrick,stone, stucco

or a combination creates exteriors which appealto neighbors as well as home­ owners and are an attraction for future clients.

With each project a team effort from

design to completion, Panthakee is said to be very particular about the people with whom he subcontracts. So he takes the time to find people he is comfort­ able workingwith. He also believes that in a custom built home each room should be unique. This involves not only a play of color and finishes but constructional detailslike cornices, moldings, etched glass, etc.

"In my businessI am ably assisted by my wife Katy (who adviseson inte­ rior details like tile selection, color coordination and the like) and my chil­ dren Zenobia,Farah and Cyrus.With­ out their assistance and support over the years, I would be unable to be success­ ful, especially when I had absolutely no prior experience in the field," acknowl­ edges Panthakeein a letter to Parsiana.

Initially a resident of Dhanbad, Bihar

where his fatherErvad Noshir Panthakee worked for the Tata Iron and Steel Com­ pany, Panthakeeschooled in Bangalore's Bishop Cotton Boys' School and gradu­ ated in commerce from Baroda's MS University where Katy was a fellow stu­ dent,followed by two years of Business Management at the Xavier Labour Rela

20Parsiana May 2000

At son's nmjote(l tor): Dara, Katy, Farah, Cyrus, Zenobiaand Pervez

LionsInstitute. For eight years until he migrated in 1980, Panthakee worked with ICICI in Bombay. His banking experi­ ence in Canada includedwork with the Federal BusinessDevelopmentBank, Bank of Montreal and the Royal Bank of Canada in various senior positions. He has alsoworked on contract as consultant for Ernst and Young and General Elec­ tric, informshis bio data. Before Katy joined him in the business she worked in the traveldivision of AmericanExpress.

"It was an uphill task to learn and manage a busi­ ness as I had no priorknowl­ edge and experiencein the construction of homes ... I studied the various aspects of the businessfrom books at the library and finally took the bold step forward. It has been challenging at times,hut with the guid­ ance of ourgood Lord Ahura Mazda and my wife and childrenwe persevered and becamesuccessful," writes Panthakee.

Zenobia, their only Bombay born child, works for the Royal Bank of Canada. Marriedto Pervez Mistry, also from Toronto,their first child,a son, Kerfegar, was born on May 7, 2000. The bilingualFarah, fluent in English and French,will be soon into her final year at school. She volunteers as a teacher's assistantat the Zoroastrian religious classesrun by the ZSO. Nine­ year-old Cyrus is in grade three, attends Gujarati school on Saturdays and will hopefully learn his A vestan prayers for his navar ceremony this Decemberfrom a Gujarati text, writes Panthakeewhose

grandfather Ervad Darabshaw Pan­ thakee,had been the priest at the Jalna Agiary in the early1900s.

A subsidiary in Houston called Cyrus Management and Construction Inc. is currently on hold as too much is happen­ ing in Canada, writes Panthakee. But he has a conviction he wants to share with the youth of the community: "If one has a dream,pursue it and soon withHis blessings it will become a reality."

Iran's Zarathushti MP Elections for the sixth Majlis of Iran (parliament) on February18, 2000 saw 12Zarathushtis competing for the job of representing the community. Dr Khosro Debestani, a dental surgeon, won the vote for the next four-year term replac­ ing engineerParviz Ravani, informsa faxmessage to Parsiana from Mehraban Kushesh of Tehran.The tenure of the current Majliswill end in June 2000.

Three medical men and an engineer were amongthe four leadingthe field. These includedDr Rustam Goharizedha, currently president of the TehranAn­ juman. Dr Mehraban Mehr and engineer Aflatoon Ziyafatwhohadbeen elec­ ted to the Majlis earlier. Both Mehr and

continued on page 60

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INSTITUTIONS

Indore opens its doors

A comfortable new dharamshala welcomesZarathushti travellers in Indore

Arnavaz S. Mama

'This dharamshala is dedicated to the youth for all time to come," declared Indore ParsiZoroastrian Anjuman presi­ dent and retired civil servant Bomi Heerjee as knee-high toddlerVaspan Darabsha Kapadia, sonof

Indore's residentmobed,was led throughthe paces of unveil­ ing the plaque commemorating the new nine-bed dharamshala that has replaced a dccrepi t char­ ity block in the Anjumancom- ., plex at Chaw ani. After an open- air jashan Heerjec welcomed Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) chairman JamshedGuzder, the chief guest that balmy evening ofNovember 19, 1999,andBPP trustee DinshawTamboly, the evening's designatedpresident,

who is also the managingtrustee of the World Zoroastrian Organisation (WZO) Trust Funds.

The dharamshala project had top pri­ ority on Heerjee's agenda following the success of the Federation meet hosted by the small Anjuman with eclat in Janu­ ary 1998.As the industrial and financial capital of Madhya Pradesh,Indore at­ tracts businessexecutives, salesmen and other Zoroastrian travellers who were hard put to find convenient accommo­ dation in this city of two million people, noted Hccrjce.Lodging in the new four­ room dharamshala, furnished with con­ temporary furniture and fittings includ­ ing attachedbath and western toilet, geyser and shower, is available at a modest cost of Rs 40 per head per day. Meals, available on order at Rs 64 per lunch/dinner, breakfastat Rs 25, will be supplied by the dharamshala manager Thrity Dossabhoy, enabling the mother of Indore's celebrated tripletsto aug­ ment their family income.

Despite skeptics and critics, Heerjee said the Anjuman put its best foot for­ ward, earningthe financial supportof

22Parsiana May 2000

business houses, trusts. organizations and individual donors, "even persons we didn't know!" Not only was it a "labor of love" for the Anjuman's man­ agingcommittee - whichalso com-

Heerjee. Guzder, Tamboly and Unwalla, after the inauguraljashan

prises vice president Dara Unwalla, sec­ retary Gev Thanevala, joint secretary Jasmine Bharucha, treasurer Khushru Jalnawalla and members at large Minoo Engineer, ColCyrus Master (retd).Gulu Satarawalla, PhirozMadan andJehangir Daruwalla- but also for Alkar Khem­ kar and Associates, the husband and wife team of architect-engineers who completed the"entirejob withoutcharg­ ing us anything!" Unfortunately they were unable to attend the function.be­ ing away on assignment. A measure of the respectenjoyed by the community in Indore was also evidentwhen Shirin Heerjee latertold Parsiana how suppli­ ers of linen, crockery,etc voluntarily charged substantially below their nor­ mal retailprice when they learnt that the items were required to furnish a dharam­ shala.

Grateful for the help provided by the Indian Zoroastrian community, Heerjee was particular to note, "Ican't find words to acknowledge the help Dinshaw Tam-

boly has given the Indore Anjuman. Whenever I don't sec light at the end of the tunnel I turn to him and he always in his cheerfulway, says 'Go ahead and do it.'" As a mark ofappreciation the Indore Anjuman offered honorary life

•membership to Guzdcr, Tam­ holy and their wives which was as graciously accepted.

-Appreciative of what Heer­

jec'steam had achievedin this short span Guzdersaidhe prayed for divine protection for the structure and "tranquil­ ity to those who visit it.'' Re­ calling his mother's injunction that God gives to thosewho help others,Guzdcr hoped "my children and grandchildren go the same way as Bomi Hccrjcc

and his colleagues who have the hand of God on them."

Despite the "infinite needs and finite funds" Tambolynoted that there are ''some philanthropists who always rise to the occasion." Disclaiming his own part ("Iwrote only a couple of letters") Tamboly ascribedthe result to "the WZO's good offices to raise fundsfor worthwhile causes" and urged that the community "remain not only united but in harmonywith each other."

Concluding the short session gf speeches, Unwalla ascribed the success of the project to Hccrjcc: "Thedharam­ shalawas Bomi Heerjee'sbrain child. (It was) due to his effortsthat we have been able to collect enoughfunds. Any team is as good as its captain and we couldn't have found a better captain!"

Guzderand Tamboly were presented

mementoes by Bharuchaand Satarawalla respectively after which the assembled gathering surveyed the amenities of the dharamshala, made their obeisanceat the dar-e-meher, renewed acquaintan­ ces of '98 and enjoyed the dinner laid out for them.

Clockwise from top:The new dharamshala block; Guzder, snipping the ceremonial ribbon, flanked by Unwalla, Heerjee

andTamboly; drapes and comfortable modem furniture in the rooms; Heerjee with plaque commemorating donors; Thrity and Adil Dossahhoy with their triplets Photos: Arnavaz S. Mama

23 Parsiana May 2000

SEVENTH WZC

"Help us get the Congress to you"

The Seventh World Zoroastrian Congress will cater to the most heterogenous get-together of Zoroastrians ever

Arnavaz S. Mama

"How are we going to curtailattendance to 2,000 individuals?" wondered Sev­ enth World Zoroastrian Congressco­ chairHomi Davier as 600 delegates have alreadyblocked 257 rooms at Houston's

J. W. MarriottHotel. Addressing an initiatory meetingcalledby

the Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) on April 1, 2000 at the Red Cross Society's Homi Taleyarkhan Hall, Davier noted that 250 seats had been reserved for participants from India and Pakistan.

With 260 volunteers world­

wide workingtowards the suc­

funding beforeit could be integrated cide with the inauguraljashan at Hous­ into the program. ton to be conductedby North Ameri- The total budget for the Congress, can and visiting mobeds. The ceremo­ initially pegged at $ 600,000, has since nial burialofatimecapsuleat the been reduced by half, notedDavier. HoustonCommunityCenter will be Nevertheless $ 150,000 will subsidize preceded by a similarevent to be held the registration fees of $151 on Sanjan Day in India in November

per individual, inclusive of whichwill be videotaped for the Con­

two lunches and one dinner,if gress. For both occasions the organiz­ the formalities are completed ers are seekingmaterial of perennial by June 1. Thereafter the relevance to the communitysuch as charge will be$ 201. Only if medallions, coins, posters of signifi­ space permitswill those opt- cance,stamps, first day covers, the ing to register afterDecember history of the establishment of Zoro- 20 find a berth-at $ 251. astrian schools,industries and other The Congress organizers are organizations which could be of inter­

cess of the five-dayCongress (December 28 to January1, 2001)Davier noted that they had begun with an "open door

Davier: ''theprogram will be mind-boggling"

committed to refunding the est to succeedinggenerations. These registration chargewhere vi- should reach the Congressrepresen­ sas are denied.But "we are tatives in India, Homai Modi and not payingairfare, registra- SherooMaster at the K. R. Cama Ori­

policy -if you want to work for the Congress, come jointhe team." Also, the aim is to invite 50 percent participa­ tion from the rest of the world. "Wecan proudlysay we have done that."

To encouragenew ideas according to

the guidelines formulated for the Con­ gress, 50 percent of the speakerswill be new persons,says Davier althoughno nameshave been published so far. Also, according to their resolution, every ses­ sion will be balancedwith views from allsides of the liberal/orthodox divideto let the common man decideon the is­ sues, he noted.

In the interestsof maximum socializ­ ing betweenNorth Americans and Zarathushtis from other parts of the world, each table will seat equal num­ bers of both groups.One hundred and twenty Houstonians wearing a button saying "CanI help you" will aid the visiting Zarathushtis find their bearings at the Congress.

tion charge or hotel fees for anyone," entalInstitute and the BPP office re­

declared Davier, adding that even those spectively, by mid Septemberwhether who wish to make presentations at the they are meant for intermentat Sanjan Congress have been told to get there onor Houston.

their own."I can proudly say the programwill

A ladies lunch featuring the indue- be mind-boggling," declaresDavier, tion of outstanding Zoroastrian women adding,"40 sessions havebeen put aside of the 20th century in the Hall of Fame for last minute presentations." Dr Homi and a displayoftheevolutionof Dhalla,managingtrusteeoftheBombay Zarathushti apparel will cost$ 25 extra. based WorldZarathushti Cultural Faun­ A simultaneous business lunch to launch dation. has "taken over the culturalsec­ the Zarathushti Chamberof Commerce tionof the Congress" and four 45-minute is pricedat$ 35. Following the lead of slots have been blockedfor his sugges­ US PresidentBill Clinton to bring the tions, statedDavier. With deathsout­ two countries together,Davier says a numbering births,the all important ques-. foursome comprising Rohinton Rivetna, tion of community survivalwill get prime Kobad Zarolia,Collector and himself exposure. The idea is to "have a dialog, "sat for three wholedays to create its not brush it aside," create an interna­ bylaws." The gala dinner on December tional think tank even though nothing 31 "tocelebrate our Zarathushti Odys- brilliant may come out of it, noted Dhalla sey into the new millennium" will cost at the meet. Withparallel tracks running an additional $ 75, a,-----------------, eachday,youths(upto theme dinnertoeel- Cost estimates 29 years) will be hold­

ebrate the Zarathushti (excluding hotel charges at Houston) ing their own discus­

Returnairfare to Houston:Rs 40,000

The volunteersworkattheirown

time and cost, says Davier. Referringto the fiscal discipline enforced by Con­ gress treasurerSarosh Collector, Davier explained that every projectsuggested for the Congresshad to provide its own

heritage on December

28,$40.

It is hoped that Zo­ roastrian communities all over the world will hold jashans to coin-

Boat cruise to Bahamas: Rs 20,000 sions- "no adult talk-

Vusa tour: Rs 30,000 ing to them"asper

To travelagent: $1,150 Davier.

