The Holiday Program For Youth has been the most successful Zoroastrian youth summer program in the world. Started more than three decades ago, it has brought thousands of kids together for the entire month of May after they have finished their Standard X examinations.

We are therefore saddened to hear from the organizers that for the very first time in all these years, the program will be cancelled this summer.

In keeping with the ongoing measures to contain the spread of the Coronavirus, HPY 2020 to be held in May stands cancelled.

We hope that the organizers return with the same gusto and zeal in Summer 2021 and cannot wait to hear more about the program then.

Madan Ni Mansik Hospital

When: 18 Apr 2020 7:00 PM, EDT
Where: Online

EVENT DETAILS:

Premier Natak

Madan Ni Mansik Hospital

Brought to you by the Toronto Parsi Drama Group

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to unfold at an alarming speed and as we are all doing our part by staying at home….Do you Need something light-hearted to cheer you up?  Looking for maasti majah without Corona?

The Toronto Parsi Drama Group is here to ease your “mann” and “tann” with the best medicine around – LAUGHTER! 

The Following Natak was performed live at the Ontario Zoroastrian Community Centre, in Oakville, Ontario Canada in 2018.

We bring this to you on April 18th, 2020 from 7.00pm onwards, for 24 hours, with a hope to lighten your day.

7pm viewing is known as a Premier event
Meaning you can participate online in chatting via typing to others that are watching (You cannot rewind it if you join this session late)

9pm April 18th to 7pm April 19th viewing is open for anyone to connect and watch at their leisure.

You can watch the Natak by Clicking on the link below:

https://youtu.be/ZCJRHunSPPM

A long time dear reader of ours, who wishes to remain anonymous has written this very pertinent open letter to Bill Gates.

An open letter to: ‘Bill Gates’

A ‘Prophet’ in our Times. – In both sense of the word!

Dear Bill Gates,

Your life story, is a perfect example, of what made ‘America Great’

You are truly a ‘Prophet in our Times’ – the 21^st Century.

Let me clarify ….

Prophet: A person who speaks by divine inspiration, revealing/ interpreting the ‘will of god’. Prophets have appeared in many religions throughout history. – Britannica Encyclopaedia.

Historically, the Arya ‘Sage Bhrigu’ –6000 BCE–  aka, Parsu Ram, Zaradhost, Zoroastra, etc.

Preached, his pristine philosophy –in ancient ‘Avastan’ language– the path mankind must follow for a life of enlightenment:   

– Path of ‘Spenta Manyus’ (splendid mind) & oppose ‘Angra Manyus’ (angry, brooding mind)

– Path of‘Humata, Hukhta, Hvarshta’ (Good thoughts, Good words, Good deeds) 

– Path of ‘Asha’ (the righteous path of truth)

– Path of ‘Help to the Needy’ (in Ahunavar proclamation: Yasna 27. 13)

     “. . . . Kshathrem-cha Ahura ai | yim drigubyo dadat vastarem”               Yasna 27.13

   “Strength of Ahura is unto him | who to his poorer brother, giveth help”   I. J. S. Taraporewala

Prophet: A person who can foretell the future; predicts & warns of events about to happen. Such as, the Biblical Sages: ‘Prophet Isaiah’, ‘John the Baptise’, etal.

And, French doctor ‘Nostradamus’, the American psychic ‘Edgar Cayce’, etal.       

By resigning as CEO of ‘Microsoft’ board, to spend your life in philanthropic ventures; and your 2015 warning, about a pandemic inflicting the world; are both profound prophetic statements.

Sir, you are truly ‘A Prophet in our Times’

With warm regards,

Anonymous admirer.

April 2020.

Bill Gates Predicted Coronavirus-Like Outbreak in 2019 …

Bill Gates predicted a coronavirus-like outbreak – down to it starting at a Chinese market – in 2019 Netflix documentary show ‘The Next Pandemic’

• Bill Gates appeared in Netflix ‘Explained’ series to discuss risks of viral spread
• The billionaire said world is ill-prepared to deal with global pandemic
• Microsoft tycoon predicted virus outbreak would begin in wet market in China.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7951293/Bill-Gates-Predicted-Coronavirus-Like-Outbreak-2019-Netflix-Documentary.html               

The Balsara family is saddened to announce the passing of their father Russi Dinshaw Balsara on Tues April 7, 2020 in Toronto at the age of 86. Devoted father (and father in law) of Khorshed ( Khor and Darrin Tooth) and Navroze (Andrea Balsara). Proud Grandpa of Zara (Ryan Bottriell), Emma, Aidan and Justine Tooth and Mehra Balsara.

Russi was born in Bandra, Mumbai (Bombay) on October 19, 1933. He is predeceased by his wife of 57 years Moti Balsara. He is also predeceased by his parents Dinshaw and Khorshed Balsara (nee Katrak) and his sister Homai Janmohammed (brother in law Iqbal Janmohammed) and sister Sabar Balsara

He received his Matriculation Degree from St. Stanislaus High School in Bandra and proceeded to St. Xavier’s College for a Bachelor’s Degree in Science and then onto the Nair Hospital Dental School where he obtained his Licentiate Degree in Dental Science in 1957. He was in private practice in Mumbai’s Fort District from 1958 to 1966. He was the dentist to many family and friends in Bombay and had the unfortunate task of treating one unruly niece who bit him! He was very dedicated to his vocation and upon emigrating to Canada was admitted to the University of Toronto Dental School where he graduated in 1969 with his Doctorate in Dental Surgery. Russi practiced General Dentistry in Toronto from 1969 to 1982, while also Joining the staff at the University of Toronto’s (U of T) Faculty of Dentistry in 1970 and promoted to Associate Professor in Dentistry in 1975, working in the Department of Dental Hygiene. In 1976 he began teaching Clinics on Restorative Dentistry and published an article “Geriatrics in Prosthodontics” in the Undergraduate Journal of the Faculty of Dentistry, U of T.

He joined the Veterans Affairs Canada Dental Clinic at Sunnybrook Medical Centre as a Dental Officer in 1982 and was promoted to Chief of the Dental Clinic in 1985 where he had the privilege and pleasure of treating Canadian Veterans, his ultimate dream job, for many years until his retirement from the clinic in 2001. As a sought after expert on Geriatric dentistry, he continued consultations part time for the many Toronto Public Health Dental Clinics till his health forced him to retire completely in 2010.

