It is now more than two score and ten years since Zoroastrians from various parts of the world have settled in North America, bringing with them their religious practices, traditions and cultures which are gradually evolving into a tapestry of a new North American Zoroastrian identity.

The first-generation Zoroastrians in North America, in the space of a few short years, have made remarkable progress in firmly establishing themselves on North American soil. They have established Associations, Centers, Dar-e-Mehers and AtashKadehs, and have come together as FEZANA – the Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America.

The Religious Leaders, the Mobeds, have likewise come together and established NAMC – the North American Mobeds Council, a consortium of Mobeds with stellar achievements, committed to providing religious guidance to the community and training future Mobeds. In furtherance of this progress, NAMC, at their Annual General Meeting in September 2020 moved to carry the proposal forward and to formally establish an educational arm of NAMC –

“North American Institute of Zoroastrian Studies”.

The Institute shall have two tracks:

1. To train and ordain Mobeds to serve the North American community, and

2. To teach Zoroastrianism at an academic level.

Organizationally, an Advisory Board shall be set up consisting of Senior Mobeds, academics and respected community members to manage the affairs of the Institute.

It is envisioned that in time, several North American Zoroastrian Associations will engage the services of full time professional Mobeds, with the Institute providing a cadre of well-trained Mobeds to serve the religious and ministerial needs of our communities.

Further, the Institute shall provide and promote education in Zoroastrianism to academics and to members of all faiths.

Gratitude to Rohinton Rivetna for his vision and inspiration and for formulating the initial charter of the Institute, and to NAMC — President Er. Arda-e-Viraf Minocherhomjee for diligently pursuing it to fruition.

For more information please contact:

Ervad Tehemton Mirza

Vice President

North American Mobeds Council namcmobeds.org

tmirza@execulink.com

October 2020 | Press Release

Who do you think you are? The esteemed Indian ancestor no one in my white British family knew about

Image: Ardaseer Cursetjee, the first South Asian Fellow of the Royal Society, has been awarded a blue plaque from English Heritage

Today, a blue plaque will be unveiled on a west London house to a man they describe as “the first modern engineer of India”.

The plaque is part of a series in which English Heritage has set about trying to promote the under-recognised historical contribution to Britain of people from diverse communities – by marking the houses where they have lived, as hundreds of white historical figures have already been.

Article by Philip Whiteside | Sky News

Others in the series who also now have blue plaques include Reggae legend Bob Marley, Noor Inayat Khan, a wartime special operations agent, Ottabah Cugoano, an author and anti-slavery campaigner, and the physicist Abdus Salam.

It is a special moment for me because Ardaseer Cursetjee Wadia – the latest person from a diverse community to get a plaque – was my great-great-great grandfather.

It is also particularly poignant because he is an ancestor who, until 12 years ago, no one in my family – one we thought was entirely British – knew about.

Ardaseer Cursetjee Wadia now has a plaque in his honour because he was the first South Asian to be elected to the Royal Society, Britain’s oldest national scientific institution, and was subsequently the first Indian to be placed in charge of British workers in the East India Company, where he was chief engineer.

Born in 1808 into an already successful family called the Wadias, who built ships for the East India Company (EIC) in Bombay, he quickly fostered an interest in the latest scientific developments.

He was the first to use gas lighting in Bombay when he illuminated his house and garden and showed it off to the then provincial governor, the Earl of Clare.

But he was also fascinated by steam power and installed engines of his own design in his family’s ships, at a time when there were very few in use outside of Europe, and pioneered the use of steam to pump water for agriculture in India.

Image: The HSC Semiramis, a steam ship of the type that Ardaseer Cursetjee would have maintained in India. Pic: Philip Whiteside, from The Bombay Dockyard and the Wadia Master Builders, RA Wadia

Steam was the cutting edge of technology at the time and perhaps equivalent to the highest-performance electric vehicle engines, or clean-burning jet engines, of today.

The EIC spotted his talents and in 1839 he was sent to the UK for the first time to improve his knowledge.

Although relatively unknown until recently, his travels to and around early-Victorian Great Britain are actually well-documented as he wrote a diary that was published.

He travelled from Bombay, as everyone did at the time, by ship to Egypt, then, overland via Cairo to Alexandria, then through the Mediterranean to London where he rented a house in Poplar, east London.

While in England, he was presented to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert at a private reception ceremony in St James’s Palace and gave evidence to a parliamentary select committee, which included William Gladstone and Sir Robert Peel.

Image: Queen Victoria

And it was around this time, because of his prior achievements, he was made a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS) – the hallowed bastion of scientific progress which had been viewed as the nation’s principal arena for invention and understanding since the 17th century.

Ardaseer attended Royal Society meetings many times, along with the meetings of numerous other scientific organisations, mixing freely with the great and the good of the day.

When he returned to Bombay, he was appointed the chief inspector of machinery (i.e. the head) of the Bombay Steam Factory, responsible for maintaining all the steamship operations at the time for the EIC and later the Indian Navy.

It meant he was in charge of up to 700 men, including “many English” and “a great many” other Europeans. His only superior, by his own account, was the commander-in-chief of the Indian Navy – something unheard of at that time.

I had no idea about any of this until my mother – who had been carrying out family research of the type made popular by the BBC show Who Do You Think You Are? – emailed me in 2009 and told me she had found an ancestor with an unusual name.

Image: The marriage certificate that identified Ardaseer Cursetjee as part of Philip Whiteside’s family

The man was listed on a marriage record my mother had found as the father of my great-great-grandmother and a quick Google search found details about him on the Royal Society website.

It was something of a surprise – an entirely pleasant one. But, until that point – as I still do – I had answered every question on racial identity on job applications or census returns as “White British”, assuming I had no other ancestry in the family.

It posed a huge list of questions – how could we be descended from not just an Indian, but someone who was relatively esteemed in their day, and not know about it?

In 2012, I decided during a career break to go to India to find out about it, travelling overland as Ardaseer had done, to try to answer those questions.

As it turned out, a distant relative had already been working on getting some answers for some time and was able to fill me in.

Image: The Royal Society headquarters in Carlton House Terrace, St James’s, central London. Pic: Philip Whiteside

The relative, Blair Southerden, found out that Ardaseer was married in India before he left for England in 1839, with Indian children, and lived in Bombay, apparently quite contentedly, for some ten years after returning in 1841.

But in 1851 he returned to England, by his own account on sick leave, bringing with him his son. The exact chronology of where he went during this trip is not fully clear but it is known he crossed the Atlantic to visit Boston, Massachusetts, possibly being among the earliest Indians to do so.

But what was most unclear was how he might have met my great-great-great grandmother, a woman listed in most records as Marian Barber, whose parents lived in Mile End, east London.

Image: Philip Whiteside, on the Italy-Greece leg of his own journey following in the footsteps of his ancestor Ardaseer Cursetjee in 2012

Her family were far from wealthy and most definitely did not move in the same circles as Ardaseer – her father was a messenger in the customs service and they appeared thoroughly working class.

