Letters
"Mission impossible”
I have been quite distressed since the former government initiated a misconceived sop for the dying Parsi community’s revival. This has been compounded by the recent Jiyo Parsi campaign. Your editorial "Mission impossible” (Parsiana, December 7, 2014) was not critical enough. You seem to have been more forthcoming in what has been attributed to you in Outlook magazine of December 8, 2014.
The quite vainglorious Jiyo Parsi project is condemnable. As far as the role played by Sam Balsara (pro bono or otherwise) in this, as well as for his political campaign for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Would it be too much to ask Parsis to deem humanism as a far higher virtue than the parochial communal/racial chauvinism which seems to be the trend today?
I would also like to express my views on the total absence of philanthropy and other altruistic community-centric virtues in the case of Kobad Ghandy. He and I could not be more different in our political and economic thought. However, purely from the aspect of humanity and considering his suffering, has there been an offer from a single Parsi in the legal fraternity to take up his case on a pro bono basis? Despite your writing about his plight, has any Parsi of means made a gesture to fund his legal battle? The less we talk about the judicial or any other government agency dispensing fairness and justice the better, but surely there are Parsis of enough political and financial means to help reach an early resolution in his case?
AARMIN BANAJI
Nagpur
dog2on@gmail.com
The editors reply:
As regards the quote attributed to the editor of Parsiana in Outlook, we would like to clarify that we believe the advertisements are clever and well designed. The problem lies in not according women equal rights and yet expecting them to bear the brunt of preserving the community. This is not Madison World’s fault. Dr Shernaz Cama of Parzor has said her organization and Madison followed the brief laid down by law. Thus on one hand well meaning individuals and organizations work to increase the population while on the other hand the legal technicalities ensure the purpose is defeated.
As the Parsiana editorial of December 7, "Mission impossible,” noted, the Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) "in humans and other species is essentially inherited from the mother.” This gender discrimination makes a mockery of any proposal to preserve the ethnic community.
As for Kobad Ghandy, several prominent lawyers, including Fali Nariman have offered to assist pro bono but the present legal intricacies of the case make such intervention at this stage difficult.
This is a measured response to Berjis Desai’s sentimental piece "What is the roz and mah today?” (Bawa Musings, Parsiana, November 21, 2014), provoked by the subheading: "The Parsi calendar still retains its significance.” Ah yes! and undoubtedly so — but for whom and how? With all the unbridled razzmatazz of Parsiism, is it simply not rozmahtazz?
From among the several Ancient Iranian calendars the learned priests of some 2,600 years ago saw good sense in prudently furnishing the confused populace with a unified calendar firmly based on the enduring values of reason and rationality. They even put forth the populist story of it harking back to the resplendent Yima Khshaita (Shah Jamshid), ruler of all the world. Nice touch that, since the Yima of the Vandidad’s chapter 2 was a pastoralist — a primal cattle-drover — who was instructed by no less an authority than Ahura Mazda himself!
That exact solar calendar, precisely established as the Sal-i Denig ("Religious Calendar”) of chapters 1 and 25 of the Iranian Bundahishn with non-varying annual dates and fixed gahanbars, significant for joyous and somber occasions, thereafter became current until well beyond the imposition of the chaotic Islamic lunar system.
Attempts were made to revive the Sal-i Denig (unfortunately packaged as Fasli, the Arabic for "seasonal”) among the Parsis by the pioneering scholar Kharshedji Rustamji Cama and his steadfast group of socio-religious educators, including the enlightened scholar-priests Jivanji Modi, Sheriarji Bharucha, Kavasji Kanga and Edalji Antia, who set up a calendar reform commission. Sad to relate, whilst many jumped on that bandwagon, there were uneducated priests among them who, burdened by fear and ignorance of the well-assembled facts, indulged in their accustomed foot-dragging and frivolous capers to wreck the single-minded efforts at consolidating the Zoroastrian faith for future generations. Nothing came of those pious endeavors to impart timely order and significance to feasts and festivals.
The results of this backwardness are plain to see in the defective Shahanshahi and Qadimi "calendars,” both of which retrogress right through all obligatory socio-religious observances — from No-ruz/Navroz, New Year’s Day, through to the Vahishta ishtish/Vahishtoisht Gatha, with Zarathushtra’s birth and death commemorations, the six well-ordered gahanbars, the 10 Fravardin/muktads (will someone credibly explain why 18 days?) and the 12 roz-mah conjunctions — of which Desai lists those paravs most favored by the Parsis.
Of course, the appetizing (used advisedly!) idea of everything being celebrated thrice over is of great appeal to those inclined to offer dar-ni poris and other contaminants to the pure Ardvi Sura element; to twice inappropriately gourmandize on fish, flesh and fowl despite the strict Vohu man/Bahman mah prohibitions, plus on the four anrozas (meatless days) of each month when meat is eaten despite the ruz/roj bans. (Thereafter, surely, come antacids to place their seal on the good life over-indulgers!)