Russi met his wife Moti in Bombay and withstood family misgivings on their involvement due to their 9 year age difference, but nevertheless he waited patiently for her to accept his marriage proposal after she completed her Master’s Degree in Nursing at the Teachers College at Columbia University in New York. Once returning from abroad, Russi and Moti were married enjoying elaborate celebrations at the Colaba Agiary in Bombay in 1959. Russi was wholly devoted to his wife and championed her to pursue her career as a Professor and ultimately the Dean of the Nursing School in Bombay, where her credentials led to gaining employment at the University of Toronto Nursing School upon emigration from India in 1967. Mum and Dad chose Canada as she had visited in the late 1950’s, when visiting Toronto and found it a “lovely small city”. When they arrived in 1966, it was nothing but small, but a fast growing international metropolis. They were soon followed by one of Russi’s oldest and closest friend’s Navroze Chenoy, who initially stayed with them in a small apartment on Yonge Street, who promptly sufferred a slipped disc and was forced to lay on the floor of their apartment until health coverage kicked in! Their friendship spanned 7 decades and weathered all storms and every happy milestone. This is but one friendship that has spanned the decades. Russi was a fierce and loyal friend to, Sam Vesuna, Dr’s Jehangir and Maneck Kotawal, Dinshaw and Armaity Kanga, Roshan and Zal Contractor, Homi and Vili Homji, Naju and Russi Homavazir, Jamshed Jam , Dr. Tony and Ella Davis, Sanford and Danise Chandler, John and Jean Morgan, just to name but a very few, with many more who are not mentioned but not forgotten.

The family moved from a rental house on Rose Park Drive to the suburbs in1970. Willowdale was a growing suburb of Toronto, surrounded by farmers fields back then. The children enjoyed growing up in North York, making many new friends and also being able to grow up with their uncle Kawus and Hoshang Nanavati’s families, whom my parents also helped to settle in Canada.

In terms of what defines Russi the most, I believe it would be his service to others. He never stopped thinking of others, those being his family, friends, colleagues and acquaintances. From his student days in India, Russi started his service work with the Lions Club of North Bombay in 1958. He and his friends were instrumental in starting up a community drop in medical centre, providing medical and dental services to the needy, in cooperation from UNICEF and CARE programs they also offered powdered milk to the children in the community.

In Canada from 1971-76, he provided voluntary services and supervised the work of dental students at the U of T evening dental clinic called SHOUT, providing services for inner city, low income residents. He was also active in the East York Community Care Access Centre, elected director in 1998, and if these obligations were not enough, he joined the Kiwanis International service organization upon invitation from a neighbour in North York and became a valued member of the Kiwanis Club of North York from 1971 for more than 40 years. He served as President of the club from 1975-76 and again from 1984-86. He was afforded the honour of becoming the Lt. Governor of Division 9 of the Eastern Canada and Caribbean District from 1995-96 International Branch and in 1996 received the prestigious award – the Mel Osborne Fellowship Award for his service contribution and dedication to the work and growth of the Kiwanis organization both locally and worldwide.His children remember participating in countless projects which Russi helped organized with his club. Many weekends were spent helping with the monthly travel log shows, polar golf tournaments, christmas tree and christmas cake sales and other hands on projects.His most beloved project was the Kiwanis Music Festival for which his personal commitment and dedication afforded him as a Lifetime Member of the Festival.

Apart from service to the local Toronto community, Russi and Moti both, were involved in the formative years of the Zoroastrian Society of Ontario (ZSO) starting in 1971. In those early years, the Society held its events in rented premises, especially those at the University of Toronto and Russi was always there to set up for these events. In 1977-78 Russi was elected President of the ZSO. It was a crucial time for the Society for this was when the late Arbab Rustom Guiv magnanamously provided funds to the ZSO to purchase a property. As President, Russi was directly involved in all the negotiations concerning the purchase of the property known as the Mehraban Guiv Darbe Mehr which now serves as the permanent home for the ZSO and its many community activities, from scouting events, sunday school, food fairs, healthy senior friday events, navjotes, weddings, jasans and other community celebrations and ceremonies. Since the purchase of the property, Russi took on the major responsibility of the Chair of the House and Garden Sub-Committee. He was responsible for the overall maintenance and upkeep of the property, with the most important task: the time of the Muktad ceremonies, he and his volunteers ensured the Dadgah room was clean and properly set-up. He took the lead in raising funds for the extension and setting up of the new Dadgah Prayer Room. He was responsible for the donation of the large Afargan and other prayer implements received from the N.M. Wadia Charities in Bombay, and donated the shipping expenses to bring these treasures to Toronto. He has also served since its inception in 1978, on the Board of the Rustom Guiv Foundation of Ontario (RGFO), which oversees the MGDM property, as a founding member, conducting his last annual board meeting as President from his wheelchair at his nursing home this past fall.Apart from his passion for the Darbe Meher property, he worked tirelessly to help all in the community, especially the Seniors, coordinating housing and obtaining appropriate placements for dozens of Seniors in nursing homes or homes for the aged. As difficulties in Iran began, Russi and Moti were involved in the humanitarian work of getting many Iranian refugees admitted to Canada. Once they arrived, they made sure they were fully supported by the community and suitably housed and prepared for their new lives in Canada.

Russi was very dedicated to his family, and before his own children came along, he would often be seen crowding his niece Tannaz and nephew Jim and the family Golden Retreiver in his tiny little car, zooming around Bandra with Sandy beaming out the window! When Moti’s brother Kawus’s inlaws Stan and Ena came from England to visit, Russi’s and his mother Khorshed hosted them in their Bandra home, going as far as to personally stir Stan’s tea! There are countless such special friends and family from around the world who felt this hospitality in his North York home, which fondly became known as Hotel Heathview! Another bonus when arriving in North York, was a new four legged member of the family. Our first family dog Siggy was another one of Russi’s joys, a huge animal lover, we enjoyed Siggy till he was a ripe old age of 16!

The impetus for emigration was to offer a better opportunities for their children Khorshed and Navroze, whom both became professionals; a Veterinary Doctor and Audiologist respectively. His daughter Khorshed was married to Darrin Tooth in 1991, on Oct 19, Russi’s birthday! It was made special by having an intimate ceremony at Hotel Heathview and the reception at the MGDM! It was a memorable wedding with guests from overseas and the United States coming to celebrate. Khorshed and Darrin went on to have 4 daughters, Zara, Emma, Aidan and Justine. Navroze was married to Andrea Torrey in and had a beautiful summer wedding on Moti’s birthday of July 7th, 1996 at the MGDM. Andrea brought to the family her daughter Katie and they went on to have a daughter of their own, Mehra, named after Moti’s mother.These six beautiful grand daughters were his absolute pride and joy. He was especially proud when he taught Zara, Emma, Aidan, Justine, Mehra and their cousin Camille all their Navjote prayers each weekend with the traditional ceremony being performed by 6 Zoroastrian priests in August of 2011.

