The lovely mellow yellow building beckons you with just the huge nameplate facing Cunningham Road — The Hatworks Boulevard. The vast expanse is almost hidden away behind a regular commercial complex, making the space all the more enticing with a promise of being an oasis of peace.

If you’ve been here, you would definitely be tempted to peep into their garden store, tucked away in one corner.

The building used to house The Imperial Hat Works factory that manufactured made-to-order headgear for the British and Indian armed forces, and ‘pre-tied’ Mysore petas (turbans) for the Mysore Maharajah (there’s even a framed letter on display sent on behalf of the Maharajah, placing orders for a particular green one!).

“The building was part of our family home…It was actually my grandfather’s factory,” says owner and noted Bengaluru hospitality industry consultant Rishad Minocher.

“According to records, the building is about 200 years old. It’s really in the colonial style, though my grandfather (Nadir Maneckjee) later added a few Parsi touches to it.” The building was restored between 2003 and 2004 with help from restoration consultant and architect Renu Mistry.

“The red oxide flooring was replaced with Italian-style tiles — the original ones made by Bharath Tiles in Mumbai.” What you also can’t miss are the Burma teak false ceilings under the 30-foot-high Mangalore-tile roofs.

Rishad explains why the family decided to turn it into a lifestyle store: “My siblings were away from India, and the house was too big for my family. Old houses need to be lived in…I treat it as a living object. So we hit upon this idea.”

The Hatworks Boulevard houses, among others, the multi-designer store The Bombay Attic, the Footworks Spa, Bengaluru’s premier art resource ‘Crimson’, Bas Studio – bespoke men’s wear, Eeshanya – classical Teak wood Furniture, Hybiscus – the garden store, YLG, and Lakiruu – The Wedding Lounge.

The post The Hatworks Boulevard appeared on Parsi Khabar.

How Parsis came to Hyderabad?

When Parsis made a mass exodus from their native land Faras, they moved to different settlements in areas of Gujarat and Bombay. But the question is how some of these Parsis came to make Hyderabad also their home? Well, it was Sir Salar Jung, the prime minister of the Nizam’s army who wanted a battery of men who could read and write English and Persian really well as English was used to communicate with the British while Persian was the official state language. Hence, the he invited many of these Parsis to make Hyderabad their home. Many Parsis like Rustamji Chenoy, Pestonji Meherji among others held respectable positions in the administration department of Hyderabad. Now, after two centuries the Parsis are a warm and close-knit community known for their foundations, club, temples and school.

The food

Parsi food is an amalgamation of Iranian and Gujarati culinary items. The Parsi platter has varieties enough to make even a calorie-conscious person fly into a sinful food guilt trip. Now, since the fab restaurant SodaBottleOpenerWala serving authentic Parsi food opened at Jubilee Hills this summer people have been queuing to the restaurant for sampling the gastronomic delights. “But even then for a taste of authentic Dhansak, Salli Marghi and custard for lunch in a cozy Parsi home is the best thing to do. You take rest, talk, drink your glass of chilled mango drink and relish the platter,” says Zubin Vakil, fashion designer, who lives in Secunderabad.

Exodus again?

There are 1,161 Parsis in Hyderabad. Many feel that the number of Parsis is declining in the city. Some of them are  leaving or have left the city for better opportunities. For example Dinaz Parbatwala who had her business of fitness equipment. She finds Hyderabad a city with peaceful environment and availability of amenities. She lived in the city for 27 years at Banjara Hills MLA Colony along with her family. But almost a year ago she shifted base to a place as far as Durgapur in Bengal. She says why she left the city, “Hyderabad is close to my heart. But my husband got better opportunities in Durgapur and we shifted over there. I find in this place people have more warmth for you. I had an inner calling to move on, so I moved. There are other Parsis also in Hyderabad who moved to countries like Canada or Australia for better opportunities.”

So, can this be considered as exodus from the people of the community? “I won’t call it exodus. The number of Parsis in Hyderabad is approx 1200 and those who move out are part of the floating population. Their moving out and coming back does not count much,” says Jehangir Bisney who has been living in the city for the past three decades. He is a chartered accountant and senior treasurer of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjuman, Secunderabad. Another reason why it can’t be called an exodus as Enobia Daruwala of Secunderabad says, “When a Parsi woman marries outside the community the children are usually not brought up the Parsi way. This is a slight factor in the overall community population data.”

The 111 year old fire temple

The Fire Temple at Tilak Road turned 111 this September. This number is unique and is considered auspicious in biblical studies. But this number is just another unique number for Parsi community. “It does not have a religious significance,” says Russi Doctor secretary of the temple. It is one of the oldest structures in the city as it was erected in the year 1904.  “It was awarded the HUDA Heritage Building award in 2001. To mark the occasion of its 111th year, Parsis in the city had a prayer which was followed by ‘Humbandagi’ a homage to the founder of the temple Bai Maneckbai Nusserwanji Chenoy,” informs Beyniaz Edulji a food connoisseur and history enthusiast. The Holy Fire in the temple is called ‘Padshah Saheb’. Reminisces Dinaz, “On Parsi New Year – Navroz I’d go to the temple and stand in front of the Holy Fire absorbing the eternal energy. The inside of the hall is very serene and quiet with high ceiling. The fire burns round the clock.”

Parsi New Year

Come August and it’s celebration time for the Parsis. Navroz is celebrated in this month across the country. At the Fire Temple in Hyderabad special thanksgiving prayers are held known as Jashan. The people of the community offer sandalwood to the Holy Fire. Says Jehangir Bisney, “Zoroastrian is the oldest religion in the world. Purity being the main principle of the religion. But we have two Navroz festivals in one year. Our months comprise only 30 days. We add extra five days to make it 365. March 21 is celebrated as the onset of Spring according to Persian calender. A Navroz table is set on this day, dry fruits are the special food items on this day.” The New Year in August is also called Navroz, but the date changes as the Parsi calender changes to Leap Year. “For breakfast a sweet dish of sev or sevvaiyan are served. During daytime people usually visit each other’s houses. In the evning they visit Zoroastrian Club.Dinner is a grand affair comprising mostly non-veg dishes.”

The post Are Parsis in Hyderabad Getting Less in Number? appeared on Parsi Khabar.

Standard Chartered Plc named Zarin Daruwala, a senior banker at India’s ICICI Bank, as new chief executive of its India operations on Tuesday as the British bank looks to halt rising losses on loans in the country.

Standard Chartered’s India unit, which was one of the most profitable markets for the Asia-focussed bank a few years ago, has seen a sharp spike in loan losses in the last couple of years, denting its global balance sheet.

The bank’s loan impairment in India in the first half of this year rose to $483 million, up from $56 million in the same period last year, Standard Chartered said in an earnings presentation this month.

Ms Daruwala, who has worked in the Indian banking industry for 25 years, will be expected to turn around the bank’s business in India, where Standard Chartered’s loan exposure to corporates stand at $33 billion.