Needless to point out that the gah/geh changes and Afrin(gan)s are similarly out of kilter. There is scant chance of realizing the need for "preservation of religion;” for those remaining in the Indian homeland there are the shameless onslaughts against truth, reason and rationality by brazen mavericks, both priestly and lay, the preservation of whose self-interest and self-promotion is paramount. May Mazda ever protect us from their deceit!
In such convoluted contexts, Desai’s end-piece is singularly telling: "A culture or civilization whose calendar is rarely consulted is being badly ravaged by time.” That culture, from infancy to ultimate lunacy, has observably declined. Dare it be suggested, one even more percipient than Desai had sagely concluded: "Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe!” It was Albert Einstein. To those for whom "traditions” consist of mindless perpetuations of past neglectful errors: will no one ever listen?
FARROKH VAJIFDAR
London
f.vajifdar@btinternet.com
"Dogma, dakhmas…”
In "Dogma, dakhmas, defunct anjumans” (Parsiana, November 21, 2014) Khojeste Mistree is reported to have said at Bilimora that vultures only "eat fresh matter. The sun does the work” (of decomposing bodies placed in the dakhmas) and sunlight is sufficient. If that be the case, why was he bent on foisting his pet vulture aviary project on the community two years back?
To a question from a member of the clergy about the complaint of stench from the dakhmas experienced by Godrej Baug residents, Mistree is reported to have countered by saying that he resides 200 m away and there is no smell in the vicinity. Parsis are known for their noses, but not all bawas have blocked noses! Besides, unlike those living in Shahnazeen in Khareghat Colony, those in Godrej Baug and Spenta do not use air conditioners at all times of day.
Whenever I have been to the Tower Of Silence, I have been able to smell rotting corpses. This is not my experience alone but that of all who have been to Doongerwadi, except those with stuffy noses. Also, Mistree should let the community know why ozone gas and bovine urine are being used (to disguise the smell), if there is no stench from the dakhmas.
Mistree has repeated his claim that Dhan Baria’s tapes showing the conditions inside the dakhmas were doctored. If this is true, why has he not filed an FIR (first information report) against her? On what basis does he claim that the tapes are doctored? Simply by stating so does not substantiate the claim. Mistree should provide credible evidence or discontinue this canard.
He states that there cannot be solar concentrators in a dakhma. I wish to refresh his memory. During the installation of solar panels he had visited our society endorsing the panels and, if I recollect rightly, refuted our contention that solar panels are a form of solar cremation. I quoted the example of burning of film using a magnifying glass. At that time he refused to accept this argument and now I find it amusing that he is saying that "redirecting” the sun’s rays onto the body via huge reflectors amounts to "tandooring” the body!
If what Mistree has said is true, why not allow the mourners to enter the dakhmas and see for themselves the existing state of affairs there. In which scripture is there a proviso for having paid pallbearers? HOMI DALAL
homeedalal@gmail.com
"Past perfect, future tense”
I enjoyed reading your editorial "Past perfect, future tense” (Parsiana, November 7, 2014) on the small town of Bilimora, formerly known as the Manchester of India, which now has a population of a mere 200 Parsis.
At the meeting there, Bombay Parsi Punchayet and World Alliance of Parsi Irani Zarthoshti (WAPIZ) trustees Khojeste Mistree and Yazdi Desai spent two hours answering questions on dakhmenashini. These conservative eccentrics can only impress rustic folk. As you rightly point out, the parts of Gujarat they get support from are WAPIZ strongholds. When Mistree was queried about the stench near Godrej Baug, one of his sycophants stated that the residents should leave the place and go elsewhere.
From the start the issue of dakhmenashini has dwelt on the perpetuation of an outdated custom which has nothing to do with religion whereby the souls of the dead get preference over those of the living. RASHID G. KHOSRAVI
"Matchmaking still works”
I have read Berjis Desai’s column "Matchmaking still works” (Bawa Musings, Parsiana, November 7, 2014) three times and still have not had my fill! The charming manner in which he has written is so captivating. His columns will be a treat to look out for in future!
Parsiana continues to be so very readable and newsy! Thank you.
SUNNU GOLWALLA
Karachi
sunnu.golwalla@gmail.com
"Origin of surname”
I was pondering over a question posed by one of your readers in "Origin of surname” (Readers’ Forum, Parsiana, October 21, 2014) about the name "Italia.” I am not aware of the actual origin, but a few possibilities come to mind.
Some generations earlier members of the family may have traded with Italy (just as the name "Chinai” or the westernized version "Chinoy” originated from Parsis who traded with China). Or the original settlers in Gujarat may have owned kilns making bricks (eeta). The surname could also have its origin in a place named Etawah in Uttar Pradesh.
MEHER D. DHONDY
Gurgaon, Haryana
The editors note:
Any further information regarding the origin of the surname Italia may be sent to Kaikobad S. Italia by email at ksitalia@vsnl.net
"What the community…”
Normally Armin Dutia Motashaw is a balanced writer, but I was shocked to read her proposal in "What the community wants” (Readers’ Forum, Parsiana, September 21, 2014), to let "hyenas, foxes or wolves devour” Parsi corpses. In an age of advanced space rocket science, this is most disgusting!
