ZTFE News - Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe

Summer 2008
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ZTFE News
Winter 2008
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Honorary Member Mrs Khorshed Sodhi
Honorary Member Mr Jehangir Sarosh
Freddie Mercury (Bulsara) and
Bomi Bulsara Commemoration
Air Chief Marshal Fali Major
2 Winter 2008
in this issue...
3 Air Chief Marshal Fali Major visit
ZTFE hosts reception for Air Chief Marshal
Fali Major and his Wife Zareen
4 A tribute to Late Field Marshal
Sam Manekshaw
A tribute to the life and distinguished service of
Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw
4 ZTFE AGM 2008
ZTFE bestows honorary membership to
Khorshed Sodhi and Jehangir Sarosh.
5 Update on the Poor Peoples
Project
Update and breakdown of spending on the poor
peoples project
6 Muktad
Personal thoughts of Muktad prayers at the
Zoroastrian Centre by the ZTFE Counsel Emeritus
Noshir J Avari
7Jashne e Mehergan
Celebrations at the Zoroastrian Centre
8 commemoration of the Late Bomi
and Freddy Bulsara
ZTFE commemorates the life of the great
Freddy Bulsara (Mercury) and his father Bomi
Bulsara
9 The 8th Varsi for Late Mobed Shah
Faridoon Bahman Zartoshty
Performing the 8th Varsi prayers for the Late
Mobed Shah Faridoon Bahman Zartoshty
Welcome
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to the winter edition of
ZTFE News. This is the
second issue of our new
look colour newsletter.
The first issue was well received and we have had plenty of positive
feedback on the layout and design. We are looking for a new and
imaginative name for the ZTFE Newsletter. If you have any good
ideas please email them for my attention at [email protected].
It has been a very busy six months since our last newsletter. The
ZTFE activities are ever increasing. You can read about many of the
events that have been held in the Zartoshty Brothers Hall, including a
historic evening with India’s current Air Chief Marshal Fali Major and
a function in memory of Late Bomi Bulsara and his son Late Freddie
Bulsara of rock band Queen fame. At a Special General Meeting
on 23rd November the ZTFE bestowed the highest honour it can,
Honorary Membership, on Mr Jehangir Sarosh and Mrs Khorshed
Sodhi, two Zoroastrians who have excelled in their support towards
the Zoroastrian Community. At the AGM on the same day 2 new
members were elected to the ZTFE Managing Committee, Mr Darius
Karkaria and Mrs Shenaz Sadri. Darius is now our Publications Officer
and is in charge of editing and producing our publications including
this newsletter. Shenaz is already very involved in intra-community
work through her role as Justice of the Peace and she will now be
an ambassador of our community helping with our ever increasing
external representation responsibilities.
The last World Zoroastrian Congress was hosted by the ZTFE in
London in 2005. The next World Congress is to be held in Dubai
from 28th to 31st December 2009. We urge all Zoroastrians to book
early and ensure the best possible rates. See www.wzcongress.org for
further details.
Wishing you and your families a very happy,
healthy and prosperous New Year.
10 XYZ and YZ activities
Activities of the XYZ and YZ’s
12 Members activities and the
Mumbai terrorist attacks
ZTFE activities, welcome to the new trustees
of the BPP and thoughts on the Mumbai terrorist
attacks 2
14 Green Travel Plan for ZTFE
A brief review of the travel options for getting
to the Zoroastrian Centre
Paurushasp B. Jila
President
Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe (Inc)
Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe (Inc.)
15 David Afkam
Zoroastrian Centre, 440 Alexandra Avenue,
Harrow, HA2 9TL, UK
• Tel: +44 20 8866 0765 • Fax: +44 20 8868 4572
• Email: [email protected] • Website: www.ztfe.com
16 Academic achievements
Zartoshty Brothers Hall, Religious and Cultural Centre
of the Parsee & Irani Zoroastrian Community
David Afkham son of Dr. Jahnbux and
Rosemarie Afkham becomes Assistant conductor
of the London Symphony Orchestra
Doctorate, Honorary Doctorates and Honorary
Certificate of Merit for advances in medicine
Registered Charity No: 277185
A Company Limited by Guarantee
Registered in England No. 1403266
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Winter 2008
Honouring Air Chief Marshal Fali Major &
his wife Zareen Major and a Tribute to the
Late Field Marshal Sam H. Manekshaw
On Saturday 12th July 2008 the Zoroastrian Trust Funds of
Europe (ZTFE) were pleased to host a reception in honour of
Air Chief Marshal Fali H. Major and his wife Zareen Major.
The Trustees and Managing Committee of the ZTFE were
thrilled when our very own Zoroastrian Air Chief Marshal
(ACM) accepted their invitation for an evening with the
3
Paurushasp Jila then requested ACM Fali Major to address
the large Zoroastrian congregation that were participating in
this momentous occasion. The ACM spoke about his career
and the Parsee contribution to India. He also spoke fondly
about Field Marshal Manekshaw paying tribute to the wonderful
Dorab Mistry, Zareen Major, Air Chief Marshal Fali Major, Lord Dholakia, Paurush Jila, Rusi Dalal
Zoroastrian Community. The ACM was accompanied by the
Indian High Commission’s Air Attaché Air Commodore Prasad
Reddy and his wife Anuradha. Amongst other distinguished
guests present that evening were Lord and Lady Dholakia.
The reception to mark the ACM’s first visit to the Zoroastrian
Centre was already in the planning when we received the
sad news of the passing away of Field Marshal Sam H.
Manekshaw. Whilst in the company of such an accomplished
and high ranking person as Air Chief Marshal Fali H. Major,
the ZTFE Managing Committee felt it appropriate to pay
tribute to Late Field Marshal Manekshaw. The evening
started with a memorial Jashan in memory of the Late Field
Marshal, followed by President Paurushasp Jila introducing
and welcoming the chief guests for the evening. He expressed
the community’s gratitude to ACM Fali Major for making
time from his extremely busy schedule to come and spend the
evening with them.
ZTFE Vice President Malcolm Deboo elaborated on ACM
Major’s career and achievements. He explained how the ACM
had flown military helicopters for over 7000 hours. As a Wing
Commander, he commanded the Indian Air Force’s first Mi-17
Squadron, which operated at the Siachen Glacier – the World’s
highest battlefield. As a Group Captain, he commanded another
Mi-17 Squadron, leading it into battle during the operations of
the Indian Peace Keeping Force in Sri Lanka. Malcolm traced
the ACM’s distinguished career and noted that he was awarded
the ‘Param Vishisht Seva Medal’ by the President of India on
26 Jan 2006 and subsequently took over as the Chief of the
Air Staff on 31 Mar 2007.
Soldier, Commander and person. The ACM presented a plaque
to the Zoroastrian Community which President Paurushasp
Jila accepted on behalf of the Association.