As president of the wholesale banking group at ICICI Bank, India’s top private sector lender, Ms Daruwala led teams including corporate banking, project finance, structured finance and financial institutions, Standard Chartered said in a statement.

Ms Daruwala, who will take over from Sunil Kaushal, the newly appointed Standard Chartered regional CEO for Africa and the Middle East, was also responsible for building out ICICI Bank’s rural and agri-finance offering.

She will report to Standard Chartered’s regional CEO, ASEAN and South Asia, Ajay Kanwal.

Standard Chartered, which makes two-thirds of its profits in Asia, this month posted its fifth successive quarter of falling revenue weighed down by growing global regulatory costs and rising losses on loans in India.

The bank plans to axe 15,000 jobs and raise $5.1 billion by selling new shares as its new Chief Executive Bill Winters strives to restore profitability after three years of falling profits and strategic mistakes.

The post Zarin Daruwala Named StanChart India CEO appeared on Parsi Khabar.

It’s a privilege I haven’t had. Of living in a baug, that quaint yet quintessential bastion of Parsidom, the housing hub whose clusters across town are home to over half the 40,000 members of my community left in the city they virtually built.

Article By Meher Marfatia | Mid-Day

Still, always a connect somewhere for everyone. Mine is with Mumbai’s only unwalled baug – Dadar Parsi Colony — where my parents grew up till they got hitched and preferred having kids in the cosmopolitan climes of Bandra. My cousins continue to occupy facing family apartments in ancestral acres near Five Gardens, on either side of the statue of Mancherji Joshi, my mum’s grand-uncle and founder of this colony of leafy lanes.

Oases of peace amid the chaos of ugly matchbox apartments, the baugs are hard to beat for comfort, camaraderie and carrom (think Munnabhai). Andheri to Agripada, centuries-old colonies bequeath shelter and serenity to generations. Like the eccentric inhabitants, each has a quirk or quality… If Cusrow Baug on Colaba Causeway boasts Claude Batley-designed blocks lettered all the way from A to U, it remains a mystery why I, L, N and O are curiously absent!

I’ve discovered the delights and denizens of Navroze Baug, Rustom Baug, Shapur Baug and Captain Colony as I researched books on Parsi theatre and language. To these I add Marzban Colony. Quietly gentrifying a dull Bombay Central stretch neighbouring Nair Hospital, five low-rise buildings of one-bedroom and bathroom units make up this colony named in the 19th century after Muncherji Marzban, a BMC engineer who promoted housing for the poor.

Located in what’s come to be colourfully called Lal Chimney Compound, because a red chimney once rose here, this baug sets a superb example of true trusteeship. Garib Zarthostiona Rehethan Fund (GZRF), the Trust running Marzban Colony, may be Mumbai’s only landlord to renovate rather than demolish — at zero cost to tenants. With results creative enough to earn the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award in 2013, three years after a thorough structural revamp was initiated. “There is joy dealing with simple buildings,” says architect Vikas Dilawari of his unusual refurbishing assignment. “For us it was a free hand given, no corners cut. Like-to-like materials brought back old glory — using Burma Teak wood, redoing the ornamentation and cornices.” Embracing the challenge of working wonders with dilapidated structures, his team fully opened, tarred and tiled the five roofs, repaired the shell of the buildings, revived facade carvings, uncovered original balustrades, redid plastering along staircases, overhauled electrical wiring and replaced sewage pipes.

The buildings before restoration kicked off

All this with no rents raised or taxes slapped. “There are people with money. What we need are supportive patrons,” Dilawari points out. Fortunately, he had Muncherji Cama heading GZRF. Sensitive to the reality that tenants cannot afford maintaining redeveloped flats, Cama, who is chairman of the Mumbai Samachar group, gave the residents of Dadachanji, Cooper, Wadia, Mody and Talukdar Buildings a gift to remember. What he refers to as “sacred duty” shaped a legacy they have learnt to prize. One tenant said in a note of appreciation: ‘Our homes got not just a facelift but a new lease of life. The onus is on us to look after them.’

A fact to puff with pride about: Mumbai is ahead of the country in conservation efforts, with 16 buildings restored by UNESCO awarded architects. Dilawari has won this recognition for nine projects including the Rajabai Clock Tower, Bhau Daji Lad Museum and Royal Bombay Yacht Club. Technical achievement apart, UNESCO entries are picked for how well projects understand and reflect the spirit of a place, appropriate adaption, the projects’ contribution to local surroundings, their cultural and historical continuity.

While restoration of the Yacht Club renewed a Neo-Gothic monument and coastal landmark, stated the 2013 UNESCO citation, the conservation of buildings which form the Lal Chimney Compound has safeguarded a distinctive late 19th-century typology that had been in a ruinous condition.

But there’s a danger of seeing this fine specimen of community housing in isolation. Work of the type willingly undertaken by GZRF needs way wider reach and replication. “Mumbai has many unloved, uncared for buildings,” declares Dilawari. “It is only when someone looks after them that we realise what beautiful architecture we have inherited.”

The post Cheers to Lal Chimney appeared on Parsi Khabar.

A beautifully researched documentary clip on the business house of the TATA’s.

The post How Big Is The Tata Empire ? appeared on Parsi Khabar.

Laudato Si! Insight of Spenta Armaity

Neville Gustad Panthaki.

In Commemoration of: Oct. 2, 2015 (Fasli Mehrgan: Meher Roj&Mah[2]) / Oct. 4, 2015 (Feast Day: St. Francis of Assisi)

On May 24, 2015, Pope Francis I (formerly Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Archbishop of Buenos Aires) released his second Encyclical (declaration to Catholics) entitled Laudato Si[3]. The chosen title, “Praise Be To You”, is purposeful for the association that it is meant to create and indicative of what follows, as it originates from the Canticle of the Creatures which is a medieval prayer composed by St. Francis of Assisi (1181-1226)[4]. St. Francis, along with St. Catherine of Siena, are the two ‘national’ patrons of Italy, and among the most popularly adored and venerated figures around the globe (St. Catherine is regarded as one, of six, patron saints of Europe)[5]. This is not coincidental, nor is it unrelated to the present discussion to note that the majority of ‘popular’ (admired, adored, endorsed) religious figures irrespective of creed, are those associated with acts of love, welfare and charity, rather than for their stringent adherence to dogma. Global spirituality is composed of figures who expressed their humanity in service, and their praise of divinity via the cultivation and conservation of the treasures of nature.

St. Francis, the founder of the Franciscan Order[6], is venerated not only as patron of Italians (humans) but of animals (nature) and of lepers (the marginalized/downtrodden/outcaste). This provides insight as to why institutionalized global religions have been unsuccessful in banishing ‘popular’ elements such as the ‘veneration of Saints’, pilgrimage, mela[7], urs[8] gatherings, or ritual re-enactment, despite judgements against their ‘blasphemous nature’ and threats of excommunication against transgressors. One might discern that devoid of the physical expressions (exercise?) of love, encapsulated as a cultural production of affirmation explicitly manifest as a communion with environment and fellowship with humanity, that religion is a reductionist philosophy of pedantic intellectualism whose scope is neither universal nor ‘popular’ (elitist).