Russi and Moti once “retired” were busier than ever with their many activities with longstanding service to the community. The couple earned the Government of Ontario Senior Achievement Award for significant voluntary service in 2003. In 2006 Russi received the Ralph O’Halloran Lifetime Achievement Award for 20 years of unwavering support and dedication to the North York Harvest Food Bank as well he was accorded the 35 year Legion of Honour for his membership and commitment to Kiwanis International and the Kiwanis Club of North York.

They decided to live with Khorshed’s family in their Beaches Apartment, able to be close to their beloved young grand daughters and while still healthy, having the flexibility to travel the world, visiting almost every continent especially where friends and family lived. In 2005 Moti suffered a massive stroke and to accommodate the new family dynamic, the extended family moved to a home on Markham Road.

Russi became caregiver in chief and devoted himself to Moti’s care while continuing to work part time and finding ways for them to travel abroad on cruises and other vacations all the while accommodating his disabled wife. The family dynamic worked with Grandpa and Grandma on the ground floor, and Khorshed’s young family above. The girls saw first hand Grandpa’s love and devotion to their Grandma and were always there to lend a helping hand. Grandpa Russi and Granny Moti were a big part of their grand daughter’s lives growing up, supporting them with their passion for dance, never missing a competition or recital.

His devotion to Moti’s care took a huge toll on his own health, but he was with her till the end, joining her in a joint room in a nursing home until she passed away in February of 2016. After Moti’s death, Russi was admitted to the Cummer Lodge Nursing home, where he remained active as always, lobbying for better food and services from the staff and administration.He continued attending activities at the MGDM and continued to serve on the RGFO board. He made several new friends at Cummer Lodge and enjoyed his excursions with them to the Mandarin and the local mall. He had a steady stream of dear friends and family who visited often and made the days he spent there happier. Last year was the most difficult, he suffered a broken hip in June of 2019, recovering but never regaining his health. He remained active and engaged and worrying about his family, especially his grand daughters during the current pandemic. He knew it was impossible to visit and we all had many conversations to keep his spirits up. He passed quickly in his sleep in the early morning of April 7, finally reunited with his beloved soulmate Moti.

The family would like to thank all his many dear friends and family who were his lifeline during the last few years, especially when he lost his beloved Moti. There are too many to name from all over the world, you meant the world to him and your love and kindness did not go unnoticed. They would also like to thank the wonderful staff at Cummer Lodge who he recently commended during the Covid-19 crisis on the extra care and attention he received this past difficult month. Russi lived a long and exemplary life, filled with contribution and service to others. He will be dearly missed by all he touched throughout his life. May he rest in eternal peace.

The family will have a celebration of life at a later date, they are accumulating a fund in Russi’s name for the benefit of the MGDM temple, please contact either Dr. Khor Balsara at kbalsara@rogers.com or Nav Balsara at nav_balsara@yahoo.ca for details.

Our dear friend and esteemed journalist and author Farida Master writes a fantastic account of this very interesting story.

“We were all in shock,” says Highland Park resident Natasha Thanawalla, when they were informed on Friday they would be airlifted home.

The very next day they were returning home to Auckland on a Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130 Hercules, a military cargo aircraft carrying vital supplies including satellite phones and chainsaw kits for cyclone-ravaged Vanuatu and a helicopter.

Having been told a number of times that they would soon be put on a flight back home from Vanuatu, the volunteers stranded in the Pacific Island country couldn’t believe they would be boarding a Hercules, since all commercial flights were cancelled.

“We weren’t sure until we boarded the flight at 7pm, Vanuatu time. There were around 50 of us including tourists and aircraft engineers who had flown in from New Zealand to assemble a privately-owned Robinson R66 helicopter (to be used for relief medical work) in 5-6 hours. The engineers had earlier deconstructed the helicopter in Blenheim, South Island, and fitted it in the Hercules. But none of the crew were allowed to step out of the airport into the capital city.”

Natasha says that though the military aircraft “didn’t have proper seats and it was quite loud, it was a very comfortable flight and they fed us a lot of food”.

Like every 21-year-old looking for a bit of adventure, when the former Pakuranga College student – who had won an award for community service – registered for Volunteer Service Abroad (VSA) she never imaging they would be struck by natural disasters starting with an earthquake followed by a devastating cyclone, topped by the Coronavirus Covid-19 outbreak.

It was more adventurous than Natasha had ever hoped for.

Last week when the Times first contacted Natasha in Vanuatu, she was both anxious and grateful that the programme manager of VSA had safely moved them to the capital Port Vila just before category 5 monster Cyclone Harold hit Santos, the island where she was working at the health clinic.

Out of the 23 volunteers who had arrived in February, Natasha was the last of the few stranded on the island.

“The volunteers who were more vulnerable were given high priority to fly out of the country,” she says.

Natasha and six other volunteers who were left behind were in for disappointed when the flight to Auckland that they were to meant to board on March 26 was cancelled.

“It was an emotional moment since I had told Mum and Dad I was arriving home and then I had to call them and break the news that I had no idea when I’d return. My parents were very worried,” she says.

“The government of Vanuatu was making sure that by sealing their borders well in advance, the locals would be safe. And it worked very well for them. As of today, there is not a single case of Covid-19 there. In February itself they had banned entry from four Asian countries into Vanuatu.

“Being the youngest volunteer, I was very fortunate that Jonathan Schwass, High Commissioner of New Zealand in Vanuatu, and his wife Ann offered both Helena Ireland (a 22-year-old volunteer) and me shelter in their home.

“We felt very safe and secure staying with them as they worked day and night to find flights for us back home. We know how hard they worked as they relentlessly negotiated to ensure that we would all reach home safely.”

However, despite all the efforts the diplomat and the programme manager put in, after a while, the girls realised it was no use getting their hopes up since things didn’t always go to plan

“We were told that it could be anything from 6 to 16 months before the government of Vanuatu opened up its borders. They couldn’t risk it as they just don’t have the kind of healthcare system to look after the locals.”

Last night a much-relieved Natasha spoke to the Times from the Ibis Hotel where she is now in quarantine for the next two weeks before she finally heads home.

She says it’s been a big roller-coaster ride.

“I have mixed feelings,” she admits. “While I am really glad that we arrived safely back home in a military cargo aircraft, I am sad that my volunteering service which was meant to be 10 months was cut short. The programme was withdrawn as VSA wanted all the volunteers to return home.

“I’m sorry that we had barely finished our cultural orientation and just as we were beginning to enjoy our work there, it all came to a sudden halt!

But she is determined to go back to volunteer in Vanuatu someday.