Guest of Honour Lord Dholakia was also requested to
address the gathering. Lord Dholakia became a Peer in 1997
President Paurush Jila receives a plaque on behalf
of the ZTFE from Air Chief Marshal Fali Major
and is a frontbench spokesperson on Home Affairs, after
serving as an assistant whip between 1997 and 2002. He was
Liberal Party President in 1999 and in 2002. In November 2004
he was elected joint Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrat
Peers in the House of Lords. Lord Dholakia sits on the panel
that selects cross-bench peers, indeed the same panel that
nominated Lord Karan Bilimoria’s Peerage. Lord Dholakia
4 Winter 2008
spoke fondly of his close relationship to the Zoroastrian
community. Having spent some of his earlier years in India,
he is a great admirer of the Parsee contribution to the Indian
nation.
Treasurer & Past President Dorab Mistry announced the
donation of a cheque of £5,000 to the ZTFE by our benevolent
supporter Mrs Khorshed and Dr Mahinder Sodhi. Besides
several huge donations to the ZTFE, Khorshed & Mahinder
Sodhi not only sponsored but also organised a superb Classical
Indian Dance evening in May as a fund raiser for the ZTFE.
They took personal interest in setting up the stage, providing
appropriate lighting for the event, organising catering, etc.
Apart from funding the cost of the Classical Dancers and
their musicians, Khorshed & Mahinder also provided them
accommodation and hospitality in their own house. Such
is the huge hearted generosity of the loving couple towards
the ZTFE. Their cheque was received by ACM Fali Major on
behalf of the Association. President Paurushasp Jila thanked
them for their continued generosity and support and presented
a thank you gift on behalf of the Association.
Tribute was then paid to the life and service of Field
Marshal Sam Manekshaw. Paurushasp Jila spoke on the
Field Marshal’s distinguished army career. He mentioned in
particular the bravery exhibited by Late Manekshaw in Feb
1942 when 7 bullets ripped through his stomach and how
his astute military operations in 1971 led to the creation of
Bangladesh. Former ZTFE Trustee and Counsel Emeritus
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Noshir Avari gave an account of his personal meeting with the
Field Marshal. Noshir has a property in the Field Marshal’s
home town Coonor in Southern India. Noshir spoke of the
great warm, caring and witty personality that the Field Marshal
was known for. Following the speeches, the film made by
PARZOR on Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw was watched by
all guests with much interest.
The evening was rounded off by a traditional Parsee meal
of Dhansak and Air Chief Marshal Fali Major had a chance to
meet with and speak to the many Zoroastrians present. His
visit to the Zoroastrian Centre in Europe was very inspiring
for the youth and members of his community.
Late Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw
ZTFE AGM November 2008
The Annual General Meeting commenced at 3.50pm with a
short prayer led by Ervad Rustom Bhedwar. The President, Mr
Paurushasp Jila welcomed everyone and addressed members
present. There were approximately 100 members who attended
the meeting. The notice was read out by Mr Behram R Kapadia,
and the Special Business and Explanatory Statement were
presented by Mr Javid Canteenwala.
Ervad Rustom Bhedwar introduced Mr Jehangir Sarosh
to the congregation and moved the motion to elect him as
Honorary
Member
who has rendered
meritorious services
in
the
religious
advancement of the
community. He has
been for 9 years, the
European Moderator
of
the
Apex
organisation ‘Religions
for Peace’ and also
served 3 terms as
Co-Vice Chair of the
Inter Faith Network
Honorary Member
of the UK . As a result
Mr. Jehangir Sarosh and wife Irma
of his endeavours,
Zoroastrianism is recognised and acknowledged in the UK and
now in Europe as one of the nine traditional World Religions.
His unique contribution, very often, in the early days entirely
on his own, at great personal expense and effort deserved to
be recognised. Mr Sarosh and his wife Irma were requested
to come to the stage and were presented with a plaque and
a bouquet of flowers. Mr Sarosh thanked the President, the
Managing Committee and the congregation for electing him as
Honorary Member.
Mr Dorab Mistry then introduced Mrs Khorshed Sodhi
who was also elected an Honorary Member. Dorab mentioned
Honorary Member Mrs. Khorshed Sodhi with husband
Mahinder, grand-daughter Anoushka
and President Paurushasp Jila
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Winter 2008
that Mrs Sodhi has worked for the benefit of the community
in a variety of ways every since the 1970s. She was a pioneering
supporter of the New Premises Project and has been very
generous to the ZTFE. She has given a considerable amount
of her resources and time to ensure the acquisition and
renovation of the new Zoroastrian Centre. Despite her ill
health, she has been a very strong and steadfast supporter of
our Association and has donated large amounts of money for
the benefit of our Association. In fact she is the second largest
donor in respect to the amount of money she has donated.
5
and Mr Dorab Mistry for his very kind words and for being
presented with the plaque.
An 8 minute DVD presentation of the highlights for the
year 2007/2008 was screened which went down very well with
the membership. After that, the usual business of an AGM
was conducted, including the re-election of two of the existing
Management Committee and the election of two new members
Mr Darius Karkaria and Mrs Shenaz Sadri. The election of the
President took place and Mr Paurushasp Jila was unanimously
elected President for the year 2008/2009.
ZTFE Managing Committee 2008-2009
Front Row left to right: Fraser Daruwala, Behram Kapadia, Vice President Malcolm Deboo,
President Paurushasp Jila, Treasurer Dorab Mistry, Javid Canteenwala
Back Row left to right: Darius Karkaria, Mandana Moavenat, Ratan Buhariwala, Adi Bilimoria (Trustee),
Ervad Rustom Bhedwar (Trustee), Rusi Dalal (Trustee), Shenaz Sadri, Kobad Avari
Her dedication, generosity and tireless work deserved to be
recognised and therefore the Managing Committee were
proud to elect her as an Honorary Member. Mrs Sodhi and
her husband Mahinder were requested to come up to the stage
and were presented with a plaque and a bouquet of flowers.
Khorshed then thanked the President, Managing Committee
Mr Jila thanked the Trustees the Managing Committee, the
Ervad Sahebs, the House Committee and the employees of
the ZTFE for their dedication and hard work. He also thanked
volunteers of the Children’s Education Fund Club, the YZ and
XYZ Committees..
Poor Peoples Project
Throughout the year and especially during the Muktad, the ZTFE raises monies for deserving Zarthusti causes. During
Mukhtad 2008 the ZTFE raised money for the Zoroastrian Studies Poor Peoples Project. Several ZTFE members contribute
to this cause on a monthly basis. Towards the end of 2008 ZTFE remitted £6001
to Bombay for ZS Poor Peoples Project.