Early bird registration: $151 Other programs in-

Optional eventswith meals: $150

(approximately) elude poetryreading,

kusti weaving-prob-

24Parsiana May 2000

ably a video demonstration, a presenta­ tion of Avestan cailigraphy and a rendi­ tion of Gathic stanzas set to western classicalmusic by Meher Jentzen and Dhalla. The preservation of Zoroastrian culture in the new millennium will focus the discussion. The preservation of cul­ tural and historicalsites, notably the Bahrot caves, will be spot lit by slides.In this context Modi referred

Zoroastrian boys for them to marry, recalledDavier with a laugh. "Will a girl from the US be willingto marry a boy from India?" queriedBPP chairman Jamshed Guzder. Though Davier ad­ mitted that cultural differences exist, he was hopeful that cross talk between Zarathushti kids of various national ori­ gins will help them learn to coexist.

BPP trustee

One way for Indiansto participate without actually attending the Congress is to make a video presentation with several speakersparticipating. Another is to get the Congress to India via Zee TV or Doordarshan on non prime time slots and enablethe community here to be a part of the Congress. Iflarge corpo­ rations couldsponsor it with advertise­ ments, the idea couldwork, feels Davier

to Queen Mary School principalRati Wadia's re­ markable collection of slides on the Zarathushti heritage of Iran. Welcom­

ing the suggestion that

"Will a girl from

the US be willing to marry a boy

from India?"

Rustom Tirandazre­

ferredto the dual op­ portunityto partici­ pate in the Zoroastrian meet and to experi­ ence 21st centuryliv­

who suggestedthatevennon-Zoroas­

trian companies might be interested in advertising. "It's the team which makes it. Let's form one in India and help us get the Congress to you."

Wadia make a presenta­

tion at the Congress, Davier was willing to devote a page to her in the Congress brochureto "tell the world this is the talent you have in India."

Responding to the concern voiced from the floor by Ervad Yezdi Panthaki, president of the Godrej Baug Residents' Association, Davier noted that each North American Congresswas followed by a coupleof marriages and anticipated a proportionate fallout from the Con­ gress. Some years ago his young daugh­ ter had been overheard blithely telling her friends that her father will "import"

ing in the "most ad­ vancedcountry in the world." If 100 Indian Zoroastrians betweenthe ages of 20 and 40 can participate there, it "will lead to the transformation of our soci­ ety," he noted.

"People seem to think it is in the hands of the Punchayet to send people free," noted Guzder ruefully.Davier suggested that each baug or colonycould sponsor a youth. Also, if 50 affluent Zoroastrians could contribute one lakh rupees each, 100 youths could be sent, but so far only one person- Guzder­ had contributed, noted Davier.

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25 Parsiana May 2000

OBSERVATION

Fired by faith

The book may have a cosmopolitan ethosbut it celebrates the specialness of Zoroastrianism

Shernaaz Engineer

yourweaknesses, your strengths, your reason, your road, your aims, your dreams." This, however, does not sup­ port selfishness. Inner truths, once ar­ rived at,facilitate further growth.

There is a beautiful chapter in the bookcalled 'Count your Blessings, not Burdens,' that exhorts individuals to stop languishing and to really inhale and truly comprehend the limitless,

Forever the Faith by Cyrus H. Merchant. Published in 1999 by Minerva Press, A-1/ 304, Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi 110029.

Pp: 136. Price: Rs 200.

Life-affirming books are one of life's biggest pleasures. And trea-

something beautifulforGod,thenit

came to me that there is nothing we can

give Him, it is all, all His, all from Him." The only thing we can give him, the author offers, is a life well lived. "The real life is the one livedfor God. What a

life that is!"

absolutely limitless possibilities of

prayer and God and this breathing, beau­ tiful thingcalled life."

Butlest the reader imagines that there are only litaniesin praise of the good life in this book, it will be prudent to ponder over the lamentations as well.

sures. You seldomtire of However. that is easier

coon, ferreting out favorite F h who has been on the quest

Forever the Faith is written in an inci­

some of the essays (chapters)deal with

revisiting their warm co-

Forever '"'

said than done. As anyone

sive yet informal, essay format,and

passages that leave indel- a 1 t ·for righteous living will

ible imprints,and re-read- concur, living the good life

ing partsthat continue to "'.."'1_1111111•1 (as in good thoughts, good

open your mind and soul in words,gooddeeds),isa

manycomforting ways. rather tall challenge. Its ap- Cyrus H.Merchant's parent easyness is beguil-

ForevertheFaithis one ing. Sticking to the straight

such gem. Every thinking, roadrequiressterling de-

feeling, seekingZoroastrian terminationandstringent

should keep it by their bed- '------===--"-"'==== discipline. And itpaysto side and skinny-dip into it on a long, get pointers from people who have given dark night of the soul. You don't have to the subject intense thought.

wait for the bluestocomeavisiting According to Merchant, prayer forms before you begin reading the book, the crux and cornerstone of spiritual though. It will buoy even the happiestof growth. It is, hence, imperative to estab­ hearts with its sunnysaga of faith. And lisha oneness with The One: "Close for those in any doubt about the efficacy your eyes and mind and let you and your of the perfect divine plan in their lives, spirit go in search of him, go the dis­ this book shows the direction. tance. It is worth it... Pursueonly him,

It is a loving litany to all that is renovate your life, yourself, call and spiritualand sublime, and while its ethos commandthe Architect to take over." is cosmopolitan and all-encompassing, So the first step on this road begins it celebrates thesupremacy and with prayer. Thesignificanceofhashbam specialness of the Zoroastrian faith to (the inner dawn) is artfully elucidated in which the author belongs(or which be- an entire chapter. To start the day with longs to him, as he appropriates it with prayer is to fortifyoneself against the an affection and zeal seldom seen these upsets of everyday living, and it also days). preparesoneforcomprehendingthe

The book is dedicated to Ahura larger purpose of one's life.

Mazda ... "For Papa, my big daddyin This further consolidates the process heaven, andforZarathushtra, big daddy's of finding oneself. Most peoplelose son who cradled me and whispered to themselvesalong life's journey,when me that I too, could be His father's son." the very purpose of this lifetimeis quite Fromhere on, it is an absorbingand the contrary. The author asserts:"Find intensely personal,perceptive and hon- your'me.'Youarcamother,sister, est journeytowardsfinding his faith: daughter, son, father, later. You can be ''Faith wrote this little book. Joy wrote all of this and much betterif you are first it. Gratitude wrote it. Love wrote it. Not yourself. It is imperative to be in com­ me. Me, I set out to write it, set out to do mune with the person you are, to know

27 Parsiana May 2000

the author's personaldisillusionment

withmuch of what passes for fashion­ able in our times: fame, fortune and infidelity. The last, he has the strongest words for: "Infidelity is a very grave problem,it has implications too far reaching. Unfortunately, the whole thing has been legitimized by society with a warped sense of thinking, and glorified by an irresponsible media."

He also questionsthe very premiseon which peopleget married. "Mar­ riage is beautifuland almost necessary but it depends on yourtemperament and your goals in life and a lot else. It is wonderful if it enhancesyour life and leads towardsthe ultimate fulfillment; but if it is being entered into only to oblige a social necessity or because of the fear of being alone, then marriage is going to be more a cage than a spring­ board to happiness."

His views on fortune, on the other hand, are unusual and not entirelyin sync with his otherwisespartan spiritu­ alism, but he explains why: "Prosperity is the sack overturned by benevolent angels, there is no need to be a hermit and renouncepleasure and all things beautiful,they are God's gifts. Renounce them only if they make you weak or sever your religious ties or harden you or desensitize you to the realworld. And should this happen, then too don't attribute these glorious gifts to evil, the fault lies not in their existence, but in yours."

As one continues to flip the pages, one is filled with wonder at the wisdom

of observations on life's myriad facets, made by a heart that has hurt in order to get healed. Now here is this more acutely evidentthan in the essay on death. "I think one of the first thingswe need to be exposed to as young adultson the thresh­ old of life is death. Only because while we are being taught about death,we are inadvertently being told how to live," he writes. This is followedby a very per­

sonal testimony to pain

whotakenoaccountoftheboon ... Sorry, Zarathushtra, for peopleconstantly talk­ ing about the religion dying.Their vi­ sion has died,they know littlebut speak too much ... Sorry, Zarathushtra, for the wolves in sheep's clothing, those men in power who in theirenthusiasm to be custodians of the religion are willingto put on the blockthe genetic seed, willing to axe century-old prescriptions

of preservation ...

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in the aftermathof a loved one's demise,and the realization that "death, after a life well lived in the truest sense of the word, liberates... death is not disaster.li v­ ing a life poorlyis."

Two spectacular

"Be all of this and

much better if you

are first yourself. It is imperativeto be in commune with the person you are"

They fear thatthere­ ligionyou gave is dying because the numbers are dwin­ dling, they are beg­ ging for intermar­ riages, lobbying for them, flouting your laws: the faithless

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chapters really form the spine of the book: 'Little Lettersfrom Loving An­ gels' and 'God Rules,OK,' both of which underscore the author's unwa­ vering affiliation with (and affectionfor) the many manifestations of divin­ ity. But it is really 'Zoroastrianism: For­ ever This Faith,' that declares his inner­ most soul-stirrings for the religionhe was born into: "Sorry on behalf of those blessed to he 7nroastrians by birth but

who seek comfort in numbers. They are blindedalternately by their importance

and ignorance, they can't comprehend that what you gave us is throbbingwith enough vitalityto last through an­

other century,if its essence is not vio­

lated."

The writing is lucid, the subject is so

close to the author'sheart that it sears the reader withits honesty and inten­

,it\ Surely a hook to cherish.

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28 ParsianaMay 2000

OBSERVATION

Faith withoutfetters

The Zoroastrian Kurds in Germany revere Prophet Zarathushtra and his teaching

Aban Bana

est about these wonderful people who were keen on sharing their experiences with those whocould understand the gravity of their situation and the unique­ ness of theirbackground. I was told that Yezides from other countries had vis­ ited India in the past and had contacts with Zoroastrians in Bombay, but so far

On my trip to Germany in the summerof

1999, I visitedsome friends in the town of Bielefeld. They are genuinelyinter­ ested in the Zoroastrian faith and intro­ duced me to a group of people I had merely heardof before -the Zoroas­ trian Kurds.

The Kurds are a people without a nation. They have their own culture, traditions and language (derivedfrom the Indo-European group oflanguages), and they live as ethnic minorities in Iran, Iraq, Syria, Trans-Caucasia and Turkey. Most ofthem are Muslims. but there is a small group among them that calls itself theYezides (Y azides. Izedis ). This group worships Ahura Mazda as the supreme creator, and Prophet Zarathushtra is con­ sidered to be the divine messenger.

The Kurdish people have alwayshad w confront hostility in the countrieswhere they live due to the politicsof assimilation. wherebythe host coun­ tries discouragethem to follow their Kurdish lifestyle. However, the Muslim Kurds share the same faith with their host countries, whereas the Yezides are a minority even on the basis of religion.

The result was that

manyof them decided to leave theirhost coun­ tries and settledown in western Europe,espe­ cially in Germany, which adopts the hu­ manitarian policy of welcoming asylum-

Groppexplaining a Mithra relief at the Museum; Zoroastrian Kurds with the author (seatedcenter) in Bielefeld and Gropp (center) flanked by Bana (right)and a colleague

30 Parsiana May 2000

seekers who arc persecuted in their own country. Thus it happenedthat a group of Zoroastrian Kurds fled to Germany and settled in various citiesthere, in­ cluding Bielefeld.

TheYezides or Zoroastrian Kurds have formedan organization calledMala Yazdanie (Ezdiya)and they have their own community hall in Brandenburger Street 42 in Bielefeld where they have their meetings and cultural and religious functions.I was invited to visit them in their community hall where I met seven of their office bearers. We spoke to each other in German because the other lan­ guages they know are Turkish and Kurdish. They speak no English.

As we sat talking oversweetened black tea, I looked at the pictureson the walls­ Prophet Zarathushtra. an afargan with a fire burning, the sun, ancientfire-temples from the MiddleEast, the green,red and yellow flag of the Yezides, Mount Demavand and a big Fravashi. These pictures left no doubtthat the peoplehere were full of reverence for the good reli­ gion of Zarathushtra. I was very keen toknowmore about the Yezides: howthey

worshipped AhuraMazda,

did they know our prayers,what about our other cer­ emonies?

Inthe course of the day Ilearnt much of inter-

none from Bielefeldhas had this oppor­ tunity. They hoped to visit India in the not too distant future and to know more about our religion, its theory and prac­ tice. Some of them have been to Iran and have visitedthe Zoroastrian strongholds in Tehran, Yazd and Kerman.They have remainedin contact with the Zardushtis there, exchanging news and views. Simi­ larly. they would like to contactZoroas­ trians in India and make usaware of their situation.

The historyof the Yezides is full of

sorrow, persecution, discrimination and genocide. For centuries they'vehad wars waged against them by variouscoun­ tnes. It goes without saying that their places of worship, the original fire­ temples, as well as their religiousbooks were destroyed. They were not allowed to practise their religion and many were forcibly convertedto Islam. Yet some stalwarts were determined to carry on practisingthe Zoroastrian faith, albeit in hiding and secrecy. For this reason the religionwas not taught, nor read in the traditional manner. but celebrated by the Yezides in the presenceof a priest they call Pir.