“Maybe, sometime next year,” she says as she describes it as “undoubtedly the best experience of my life”.

EACH ONE REACH ONE AND TEACH ONE TO LIGHT THE LIFE OF EVERYONE

Let’s Get Viral By Sharing It On All Local & Global Social Media

Please Share This Information With Members Of Your Respective Associations As Well As Within The Circle Of Your Family And Friends Locally And Globally

The Flame Goes Higher When Your Heart Is On FireMay The Flame Of IranShahShine Near And Afar

IranShah Global Initiative 2020 Birthday Celebration With 

Education, Inspiration and Donation

IranShah’s Birthday Celebration: April 21, 2020
Global Virtual Congregational HumBandagi:      

Maachi Prayers:

8:00 PM India, 7:30 AM Los Angeles, 10:30 AM New York, 3:30 PM London, 10:30 PM Hong Kong, 6:30 PM Dubai

Jashan:

8:20 PM India, 7:50 AM Los Angeles, 10:50 AM New York, 3:50 PM London, 10:50 PM Hong Kong, 6:50 PM Dubai

With the Blessing of Our High Priest Of IranShah Udvada, Vada Dasturji Khurshed Dastoor, and Support from Our IranShah Initiative Global Youth Group as well as our Global Zarathushti Leaders we invite you all to join us in Celebrating Our IranShah’s Birthday Globally.

The Prayers will start at the IranShah Atash Bahram in Udvada, India
Kindly Join Us Interactively at Your Respective Local Time.

Please Click On This URL And Turn On The Pre-Recorded Prayers

This Global HumBandagi is a novel way to virtually connect with the warmth of the Divine Flame Of IranShah.

As Your Birthday Gift To IranShah We Ask You To Lift, Shift And Uplift – Someone’s Life 

We can light an extra diva (oil lamp) at home. Offer Atash ni Niyaesh, in any or all the Geh (watch of the day) visualising Iranshah inwardly and invoking Blessings for our family, society, Global Community as well as Humanity.

Happy Birthday Our Revered Iranshah – May the radiance of your light fill our lives with life. May your warmth kindle love, hope and joy amid current tribulations this world is going through.

I like to express my Gratitude to Our IranShah Initiative 5-StarTeam Members  For Mobilizing This Celebration Globally.

• Dasturji Khurshed Dastoor, High Priest, IranShah, Udvada
• Noshir Dadrawalla, Trustee, Bombay Parsi Punchayet
• Homi D. Gandhi, President, FEZANA
• Arzan Wadia, Vice President, FEZANA
• Tinaz Karbhari, Youth Ambassador, IranShah Initiative 

With Our Love, Light, Appreciation And Gratitude From
Meher AmalsadWestminster, California, USA

For More Information About The IranShah’s Initiative Please Click https://iranshahinitiative.com/

Expert tips to diffuse stress and anxiety related to mental health and financial insecurities during lockdown.

Article By Aviva Damania | The Indian Express

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. According to WHO, mental illness could also reach new highs during the coronavirus (COVID-19 )lockdown. Given that our Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared a nationwide lockdown till May 3, mental health should now be a high priority. While managing mental health during this time may be harder than usual, it is not impossible. Here’s how you can deal with the stress and anxiety during these unprecedented times.

Stick to a healthy routine to feel normal

When we are home all day, there is some disruption of routine. Aim for maintaining a healthy lifestyle including proper diet, sleep and exercise to help negate the side-effects associated with this change. It is important to remember that social distancing doesn’t mean absolute distancing. There are several ways to stay virtually connected, build relationships and share your feelings with the people you trust.

Dealing with isolation is hard. (Source: Getty Images)

Engage in hobbies to divert your mind

Keep yourself occupied and plan your daily activities in advance. Make a list of the hobbies, courses and other activities that you would like to pursue. Set “feel-good” goals for yourself and prioritise things that make you happy. A positive distraction can get you away from the cycle of negative thoughts that feed anxiety and depression. Identify new home projects like a DIY or organise your closet. Make your time productive by engaging in online courses, tutorials, webinars and other activities. Find accountability and a support buddy to keep you motivated through this time.

Read| Coronavirus and mental health: Things people suffering from anxiety should know

Be in touch with your therapist if you have a pre-existing mental health condition

Dealing with isolation is hard. Humans are social creatures and need contact with others. Being deprived of that gives rise to a wide range of feelings, including fear, anger, sadness, loneliness, irritability, guilt, confusion and may even lead to sleep problems. This time can be especially difficult for those with a pre-existing mental illness. If you have a pre-existing condition, make sure you have enough medication on hand and are adhering to the cycle of medication. Have those sessions with your counsellor or therapist over calls, rather than skipping it altogether. The need to adhere to the therapy plan is important right now, more than ever.

Diffuse financial insecurities by building your career network

With the fear of people losing their jobs, you are bound to have insecurity and financial worries. It is important to remember that you are not alone, and this is the bitter reality that everyone is facing. Use the time during lockdown to plan future endeavours and connect to new people over LinkedIn to build job-related security.

Read| Flatmates in crisis: How lockdown is changing relationships

Communicate to manage relationships better

Being in a lockdown can be a burden on relationships because of being in a confined space for a long time. Remember, communication is key. Use creative ways to interact and stay connected. You can set up a gratitude tree where every member posts a message to share something they are grateful for. You can also find a group to account for your daily challenges that could include a healthy habit, a mindful practice, a creative pursuit. Be sure to encourage and check-in daily to stay motivated. You can also set dates and times to watch the same TV shows with someone and message each other your thoughts along the way.

Stay away from substance abuse to prevent dependency

The use of alcohol and other substances may be on the rise during this time. It is popularly considered a good way to kill time and is used as a coping mechanism to escape emotions. Excessive consumption will only make matters worse, reduce your coping skills and increase dependency after the lockdown is lifted. Replace this with productive activities that we just listed above.

Consume only warranted news to avoid panic

Anxiety due to the fear of self and family contracting the virus is normal but it is important to remain calm. At the same time, be careful by accurately determining risk and taking reasonable precautions. Panic is a result of the spread of false information. Be sure to follow credible sources such as WHO and limit the time spent watching or listening to media coverage that you perceive as upsetting.

Determine your anxiety symptoms to prevent panic attacks

Panic attacks are fairly common even under far less dire circumstances. Coronavirus (covid-19) seems to be causing many people to suffer panic attacks within a short time. “There’s an increased level of stress due to all this uncertainty,” Dr Lynn Bufka, PhD (senior director of the American Psychological Association). The tightening of the chest and breathing difficulties are often confused for symptoms of the coronavirus. It is important to know that severe anxiety can bring on a panic attack. It may be helpful to try to determine what brought on these symptoms and attempt grounding exercises to alleviate the panic. Tackling anxiety will reduce the likelihood of panic attacks.