Place
Amount Number of
(Rs)
Udvada
Navsari
Bharuch
Surat
Valsad
Jhansi
Mumbai
Totals
Households
4,800
8,750
1,650
750
750
250
33,800
50,750
Monthly dispersal of funds
16
35
07
03
03
01
110
175
The table below has been provided by the Zoroastrian Studies and shows
how money collected for the Poor Poeple’s Project is used. Monthly totals may
vary depending upon the death of individuals/deletions if any, if the financial
condition improves/addition of name/s whenever new applications are found to
be deserving.
In March and August these recipients get 50% more of their monthly amounts
as a Bonus for New Year. Zoroastrian Studies also disburse monies on an ad-hoc
basis to applicants who appeal on a one-time basis, generally for major medical
expenses. This is normally only a token amount of an average Rs.5000. The funding
also covers one charitable ambulance service.
6 Winter 2008
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Muktad Prayers at the Zoroastrian Centre
Noshir J Avari – Counsel Emeritus ZTFE
Each year, coupled with the festivities of Pateti and the
Zoroastrian Shenshahi New Year is the ten day festival of
“Muktad” as we call it in Gujarati, or “Hamaspathmaedaya”
in Avesta, when through the medium of our prayers we
invite to this earth the souls and spirits of our dear departed
Zoroastrians. These ten days are for the remembrance of
the holy souls that have attained their Mukdti or salvation.
These are the days reserved for the remembrance of the
holy Fravashis or Farohars; ie the guardian spirit of the dead,
and are therefore called Farvardegan days and also known as
Muktad days. The word Muktad originates from the Sanskrit
word “muktaatmaa”, which in Avesta we recite as “Ashaonam
Fravashinam”. The ten days of observance commences with
“Roj Ashtad” and “Mha Asfandarmad” and end on the fifth
Gatha, ie “Vahistoist Gatha”. The tenth day is also known
as “Pateti”. It is the last day of the Shenshahi calendar and
is a day set aside for the repentance of sins. On that day
we should recite Patet Pashemani. According to one of our
most reverend Dastur Adarbad Marespand, the word “Patet”
means repelling sins and moving away from a wrongful path;
in other words, turning to Ahura Mazda in search of a path
to righteousness. The day following Pateti is celebrated as the
Zoroastrian Shenshahi New Year, when we wish each other
“Navroze Mubarak”.
Unlike in India where a room is set aside in the consecrated
fire temples for Muktad tables to be laid specifically using three
legged tables – a remarkable parallel as found in the 7th and
8th century Sogdian Ossuary as found in Central Asia – we,
in the United Kingdom, have devised a more communal form
of worship. This brings our community together in a unique
manner. A week prior to the commencement of Muktad,
arrangements are made with a professional cleaning company
to clean the entire Zoroastrian Centre. Thereafter, until the end
of the Muktad Season, if for any reason the Zartoshty Brothers
Hall requires cleaning, it is only done by Zoroastrian volunteers.
These are the most creditable bunch of silent devotees without
whose selfless dedication to our religious services we could not
each year run a successful season of Muktad prayers. Some
three or four days prior to the commencement of Muktad
prayers, vases (and preferably silver vases) are polished and laid
on marble tables by our devoted team of volunteers. Each
vase indicates in whose memory it is being placed. This year
there were around 110 such vases. Through the ten days of
prayers the vases are regularly replenished with white flowers,
signifying the Zoroastrian principles of purity of thoughts,
words and deeds. The Zartoshty Brothers Hall then becomes
a pious place for Zoroastrian worship. For all the ten days of
the Muktad season, a “divo” is kept burning day and night.
Every day the fire is lit by our Ervad Sahibs performing all
the ancient Avestan ceremonies, both in the Setayesh Gah and
the Zartoshty Brothers Hall. The burning, in abundance, of
sandalwood, loban and candles, as lit by the devotees, becomes
the regular order of the day. Indeed, the whole place becomes
a wonderfully pious place of worship.
It should be understood that the occasion of Muktad prayers
is the central pillar of Zoroastrianism. Upon the death of a
Zoroastrian, the soul (Urvan) and the spirit (Fravashi) continue
to live in the spiritual world. Writing in the authoritative book –
“A Zoroastrian Tapestry” – our learned scholars Vada Dasturji
Dr Firoze M Kotwal and Khojeste P Mistree write: “The soul
is said to remain in either heaven or hell till the end of time,
when it is promised that evil will be rendered ineffective by
the cumulative good thoughts, words and deeds of mankind.
As Zoroastrian eschatology promotes the belief in a universal
resurrection, there is no place for the theory of reincarnation,
which is incompatible with the beliefs and practices of the
Zoroastrian tradition.”
Every year, the souls and spirits of the departed Zoroastrians
are invited back to this earth for a ten day festival of Muktad
prayers. It is believed that the fravashis of the dead rejoice
in this celebration and for ten days come down to earth to
participate in the ceremonies performed in their honour.
“We worship the good, strong, beneficent fravashis of the
righteous who come flying along from their homes at the time
of Muktads.” On the tenth day, the fravashis are ritually sent
back to the spiritual world.
Thus, for the ten day period of the holy season, the
Zoroastrian Centre attempts to take up as much of the sanctified
mantle as it can possibly muster with the mass approval of
its members and non-members alike. This year the prayers
were on average attended by 125-150 devotees each day, with
special days, such as the first day of the Muktad, or, the first
day of the Gathas, when the daily attendance was in excess of
300 devotees. This solid attendance by devotees, observing
pin-drop silence throughout the entire solemn occasion of
prayers lasting approximately 2 hours, when our devoted team
numbering between 6 and 8 Ervad Sahibs recite on each of
the ten days over 350 names of the dear departed ones, are
indeed strong and vibrant hallmarks of a religion which cannot
possibly be facing any threat of immediate extinction.
For the first five days of Muktad, ie from Roj Ashtad to
Roj Aneran, on each of those days our Ervads recite three
Afrigans; ie the Afrigan of Ardafravash or Asho Farohars,
the Afrigan of Dahwan to bless our Zoroastrian Centre, as
well as all the living relatives who attend the prayers and,
finally, the Afrigan of Sarosh. It tells us in our scriptures that
Sarosh Yazad looks after us all in this world, as well as in the
spiritual world to come. The word “Afrigan” comes from the
Avesta word “rootfri”, ie to love, to praise. So an Afrigan is a
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prayer expressive of love or praise. The word “Afrin” means
benedictions. These are the liturgies of blessings from the
divinities.
On each of the ten days, a jashan is performed by our
beloved Ervad Sahibs. In readiness, our lady volunteers help
to lay the jashan table. Each day, seasonal fruits are washed
and cut and placed in the tray, along with small cups of milk
and wine and beakers of water, plus, a tray of dried fruits. All
this forms part of the ritual food offered both during and after
the ceremony. In the foreground is placed a tray of flowers, an
oil lamp, an afarganyu, a tray of sticks of sandlewood, a pair of
tongs, and a flat ladle used to serve the fire.