What Blair had managed to find out, and later had published in the journal Genealogist, was that Marian and Ardaseer had three children, the first in late 1853, called Lowjee Annie – partially after the founder of the Wadia dynasty Lowjee Nusserwanjee – the second in 1856, and the third, my great-great-grandmother Florence, in 1859.

What was also intriguing was that the first two children were born in Bombay and Florence was born near to the Royal Courts of Justice in central London.

Blair had been told that Ardaseer returned to Bombay in February 1853, apparently taking with him, according to one historian, equipment for wood cutting. After the trip, he is also said to have introduced photography and electroplating to Bombay.

Image: Bombay’s wharf, where people arriving from the UK would disembark. Pic: Philip Whiteside, courtesy of the National Maritime Museum, India

The best theory as to how Marian could have crossed paths with Ardaseer and formed such a close relationship was that she may have been his nurse, as he had some ailments at the time, or had met him on one of the voyages to or from London.

Despite two weeks in Mumbai (previously Bombay), I was unable to shed any light on how they met, but I carried on researching when I got home.

At the time, large amounts of printed documents and newspapers were being digitised, which was making historical research available to amateurs like myself.

Eventually I found a series of entries in journals of the time that showed he had stayed in England longer than we had previously thought and would have been in London around the time when Ardaseer and Marian’s first child was conceived.

Among them was another pair of Hansard records that showed him giving evidence to both House of Lords and Commons select committees in March 1853, to panels of Lords and MPs including Benjamin Disraeli.

Image: Ships being constructed in the Bombay Dockyards in the 19th century. Pic: Philip Whiteside, courtesy of the National Maritime Museum, India

The records I found showed it was his servants that returned home in February 1853. Perhaps he had stayed on to give evidence to parliament, leaving him without anyone to help at home.

The most logical conclusion to me was that Marian, as a local working class woman – who we had been completely unable to locate on any censuses up until that point – must have had sought employment, perhaps as a housemaid, and ended up being taken on by Ardaseer until he left the UK.

It’s speculation but the rest, as they say, is history – or at least family history.

Marian somehow moved to Bombay and they clearly continued their relationship – how secretly we shall never know. How difficult she found it we will also never know, but if she was kept secret it must have been extremely isolating for her – bringing up two children in the back-streets of Bombay, unable to integrate with the rest of society.

Image: Bombay’s harbour during the period of control by the East India Company. Pic: Philip Whiteside, courtesy of the National Maritime Museum, India

She returned to London in 1859 and, it appears, Ardaseer did too, around the same time.

It could have been an unhappy story; so many stories from that time feature men who abandon women who they have relationships with.

Thankfully, this one was not.

Despite having an Indian family – including several children who went on to found successful businesses in Bombay and grow very rich – he set up home in London, appearing on the census several times after that with Marian and their children. Periodically, it appears he returned to Bombay, possibly for work, but probably to see his Indian family.

His last location was in Richmond, at the house he also named after his dynasty’s founder.

Thanks to Blair, who put forward Ardaseer Cursetjee Wadia’s name to English Heritage, that house – at 55 Sheen Road, Richmond upon Thames – had the plaque installed on Tuesday that showed he made it the home that concluded his British legacy.

Image: The blue plaque to Ardaseer Cursetjee Wadia, on the house at 55 Sheen Road, Richmond, London

Ardaseer died in 1877, leaving a will acknowledging Marian’s children as his own and was buried in Brookwood cemetery, Surrey.

Whether his other, British, family and departure for England had an impact on his legacy in India is hard to determine.

He was commemorated in 1969 in India with a stamp but at the time I started my research was not widely known as the first Indian FRS, with some in India writing on blogs they believed a mathematician called Srinivasa Ramanujan held that honour.

Image: Ardaseer Cursetjee, featuring on an Indian stamp from 1969. Pic courtesy Blair Southerden

His Indian direct descendants are the Wadia dynasty, some of whom head up a firm worth billions of dollars. Today, they are on India’s rich list.

It’s perhaps less hard to fathom why Ardaseer’s name remained unknown to my family. As well as my immediate relatives, Ardaseer has dozens of other descendants living in the UK.

While it is difficult to accept there may have been racism in anyone’s family in the past, it undoubtedly existed widely at that time. But, even if it was not buried because of racism, Ardaseer’s daughter Florence later suffered a mental illness that led to her being institutionalised in an asylum – something that could have been influenced by attitudes to people of dual heritage at the time. Consequently, hidden from society until her death many years later, she became forgotten, or at least unspoken about.

Image: Lowjee Nusserwanjee Wadia, the founder of the Wadia dynasty, Pic: Philip Whiteside, courtesy of the National Maritime Museum, India

But, besides the story of Ardaseer’s family being a fascinating insight into the past, his getting a plaque is doubly satisfying because it underlines the achievements of a man who has been long overlooked.

English Heritage’s Dr Rebecca Preston, who carried out the research confirming the location of his house, says he was remarkably pioneering for his day.

She told Sky News: “He was very clever, very passionate, and although he trained to be a marine architect, it was steam that really drove him. Obviously, he’s most associated now with applying steam to ships.

“He also used steam engines for agricultural purposes in India but the advancement of steam-powered navigation is his key legacy. But his interests spread, and he introduced gaslight, electroplating, photography and various other new technologies to India.”

Image: The grave of Ardaseer Cursetjee at Brookwood Cemetery in Surrey. Pic: Philip Whiteside

“He’s at the forefront of advancing science and engineering in modern India, I think.”

What his and my story may also hint at is how many other people may have ancestors in their lineage that may surprise them.

Dr Preston adds: “The very fact of (Britain) having an empire and it being a seafaring nation meant that it was possible for people to mix with people from other places (and there may, as a result, be many of mixed heritage).”

“As to how many, I couldn’t say, but I’m sure this must be the case, going back hundreds of years.”

Part of the reason for English Heritage’s call for more figures from diverse communities to be nominated for plaques is to recognise how many in the past played significant roles and were present in British life, even if this has been hidden from history or they are overlooked today.

Dr Preston added: “We rely on the public to nominate notable individuals for a blue plaques, we don’t do the nominating.

“So hopefully, as more are suggested, we’ll be seeing more people of colour, of mixed heritage being recognised with a plaque on buildings in London where they lived or worked.”

The 5th Salgreh of the Zoroastrian Association of California‘s Atash Kadeh was celebrated with great religious fervor and Parsi gusto on the 12th of November. The  celebration started a week ago by deep cleaning the premises. On the day of Salgreh a  Hama Anjuman Sandal wood maachi was offered in all five gehs. Also, two Hama Anjuman Jashans were performed, one in the morning and one in the evening to facilitate the whole community by Ervads Jal Birdy, Zerkxis and Zarir Bhandara which was attended by about 60 Zoroastrians. After the Jashans Ervad Bhandara gave an informative talk on different grades of fires, the offering of Machi,in which he briefly gave the history of the enthronement of the fire. He stated that “3 days and nights before the opening of this Atash Kadeh, the Vendidad and Yasna Sadeh and 6 Bajs were performed- under the guidance of Dasturji Dr. Kotwal- on the fire that was burning in our home [Bhandara’s] for the last ten years and from that same fire this Padshah was enthroned”.

