Congratulations to Major General Zubin A Minwalla
Congratulations to Major General Zubin A Minwalla, Indian Army, on being conferred the prestigious ATI VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL
Category Archives: Notable Zoroastrians
Coomi Wadia & Areez Khambatta Conferred Padma Shri Awards 2023
On the eve of India’s Republic day, two Parsis are amongst those who are conferred the Padma Awards.
The Padma Shri awards are conferred to Areez Khambatta (posthumously) and Coomi Nariman Wadia
Areez Khambatta was conferred in the field of Trade and Industry and Coomi Wadia in the field of Arts.
Parsi Khabar congratulates the family of Late Areez Khambatta and also congratulate Coomi Wadia for this fantastic achievement.
More about Areez Khambatta :
Rasna founded by Areez Khambatta is one of India;s leading brand and available across the length and breadth of the country and also available is 53 countries. Rasna has 9 manufacturing plants with ISO 22000-2005, 26 depots, 200 super stockists, 2000 stockists, 3000 sub-stockists, 7 regional offices and available in 1.6 million outlets. The company and the brand are recipient of innumerable awards and accolades.
Khambatta started India’s original start-up by creating the world-famous Rasna brand, which today also quenches the thirst of millions of Indians at an affordable price point of Rs 1,
More About Coomi Nariman Wadia:
Coomi Wadia is recognised internationally as a conductor of choral music, as a judge at music competitions, and for her definitive first performances of new music from across the world, especially from India.
At a time in history when female conductors were rare even in the West, Coomi Wadia was blazing a trail as India’s first female conductor She rose to prominence with her innate talent and musical brilliance, bringing home the 1st prize for Overall Excellence at the IX International Choral Song Festival in Poland way back in 1974 Today at 89 years of age, she has been the Music Director and Conductor of the Paranjoti Academy Chorus for 55 years since the demise of founder Dr. Victor Paranjoti in 1967. She was a woman on a mission: to introduce new western choral music into India and open the eyes of the West to the beauty and sonorities of Indian music.
She was a woman on a mission: to introduce new western choral music into India and open the eyes of the West to the beauty and sonorities of Indian music. For western audiences it was exciting and ground-breaking to see sari-clad women and men in bandh-galas singing western and Indian music. Wadia raised awareness of Indian talent and has been a brand ambassador for India from the 1960s to today.
The musical excellence of the Paranjoti Academy Chorus under Coomi’s baton has been acclaimed internationally. At the “Stuttgart Partnersingen”, a festival of the sister cities of Stuttgart in 1981, Coomi was selected to conduct the final concert with over 700 singers.
https://parsikhabar.net/news/coomi-wadia-areez-khambatta-conferred-padma-shri-awards-2023/27123/
Byram D Avari passes away
FEZANA is saddened to hear about the passing away of Byram Avari, the leader of the Parsi community in Karachi and Pakistan and one of it’s greatest businessman.
Byram Uncle’s contribution to the community we’re tremendous and his presence shall always be missed.
Garothman Behest to his ruvan and many condolences to his family and friends.
With deep sorrow we announce the passing away of our dear beloved,
Byram D Avari
Husband of Goshpi Avari,
father of Dinshaw, Xerxes and Zeena
in Karachi on Sunday, January 22nd 2023.
Paidus / Funeral prayers will be held at Khorshed Villa,
inside the compound of Beach Luxury Hotel
at 1pm on Monday, 23rd January 2023,
followed by Sarosh prayers at sunset
on Monday and Tuesday, 23rd / 24th January 2023
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Two-time Asian Games gold medalist and businessman Byram Dinshawji Avari is no more.
Husband of Goshpi Avari, father of Dinshaw, Xerxes and Zeena passed away in Karachi on Sunday, January 22nd 2023.
Paidust/Funeral prayers will be held at Khorshed Villa, inside the compound of Beach Luxury Hotel at 1pm on Monday, 23rd January 2023, followed by Sarosh prayers at sunset on Monday and Tuesday, 23rd/24th January 2023.
