goodthoughts goodwords gooddeeds Manashni
Volume 31 | Issue 4 | November 2013 Calendar Of Events
Month Events Dates
Sunday School starts at 10.30am with pot luck lunch 03/11/2013 Nov 2013 Seniors’ Get Together 17/11/2013 Table Tennis Tournament and Working Bee 24/11/2013
Sunday School starts at 10.30am. End-of-year Party 01/12/2013 AZA Annual Cricket Match 08/12/2013 Dec 2013 Zarthost-no-Diso Jashan and Ghambar 26/12/2013 Working Bee 29/12/2013
Jashan in Memory of Nauzer Ostowari, Arbab Rostom Morvareed Guiv,Mehraban Zartoshty 12/01/2014 Jan 2014 Seniors’ Get Together 19/01/2014 Working Bee 26/01/2014
Sunday School starts at 10.30am with pot luck lunch Jashne Sadeh (30th Jan, creation of fire & 50 days to Nowruz) 02/02/2014 Feb 2014 Seniors’ Get Together 16/02/2014 Working Bee 23/02/2014
Sunday School starts at 10.30am with pot luck lunch 02/03/2014 AmAZAng Race 09/03/2014 Seniors Get Together 16/03/2014 Mar 2014 AZA Nowruz Function and HSC Award Presentation 22/03/2014 Zarthost’s Birthday 29/03/2014 Working Bee 30/03/2014
Sunday School starts at 10.30am with pot luck lunch 06/04/2014 Carrom Tournament 13/04/2014 Apr 2014 Easter Long Weekend Seniors’ Get Together 20/04/2014 Working Bee 27/04/2014
196 Annangrove Road, Annangrove, NSW 2156. www.aza.org.au Sunday School starts at 10.30am with pot luck lunch 04/05/2014 May 2014 Seniors’ Get Together 18/05/2014 Working Bee 25/05/2014
Sunday School starts at 10.30am with pot luck lunch 01/06/2014 Annual Jashan and Ghambar. Community Pot Luck Lunch 08/06/2014 Jun 2014 Seniors’ Get Together 15/06/2014 Working Bee and Jashne Tirgan 29/06/2014
Jashne Tirgan 1st July (Prayers for the rain) 05/07/2014 Sunday School starts at 10.30am with pot luck lunch 06/07/2014 Jul 2014 Seniors’ Get Together 20/07/2014 Working Bee 27/07/2014
Sunday School starts at 10.30am with pot luck lunch 03/08/2014 Seniors’ Get Together 17/08/2014 Aug 2014 Navroze and Khordad Sal Celebrations 24/08/2014 Working Bee 31/08/2014
Sunday School starts at 10.30am with pot luck lunch 07/09/2014 Sep 2014 Seniors’ Get Together 21/09/2014 AGM and Working Bee 28/09/2014
Long Weekend Sunday School Sports Day 10.30am and Jashne Mehergan (thanksgiving) 05/10/2014 Oct 2014 Seniors’ Get Together 19/10/2014 Working Bee 26/10/2014
Sunday School starts at 10.30am with pot luck lunch 02/11/2014 AZA Table tennis Tournament 09/11/2014 Nov 2014 Seniors’ Get Together 16/11/2014 Working Bee 30/11/2014
Sunday School starts at 10.30am. End-of-year Party 07/12/2014 AZA Annual Cricket Match 14/12/2014 Dec 2014 Zarthost-no-Diso Jashan and Ghambar 26/12/2014 Working Bee 28/12/2014
First Sunday of the month Third Sunday of the month Last Sunday of the month Sunday School Seniors Get Together Working Bee
196 Annangrove Road, Annangrove, NSW 2156. www.aza.org.au AZA Committee AZA President Member 1 Kersi Parekh Rohinton Ghista [email protected] [email protected] Vice President Member 2 Mahiyar Wellington Shahram Jamshidi [email protected] [email protected] Treasurer Sarosh Irani Australian Zoroastrian Association of NSW [email protected] Emails to the committee may please be sent to: Secretary [email protected] Niloufer Dang [email protected]
Manashni Editor Manashni Layout Design Farhad Khurshed Nadish Naoroji [email protected] [email protected] 02-9476 5696 0412 936 836
President’s Report
Dear AZA Community This year’s warm winter has given way to a hot spring. organised that evening. Congratulations to Sammy The October long weekend saw daylight saving back Marfatia, Porus Masalawala and Dinaz Mehta for in Sydney and the Sunday School kids enjoyed a winning the positions. The 4 major donor Trustees sleepover at Darbe Meher. By the time you read this remain. edition of Manashni the HSC exams would be over Farrokh Dhanbhoora (Treasurer) and Rohinton Ghista and Year 12 students will be in celebration mood. The from the current committee were stepping down. We Shahenshahi New Year celebration on 18th August had received only one nomination from the community seems like a distant memory. to be part of the AZA Management Committee. On Sunday 29th September after a short working bee Shahram Jamshidi’s nomination was accepted. During day, the Annual General Meeting for 2012-2013 was the course of the meeting due to lack of nominations, held at Darbe Meher. A number of AZA members had Rohinton Ghista agreed to continue as part of the arrived early in the afternoon and enjoyed tea with Committee for another year. cakes before the meeting commenced. I am sure you will all join me to thank Farrokh This year we invited written nominations for the three Dhanbhoora who served as the AZA Treasurer for elected Trustee positions before the AGM similar to last 2 years. I also extend my appreciation to all the the process followed for the Management Committee. Committee team for their dedication, contribution The number of Trustee nominations received was of time and effort during the year attending to AZA more than the number of positions hence a ballot was affairs.