After the ritual exchange of flowers, the chief priest (who
rotates on a daily basis) takes the tongs and touches the
Afarganyu, and with his left hand he touches the tray of fruits
and the small metallic beakers of wine and milk. Then the
four cardinal points of the circular water pot are touched
with the tongs, in an up/down, right/left gesture to absorb
the perfection and purity of water, which is then symbolically
offered to the fire. Thereafter, the priest gently skims over the
fruits with his tongs and having taken the purifying energy from
the water, he touches the Afarganyu once more. The spiralling
ritual energy so created from flowers, water and fruits are then
offered symbolically to the fire. The chief priest is like the
ritual alchemist through whom power from the spiritual world
is said to descend in order that the fruits, water, wine and
milk become blessed by the end of the ceremony. Each day
after prayers, the devotees partake in “Chasni”. The devotees
bring all types of sumptuous food to the Zoroastrian Centre,
in which everyone partakes with great rejoicing, including the
fravashis. Whilst the fravashis may well rejoice the occasion of
chasni, some mortal devotees, such as the author who suffer
from diabetes, have to increasingly carefully watch the ten day
period, given a daily intake of malido, papri, sev, ravo, karkarias,
Winter 2008
7
etc, etc. It is all too good to be true!
A large and vibrant attendance by many Zoroastrians to the
Muktad prayers is indeed a testimony of the strong adherence
to the concept of steadfast belief in the preservation of the
centuries old practices of the Mazdayasnian faith even in the
21st century. It is a profound credit to the Anjuman in London,
which has succeeded in persuading our team of fine Ervads,
ranging from teenagers to octogenarians, to regularly come
day after day to the Zoroastrian Centre to recite the ancient
Avestan prayers, chanting the names of the dear departed souls
from the depth of their respective hearts. Each of the 350
names recited this year was, as always, preceded by the salutary
words: “Namchesti Anusheh raven ravane behdin/Osta/
Ervad etc, etc”. Translated into English, it runs as: “May this
prayer of mine be as effective as if it had been the prayer of
one thousand men and may it be acceptable a thousandfold! I
bow in reverence to the immortal soul of …….. in particular.”
What a wonderful way to have celebrated the remembrance of
our dear departed 350 souls.
The selfless services provided by our wonderful team of
Ervads without charging any fee whatsoever is indeed a credit
to successive Managing Committees of the ZTFE who have
succeeded in creating such passionate fervour in the cause
of our ancient religion amongst the laity, as well as among
our priests. It is an achievement of magnificent profundity
considering particularly that situated thousands of miles away
from our ancestral homestead in Iran or India, the community
in London (the oldest settlement of Zoroastrians outside the
principal diaspora) has over the years managed to preserve and
enhance the sanctity of our ancient rites and rituals.
May this wonderful tradition continue in perpetuity for the
benefit of our children’s children.
Jashn e Mehregān
In the distant past, Jashn e Mehregān was celebrated in an extravagant style at Persepolis. Not only was it the time for harvest,
but it was also the time when the taxes were collected, and visitors from different parts of the Persian Empire brought presents
for the king. This was an indication of their contribution to a lively festival.
During pre-Islamic and early Islamic Iran, Mehregān was celebrated with the same magnificence as Nowruz. It was customary
for people to send or give their king, and each other, presents. Wealthy people usually gave gold and silver coins, heroes and
warriors gave horses while others gave gifts according to their financial power and ability, even as simple as an apple. Those
fortunate enough would help the poor with gifts.
After the Mongol invasion of Iran, the feast celebration of Mehregān lost its popularity, even so, Zoroastrians of Yazd and
Kermān continued to celebrate Mehregān.
Jashn e Mehregān was celebrated this year at the ZTFE on 1st October 2008. This Ghambar was funded by the generosity of
Mrs. Goli & Late Mehraban Farhangi to whom we extend our heartfelt gratitude.
8 Winter 2008
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Bomi and Freddy Bulsara Commemoration
The Zartoshty Brothers Hall in London was the venue for
commemorating the late Freddie Mercury and his father, the
late Bomi Bulsara, The event, funded by Jer Bulsara and her
close family members, was attended by over 300 guests along
with Chief Guests (The Worshipful) the Mayor of Harrow,
Councillor John Nickolay and his wife the Mayoress.
commercial successes and broad appeal even to such a
confirmed fan of Classic FM as himself, as well as to people
of different generations and cultures.
Tributes from the Bulsara family were led by Roger Cooke
(Freddie’s brother in law) who also dwelt upon the life of
Freddie’s father, Bomi. We were also informed how Freddie,
who was close to his mother, would always visit her on her
birthday, but in the final year of his illness, when he was
too weak to travel, still managed to send her flowers whilst
apologising for his inability to be at her side.
The ZTFE Treasurer, Dorab Mistry, went on to describe
Freddie Mercury as the most internationally recognisable
Zoroastrian in modern times. He went on to read out tributes
received from another well known UK Zoroastrian Karan
Bilimoria, as well as the international philanthropist, Mehraban
Zartoshty.
A book presentation by Mrs Jer Bulsara to the ZTFE
concluded the formal part of the evening and the audience
responded to her warmth and generosity of spirit with a
standing ovation.
Jer, Freddie and Bomi in the early 80’s
The evening commenced with a Jashan ceremony performed
by five priests Ervads Rusi Bhedwar, Jal Karkaria, Zal Sethna,
Homi Desai and Marazban Dastur. This religious ceremony
concluded with a Humbandagi in which the attendees
participated in a short prayer, followed by a Loban offering by
Jer Bulsara and her family.
The Jashan was followed by a one-hour film on Farrokh
Bulsara’s life and his transition to Freddie Mercury. The film
covered many important milestones in his life and that of his
parents Jer and Bomi. The late Bomi Bulsara’s job as Clerk to
the Law Court took the family to Zanzibar, where at the age
of seven, Farrokh’s Navjote ceremony was performed. A sea
crossing to India followed, where the young Farrokh joined the
St Peter’s school in Panchgani. There he enjoyed boxing, crosscountry running and discovered an early aptitude for music as
part of a band called the Hectics. The revolution in Zanzibar
brought the family as refugees to Hounslow in West London
where Farrokh tried his hand at market trading and setting
himself up in the world of music. His real rise to fame and
success began in 1972 with a name change to Freddie Mercury
and the setting up of the rock group Queen with which he
became synonymous worldwide. His flamboyant lifestyle was
well covered. However, perhaps the most fascinating insight
lay in the portrayal of a gentle, generous and loving spirit who
faced his final days with the same indefatigable spirit that he
had shown throughout his life.
