Pardiwala’s poems

Coming from the pen of Rusi Pardiwala is Zarthushtra’s Gathas (English and Gujarati verses), a composite reprint of two books, the Gujarati Gatha — Kirti originally published in 1994, and the English Mazdayasni Zarthushtris which first appeared in 1995. The publisher’s note mentions that the original English book was "inscribed to a great guru, physical culturist and gymnast, (the) late Keki Jamaspji Vaid of Surat who helped hundreds of Parsi youths to build their bodies and character.” The first edition also carried a message of its current day relevance from solicitor Ervad Nadir Modi: "A number of Parsis of today have no opportunity of studying Gujarati, their own mother tongue. This English version will cater to the spiritual needs of this group.”
The slim book contains shortened versions of the Gathas in both Gujarati and English in separate sections, providing a "complete revelation and message of the Prophet in a single book,” the publishers write. The author, however, mentions that "No claims are advanced or intended. Humility and devotion are the basis of this work and the readers are expected to read it with the same spirit.”

Rusi Pardiwala: prolific author

Two other small volumes of verse in Gujarati are offered by Pardiwala, Ravi Kiran (Rays of the Sun) and Kavya Kalgi (Poetic Jewels), published in 2013 and 2012 respectively. These comprise poems written by him over a period of time dealing with a wide range of themes including religion, nature, philosophy and inspiring personalities.
All three books have been published by Sahitya Ane Sanskruti, D2, Sindhu House, 4th floor, Nanabhai Lane, Fort, Bombay 400001, tel: 9892146086. Prices have not been mentioned.

S. V.