Truths and a tribute

Rusi Besania of Surat is a "lighthouse” for the community because of his efforts to disseminate genuine religious knowledge about Zoroastrianism. He has written nearly 30 books during his active career and continues to do so after retirement despite poor health and an ophthalmic problem. His book, Amrutvani, in Guja­rati, is a valuable addition to the list.

Rusi Besania: shedding light on religion

Amrutvani starts with "A Will by Zoroaster,” containing knowledge which is difficult to come by elsewhere. The book sheds light not only on the Prophet but also on the teachings of Zoroastrian icons like Dastur Adarbad, Darius-Cyrus, Dastur Nairyosang Dhaval, Noshirvane Adil and others. A plus point is that at a time when the divorce rate in the community has become alarming, Besania provides guidelines for a happy marriage by illustrating how our Yazads perform excellent services for man and wife. The book ends with a divine promise (courtesy Mino Ram Yasht) which can save the lives of many desperate people who are contemplating suicide. On the final page Besania expresses his wish to be one with God.
Howsoever busy one may be it would be worth sparing some time to read and digest the wisdom in this slim, 34-page book. Besania’s command over Gujarati is excellent and every word reflects the power of prayer and devotion. No price is mentioned. Besania may be contacted at 2, Sava Sadi Sadan, Bhavnagari Street, Rani Talao, Surat 395003, Gujarat. Telephone: 0261-2410651.

In appreciation of his commitment to the cause of religion, on Besania’s 70th birthday in 2009 Noshir Dabhoiwala gifted him Bande Khuda written by Yasmin Dotivala, Dilnaz Besania and Jimmy Kharadi. Also in Gujarati, this 40-page tribute has been dedicated to Besania by his loving and supportive family, wife Yasmin, sons Viraf and Hormuzd, daughter-in-law Dilnaz, and grandchildren Kevin and Azmin. The talented Dilnaz has made the book more interesting with the inclusion of color photographs of Parsi dignitaries and places. In conclusion is a remarkable quote by Prof Firoze Davar on the aim of religion. As the late Dr Ratan Marshall had noted: "This small and beautiful book is worth preserving in our personal library.”

VIRA C. DHAMODIWALA