Moving tributes followed, paid by the chief guest the
Mayor of Harrow, John Nickolay, who emphasised Freddie’s
Kashmira Cooke Bulsara and Jer Bulsara after the Jashan
Dinner followed, with a full table service catered for by
Armin Dastoor. The menu comprised tasty Parsee offerings
of mutton Dhansak, Kebabs and Lagan nu Custard and was
enjoyed by the attendees against a backdrop of Mercury’s
famous hits like ‘We Are the Champions’, ‘This Could Be
Heaven’ and ‘Another One Bites the Dust’ with the legendary
rock star himself on the big screen. Many fans young and old
chatted with the Bulsaras, especially Jer Aunty, and sought her
photo or autograph for their family collection.
Thus ended an enchanting evening with a rousing vote of
thanks to our gracious hosts, the Bulsaras and the undoubted
star of the show, Freddie himself.
www.ztfe.com
Winter 2008
9
Mobed Shah Faridoon Bahman Zartoshty Varsi
ZTFE patron Mobed Shah Faridoon Bahman Zartoshty passed away on Friday 17th
November 2000. The ZTFE organised the eighth saal / varsi prayers on Monday 17th
November 2008, at the Zartoshty Brothers Hall, Zoroastrian Centre. The Ervad Sahebs
performed the afrinagan prayers invoking the fravashis of Mobed Shah Faridoon and his
wife together with the invocation of fravashis of other departed members of the families of
the Zartoshty Brothers. The Ervads concluded the prayers with a Doa Tandorasti where the
names of the ZTFE patron Mobed Mehraban his wife Paridokht were recited together with
the names of the children of Mobed Shah Faridoon and Mobed Mehraban.
Following the prayers, Mr Shahrokh Shahrokh the architect of the Zoroastrian Centre
gave a talk on the life and times of Mobed Shah Faridoon. He narrated the philanthropic
nature of the Mobed Shah Faridoon and estimated, that together with his younger brother Mobed Mehraban, have donated
millions of pounds to Zoroastrian as well as secular charities in Iran, India, UK, USA, Canada. As examples, Mr Shahrokh
illustrated the Zartoshty Brothers donation to the Parsee General Hospital in Mumbai India, the Zartoshty Brothers Chair
in Zoroastrian Studies at SOAS and the munificent multi million pound donation for not only the purchase but also for the
renovation of the Zoroastrian Centre for which the ZTFE and the Parsee and Irani Zoroastrians will be eternally indebted. The
evening ended with a ghambar endowed in the memory of Late Mobed Shah Faridoon by his brother Mobed Mehraban and
the Zartoshty families.
Late Rusi Billimoria
Mr. Rusi Billimoria passed away on 23rd
September 2007 in his home in South London.
Rusi's demise was a sad loss to his wife Gul,
children Karveen & Aadil, son-in-law Liam,
daughter-in-law Taronish, granddaughter India.
Rusi and Gul were ZTFE members and regularly
attended functions at both the old Zoroastrian
House and the New Zoroastrian Centre. They
were very active in the organisation of the
numerous Parsee Nataks held at the Zoroastrian
House and they would regularly attend the natak
practices and helped behind the scenes. Over the years they had made many
friends in the community, all of whom were much saddened by his sudden
departure from this world at 76 years of age.
Helping your
Community
The ZTFE managing committee is
constantly working hard to offer better
facilities to our members. The total running
cost of the Association, including the
maintenance of the large Zoroastrian Centre
and the Zoroastrian Cemetery at Brookwood
is in the region of £120,000 per year.
However, ZTFE’s regular donation income
from members is a minimal £5,000 per year.
This is because most of the members have
either paid just a one off amount (£70 or
£150) for life memberships or benefitted
from free memberships offered to OAP’s.
In the spirit of true Zoroastrian Community values, Gul has setup a regular This causes a great imbalance in the income
monthly donation to the ZTFE in memory of Rusi. We can think of no better and expenditure of the Association in general.
or noble way to continue the memory of a loved one and at the same time Most of the large donations received are for
benefit the whole community.
specific causes and funds for the general
upkeep of our Association. We therefore
We applaud Gul for her noble gesture and hope that others follow her lead. urge our members to consider contributing to
the ZTFE on a monthly basis, even a nominal
amount will make a big difference. Also, making donations to the ZTFE to commemorate key events in your family such as a
Birthday, good grades at school, new job, promotion, Navjote, Wedding, Anniversaries, etc. would be a good thought. Donating
in memory of a departed loved one is a noble way to perpetuate their memory and benefit our community. We would also like
to remind our members to remember the ZTFE in their wills. Just leaving 5% of your estate to the ZTFE will go a long way to
further strengthening our Association.
We have many new projects that we would like to initiate for the benefit of our community. Establishing a Senior Members
Home for the Zoroastrians or building the grand dining room in the loft void of the Zoroastrian Centre (for which we already
have planning permission) are just two to name. However, we do need the financial backing of the community to realise these
projects and inject fresh enthusiasm in community service for our Association. For further information on how you can help
the ZTFE and for free advice on arrangements for your wills please speak to a member of our Finance sub-committee.
10 Winter 2008
www.ztfe.com
XYZ Party and the Table Tennis Championship
The YZ Team
The Children’s Education Fun club for December was
themed around the "3 wise men" and incorporated into a party
for all XYZs. Following the huge success of our last year's
festive party, the YZs offered to organise this year's party as
well and what a fantastic job they did yet again.
The
Young
Zoroastrian
(YZ) committee
organised
a
series of games
and
events
that kept the
younger children
entertained,
excited and by
the time the
Nergish paints another face
party was over,
exhausted. Thanks to Nergish Avari for volunteering her
magnificent face painting skills which the children really enjoyed.
Over 63 children returned with gifts from the charming 3 wise
men and filled with praises for their 'grown up friends in red T
shirts'. The talk amongst
all the parents gathered
around the room was
total admiration for the
YZ's making a big effort
to plan the event, buy
appropriate gifts and
equipment, and above
all voluntarily give their
Sunday morning for
their community. Kudos
to the YZ's.
The XYZ party
ended with a pot luck
lunch provided by
the parents, and then
moved on to a Table
Tennis
Tournament.
With the exhausted
Some of the many contestants for the title of ZTFE Table Tennis Champion 2008
XYZ's engaged in playing with their new presents and friends,
the Table Tennis Tournament for the adults gathered a good
momentum with 20 participants and many families cheering
on as spectators.
The title of the "ZTFE Table Tennis Champion 2008" was
won by ZTFE Trustee Adi Bilimoria. Adi battled to win the
title in an exciting 3 game final against runner up Rohinton
Munshi. We congratulate both Adi and Rohinton for a very
sporting final. After our TT champion Adi, the next top four
positions were all taken by members of the Munshi family:
Former Trustee Dr Firoze Munshi , our Administrative
Secretary Kerman Munshi , their son Rohinton Munshi and
daughter in law Auzaar Munshi.
Many thanks to Viraf Doomasia for helping with refereeing
and thanks to all participants for joining in and making this
event a success.
