“Disawalla’s distinctions”

We have read Parinaz M. Gandhi’s article "Disawalla’s distinctions” (Parsi-ana, April 7, 2006) on the late Dr Manchi Disawalla who expired in Bangalore on February 25, 2006 after a prolonged illness.

It is not our intention to comment on, or add to what Gandhi has written about Disawalla. Despite many differences that existed between Disawalla and the trustees of the Bangalore Parsee Zoroastrian Anjuman (BPZA), there was always a sense of mutual respect and understanding between Manchi and the trustees. Though such controversies would frequently be aired by Manchi on the floor of the general body till such time he was a member of the BPZA, or through the print, the personal relations between the trustees and Manchi were always cordial and indeed frequently we also had the opportunity to socialize with him at functions or parties organized by mutual friends. Whilst Machi criticized various aspects of the Anjuman administration and stood opposed to the stands taken by the trustees on vital issues that related to the community and the religion, at no time did he ever cast aspersions on the trustees nor did he ever question their integrity and honesty of purpose. The differences were issue related and never personal.

In this context therefore it surprises us that you have chosen to print certain damaging charges purported to have been made by Rustom Gae as reported by Gandhi: "He leaves us with a tremendous feeling of awe and wonder that such a good person worked with us in close proximity and did his best to improve the lot of Parsis and others in Bangalore… He fought many matters for the benefit of poor Parsis successfully exposing at the same time misdeeds, misappropriation of funds and breach of trust…”

Responsible journalism ensures that any matter printed has to be substantiated by the author and as the editor it would have been your professional and moral duty to ascertain the truth or otherwise of the above charges. Whilst we have no dispute with the fine sentiments expressed by Gae with regard to Disawalla we certainly object to and question the statement that he "fought many matters for the benefit of the poor Parsis successfully exposing at the same time the misdeeds, misappropriation of funds.” The report seems to indicate that Disawalla had at some time or the other confided in Gae and made these charges which Gae chose to communicate to Gandhi.

As already stated Disawalla had frequent differences with the trustees and the Anjuman (but) had never questioned the honesty or the integrity of the trustees nor had he ever hinted or expressly stated his doubts with regard to the management of the Anjuman funds. Being an outspoken person he would have certainly done so if he had felt that our funds are being mismanaged or misappropriated. His disagreement with the general body of the Anjuman on various issues, or his opposition to the purpose of utilization of Anjuman funds, does not constitute "misdeeds” or "misappropriation of funds.” Hence we are unable to comprehend why such baseless allegations are being made without any attempt to verify the authenticity of the same, thereby maligning the fair name of the trustees and the Anjuman.

We now demand that you seek an explanation from Gandhi and/or Gae calling upon them to substantiate the serious charges. If they are able to provide any evidence to this effect the trustees will, to a man, stand up and face these charges. If however Gae and/or Gandhi fail to provide satisfactory evidence to this effect, we will expect your magazine to retract what has been stated and clear the fair name of the trustees. This is the least we can expect from a magazine that has gained much respect and popularity amongst the community members. Please do not leave us with the option of considering other measures. Needless to say the trustees and many of our members are deeply upset and outraged at these charges. Please take immediate action to either provide us with proof of these allegations or to retract these damaging charges.

I trust you will print this retort in your columns as we would not like your readers to be left with the impression that there is even an iota of truth in the relevant paragraph singled out for our clarification and response.

PHIROZE B. BHARDA

President, for and on behalf of the Trustees,

The Bangalore Parsee Zoroastrian Anjuman