Lecture on “India and Iran: Money, Networks and Exchanges through Two Millenia” by Dr Shailendra Bhandare on Thursday, 16 November 2023 at 5:30 pm
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The Hymns of Atharvan Zarathushtra
The Hymns of Atharvan Zarathushtra – Jatindra Mohan Chaterji
With a Foreword by S. Radhakrishnan, former President of India
There are several languages used by the author/ Avestan, Farsi, Gujarati, Sanskrit and Bengali all submitted in Devnagri script. His comments in addition to the translations, are quite insightful.
He brings in poets and philosophers as and where appropriate.
There is a hard bound copy of Chatterjee’s epic tome, in the K R Cama Library opposite Lion’s Gate in South Mumbai
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Redesigning Education – Coomi S. Vevaina
Paperback and Kindle Edition available on:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.in/dp/BOCK3ZX16P?ref=myi—title—dp
Flipkart: https://www.flipkart.com/product/p/itme?pid=97b6119510Q76
WFP Store: https://store.whitefalconpublishing.com/collections/latest-books/products/redesigning-education-5-steps-to-becoming-enablers-for-change
BAMJI SANATORIUM, NAVSARI
A few years back the Bombay Parsi Punchayet embarked upon a development project for Building “C” of Bamji Sanatorium, Navsari. Despite various hurdles and challenges the project has reached its legal completion in the tenure of the New Board of Trustees. My Team and I have been able to complete the registration legalities of this project at Navsari on behalf of the Trustees. This project was special to my Yazdi and I am happy I could help in taking it forward.
Grateful and thanks to our Advocates Benaz Bhamgara, Mangesh Chavan, our Navsari Advocate Tejas Kansara, Bldg Manager Adi Chavda.
Wishing similar success to the future projects of BPP.
Anahita Desai
FIRES – ZAH Library 24th Annual Lecture Series
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For full details visit FIRES website: https://fires-fezana.org/24th- PROGRAMFriday, Nov. 10, 2023 6:30 pm – Wine & Cheese Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023 Saturday’s program shall be available on ZOOM. See Details below 10:30 am – 12:30 pm – Presentation by Dr. Jenny Rose 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm – Lunch 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm – Presentation by Meheryar Rivetna – Politics and Power: The birth of the Younger Avesta. To REGISTER FOR IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE PLEASE VISIT ZAH.ORG To Join on ZOOM For Saturday’s Session ONLY Meeting ID: 870 3782 2697 Sheer-e-Shireen: Zoroastrians adding Sugar to the MilkA Talk and Discussion by Dr. Jenny RoseThe story of “Sugar in the Milk” is well known as part of the story of the arrival of Zoroastrians in India. Jenny Rose’s talk will explore this perspective of significant contributions Zoroastrians made to society with some examples of the ethos of “good deeds” carried out by 21st century Zoroastrians in Iran, India, North America and the UK. Her experience indicates that such action can bring immediate benefit to an individual or a wider group, providing access to basic necessities – water, food, education, healthcare, and justice – which improve (“sweeten”) their live Dr. Jenny Rose has been producing educational materials relating to the Zoroastrian religion for several decades, beginning with her time as an advisory teacher in London, then as a postgraduate at Columbia University, and later as lecturer (professor) in the UK and the USA. Jenny’s most recent book is Between Boston and Bombay: Cultural and Commercial Encounters of Yankees and Parsis, 1771–1865 (Palgrave Macmillan, 2019). Currently a Research Fellow of Claremont Graduate University, she is co-editing a volume for Routledge titled The Zoroastrian World, which will include contributions from across the Zoroastrian world as well from the non-Zoroastrian academics. Politics and Power: The Birth of the Younger AvestaA Talk by Meheryar RivetnaMeheryar’s talk Politics and Power: The Birth of the Younger Avesta will deal with the evolution of Zarathustra’s Gathic teachings to contemporary practices and beliefs. He will take us on a historical journey from ancient times to Zarathustra’s sojourn on earth to modern times based on scholarly research and evidence. Meheryar Rivetna was employed by Merck & Co. where he held positions in scientific research, sales and marketing. After retiring in 2016, he immersed himself in an intense study of the Zoroastrian religion. Meheryar is the author of Zarathustra: The Man and the Message. It is an in-depth study of the Zoroastrian religion with an aim to dispel the myths contradicting Zarathustra’s teachings. Meheryar has also published articles on the Zoro-astrian faith in the FEZANA Journal, Chehreh-Namah and Parsiana. He is on the library committee of the Zoroastrian Association of Houston as well as the FIRES committee, the education and research arm of FEZANA. |
The Godha Story
We all know these are called GODHAS. But not many know the left and the right have a separate name. Anyone ?
The one on the left is known as SAROSH and on the right is called BURGIS.