In 1976 and again in 1980, Byram D. Avari served as Commodore of the Karachi Yacht Club. He won a gold medal in “enterprise-class” yachting at the Asian Games in Bangkok in 1978 alongside Munir Sadiq, and he repeated the feat in New Delhi in 1982 together with his wife Goshpi.
In 1978, he also took home a silver medal from the Enterprise World Championship hosted in Canada.
He was awarded with the Pride of Performance Award for Sports (Sailing) in 1982.
His wife Goshpi is the first Pakistani woman, a Parsi, to win a gold medal along with her husband in Asian Games in 1982.
Avari was a renowned name in the Pakistan business community. He owned and was the chairman of the Avari Group of companies.
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https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1033345-hotel-industry-tycoon-byram-avari-passes-away-at-81
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2397296/prominent-businessperson-byram-d-avari-passes-away
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Frene Ginwala (1932-2023): The Parsi who left an indelible mark on South Africa’s Constitution
The African National Congress leader became the first democratic speaker in the country’s National Assembly in 1994.
Eminent Surgeon Dr. Tehemton Udwadia passes away
A couple of interesting clips from the inimitable Sam Manekshaw
Areez Khambatta passes away
The Legendary past chairman of WAPIZ, past President of the Ahmedabad Parsi Panchayat, world renowned Industrialist and philanthropist Mr. Areez Pirojsha Khambatta H/o Persis, F/o Piruz, Ruzan and Delna Expired. Paydast on 20th November at 9 hrs from Parsi Doongerwadi and Uthamna on Monday 21st November at 15.40 hrs at Parsi Agiyari Khamasa Gate, Ahmedabad.
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With profound sorrow and grief, we announce the sad passing away, on 19th November 2022, to the heavenly abode of the Founder and Chairman of Rasna Group, Chairman of Areez Khambatta Benevolent Trust and Rasna Foundation, Shri Areez Pirojshaw Khambatta. Shri Khambatta was also the former Chairman of WAPIZ (World Alliance of Parsi Irani Zarthostis). He was the past President of Ahmedabad Parsi Panchayat, Vice President of the Federation of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjuman of India.
In addition, Shri Khambatta has contributed immensely to Indian industry, business, and most importantly societal development through social service, as the Commandant of Ahmedabad Home Guards & Civil Defence for 20 years. Shri Khambatta’s efforts in Entrepreneurship Development societal services have been recognized with a lot of awards, to name a few: He was awarded the President of India’s Home Guard and Civil Defence Medal as well as the Paschimi Star, Samarseva and Sangram Medals. He was honored with the National Citizen’s Award for outstanding contribution to the field of Commerce by the President of India, Honorable Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma. He was also awarded the Samman Patra by the Finance Ministry for his contribution to the National Exchequer as the highest taxpayer of Gujarat. He was felicitated by the Ahmedabad Parsi Panchayat and was chosen as the first ‘Outstanding Parsi of Ahmedabad’.
It would not be out of place to mention that Shri Khambatta started India’s original startup by creating the world-famous “Rasna” brand, which today also quenches the thirst of millions of Indians at an affordable price of hardly Rs. 1.00 that too with fruits, vitamins, and nutrients. Also, through his industrious efforts, thousands of jobs are generated directly and indirectly across India, and with his developing fruit-based products, millions of farmers have got better value for their crops across the country.
Rasna is a true example of a Make In India brand and is available in millions of homes in India and across 60 countries around the world and has always been a market leader in a segment dominated by MNCs.The Trust & Foundations under his Chairmanship and guidance have been involved in various projects to do with health care, education, scholarship, etc. from which thousands of people have taken benefit. Detailed citation of Shri Areez Khambatta is enclosed herewith. Shri Khambatta leaves behind his legacy to his wife Persis, Children Piruz, Delna, and Ruzan his daughter-in-law Binaisha, and grandkids Arzeen, Arzad, Avan, Areez, Firoza, and Arnavaz to follow. The family is committed to ensuring that his principles of duty to the country first, then our religion and duty to following his ideals be they in business or society, will be engraved in the family DNA for generations to come.