Would any health regulatory authority ever permit this? The Vendidad supports her mode of disposal, and even recommends dismantling the dakhmas. Will Motashaw tell us how many centuries separate us from proto-history and the Vendidad?
Her suggestion is most perverse, ghastly, reactionary, primitive and totally unacceptable today. B. T. DASTUR
We must be vigilant
Recent articles appearing in the Parsi Press clearly indicate and confirm that not only is there a lack of unanimity among the Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) trustees but that heinous play is rampant.
There is no reason whatsoever to sit back and wait for the next election; the collective memory of the voter will suffer from pulav dar amnesia by then! One wonders about the level of intelligence of the general public if they voted such persons into positions of power that were once held by august community members. One must recall that the former BPP trustees had resigned in protest against the current chairman. Yet, over food, drink and entertainment, we were lured into voting for him and his coterie of WAPIZ (World Alliance of Parsi Irani Zarthoshtis), which is a group of people harboring old fashioned thoughts and nursing giant sized egos whilst laying the foundations for self aggrandizement and financial benefit.
The battle against "renegade” priests, vulture culture at the Tower of Silence, plans for redevelopment of colonies and the questionable sale of property will become interconnected over a period of time if we are not vigilant.
The solution is to request individuals of sterling quality to step forward and dethrone the present set of trustees by calling for an emergency re-election. Persons like Cyrus Guzdar, Ratan Tata, Cyrus Mistry, Homi Khusrokhan and others should be approached to take the lead and put the BPP back on the rails. These persons have no time or desire for personal gains either financial or ego-related. They are better qualified than the current lot which has over the past few years exposed the community to shame through the media. Never before has so much dirty linen been washed in public. A community that was always respected for its honesty, integrity and forthrightness has been made a laughing stock of the country.
JAMSHED IRANI
iranjams@yahoo.in
Clarity on organ donation
I had sent letters to all five high priests inquiring about organ donation after demise to find out whether dakhmenashini would be permitted subsequently at the Towers of Silence. On receiving my letter Dastur Khurshed Dastoor of Iranshah, Udvada rang me up and told me that my thoughts were sincere and I should go ahead, which made me very happy.
The topic of organ donation has been discussed in the Parsi Press. However, it is not known whether we should donate the organs at government hospitals alone or whether there any Parsi institutions who would accept the organs. I am confident that if this could be publicized, many in the community, being of a charitable nature, would donate their organs as an act of charity before the last rites are performed. SAM D. PATEL
Assistant Commissioner of Police (Retd)
sammydpatel@gmail.com
Subscribers’ comments
Subscribers offer their views on Parsiana’s strengths and weaknesses on the subscription renewal form returned to us. With their consent we publish their comments so that their thoughts may be known to a wider readership. Unless another name is affixed to the remarks, Parsiana assumes they are written by the subscriber whose name appears on the form.
Parsiana’s strengths: Truly a bonding for the community, motivating and informative. Shortcomings: Can we make this a lifestyle magazine by including Parsi recipes and quizzes for all ages?
BOMMY J. ITALIA
Hyderabad
The editors reply:
Current community affairs keep us occupied. But we will keep the suggestion in mind.
Parsiana’s strengths: Provides an interesting compilation of our community and its affairs from all over the world. Each issue is eagerly awaited! Shortcomings: A need for increased frequency.
FEROZA C. JASSAWALA
Faridabad, Haryana
The editors reply:
Would love to be a weekly but our limited personnel and financial resources do not permit it. Being even a semi-monthly (24 issues a year) is a struggle.
Parsiana’s strengths: Good all over inclusive coverage of national and international events. It is the only link between Parsis of different cities and towns in India and abroad. Carry on the good work. Shortcomings: None.
DARAYUS P. KAVARANA
Edited by Sherene Vakil
Erratum
Regarding the report "Attending to assets — II” (Parsiana, December 21, 2014) on the meetings of the Federation of the Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of India on community properties, Gita Choksi clarifies the saving on labor costs in repairs on the Panchgani agiary was Rs 8-10 lakhs, and not Rs 15 lakhs as published.
Choksi writes that Dr Cyrus Poonawalla has been approached for financial support to the tune of Rs 10 lakhs to build the wall of the aramgah to save the area from encroachment, but the matter is still under discussion.
Parsiana regrets the errors.
For Mr. B. T. Dastur, Sir, in reference to my letter n your reply in the current issue . we Parsis are all d time discussing, arguing on Dokhmenashini, aviaries etc. if we really want to solve this problem, frankly speaking, pl. explain, what is the difference between vultures fighting over a corpse n hyenas doing the same? instead of fire destroying the corpse n the community being divided, I thought of this alternate method of disposal which is as eco-friendly as the vulture method. I love reading your articles n just like you, I too wish Parsis stay united, multiply, flourish n prosper. Today what the community needs is unity, love n respect for our dearest religion. if we loved our religion, marrying outside the fold, not marrying at all or late would all reduce. we need to inculcate love n respect n overcome the indifference that prevails. late marriages r unnatural, hence d Jiyo-Parsi scheme. May love n wisdom prevail in d community Armin Dutia Motashaw