It was at these celebrations that the

peopleof all ages came together,entire families, and learnt about their religioustraditions, their heritage,about who they were. They venerated the sun and the holy fire, celebratedthe festivals, tried to keep the good religion alive as best a they could, but alwaysin secrecy. For this reason,although the Yezidesknow a lot about the actual celebrations, they do nothavethetraditional

prayers in Avesta, nor do they have the rituals, the rites. They do not wear the sudreh-kusti, there is no navjote done, but they are very eager to learn as much as possible from those who are in the know. They are also aware that it is not an easy task because they are not Zoroastri­ ans in the traditional sense. Fm instance, our fire-temples would

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be out-of-bounds for them, as also the dokhmas.

Ourfriends in Bielefeld requested me to make this known to the Zoroastri­ ans in Bombay and elsewhere.the fact that there are people of Kurdish origin living in the traditions of the Zoroastrian religion which they wish to continue now that they are living if\ westernEu­ rope where thereis freedom of belief and conviction. where there are human rights. They have requested me to an­ nounce this in variousParsi publications so that those Zoroastrians who are inter­ ested in knowing more about theY ezides may get in touch with me.

Aweek after this meeting with the members of Mala Yazdanie,I had the opportunity to visit the Iran Museum in Hamburg. This most fascinating Mu­ seum is the brainchild of Dr Gerd Gropp of the University of Hamburg and it showcases the history, religionand cul­ ture of pre-Islamic Iran. When I went there with my German friends, we were greeted by Dr Gerd Gropp and a group of Yezidesfrom Bielefeld. some of whom I knew from my last visit.

Dr Gropp gave us a guidedtour of the entire Museum.explaining everything

ingreat detail with much wit and enthu­ siasm. It is evidentthat he loves and reveres our religiondeeply and is aston­ ishingly knowledgeable about its his­ tory and principles. Only such a person would have the credentials to start a museum on ancient Iran. the only one of its kind in the West. Many of the artefacts and photographs are donated by Indian Parsis, many come from Iran. The most amazing part of the Museum is there­ construction of the sanctumsanctorum of a Parsi agiary, complete with the model of a priest.

ThisMuseum is really worth a detour and I wish to take this opportunity to publicly and personally thank Dr Gerd Gropp for his immenseachievement. a milestonein modern Zoroastrian his­ tory. Some time ago, Dr Gropp was in Bombay and he gave an illustrated talk on his Iran Museum in Hamburg at the

K. R. Cama Oriental Institute.

Dearreaders, please contactme (5, Proctor Road, Grant Road, Bombay 400007, Tel: 3863799) if you wish to be of help to our sisters and brothers from Kurdistan. It would be great if individu­ als and organizations could conduct a dialogue with the Yczides.

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32 Parsiana May 2000

MUSIC

JerBulsara could be bypassed as just another sweet old Parsi lady, except for a tiny detail that sets her apart: she is FreddieMercury's mother. And what's more, like every proud mother, the little lady is gaga about her son.

Bulsara and her daughterKashmira

Cooke were in Bombay late last year to inaugurate a photographic exhibitionon Freddie Mercuryat the swanky music store, Planet M. The travelling exhibi­ tion which displayed a range of photo­ graphs -from Farok, the small boy in Parsi cap and garland to Freddie the Queen in leotards and kimono -was organized by the British Council Divi­ sion, with the aim of spreadingAIDS awareness. Called The FreddieMercury Photographic Exhibition, it was held in aid of the Mercury Phoenix Trust. The Trust has so far raised four million pounds which have been donated to charities around the world to fight AIDS

- the disease which Freddie died of almost 10 years ago.

The 94 pictures on view in Bombay

from October18-28, 1999 had the pre­

vious year been exhibited at London's prestigious Royal Albert Hall,accord­ ing to a press release. Some of the pho­ tographs,gleaned from privateand pub­ lic collections, had never beforebeen seen in public. To spread the anti-AIDS message a number of eventsand guest

performances were planned duringthose 11 days to impressupon the youth the gravity of this disease.

In this case, however, Freddie'smum

was the crowd puller, not the AIDS awareness message.Everyone was wait­ ing to see the lady from Nottingham. A bunch of Press persons,photographers and BritishCouncil officials crowded the lobby of the Taj MahalHotel. The questionuppermost in everyone'smind was: would she resemble Freddie?

Out stepped a very Parsi lady, tiny, in

a dark floral dressand pearl brooch,black patentleather shoes, stylishly cut grey hair, handbag and wearing- believeit or not- a Freddie Mercurysmile! And if that was not enoughof a bonanza, there was Kashmiraor Kash Cooke,his sister, whom one could best describe by using a wonderful line from The Sunday Timesof London. It said that Kashmira lookedlike 'Freddie in a wig.'

Kashmira, smiling and poised, played

the role of guide and pilot, always at her

mum's elbow, steeringher through in­ trusive photographers and googly ques­ tions from the Press.But we soon dis­ covered that the petite old lady has a mind of her own, especially when it came to her photographs being taken. She admonished a photographer, "Don't take me from that angle,it's my worst side. take me like this." She added petu­ lantly to her daughter,"Why does the Press alwaysprint photographs in which you look your worst?"

Once the photographers were banished,

Bulsara relaxed and we asked her the same old hackneyed questions that she had answereda million times already, but

The ueen

andmother

A travelling photo exhibition presentedthe Queen in pictures and Freddie Mercury'smother in person

Simone Bannerjee

34 Parsiana May 2000

she didn't show any signs of boredom­ naturally,because they broughtback the "fondest memories of my boy Farok." Farok who used to sing so well even as a child (believeit or not, Lata Mangeshkar numbers); Farok in boarding school in Panchgani-always hungry; Farok and his pals who'd come home and practise

the drums and guitar. "The noise was deafening and I'd tell them, 'What is this music? Get on with your studies.Look at your cousins -one isa lawyer, one an accountant.' AndFarok would reply, 'I'm not that clever, mum.'" (Later on in life, when he was a star wooed by the world, Freddie said laconically, "IfI didn't do

this well, I just wouldn'thave anything to do... I can't cook, and I'd be a terrible housewife.")

Born in Zanzibar, Freddieor Farok Bulsara as he was then called,spent his

The infant Farok Bulsaragrows up to be the sensational Freddie Mercury

35 Pars1ana May 2000

Do you have a G6PD enzyme deficiency?

The G6PD enzyme defi­ ciency, commonamong the Parsis, makes them highly susceptible to certain drugs.* The deficiency may cause jaundice in the newborn and severe hemo­ lytic crisis (destruction of red blood cells) in adults. Ask your family doctor to arrange for a blood test to detect whether you have G6PD enzyme deficiency. If you happen to be a G6PD-D patient, it is essentialthat you carry your card at all times so that in any emer­ gency you would receive appropriate treatment.

*Analgesics: Anetanilid, Acetylsa­ licylic acid,Asprin, Acetophe­ netidin (Phenacetin), Antipyrine, Pyramidone.

Sulfonamides and Sulfones:Sulfanilamide, Sulfapyridine, N2 Acetylsulfanilamide, Sulfaceta­ mide, Sulfisoxazole (Gantrisin),

boyhoodin Bombay's Dadar Parsi Colony,asthe son ofBomi andJerBulsara. He was a bucktoothed, skinny and pleas­ ant chap, talented at the piano.At St Peter's, his "English-type" schoolat Panchgani, Parsi

tradition took the first of a series of blows when Fa­ rok became Fre­ ddie and the name stuck. When the Queen incarnated,Bul­

sara was dropped and Mercury was affixed to Freddie. And the world got its first glimpseof the band's exoticism which wasto become its trade­ mark.

Bulsara remembers

the day Freddie came home to tell his mum,

dad and Kashthathe was changing his name to FreddieMercury be­ cause FarokBulsarajust didn't suit his flamboy­ ant image on stage. She toldhim,"As long as you stilllove and respect us, that'sall we want." So when reporters sprang the standard

Queen was composed,the words of I Want To Break Free, how no one was willing to touch Bohemian Rhapsodyini­ tially because of its length(eight-and-a­ half minutes), why Barcelonawas such a hit and why her favorite song is Some­ body To Love. "I attended almostevery concert," she says happily.

Kashmira chipsin, "One of the best memories is of Freddieon stage singing Radio Ga Ga. He was up there all alone, singing with such passionthat the crowds went delirious swayingto the beat - imagine that, just one man controlling

thousands of people. It was a wonderful sight." And when Freddie needed a breakfrom his drag-on-stage routine, there was always home and his nephewand niece Sam and Natalie.There is a picture of Freddie awkwardly bal­ ancing his one-year-old nephew on his lap. And though he would defi­ nitely have been more comfortable fondling a guitar, he did the Uncle Farok bit with great en­

thusiasm.

"How popular is

Queen in India?" asks Kashmira. "Do people

Thiazolsuldone, Salicylazosul­ fapyridine (Azulfadine}, Sulfoxone,

Sulfamethoxypyridine (Kynex).

question: was Freddie Little Farok Bulsara decked

Mercury ashamedofhis inflowers and topi

roots and did he hide his

still listen to Freddie?"

When she is told that almost every disco

Antimalarials: Primaquine, Pama­ quine, Pentaquine, Quinacrine (Atabrine).

Nonsulfonamide antibacterial agents: Furazolidone, Nitrofu­ rantoin (Furadantin), Chloram­ phenicol, Para-aminosalicylic acid.

Miscellaneous: Napthalene, Vitamin K (Watersoluble analogues), Prodenecid, Trinitro­ toluene, Methylene blue, Dimer­ caprol (BAL), Pheny-lhydrazine, Quinine and Quinidine; Sulpha containing compounds including Septran, DDS and Daraprim; Nitrodurantoin, Nalidixic acid including all derivatives of this

past,both mother and sister rushedto his defence. Said Kashmira, "People thought he was ashamedof his origins. It's not true. It's just that no one asked him about his origins, so he never spoke of it. (When former Parsiana correspondent Shirin Patel had requested an interview with Mercury around 20 years ago, his office had declined the offer- Editor) For Freddie, the past did not matter, it was always the present that was all­ important. It was not as if he had for­ saken his country."

Hismum related a funny little anec­ dote. Once when ona flight, the air host­ essbent down and asked her,"Excuse me, rna' am, but are you Ms Mercury?" The

shudders to the strains of We Will Rock

You, that Cafe Mondegar on Colaba Causeway plays Bohemian Rhapsody at least twice a day, that I Want To Break Free isthe anthem for most pimply adolescents and thatWeAre The Cham­ pions is a standard victorysong, her face lights up.

More importantthananythingfor mother and sister is the factthat the Freddie·

fan-following is still strong and growing. "Make sure you write a good article for his fans," says his mum. "Do a good job." With that kind of order, corningfrom Ms Mercury herself, one is certainlyUnder Pressure. "Hewas a very loving son,"she adds."He was also different from what he

group, Antistine, Diphenylhy­

dramine, Pronestyl, Nitrites, Large

old lady looked up into the ardent face of was on stage."

yet another Queen fan and said with per- OnthewallattheexhibitionisFreddie's

doses of Chloroquine, Chloromy­

cetin, Vit. C & K.

Published in the public interest by Parsiana

36 Parsiana May 2000

feet poise and a smile, "Freddie Mercury was my boy, but I am Ms Jer Bulsara." The mum is obviouslyFreddie's biggest fan: she knows all the Queen trivia by heart. She can tell you which year Killer

Kensington home. Fertile graffitifrom fans paying him tribute springup all the time. Some of the messagesare very moving: "Freddie you're the greatest" or simply,"We love you." We do too.

BUSINESS

From farming to furniture

Feroz Shapurji has made a success of his variedenterprises

FIJ!ing high

the Iron Butterfly Dilnavaz E. Bhagwagar

"The Iron Butterflywas a Rock group in our collegedays that we were crazy about," says FerozShapurjitoex­ plain his choice of name for his latest and most successful venture. They make exclusively designed furniture and sell it througha well-appointed outlet called the Iron Butterfly. "The name seemed to convey exactly what

I wanted to project:iron combined with elegance," adds Shapurji, a man of many talents, who at 48 is a suc­ cessful businessman, a reputed res­ taurateur, a gentleman farmer and adisillusioned lawyer.

The furnituredisplayed at the Iron

Butterfly is a fusion of wrought iron, wood and cane. "I go into the details

of every design -the material to be used, its strength, feasibility and beauty, before turning over the job to my workmen. Even then, it has my personal supervision an the way," said

Clockwise from top left: View of the showroom;the workshop and outside facade of the Iron Butterfly

38Parsiana May 2000

Shapurji.

His attention to detail was evident in the way he orderedcoffee for me during the course of our interview. He asked me how strong I would like it, did I take sugar, and would I prefermilkorcream!

Shapurji' s forte is the recreationof

the old, elegantfur- niturereminiscent of genteel Parsi homes of yester­ year. Cabinetswith a sunburst design, Queen Anne con­ soles, grandfather clocks (forwhich he imports the move-

efits. Cataractoperations, appendix, even neurosurgery at a cost ofRs 60,000 have been borne by me, when npces­ sary, for my workers.I consider it my social obligation."

Shapurji' s interestin carpentry dates back to his earlyyears.Hisfather

Rustamji had re­ signed fromthe army to lookafter their an­ cestral lands and farms in Murtizapur district. Since there were no good schools in Murti­ zapur, young Feroz was sent to stay and

interest in her grandson's work and was the chief guest at the inauguration ofthc Iron Butterf1y.