On the left hand side pillar – Frashusho Manthra
On the right hand side pillar – Manthra Spenta
Left hand side below the Godha – Sarosh
Right hand side below the Godha – Burjish
Just below the Khuan – Atash Adar Froba
On the first step – Atash Adar Burzin Meher
On the second step – Atash Adar Khordad
On the third step – Atash Adar Gushasp
On the last step – Miswane –e- Gatu – Avval
(Courtesy: Ervad Behram Dhabhar)
Shreeji Pak Iranshah
More than a designer, I see myself as a keeper of stories – Ashdeen Lilaowala
‘More than a designer, I see myself as a keeper of stories,’ says Ashdeen Lilaowala on completing a decade
Ashdeen’s latest collection is called ‘The Birth of Venus’
A piece from the collectoion ‘The Birth of Venus’
Designer Ashdeen Lilaowala recently celebrated a milestone of 10 years as a Parsi Gara revivalist. We talk to Ashdeen about his journey in the fashion industry, his tribute to his decade’s work in the form of a picture exhibition called Threads: A Decade Of Ashdeen, his latest collection, the future of fashion in India and more…
Tell us more about ‘Threads: A Decade Of Ashdeen’.
More than a designer, I see myself as a keeper of stories. To celebrate the important milestone of completing 10 years, I wanted to do it in my own distinct style. That’s how the idea of Threads: A Decade Of Ashdeen came about. I wanted it to be a celebration of the intricate web of relationships that have defined my work, mirroring the intricate Parsi Gara embroidery tradition which is at the heart of this brand. It’s also an ode to my team of skilled craftspeople without whom we couldn’t have completed this milestone successfully.
How do you think this industry has evolved over the past 10 years?
I have always maintained that I am a textile designer, researcher and storyteller. As a result of that, I have been at the periphery of the fashion industry and that positioning has helped me always march to the beat of my own drum, as cliched as that sounds. We’ve been blessed to receive patronage from people not just from the community but across the country and the world. The industry has become quite saturated but there’s surprisingly still space for people who are doing different things and doing them differently.
Tell us more about your latest collection, The Birth of Venus. What’s the story behind the name and how does it translate to the pieces?
Our latest collection was named after the classic painting The Birth of Venus by Renaissance master Sandro Botticelli. One interpretation is that it casts the central figure Venus as the parallel to the earliest woman ‘Eve.’ It’s our nod to Zoroastrian cosmogony as well, according to which Mashya and Mashyana were the first man and woman to have walked the earth. In a similar vein, we’re going back to the Gara’s origins and examining it against a blank canvas. We’ve revisited original embroidery designs from the Parsi Gara lexicon. It’s a sari collection featuring lush floral tapestries and borders. All hand-embroidered in rich colour palettes our clients have always loved — emerald greens, muted greys, blacks, mango yellows and other gorgeous shades that are perfect for the festive and wedding season.
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What made you stay connected with your work and the age-old but exquisite Parsi-style embroidery?
I enjoy the challenge of pushing the Parsi Gara tradition in new directions while making sure we stick to the basic framework. This has taken years of research into how the Gara has evolved over the years with the myriad geographical and cultural influences it has imbibed. I find it thrilling to be part of the next frontier of the Gara incorporating new nuances every season, telling new stories and sparking new conversations.
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Are you planning to expand your label’s demography?
We’re already quite fortunate that younger people are increasingly interested in the brand. To get younger generations of sari wearers and textile enthusiasts interested in the craft, our brand has been experimenting with newer colour palettes, lighter fabric and motifs adapted to suit contemporary tastes. In addition, we have also opened out the embroidery applications placing them on lehengas, blouses, jackets, scarves and accessories to enhance the wearability factor. We also do this through styling explored through campaign imagery, shoots and collaborations with style makers and influencers.
Why and how did you enter the world of fashion?
As mentioned earlier, I see myself as a textile designer staying only in the periphery of the Indian fashion industry. Sure, overlaps exist and I enjoy them immensely. We even showcased at some seasons of Lakme Fashion Week. But I love staying true to my path and pushing the boundaries of the Parsi gara craft. I graduated in textile design from the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad. After graduating, I travelled across India, China and Iran with the UNESCO Parzor Foundation documenting the Gara. I got a chance to interact with people’s personal collections in these geographies. The exercise has helped me understand the core essence of the Gara and as much as I innovate with the craft, I don’t waver from its core essence.
Mail: surbhi@newindianexpress.com
X: surbhi02shah
Surbhi Shah | Published : | 01st November 2023 05:36 PM
ZTFE Armistice Day Webinar in the ZTFE series Progressing Together Sustainably
We request you to participate in the ZTFE Webinar on Armistice Day, 11 November 2023.
Please join us and also share with your network for which we will be most grateful as it will help bring the Zarathushti Community together – making us even stronger. Hamazor!