He concluded the event by thanking the priests, the attendees and the ZAC executive committee The fruits for the Jashans were brought by Dolly Malva and Aban Kapadia and delicious vegetarian dinner was prepared by Yashmin and Mehernosh Pithawalla and the icing on the cake was the happy Birthday cake prepared by Vira and Burjor Santoke.

Singaporeans now have a chance to learn more about the Parsi community, numbering about 350 here, with the opening of a museum on Monday (March 14).

Based in Zoroastrian House in Desker Road in Rochor, it is a showcase of the Parsis’ history, traditions and Zoroastrianism, one of 10 recognised religions here.

Article by Clement Yong | The Straits Times

The two-floor permanent exhibition, titled The Joyous Flame, tells its story mostly through illustrated panels. There are some objects that the Parsis use in their everyday life – a silver fish decorative object used to store sugar, and apparel worn during the Navjote ceremony, an initiation service for children aged between seven and nine, are highlights.

Originating from ancient Persia, the Parsis fled to western India in the seventh century to avoid religious persecution. They trace their history in Singapore back to Mr Muncherjee, a supposed convict who was the first Parsi in recorded history to arrive here 200 years ago.

“We have never had this (museum) before, but as our numbers grew in the last few decades, the need was increasingly felt,” said Parsi Zoroastrian Association of South East Asia (PZAS) president Homiyar Vasania.

“We also felt this was important for our own community members to know more about their history and culture. We consider ourselves an important intangible culture heritage in Singapore, and hope this museum is an important window to look into and understand us.”

The exhibition is co-curated by PZAS with the Parzor Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation that focuses on Parsi-Zoroastrianism heritage.

Since the first Parsis arrived, the community has become a wealthy and influential segment of society despite their small number.

They are well known for their philanthropy and business activities. Among the most notable Parsis in Singapore are entrepreneur Navroji Mistri, who donated $1 million to build Singapore General Hospital’s children wing in 1952, and the Cursetjees.

The latter were the original partners of John Little, who set up the now defunct but well-known department store of the same name here.

Mr Homiyar said many schools, museums, organisations and researchers have approached PZAS, headquartered here, to learn more about the Parsis and their traditions in recent years, and work began on the museum a few months before Covid-19 started.

The community faces a continued struggle to maintain a “critical mass” in numbers, he added.

For instance, it has no full-time priest for religious activities and there is no Zoroastrian fire temple in Singapore, unlike in India where flames – representing Ahura Mazda, their supreme deity – are kept burning 24/7.

Zoroastrianism is the world’s oldest monotheistic religion, and was among the first historically to preach concepts like heaven, hell, angels and demons.

Its prophet and founder, Zarathustra, began teaching Zoroastrian tenets some time between the 18th and 16th century BC, and has become a widely studied figure for students of religion, history and philosophy.

Perhaps Zoroastrians’ most well-known practice is the Tower of Silence, where their human dead is placed in an open circular, raised structure and exposed to the elements and carrion birds in a process of decay that they believe avoids contaminating the soil.

Three Parsis embroidered fabric border which are a unique part of India’s diverse textile heritage. ST PHOTO: DESMOND WEE

They also claim the oldest human rights charter, the Cyrus Cylinder, placed by Persian king Cyrus the Great in Babylon after he captured the city in the 6th century BC.

It states that “I freed its citizens from the yoke of servitude, I allowed no one to harass or terrorise, I set them free to worship their gods whose abodes I raised from ruins”.

The original is now held in the British Museum and its message of freedom of religion and tolerance has led to the display of a replica at the United Nations’ headquarters in New York.

A replica scale model of a Dokhmenashini, a system of sky burials that relies on the sun and carrion birds to dispose of bodies. ST PHOTO: DESMOND WEE

Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong was at the opening ceremony on Monday, and said the Parsis are a very important part of Singapore.

“Despite relatively small numbers, the Parsi community has always been an active participant in Singapore’s rich social fabric. It is a community both of deep roots and tall branches.”

He added that the museum will open the Parsi community up to the rest of Singaporeans. “Understanding and knowing is the first step to accepting (a different culture) which then becomes embracing and being a part of,” he noted.

Entry to the museum is free but visitors are advised to make an appointment with PZAS at pzas.singapore@gmail.com before going.

Announcement from National Editor Matea Gold, Deputy National Editor Philip Rucker and Senior Editor for Visual Enterprise Ann Gerhart:

We are delighted to announce that Kainaz Amaria is joining The Washington Post as the visual enterprise editor for National, pioneering a new role aimed at expanding our visual journalism and conceiving of innovative storytelling approaches.

In this key leadership role, Kainaz will oversee immersive, visual-first stories on both quick-turn news and longer-term projects. She will work with reporters and editors from all of National’s coverage teams as well as partner with the Audio, Data, Design, Graphics, Photo and Video departments to elevate our coverage. She will report to the national editor and work closely with Senior Editor for Visual Enterprise and the other visual enterprise editors to develop and share best practices for multidisciplinary storytelling and to drive more collaborative, immersive journalism across the newsroom.

Kainaz comes to The Post from Vox, where she has served as their first-ever visuals editor. She brings with her a decade of experience developing collaborative stories that have broken with convention, won awards, drawn huge audiences and influenced legislation.

At Vox, she has run an interdisciplinary team responsible for graphics, interactives, photography, data and design for on-site and off-platform stories. Along with overseeing daily and short-term stories, she has been responsible for setting the visual team’s philosophy, workflows and aligning their visual journalism with the newsroom’s editorial goals. She has spearheaded large collaborations, including live election results and projects such as one on supertrees, and fostered an environment where creative journalists thrived. She is known as a sharp editor, a diplomatic team leader, a shrewd problem-solver and a journalist with a strong ethical compass.

Before Vox, Kainaz was an editor on NPR’s Visual Team, where she played a key role in creating new storytelling formats. She drove the U.S.-Mexico border reporting alongside Steve Inskeep and assumed multiple roles in NPR’s “Planet Money Makes a T-shirt,” including managing producer, photographer and videographer. The project won the radio network numerous awards, including a News and Documentary Emmy.

Kainaz began her career as a newspaper photographer, driving hundreds of miles a day around the Bay Area covering council meetings, high school sports and breaking news. After nearly 10 years of working as a photojournalist — covering stories from President Barack Obama’s inauguration for the then-St. Petersburg Times to driving the length of the Grand Trunk Road in India for NPR — she decided to gradually shift her focus from being an assignment photographer to someone who worked with others to more fully shape the way news stories are told.

In 2020, Kainaz was honored with the John Long Ethics Award by the National Press Photographers Association for her writing and criticism on the photojournalism industry and visual language.

Kainaz has a BA in international relations and political science from Boston University and an MA in photography from the School of Visual Communication, Ohio University. In 2010, she was a Fulbright Scholar and completed a short film on the Parsi Zoroastrian community in Mumbai.