Shapurji is surrounded by other sup­ portive women.His mother Aban takes care of the entire accounts and inven­ tory and supervises the upholstery sec­ tion; his wife Niluferwho oversees the 2,000 sq ft showroomand teenaged daughters. Ayeshaand Dina. Ayesha, the older of the two, is on her way to becoming a snooker championlike her dad. In his salad days, Shapurjiheld Centrallndia' s No 1 position in snooker for II consecutive years,we arc in­ formed.

His workingpartner in the furniture

ments from Friends and partnersSudry (leji)

Kcinger, Germany J ond Shapurji

and roll-topdesks

study in Hyderabad with his maternal grandmother, Gool­

business is Romi Sudry who is mainly

in charge of designingand surpcrvising the metal fabricationsection.

that look so genuinely antiquethey couldhave come fromsome Dadabhoy or Jejee-bhoy home, can be bought at the Iron Buttcrny. The onlything that betrays the age of the furnitureare the handles that shine with the brassiness

or youth.

While the Iron Butterf1yopened only

last year. Shapurji's involvement with designing and making furniture started 12 years ago with a seed capital of Rs

35.000. It beganas a personal hobby, extended to friends who wanted well­ designed pieces and snowballed imo a lucrative business,he recalls. Today, his 24,000 sq ft furniture workshopand 3,000 sq ft metal fabrication unit are a hive of activity. Stacks of timber are weathered and seasoned outdoors.Car­ penters, cane-weavers and polishers work at pieces in various stagesof completion. All the carpenters work on a percentage basis, while the metal fab­ ricators and upholstery people work on a piece rate.

Is labor a problem with competitors luring away the good carpenters? "I never face that situation," he

said simply, "because I look aftermy workers as I would myown family. I sit and talk with them, eat with them, re-

.spcct their opinion and value their judgement on profes­ sional matters.They work on contract, so though I don't have to, I give them free housing, clothing and full medicalben-

The Shapurjifamily (L to R): Dina, Niloufer,Feroz and Ayesha

39 Pars/ana May 2000

banu Jalnawalla, a matron in the Rail­ way Hospital.

Learning Telcgu was compulsory in schools in Andhra Pradesh for every­ one except the wards of central govern­ ment employeeswith transferable jobs. They could opt for manual trainingin­ stead. And so it came about that Shapurji learnt carpentry, woodcarving, weld­ ing, sketching and painting, insteadof the tongue twistingTelegu.

Grandmother Goolbanuseemsto

have been the inspiration and motiva­ tional force of ShapUiji's life. ·'I grew up under her stern but affectionate care. She always encouraged me to dare and do," he said. "Iadmired the way she single-handedly broughtup her own threechildren, looked after me and held her railway job with pride and distinc­ tion. Most Parsi women of her time were mere mamaijis (grannies) or memsahibs."

Even at 90 years of age Goolbanu was an impressive figure,with a strength of characterthat showed through the weathered face. She still takes an active

Sudry was workingwith Widia India Limited. a German companymaking carbidetools, before he came to Nagpur in 1987.He started his own metal fabri­ cation unit. He didn't have the money but had the idea and expertiseto make a collapsible. portable lighting tower used by the railways, airports, coal mines, etc. He went into partnership with aprominent marwari of Nagpur to give shape to his idea. When the prototype was made the marwaritook the design and ditched his partner, he relates . Three years of hard work and all of Sudry's savingswent down with the tower. Then. Shapurji, whom he had met casually, gave him some job work. The friendship and trust between them grew, resultingin the partnership. "Whatever I am today is because ofFeroz," acknowledges Sudry. "Hisfi­ nancial and moral support and his faith in me when I was down and out, issomething I will alwaysremember with deep gratitude." Sudry and his wife Anu have a son Kaizad.

Makingfurniture is just one facetof Shapurji. He is a successful l'armer, a profession chosenby very few Parsistoday. Within 30 km of Nagpur, he has three farms coveringa total of 75 acres where he grows oranges, cotton, wheat and vegetables on a commercially profitable basis. Earlier,hewaseven propagating seeds that were sold to Mahabeej, a govern­ ment agency. The labor force at the farmsismostlyde­ scended from the farmersthat continued on page 44

ART

COVER STORY

The mastersin herhand Art galleries and individual collectors are increasingly turningto Kayan Marshall to restoretheir valued paintings

Parinaz M. Gandhi

"The safest place for a painting is on the wall," declaresKay an Marshall who must have restorednearly a hundredpaint­ ings of well established masters

and unknown entitiesduring the short span of five years she has set up studio in Bombay. "You will be surprisedbut people store paintings under cupboards and under beds," she continues.

At her studio at Tardeo are works of different artists, in vary­ ing sizes, in disparateconditions of neglectsent to her by art galler­ ies like The Classic Source,Pundole Art Gallery,Gallery Chemould, Galleria,the reputed auction house, Christie's, indi­

viduals like Rustom Jejeebhoy frum the

baronet's family who have their own collectionand those aspiringcollectors who pick up selectworks from Bombay's Chor Bazar recognizing their inherent value.

Onherreturn from Italyin 1995where she had studied art restoration for a year at Lorenzode Medici, Marshallrealized that though there is "alot of artin Bombay and people with a lot of money," there is a dearth of professionals in restoration work. Not surprisingly, at any givenpoint of time, there are at least half a dozen paintingsthat simultaneously call for her attention.

Sheis assigned workswhere the frame or the stretcher may be infestedwith termites, or the canvasor the lining may

be moth-eaten, or the paint may have peeled off, or the art piece may have acquired a tear as in a recent case whenaS. H. Raza creation was pierced with a child's dart. "Itis really like a doctor diagnosing a patient with no straightfor­ ward formula for an ailment," states Marshall who has learntto constantly improvise."The only way to learn is by doing more ...greaterexposure," she adds.

The worst damage is done to a paint-

ingwhen it is restored by people with little knowledge of the subject,using the wrong techniqueand ingredients Iike the

Marshall:constantlyimprovising

all-purpose adhesive Fevicol which is then so difficultto remove, she laments. She is not even in favor of giving it back to the original artist, assuminghe or she is alive,who may just paint over the damaged area and return it to the buyer. "An artist's job is to create a painting," she believes. Andjustas she wouldn'tbe able to create a painting,she doesn't expect an artist to restore one.

The idea of hiringan assistant who could help herout with her responsibili­

ties has also been vetoed by 30-year-old Marshallfearing that a novice could mul­ tiply her chores! 'Td rather do it slower but just do it myself," she says. Marshalldoes though look forward to the annual assistance and guidanceshereceives from Laslo Seres, a Hungarian restorer, who on his frequent trips to India makes time to keep her updatedwith the latest technology and developments in the res­ toration field in Europe."There is a need to keep yourselfinformed of the products in use like the introduction of new adhe­ sives and liningswhich make your life easier and are also less detrimental to the paintings," states Marshallreferring to the conferenceshe attended in Chicago

last year which providedher an opportu­ nity to interact with restorers from differ­ ent corners.

"I get all my varnishes and glues from abroad," says Marshall who loves to travel. The chemicals used for cleaningare Indian- acetone, turpentine,etc, she adds,sitting on a stool facinga rack of neatly lined up bottles and tins of differentin­ gredients which fill up nearly half the wall. Almost standingin queue against another wall arc a pile of canvases, some ready to be dis­ charged, some undergoing treat­ ment... Dependingon the extent of damage she would need to spend time cleaning, applyinga coat of

varnish, changing theframe/stretcher/

lining fabric where necessary, using a filler, experimenting with shades to find the perfect matchfor the original and finally painting the affected area.

In yet another room at her studio, there is aRajaRavi Varmapainting, nearly 4' x3' in size spread across a table to enable her watchful eye to smoothenthe creases and cracks. A stack of frames of different dimensions are piled there too. "I am now into the framing businessas well," mentionsMarshall as some cus­ tomers so overwhelmed with the transi­ tion in the paintingjust want to carry it home, ready to be hung up.

Thecost of restoration would de­ pend on the size of the painting, the extent of damage, the cost of the materi­ als requiredto be used, the time factor and of course, the value of the painting,she relates. While in most cases patrons would justifythe money spent on resto­ ration, expecting it to last for another 50 years at least, there have been a few instances when Marshall was told that the cost of restoration had exceeded the purchase price!

"Portraits seem to be in fashion these days," observes Marshall, her merry eyes andvivacious smile exudingwarmth and

40Parsiana May 2000

Before and after: Paintings restored

by Marshall

41Pars;ana May 2000

expressing concern for the pamtmgs entrusted to her. Humidityis not good for oil paintingsand nor is fluctuation in temperatures due to air-conditioning, she reveals. Direct sunlight shouldbe avoided too. To prevent fungus growth, light dusting is advisable, recommends Marshall who is now engaged by compa­ nies like Larsen and Toubro and McDowell to maintain their art collec­ tions after she was able to restore some of their valuable pieces.

"I only do oil paintings," clarifies Marshall, and those which are too big to be broughtto her studio are restoredat the site. She refers to the portraitof Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy, 7'x4' which she and Seres were requiredto get ready in time for the J. J. sesquicentennial celebra­ tions in 1999. For 14days they labored in one room at the J. J. School preferring to keep the fan switched off in the interest of the painting. Even if a canvas cannot be restoredto its original condition, it can always be improved upon or stabilized, she believes.

A couple of small portraitsofParsis at her studio,almost in tatters,wait to see betterdays too. They hadbeen left there by a friend who picked them up from Chor Bazar. "You find incredible thingsat Chor Bazar," says Marshall who also likes to frequent the by lanes in the hope of find­ ing a curio. "Parsis look after their things better than others," Marshallis con­ vinced. "Youknow how it is with their cars," she elaborates. "They have a lot of beautiful old works in their residences. If they can afford to, they like to keep them well. Ifthey can't afford to, they sell them off."

In the course ofher involvement with "Portrait of a Community," a project ini-

tiated by KhorshedGandhy of Gallery Chemould to preserve the valuable pieces of art getting lost in old Parsi home­ steads and institutions in Bombay and coastal Gujarat,Marshall had oppor­ tunities to visit most of the agiaries in Bombay and locate the paintings worth preserving. "There were so many paint­ ings obscured withyears of dust," some under dirty glass frames,she recollects. "They were really lovely, reflecting the history of our commu­ nity,"sheadds.

The number of agiaries she was able

to visit thanks to this project were

, more than the number of agiaries she

had visitedduring the rest of her life, Kayan candidly conveysher mother Maki's observation. She has no objec­ tions to intercommunity marriages and is comfortable with the dokhmenashini mode of disposal of the dead saying, "I expect I will go the same way when I die. There is a science to it which makes sense." An attempt to probe further into her views on the commu­ nity and details of her familymeets with "I am sure thereare more interest­ ing things to read about in Parsiana." Presently her life seems to revolve around art- an interest cultivated in

her by her father Shiamak from the time she was a young girl studying at Queen Mary School- visiting art shows, making the rounds of art gal­ leries, investing in paintings. The money that she makes from restora­ tion goes into acquiring new works even though she may have no space to hang them up, she reveals. "It's like a passion, a disease," she acknowl­ edges. Swimming and keeping in shape through aerobics are her other pas­ times.

After her graduation in ancient In­

dian culture and history from Bombay's St Xavier'sCollege, Marshall was for two years at the Lawrence University in USA doing her majors in art history.When she proceeded to Italy to study restora­ tion, she was initially only willing to give it a four-month trial.But once she was into it, she becameso immersed in the subject that she wanted to make it her career.

"I never knew what I wanted to do

for the longest time," says Marshall who had no idea what the canvasof life would offer her but in a very short time has been able to alter the lifeand character of many a canvas.

THE fMj PARSIANA /1 BOOKOF IRANIAN

NAMES 11/{jftf

The Iranian namesof boys and girls along with their meanings which originally

appeared in Parsianahave

now been reprintedin an attractive 24-page booklet. The book, which is priced at As 40, is available on sale at:

Kaiser-E-Hind, 300 PerinNariman Street, Behind ReserveBank of India,

. Fort, Bombay400001.

Faredoon and

\] Burjor Sandalwood Shop,

Princess Street,

Bombay 400002. nion Press,13,Homji Street,

Q:.mbay400001.

With Best Wishes From

Mr Rusy M. Shroff, M.B.E.

and

Mrs Purviz R. Shroff

42 Parsiana May 2000

Matheran's Only Hotel with Mountain & VaHey View

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FLYINGHIGH- THE IRON ...

continued from page 39

worked his grandfather Jivanji's fields

in Murtizapur! Shapurji spends two days

of the week at his farms. He has an intimate knowledgeof seeds, seasons and sowingtechniques.

Farming and food have a natural

connection. Shapurjialso happens to be a gourmet cook. "I can eat a dish once and re-create it 90 percent," says Shapurji. "It is just a matter of figuring out what goes into it." Before furniture became a full time profession, he ran a popular fastfoodjoint calledTaste Buds. It sold chocolates. ice-cream, desserts. burgers, pizzas and the like. Chocolates were his speciality. They were so good, his Swiss customers took them back to Switzerland, he adds.

Furniture, farmingandfoodare

not all that go into the making of Shapurji. He is very fond of music, all the way from classical to pop. He sells the latest CDs and cassettesat Music Room, another of his commercial ven­ tures.Motorbikes and cars are also a passion. So far, he has not turned this interest into a business proposition. But who knows?