Dadi Mistry, Delhi – passes away
Dear Friends
With a very heavy heart have to inform that our dear Dadi Mistry, former President of The Delhi Parsi Anjuman, and husband of Nergish, Father of Armeen n Bella
Father in law of Navdeep n Margarita grandfather of
Shahryar married to Taara
Maneck married to Rachel
Meherab Daraius Bhavani n Chaitanya n great grandfather of Kersi Shahryar Shroff brother of Shahrukh n Katu,
passed away today morning at 9.45 am. May his soul RIP🙏🙏
Funeral today at 4.15 pm at our Parsi Aramgah.
Our deepest condolences to the entire family.
In grief
President, Vice President and Trustees
The Delhi Parsi Anjuman
Dorab Mistry appointed Chairman of Adani Wilmar Group
Dear Friends,
ZTFE is delighted to inform that our past president and current GWG representative Dorab E Mistry OBE was last week elected as Non Executive Chairman of Adani Wilmar Limited (AWL) – which is India’s largest food company by sales. AWL is a joint venture between the Adani Group of India and Wilmar International of Singapore.
AWL is listed on the National Stock Exchange of India with a market cap in excess of 10 Billion Pounds. The company operates in India and neighbouring countries. AWL has grown rapidly in the last few years and Dorab has been an independent non executive director. Dorab is regarded as one of the world’s foremost experts on agri commodity pricing.
Dorab continues his employment with Godrej and has recorded his huge gratitude to the Godrej family for their support and generosity in his take-up of this prestigious responsibility.
We congratulate Dorab on this appointment and send our best wishes.
Kindly share the good news with those who are not connected to the internet and / or do not receive ZTFE Group emails.
Your sincerely
Malcolm M Deboo
ZTFE President
Marzban Giara passes away
Marzban Giara, a treasure trove of knowledge and one of the most notable Parsi historians was a mini library in himself. He has many firsts to his name, including the first illustrated Global Directory of Zoroastrian Fire Temples, All India Directory of Parsi Institutions, The Contribution of the Parsi Community during World War I, to name a few. He was a warm person and always shared his knowledge with those who came to him, especially the younger generation. His contributions to the Parsi community are immeasurable, especially in terms of documenting history and writing books, which he has left behind for the benefit of generations to come. His sudden demise today is a loss to the entire Parsi community and he will be deeply missed. Garothman Behest Hojoji
Jehangir Bisney
Life in exile
She was asked by African National Congress leader Walter Sisulu to go to Mozambique to facilitate the exit of African National Congress members and supporters into exile. One of those exiles was Oliver Tambo president of the African National Congress. Ginwala helped him get across the border into Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) and into a safe house. It was the beginning of a long and important comradeship. Ginwala became assistant to Tambo, who went on to lead the exiled African National Congress for 30 years. She was instrumental in setting up the African National Congress office in Tanzania.
Ginwala’s work in creating a politically effective African National Congress in exile – arguably the most powerful exiled liberation movement in the world – was invaluable. She loved to point out the African National Congress had more missions abroad than the apartheid government had embassies.
In the early 1960s, she created a newspaper, Spearhead, wrote articles for a variety of international media outlets, wrote speeches for Tambo and gave speeches herself. Her time in Tanzania was interrupted when she was suddenly banned herself by the government of Tanzania for her critical commentary, and she left for the UK. President Julius Nyerere lifted her ban in 1967 and asked her to return to Dar es Salaam to establish a new national newspaper, The Standard.
But her independent and forthright views – a hallmark for all of her life – got her into hot water and once again she was banned. This time she returned to the UK, where she registered for a PhD at Oxford University. Her doctorate, awarded in 1976, was a sharp reading of the relationship between class, race and identity among Indian South Africans. She continued to build the African National Congress’s external profile. Her writing on the South African situation was prodigious, well-informed and hard to ignore. She was soon sought after by the United Nations to advise on peace-building globally.Return from exile
When the African National Congress was unbanned in 1990, Ginwala returned after an absence of 31 years. She became the first speaker in the National Assembly in 1994, creating the office as a democratic institution and ruling parliament with a firm, authoritative and fair hand for a decade. Later, she was the prime mover behind the formation of the Pan-African Parliament and one of the most prominent supporters of the Jubilee 2000 Campaign, which successfully lobbied for the scrapping of the onerous debt incurred by the world’s poorest countries.