She and her husband, Gene Demby, a host of NPR’s Code Switch, welcomed their first child in November 2021. Kainaz was born in Mumbai, India, and grew up in California, which means she’s always dreaming of the Pacific Ocean and eating Indian street food. She loves to travel, hates sloths, can never pass up good pizza and is a fan of puns.

ZAC Celebrated the 6th Salgreh of their Atashkadeh with Blessings and Messages from 3 Vada Dasturs

The 6th Salgreh of the Zoroastrian Association of California‘s Atash Kadeh was celebrated with great religious fervor and Parsi gusto on November 12th. The celebration started a week ago by deep cleaning the premises. On the day of Salgreh, Chowk was done by Vira & Barjor Santoke, a  Hama Anjuman maachi was offered to Atashpadshah in all five gehs. Also, two Hama Anjuman Jashans were performed, one in the morning and one in the evening to facilitate the whole community by Ervads Zerkxis and Zarir Bhandara which was attended by about 75 Zoroastrians. After the Jashans, ZAC president Mrs. Rooky Fitter (in the morning) and Daisy Pithawalla, the Youth Coordinator of ZAC (in the evening) read the following message from the high priest of Iranshah Vada Dasturji Khurshed Dastoor: 

“Dear Humdinds, Greetings from the land of Iranshah!

I would like to express my heartiest congratulations and best wishes to my dear friend and a sincere Mobed, Er. Zarir Bhandara on this auspicious occasion, the 6th Salgareh of the Darbe Meher in California.

In many of my talks, I have expressed the need and importance of a religiously pious and scripturally knowledgeable Mobed who is willing to share his learning and insight with the community. This is the one way, our religious traditions will be protected and our religion; preserved.

This is what Zarir has believed in and has made every effort in the direction

of Preservation. He continues to take the trouble to play a contributory role in organising and being a part of as many religious gatherings as he possibly can, in his part of the world.

What strikes me as very impressive is that he has not only encouraged and motivated his son Zerkxis but has mentored him to follow his passion.

I am grateful to you Zarir, though so far away from your roots, you have in the past 50 years helped lay a strong foundation of religious wealth for the Zoroastrians in the U.S. Your sincere efforts towards maintaining the glory and sanctity of the sacred Atash Dadgah have not gone unnoticed nor have they gone in vain.

The community has derived its strength to survive and persevere with the blessings of the burning Holy Fire.

I pray that Dadar Ahuramazda and Iranshah Let your efforts bear fruit within our Community and May you receive their blessings in abundance.

May the Light of the Sacred Fire strengthen the Faith, bring Harmony, and Guide our community towards preserving our traditions and ethnicity eventually leading us towards enlightenment.” ZAC Secretary Mrs. Vira Santoke (in the morning) and ZAC Treasurer Mr. Phiroze Gundevia (in the evening) read the following message from high priest Dasturji Dr. Firoze M. Kotwal: “Dear Ervad Saheb Khushro Unwalla,

Many thanks for your message about felicitating Ervad Saheb Zarrir Bhandara on the auspicious day of the 6th Salgreh of your Atash Padshah Saheb. I am pleased that the Association of California has deemed it fit to felicitate a worthy priest who is involved in the service of the whole Parsi community. Kindly find attached my message for Zarrir to be read on the auspicious occasion.

With all the good wishes and blessings of Ahura Mazda,

Yours in His service,

Dasturji Firoze M. Kotwal

Felicitations on the 6th Anniversary (Salgreh) of the Atash Padshah installed by the Zoroastrian Association of California (ZAC)

On this auspicious day of the Salgreh of the Atash Padshah, Rūz Māhraspand, Māh Khordād 1392 AY, it is our sincere prayer that our Holy Fire may continue to shower his choicest blessings on the faithful devotees of California. It is our wish that the Holy Fire which is spiritually linked with the Divine Fire of Ahura Mazda, may continue to bestow its spiritual blessings on the Parsi Community until the time of the Resurrection. And may the Holy Fire also bestow his divine blessings on the Parsi Community and lead them always on the path of Truth and Righteousness.

It is very gratifying that the Zoroastrian Association of California (ZAC) is fortunate to have a good and sincere priest such as Ervad Saheb Zarrir Bhandara who has been helping the members of the community in all spheres of life to lead them onto the path of virtue.

It is my sincere hope that Ervad Saheb Zarrir Bhandara and his son Zerkxis will continue to serve the faithful and devout members of the Good Religion in matters of the religion and in their everyday life and serve as the true shepherds of their flock. May this father and son team live a long and healthy life and may the divine blessings of Ahura Mazda be bestowed upon them and the devout members of the Parsi Irani Zarthushti community of California.”

After which ZAC’s immediate past president Mobedyar Houtoxi Contractor read the following message from High priest Vada Dasturji Cyrus Noshirwan Dastur: Dear Ervad Dr. Unwalla,

Here is my message to be read out on the auspicious occasion of ZAC Atash Padshah’s 6th salgreh:

I wish and pray to Dadar Ahura Mazda that the divine fire that was enthroned in California six years ago, may eternally keep burning and keep blessing the Zarthosty devotees with an abundance of happiness, success, progress, and prosperity. I also congratulate Ervad Zarrir F. Bhandara, my guru, on his 50 years of dedicated, selfless, and honorary service to our Zarthosti community in the US, North America, and globally. Zarrir you have been guiding our community with your expansive knowledge about our religion and I commend you for the same, may Ahura Mazda’s blessings be showered upon you forever.”

After which a note of thanks was delivered by Ervad Bhandara, thanking the ZAC executive committee and Ervad Zerksis for working behind the scenes to make sure everything runs smoothly and to  Commissariat and family for preparing delicious Dhundar, Chawal, veg Patio, and Lagan nu custard and Yashmin Mehernosh Pithawalla for mouth-watering chutney sandwiches which were relished by everyone.

Our dear friend Dr. Shernaz Cama was recently in Singapore to speak to the Parsi Association there at the new Zoroastrian Museum that was inaugurated last year.

PARZOR writes:

The Parsi Zoroastrian Association of Southeast Asia invited Dr Shernaz Cama to their annual Jashan for a talk on Parzors work over the years. Mr Homiyar Vasania had donated a permanent home to the Singapore community at Zoroastrian House , where during Covid Dr Cama & Neeraj and Pallavi Sahai created a permanent Exhibition based on Parzors research called Joyous Flame. Dr Cama, it’s curator could now visit it for the first time since its inauguration on Navroze.

She was also invited to speak to the Indian Heritage Centre on Saturday 15 th April followed by her talk and presentation on Care for Creation after the Jashan on 16th April. She also visited the Asian Heritage Museum where displays of Parsi and Persian traders are showcased along with textiles and miniatures donated by members of the Singapore Zoroastrian community. Several unusual exhibits include a bobble doll depicting a Parsi trader from China . Interest in this tiny community has grown and Singapore is a rare example of an increasing Zoroastrian population.