Even respected religious reformers such as Zarathustra and Martin Luther, admitted that elements of ‘popular’ belief could not (and in fact, should not) be undone or unfounded with the stroke of a pen or commandment. Both Mazdayasni and Lutheran liturgical practises, by the authority of their very founders, retain many of the celebratory aspects of the systems which preceded them (Perso-Vedic Pantheon, Pre-Reformation Latin Christendom). There was an acute awareness that in ‘reforming’ religion, the aim was to promote social welfare and transformation rather than remove popular engagement between people and their environment by creating a new dogma of oppression. Ritual and belief is only harmful when it restricts the human spirit and denigrates creation. Luther retained certain sacraments, ceremonies, vestments, and architecture of the church[9]. Witness the Khordeh Avesta whose many Yasht (hymns) begin with “Ahura Mazda spake to Zarathustra that….(insert deity or attribute of divinity) is worthy of worship”[10]. Ritual for the sake of popular commitment and expression is essential for the participatory and democratic nature of any fellowship system and is legitimate so long as there is a holistic comprehension of the interdependence between all aspects of creation and their emanation from a single source.

Continue reading on FEZANA.org

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Dinshaw Kaiki Tamboly needs no introduction to the Parsis of India and to the Zoroastrian diaspora worldwide. An amazing visionary, thought and action leader and champion of the poor, Dinshawji and his wife Bachi have both served the Parsi community for years and they continue to do so even today.

The Navroze Baug Play Center at its 70th anniversary celebration on November 7th, 2015 felicitated Dinshawji and acknowledged his services to the community.

Below is a video that was shown at the time of the award ceremony. Leading luminaries of the community talk about their associations with Dinshawji.

Dinshawji has been a great friend of Parsi Khabar and we congratulate him and Bachi for this felicitation and take their work and life as inspiration for all we do.

The post Dinshaw Kaiki Tamboly Honoured at Navroz Baug appeared on Parsi Khabar.

Here are some things that, in all probability, you have been doing completely wrong all your life. Thinking that your child is averse to what is around them; considering them a ball of fluff that is only capable of giggling, spitting up, taking naps, and maybe scratching your eyes out when they aren’t doing any of the above; and the most criminal one of the lot – talking to them in classic unintelligible goo-goo-ga-ga tongue. Chances are, the child replies in gibberish only because you talk to them that way, and not the other way around.

Article by Binjal Shah | YOURSTORY

Maria Montessori spent 20 years of relentless research only to decipher that babies can learn thousands of words, in possibly four to five different languages, if you spend time teaching them and employ the right technique. And today, you have the opportunity to meet the India messiah of this science, Zarin Malva, who has dedicated her lifetime to ensure that we shift our focus in parenting from simply feeding our children’s mouths, to feeding our children’s knife-sharp minds.

At 72, she runs the show at the Sir Ratan Tata Institute in Mumbai with more vigor and passion than most of us could muster at the age of 22. One would find no less than three or four tasks on her plate at any given point in time. When Zarin is not blowing the minds of a class of 60–80 with her revelations about toddlers for the AMI Teacher Training course she spearheads at the institute, she is busy scampering from one end of the wide and airy corridors of the institute to the other, answering phone calls, arranging meetings, coordinating talks, events and seminars – currently, the upcoming star-studded IMF Conference – or speaking her heart out to curious souls who walk into the institute brewing change every so often – all to forward the cause that Dr. Maria Monetssori initiated herself.

Although she has inspired many to spread the word in the country, she vividly remembers the days when she was shouldering the responsibility of introducing India to this concept all by herself.

“I grew up in Colaba, studied right here in Bombay and had started my career giving tuitions to children – I always wanted to work with children. Although this was the early 50s and 60s, the education world has always had its doors wide open for female teachers. I worked with children for 20 years when I came across Maria.” Intrigued by the concept, she had the honour of being trained by Maria herself. She went on to spend many years across Canada, USA, Thailand, and China yearning for knowledge on this supremely crucial subject.

Her dedication led her to work with some of the greatest minds, like Mother Isabel, JRD Tata, and Bhabha, the latter of who sought her expertise and invited her to start this program in India.

“Parenting is so very essential. Our course isn’t how to become a teacher, it more about how to become better parents, because, it is not the children who need help, but the parents who do. What people think about children even today, despite being educated and accomplished, is so off the mark,” she says.

“The brain of a child from when a baby is born till he turns two,” she explains, “has an open cranium. We only use four to five per cent of our brains even today, but children initially have a constantly receiving and expanding brain, that needs to be fed. It is called the ‘Absorbing mind.’”

“The child is continuously collecting information, but what do we give the child today? Nothing. A child is capable of learning 1000s of words, but we teach him 30 at best – restricting his limitless vocabulary to words like ‘fan’ and ‘dog’. His sensibilities – that is, his mind, language, movement, and order – need to be generously fed. Today’s world is calling it windows of opportunity. He is like a sponge. Alas, if the water is dirty, he will soak in the dirty water. We are servants of the child. Study the child, follow the child, the child will show you the path to follow,” she says.

Along the way, she played a key role in founding the Indian Montessori Foundation, which is the apex authority for Montessori education in India today.

“The ultimate aim is to foster the philosophy of our very being, isn’t it? Whatever I have done in life, you will find its roots firmly based in philosophy. You are here to help god – and since it is God’s job to help people, help him do his job by helping everybody around! Another philosophy I have always sworn by, Dr. Radhakrishnan’s way of life. Whatever one does, one must do it with the most sincere humility. You have to learn to accept what people are like, how everybody is on their own journey of life, and everybody’s journey is as significant and sacred as your own. Keep this thought at the heart of everything you do, and you will never fail at stepping up to help make someone’s life better.”

The post Zarin Malva: Montessori Teacher Extraordinaire appeared on Parsi Khabar.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on a state visit to Singapore on November 24, 2015 addressed the Indian community there.

He begins the speech with the Qissa-I-Sanjan story about Sugar In The Milk as a a metaphor for how Parsis, and Indians enrich the lives of the communities, societies and nations they become part of.

Below is the video clip.

You can hear the entire speech here

The post PM Modi Addresses Singapore and Begins with Parsi Story appeared on Parsi Khabar.

Udvada’s Iranshah Fire Temple has a special bond with Prime Minister Modi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has drawn criticism for rising intolerance in India, but tolerance of India is expected to be highlighted when Iranshah Udvada Utsav (IUU) takes place between December 25 and 27 marking the biggest International Parsi celebration in recent years. Organisers told The Hindu, that Prime Minister Modi will be the chief speaker at the event. 

It’s noteworthy that Udvada’s Iranshah Fire Temple has a special bond with Prime Minister Modi. “On 24 April 2011, Narendra Modi as Chief Minister of Gujarat sought blessings of the Iranshah Fire Temple and that day I remarked that he will become India’s Prime Minister as he had been blessed by the holy fire of Iranshah,” said Vada Dasturji Khurshed Dastoor, explaining the connect between Mr. Modi and Udvada.