His brief foray into the legal pro­ fession is Shapurji's one regret. "My father was very keen that I become a

lawyer, so I studied law." For a short time he was a juniorunder V. R. Manohar, former advocate generalof Maharashtra. He then went into pri­ vate practice but did not pursue it for long.

"The professiondoes not appeal to

me on moral groqnds," said Shapurji. "I

fought a case for a companyin good faith, believing the facts they told me. I later found that the management had misrepresented facts and falsified state­ ments,to frame labor. I cannotbe a party to such duplicity. I decided then never to practice again."

Shapurji shies away from questions

like 'philosoph)' of life'and 'formula for success.'"I believe in being totally involved in whatever I do and helping others to the extent I can," he says. "I don't always wear my sudreh-kusti and I rarely go to the agiary. But yes, I converse with God every morning. thanking Him for all He has given me. Never asking for anythingmore. If I come across an old, unhappy or infirm person, I pray to God to give him peace of mind, if He can give him nothing else."

44 Parsiana May 2000

SPORTS

Power driving women

Dressed in white with anti­

pollution messagessplashed across their T-shirts,their little Maruti 800 covered with posters proclaiming a clean environment and gas masks over theirfaces rein­ forcing the idea, an all-Parsiladies team won the maxi­ mum amountof trophies (in­ cluding one for the best decoratedcar) at the Maruti Women's Power Drive. a women's car rally held on

Top ( l to r):Winning quartetZarin and Spenta Havewalla. Ruhangizand Delnaz Kabir and promoting eco­friendliness (above)

February 20, 2000. At the wheel was 20- year-old RuhangizKabir, with her mother's friendZarin Havewallaas navi­ gator. with Ruhangiz's 13-year-old sis­ ter Delnaz and Zarin's10-year-old daughter Spenta as young assistants, accordingto a press release from Shrikant Karani of Sportscraft which organized the event.

"This is more of a navigational rally

than a speed rally," explains Zarin. The 80 km route saw 95 cars flagged off from the National Sports Club of India at Worli in the morning,traverse the lesser known, mean streets of south and central Bombay, then head for the Thana road which is generally used by trucks. "We were given what is known as a tulip chart," elaborates Zarin. "The names of roads are not marked, only distances are given with indications as to where one

The heat and dust of the Autocross

Photo courtesy: Sportscraft

46 Parsiana May 2000

has to turn leftor right. We have also to strictly follow the speed chart, as arrivingsec­ onds early or late incurspen­ alty points." Only 15cars man­ agedtocompletethecourse within the specifiedparameters and arrive at the Golden Swan Country Club, Yeoor, Thana,"where the teams were treated to a lovely lunch,"narrates Zarin. The rally was sponsoredby Maruti Udyog Limited, In­ dian Oil CorporationLimited

andothers, with only different models of Maruti vehicles allowedto partici­ pate.

With 0.32 penaltypoints, the Kabirs

and Havewallas won third place.They also securedthe distinction of standing second among the all-ladies teams.While the driver has to be a woman, the rally permits men as navigators, recounts Zarin. "It felt fantasticcomingthird,"

says Ruhangiz."I was not nervousatallaswehad joined the rally in a spirit of fun. We had participated last year too but were not able to complete the course." "Itwas a navigational challenge. Most of the cars kept getting lost, butitwasgreatfun.'' laughs48-year-old ShirinDivecha who claimed the prize for the 'oldest' lady driver to finish the rally. Fi­ nal year BComstudent Ruhangiz, with justtwo years' drivingexperience under her belt. pocketed the

prize for the youngest woman driver to complete the course. "Ifelt great as I did not go last year," states sibling Delnaz. Pipes Spenta: "I knew we would get prizes. I alwaysbring luck to my friends!"

Car control

The Autocross involves speed and skill

as driversnegotiate two laps on a dirt track at the Vallabhai PatelStadium, wide in places, narrowin others, with

sharp turnsanda fast straight finish,

describesNeville Poonawalla, who had emerged as the winner lastyear. This yearitwasveteranrallyist FaradBhathena whostole the thunderat the Maruti Autocross 2000,Mumbai, held on April 9, winning the Maruti Esteem modified class with a timing of 2 min­ utes (min) 14.43 seconds(sec) to emerge "the fastest driver of the day." A mere seven hundredths of a second behindwas five-time champion Sam Katgara who had missed last year's Autocross as

he was out of town.

Katgara had earlier in the day recorded the best timing of 2 min 10.72sec in the Maruti Esteemunmodified class, but a 'touch'he incurred proved costly with a penalty of 30 sec added to his timing (the demarcation of the course with string barriers, tyres,etc is intended to ensure that driv­ ers 'cleanly' complete the cir­ cuit). Poonawalla emerged the winnerin this class with a timing of 2 min 15.28 sec, with Farokh Commissariat a close second.In the Maruti Zen General category, it was an all- Parsisweep with Bhathena,Poonawalla and Katgara standingfirst, sec­ ond and third respectively, accordingto a press release from Sportscraft, the event organizers. The rally was

sponsored by Maruti Udyog Limited and co-sponsored by IndianOil, J. K. Tyres and others.

"Autocross is one of the safer forms of motor sport," explains Katgara. "Youare unlikely to meet with a mishap un­ less you do something really stupid." A rallyist with over 10 years' experience behind him, Katgara has participated, he says, in around 40 rallies, "winning quite a few." In the long and arduous Himalayan rally, he narrates, Katgara with Poonawalla as navigator ("we are the best of friends") were leading their class when they saw a colleaguein his car precariously hanging over a preci­ pice. As cars whizzed by, none stopped to help the dazeddriver. Giving up their lead position, Katgaraand Poonawalla stopped to pull out the driver as the car toppled into the ravine,and were hon­ ored with a special'sportsman trophy,' recalls Katgara. "We enjoythe sport,

·win or lose is partofthegame," he

remarks.

Atthe Autocross, Katgaraand Poonawalla sharedthe same car. "This rally does not involve much expense," informsPoonawalla. "The carjust needs tobe road worthy,tuned up and checked before the race." With 124 entries, com­ petition is keen with several seasoneddrivers participating, both ladies and gents. There is also a novice class, ac­ cording to Sportscraft. Motorcyclist Zubin Patel, winner of many a Motocross, participated in the Autocross

48Parsiana May 2000

Mistry (right):versatile in track and field

for the firsttime, winning this year's prize for the best dressedmale partici­ pant.

According to The IndianExpress of

May 4, 2000, Bhathena has since been appointed presidentof the Motorsports Association oflndiaRally Commission. Bhathenawas not available for com­ ment.

Putting a long shot

Versatility is the name of her game. She

sprints, jumps high and long, puts a shot and picks up medals along the way. Kainaz Yazdi Mistry heavedthe shot­ put in the girls under 12 category at the Bombay City DistrictAmateur Athletic Association (BCDAAA) championships in December '99 to a distance of 8.55 meters (m), creatinga new record for the meetand for Maharashtra state as well. "I enjoy all the events I take part in but am strongest at shot-put. I was very excited as I betteredmy own record of

7.92 m set last year," enthuses Mistry. The BCDAAA meet also saw her secure silver in highjump and relay,and bronze in the longjumpand 300m run and walk awaywith the MurphyTrophy for the bestfemale athlete of the meet, accord­ ing to her bio data.

At the Maharashtra state sub-junior athletic championship at Poona in Feb­ ruary 2000, Mistry won silvermedals in

high jump and shot-putand a gold in the 4x100 m relay for girls under 12. "For the shot­ put, Kainazwas a little un­ lucky as generally thegirl with the best record gets to throw last, whereas by error she was made to throwfirst, which proved a disadvantage," nar­ ratesher mother Beroze. "Kainaz practices putting the shot with a good glidingaction froma concrete patch but in Poona there was no concrete patch. Her feet wereploughing into the mud, restricting her action."

Beroze is however rather proud, she says, that it was another Zoroastrian Irani girl from Dahanu who won the event. Evenat state level meets athletes are not well looked after, she bemoans. Girls are iodged injust one big hall, with

no beds and no mattresses either.One is supposed to lug one's own bedding,she says, with the resultthat many choose to spend from their pockets to ensure bet­ ter livingfacilities.

Practicing at Priyadarshini Park (PDP) close to her Godrej Baug resi­

dence, Kainaz hopes to take part in .the pentathlon soon. Former nationalath­ letics championAdille Sumariwalla has

been very supportive ofKainaz and other Parsi athletes.commends Beroze. "Thesynthetic track at PDP is a good track but unfortunately it is not well maintained. It is peeling off in places," she com­ plains.

Most meets are held at the University Stadiurn at Marine Lines but schoolchil­

dren are denied practicefacilities there, asserts Beroze, the ground being re­ served exclusively for college-going sportspersons! "That is unfair as there is no other good grass track for them tci practice on this side of town.One cannot expect these children to go all the way to

Kandivli (where practicefacilities are available).After all, it is the school­ going athlete who will mature into a college-going one, so why are they be­ ing deprived of facilities at a time they need them most?" queries the mother. Kainaz trains at the PDP threeto five times a week, with differentcoaches for differentevents. The monsoon months pose added problems as the exercise room which used to be available for stretching exerciseshas been given out

for commercial use, she says.

"In the beginning, I use.d to go to the

PDP justto keep fit but a coach there took interest in my progressas he thought I was really good," recounts the young athlete. A seventhstandard student (from June) at Queen MarySchool,Kainaz also enjoysswimming,cycling, bad­ minton, table tennisandthrowballin school and in her colony.Thesports training hasmadehermore disciplined,she has learnt to

make best use of her time and

that has provedan advantage in studiestoo, believes Beroze.

At the All ParsisAnnual

Athletic and Cycling Meet in March 2000, Kainaz grabbed the gold, statesher resume, in thelong jump, 100 m run and two relays, with a silver and a bronze to boot, winningthe individual championship in her age group as well as the Canon Sports and Gifts Trophy for the best girl athlete of the meet.

Cycling collegian

"Cycling is a 'clean' sport,"

says 21-year-old Chirag Behram Bul­ sara. a final year BCom studentat Bombay's BurhaniCollegeofCom­

merce and Arts. ''Not only does it bring out your external (physical) power but one has to use one's brains while on the

hike as one can rarelycycle to a pre­ plan,"he believes. It is also a very ex­ pensivehobby, he laughs,with racing cycles costing anywhere between Rs 50,000to five lakhs for the best import­ ed ones.

A member of the Sprinters Cycling Club (which charges no fees) situatedat

Gilder Lane in central Bombay, Bulsara acknowledges with gratitudethe role of Sam E. Daruwala "who has greatly en­

couraged me as has my coach Kersi Italia who has trained me free of cost." Participating in the inter-collegiate cy­ cling competition (state level, 1999- 2000), Bulsarasecured an overallsec­ ond rank. havingwon silver in all the events he rode in, according to his bio data. "Individual pursuit (4,000 m) is my favoriteevent," he relates."At a time there are just two riderson the track, riding oppositeto each other. It is basically a timing event and is great fun." Another interesting race, says Bulsara, is 'devil take the hindmost' in which there is always one less partici­ pant than the number of laps, so that the

49 Parstana May 2000

last person at the end of each round has compulsorily to drop out of the race! On the two earlier occasions('97-' 98 and '98-'99) Bulsara has participated in in­ ter-collegiate state level cycling, he has won gold. silver and bronze medals. maintaining an overall second place, states his resume.

Bulsara has also represented Bombay l Tniversity at the All lndialnter-Univer-

Bulsara: eusy rider

sity cycling competitions held at Lud­ hiana and Patiala. "On one occasion, due to a mistake made by Bombay Uni­ versity in the entry form, I couldnot ride in the 4,000 m individual pursuit.which is my strong event. I had to take part in the 100 km road race instead.But I am basically a trackrider," informs Bulsara. At the 75 km Suman Cycle Race from Bombay to Khopoli, Bulsarawas sprint­ ing ahead with a bunch of lead cycliststowards the Panveltime post when he found himself 'squeezed' right into a parkedtruck! "I lost my sensesfor a while and damaged the ligaments of my shoulder,but fortunate!y no greaterharm befell me,"he laughs.

Though cycling meets are held at the Vallabhai Patel Stadiumat Worli, the track there is not available for practice, nor is it well maintained, remarks

Bulsara. The young Nowroz Baug resi­ dent has therefore to hone his skills on Bombay's Marine Drivc/Nariman Point area,covering30-35kmtodevelop stamina.Bulsara makes particularmen­ tion that it has beenBurhaniCollege principalQ. A. Saeed (now retired)who has "helped me a long way." Bulsarahas won the 'best sportsman of the year' award from B urhaniCollege three times

in a row and has represented Bombay city at the state track team selection at Poona on March 19, 2000, as per his bio data.

Among Bulsara'sotherinterestsis

drawing designsfor modifying cycles to suit particular needs."Kids often want somethingdifferent,soweintroduce short frames or mag (plastic) wheels," he says. Old watchesand clocks, coins andpens also captivate his inter­

est. as does writing poetry in Hindi.

Shane's swimming surge

Recently returned from partici­

pating in the Fifth World Short Course Championship at Athens in Greece is tall, well-built Shane Pedder. three times (Indian)na­ tional champion and record holder inthe50 meters (m) butterfly. Shane had been selected on the basis of his national timing, says his father Gaiomurd, but the swim­ mer was informed of his selection so late that there was hardly any timeforShaneandhiscoach

Sandeep Divgikarto put in intensive preparation.