Our dearest friend, mentor and past FEZANA President Katayun Kapadia is featured in“Local Voices: Memories, Stories, and Portraits,”one of two new exhibitions on view at Grounds For Sculpture in Hamilton, New Jersey through January 7

Exhibition Website

“KATAYUN K. KAPADIA”: This photo on fabric banner by Erica Lee is featured in“Local Voices: Memories, Stories, and Portraits,”one of two new exhibitions on view at Grounds For Sculpture in Hamilton through January 7. (Photo by Bruce M. White)

Watch Katayun tell her story to Madhusmita Bora, filmed by Danese Kenon.

About the Fravahar

Each storyteller has loaned an object to the exhibition which holds personal meaning.  These objects are symbols of the “Faravahar” from the Zoroastrian religion. Katayun shares some information about this symbol below:

“The Faravahar, or Farohar, is to remind one of the purpose of life on this earth, which is to live in such a way that the soul progresses spiritually and attains union with Ahura-Mazda (the Wise Lord); this state is called Frasho-kereti in Avesta. The word “faravahar” actually is Pahlavi, or Middle Persian. It derives from ancient Iranian (Avestan) word fravarane which means “I choose.” The choice is that of the Good, or the Good Religion of Zarathushtra.”

Explanation of the Faravahar Symbol

• The Faravahar’s face resembles the face of a human being and therefore indicates its connection to mankind.
• There are two wings in two sides of the picture, which have three main feathers. These main feathers indicate three symbols of good thoughts, good words, and good deeds..
• The lower part of the Faravahar consists of three parts, representing bad thoughts, bad words, and bad deeds which causes misery and misfortune for human beings.
• There are two loops at the two sides of the Faravahar, which represent Sepanta Minu, and Ankareh Minu. The former is directed toward the face and the latter is located at the back. This also indicates that we have to proceed toward the good and turn away from the bad.
• There is a circle in the middle of the Faravahar’s trunk. This symbol indicates that our spirit is immortal, having neither a beginning, nor an end.
• One hand of the Faravahar points upwards, showing that we have to struggle to thrive.
• The other hand holds a ring. Some interpreters consider that as the ring of covenant, representing loyalty and faithfulness which is the basis of Zarathustra’s philosophy.

A report in Town Topics

This spring, a Grounds For Sculpture (GFS) exhibition presents a multi-faceted portrait of the Indian diasporic community in New Jersey, through first-person narratives, images, and objects. “Local Voices: Memories, Stories, and Portraits” is created in partnership with 15 community members and led by artist, teacher, and journalist Madhusmita “Madhu” Bora. It is one of two concurrent exhibitions that inaugurate the new Perspectives series at GFS and explore the role of creating person-centered exhibitions, ensuring individual and communal agency in the art of storytelling.

Both “Local Voices” and the second exhibition, “Spiral Q: The Parade,” are on view through January 7 in Grounds For Sculpture’s Domestic Arts Building. “Spiral Q’s” focus is on the locally and nationally recognized puppet-making organization Spiral Q, with its rich history of take-to-the-street advocacy processions for social and political change.

“With the launch of the Perspectives series, Grounds For Sculpture is taking on new levels of engagement with our audiences as we organize artist-led, community-driven exhibitions to deepen our understanding of how we — as artists, individuals, and communities — are reflecting on our world and responding to subjects and issues of today,” said Gary Garrido Schneider, executive director of Grounds For Sculpture. “We remain committed to engaging and challenging visitors of all ages and backgrounds with exhibitions and collections that present the work of contemporary artists through sculpture, while developing greater understanding of our audiences through storytelling and listening to the voices of the communities around us.”

Kathleen Ogilvie Greene, chief audience officer at Grounds For Sculpture and lead curator of both exhibitions, added, “Regardless of our race, ethnicity, language, or age, most of us carry stories that offer themes of love, loss, and resilience. This connectivity is the impetus for ‘Local Voices: Memories, Stories, and Portraits.’ We stayed hyperlocal — both with the selected community and with storytelling sharing from a lived experience — to focus on the stories that connect us as human beings.

“Both Madhu Bora and Spiral Q have been amazing partners, and we are excited to present two distinct, yet connected, paths to storytelling: the individual narratives within one exhibition and the collective voice of a community in the other. I’m particularly delighted to be working on both shows with co-curator Quentin Williams, who brings his expertise as a curator, activist, and poet to the team.”

Grounds For Sculpture invited Bora — a folk and traditional artist, teacher, writer, and journalist, as well as an Assamese American dancer and founder of Sattriya Dance Company — to gather oral histories that would present a range of uniquely personal stories from New Jersey’s Indian diasporic community. The images, objects, and stories within the “Local Voices” exhibition are the result of her building relationships with individuals, the “storytellers,” over the course of 10 months. The selected 15 individuals were then invited to share their stories, select an object of meaning, and craft their image with full autonomy, to create a powerful exhibition.

The “Local Voices” exhibition showcases portraits, hanging banners, personal objects of meaning, and video and audio clips of personal stories. Participants in this project reflect a broad scope of this community through the lenses of language, religion, ability, region of origin, caste, education, immigration, and sexual orientation.

Grounds For Sculpture is located at 80 Sculptor Way in Hamilton. It is open Wednesday through Monday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Tuesday). For more information and extended hours in May through September, visit groundsforsculpture.org.

More reading….

About Local Voices: Memories, Stories, and Portraits

Local Voices: Memories, Stories, and Portraits is an exhibition centered on the importance, and impact, of sharing an authentic personal story. It is a person-centered exhibition giving full agency to everyone involved. It was also created in response to Grounds For Sculpture’s 2021 audience demographic survey. We wanted to better understand our current visitors and dove into this project to engage with New Jersey’s vibrant Indian community. Grounds for Sculpture (GFS) is honored to partner with Madhusmita Bora, a folk and traditional artist, teacher, and trained journalist as she gathered oral histories to present a range of diverse and uniquely personal stories from fifteen individuals whom we refer to as storytellers. This process included the creation of our own list of demographic “boxes” for potential attendees to check, including language, religion, ability, region of origin, caste, education, immigration, and sexual orientation. This was done to ensure a broad range of lived experiences, perspective and thought. These storytellers were then freed of all boxes, or labels, and asked to share a story which impacted their life. As with many great books, or heartfelt songs, the more personal the narrative the more universal are the themes of love, loss, and resilience. It’s this core of connectivity that we are seeking. This core is embedded with personal agency: Who gets to tell our stories? Who gets to define us?

Within the scope of Local Voices every storyteller was encouraged to share their truth and as a result our process and path to the creation of this exhibition shifted many times. Each shift had a ripple effect of building trust, growing possibilities, and creating community. When it came time for the Local Voices Retreat – an all-day workshop with storytelling training and a photography session – storytellers were asked to arrive in clothing which made them feel powerful and celebrated. They were also encouraged to work in partnership with their photographer to create images which spoke to who the storyteller is… sharing as much or as little as they were comfortable. They were then asked to select the final image, which are a wide range of vibrant, joy filled and powerful portraits. As everyone departed from the retreat storytellers signed up for their video session – where they share a 3–5-minute story – and left objects – items which tell another part of their story.