Relieve stress with deep breathing techniques and meditation

Feelings of depression, anxiety and stress plus substance abuse can snowball into issues with long-term consequences. Even after the lockdown is lifted, remember to set aside time for yourself to relax and recharge. Practice deep breathing, yoga or meditation or anything that helps you relax. You can find good instruction very easily online.

It is important to recognise what is typical and what’s not. When some symptoms and signs are reoccurring and interfere with daily life, it’s time to seek professional help. If you continue to face these negative emotions, reach out to a professional counsellor or Employee Assistance Program (EAP), if available. Hoping mental health problems such as anxiety or depression will go away on their own can lead to worsening symptoms.

About AVIVA DAMANIA

(Mental Health Specialist)

Aviva Damania is a Psychologist – Mental Health Specialist who has been trained at City University of London (MSc Mental Health).

Aviva’s earliest experience of Mental Health Counselling begun in 2014 when she started to Volunteer as a Counsellor at Charities in Mumbai. She did this alongside her Bachelors in Psychology from Mumbai University, after which she began work at Masina Hospital. Aviva

Continued her education shortly after and acquired an MSc in Mental Health from the renowned City, University of London.

Only days after her return to Mumbai, she secured a job Pittie Group (Links Below) as an In-House Counsellor with the exact designation of Sr. Manager ‑ Corporate & Employee Wellness and was promoted to leadership shortly after her joining. Her work involves organizing Wellness Activities, Individual & Group Counselling Sessions She organizes Wellness activities for employees and has counselling sessions, with an average of 6 individual counselling sessions a day and over 60 employees since her joining.

Aviva has experience with Adults, Adolescents and Children and her primary areas of expertise are Depression, Anxiety, Anger, Stress among other issues. During this time of lockdown, Aviva continues to have counselling sessions over the phone and video call.

M: +919967712345

E: avivadamania18@gmail.com

L: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aviva-damania-64ab80157/

Our dear friend and brilliant human resources professional Adil Malia recently spoke at a TEDx event.

Adil fantastically intertwines management learning through Zoroastrian teachings, learnings and stories.

Our dearest friend and mentor Ervad Soli Dastur writes in on the occasion of the upcoming Salgreh of the Iranshah Atashbehram

Shehenshahi Adar Mah has already started and on Adar Roj and Adar Mah, April 21st Tuesday, we will celebrate Iranshah’s 1299th Saalgareh! During the past Iranshah Saalgarehs, our WZSEs have explained what goes on in Udvada on these Saalgarehs and the commotion caused by many Humdins visiting Iranshah on this auspicious day.

They can be accessed at:

(Please see the attached photos from Iranshah’s Saalgareh in 2004, the line to pay homage to Iranshah inside Aatash Behraam and the annual “pangat” to feed over 2000 Humdins by Petit funds).

For this Iranshah Saalgareh, we are presenting a unique Gujarati Pawaado or Garbo (epic Poem) written by none other than the famous Parsi Gujarati poet, Kavi (Poet) Ardeshir Faraamji Khabardaar! The Garbo has 91 verses and the whole Garbo is attached in PDF format to this WZSE.

It is called: Shreeji Iranshah No Garbo.

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It traces in poetic format the entire history of our ancestors in Iran who stayed in Kohistan, Hormuzd Harbor, Div in Gujarat Kathiawad and then to Sanjan and then the entire history of Iranshah from Sanjan to Udvada and the associated important events in this epic journey!

Today, we will present the first 9 verses of this Garbo.

So here are the first 9 verses of the Iranshah Garbo by Kavi Khabardaar:

May Thou Blaze Resplendent Oh Iranshah – Kavi Ardeshir Khabardar – Shreeji Iranshah No Garbo – Verses 1 – 9:

(Shreejee Iranshah no Garbo by Kavi Ardashir F. Khabardar Verses 1 – 9

 Please see the attached PDF book in Gujarati for the whole Garbo

SPD Explanation:

1. Kavi Khabardar has done a masterful job of presenting our history from Kohistan to Udvada and this Garbo needs to be advertised and sung by our Humdins!

2. In our MF Cama Institute, our Gujarati Teacher, Honorable Kavi Kantilal Upaadhyaay used to teach us this Garbo and taught us how to sing it. We all ex-students owe a deep gratitude to Kantilal Saheb and all our other teachers like Daruwalla, Sanjana, Sidhwa, Patel, Anklesaria, Motafram, Rana and Khambatta Sahebs for inculcating a pride to be a Zarathushtri!

3. In Aatash Nyaayesh, in its last verse, the Aatash Padshah Saheb confers following blessings to the Humdins who presented him sandal wood or dry kaathi (wood) as follows:

4. Please note that when this Aatash Nyaayesh was written (Yasna 62), it was an agriculture society and so the reference to cattle in above blessing.

5. May on this auspicious Iranshah Atash Behram Salgareh day, Pak Iranshah bring health, happiness, peace and tranquility in all our lives during these extra-ordinary times!

May the flame of Paak Iranshah burn ever eternal in our hearts!

May the Flame of Fellowship, Love, Charity and Respect for all burn ever eternal in our hearts so we can do HIS work with humility, diligence and eternal enthusiasm!

In HIS Service 24/7!

Atha Jamyaat, Yatha Aafrinaamahi! (May it be so as we wish!)

Love and Tandoorasti, Soli

 Myra Bhathena writes in

I have created a website for people to donate devices such as iPads and Samsung Galaxies to hospitalized patients in isolation. These people are not only unable to see their families, but are also often without their phones or tablets so they can’t even stay connected to the people they love. I would be very appreciative if you could help me spread the word about this issue. Thank you!

Why do patients need these?

When a patient is hospitalized in isolation, they are not allowed to bring personal belongings such as their smartphone or tablet with them. However, donated tablets will be sanitized by the hospital and placed in each room for patients to use safely. One of the biggest concerns of COVID-19 patients admitted to the hospital is the immense isolation and loneliness they feel. Each day, they have limited contact with the outside world and desperately wish to connect with their loved ones.

Together, we can help them.

It all started when my mother, a physician in the Greater Boston area, received an email from a coworker asking if we had any old but functioning tablets at home. My mom explained to me that patients suffering from COVID-19 in hospitals are completely isolated from their families and loved ones in order to stop the spread of the virus. They are even unable to use their phones to make calls or FaceTime because they are often without their devices in the ICU or isolation units. Many on their deathbed are unable to spend their last few days with the people they love. But with your help, even one iPad can change that. During these scary times of quarantine and isolation, it is important to keep people connected. This is why I created “Connect with COVID” – together, we can spread love, not the virus.