Left to Right: Viraf Doomasia, TT Champ 2008 Adi Billimoria with finalist
Rohinton Munshi and President Paurushasp Jila
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YZ’s at the Asha Centre
Meherzad A. Billimoria
During the summer, I was part of an expedition of young
Zoroastrians, which travelled purposefully into the English
countryside, looking for a different kind of holiday.
Our destination was the ASHA Centre, a place set against the
rolling fields and quiet forests of Gloucestershire. Run by the
noted human rights campaigner and peace activist, Zerbanoo
Gifford, along with a dedicated band of volunteers, ASHA
promised a relaxing, yet thought-provoking haven, from the
rigours stresses of daily life. It did not disappoint.
Winter 2008
11
Alex Gifford and Adrian Locke, ASHA’s director, also took
us through a drama and presentational workshop. Here we were
introduced to voice-modulation and presentation techniques,
which would help us to speak clearly and comfortably to an
unfamiliar audience. Many people were also fascinated by an
introduction to the philosophy of the ‘four temperaments’, one
of which is supposed to be dominant in each person. Through
some very enjoyable role-play, we all learned a little more about
our own personalities and those of our companions.
While we were at ASHA we were introduced to its beautiful
grounds. The gardeners have developed a natural method of
One of the most impressive aspects of our stay were the
quality of the seminar and discussion groups we had on
Zoroastrianism. Both Alex and Mark Gifford, Zerbanoo’s
two sons, helped us to understand some of the academic
viewpoints on how Zoroastrianism has interacted with and
influenced later faiths. At the same time, they also encouraged
us to reflect on what makes our faith unique.
cultivation that requires almost no water. Instead its bountiful
harvest is attributed to a combination of naturally occurring
plants coupled with an astrological calendar for planting.
Apparently the technique has even worked well in climates
where there is little rainfall. We were encouraged to wander the
gardens collecting vegetable and fruit as a reminder of our trip.
Aside from the vegetable garden, there were also opportunities
to explore the hidden paths of the forest
Sunday 29th June was a beautiful Sunny day and as a and take a dip in a natural spring used for
result a large turnout in excess of 100 people turned up for centuries.
the picnic in Virginia Water. The events started with a game
However, despite the unspoilt
of football between the ‘YZs’ and the ‘notso YZs’. What the ‘notso YZ’s lacked countryside,
the
accommodation
in skill they made up for in both numbers and wisdom and demonstrated to their was anything but rough. Each room
younger members that winning a game of football is far easier if you significantly was more like a small cottage, with
outnumber the opposing team rather than having to rely on skills or strategies!
whitewashed walls and oak beams, but
XYZ Picnic
Following the football, several games of rounders took place with the teams split
between male and female. Despite the numbers being evenly matched there was a
large imbalance of skill and the women won by a convincing margin. The XYZs
practiced their frisbee skills and nearly knocked out a few passers-by that wandered
too close. Following the activities, a self-service feast was laid out. Calling this a
picnic conjures up visions of soggy sandwiches and broken biscuits. Now visualise,
pulaou-daar, kevabs, stew, rotli, buffalo wings, ribs and wine! With appetites fulfilled,
the ‘not so YZs’ then lead a sing-song in Gujarati. Extremely loud, and a little
naughty, but very enjoyable. The serenity of Virginia Waters had been upset for one
day by our gathering but it proved a fun day for all who participated.
also modern facilities. Our stay included
three delicious meals each day, made
with fresh ingredients drawn from the
vegetable garden.
My final thoughts on ASHA can be
summed up by the question that seemed
to be on everybody’s lips as we pulled
out - ‘when are we going back’? Sooner,
rather than later, I hope.
12 Winter 2008
Mumbai Terrorist Attacks
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Nehru Centre Tributes
We regret to inform you that Parsiana
The London based Nehru Centre on
has reported 3 Zoroastrians killed
24th November 2008 paid tribute to the
and some injured during the recent
first three non-white members elected to
horrific terrorist attacks on Mumbai.
the House of Commons of the British
Out of the 6 places attacked, four had
Parliament and also the first ever non-white
Zoroastrian origins. The Taj Hotel,
peer elevated to the House of Lords. The
Cafe Leopold and Nariman House are
Nehru Centre's Director Monica Mohta
owned by Zoroastrians and the Cama
Lord Sheikh
had invited Lord Sheikh to address this
hospital had been setup by the Cama family for the benefit of topic which His Lordship delivered in detail with great clarity
the people of Mumbai. Many of us in the UK have family and to the audience.
friends in Mumbai which made the time of the attacks a most
disturbing experience. We wish our sincere condolences to all
Lord Sheikh narrated the historical
families who lost loved ones in these attacks.
events in the lives of the first three
Indian members of Parliament, namely
Dr Dadabhoi Naoroji, Sir Mancherjee
Bhownaggree and Comrade Saklatvala,
and highlighted their political careers.
Lord Sheikh praised the political
motivation and drive displayed by
Past president Dorab Mistry Dadabhoi Naoroji as the first Asian Dr Dadabhoi Naoroji
shared a platform with investment elected as Member of Parliament in 1892,
guru Jim Rogers when they spoke in the pursuit for justice and freedom for India. His Lordship
at a commodity conference in also referred to Dadabhoi's influence on great figures like
Singapore. Rogers is a firm believer Mahatma Gandhi and other Indian politicians, as Dadabhoi
in commodities as an investment was the Chairman of three Indian National Congresses that
class and Dorab Mistry is regarded
as a leading analyst of oilseed and
vegetable oil price behaviour. During the last 4 months, Dorab
has addressed commodity audiences in Malaysia, Singapore,
Shab e Yalda or Shab e Cheleh was celebrated at the
China, India and Japan. Dorab says the highlight of 2008 for
him was when Shenaz and he were invited as guests of honour at Zartoshty Brothers Hall on 20 December. That night marks
the Annual Forum of the Japan Oilseed Processors Association the longest night of the year and days start getting longer
from the next morning.
in Tokyo.