Soon after being sworn in, Prime Minister Modi had invited Vada Dasturji Khurshed Dastoor to New Delhi to discuss plans of turning Udvada into a site of global spiritual and cultural heritage for the Parsis and non-Parsis alike.  According to the website dedicated to the event, the global-scale Iranshah Udvada Utsav (IUU), is indeed the brainchild of Prime Minister Modi.

Vada Dasturji said that the festival has caused a buzz in the globally scattered Parsi community and registration for the festival ended a while ago as the organisers registered a “House Full” status. “We expect participants to fly in from Germany, US, UK, Iran and other parts of the world,” said Vada Dasturji who is the chief organiser of the event.

But the star attraction at the Parsi event is expected to be a delegation of Parsis from Pakistan. In an email to The Hindu, Byram Avari, owner of the landmark Avari Hotel of Karachi informed that the Parsis of Pakistan are special as they do not face any persecution. Earlier in August, Mr Avari had held an event in honour of the Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and ever since an impression has formed among some of the people connected with the Udvada event, that the soft corner for the Parsis forms a common chord between the prime ministers of India and Pakistan. Though the details of the Pakistani delegation is not shared by the chief organiser, Edil Katrak, a Mumbai-based relative of Mr Avari said that there will be a significant Pakistani participation in the Udvada Utsav.

The festival is expected to provide a unique platform of people to people contact, business exchange and rejuvenation for the Parsis who form a strong community in several countries that are important from the Indian point of view.  The idea of Udvada festival is to showcase India’s history of tolerance as the Fire Temple at Udvada is believed to have the oldest continuously lit flame of the Parsis that was brought by the community while fleeing oppression in Persia more than 1300 years ago. 

“The festival will turn Udvada into an important heritage site as the Iranshah flame of Udvada is the holiest fire that is worshipped by the Parsis from all over the world,” said Dr Shernaz Cama, of UNESCO-Parzor.

The post Iranshah Udvada Utsav: Tolerance, People-To-People Contact To Be Highlighted appeared on Parsi Khabar.

How do you preserve the purity of lineage and yet propagate the line of an ever-dwindling community? This is the question that Parsis continue to debate fiercely

Article by Suhasini Haider | The Hindu

Half-breed. I could see my grandmother flinch as I read out the term in an article in her carefully curated issues of the Parsiana magazine. In the early 80s, when I was growing up, it seemed as if all of Bombay was boiling over the issue of whether to allow children (like me) of Parsi mothers and non-Parsi fathers into the Zoroastrian faith. Okay, it wasn’t all of Bombay, but all of the close-knit Parsi community which made up my world when I visited Nanijee (my grandmother), for vacations. “Half-breeds are like mules,” the article read, “With no sense of history or hope for the future propagation of the community.” Nanijee was visibly upset by the debate that tore through her community, but she was devout and bound by its rules. As a result, neither my sister nor I could ever be Zoroastrians by faith, enter fire temples or agiaries in Bombay (she never called it Mumbai) with her, or be included as members of the community.

Nanijee took great pains to explain that it wasn’t just because of the ‘purity’ of the Parsi line, descended from Persians who fled Iran before the 10th century, but about the promise they gave the King in Gujarat when they landed, to adopt the clothes and language of this land, but to never convert, to propagate their religion. As a result, their numbers have dwindled with each passing decade, to an estimated 60,000 worldwide today. The other reason for the numbers is that so many prefer to remain single or marry very late. Despite all that, Nanijee said, they would probably never accept children of ‘mixed marriages’, and even when she died, we didn’t follow her body for its last rites, watching her instead, from our non-Parsi enclosure at the dakhma (Tower of Silence).

Nothing in her religion prevented Nanijee from including us in the culture, however, and introducing us to the whole, almost secret life that every Parsi in Bombay knows so intimately: the Parsi General Hospital where one was born, died, and visited frequently to meets fellow Parsis. The Ripon club or PVM Gymkhana (Princess Victoria Mary) for Parsi men and women, or Nanijee’s own Time and Talents club made up mostly of Parsi ladies that organised music concerts, cookouts, and yes, Christmas carol mornings. Parsi Bakery batasas (madelines) to go with your tea. Mava cakes from B. Meherwan. Mithai and cream from the Parsi dairy. ‘Basket paneer’ delivered home. Patrel (a savoury) from RTI (Ratan Tata Institute), also famous for nightgowns worn uniformly by Parsi women inside their homes. Gaara Saris from Naju Dawar, although most saris were simply handed down the generations.

And of course, scrumptious feasts at weddings and navjotes (the initiation ceremony for Parsis) where the famous Godiwala Caterers presented all the famous Parsi dishes: patra ni machchi (steamed fish), sali ma boti, chicken farcha, and several so-called vegetarian dishes that were topped with an eeda (egg).

Today, their daughter Tanaz Godiwala carries on the catering tradition, although she says it’s a sunset industry. “The number of events is down drastically,” she says. The wedding season has shrunk to about four months in the year, mainly on weekends. And weddings are much smaller, about 400 people on average, down from 800-900 in the old days. “I’m not helping the situation either,” she laughs, as she explains that she has never wanted to marry.

Nanijee also insisted we learn the Gujarati script, as that was the only way to read her newspaper, Jam-E-Jamshed, which has published regularly since 1832. At their offices in Mumbai’s Kala Ghoda area, editor Shernaaz Engineer tells me the newspaper has never missed a single edition in 184 years, although it had to switch from a daily to a weekly given the community’s decreasing numbers.

I move quickly from memory to the paper’s comics pages. “I am sure Phantom is secretly a Parsi under that mask and costume,” Ms. Engineer laughs when she sees what I am looking for. “My readers just won’t let me discontinue the comic.”

What sets the Parsis apart, I ask her. “Four things,” she replies. “The pursuit of excellence in every field from business to law to even music, a culture of philanthrophy, their joie de vivre in everything from food to films, and a cosmopolitan nature, if you make a concession for the lack of inclusion.” She tells me that the debate over the inclusion of children of mixed marriages still rages through the community, with legal cases ongoing, and the near ostracisation of priests who agree to perform ceremonies for those who marry out of the faith. There is, however, a greater flexibility towards the ‘half-breeds’ than when my grandmother was around, and friends who are in mixed marriages say their children face far less discrimination within the community.

Like Godiwala, Engineer hasn’t married. “I guess Parsi women are just too independent. We are brought up on par with our brothers, and find it hard to give it up for a husband.” She also rues that dwindling numbers have meant that most young Parsis today are relatively comfortable, with inheritances, a secure place to stay in one of Mumbai’s many ‘baugs’ or Parsi colonies. “I don’t see the fire in the belly in the next generations, the kind that built the Tata, Godrej, Wadia and Mistry empires,” she adds.