Find out more

Connect Against COVID

RIP, Gulshan Ewing

My first meeting with Gulshan Ewing was brief when I walked into the office of Femina to see the editor, Dr K D Jhangiani for a cover picture. Gulshan was the ultra glamorous,

Assistant Editor of the most popular women’s magazine in India, Femina, that had just announced the first Miss India Contest in 1964.

Article By Meher Castelino | MXMIndia

It was a photographic contest when 500 beauties from all over India sent their photos, from which 10 were selected for an exhaustive interview with Mr P K Roy, General Manager of Times of India and Dr K D Jhangiani, Editor of Femina. Fortunately, I was selected and later learnt that Gulshan too had approved the choice.

Soon after, Gulshan left Femina for a more challenging post as Editor of Eve’s Weekly, Femina’s only other rival women’s magazine and older than Femina in years.

Luckily, as a model, my association with Gulshan continued for many years after ’64. The Eve’s Weekly Miss India pageants for the Miss World Contest competed with the Miss India Contest all-India Tours for Miss Universe contest by Femina. Both the rival magazines had the franchise for the two biggest beauty pageants in the world and there was a constant annual ‘battle’ to check the winners and how they performed at the international contests.

Jeannie Naoroji and Hilla Divecha were the designers and choreographers of the Eve’s Weekly shows. The first year Eve’s Weekly held the Miss India Contest in 1966, the show was a revolutionary concept when Jeannie and Hilla introduced taped music instead of a live band, which Femina had been doing from 1965. In addition, Gulshan and Eve’s Weekly both scored a bull’s eye when Reita Faria, Miss India 1966 was crowned Miss World 1966. It was a great beauty and glamour victory for Gulshan and Eve’s Weekly’s popularity soared on the circulation charts.

Gulshan was my ideal career woman. Her entry was as dramatic as her persona but her nature and behaviour were quite the opposite. There was no artificial attitude and incommunicado stance that some of today’s editors feel they have to project.

I can never forget her elegance. Cigarette attached to a long stylish filter in one hand, clad in beautiful, printed, chiffon saris, elegantly styled décolleté cholis and perfectly coiffured hair, Gulshan would float into a room enveloped in the most exotic perfume. She was the ultimate style Diva of the days and in a coterie of male editors she was a breath of fresh air.

I made many visits to see Gulshan in her office, as I was featured on the covers of Eve’s Weekly often, modelled for the fashion pages regularly, contributed designs for knitted garments and generally felt quite at home in Eve’s Weekly.

Every visit of mine had to include a chat with Gulshan. We talked about fashion, style, modelling, the latest tends. She was never too busy to meet me.  Over a cup of tea, we spent hours just talking, at times in Gujerati since we are both Parsis. I also had the pleasure of meeting Gulshan’s husband Guy Ewing when I worked in the PR department of British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC, now British Airways) in 1965 and he was as friendly as Gulshan.

Gulshan had a knack of spotting talent. Whether it was a model or a writer, she knew who had what it takes to succeed. Many young journalists who are seasoned writers and editors today owe their careers to Gulshan and so do I.

It was in in 1974 at the tail end of my modelling career of 14 years that I did a humorous piece on travelling by a BEST bus called ‘The BEST Way to Travel’. I showed it to Gulshan who promptly published it in the December 14, 1974 issue of Eve’s Weekly.

That was the turning point of my life and start of my journalistic career when The Current, a popular weekly, offered me a weekly column called ‘The Women’. I also did numerous articles for Eve’s Weekly on various subjects like fashion, health, fitness, beauty, lifestyle and interviewed personalities.  Eve’s Weekly’s special editions, along with the very daring topics that were covered were all concepts that Gulshan visualised.

Gulshan Ewing was decades before her time. The subjects magazines cover now were visualised by her along with fashion features years ago. For me, Gulshan Ewing will always be the ultimate editor who had elegance, style, grace and above all a personality, which was not only friendly warm and memorable but also unforgettable.

Meher Castelino is a former Miss India (way back in 1964) and one of India’s seniormost fashion writers and columnists. In between tracking fashion shows, teaching and adjudicating fashion events, she lives in Mumbai.

Remembering, Gulshan

Many of the fashion greats who interacted with Gulshan remember her fondly.

Maureen Wadia

Editor-in-Chief and President, Glad Rags

“I remember Gulshan very well. I interacted with her a few times. She was a woman to reckon with in those days. They don’t make that many memorable women like her. RIP”

Solome Roy Kapur

Dancer, Model, Choreographer

“I can never forget how she called and in her beautifully modulated voice and said, “Salome, Eve’s Weekly has selected you to represent India at a beauty contest in Bangkok.” She always had such a flair about her which was unforgetable. She was gentle and firm and was always impeccably dressed. She was someone we all looked up to. God rest her soul and may she be in ethereal peace and light. Lots of love and thanks to you, dear Gulshan.”

Jay Ramrakhiani

Textile Restorer and Fashion Designer

“I remember in the 1970s, Gulshan Ewing used to visit our multi product store Raj Kamal at Fountain, which was near Akbarally’s. Her office was behind our store and she dropped in regularly as she was very fond of my father and me while we had coffee from Welcome Restaurant. She was very stylish, very forthright and you couldn’t fool her with stories. She knew her job, knew her substance. She loved chiffon saris in florals and plains as well as exotic perfumes. She knew the exact weight of the saris too.  She had beautiful hands and feet always manicured and pedicured. I remember one day Rekha the actress and she were in the store at the same time and Rekha loved Mary Quant’s lipstick shade Choosey Cherry. Gulshan too thought of buying it but I told her that with her complexion Cerise Pink by Mary Quant would suit her better and she bought that. When it comes to elegance in a sari no one could beat Gulshan Ewing.

Lakshmi Narayan

Author, Journalist, Editor

Lakshmi Narayan started as a trainee journalist in Eve’s Weekly moved to Senior Assistant Editor and then was Editor of Eve’s Weekly after Gulshan Ewing left.

“Gulshan Ewing, the person who brought a young 20-year- old saucer eyed, naïve, girl just out of college to the exciting world of Journalism is no more. Gulshan Ewing, the elegant Editor of Femina, Eve’s Weekly and Star & Style gave scores of young people a chance to express themselves. She guided them through the mindfields of active journalism, taught us when to go all out and when to rein ourselves in; all the while keeping a strict eye on the English used by us and the facts we were peddling. After retirement, she had moved to London with her British husband Guy and children Anjali and Roy. The last time I bumped into her was on a street in London. She had exchanged her elegant saris for natty slacks and was as warm and friendly as ever and asked me a hundred questions about people in Mumbai.”

