Musical treasure chest

Naman — A Treasure Chest of Zoroastrian Religious Songs is an endeavor "to revive our forgotten monajats and religious songs and recreate awareness and pride in our rich cultural and spiritual heritage,” notes the booklet accompanying the compact disc brought out by the Mancherji Edalji Joshi Memorial Trust (MEJMT). This project marks the silver jubilee of the Dharmagnyan class, one of the first activities initiated by the MEJMT in 1980 under the stewardship of Ervad Rustom Panthaky, then principal of the Dadar Athornan Boarding Madressa. Presently the classes are conducted by his successor Ervad (Dr) Ramiyar Karanjia who with Shernaz Talati was instrumental in compiling the mona­jats and songs for the compact disc.

The compilation of 11 holy songs in praise of Ahura Maz­da, Zarathushtra and the Zoroastrian religion, the community and its culture starts with Sanjan March and ends with Chhaiyé Hamé Zarthosti. The music direction by Hufrish Bamji and Marzban Mehta, voice over by Mithoo Jesia, singing by Talati, Natasha Mistry, Pakzhan Fitter, Havovi Karanjia, Pervin Damania, Meher Mistry and Freny Wankadiya, and instrumental accompaniment by Jemmy Sahiyar on the keyboard, Julius Noronha on the guitar and S. J. Achrekar on the rhythm octopad has resulted in the creation of lilting melodies that should bring "happiness, peace of mind and unfailingly lift your souls,” as notes the CD.

The MEJMT salutes "all the noble and talented Zarathushtis, past and present, who penned the inspired lyrics and composed these very moving devotional songs,” acknowledges Jamshed Guzder’s support as also the professional and technical assistance of different individuals and teams who helped in the production of this CD. Priced at Rs 50, the CD is available at the Madressa, 651/652, Near Five Gardens, Parsi Colony, Dadar, Bombay 400014, tel: 24138086.