Past President shares
platform with Investment
guru Jim Rogers
Shab e Yalda Celebrations
The
new BPP Trustees
In October, historic elections were held for all 7 Trustee
Yalda means birth in Soryani and was initially a ceremony
to honour the birth of the Sun. Cheleh is probably related
to chehel which means forty. In Ancient Persia seasons were
positions of the Bombay Parsee Panchayat (BPP). This was
divided into two big seasons: Great Summer and Great Winter.
the first election under their new Universal Adult Franchise
Forty days passing the Great Winter was celebrated and called
electoral scheme which allows all Zoroastrians to register for a
shab e cheleh.
vote. Perhaps the largest election in the history of this august
organisation which is the apex body for Zoroastrians in India,
was primarily contested on religious issues. The results were crystal clear. The majority support was for the candidates who were
campaigning for traditional values. The 7 successfully elected trustees were Arnavaz Mistry (10030 votes), Dinshaw Mehta (6791
votes), Jimmy Mistry (6588 votes),
Khojeste Mistree (5292 votes), Yazdi
Desai (5101 votes), Rustom Tirandaz
(4790 votes) and Noshir Dadrawala
(4681 votes). From these 7 newly
appointed Trustees, Mr Dinshaw
Mehta was elected Chairman of
the BPP at their first meeting. We
at the ZTFE whole heartily wish all
7 new Trustees the very best for a
successful tenure in office and look
New BBP Trustees: Rustom Tirandaz, Chairman Dinshaw Mehta, Khojeste Mistree,
forward to working with them on
Arnavaz Mistry, Yazdi Desai, Noshir Dadrawala, Jimmy Mistry
community matters.
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were summoned to fight for independence
for India. Sir Mancherjee and comrade
Saklatvala who followed Dadabhoi to
the House of Commons more or less
pursued the same goal but with different
perspectives. Lord Sheikh noted that
the three MPs represented different
British political parties but all three were
Mancherjee
Parsee Zoroastrians who shared their
Bhownaggree
common heritage
of righteousness and being upright.
They were all proud to be Indians. Lord
Sheikh similarly narrated the elevation
of Lord Sinha to the House of Lords
and his involvement in the Upper
House.
Lord Sheikh noted the long time gap
between the election of these members Comrade Saklatvala
and the recent batch of Parliamentarians
in both the Houses of Parliament. He urged ethnic minority
citizens to take a more active role in the political life of this
country and aspire to be representatives of the society they
live in, as members of Parliament. Lord Sheikh then fielded
numerous questions from the audience pertaining to the
political impact and legacy of these stalwarts of yesteryears.
As always , the lecture was followed by a reception.
It is a custom for families to get together in the house of
the eldest member of the family. and celebrate by eating,
reading poetry, playing games and talking together.
The evening was kicked off by a welcome speech by
President Paurushasp Jila and Managing Committee Member
Mandana Moavenat. This was followed by a talk from Mr
Shahrokh Vafadari on the significance of Yalda and how
Zoroastrian festivals are linked to nature’s cycles. Mr Shahrokh
Shahrokh rounded off the formal part of the evening by
thanking all those involved in making the event a success,
especially the Iranian ladies who had prepared traditional
dishes for everyone to enjoy.
Winter 2008
World Poverty Rally
13
On 24th July
2008 hundreds of
Anglican Bishops
from around the
world and leaders
of other religious
communities
staged a procession
through London
calling for urgent
action to tackle global poverty. ZTFE President Paurushasp
Jila represented the Zoroastrian Community and joined in the
“Walk of Witness” from Whitehall to Lambeth Palace which
was led by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams.
The march was designed to bring international attention to the
plight of the world’s poorest people. 650 Anglican Bishops
created a sea of Episcopal purple in the heart of Westminster.
Their message was that the international community is failing
to meet its promise, namely the UN’s Millennium Development
Goals (MDGs) which were intended to halve global poverty by
2015.
Paurushasp Jila and faith leaders from the Jewish, Hindu,
Sikh, Muslim, Bahai and Jain communities joined Bishops,
diplomats, parliamentarians and NGO heads representing 160
countries in the march past the Houses of Parliament holding
placards calling for action to eradicate poverty and diseases
such as Malaria which kills a child every thirty seconds. The
event was aimed to encourage and support the Prime Minister
and government in advance of the special UN assembly on
25th September in New York. The UN Secretary General was
to host a review of progress with the MDGs at the assembly.
Following the procession, Dr Rowan Williams was joined by UK Prime Minister, Gordon Brown. They both addressed the
1500 participants in the rally on tackling world poverty in the courtyard of Lambeth Palace. The Archbishop presented a letter
– the event's manifesto – to the Prime Minister. The letter outlined how this generation has a genuine opportunity to eradicate
extreme poverty. The document stresses, that MDGs agreed by global leaders in 2000 to halve poverty by 2015 will not, as things
stand, be fulfilled by this deadline – and in fact, risks never being achieved at all.
After the rally President Paurushasp Jila and the other faith community leaders met the Prime Minister Gordon Brown
in a private reception. Paurushasp congratulated the Prime Minister on his pledges and highlighted to him that though the
Zoroastrian community was small we were very active in Interfaith work and supported such worthy causes.
The same afternoon Her Majesty The Queen hosted a garden party at Buckingham Palace. Paurushasp Jila joined the other
faith leaders and the 650 Bishops to afternoon tea in the immaculate gardens of the Palace which cover nearly 40 acres in the
heart of London.
14 Winter 2008
www.ztfe.com
Green Travel to the Zoroastrian Centre
The Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe are committed to promoting “Green Travel” to/from the Zoroastrian Centre and
as such are implementing a number of schemes detailed below to try to reduce single occupancy car travel.
The following is a summary of bus routes from Rayners Lane. Full timetables are available from
Transport for London. In order to plan your journeys from further afield use the TfL journey
planner.
• Route 398 to Ruislip Station and Westway Cross Retail Park
• Route H9 and 10 to Harrow Bus Station
• Route H12 to Stanmore Station and South Harrow
The Zoroastrian Centre is opposite Rayners Lane Tube station which is on the Piccadilly and Metropolitan lines. Train frequencies are:
• Piccadilly line trains run every 3 to 12 mins.
• Metropolitan line trains run every 4 to 11 mins.
We are also initiating a “Ride Home” scheme in case of any disruption to the tube system.
Cycling is a very healthy and fun form of exercise. In fact through parts of London it is quicker
than travelling by car. We are taking the following steps to encourage cycling:
• Secure storage for cycles will be made available
• Changing room facilities are available
• Detailed information on cycle routes are available for download from www.tfl.gov.uk or from
the ZTFE Secretariat
Studies have shown many health benefits from regular walking including:
• Reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke
• Lower blood pressure
• Reduce high cholesterol and improve blood lipid profile
• Increase bone density, hence helping to prevent osteoporosis
Therefore whether you want to walk to improve your general health, to keep fit, or control your
weight, walking can help. Many Zoroastrians live near the Zoroastrian Centre and we strongly
recommend that they walk to the Centre.
If you still have to travel by car please:
•
Try and car share with other members in your area.
We are setting up a car share database. Should you wish to offer spaces in your car and do not mind
being contacted by other members then please email us your name, number of spaces available in
your car and areas which you travel from/via.
• Use the Rayners Lane station car park
We are also initiating a “Ride Home” scheme providing “one off ” emergency lifts to those travelling
by public transport. If you normally have free space in your car please let us know by email so we
can put you on the “Ride Home” scheme.
For further information on Green Travel please
email the ZTFE Secretariat [email protected] or telephone 020 8866 0765.