Attended by a galaxyof international

swimming sensations. the Champion­ ship in Greece produced an incredible 15new world records and was the last of the many warm-up events leading to the Sydney Olympics in September, accord­ ing to The Sportstar of April 8, 2000. Swimming in three events(the 50 m freestyle, butterflyand backstroke), Shane observes that he clocked good personal timings, which were however "way off' the international mark. "I don't think it's impossible, though,for Indians to come up to world standards. What is basically required is plenty of hard work," he remarks. Shane was, he believes, the only swimmer from India at the meet.

At the seniornationals in Trivandrum in '97 Shane had set a new meet record

of26.44 seconds in the 50 m butterfly,a mark that still stands. He successfully defended his titlein the same event at the nationalsin '98 and '99 as well, as per his bio data.

It was at a 'learntoswim'camp

organized by the Otters Club of Bandra that seven-year-old Shane's talent was spotted by discerning coach Divgikar who has nurtured him since then, relates

continued on page 60

BOOKS

Growing up before the Gathas

Arnavaz S. Mama

Discovering Ashavan by Farishta Murzban Dinshaw. Publishedin 2000 by the Karachi Zarthosti Banu Mandai, Sohrab Katrak Parsi Colony, Off M.A.Jinnah Road, Karachi74400, Pakistan. Pp: 90. Price: US $ 12.

Ina beautiful, ruggedland peopled by sturdy pastoralists the lame were mis­ fits. A child born misshapen

was considered the progeny

ofevil. The orphan subsisted in the shadows.

Young Ashavan, with all

the cards stackedagainst him and a spirit that quickenedat the ca11 of a life in torment, found himself outcastewhen he impulsively fought a hulk­

blow their frostybreath, men. women andchildren tightened their belts, and spokeless and Jess.A malingering si­ lencehung over the settlement." "Hisbreath came out in frosty puffs." "Hesat down in the midst of the women wrapped up in plans."

Dinshaw has woven Zarathushtra's

mental conflicts into the story. When Ashavanis accused of sorcery, Zarathushtra' s father Pourushaspa says, ·"It seems to me a deliberate attemptto vilify you. Unfortunately, with the faminethemenand women of the settlement are not in their best minds. I must speak to the priests before

truth will be vindicated."

'"Truth according to whom?" asked

Zarathushtra bitterly. "Thefalsejudges' 1

Or their false gods?"'

And again, there is psychological insight as Ashavan, absorbedin self­ pity. is unable to distinguish kindnessand friendship. "You, Ashavan, use your lameness to blind yourself. And I do not need to offer you pity. you have much of your own!" a young girl tickshim off.

The Author'sNote at the end of the

book explains the background further, including the social. religiousand legal codes then in force. A glossary of Avestan terms and names. the names of outstandingrulers and a short bibliogra­

ingbully to save the life of a Dinslww: brings

pregnant bitch- and failed. history alive

The dog died and Ashavan

these shallow stories reach

them.They will guide the people."

phy could enticereaders into pursuing

the subjectin greater depth.

At every Zoroastrian meet there has

was turned out of the settlement with the corpse in his arms.His torments of loneliness and the rebirthof hope as he finds a friend in the youthfulZara­ thushtra seesaw throughthe vicissitudes of societal superstitions and unjust ac­ cusations until he acquiresthe moral courage to stand up for what he per­ ceives as true.

Farishta Dinshawhas fleshed out the

evolution of Zoroastrian beliefsand cus­ toms into a tale with which the young and the old can identify.With substan­ tial research and a vivid imagination she has soughtto depict the kind of boy (Zarathushtra) who matured into the au­ thor of the Gathas.

Discovering Ashavan's 11chapters are enlivened by Homi Meherhomji's

illustrative sketches.Despitethesoft cover, the 90-page, two-color art paper publicationis a delight to hold and have. Dinshaw' s language, though simple and direct in the interestof the child reader is nonetheless replete with evocativeturns of phrase: ''The rumors turned out to be true. There was not enough wheat in the granaries to feed the vi1lagerswhen the snows cloaked the colors in white. The flakes fe11 early that year covering the countrysidein a shroud of mourning.As the winter winds continuedto howl and

·zarathushtra cried in despair to his

father. "How can the gods and priests who have given the world hatred. wrath and woe be good guides?"

'Pourushaspa repliedpatiently,

"These are the moresof our community and we must abide by them." He turned to Ashavan. and put his hand on his shoulder. ·'Do not worry, Ashavan. The

been a call for religious literature appro­

priate for the young. Dinshaw,an award winning writer for children and the ini­ tialeditorofFunline, Pakistan's first English language magazinefor children, has not only provided an insight into tht.· life and times of our hoarypast but in tho: 90 pages of Discovering Ashavan, shehas done so in a style and imagery that brings historyalive. And she has lived up to the finest Zoroastrian tenet . of charitybygiftinghercreationtothe KarachiZarthostiBanuMandai(KZBM) so that the sale proceedsmay initially finance the organization's efforts to send deservingyoungZarathushtis to the Seventh World Zoroastrian Congressm. Houston in December. Thereafter it will serve to augment theKZBM's educa­ tional fund, informs the Mandai's presi­ dent Toxy Cowasjee.

The book was officialiylaunched on

April 22, 2000 by Ameen a Saiyid, man­ aging directorof the Oxford University Press and 216 copies sold on the spot, as per Cowasjee's letter to Parsiana.

Parsianareaders, anxiousto support

Dinshaw's generosity.can acquire this

multilayered tale from Cowasjee at 2A Mary Road. Bath Island, Karachi75530, Pakistan (Fax:92-21-5861005; e-mail: toxy@cyber.net.pk).

50Parsiana May 2000

READERS' FORUM

continued from page I 0

grimage to Udvada.

Our Trust has undertaken to organize package trips. The easiestand safe wayto Bahrot caves is from the villageof Aswali. Bordi has a lush green seashore with a very safe sandy beach. The infra­ structure is fairly well-developed and yet there is rural charm. It is easily accessible by road/railfrom Bombay and other cities of Gujarat. The railway station is Gholvad on the Western Rail­ way network.

The caves arc locatedat a height of

approximately I,600ft above sea level. The trek uphill is through forest andthe climbtakes a good two hours. It is essen­ tial to go with trained guides.

The first option, at a cost ofRs 300 or 400depending on the type of accommo­ dation preferred,involves a weekend trip of one night plus one day,reaching Bordi on Saturdayevening. On Sunday morning leave by 5.30 a.m.for Aswali, commence the trek by 6 a.m., reach Bahrot caves by 8.30 a.m. Have break­ fast and perform ajashanif convenient. Wc encourage groupsto bring their own mobcds to perform the jashan. All ac­ cessories for the jashan could he made

available upon request.

After rest and enjoyment of the flora, fauna and the splendidscenic beauty, commence the downward trek byII

a.m. reaching Bordi by 1.30 p.m. Have

lunch, rest and return by the evening train. Travel by a chartered bus or Sumo is also practical.

In the second option, at a cost of Rs 350 or Rs 450 you can reach Bordi on Saturday morning,spending the whole day relaxing there. The rest of the pro­ gram is as per the first option.

One can also convert this trip into an

overnight camp at the caves which could bea thrilling experience. You leave Bordi in the evening at 4 p.m., start the uphill trek at 4.30 p.m., reach the caves by 7 p.m., have a campfireand dinner. Sleep in the open or carry your own folding tent. Return the next day as outlined in the first option.

One can alsocombineatripto

Udvada. Proceed to Udvada on Satur­ day morning.Reach Bordi by Saturday evening. The rest of the program can remain as per the first option.

For details please contact Sir J. 1.

College of Commerce, 14, Nanabhoy Lane, HutamaChowk, Bombay 40000 I. Tel: 2871058. Afteroffice hours Tel:

3674998. E-mail:nhm@vsnl.com

HOMI D. MEHTA

Trustee. Tapovan Vihar Cultural Trust

Health literature

HELP (Health Education Libraryfor

People), India's first free consumer health library,and one of the world's largest consumerhealth libraries as de­ termined by the MedicalLibrary Asso­ ciation, USA, aims to empower people by providingthem with the information they need to promotetheir health, and prevent and treat medicalproblems in the family in partnership with their doc­ tor. We are a registered charitable trust and a non-profit organization.

We offer the following facilities:

•Air-conditioned reading rooms,with a seating capacityfor 20-25 persons.

•An up-to-date collection of over 7,000 consumer healthbooks, I0,000 pam­ phlets and magazines and newsletters.

•Audiovisual educational media, includ­ ing over 600 video tapes. Videos can he viewed in privacy in the library.

•Computer software, including over 50 CO-ROMs on all health and medical topics.

•Photocopying facility.

Wehaveaccesst(linformation1111

With Best Compliments From

Manufacturers of

'Wibs' Products

IRANI FOODS AND INVESTMENT COMPANY

Private Limited

1 00 D'Lima Street,Dockyard Road, Mumbai400010

51 Parsiana May 2000

healthand medical topicsexplained in terms which the layperson can under­ stand. No medicaljargon is used. We have an internet connection with two special medicalpackages so that we can provide information on the latest medi­ cal research from all over the world. Dr Hufrish Suraliwala, who is the medical information manager of HELP, regu­ larly trains doctors and consumers get the latestmedical information and re­ sources from the internet. This facility is available from I 0 a.m. to 3 p.m. only (Monday-Saturday).

HELPhas become a prototype of the modern digital library.Our library cata­ log is computerized and is now avail­ able on the internet at http://www. hcalthlibrary.com so that readerscan browse through our catalog from home! We have many full-texthealth books and magazines in our ReadingRoom on the Web so that peoplecan read them free! This allows us to extend our out­ reach servicesby providing consumerhealth information to internet usersfrom all over the world!

We are a public library-everyone is welcome! Entry to HELP is free.We are open Mondaythrough Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. For those unable to come personally to the library, we alsoanswer questions by post or e-mail. This is an innovative servicecalled MISS­ HELP (Medical Information Search Services from HELP) which allows us to provide medical information to users from all over the world.For this you need to write to or call medical informa­ tion manager, HELP. Om Chambers, 5th Floor, Kemps Corner,Bombay 400036. Tel: 3683334/3681014. e-mail:

drhufrish@ hotmail.com

At present, all our materialsare in

English, and we plan to translateour educational materials into regionallan­ guages in the future.

Our goals are:

•To provide access to a reliable and up­ to-date collection of consumer health

materials so that people can become better informed about their own health.

•To encourage a healthy doctor-patient relationship since the best patientis a well informedone!

•To provide resources which doctors

can adapt to their own practice, to usc for educating their patients.

•Tobe a useful resource for writers and journalists, and thus improvethe quality

•To act as a stimulusfor patients with a particulardisease to get together and form self-helpsupport groups, to help each other cope with their disease.

•To preventhealth fraud and quackery

by educating the consumerabout health and illness.

•Ultimate!y, we hope that well informed

patients will demand the best treatment availableinternationally and that this will act as an incentivefor doctors to update their skills, and for hospitalsto improve their facilities.

In order to helpdoctors to "prescribe

information," HELP has started aPlease Prescribe Information campaign. We have printedInformation Prescription pads which arebeing widely distributed and are freely available to doctors on request. We believe that the easiest way for doctors to educate their patients to­ day is to write a Prescription for Infor­ mation!It is important that the doctor then discuss the results of this informa­tion search with the patient so that the doctor can guide the patient as to which information is relevant to his particular problem. This can help the doctor and patient to become partners in making medical decisions.

Dr HUFRISHSURALIWALA

Truth from insight

How concerned man seems to impart

religious knowledge, to give truth. To

givetruth one has perforce to gain truth. Truth gained from inner insight, not from hearsay,is everlasting truth.

Truth requires no crutches, no cliches.

And yet man is confounded. He says, so and so has said this. or so and so has written that. Why cannot man instead study deeply what baffles him and then sit and cogitate on it, asking for divine grace to rend the subject crystal clear?

Instead, man egoistically boasts that he is Newcastle and he needs no coal. Newcastle. he realizes not, may have rich depositsof all the coal in the kingdom and yet not have a ray of light. Coal is coal till it is lit, till the spark is applied.

May the coalsof Newcastle be burn­

ing and bright and cracklingwith dyna­ mism. May the coals of Newcastlebe ignited into smoldering, leaping flames encirclingyour soul and raising it to heights hitherto unknownand uplifting you in That Presence ... NOSHIR B. MANA

Karachi. Pakistan

LINKS

As announcedin our November is­ sue, beginningFebruary we intro­ duced the ''Links" columnto enable interestedreaders to interact with each other as pen pals. We are grateful to Furrokh Panthakifor funding this venture.

Nozer Master

Meherbai Wadia Building, 2nd Floor, Room No 7, Wadia Street,Tardeo, Bombay 400034.

Age: 21 years

Sex: Male, unmarried

Interests and hobbies: Music, collect­ ing coins, travelling, making friends and meetingdifferent people.

Rustom Amaria

312-3700 Kaneff Crescent,

Mississauga, Ontario LSA 4B8, Canada. E-mail:rustom_amaria@ hotmail.com Age: 38 years

Sex: Male, married

Interests and hobbies: Phychotherapist who enjoys writing,arts and crafts, movies, photography, travelling and getting in touch with interesting people around the world, fond of researching/ speaking/writing more about issues concerningour community at large.