GFS will offer opportunities to learn more about the interview and selection process, and storytellers, with programs shared on our calendar. GFS is thrilled to work with The South Asian American Digital Archive (SAADA) as a preservation partner, ensuring the stories shared for this exhibition will be permanently saved for future generations.

Some of the words and terms used within this exhibition may be new to you. We invite you to research those terms, which are not familiar, so you can better understand the cultural context. We don’t want to assume who holds which norms, and all of us have space to learn. All of us also have stories. Which stories speak to you?

Co-Curated by Kathleen Ogilvie Greene, Chief Audience Officer at Grounds For Sculpture, and Quentin Williams, Founder and CEO of Dragon Tree Media Group

Our dear friend Ervad Jimmy Madon can be seen in the new series of five idents put out by UK’s Channel 4. He is joined by another young Mobed Ervad Yazad Unwalla in performing a Jashan

Channel 4 today unveils a new series of idents which authentically reflect life in modern Britain.

Created by Channel 4’s multi-award-winning in-house creative agency 4creative in collaboration with Art Practice and Love Song, the five new idents feature scenes including an urban fox taking refuge in a decaying telephone box, a group of teenagers on the last day of school, a frozen moment of a Friday night and a celebration of Zoroastrian New Year. The 25 unique looping scenes create a tapestry of modern British society today as seen through the eyes of a diverse group of 17 independent creatives, artists, and filmmakers.

Ervad Jimmy Madon and Ervad Yazad Unwalla can be seen starting at the 25 second mark

Following the broadcaster’s brand transformation, the idents draw on the concept of ‘4’ as a traveller which acts as a companion for viewers through limitless worlds of content. The iconic Channel 4 logo is the central axis of each film as the camera continually loops through the logo itself to show thought-provoking and dramatic scenes that form a part of Channel 4’s ‘Altogether Different’ reflection of the UK.

Consisting of a combination of live-action, animated and full CG (computer generated) films, the scenes were developed from an open brief that invited the creators to interpret one of five themes: Identity, The Land, System, Release and Love. Culminating in over 500 initial ideas, the brief encouraged diversity of expression within a system that allows for endless creative outcomes – all unified by the consistent camera move, the cube motif and the Channel 4 logo.

Construction Begins for OZCF Place of Worship.

FEZANA Member Association Ontario Zoroastrian Community Foundation Breaks Ground and Begins Construction of its Place of Worship

FEZANA is thrilled to share news of the groundbreaking ceremony and the commencement of construction for the new Place of Worship in Oakville, Ontario. This place of worship shall be the spiritual home of the Ontario Zoroastrian Community Foundation, a FEZANA Member. OZCF shares some of the salient features of the project and seeks your help in spreading the word and supporting it to achieve this milestone.

October 1, 2023

“Ahura Mazda’s Atash shall forever radiate its resplendent flame, and at last,

the Fire Within shall have its home amid divine surroundings. 

After 3500 years, our time cometh / our Time is Now.”

Our Dear Zoroastrian Family,

The Ontario Zoroastrian Community Foundation (OZCF) and the Place of Worship Advisory Committee is proud to announce that we have commenced construction on Phase 1 of our Atashkadeh project, in preparation for a future consecrated Atash-e-Adaran fire. Our inaugural Consecration Jashan and Baj ceremonies on September 24th, 2023, were conducted by 16 Mobeds, attended by over 300 people and watched online worldwide. The OZCF owns a 10-acre parcel of land in the Greater Toronto Area, a hub of immigrant growth and the fastest growing Zoroastrian population in North America.  Visit our website www.ozcf.com  for more information, pictures, and live construction views.  OZCF was formed in 2002 and we purchased our 10-acre land for $1.5 Million in 2004. The Hall was subsequently built for $450,000. Today we are debt free!  We have already raised an additional CDN $3.4M to start building Phase 1 of our place of worship. In Phase 2 commencing 2024, we need to raise CDN $1.7M (US $1.26M).

Continuity in a New world:

As more and more Zoroastrians emigrate to Ontario, Canada and USA, Atashkadehs offer continuity in the foundation of their religious beliefs from the lands they left. They will continue to celebrate important occasions such as: birthdays, navjotes, weddings and death ceremonies; ghambars; Pateti and Navroz; religious lectures and other social events for Parsis and Iranians alike.
Currently, the 10-acre ground of the Zoroastrian Religious and Cultural Centre is abuzz year-round with cultural, social, and sporting activities for all its members, young and old, Parsis and Iranians. Events are held over 250 days a year in the existing premises, but there is a penchant for a more religious setting.
This land is close to Toronto, a hub of immigrant growth in Canada, the international airport, and home to our provincial government.

A Generational Vision:

The Atash-e-Adaran will be the cornerstone for maintaining our religious beliefs as waves of Zoroastrians immigrate to North America. The future of Zoroastrianism will indeed depend on how we build the capacity and infrastructure to support our legacy from generation to generation.

As the fastest growing Zoroastrian community in the world, the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) boasts the highest number of Zoroastrians outside of Mumbai and Pune, with a population of over 6,000 within a 50km radius.
The Atashkadeh and Atash-e-Adaran will support a growing Zoroastrian population of 10,000 in Canada and over 25,000 in the USA. The OZCF works closely with our sister organization the Zoroastrian Society of Ontario (ZSO) with combined events and regular meetings.  We are building a true community which will not only have a social centre but will now house a place of worship for members to share sacred communion with the Almighty and provide a recognizable identity for our younger generation to be proud of.

A Home to Ordain Priests:

The new Atashkadeh will contain facilities to enable our younger generation from across North America to become ordained priests, which will serve our community well in the future as our population grows. This will encourage the training of even more priests, by overcoming the inconvenience of families traveling to India with associated costs. The site will be consecrated to enable the performance of the higher liturgical ceremonies, which are so relevant in our religion.

The Future in a New World is ALL OF OURS:

The Atash Behrams and Agiaries of our home countries have stood for hundreds of years and were built in large part due to the magnanimity and charity of its donors.  And here we stand again at the doorstep of history, so close to fulfilling our objective. We require your help in bringing this project to its completion and realizing our dreams of having our very own Atashkadeh and Atash-e-Adaran in a new world for future generations. 

The Atashkadeh will be a crowning moment for Zoroastrians across the world. With all the pieces set in place for our dream to crystallize into reality, and construction having already started, we encourage you to donate generously. Your donations are tax-free both in the USA and Canada.

Take pride and be part of history. Your philanthropy will contribute to this noble endeavor as we leave a legacy for future generations. To donate in the USA go to www.fezana.org and in Canada www.ozcf.com. For all donations including stock, tax receipts will be issued.

For as Zarathushtra Himself said: “Seek your happiness in the happiness of all.

May Ahura Mazda always bless our community.

Phil Sidhwa

Chair

PWAC

philsidhwa@hotmail.com

Marzi Byramjee

Fundraising Chair

PWAC

marzi@regalpresscanada.com

Dr. Adil Bhesania

President

OZCF

dr.adil.bhesania@gmail.com

For pictures of the Consecration Jashan and Baj Ceremony right click on link below

Jashan Ceremony Photo Album

For Donations from USA

Click on the button to the right and from the drop down menu on the FEZANA website select OZCF Place Of Worship.