Even so, just preserving their unique culture in a big city like Mumbai has been no mean feat. To keep it burning, like the eternal flame, the atash behram in agiaries that Parsis hold so dear. How to keep that flame alive, while keeping the culture intact remains, as it did in my childhood, the biggest challenge.

The post A half-breed in Bombay: Suhasini Haidar appeared on Parsi Khabar.

Here is a clip from SBS Australia aired in May 2013

“Have you ever heard of Zoroastrianism? If not, that’s because there aren’t many Zoroastrians left. Jeannette Francis talks to a family facing the challenges of keeping their ancient religion alive and preventing their culture dying. ”

The post Saving the Zoroastrians: An Australian Perspective appeared on Parsi Khabar.

Archaeologist and chef extraordinaire Kurush Dalal on why we should be biting again into the food of our ancestors

Son of archaeologist and Parsi cookery legend Katy Dalal, Kurush Dalal, 46, uniquely marries his inherited passions—digging for remains of the past in the present and dissecting the evolution of modern foods—all the while running a thriving culinary business. Recently in Mumbai he delivered a brilliant lecture, “Reconstructing Ancient Food Habits—An Archaeological Perspective”. As rare-themed as it was engaging, it essentially asked why we eat what we eat, and how these choices come to be made down the centuries.

Interview by Meher Marfatia | Live Mint

Edited excerpts from an interview that covered digs and diets, foods and fads, learning and teaching:

Why do we hear of few archaeologists outside research circles?

Only those who love the discipline for itself usually end up here, thanks to the perception that there is little or no scope (read jobs). I’m very grateful that archaeology has gifted me a truer understanding; it is only by going into its smallest villages and mofussil towns that you realize the India of cities is no reality. And my vocation—cookery—has made me learn respect for food, the feeling that you can’t take it for granted.

Choosing to take on both your mother’s métiers, how much of the work is something you take pride in as a continuing legacy, and how much involves playing a pioneering role?

My mother would rather I had not. She felt a PhD took too much out of one and the catering business was full of ungrateful people. That said, she was inordinately proud of my achievements. I did archaeology because I wanted to, knowing it wouldn’t put food on my table. I did catering knowing it wouldn’t make me rich but would make sure I never starved.

You acknowledge lasting relationships with the teachers, students and friends you have gathered through archaeology. Who have been among your strongest influences?

My mother Katy, my PhD guide V.N. Misra, my teachers at Deccan College in Pune, my current mentor, A.P. Jamkhedkar, and my wife Rhea, whom I met via archaeology. I was once with a group of hungry students on a dig, with nothing to eat found for miles around except a vada pav stall. I pointed out that there’s nothing local about this snack, Portuguese in origin, but for the besan (gram flour). It’s interesting to record where these food journeys begin.

How do you see the weight- loss craze making us replace nutritious millets, staple pulses and grains, local vegetables and condiments, with fancy foods?

The fad is linked to status symbols, being able to eat things foreign, non-essential to survival and often not suited to the Indian palate or diet. Because they’re expensive, they’re sought after. Kale chips, chased by the elite, are nothing but dehydrated bits of a kind of cabbage. Quinoa is touted as a wonder food as it has 14% protein; so does our own nachni, with more health benefits at one-tenth the cost. We go searching for imported cranberries, neglecting the ber we have. India has always had tons of “super foods”, yet we’ve mono-dieted ourselves. Millets like rajgira are disappearing in a rush. Barely five to six wheat varieties are cultivated now. Fundamental foods are losing their “cool quotient”.

Which recipe serves as a good example of a potpourri of cultures, though we might mistakenly see it as quintessentially Parsi or Gujarati?

My favourite is Saas Ni Machhi. The Portuguese vinegar, with the pomfret from the west coast of India, the egg custard of English cuisine deftly adapted to rice flour instead of maida (refined flour) and the topping of Iranian favourites like onions and a sprinkle of fried garlic…. For most people, this is quintessentially Parsi—when it is anything but.

The post Dishes and Digs: Kurush Dalal appeared on Parsi Khabar.

A sacred nirangdin ceremony was held at the historic 874 years old Vadi Daremeher, Navsari on Roz Aspandarmad Mah Tir Yezdezerdi 1385 Friday midnight of 20^{th November} 2015. The ceremony which lasted 18 days was performed by two yozdathregar mobeds Ervad Aspandiar Rustomji Dadachanji and Ervad Darayus Parvez Bajan under the guidance of Vada Dasturji Kaikhushroo Navroji Dastoor Meherjirana and Dasturji Dr. Firoze Meherji Kotwal. The ceremony was in memory of the late Edulji Rustomji Adajania at the instance of his wife Najoo and son Kaizad. Explanation of nirangdin ceremony was given at 4 p.m. for the benefit of the audience. A jashan was held at the hall of Navsari Atash Behram on Saturday 21^st November at 10 a.m. It is a unique occasion as both the Dasturji sahebs, both the mobeds and the family which requested the ceremony all hail from Navsari.

Article by Marzban J. Giara

The nirangdin ceremony is very important as nirang (= consecrated bull’s urine) is produced by transforming bull’s urine into consecrated nirang by the power of prayers which makes it free from bacteria. It is used in our rituals such as nahn, navar, navjote, wedding, death. The alat (apparatus) consists of twigs of hom plant, havanim and lalo (mortar and pestle), varasni viti a ring of varasiaji’s hair, two metal pots with lid one filled with water and the other with taro (bull’s urine), sangrez (pebbles), tashto (metal plates), khajurini patri (leaf of palm tree). Fire is kept burning all the time in an afarganyu. Varasyaji, a sacred white bull is brought from his enclosure barsingo. Two mobeds are required – one jyoti performs the ritual, the other rathvi tends the fire. The mobed sahebs have to maintain strict discipline for all the 18 days. This ceremony costs about Rs. Three lakhs.

According to Dasturji Kotwal there was a time when there were so many many yozdathregar mobeds in Navsari. They were so eager to perform this ceremony that out of Rs.18 they would offer one rupee to another priest for the favour of stepping aside and allowing the other to perform this ceremony. Some years ago WZO India felicitated yozdathregar mobeds at a function at Allbless Baug. Ervad Jehangirji Turel of Surat had the distinction of performing as many as 168 nirangdin ceremonies and was publicly felicitated at Wadiaji Atash Behram when he completed 150 nirangdins in 1994.

Unlike some other communities where the priests remain bachelors, both our dedicated mobed sahebs lead a good family life. Both hail from illustrious priestly families of Navsari. Both are students of Dadar Athornan Madressa where they underwent rigorous training. Both are blessed with supporting wives and two sons each. Both are humble and very courteous. It would not be out of place to mention some of their achievements.