Behrouz Ebralzimilame

E-mail: behrouz_lame@yahoo. com Age: 30 years. Sex: Male

Interests and hobbies:Computer sofeware engineer.

Those interested in interacting with Zoroastrians from across the globe are welcome to send us the followingde­ tails: full name, address,e-mail con­ tact, age. sex and marital status, voca­ tion, interests and hobbies.

ADDENDUM

The Parsiana April cover featuring legal luminary Rustam A. Gagrat was composed by Comart Lithographers from a photograph of Gagrat and a painting of the photo by artist Nina Gimi.

and accuracy of reportingfor medical

topics in the lay Press.

52Parsiana May 2000 .

Edited by Parinaz M. Gandhi

EVENTS AND PERSONALITIES

continued from page16

necessitated becauseof her father's job

transfers, shewas a popularstudent,

mentions the

write-up. She

graduated with a first class in En­ glish literature from St Xavier's College, Bombay taking an active part in organizing

Wadia: excels in theprogramsofthe

academics Social Service Leagueand Mal­

bar, the inter-collegiate festivalhosted

by them.

Beware, if G6PD-D

For thosesuffering from G6PD (Glu­

cose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) defi­ ciency syndrome, ''it is not just some medicines which are to be avoided, but even food items such as rajma, soya and legumes," notes a communication from Nader M. Patel, managingdirector, Aakaar Fluxes Private Limited,Goa.

G6PD deficiency is the mos1: com­ mon human enzyme deficiency syn­ drome affectingan estimated 400 mil­ lion people around the world, accordingto an accompanying press release authored by Ramez Ethnasios. This de­ ficiencyis also known as favism since those suffering from it are allergic to fava (broad beans) known as lobhiyaor rajma orjheam in India and Pakistanand Ba-ghe-Leh in Farsi.

Certain medications like aspirinare absolutely taboo for G6PD deficient patients (see "Do you have a G6PD

enzymedeficiency?" pp 36), also most anti-malarial drugs, but fortunately such "individuals are resistant to malarial in­ fection," statesthe information leaflet.

Hemolytic anemia and prolonged neonataljaundice are the two majorprob­ lems associatedwith G6PD deficiency. Hemolytic anemia is the decreased abil­ ity of red blood cells to transport oxygen throughout the body with the hemolyticcrisis characterized by fatigue, an out of breath sensationand dark coloredurine. Neonatal jaundice, a yellowing of the mucous membranes and other body tissues at birth can, if persistent, result in severe neurological complications, ex­ plains the write-up.

G6PD deficiency is an inheritedcon­

dition which has no cure. The chancesof inheriting it are 50 percent if the fatheris G6PD deficient and the mother is a carrier. The chances of a male child inheritingthe complication are also 50 percent when the mother is a carrier, even though the father may be unaf­ fected. A girl born to such parents would have a 50 percentchance of being a carrier.A girl child is certainto be a carrier if the fatheris G6PD deficient even if the mother is not affected. The offspring of such parentsthough will not be deficient, the details are provided in the literature.

The eyes reveal

"The iris (of the eye) is connectedto

everypart of the body by the nervoussystem. This results in the different re­ gions of the iris reflecting the condition of every tissue, organ, limb and part of the body," notes an article"Look into my eyes," in The Sunday Review of The

Times of India of December5, 1999. Based on an interview with Bombay iridologistDr Hoshang Daruwalla, the write-up mentionshow the left iris re­ flects the left side of the body, and the right iris, the right side, with the top of the iris corresponding to the head region and the bottom,the legs.

"Iridology is a sciencewhich informs us about the eruption of any diseasein the near future, throughthe iris of the eye,"explained Daruwalla. "Illness is detected from a few months beforeto just a few days dependingon the dis­ ease," he added.Believed to be a non­ intrusive diagnosis, iridology can help togauge the recovery too.And if the physical symptomshave their rootsin any emotional or psychologicalstress connected to the nervous system, that too can be detected, he was confident. The right time to study the eye though is in the morning using a simple hand lens to see from the side angle, he advocated.

Iridology is known to have existed in India since the days of the Vedas.In the

West, this science caught on after a 11- year-old boy in Hungary,Ignatz Von Peczely, discovered in 1837 a connec­

tionbetween the iris of an owl and his injured leg. Thereafterhe made a study of irises of many wounded soldiers and published a book.

SPOTLIGHT

Within a span of two months Dr Sohrab

J.Mehta who runs a totally free clinic in Allahabad was conferred five awards,

mentions Capt Homi Dandi walla.presi­ dent of The Alla­

habad Parsee Zo­

roastrian Anjuman.

At the Integrated

Onthe occasion of its lOthfoundation day on March 11, 2000, the Parvez Katrak Foundationhonored five membersof the community for their long-standing devotion to the medical field (from left): honorary bone-setters Adi Mogrelia and Jamshed Pithavala; Sheru Palia who organizesfree medical check-ups; chief guest Dr Sam Bhacca,president of the Surat ParsiPanchayat; donor ParvezKatrak; Khurshid Popat and Banoo Bharuchawho were on the nursingfraternity of the B.

D.Petit Parsee General Hospital for over 50 years. Photo: c. c. Gandevia

54 Parsiana May 2000

Medicine for New Millenniumconfer­ ence held in Delhi in November1999 Mehta was awarded

the"Bestarticlepre- Mehta: awards of

sentation medal" appreciation

andtheglobal

WorldAssociation of IntegratedMedi­ cine honoredhim for his "outstanding services,achievements and contribu­ tions" and granted him a Fellowship of their Association. In the month of Janu­ ary he was conferredthe Award of Ap­ preciationand the Millennium Award by the Zoroastrian College, adds the write-up.

Compiled by Parinaz M. Gandhi

56Parsiana May 2000

(59), 5. WindsorChmbs, Banoo MarazbanIrani (76), Piroja Framroze Mithuji (91), March 27

Cawasji Patel St, Fort, 400001; Kapadia Mans, 205, Bazargate F/3, Kripa Ngr, S. V. Rd. Irla, BehramBomanjiGandhi (80),

March 12 St,Fort, 400001; March 17 Vile Parle (W), 400056; B/2, GinwallaBldg, Captain

Minoa ArdeshirDaruwalla Behramshaw RustomjiMehta March 20 Clny, Tardeo,400034; (75),F/2, Captain Clny, (93), Maneck Bldg, 112, Phiroze ( Pesi) Naoroji Mistry March 27

Tardeo Rd, 400034; March 13 LamingtonRd. 400008; (85). M/22, Cusrow Baug. S. Firoz BhikajiDamania (79), Jehangir Kaikhushroo Vakil March 17 B. Rd, 400039; March 21 Ali Manzi!, N. Petit St, Grant (70), I 1/A, Florida Apts, 33, Cool Navroji Bilimoria (82), Piroja PiroshahPithawalla Rd. 400007; March 28

MtMary Rd, Bandra, 400050; I, Avabai Petit Block, (85), H/25. Cusrow Baug, S. NargishKaikhushroo

March 13 Balaram St. Grant Rd. B. Rd, 400039; March 21 Gadiwalla(Bharucha)(78),1,

Siloo Rustomjee 400007; March 18 Coomi Ardeshir Patel(77), Readymoney Bldg, Tara C1ny,

Pochkhanawala (82), A. Zarin Homi Kabir(55), 5. 44/A, Bat1iwalla Villa, Sleater Tardeo, 400034; March 28 Khalakdina Ter. A. K. Marg, Widows' Chaw!.Thakurdwar, Rd. 400007: March 22 Dosa Dara Mistry (81 ), F. S.400036;March 14 400002; March I 8 Freny Ardeshir Daruwalla Parukh Dharamshal1a, Hughes Jala Manchershah Baxter (85), Homi Minocher Masani (78). (69). 6/6, Tata Clny, Sir Ratan Rd, 400007; March 28

604/D, Khurshed Hse, Lady FernHse. 13. B. E. S. T. Tata Rd, Tardeo, 400034; Dhun Homi Sethna(75), B/1, Jehangi Rd, Parsi Clny, Marg, ElectricHse. 40000 I: March 23 Tardeo Chmbs,Kashinath St, Dadar, 400014:March 15 March 18 Kolamai Pesi Dubash (83). Tardeo, 400034; March 28 AspandiarGustad Irani DarabshawCawasji Pitha- 4/47. A. H. Wadia Baug. Pare! Khorshed Jalejar Taraporvala ( Dashti) (83), 501-502, Shri walla (95), 6, Gamadia C1ny, Tank Rd, 400033; March 24 (90). 793/D, Family Hse, Jame Gancsh, 99/103, Matarpakadi Tardeo, 400007;March 18 Katty Soli Irani (73), 3/9. Patel Jamshed Rd, Parsi Clny.

Rd. Mazgaon,400010; Perin BehramshahKodia (58), Bldg, GamadiaC1ny, Tardeo, Dadar,400014; March 28 March 16 Talukdar Bldg, Marzban Ciny, 400007; March 24 DhunjishawBurjmji

Homi ArdeshirSoonawalla DrNair Rd. 400011; March19 Fali PiroshaMistri (88), Daruwalla(68), 5, Nariclvala(83), 408/B, Vindhyachal. 22, Minocher Ardeshir Patell(84). Edena. 97. Queens Rd. Bldg, M. M. C. Rd, Mahim,

Mt Mary Rd. Bandra. 400050; 13/D. Crystal, 36, Aitamount 400020; March 24 400016; March 29

March 16 Rd, 400026;March 19 Freny DadablwyBharucha KhorshedbanuByramji Velati Dina Ardeshir Udwadia (84), Nergish Manek A vasia (78), (70). 2/B-22, Tata Mills Co-op (97), 4, C. M. BanajiBldg, 191, Rewa Apts, B. Desai Rd. C/10, Contractor Baug, Mori Hsg Soc Ltd. Elphinstone Rd, Forjett St Cross Lane,400036; 400026: March 16 Rd, Mahim, 400016; March20 Pare!. 400012; March25 March 29

.fer KhurshedDastur (75), 12, Tehmina Nadirshaw Balsara Sheroo JehangirBalsara (73), Roshan Dady Patel (72), 11, Fcrcna. Behind Telephone (85), B, Bhiwandiwalla Ter, 781, Readymoney Blocks. Hilton Apts, 35/A, Hill Rd,

Rhavan. Colaba, 400005; 618. Girgaum Rd, 400002; Mancherji Joshi Rd, Parsi Bandra(Wl, 400050: March 17 March 20 Clny, Dadar,400014; March 30

I

I

II

I I

INGERSOLL-RAND

Ingersoll-Rand (India) Limited,RhSne-Poulenc House, S. K AhireMarg, P. 0. Box 9138, Mumbai- 400 025. Tel: 022-493 6765, Fax: 022-4950516.

57Parsiana May 2000

Firoze Rattonshaw Bhabha (70), J/18, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039; March 31

Katy Khody Irani (68), 37/A/4, New Khareghat Clny. Hughes

Rd, 400007; March 31

Perin Nariman Kotwal(78), RH-1, H-37, Sector 7, Vashi, New Bombay,400703:

March 31

CALCUTTA

DIED

Jer Dalal, wife of Dossabhoy

andmother of Zenobiaand Gulistan: March 9

Baji Manekji Mirza.brother of

BIRTHS

Boys Girls

MARRIAGES

Parsi

INTERCOMMUNAL

Males married out Females married out

DEATHS

CONSIGNED

FIGURES AT A GLANCE*

Bombay India World

This issue 1999. 2000° This issue1999+ 2000° This issue 1999+ 2000°

3 77 16 13 3 30 4

5 94 11 8 4 37 4

10 261 53 2 18 2 15

28 2 2 6

20 1 6

Dawlat Divecha and Boman;

March 14

Nergish Rustom Pestonji,

mother of Franak and Gavher; March 19

Meherbanu Jal Modi. mother

ofPhiroze. Dinyar and late

Males Females

CREMATED

Males Females

29 455

45 477

3

2

i12

115

7 91 13

7 71 18

8 57 13

3 43 10

Khorshed Lilley;March 28

DELHI

MARRIED

Urvashi Peshotan Jalna­ walla of Aurangabad and Rohinton Jamshed Sidhwa: October 7, 1999

NAVSARI

MARRIED

Dinaz Sarosh Dangoreand Nevil Jamshed Ko[ah·, February 2, 2000

SECUNDERABAD

DIED

Sonia Minoa Pestonji, sister

of Khoti S. Chenai,Pesi and Keki; March 29

SURAT

DIED

Gustadji Hormusji Doctor (Siganporia) (75), Parsiwad,

Siganpore; March 13 Seriyar PirojshawCooper (72), Sarosh Yazad Apt, BhavnagriSt, 395003;

March 15

Homi Rustomji Sanjana(60),

Ugamno Mohallo,Machhlipith, 395003;

March 22

Pillamai Dinshawji Patel (80),

Athuger St. Nanpura, 395001;March 24

Mehroo Noshir Dhabhoiwala

(69). Meher Bglw, SomnathMahadev Soc, Opp Old Umra Jakat Naka, 395003; March 27 Dhanjishaw Jehangirji Roowala (80), Parsiwad,

Rander; March 27

58 Parsiana May 2000

•Running totals for 1999 (January1999-May 2000 issues)

oRunning totals for 2000 (January2000-May 2000 issues)

Overseas deaths are listed in the consigned column as Parsiana does not have a breakup of those cremated.

*These figures pertain to information providedto or collected by Parsiana. They do not represent the total number of births. marriages and deaths in the Zoroastrian community in India and abroad.