Or you can also send a cheque to:

Xerxes Commissariat

FEZANA Treasurer

7 Burke

Irvine, CA 92620

In the memo line of your cheque please write “OZCF Place Of Worship”.  A tax receipt will be issued from the U.S. on behalf of FEZANA.

DONATE ONLINE on FEZANA

For Donations from CANADA

Click on the button to the right and make a donation on OZCF’s website

Or you can also send a cheque to:

OZCF Treasurer

Zoroastrian Religious and Cultural Centre (OZCF Centre)

1187 Burnhamthorpe Road East

Oakville, Ontario L6H 7B3

DONATE ONLINE on OZCF

A Day of Celebration

The 7th Salgreh of the Zoroastrian Association of California‘s (a FEZANA Member Association) Atash Kadeh was celebrated with great religious fervor and Parsi gusto on the 12th of November. The celebration started a day in advance with deep cleaning of the premises by volunteers Freny Bacha, Vira & Burjor Santoke, Dhun & Ketty Alamshaw, Jimmy Colabewala, Firoze Avari, Xerxes, Zane & Zara Commissariat, Ruzbe, Zubin & Farzan Daruwalla, Mehernosh Pithawalla, Kerman & Annu Dangore, Khushroo Dubash & Zerkxis & Zarrir Bhandara.

On the day of Salgreh, in the wee hours of the morning, the Chowks were done by Annu & Kerman Dungore, the hars and Torans were made by Rukshana Colabewala. A Hama Anjuman maachi was offered to Atashpadshah in all five gehs. A Jashan was performed in the morning by Ervads Ardaviraf Minocheherhomji, Kian Arzan Lali, & Zerkxis, and Zarir Bhandara which was attended by about 75 Zoroastrians.

The ZAC Cleaning crew

The ZAC Youth in Action

The Importance of Service

After the Jashan, Zarrir thanked the donors Hootoxi and Dr. Ervad Ardaviraf Minocheherhomji who also sponsored the celebrations, and gave a brief talk explaining the terms:

· Agiyary: A Sanskrit word meaning “Agni rakhvani jagya” which means Atashkadeh in Persian, which can store either of the three grades of fires Dadgah, Adaran and Atash Behram fire.

· Dadgah fire: The ZAC Ataskadeh which houses the dadgah fire, which was duly consecrated under the guidance of Dasturji Dr. Firoze M. Kotwal.

He stressed the importance of service, saying serving our community and humanity in general is serving God. Further, he stressed the importance of focusing on our feelings, emotions, that we derive from experiences, as we are living, feeling beings, by transforming our feelings, we can transform our thoughts, words, deeds, and our life.

Captain Khush & President Rooky Fitter, Ervads Minocheherhomji, Kian Lali & Bhandaras, Treasurer Firoze Gundevia, Secraetaries Vira & Burjor Santoke

A Time for Reflection

After which, he invited Ervad Dr. Minocheherhomji to speak, who said:

Anybody can donate money, but the important thing is the serving, which these ervads do so devotedly and the community coming here to pray. By quoting the Jasameavanghe Mazda prayer, he said:

We are peace-loving, bridge-building community. Hence, it is important that we stay united and spread peace in the world by decreasing the negativity and increasing the positivity quoting from the Haft Amshaspand Afrin. Further, he spoke about “Ossmoi oozaresva Ahura” Which means “You unfold to me, be with me Ahura, and if God is with you, you don’t need anyone else”and Ushtano Zato Athrav Yo Zarathushtra”  meaning “the whole creation rejoiced at the birth of Asho Zarathushtra, that is how great  our prophet is” engraved in Rustom Framna Agiyary Dadar, Mumbai

A Community Comes Together

At the conclusion, ZAC President Mrs. Rooky Fitter thanked the then President Mrs. Tehmi Damania and the ZAC community for their stupendous team work and that we have come a long way and we can continue to progress further unitedly.

A Delicious Feast

Afterward, the chashni was served along with the delicious compassionate Pulav Dal prepared by Reshma Rustomi, Ravo by Xerxes commissariat, and Flan by Dhun & Ketty Alamshaw, Fruits- Freny Bacha. The afternoon ended with merriment and laughter by the ZAC members. Everyone had a great time, and it was the perfect way to end the event.

The celebration of Nowruz is becoming better known these days, possibly because UNESCO recognized it in 2010  as an Intangible Heritage of Humanity.  And Wikipedia, calling it Persian New Year,  lists around 20 countries where it is currently celebrated.

Yet, as Shahin Bekhradnia explained in the House of Lords just one month ago on Nowruz morning, few people today realise that it has survived as a celebration of spring since ancient times among those different peoples today because they were  influenced by the Zoroastrian culture of the 3 pre-Islamic Persian Empires (hence Persian new year).  The thrill and joy of the return of spring should not be underestimated after months when everything is dormant. So Nowruz on the spring equinox (new light/day) is a celebration of the return of life within nature.

Shahin explained that the tradition of setting out a table or sofreh with 7 items differs in content in some of these contemporary cultures (eg 7 fruits in Afghanistan, 7 trays of sprouting seeds in parts of  Kurdistan, 7 items beginning with the letter ‘S’ in most of Iran), but the significant element is the  consistent presence of 7 in all of these customs.  The tradition of 7 is associated with the 7 Zoroastrian Amesha Sepenta, each of which symbolizes one of the life sustaining aspects of nature.   In Shahin’s Zoroastrian family culture, the table always includes the essential presence of Fire (Asha Vahishta=Ordibehesht), representing light, purity & truth, Milk & Cheese (Vohu Manah=Bahman) representing rightful thinking & the animal world, metal coins (Khshatra Vairyo=Shahrivar)representing strength & determination, Soil of the Earth (Spenta Armaity=Sepandarmazd/Esfand) symbolising motherhood, love, & humility,  Water (Hvauratat=Khordad) symbolising fertility, abundance and health, while  Plants (Ameretat=Mordad) represent long life, or  immortality through the legacy of a good name achieved through good deeds. 

And all the other joy-giving items on the sofreh derive from plants: the sweets, the wine, the fragrant flowers, the medicinal herbs and berries, the fruit, the rose water, the sprouting wheat/lentil shoots, the fronds of evergreens – all of these in turn are the outcomes of fire, earth and water cooperating together and put to work in harmony by the mind of humans to ensure food and pleasure!

There’s certainly plenty to celebrate about the return of spring. But it’s also a real chance to stop for a minute to appreciate the wonders of nature – its harmony & regularity.

Most of the invited audience to this splendid celebratory gathering were unaware that the contemporary 12 names of the months in Iran, are in fact the Zoroastrian names of the 12 months, 7 of which are those of the  Amesha Spenta, the remaining 5 being names in honour of the spirit of wisdom,  a star, of Mithra , water & fire.

The inspiring meeting which included several other speakers was coordinated by Stage of Freedom. This movement is dedicated to the restoration of basic human rights in Iran as well as the preservation of ancient Iranian culture & values.   Fortunately there are like minded people in the Palace of Westminster who are prepared to sponsor such an event.