Ervad Aspandiar Dadachanji (78) is currently the panthaki saheb of Vaccha Gandhi Agiary at Hughes Road, Mumbai. He has served here for 33 long years as panthaki. He has had a long innings of service to our community. This is his 68^th nirangdin. He was a boewalla saheb at Aslaji Agiary. He served as a religious teacher at M. F. Cama Athornan Institute for 3 years. He was the panthaki in Sri Lanka for a year and for ten years at Nagpur agiary. He has consecrated several of our religious places of worship and varasiyajis. He is the Vice President of Athornan Mandal. He has trained innumerable navars and maratabs. He is a life member of Parsi Gymkhana, Mumbai. He is a keen sportsman and plays cricket, badminton and table tennis. He participates in car rallies with a vintage Morris 8. He along with Ervad Farokh Govadia brought the sacred fire (originally of Tavri) driving all the way from Navsari to Shapoorji Jokhi Agiary at Godrej Baug in Mumbai in December 1999. Both his sons Ervads Marespand and Hormuzd are serving as full time priests. His dear wife Dhunmai assists him and encourages him in all his activities. A successful priest, he has graduated from owning a Morris 1948 which he still retains to owning a Mercedes.

Ervad Darayus Parvez Bajan (40) is the son of Bepsy and Ervad Dr. Parvez Minocher Bajan. His family has served as panthakis of Mewavala Agiary at Byculla for six generations over 164 years and is featured prominently in the tome A Zoroastrian Tapestry by Pheroza Godrej and Firoza Punthakey Mistree. He is a student of Dadar Athornan Madressa and Dadar Parsee Youths Assembly High School. He ranks among the very few who have triple qualifications – chartered accountant, cost accountant and company secretary. Every morning he serves as a practising priest at Mewavala Agiary and then proceeds to his place of work as the Chief Financial Officer CFO of a multinational bank in Mumbai. Darayus’ dear wife Havovi brings her son Xerxes to Dadar Madressa early in the mornings before he goes to school and Xerxes has been ordained as a navar keeping up the family tradition.

Excellence does not come easily. Success comes before work only in the dictionary. The story of these two illustrious mobed sahebs reminds us of the verse:

“The heights by great men reached and kept

Were not attained by sudden flight

But they while their companions slept

Were toiling upwards in the night.”

We, the Parsi community are grateful to our mobed sahebs for their perseverance and sacrifice in preserving our rich traditions and heritage. Young Parsi girls can derive inspiration from Dhunmai, Bepsy and Havovi and marry Parsi priests. Instead of glorifying fashions and beauty contests, let us learn to sacrifice our worldly comforts of the present for a better tomorrow.

References: 1. The Religious Ceremonies and Customs of The Parsees by Shams-Ul-ulama Ervad Dr. Sir Jivanji Jamshedji Modi.

2. The Nirangdin by Marzban J. Giara 1994 Mumbai

3. Humata, Hukhta, Havarashta Zoroastrian Teleserial episode on “Nirangdin” produced by Ervad Cyrus Dastoor.

The post A Nirangdin in Navsari at the Vadi Dar-E-Mehr appeared on Parsi Khabar.

Mass migrations are in the news today, but populations have been relocating all through human history.  When Muslims invaded Iran over 1200 years ago, most followers of the Zoroastrian religion relocated to India.  An immigrant community, they learned Hindi and English, and soon, Cantonese, providing a vital trade link between China, India and the West.  HPR’s Noe Tanigawa reports on a textile show at the East West Center that illustrates their success.

Article by Noe Tanigawa, hpr2.org

The sari wearing ceremony is a rite of passage into womanhood for Parsi women—that is, women of the Zoroastrian religion.  Known as a gara, the Parsi sari is draped with the left ear showing, and Parsi women would wear just one “chandelier” earring.  The garas has been prized since the 19th century for their stunning embroidery.

Embroidered head piece from the exhibition, “Parsi Silk and Muslin from Iran, India, and China”, on through January 24th at the East West Center Gallery. Credit Noe Tanigawa

Firoza Punthakey Mistree and Pheroza Godrej are curators of this exhibit of Parsi silk and muslin at the East West  center gallery.

Godrej says Chinese merchants persuaded embroiderers to use special techniques for their Parsi customers who used up to 9 yards of intricately embroidered border pieces to set off the edges of their gara. 

Fine textiles were not all they traded.  Some see Parsi involvement in the opium trade as crucial to the development of the British colonial, Imperial, then, Indian economies. 

Learning English pivoted the Parsi’s into position with the British East India Company and later with the Crown.  Opium manufactured in India was sold in China and ships returned with tea and fabrics.

Michael Schuster, curator for the EWC Gallery, says the 19th -early 20th century saw a flowering of Parsi business and culture, when  British and Parsi businessmen together built the city of Mumbai.

But there’s a twist with parsi business, Tata for example, the Parsi company that owns Tetly Tea and Jaguar Land Rover is proud to be 66% owned by charities.  Wealthy Parsi philanthropists have a reputation for funding educational, scientific, health, and cultural causes– the Indian Institute of Science, the Tata Memorial Hospital, the National Centre for Performing Arts, and more.

The Parsi consistute one ethnic minority that few are complaining about.  In fact, this year, the Indian government allotted 100 million rupees to help grow its Parsi population, including by in vitro fertilization.  The pieces in the EWC show are each about 200 years old—but young women wear striking contemporary garas today for special occasions.  These days, mostly made in India.  Traditional garas came in shades of magenta, royal blue, turquoise and red.   Young Parsis today are said to prefer bold, black garas with coloured blouses.

“Parsi Silk and Muslin from Iran, India and China”, a small sampling of diverse pieces of clothing, continues at the East West Center Gallery through January 24th.  This Sunday, see an illustrated talk about “Chinese Influence on the Fashion Runway” in the gallery.  Find more images and peruse the East West Center Gallery brochure.

The post Acclaimed Immigrants: India’s Parsi Through Textiles appeared on Parsi Khabar.

The official launch of this book is planned during the Times Litfest in Mumbai on December 4th, 2015

‘An Uncensored Life’ by seasoned editor Farida Master, is a compelling biography of the human rights campaigner Zerbanoo Gifford. A game changer at the heart of the women’s movement, an author of numerous history books on our shared heritage, Zerbanoo is the founder of the ground breaking international ASHA Centre for the empowerment of young people.

The official launch of this book is planned during the Times Litfest in Mumbai on December 4th, 2015

Born in India, Zerbanoo moved to London at the age of four. By her early thirties she had become a pioneer for Asians in British public life. She chaired committees, advised political leaders and was the first Asian woman to stand for Parliament, having made history being elected onto Harrow Council.  Both local and global in her determination to see real change, Zerbanoo worked for the homeless charity ‘SHELTER’ and was director of ‘Anti-Slavery International’ the oldest human rights organisation in the world.

Overcoming racial attacks, political disenchantment, legal battles against the Government and a near-death experience, Zerbanoo’s is a gripping story of a fearless woman who has held fast to the causes of equality and global justice. Her story spans a period of unprecedented social change in Britain. Described as a warrior princess, she is also known as a cosmic networker, connecting people of all backgrounds, faiths and traditions in celebrating our humanity.