196 Annangrove Road, Annangrove, NSW 2156. www.aza.org.au I hope next year there will be more interest from role. Many thanks to Ruzbeh for his work. This year the community to volunteer with the management Darayus Patva has agreed to perform the role of an and leadership task of the Australian Zoroastrian independent accountant voluntarily. Association affairs. The contribution from all the volunteers and groups The AZA Management Committee for 2013-2014 is was acknowledged. made up of 6 persons only. Kersi Parekh (President), For the last quarter of 2013 we look forward to the Niloufer Dang (Secretary), Mahiyar Wellington Table Tennis Tournament on 24th November, the (Vice President), Sarosh Irani (Treasurer), Rohinton Sunday School and Bhel party on 1st December, AZA Ghista (committee member) and Shahram Jamshidi Cricket Tournament on 8th December and Jashan on (committee member). We have room to accept Zarthosht no diso. volunteers to join this AZA Committee. In July 2013 the AZA had submitted an application At the AGM the special resolution to amend clause 4 of Grant for Building Multicultural Communities of the AZA Constitution was explained and presented Program managed by the Department of Immigration. to the group. The special resolution was approved In September we received a letter informing that we without opposition. Please note there is no change to had approval for a grant of $8262. These government our membership fees. grants are always tied to specific purposes as stated It was also agreed that a sub-committee be formed that in the application and need to be expended within a will review the Constitution and if required propose financial year. any amendments. A few persons have put the hands Your AZA Committee team looks forward to your up to be part of the sub-committee. If there are any continued enthusiasm and we seek your participation persons from the community that wish to be part of as many association events as you can. Do not hesitate this constitution review please nominate the person’s to contact us with any initiatives or ideas that will name to [email protected]. Alternatively benefit the community. contact the Secretary Niloufer Dang (9634 3170) Finally I take this opportunity to thank all the readers [email protected] or Vice-President who have paid their AZA membership dues for 2013- Mahiyar Wellington (0452 510 410) vice-president@ 2014 financial year. aza-committee.org.au. At the AGM it was decided to once again appoint an Kersi Parekh independent accountant from within our community. Hon. AZA President For the last 2 years Ruzbeh Desai had fulfilled this Editor’s Report Dear members The year has passed by in a flash, and many of you Recently Sydney played host to the Maestro himself, may be planning for the year ahead and looking Zubin Mehta who gave music lovers a treat most forward to some memorable times with the AZA. will remember for the rest of their lives. An article Although there’s just a month to go, we’re not done reviewing Zubin’s performance has been included in yet. The table tennis tournament has been rescheduled this newsletter. and you can show your cricketing prowess at the annual cricket match in December. Kaizer Austin, who some of you readers may recall reading about in a previous issue, has once again Congratulations to the new committee, especially shown his mettle in Dragonboat racing. He has the Shahram Jamshidi the only new addition to the team. rare privilege of a Zoroastrian representing Australia I would also like to welcome Sammy Marfatia, Porus in sports, a shining example of what hard work and Masalawala and Dinaz Mehta, who have come on dedication can achieve. board as trustees. Good luck to you all.