Journalist Gulshan Ewing, former editor of Eve’s Weekly, dies of Covid-19 in UK at 92

Journalist Gulshan Ewing was known to be on first-name terms with leading actors and politicians of her time, and interviewed some of the most iconic celebrities from around the world.

Article by Bismee Taskin | The Print

Veteran Indian-origin journalist Gulshan Ewing died of Covid-19 in London Saturday. She was 92.

Over a 30-year career in the industry, Ewing served as the editor of two leading magazines — fashion and film magazine Star & Style, and Eve’s Weekly, which catered to women.

A high-profile society journalist, Ewing interviewed and rubbed shoulders with some of the biggest stars around the world, including the likes of Gregory Peck, Cary Grant and Ava Gardener, as well as royalty.

Ewing was born to a Parsi family in 1928 in what was then Bombay. As a journalist, she enjoyed a glamorous lifestyle, and was known to be on first-name terms with India’s leading actors and politicians from the 1960s onwards.

According to a report in Daily Mail, Ewing’s daughter Anjali, a journalist based in London, said three interviews stood out for her mother — Gregory Peck, Cary Grant, and Danny Kaye, whom she found very charming. “She loved imitating Cary Grant’s accent,” Anjali told the British tabloid.

Ewing got married to Guy Ewing, a UK-born fellow journalist based in India, in 1955 after they met at a party in Mumbai. The couple moved to England in 1990 and lived in Richmond after retirement. Guy died of cancer in 2018 at the age of 87.

We are thrilled to learn that our dear friend Armene Modi has been awarded the Albert Schweitzer Medal

Albert Schweitzer Medal awarded to Armene Modi for her academic excellence and extensive service in education and literacy.

The presentation was made today at the World Literacy Summit 2020.

“In the firm belief that issues of poverty and illiteracy are not the problems of just the poor and marginalized alone, but universal issues that concern us all” – Armene Modi, 2020 Albert Schweitzer Medalist

“We face a global literacy crisis with 91% of children in the world not attending school right now” 

 – Andrew Kay, World Literacy Foundation CEO

April 18, 2020 – Today, we  recognize Armene Modi with the Albert Shweitzer award which celebrates both academic excellence and extensive service to the community in the field of education and literacy in India.

The award is named after Albert Schweitzer, the famous Austrian who first came to Oxford University in 1922. Albert Schweitzer medal is an award presented to an individual who has made outstanding contribution to literature through their intellectual work in both writing and research.

Armene Modi is the founder of Ashta No Kai, a non-profit organization that aims to educate and empower rural women and girls in 10 villages in Pune District, India. Since 1998, Armene’s exceptional efforts towards empowering rural women in India has  helped to improve the educational outcomes of hundreds of adolescent girls over the years.

Today, 770 million people cannot read a single word, while another 2 billion people struggle to read a full sentence. Illiteracy is a global crisis, and the World Literacy Foundation aims to educate people on the benefit of acquiring even basic literacy skills. The cycle begins with a child struggling to read, professing into an adult who struggles with literacy and as a result becomes a victim of issues relating to unemployment, welfare, crime and wellbeing.

Andrew Kay, CEO of the World Literacy Foundation, explains that this award aims to celebrate the  valuable contribution of Armene Modi to education in India over the past 22 years. In 2020, in the midst of a global pandemic, it is estimated that 1.5 billion young people are not currently attending school, many which do not have access to online learning. As a result, it is likely that education enrolments are  likely going to fall in the coming months and many will be faced with unfortunate circumstances.

The World Literacy Summit awards ceremony will be held as an online experience this year on April 18.

About the World Literacy Summit (WLS)

The online World Literacy Summit brings together leaders from 85 countries representing over two-thirds of the world’s population, and all with a single focus – advocating, championing and educating on the vital importance of improving literacy levels across the globe. For more information about the WLS please visit www.worldliteracysummit.org

About the World Literacy Foundation (WLF)

The WLF strives to ensure that every young individual, regardless of geographic location, has the opportunity to acquire literacy and reading skills to reach their full potential, succeed at school and beyond. The WLF works to provide free access to quality education materials and innovative solutions that target wide-scale illiteracy. For more information about the WLF, please visit www.worldliteracyfoundation.org

Further details about Armene Modi & Ashta No Kai  http://www.ashtanokai.org/

Further information RE:  “91% of learners out of school”

Legendary artist and India’s greatest contemporary dancer and our dear friend Astad Deboo shares a short message during the current COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.

Our dear friend and legendary ad man Sam Balsara of Madison World in a fantastic conversation with Michael Menezes of EEMA.

Power Of Love featuring The Global Lockdown Choir | Shayan Italia | Delraaz Bunshah | A Zoroastrian Parsi Initiative

THE POWER OF LOVE is a heartfelt global music initiative stemmed by the Indian Zoroastrian Parsi Community dedicated to those away from their loved ones during the lockdown period.

Arranged, Produced, Performed on Piano and Sung Live by Shayan Italia | Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shayan.italia

Lead Vocals: Delraaz Bunshah | Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delraaz

The Global Lockdown Choir Arranged & Conducted by Shayan Italia

Mixed and Mastered by Shayan Italia

Written by Gunther Mende, Candy DeRouge. Jennifer Rush, Mary Susan Applegate

Original Artists: Jennifer Rush (1984), Laura Branigan (1987) & Celine Dion (1993)

Caretaker of SoBo Grade I heritage site raises alarm after spotting signs of break-in and attempt to pry open the donation box.

An unsuccessful theft attempt was made at the heritage Bhikha Behram Well (Parsi Bavdi) near Cross Maidan opposite Central Telegraph Office (CTO) in South Mumbai on Saturday morning. The thieves were apparently aiming to break the donation box placed at Parsi community’s religious site. The box is placed inside the well complex, screwed into one side of a wall. The site has been closed, like most other places of worship, because of the pandemic.

On Saturday at 6.45 am, caretaker Nadar Tangree went to check and clean the well as he has been doing since the lockdown. He realised that there had been an attempt to break open the donation box using large stones and drilling of a hole. Homiar N Vakil, trustee, said, “This looked like a serious attempt to break it. The two heavy stones also indicate that these may be the handiwork of construction workers. It looks like there may be more than one person, at least two, who tried to break the box. We have filed a police complaint at Azad Maidan.”

Vakil added that there is CCTV coverage at the spot, but, “all this is difficult to access during the lockdown, but surveillance will show us what exactly what happened.”