In the words of Bishop Desmond Tutu: ‘Zerbanoo’s vision has led to alternative ways to make a real difference in the world– and she trod that path, regardless of the challenges’. For philanthropist Meera Gandhi, ‘Zerbanoo has helped to empower women to take their rightful place in the international arena. Her story reads as a modern tale of shakti power.’ And for industrialist Ratan Tata ‘this biography of a remarkable lady reflects the momentous changes of our age and the importance of investing in the future of the world’s young.’

Ranging from funny to fascinating, spiritually uplifting to downright outrageous, Zerbanoo’s life stories illustrate the challenges facing women in the modern world, but also the triumphs and possibilities available to those open to life. As publisher and film producer Nari Hira says, ‘this amazing biography by the talented editor Farida Master, is meticulously crafted; each word, each sentence, each paragraph is riveting. From the first page to the very last sentence this biography is unputdownable’.

For further details and photographs, please contact

The ASHA Centre

Email:

Tel +44 (O)1594 822330

Zerbanoo’s commitment and tireless campaigning for justice and human rights is an inspiration to us all. The ASHA centre she founded is a symbol of harmony where people of different beliefs and faiths unite in their understanding that we can live in a peaceful world.

Arvind Singh Mewar

“Zerbanoo’s commitment to peace, to young people and to creating a better world is evident from her track record. As the first Asian woman in modern British politics elected as a Liberal councillor, her vision led to alternative ways to make a real difference in the world – and she trod that path, regardless of the challenges. Today we can see that journey has borne much fruit and give thanks for all she stands for”

Bishop Desmond Tutu, Nobel Peace Prize

Zerbanoo Gifford’s generous life spans the fields of human rights, politics, writing and philanthropy. She is global in her vision and achievements from directing Anti-Slavery International to establishing a world class centre for youth empowerment. This biography of a remarkable lady reflects the momentous changes of our age and the importance of investing in the future of the world’s young.

Ratan N. Tata

A compelling biography of a renowned human rights campaigner at the heart of the women’s movement . Zerbanoo has helped to empower women to take their rightful place in the international arena. Her story reads as a modern tale of shakti power.

Meera Gandhi – CEO and Founder

An amazing biography by the talented Farida Master. Meticulously crafted, each word, each sentence, each paragraph is riveting. From the first page to the very last sentence this biography is unputdownable.

Nari Hira

ABOUT ZERBANOO GIFFORD

Author, human rights campaigner and founding director of the ASHA Foundation and the ASHA Centre.

Zerbanoo Gifford holds the International Woman of the Year Award 2006 for her humanitarian work, which spans over thirty years of grassroots and global activism.

In 1989, Zerbanoo was presented with the Nehru Centenary Award for her work championing the rights of women, children and minorities.

A pioneer for Asian women in British public life, Zerbanoo made history by being elected as a Liberal councillor in 1982 in Harrow and being the first non white woman to stand for parliament in 1983 and then again in 1987 and 1992. Zerbanoo was elected to the Liberal Party’s Federal Executive, again the first non white to be elected onto any governing body of a British political party. She was a member of the Liberals Women’s SDP committee.

In 1992 she co-chaired Dadabhai Naoroji centenary to celebrate the election of the first non white member of Parliament. She wrote the biography on Naoroji, known as the grand old man of India.

Zerbanoo chaired the Community Relations Panel and went on to chair the commission ‘Looking into ethnic minority involvement in British Life’. In 1997 she was invited to become a member of an advisory committee to the British Home Secretary, The Right Hon Jack Straw MP.

A director of Anti Slavery International, Zerbanoo was awarded the Freedom of the City of Lincoln, Nebraska, for her work combating modern racism. Her book on “Thomas Clarkson and the campaign against slavery” was instrumental in highlighting the life of the first human rights campaigner who was eventually recognised for his pivotal role in the abolition movement in Westminster Abbey.

In 2007, Zerbanoo received the international Splendor Award in Hollywood, for her lifetime achievements in the field of equality and human rights.

In 2010 to celebrate the 90th Anniversary of American Suffrage she was honoured by the Sewall-Belmont Museum in Washington DC in an exhibition commemorating key women who advanced women’s rights.

Zerbanoo has been a women’s magazine editor and was nominated for the British Editors Award. She has written widely on historical, social and political themes, with all proceeds of her books going to nominated charities. She has been one of the contributors to Video Nations and made two documentaries on Street Children for Channel 5.

· The Golden Thread, Asian Experiences of Post-Raj Britain – pioneering work drawing attention to the achievements of over one hundred British Asian women

· Dadabhai Naoroji, Britain’s First Asian MP – to compliment the Dadabhai Naoroji Centenary celebrations in 1992, which Zerbanoo co-chaired

· The Asian Presence in Europe – used in schools as a book on Asians who have helped to transform our lives

· Thomas Clarkson and the Campaign Against Slavery –used in events marking bi-centenary of abolition of the Trans Atlantic Slave trade in 2007

· Foreword: Race and British Electoral Politics

· South Asian Funding in the UK – Commissioned to be used by the charitable sector

· Celebrating India – widely used in schools on 50^th anniversary of Indian independence and to compliment a Channel Four schools programme on India

· Encyclopaedia Britannica – An article written on Child Slavery

· Confessions to a Serial Womaniser: Secrets of the World’s Inspirational Women – featuring interviews with 300 exceptional women from 60 countries. The book, website and international mentoring project are the result of Zerbanoo’s being awarded a NESTA (National Endowment of Science, Technology and Arts) Fellowship. The website mentoring project is now being developed into a multi-media resource.

Zerbanoo has been involved in numerous charitable organisations, both national and international. She has been honoured by having a College named after her at The Dean Academy in Gloucestershire.

· Founder of the ASHA Foundation and ASHA Centre

· President of the Harrow Zoroastrian Association

· Director of Anti-Slavery International

· Director of Charities Aid Foundation India

· London Organiser for Shelter

· Patron of United Nations Year of Peace

· Patron of Asian Friends of the RSPCA

· Patron of United Religions Initiative

· President of the Trauma Awareness Centre

· Patron of Minorities of Europe

· Patron of the Bishop Simeon Trust

· Patron of the Day Care Trust

· Patron of Mummy’s House for Mumbai Street Children

· Vice-chair of the Community Sector of the Prince’s Youth Business Trust

· Trustee of Urban Trust

· Advisory Board member of Public Concern at Work

· Advisory Board of Caduceus

· Council Member of the Voluntary Arts Network

· Board Member of the Independent Broadcasting Trust

· Co-founder of Warwick University Centre for Research Into Asian Migration

· Co-chair of the Dadabhai Naoroji centenary celebrations

AWARDS

Zerbanoo has received many international accolades for her campaigning for human rights.