Others will write about her many contributions to the African National Congress and to her status within the liberation movement. My generation of feminists will remember her, above all, for her remarkable championing of the struggle against patriarchy. This began when she was in exile, when she worked with African National Congress’s Women’s Section to ensure that the party’s principles included non-sexism. It was a long and conflictual process, but by the mid-1980s all African National Congress documents carried the commitment to a “nonracial, nonsexist democracy”. This was so much more than a linguistic shift; it enabled feminists within the African National Congress to demand that the commitment be followed through in programmes and policies.
Ginwala was always somewhat impatient and to the left of the African National Congress’s Women’s League. She feared that there was a conservative streak in the league that caved in to the patriarchal assumptions of the movement’s leaders. She was worried this made it ineffective in pushing for gender equality. She worked from the side – cajoling comrades, and when that did not work badgering them, into action.
She set up the African National Congress’s Emancipation Commission in 1991, dedicated to advancing gender equality and combatting sexism in the movement. Although not intended to compete with the Women’s League, it did have strategic status that was ensured by placing it under the authority of African National Congress president Tambo. It was a base from which Ginwala could drive the demand for gender equality unconstrained by the Women’s League.
During the multiparty negotiations to end apartheid in the 1990s, when it became apparent that gender concerns would sink to the bottom of the African National Congress’s list of priorities, she led the process of forming an independent women’s organisation – the Women’s National Coalition – that would unite women across political parties and ideological lines. She described it as a “conspiracy of women”.
It was a remarkable body that coalesced around two key demands: the inclusion of women in all decision-making about the shape of the post-apartheid state and constitution, and an end to violence against women.
Impatience and integrity
Ginwala understood power and politics better than most African National Congress leaders; her analysis of the balance of forces on any given issue was rapier-like. She knew that the transition process offered an opening to insert feminist principles into the new state, but understood that the window of time was fleeting. This made her impatient at times with other feminist leaders who wanted to build the Women’s National Coalition from the bottom up.
She was clear in her views and at times obstinate, but there was never any doubt about her integrity. Inevitably, there were bitter struggles over the pace of development of the flagship document of the Women’s National Coalition, the Charter for Women’s Equality.
Ginwala was concerned that the slow consultative processes preferred by the leaders of the charter process, Pregs Govender and Debbie Budlender, would mean the charter would not be ready to be included alongside the Bill of Rights in the constitution, and that the moment for greatest impact would lapse without any long-term gains.
Although the charter was only adopted after the main constitutional debates were concluded, the Women’s National Coalition ensured that gender equality was firmly embedded in the country’s final 1996 Constitution.
The contestations that took place in the drafting of the charter about the meaning of gender equality offer a rich and long-lasting archival resource for political activists as well as researchers.
Ginwala was passionately concerned about economic transformation and set up numerous study sessions on issues such as unpaid care. She wrote a hard-hitting challenge to the 50 male economists who crafted the African National Congress’s key economic policies as it took power. In conversations and seminars among feminists, she was insistent that political representation was only a lever for feminism, not its end goal.
As Speaker of the National Assembly, she took responsibility for establishing training programmes for women parliamentarians, drawing on her vast global network for funding and educational materials.
Hamba kahle, lala ngoxolo Comrade Frene. (Go well, rest in peace.)
by Shireen Hassim is Canada150 Research Chair in Gender and African Politics and Visiting Professor, WiSER Wits University, Carleton University.
This article first appeared on The Conversation.
https://scroll.in/article/1041899/frene-ginwala-1932-2023-the-parsi-feminist-left-an-indelible-mark-on-south-africas-constitution