196 Annangrove Road, Annangrove, NSW 2156. www.aza.org.au One of the benefits of out on. Its fun, and a great the internet age is that way to give yourself a it brings communities workout. like ours closer together despite being On a somber note, one geographically dispersed of our senior members, across the world. I Akhtar Farsi Ghadivi has have rounded up some left us for her heavenly interesting articles on abode and we share the Zoroastrians in the news, grief of the Batha family with a link to the source in mourning their loss. so you can read the articles in their entirety. Finally, I would like to I would like to have your wish all our members feedback on whether you happy holidays and enjoy these, and whether hope to see you back you would like to see more in 2014, with renewed of these in forthcoming vigour to participate in issues. the activities and events the AZA has planned for you.
Sunday School regulars are familiar with the Dad’s Farhad Khurshed volleyball group. If you’re a Dad who feels Sunday Editor School is just for kids, check out what you’re missing [email protected]
AZA ANNUAL TABLE TENNIS TOURNAMENT SUNDAY 24 NOVEMBER 2013 Venue: THORNLEIGH INDOOR Remember the pledge you made to get in some SPORTS STADIUM serious practice so you could have a crack at the title? Date: SUNDAY 24 NOVEMBER 2013 FROM 9AM TO 3PM Yes, a year has whizzed by, and you haven’t really Event Details: Men’s Singles A & B Grade practiced have you? It’s not too late yet. Get out your Men’s Doubles A & B Grade racquets and iron out the kinks in your game. Ladies’ Singles A & B Grade Ladies’ Doubles A & B Grade Seniors, you put up a great show last year. Can we Mixed Doubles expect the same this year too? Under 14 Singles Veterans’ Singles (Over 60 yrs)
196 Annangrove Road, Annangrove, NSW 2156. www.aza.org.au Registration: Entry Fees to be paid at the venue to Zareer Reporter Single entry for multiple events: $15 for members on the day of the event and $20 for non- members (includes 3 events) (NO REGISTRATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED AT Single entry for any one event: $5 for members and THE VENUE on the day of the tournament as draws $10 for non-members will be made in advance)
Registration should be made by email only, before To help us avoid delays, please ensure you are 10 November 2013 available at the venue when required. If you are not available to play your match, your opponent will Zareer Reporter [email protected] have the right to request a walkover and will proceed Rayomand Daver [email protected] automatically to the next round. Cyrus Pestonji [email protected] (do not type ‘i’ at end of ‘cpestonj’)
AZA Annual Cricket Match
It’s time again to see some sizzling sixes and dazzling fours...or wickets uprooted with sheer pace. Are you the next Shane Warne? Show us how you tease and tantalize batsmen into giving up their wickets. Oh, yes ladies. You are welcome too. Go ahead register now! Date: December 08, 2013 Time: 10am sharp Location: Langlands Oval Corner of Currie Avenue and Annangrove Road, Annangrove (Two minutes from the AZA Darbe-Meher) Cost Members $8 Non-members $16 Non-participant $4 per head
The AZA has a limited amount of equipment. The balls and stumps will also be provided. We encourage you to bring your own bats, pats and other personal items etc
The AZA will provide you with food and soft drinks to get you through the day.
Please send your acceptances to [email protected]
196 Annangrove Road, Annangrove, NSW 2156. www.aza.org.au The AmAZAng Race Sunday 9th March 2014 It’s back! Who else wants to take in the sights of Sydney and have some fun racing around town? If you missed out last time, there are no excuses to sit this one out. Best of all, you don’t need any special skills...being fit is an advantage, so get those joggers on and hit the roads. You’ll be glad you did.