Another trustee Dr Viraf Kapadia stated that the donation box is a safe which is screwed into the wall. “It is very strong and difficult to break open. We understand how strained the police is in these times, but they must pay extra attention to religious sites. These are potential targets for criminals seeking to make capital.”

Significance of the well

This well is one of the city’s oldest sunken sweet water sources and a Grade I heritage structure, holy to the Parsi community. Bhikha Behram had built the well in 1725 to thank the Almighty for sparing his life after the Marathas initially mistook him for a Muslim. It is one of the few Parsi wells in the city which has one entrance for community members and another for non-Parsis.

Our dear friend and award winning cookbook author Niloufer Mavalwala writes in…

Blogging is all about storytelling. Instead of people being the center of attention on my blog food is the star. Recipes unfold the story it holds within each picture.

We all have a story to share.It just unravels in many different ways. Here is mine.

Today I am using my blogging platform to reach out to share a heartwarming story of the human race, set in the 21st century where people are dying, from an unknown virus. It is relentless, killing the young and the old, the rich and the famous and everyone else in its path. 
Except it is so very real as it is terrifying.

People have always needed people – now more than ever before. So many people are in dire need. Simply in dire need of food to survive. leaving their reasons aside let us focus on the angels who make this possible.

Among many in this world I came across World Central Kitchen – the brainchild of Chef Jose` Andre`. A true citizen of the world who keeps no borders and has no boundaries.

I collaborated with them and have pledged to share 50% of all sales made through amazon of my self published cookbook The World of Parsi Cooking: Food Across Borders.

Please may I request you to go ahead and buy a copy to help us help them do what they do best. To tell them we are on their side proud to be a supporter. Each sale is important and will help achieve the goal.

Thank you in advance. Stay safe, stay healthy and stay blessed.
Niloufer Mavalvala. 

Links to what is Parsi food ?
A sneak peak to this cookbook
An introduction to the cookbook
Reviews

Living History India has a wonderful overview on the Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai that were designated a World Heritage side by the United Nations.

Many of these buildings were built by eminent Parsis of that generation. And today many of the leading citizens who made the designation happen are also Parsis.

Check out the video to know more.

The Shedde family has a special relationship with Mrs Ewing, that started at the raddiwalla. We lived in a modest chawl in Santa Cruz during my childhood, and moved to a three-bedroom apartment when I was in primary school.

Article by Meenakshi Shedde | Mid-Day

Gulshan Ewing, former editor of Eve’s Weekly and Star & Style, passed away last week at 92, from COVID-19, in the UK. Journalist Ammu Joseph, former assistant editor at the magazine, posted on Facebook about how Mrs Ewing let them write about women’s liberation in the ’70s, “as long as we didn’t interfere with…cookery, fashion and beauty,” resulting in a “schizophrenic magazine.” A Parsi married to an Englishman in India, Mrs Ewing rubbed shoulders with many celebrities in her 30-year career, including Gregory Peck, Cary Grant, Roger Moore, Kirk Douglas, Alfred Hitchcock, Prince Charles and Roberto Rossellini. But her favourite was Danny Kaye, her daughter Anjali told the press.

The Shedde family has a special relationship with Mrs Ewing, that started at the raddiwalla. We lived in a modest chawl in Santa Cruz during my childhood, and moved to a three-bedroom apartment when I was in primary school. My mother, Indu Shedde, was determined to make the move. “But, after paying the house instalments, your Papa gave me just R219 every month to manage the house. I had to do something urgently,” she told me. “At the raddiwalla, I saw Eve’s Weekly—we couldn’t afford it. It had some rudimentary vegetable decorations. I knew I could do better.” She did her best, then went alone by train to Churchgate and walked to the Eve’s Weekly office, off Dalal Street. “I had worn a beautiful nylon saree with birds that Yeshwant Bappa [our uncle] had brought me from Kuwait,” Amma said. “What a lovely saree you’re wearing,” Mrs Ewing said, and it immediately broke the ice. When Amma showed her, her vegetable art, she was incredulous. It was a spectacular Boeing aeroplane with the Air India Maharaja, made entirely of fresh vegetables and fruit. The body and wings of the plane were made from bottle gourd (doodhi), with ivy gourd (tendli) engines and carrot wheels. The Air India Maharaja had a potato face, tomato turban, red apple jacket and white spring onion churidar. “All this from vegetables and fruit? This is so beautiful and unique,” Mrs Ewing exclaimed. She immediately had photographer Ashvin Gatha take a picture, and they even sent a complimentary copy when it was published. Mrs Ewing paid her R50 for it. “She was very sophisticated and helpful, and she said the readers loved my work,” said Amma, who sometimes took me along to the Eve’s Weekly office. She made many inventive vegetable creations for them, starting in 1967—a vase of flowers, a Bharatanatyam dancer, Santa Claus, a sailing ship and even an aquarium. The highlight was her Eve’s Weekly cookery special cover, with a mother and daughter holding a tray of food, made entirely from vegetables.

“I owe Mrs Ewing my vegetable art career,” Amma said, sorry to hear that she had passed away. After that first break, Amma had her vegetable art published in Span and Dharmayug magazines, as Vakils and Thackers greeting cards, and commissioned by the Taj Mahal Hotel and Hotel Centaur, and for a Woodlands ad. She even represented India at the World Vegetarian Congress in the US, showcasing her art there in 1975. My mum is now 93. When life gave her lemons, she grew lemon trees. My sister and I are lucky to be raised by a mum like that, daring and accomplished, who travelled the world, and Mrs Ewing had no small part in it. Adieu Mrs Ewing!

Tribute to Gulshan Ewing, by a former colleague.

Meenakshi Shedde is India and South Asia Delegate to the Berlin International Film Festival, National Award-winning critic, curator to festivals worldwide and journalist.

Topic: Lessons from a Doctor in the frontline.

About the Speaker:

Dr. Zarir F Udwadia is a consultant chest physician and MD, DNB, FCCP (USA) and FRCP (London) attached to the Hinduja Hospital, and Breach Candy Hospitals. He has struck the unique balance of combining a busy clinical practice with internationally acclaimed medical research. He sees over 10,000 patients annually in his extremely busy clinics.

He has over 160 PubMed indexed medical research publications. He has been an advisor to the WHO, Geneva, and helped formulate TB and MDR-TB guidelines. In 2017 Open Magazine nominated him as one of their twenty-five top minds for his impact on public health.

He was invited to give a TEDx talk on Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis at the TEDxGateway conference in 2016, this talk has been viewed over 140,000 times since its release. He is on the Core Committee of doctors elected by the Indian government to inform Mumbai’s COVID-19 pandemic response.