Along with other great philanthropic families in Hong Kong history, the Ruttonjees have left an indelible mark on the city. Their legacy has been amazing acts of giving and the establishment of vital charitable foundations. Through their generosity, their footprint on the social fabric is wide, deep-rooted and continues to this day.

The story of the Ruttonjee family, in many ways, mirrors that of Hong Kong – an epic tale of trade, entrepreneurship, philanthropy and, sometimes, overcoming huge adversity. They are Parsis, an ethnoreligious group originally from Persia (now Iran) that migrated to India, and their patriarch, Hormusjee Ruttonjee, arrived in Hong Kong from Bombay in 1884. He soon began trading in wine, spirits and provisions and founded the family company, H. Ruttonjee & Son, Ltd. Ruttonjee Hospital in Wan Chai, formerly Ruttonjee Sanitorium and dating back to 1949, is the most visible of the family’s many gifts to the city.

Article By Neil Dolby | Gafencu.com

The Ruttonjees: Industry, Foresight & Charities, a coffee-table book launched earlier this summer, superbly documents their contributions to the success and well-being of the community. Aside from preserving their own family history for future generations, the tome is intended as a celebration of all those industrious families who have enabled Hong Kong’s rise, no matter their ethnicity or background. It will be placed in public libraries, providing insight to all on how and why the city has thrived.

Ethnic diversity

“Since 1842, numerous ethnic groups have contributed [to Hong Kong] and this should be highlighted to the young local population,” says fourth-generation family member Noshir N. Shroff. He cites the fine examples of many other Parsis in the early years of Hong Kong such as Sir Hormusjee Mody of brokerage company Chater and Mody, and Dorabjee Naorojee Mithaiwala, founder of the Kowloon Ferry Company (forerunner of the Star Ferry).

“The Indians have been traders for a long time and have contributed to the robust Hong Kong economy,” notes Shroff, while stressing that other ethnic minorities, including the Filipinos and the Nepalese, were also instrumental in Hong Kong’s growth over the last century, working alongside the local Chinese population and the British.

Entrepreneurial drive

It was Hormusjee Ruttonjee’s determination to succeed that most impresses Shroff as he surveys his rich family history. He particularly admires his great-great-grandfather’s entrepreneurial spirit, coming to Hong Kong by ship and venturing into segments of the market where he saw opportunities but had little knowledge.

This flair for business was inherited by Hormusjee’s son, Jehangir H. Ruttonjee, who struck out on his own, founding the Hong Kong Brewery and Distillery Ltd. The Sham Tseng brewery he opened in the 1930s was subsequently acquired and operated by San Miguel until 1996.

Noshir Shroff is proud of how Jehangir overcame the many obstacles standing in the way of his vision. He was able to gain not only the necessary water rights from the government but also the support of the villagers. In a testament to his business ethics, he rented their land, one parcel at a time, rather than buying it outright, thus affording them a regular annual income.

Winning hearts

Indeed, it was Jehangir’s sympathetic interactions with the locals all those years ago that, in part, initiated the family book. When its author, Carl Lau, was conducting his doctorate research in the Sham Tseng area, the Ruttonjee name was repeatedly mentioned by village elders.

Shroff retells the story: “The villagers recalled how they wanted a piece of land for a school and clinic, and were prepared to purchase this, but Jehangir told them he would not sell – he wished to give them the land.”

When Lau eventually met Shroff and his family, it was agreed that he would write a book about their history – not just their connection to Sham Tseng but their wider business and philanthropic endeavours.

Enduring hardship

The Japanese occupation of Hong Kong during the Second World War counts among the biggest challenges the Ruttonjee family would face. In these dark times, they housed and fed many fellow Parsis in their two Duddell Street buildings, with all welcome to shelter in the basement during air raids.

Although Jehangir’s prominence and reputation initially earned him the ear of the Japanese, his activities soon began to raise their ire. “Jehangir orchestrated a fundraising campaign for the maintenance and relief of British [civilians held in the internment camps],” relates Shroff. “That was a step too far for the Japanese and resulted in him and his son, Dhun, being imprisoned and brutally tortured.”

Following a turbulent post-war period with the collapse of the stock market and crop failures, Jehangir sold the brewery business to San Miguel ¬– and in characteristic fashion steered the money into numerous charity projects.

Charity after tragedy

The tragic passing of his two daughters, Tehmi in 1944 from tuberculosis, and some eight years later, Freni of cancer, shaped the direction of the family’s charitable legacy. “Despite the grief [of Tehmi’s death], Jehangir provided funds for setting up the Ruttonjee Sanatorium for those affected [by TB]. This building is now the home of Ruttonjee Hospital, a part of the Hospital Authority,” says Shroff, who is exceedingly proud of this project.

Establishing the Hong Kong Anti-Tuberculosis Association in 1948 – now named the Hong Kong Tuberculosis, Chest and Heart Diseases Association, and involved in the management of the Ruttonjee and Grantham Hospitals – has, Shroff believes, made a huge difference to the people of Hong Kong. “Commitment to the association has become a [Ruttonjee-Shroff] tradition with several family members serving on the board of directors,” he says.

After the death of his second daughter, Jehangir erected the Freni Memorial Convalescent Home for the rehabilitation of tuberculosis patients. “Decades later, once TB was in permanent decline, this building became the Freni Care and Attention Home for the aged,” explains Shroff. The 250-bed nursing home, the Rusy M. Shroff Dental Clinic and four Chinese medicine clinics come under the remit of the Hong Kong Tuberculosis, Chest and Heart Diseases Association.

Passing the baton

Jehangir Ruttonjee was also President of the Hong Kong Society for the Protection of Children from 1950-1955, patron of the Family Planning Association of Hong Kong and chair of the Hong Kong Model Housing Society. “He died in 1960, having donated HK$2 million over his lifetime, a considerable sum in those early days,” says Shroff.

Following the death of his son Dhun in 1974, the mantle as head of the family passed to Rusy Shroff, the nephew Jehangir had adopted along with siblings Beji and Minnie after their father was lost at sea during a typhoon in 1931.

Good deeds

The importance of religious faith cannot be underestimated in the family story. The Parsi community practise Zoroastrianism, one of the world’s oldest monotheistic religions. “The core teachings of Zoroastrianism are good thoughts, good words and good deeds. Charity plays a very big part here,” says Shroff.

Other Parsi families who came to Hong Kong in the 1800s used their fortunes for the good of the city. Hormusjee Mody’s largesse, for example, enabled the founding of the University of Hong Kong.

Shroff believes such acts of benevolence are the Hong Kong way. “Look at the number of charitable foundations established by our local tycoons,” he says. “They have profited by Hong Kong and are giving back. The favourite saying of my uncle, Rusy Shroff, was ‘To live is to give and forgive’.” In 2017, three months before Rusy Shroff passed away at age 100, he established the Rusy and Purviz Shroff Charitable Foundation, which has since given more than HK$200 million to charities in Hong Kong, mainland China and India.