General information on public transport and cycling can be found on www.tfl.gov.uk
www.ztfe.com
The global peace
Peace Festival festival
is held every two
years bringing together
activists, NGOs and other organisation and institutions,
which share a common vision for peace. The festival
is a platform from which they can share their ideas and
endeavours, and create the opportunity to develop
partnerships and launch new initiatives together.
This year we had two youth delegates attending the
festival. The concert was ‘fantastic’ and certainly entertaining
with the likes of the New York philharmonic making way
for a Muslim gospel singer. The youths also took in the
delights of Yogic massage and plankton powered electricity
saving devices. Unfortunately though invited to take part
in the faiths forum
we did not have
a volunteer to
attend the requisite
meetings in the
week leading up to
the festival.
David Afkham wins 2008
International Conducting
Competition in London
David is the son of Dr Jhanbux and Mrs Rosemarie
Afkham. Jhanbux is a Zoroastrian born in Yazd who grew up
in Mumbai and is a cardiologist.
David Afkham is said to be one of the most aspiring young
talents of the new conducting generation of Germany. Born
1983 in Freiburg, Germany, he received his first piano and
violin lessons at the age of six. In 2002 he won first prize
in the solo-piano category of the German National
Piano Competition “Jugend Musiziert”. David
Afkham began his first music studies (piano,
music-theory and conducting) at the age of
15 at the University of Music Freiburg.
Since 2005 he has studied conducting
at The Liszt School of Music
Weimar, Germany, instructed by
Nicolas Pasquet and Gunter
Kahlert.
During his studies, he took
part in various master classes with teachers
such as George Alexander Albrecht, Salvador Mas Conde,
Jorma Panula, Gustavo Dudamel and Bernard Haitink.
The orchestras he has been working with include the
Staatskapelle Weimar, the Hofer Symphoniker, the Jena
Philharmonie, the Rheinische Philharmonie Koblenz, the
Göttinger Symphoniker, the Critical Orchestra Berlin (Soloist:
Winter 2008
15
Thomas Quasthoff), the North Czech Philharmonic Orchestra
Teplice, the Lucerne Symphony Orchestra, the Simon Bolivar
Youth Orchestra of Venezuela and the London Symphony
Orchestra. He has been the artistic director and chief conductor
of the KHG-Symphony-Orchestra Freiburg for two years.
David Afkham is fellow in conducting of the “Richard
Wagner Association” Bayreuth and became a member of the
“Conductors’ Forum” of the German Music Council.
In 2008, he was the first conductor who won the “Bernard
Haitink Fund For Young Talent” of the Royal Concertgebouw
Orkest Amsterdam and was appointed Assistant Conductor
of Bernard Haitink with the Concertgebouw Orkest
Amsterdam.
In winter 2008, David Afkham was invited by his Mentor
Bernard Haitink to assist him with the Chicago Symphony
Orchestra including performances with the Civic Orchestra of
Chicago.
David Afkham has won the 2008 International Donatella
Flick Conducting Competition in London with the London
Symphony Orchestra. He is now Assistant Conductor of the
London Symphony Orchestra under Valery Gergiev and Sir
Colin Davis.
Summer 2008
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We are extremely proud to
Honarary inform
you that our member Dr. Honorary Doctorate for
Jamshed B. Bomanji was given an
Certificate honorary certificate of merit by the Lord Karan Bilimoria
Overseas Doctors Association for
contribution to Medicine and the
Lord Karan Bilimoria, CBE DL, has been presented with an
of Merit his
NHS at the House of Commons.
Jamshed graduated from Nishtar Medical College in
Pakistan in 1980. He did his post-graduation and then came
to St Bartholomew’s Hospital where he completed his Masters
and PhD in Nuclear Medicine in 1987. He was appointed
as Consultant in Nuclear
Medicine at St Bartholomew’s
Hospital in 1990 and then
moved to the Middlesex
Hospital in 1993 which is
part of the UCLH NHS
Trust. Currently he is the
Clinical Lead at the Institute
of Nuclear Medicine. In his
field his main interests are
in Oncology, Nephrology/
Dr. Jamshed B. Bomanji
Urology, Cardiology and
Neuro imaging and treatment with unsealed radioactive agents
for benign and malignant disease. He has contributed and
published more than 124 research and clinical papers in peer
reviewed Journals, authored 20 book Chapters and is the editor
of Nuclear Medicine in Oncology. He is assistant and advisory
editor of various Journals in the field of Nuclear Medicine, and
a member of the Department of Health Advisory Committee
for administration of Radiopharmaceuticals and use of sealed
radioactive sources.
We are pleased to announce that despite a very busy schedule,
Dr. Jamshed Bomanji is a regular member to our events with
his wife Dinaz and children Nadine, Natalia and Narina. His
achievements are an inspiration to our community. We wish
him all the very best in his future endeavours and research
work.
Honorary Doctorate of Business from London Metropolitan
University. This award represents the first Honorary Doctorate
to be conferred on him from one of his Alma Mater Universities.
Lord Bilimoria has previously received Honorary Doctorates
from Brunel
U n i v e r s i t y,
Her riot-Watt
U n i v e r s i t y,
Staffordshire
University.
L o r d
Bilimoria
studied
at
what is today
L o n d o n
Metropolitan
University as
Lord Karan Bilimoria with
part of his Chartered
Professor Zenobia Nadirshaw
Accountant
qualification and was presented the award by the governor
at London Metropolitan University, Zenobia Nadirshaw.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony Lord Bilimoria said that
he was “deeply humbled and grateful for this great honour
from my Alma Mater.” London Metropolitan University is one
of Britain’s largest Universities, with over 34,000 students, of
which 8,000 are international students, and Lord Bilimoria urged
his fellow graduands, to also “be proud of our university”.
Lord Bilimoria and London Metropolitan University have
worked together for many years and the relationship between
the two is something he looks forward to continuing and
strengthening in the future.
Bahman Moradian who was studying in Paris defended
his PhD thesis on December 4 2008. Bahman settled
down in London last year after marrying ZTFE Managing
Committee Member Mandana Moavenat. His thesis is on Yasna 63-69. The Avestan text and its Pahlavi version known as Ab
Zohr is the devotion to water. The thesis gives a translation of Avestan and Pahlavi texts and
linguistic analysis of the vocabularies. He also worked on the technique of translation of the
Avestan text into Pahlavi. This work is a contribution to the History of Religions and the field
of Linguistics.
Phd For Bahman Moradian
The members of jury for his viva were Professor Jean Kellens from College de France, Dr.
Philip Huyse and Frantz Grenet from Ecole Pratique des Hautes Etudes and Dr. Almut Hinze
from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London.
We congratulate Bahman on his academic achievements and encourage him as a fellow
Zoroastrian to further pursue the academic study of our illustrious religion.