Shavak TehmurasCooper Maharukh Kootar; MarchIS Behram (90), 27, Oval Rd,(75), Near Old Post Office, Regent's Park, NW I 7EA;

Sayedpura, 395003; March 28 DIED February II

Bomi Pirojshaw Sethna (82}. Dowlet MinocherVesuna, Khurshed1. Nadodwalla ( Q),

Nariman Home and Infirmary, mother of late Cyrus. Sam and 25, SkeltonRd, Forest Gate,

Shahpore, 395003·, March '2'1\ Rum\ \n 'Toronto February '21 E1 March 6

Minimai Meherjibhai Engineer lrandokht Ziatabari Keikhosrow Vikaji Wankadia(88), Nariman Home and (Rahmani), wife of Khodaram (75), 18, The Grove,Golders Infirmary, Shahpore, 395003; and mother of Mahin. Green, Nll 9SH: March 16March 30 Mahnaz and Khodadad;

*** February 24 SurreyAUSTRALIA BahadurDeboo, husband of DIED

Queensland Pilloo and father of Zenobia; Jimmy D. Billimoria(79), 60,

BORN February 25 Blakes Avenue, New Malden,

A girl, Kareena, to Simone KT3 6RF; January 21

and Neville Lakdawala in IRAN

Brisbane; November26, 1999 DIED USA

Rostam Shahzadi (88), DIED

CANADA husband of Doulat and father Jahangir Javidan, father

Alberta of Mehrangiz,Fariborz, Sorab of Kaykhosrow;

BORN and late Daryoosh in Tehran; December I0, 1999

A boy, Mark Tyler, to March 13

Catherine and Jehangir Illinois

Daruwalla in Calgary; UK MARRIED

March 15, 2000 Hertfordshire Meher Dubash,daughter of

DIED Khorshed and late Jamshed

Ontario Roshan Cawas Sethna (72), and Rohinton Pithawalla, son

BORN 202, Chambersbury Lane, of Homai and Behram in

Kaiwan Suntok; March 6 DIED Agirl, Freyana, to Anaheita A boy, Darius, to Dinaz and Rustom Cawas Irani (82), 15, and Arshish Kapadiain Khushroo Dadiburjor; Penn Hse, Lisson GreenEst, Austin; March 25

March 10 NW8; February 3 A boy, Cyrus, to Aspi and Ardeshir KawasjiBoman- Compiled by Roxana A. Driver

IN MEMOR.IAM

Themeticulous magistrate

Parinaz M. Gandhi

who were able to establishthemselves in life. At variouscompetitions he would encourage the participants with his free distribution of books. He had "intense feelings for humanity, for the Parsicom­

Died:Jal Hormusji ArdesirVakil, 81. formeradditional chief presidency mag­ istrate at the CriminalCourt of Mumbai and trusteeof several community insti­ tutions on December 3, 1999 in Bombay followingcardiac anest.

A person "moresincere and more meticulous" would be difficultto find, commented CowasjeeN. Dinshaw as he presidedover the condolence

meeting convenedon Janu­ ary 24. 2000 at the K.R. Cama Oriental Institute bythe Rahnumae Mazdayasnan Sabha where Vakil was past president and the Parsi Girls' School Association of which he was trustee. Vakil couldbe relied upon to do a "thorough job of whatever he under­

tained the highestdignity and the best decorum in your court. You heard the maximum from the Bar and spokethe minimum fromtheBench ...Youhad established the renowned and reputed traditionand practice of going through all the case papers, chargesheets and applications meticulously and minutely before passing ordersbecause you firmly believed and followed the

maxim, 'Justice huniedisjus­ tice buried."'

Solicitor Salehbhai Sabir referredto Vakil's "compe­ tent mind" and initiativeto

abolish a practice of more than 100 yearsby refusing to ad­ here to archaicprocedures re­ garding saleof property when objectionswere invited by the

munity and the Zoroastrian religion," noted Vispi Dastur of the Bombay Parsi Association.

When Parsiana changed hands in

1973 and thepublisher appeared before

Vakil in the magistrate's court to file the declarationfor change of ownership,Vakil pointed out the declaration should have been filed prior to publishing the first editionunder the changedowner­ ship which had not been done. Hehow­ ever not only condonedthe omission but handed over to the editor hisParsiana subscription cheque.

Born in an illustrious family of law­

yersin Bombay, Vakilmatriculated from Bharda New High School and gradu­ ated from StXavier' s College. He passed his LLB examination from the Govern­ ment Law College, securingthe Mer­

took," added Dinshaw refer-Vakil: "aman of ring to his scholastic accom- many parts" plishments and his varied in-

beating of a drum on the roads.

After his retirement from law, Vakil reportedly turned

wanji Alpaiwalla Prize.His reputation

as a speaker and debator was established since his college days when he won

...

I •

..

terests in the fields of music and medi­ cine.

Describing Vakil as a "man of many

parts and above all a gentlemanin his behavior," Sohrab Godrej, chairman of the Godrej group of companies recalled their association over the years at the Indo-Iranian Society. If something was

goingwrong he would not tolerateit, at the same time he left well enoughalone, added Godrej .

During the 22 years he was at the Bench startingas presidency magistratein 1954and retiring as acting chiefpresi­ dency magistrate in 1976 he was held in high esteem by the membersof the Bar, according to his life profile. His portrait adorns Court No 3 from which here­ tired, a rare honorbestowed on him, notes a press release.For 10 years prior to his elevationto the Bench he was a member of the Bar, practising in the

down many lucrative offers and devoted his energies to community causes and various charities. He was on the manag­

ing committee of the ParsiLying-in Hos­

pital for many years. Trusteeand secre­ tary of the Maneckjee Naorojee Sett Charities,the M. N. Sett Polytechnic, the Jalbhoy A. Sett Charities, the Mun­ cherjee Sett (Sethna) Agiary at Tardeo. he was known for his zeal in providing to the needy and his penchant for detail, personallyscrutinizing every applicant, as commented Khodadad Cama of the Sett Charities. "Till the last Jal spent his time servingthe poor, the community and the two schools. He is remembered by all for his honesty," commentedhis wife Sheroo in a letter to Parsiana.

Hewas trustee of the Parsi Girls' School Association (which manages the Gamadia Girls' High Schooland the Bai

B.S. BengalleeGirls' High School)for

many inter-collegiate and all-India com­

petitions. Subsequently he completed his mastersin law, qualifiedas an advo­ cate and readin the chambers of Sir

Nusserwanji Engineer, the then advo­ cate generalof Bombay, and counsel Pheroz (P. P.) Khambatta, now 93 years old, who still recallsVakil's "upright characterand honesty.''

Known to have played the violin with maestros like Mehli Mehta and Zubin Mehta, Vakil who was an associate of the Trinity College of London in music and licentiateof the Trinity College of London in elocution, was the founderof the Amateur Classical Ensemblewhich he led for over 28 years entertaining the public with free concertsand promoting youngsters.He had also served as guest conductorof the Dadar Music Ensemble and the chamber orchestraof the Poona Music Society.

High Court, the City Civil Court and in

over

23 years and as vouchedZenobia

During his early days Vakil had made

the courts of the presidency magistrates.

Thecitation conferred on him then by the president of the BombayMetro­ politan Magistrates' Bar Association stated: "You will be remembered by future generations for your memorable contribution to the judicialservices as an impartial, fearlessand frank adminis­

trator of justice. You have alwaysmain-

Daroga,principal of the Bengallee School, "he had a mind that probedinto every matter." Being "devoted and con­ scientious, he hardly missed any meet­ ing" and would in fact be present 15 minutes early.

According to social workerRati Peer, Vakil's timely aid must have benefitted innumerable deserving Parsi students

time to study homeopathy and biochemic

medicine from the All India Institute of Comparative Medicine. He was posthu­ mously conferred the Millennium Award of the Zoroastrian College at the World

Congress on Medicina Alternativa in January 2000.

The good samaritanin survived by his wife Sheroo and son Rustom.

59 Parsiana May 2000

IN MEMORIAM

Serving the faith

Arnavaz S. Mama

ZOROASTRIANS ABROAD

continued from page 21

Ziyafat are formerpresidentsofthe

Tehran Anjuman, writesKushesh.

Most of the other eight Zarathushti contestants were young and well edu­ cated but lacked experience, notes Kushesh.

Died: MobedRustamShahzadi,88,

nizant of the needs of the people. When

chairman of the Council of Mobeds of

Tehran, on March 14, 2000 in Tehran.

When Shahzadi succumbed to a long illness the Zoroastrian communityin Iranlost a priest and scholarwho was also respectedby the other communi­ ties. His 12 books included trainingin the Zarathushti faith, translations ofthe A vesta and Gathas, the marriagecer­ emonyand a Pahlavi- Pazand- Dari-Farsi dictionary, informs Mehraban Kushesh ofTehran.

Adept at comparative religions, Shahzadi could read and explain the Koran, had studied Hinduism, Bud­ dhism, Christianity and Judaism and was familiarwith Sanskrit liter2ture. He was a memberof the first expert assem­ bly instituted in the Islamic Republicof Iran in 1979 to compilea new constitu­ tion for the country,writes Kushesh.

Shahzadi had been secretary of the First WorldZoroastrian Congress in Iran in 1960 and therafterattended the Con­ gresses in Bombay.

Indeed, Bombay was a familiarout­ postas he l).ad spent nearly seven years pursuing Avesta, Pahlavi,Pazand and higher religiouseducation at the Cama Athornan Institutewhere he, alongwith the late MobedFiroz Azergoshasb were sent to study by the Yazd Kankash-e­ Mobedan, notes Kushesh. After two years' compulsory militaryservice on his return to Iran in 1935, Shahzadi graduated from the TehranUniversity Law College.

A regularon the Zoroastrian lecture

circuit, Shahzadi often toured Iran'scit­ ies and villages,educating and guiding his flock. His indepth knowledge' of ancient Iranianhistory was a source of inspiration to his community.

Shahzadi's abidingfaith in Zara­

thushtra' s message made him more cog-

the usual confusionof race and religion was voiced from the floor at a World Zoroastrian Organisation sponsored meet on the eve of the Fifth World Zoroastrian Congress (5WZC) in Bom­ bay in 1990, Shahzadihad voiced his dissent: "Zarathushtra didn't bring his followers from heaven. (He found them) among Persianand Turanian people... We cannot close the door to others. We don't propagate. We write books which others can buy. If they ask questions, we answer. In India and Iran it is not good to accept. But in other countries, we must accept."

ThesonofMobedDinyarandBaanou Soultaan, Shahzadi's early career was spent as a teacher of Avesta, English, history and geography at the Marker School for girls and boys in Yazd. In 1946 the Tehran Anjuman invited him to minister to the communityin the capital and with his wife Doulatand theirfour children, Shahzadishifted to Tehran where he continuedto officiate until now. Among the many community assignments he undertook was that of manager of the LateArdeshir Yagonagi's Library.

Of the Shahzadi children,his daugh­

ter Mehrangiz graduatedin literature; son Fariborz,an agriculture graduate,is a leading member of the North Ameri­ can Councilof Iranian Mobeds;Sorab becamea brain surgeon. Shahzadi had been predeceased by his thirdson Daryoosh who was killed in a bomb explosion in Tehran in 1981.

Conscious that many social practices of the Zarathushtrian community have become outmoded in terms of 20th cen­ tury concepts, Shahzadi had noted at the 5WZC, "Time moves on but we do not. We don' trealizcwhen itis time for change and when we do, it is usually too late."

saw him win a rich, mixed bag of gold, silver and bronze medals,but it was at the Goa nationals in 1991 that he swam in six individual races, blowing the op­ position off in all! With two relay golds aswell, Shane pocketedan eight gold bonanza!

Swimming in the junior nationals between '92-'95,Shane has won 34 medals of all hues, according to his bio data. At a clutch of age group competi­ tions at Maharashtra state level, Shane has been the under seven, nine, 11, 13 and 15 champion on his points tally. He has represented India in the junior Asian Games in Japan and Singapore, relates Gaiomurd.

"My family has been extremely sup­ portive," notes Shane. Mother Priscilla and Gaiomurd, who is the managing director ofPedderand PedderTiles Lim­ ited, have encouraged their son and their daughter Natalie,who is also a national record holder in the 100 m butterfly. Shane, who graduated from the H. R. College of Commerce and Economics and works currently atthe executive level in Pedder Tiles,hopes to join an MBA coursesoon. "I may not partici­ pate much now in local swimming meets," he says, but he wouldlike to continue to participate in the nationals and other major events.

SPOTLIGHT

Rehan Poncha, 13-

year-old Karnataka swimmer, won the bronze in the 400 m individual medley for men at the 54th Na­ tional AquaticCham­

pionships in Bombay in December 1999.

Competing withseasoned swimmers like

Kailash Nath and T. A.Sujith(who

SPORTS

continued from page 49

Gaiomurd. Now 22, 6'3"tall, Shane believes his strength as a competitive swimmer lies in his height and build and

freestyle and hackstroke events. It was as a 10-year-old that he took part in his first sub-junior national aquatic cham­ pionship in 1988 at Gauhati in Assam, standing third in the 50 m butterfly.

stood first and second respectively), Rehan is one of the youngestmale swim­ mers to win a medal at senior national level, according to a write-upforwarded by his father Jehangir.

in his "good strokes," which have won

The sub-junior nationals at Banga­