This event is organized by our youth, so if it’s excitement and exhilaration you’re after you won’t be disappointed.
The tentative date is Sunday 9th March 2014. More details will be published closer to the event date. Questions? Please email zoro.amazing.race@gmail. com The organisers-in-chief are Naasha Dorabjee 0411 018 107 and Nerina Shroff 0401885 138
Our Sunday School Leaders
Right to left: Aspi Bulsara, Karl Desai, Dr Peshotan Katrak, Simone Bulsara, Meher Tarapore, Yasmin Parekh; + Pearl Tantra and Pheroza Daruwalla (not in photo)
196 Annangrove Road, Annangrove, NSW 2156. www.aza.org.au HAVE YOUR SAY! WOULD YOU LIKE TO EXPRESS YOUR OPINION AND EARN SOME $$$$?
We are a market research agency seeking people of all ages. Sessions are informative, fun, interesting and pay generous CA$H incentives. Attend market research discussion groups/interviews, have your say and pick up some extra cash by helping.
Fashion Cars Food Beverages Telecommunications Insurance and many many more!
To register your interest please contact Homai. Email: [email protected] Phone: 02-9834 2348 Shenshahi New Year Day By Kersi Parekh Celebrations President (Hon) AZA
On a mild winter morning, with few white clouds and feel enclosed by walls. We had the honour of the plenty of blue sky, at the AZA house in Annangrove Consul General of India Mr. Goel and his wife who the Sydney Zarthoshtis began arriving to celebrate attended the full afternoon. I think he had a relaxing and attend the Shenshahi New Year function. It was afternoon in the company of several community Sunday 18th August 2013, the New Year’s Day. members. On behalf of the Committee I thank you for attending. A number of Zarthosthi Parsis from Pakistan You made the function work smoothly, making it expressed the difficulty they face when applying for enjoyable and relaxing for all. The function was over Indian Tourist Visa to travel to India. The Consul booked and our sincere apologies to those who could General later conveyed a message for the Parsis of not be accommodated for the lunch. Pakistan that they mention in the visa application The Jashan which started at 11am was very well letter that they are Parsis from Pakistan and special attended. As people started arriving more rows of preference will be given to them. chairs had to be added. As the prayers were held About 315 persons attended this function. The men outdoors there was no problem with smoke and who wore the dagli are well documented. Many inadequate ventilation. Thanks to the mobeds for ladies were dressed in traditional saris. We had praying at the Jashan. The mobeds Percy and Zahan a few hiccups with the microphone and the raffle Madon, Karl Desai, Berzad Panthaky, Darian Shalori tickets. Many people complemented the caterers for and Meherzad Shroff (from Adelaide) were led by providing a tasty Parsi style meal. As the numbers Dr Peshotan Katrak. attending a function grow we have new challenges in Thanks to the fine weather on this wonderful day the food service and seating. guests could spill outside the covered area and not Dr Silloo Vora (mother of Vera Ostowari and Niloufer
196 Annangrove Road, Annangrove, NSW 2156. www.aza.org.au Canteenwalla) celebrated her 100th birthday on 17th August, congratulations. Vera Ostowari picked the winners for 8 raffle prizes. The bottle of Champagne was picked up as a raffle prize by Percy Variava. The Champagne was a gift to AZA from the Consul General.