· Freedom of the City of Lincoln, Nebraska – in recognition of campaigns against modern forms of slavery and racism

· Nehru Centenary Award for championing the rights of women, children and minorities internationally

· Asian Times Award for Achievement and Services to British public life

· Asian City Club Award for services to the media

· International Woman of the Year 2006 for her humanitarian work

· Splendor Award in 2007 for human rights achievements

· 100 Words – 200 Visionaries – Chosen as one of 200 visionaries internationally to share her insight on how to tackle the issues of the day

· 90^th Anniversary of American Suffrage 2010 honoured by the Sewall-Belmont Museum in Washington DC commemorating women who advanced women’s rights

Other Biographical listings – Debrett’s, Five Hundred Leaders of Today, Who’s Who of Asians, Eminent Parsees, Who’s Who of International Women.

The ASHA Centre, Lower Spout Lane, Flaxley, GL17 0EA

Tel- 01594 822330 Email ashacentre@yahoo.co.uk Website www.ashacentre.org

The post An Uncensored Life: Zerbanoo Gifford appeared on Parsi Khabar.

“Being a bartender meant that I would be working at a bar or pub and performing in front of drunk people, at late hours.

“Playing with tools and ingredients is risky as you might get hurt or make a fool of yourselves if you don’t practice your tricks well.

“The competition is getting tougher by the day…

“The audience always wants to see new tricks..

Acclaimed bartender Ami Behram Shroff tells Divya Nair/Rediff.com how her passion for bartending got her to break rules and set new benchmarks.

Shatbhi Basu may well hold the record for being India’s first female bartender, but Ami Shroff went a step ahead of her contemporary and set her niche in flair bartending.

Shroff has never taken a professional course and can never say for sure what she’s going to perform at a event.

“I am constantly improvising my tricks. I get bored doing the same tricks,” she says.

“Besides entertaining audiences, I like taking part in competitions. It helps me learn and meet new people,” Shroff adds.

After winning the India championship in December 2014, she was one of the finalists to represent India in the Regional Finals of La Maison Cointreau, an all-women bartending competition held in Bangkok, Thailand in January 2015.

At the India-leg competition, Shatbhi Basu who was one of the panellists acknowledged her work and congratulated her too, she recollects.

The young bartender who has also worked as an instructor in Mumbai, tells us how she’s constantly learning on the job and how she’s evolved as a person through the profession.

Inspiration

I had been working since the age of 15, doing odd jobs as a saleswoman, co-ordinating at events and exhibitions, part-time alongside attending college.

I was about 18 when I attended this event where two guys — Ankit and Shawn Dsouza — were performing stunts at the bar.

Bartending was still catching up around that time, but mostly men enrolled for it. I was intrigued and wanted to try it myself.

My friend Delnaz and I signed up to work at a resto-bar in Mumbai and learned some tricks on the job. I gave my first performance at the Enigma festival in Goa and the rest is history.

Initially I could not inform my parents that I wanted to be a bartender because I knew they would be upset.

My parents — my father is a lawyer, mother, a professor — would care less about my choice of career, but rather about my safety.

So I told them much later and they weren’t very happy about it.

However, one of my father’s friends happened to see me at one of these events and he was quite surprised with my talent.

He immediately called my father and appreciated my work.

Gradually my parents gave in and understood that this is what I loved to do.

I have never been to a bartending school so I am not a certified bartender.

I read a bit about different types of alcohol and their properties but I never took a professional course.

When I started off, there were bartenders who did stunts but none of the females attempted stunts involving props or fire.

I was among the contemporaries to be successful in flair (playing with props) bartending.

The challenges

Being a bartender meant that I would be working at a bar or pub and performing in front of drunk people, at late hours.

Playing with tools and ingredients is risky as you might get hurt or make a fool of yourselves if you don’t practice your tricks well.

The competition is getting tougher by the day, so you must always be up-to-date with what’s happening around you.

The audience always wants to see new tricks so you must have a ready trick up your sleeve all the time which surpasses the expectations of your audience, which can be quite challenging.

If you’re a full time employee in a bar, you’ll have to deal with hierarchy in management, which a creative person will not necessarily enjoy.

Also, the remuneration is not very great for full time bartenders in India. Most of us survive on tips from clients and freelance opportunities, which sometimes supersedes our monthly salary.

Since I know my job well, I prefer to freelance and work on my own terms.

The perks

I get to travel a lot, meet new people and learn new things.

The best part of the job is the need for adventure and the thrill of surprising and entertaining audiences.

Bartending is a creative profession and each day is a new day — you have ample scope to use your inspiration and influences in your task.

If it’s a good event, I earn anything between Rs 20,000 and 50,000 per day.

Moreover the appreciation you get from the audience drives your passion and keeps you going.

Lessons learned

At times people ask me how I manage to perform in front of and entertain so many strangers?

Well, the job has taught me to be confident and I can easily entertain an audience of 400 or more and perhaps even strike a 20-second conversation with each of them, if the need arises.

There are times when people tell me that I do stunts better than the boys.

I have learned that no matter what job you choose, you need to have a good team. In the end that is what will keep you going during tough times.

Everyone has bad days; it may not always be your fault.

But you need to find ways to motivate yourself out of the situation and see each day as a new adventure.

Advice

Be curious — to do new things, to push your limits — but also, be careful and responsible.

Photograph: Kind courtesy Kirti Chavan

The post Meet Ami Shroff, India’s bartending champ appeared on Parsi Khabar.

Tehmtan Dumasia and wife Shernaz have been feeding their famous Dhansak and other Parsi fare to members of the Ripon Club for the past eight years. This will be their last month at the 131-year-old club started by Sir Phirozeshah Mervanji Mehta, Jamshedji Tata and Sir Dinshaw Manackjee.

Tehmtan Dumasia with wife Shernaz

But, you can still enjoy your share of their tasty salli boti and continental dishes like lasagna and roast chicken at Gamdevi restaurant, By The Way — The Parsi Kitchen.

Run by Seva Sadan Society, an NGO engaged in educating and empowering underprivileged girls and women.

“We are training the women of Seva Sadan to work in the kitchen and have joined them as consultants,” Dumasia said.

The post Tehmtan Dumasia’s Dhansak Gets A New Address appeared on Parsi Khabar.

The Bombay Parsi Punchayat (BPP) on Thursday won a major reprieve when the charity commissioner lifted its stay on allotment of flats to deserving community members.

“Over 200 flats will be freed up,” said BPP trustee Kersi Randeria. The panchayat has a waiting list of close to 1,000 applicants, but Randeria opines that those actually deserving would be around 500 to 600.

He said priority would be given to those who have no accommodation or like a family residing in a notorious red-light area of the city. “We are in no tearing hurry. The BPP will first frame a transparent, open housing policy,” he added.

In the past, the panchayat has been criticized for auctioning its flats to the highest bidder. Rich Parsis managed to corner apartments in baugs, which were built almost a century ago to house poor community members.

For instance, at the landmark Cusrow Baug at Colaba, apartments were auctioned for nearly Rs 5 crore each some years ago. These flats are not sold, but given on leave-and-licence to the highest bidder. The BPP claimed that the money raised from such auctions is used to subsidize housing for the less-privileged in the community.

The post Parsi Punchayat allowed to allot flats appeared on Parsi Khabar.