The goal of this webinar is to help build Peace and harmony, while showing gratitude to the Armed Forces for keeping us safe, helping in emergencies in times of need.
Ushta Te! (happiness and harmony to you and yours).
A recent message shared
“We pray ‘fraspayokhedram’ progress and removing discord. We are pained by the suffering of humanity where innocent Beings have been killed and devastated in thousands. Wars must be stopped and some understanding and tolerance must be brought in. We are truly saddened by destructive events.
We send positive thoughts of Peace and progress in every part of the world to every country in the World and all Peoples of all Nations.
May the Divine Energy spread vibrations of Peace, love, joy and healing to All.”
Dr. Karishma Koka
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Requesting your kind presence at our ZTFE Webinar towards building and maintaining Peace and offering Gratitude to the Armed Forces.
Meeting ID: 878 3787 2912. Passcode: peace
Dr Shernaz Cama: As a daughter of Late General Sethna, she knows what the military life is, with all its trials & tribulations & all the hardships which apart from the Military personnel have to go through but also their families have to suffer.
Shreyas Pardiwala is portraying Brigadier Behram Panthaki (who was an ADC to Field Marshal Maneckshaw in an upcoming movie).
Dr. Cama has received the World Zarathushi Chamber of Commerce (WZCC) award in July 2023, and recently has been awarded another: the Dr Sarojini Naidu Nightingale of India, International Award.
Shreyas Pardiwala attended the World Zoroastrian Youth Congress hosted by the ZTFE in July 2023, and is much loved by the Youth and others.
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Speakers on Sat, 11 Nov 2023: Dr. Shernaz Cama and Mr. Shreas Pardiwala
Biographies of our speakers
1. Dr. Shernaz Cama, Associate Professor, teaches at Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi University. She is Advisor, Fulbright Educational Programme, Executive Council Member, Temple of Understanding, Honorary Research Fellow, College of Humanities, University of Exeter and Member, the Arts and Humanities Research Council, (AHRC), U.K. as well asMember, International Advisory Group of the European Research Council, ERC.
Dr. Cama has edited and authored several books and guided international senior scholars in their research projects. In 1999, Dr. Cama was invited by UNESCO to initiate a project on the Preservation and Promotion of Parsi Zoroastrian Culture and Heritage. As honorary Director of UNESCO Parzor she has guided, and continues to guide, researchers in Parsi Zoroastrian culture and demography in India and abroad.
Dr. Cama has produced several movies for the Parzor project, curated the largest ever exposition on the Zoroastrians in the Everlasting Flame International Programme, 2016, has headed and won the Multinational Candidature for the UNESCO Award, “Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity”. Dr. Cama has been awarded the Mazda Education Foundation Award and Mancherji Edalji Joshi Memorial Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Zoroastrian community.
Since 2002, Dr. Cama has won several prestigious Awards; in 2018, the Delhi Minorities Commission (DMC), has Awarded Dr. Cama the DMC Award for Exemplary work done in the NGO Sector. In 2022, Dr. Cama was honored by the World Zarthushti Community Service Award for ‘Pioneering Meaningful Change for Social & Humanitarian Causes & Being a Source of Strength in the Community’ at the 12th World Zoroastrian Congress in New York City and in 2023 she received the WZCC Global Outstanding Zarathushti Social Entrepreneur Award in London. Dr. Cama has also received the Dr. Sarojini Naidu Award for Education in 2023.
2. Shreas Pardiwala is a Mumbai based Bollywood and theatre actor. He has also written and directed several plays in his city. Academically a clinical psychologist, he practices counseling and conducts psycho- drama workshops alongside his acting career. During the lockdown, his spoof videos went viral on Instagram and gave him a sense of certitude to remain and persevere in the film world where it takes eons to make your mark. From films, to short films, web shows, music videos, tv commercials and plays, Shreas has performed on all platforms and continues to follow his passion.
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The recording of our previous webinar with Air Chief Marshall Fali Major, Lord Bilimoria CBE, DL and Sir Laurie Bairstow and our international participants sharing their good thoughts (Vohu Manah) can be viewed on Zoroastrians.net for which we thank Mr. Yazdi Tantra.
Iraq dig unearths 2,700-year-old winged sculpture largely intact | AFP
A dig in northern Iraq has unearthed a 2,700-year-old alabaster sculpture of the winged Assyrian deity Lamassu, which was found largely intact despite its large dimensions. Only the head was missing, which was already in the collection of the Iraq Museum in Baghdad after being confiscated by customs officers from smugglers in the 1990s. The sculpture escaped destruction by Islamic State jihadists which overran the area in 2014, thanks to the city’s residents who hid it before fleeing to government-held areas.
Click Here to watch this video on YouTube – https://youtu.be/Eusg8407yhY?si=KOi8ipzrF8pgkdRL