196 Annangrove Road, Annangrove, NSW 2156. www.aza.org.au Sunday School… Dad’s Wanna Have Fun Too!
So what’s new at the Sunday School? No, it has nothing to do with the kids and everything to do with Dad’s. With not much to catch up on when Sunday School parents meet every month, enterprising Dad’s have found a new way to amuse themselves while the kids were kept busy by not much time to spare…the games have to get on the teachers. fast before the kids are set free from their classes and The day starts just like any other. Children are mum’s demand attention. ushered in to their classes followed by prayers, Anyway getting back to the game, the vocal energy morning tea is efficiently organized and parents level surpasses the energy on the field. In the first catch up on all the news from where they left off the ten minutes players from either side demonstrate previous month…but then its game on. surprising physical prowess, skill and agility, but not for long. The seemingly effortless lunges to keep the ball in play soon turn to huffing and panting as energy reserves begin to quickly deplete. The harsh afternoon sun isn’t forgiving either, and sweat visibly pours down the shirts of our fiery competitors. With no referee in sight or What game? technology in place, either side delight in giving We’re talking Volleyball of course. With some themselves the benefit of doubt when the ball lands kilojoule filled snacks, washed down with a hot cup a hairline’s width outside a barely visible baseline so of tea or coffee it’s time to burn off the extra kilos accumulated over four weeks of sedentary mouse clicking and staring into a computer screen at the office. Not sure how many players make up a volleyball team, but who cares? Sunday School Dad’s are an enterprising lot and make up their own rules, so don’t be surprised if you see ten on each side… or ten on one side and eleven on the other. The numbers keep increasing as more Dads get lured to join in. Point is there’s really
196 Annangrove Road, Annangrove, NSW 2156. www.aza.org.au the scores can be pretty much even. burden until eventually everyone decides it’s time Forty five minutes or so into the game, strained to call it quits and the match comes to an end…until bodies struggle to keep up and aching limbs protest the next Sunday School, which begs the question, at every lunge to get to the ball. The not-so-fit look “Would the committee consider adding a volleyball up to their younger and fitter teammates to carry the tournament to the AZA sporting calendar?”
Sunday School Students at Work and Play – Check out the action!
196 Annangrove Road, Annangrove, NSW 2156. www.aza.org.au 196 Annangrove Road, Annangrove, NSW 2156. www.aza.org.au 196 Annangrove Road, Annangrove, NSW 2156. www.aza.org.au 2013 Dragonboat Racing
Championships Kaizer Austin Reports
and 2000m events. The format of the championship comprised heats, I competed with the Australian Auroras at the 11th semis, and grand finals. World Dragon Boat Racing Championships from the 23-28th July in Szeged, Hungary. Szeged is in the South of Hungary, and is the second biggest educational, sport, research and cultural Over 3000 athletes from 29 Nations competed for centre in Hungary after Budapest. The history of the the World Titles over four days of competition, with city is closely connected to the water with the great different distances on each day, 200m, 500m, 1000m, river Tisza flowing through it. This is also where the 2000m event race was held.
196 Annangrove Road, Annangrove, NSW 2156. www.aza.org.au The National Olympic Watersports Centre hosts a variety of World Championship events, from kayaking to canoeing and the other dragon boat events
were held here. This is a purpose- built water course centre similar to our Sydney international regatta centre at Penrith. In order to represent Australia, competitors from My results at these World Championships were: all States and Territories had to go through a series of fitness tests and competitive water trials held in Gold: 200m Opens division Canberra in December 2012. Gold: 2000m Opens division Silver: 500m Opens division Having completed stage one, I ranked in the top Bronze: 100m mixed division twenty out of 139 others who appeared for selections. Stage two comprised more selection trials on water in Details can be seen at http://www.hungary2013. single craft, at the Queensland training camp on the dragonboat.hu/en-competition-olympic-centre.html Gold Coast. The selection trials over, team training commenced in earnest all through winter including Next year sees the World Club Crew Championships international races in Singapore in May this year. in Italy and then the next Worlds Nations Championships are in Canada in 2015. The third and final training camp was held in Gyor, North Hungary, two weeks before the World Championships. In all 239 paddlers were in the Auroras squad from our juniors through to our seniors crews. The squad performed admirably with a total medal haul of 35 at these Championships.
196 Annangrove Road, Annangrove, NSW 2156. www.aza.org.au ROOM TO RENT / SHARE ACCOMMODATION One fully furnished bedroom with bathroom to rent in a 3 bedroom apartment in North Strathfield. Building complex has big compound with allotted parking space, garden and swimming pool. Short walk to shops and station. Rent $200 pw. Contact [email protected] or SMS Viraf 0407 215 809.
Khao Pio & Jio Majani Life!!!
Yummolicious home cooked bhonu for all your Birthdays, Anniversaries, Get together or any Joyous occasion.
Some specialties: Great choice of mouth watering items
¾ Honey glazed chicken wings Fantastic value
¾ Patrani Macchi Guaranteed satisfaction of taste
¾ Sali Gosh/Margi Variety of cuisines
¾ Kheemo
¾ Butter Chicken
Cost depending on quantity and items required. Order for minimum 10 people and also per kilogram. For full menu please email [email protected] or contact Ronny: 0402 304 607; Beroz: 0422 632 607
196 Annangrove Road, Annangrove, NSW 2156. www.aza.org.au
Mehta puts the Australian musical diaspora through its paces with blistering results
Review by Steve Moffatt reproduced from Limelight http://tinyurl.com/oma4lqp
After a long standing ovation Zubin Mehta hushed and being in each other’s company.” the delirious Sydney Opera House crowd and, AWO founder and artistic director, Briger, backed by pointing to the orchestra behind him said: “Do you his uncle, the late Sir Charles Mackerras, launched realise what you’ve got here?” After a resounding the orchestra in 2011, flying in musicians from all “yes” from the audience, the 77-year-old maestro over the world. The sheer logistics of this undertaking added: “Don’t let go of them!” are staggering enough, but to hook a big fish like The 105 musicians he was referring to were the Mehta so soon after its inception defies belief. With Australian World Orchestra who are performing three his imprimatur on the outfit, who knows what the concerts – one in Sydney and two in Melbourne – as future holds for this band? a follow-up to their dazzling debut under conductor Two seminal works were chosen for this program. Alexander Briger two years ago. Made up of Stravinsky’s Rite Of Spring revolutionised music stalwarts from Australia’s orchestras as well as ex- when it was premiered 100 years ago. It still thrills pats working in Europe, Asia and America, the AWO with its pounding rhythms and daring harmonies, didn’t put a foot wrong in their sophomore tour and which still cause a frisson today. This work was the music just seemed to leap off the page. “They are Mehta’s choice and it is easy to see why. He brings such fine musicians,” Mehta told Limelight before the to it a visceral, exhilarating energy combined with concert. “Even if they haven’t all grown up with each crystal clarity. His rostrum manner is precise but other, they know the repertoire they are playing inside unfussy. Conducting from memory he conveys the out and they’ll have such fun playing with each other sense that the music is the thing. And what a rich
196 Annangrove Road, Annangrove, NSW 2156. www.aza.org.au opportunity this work provides for an orchestra to the work encompasses the world, from the famous lay out its wares. From the opening bassoon solo tentative cuckoo calls of the opening movement the woodwind section has a field day – p – this was to its joyful climax 53 minutes later. Again, under heady playing from the start. The twin timpanists Mehta’s baton, every note was made to count and this gave the Dance of the Earth section a deeply stunning orchestra responded in spades. The strings satisfying air of menace. amazed with a richness of texture regular Sydney If Stravinsky’s masterpiece had never sounded concertgoers rarely get to hear. better, more was to come in the second half. Briger Limelight Magazine dubbed the AWO’s 2011 concert had asked Mehta for a Mahler symphony and the best of the year by an orchestra. I have no qualms he chose the First – the Titan. Mahler’s debut in about doing the same for this 2013 tour – even though this form still amazes audiences – it’s as if he has the Royal Concertgebouw is waiting in the wings for emerged from the womb fully formed. In his words its late-November tour. In a word: matchless. An Iranian Odyssey - My trip to Zamin By Navroze Sethna
I visited Iran Zamin during the months of October I got to Iran with Emirates airlines. Since I was flying and November in the year 2012. from Australia this is the only viable airline that Iran (ancient Zarathushtrian) is the oldest and greatest will fly you to Iran. If you are going to Iran from a civilization in the world and is where the history of northern hemisphere country then Lufthansa airlines the whole world began. is a good choice. The Emirates flight to Iran stopped The tour of Iran over at Dubai and then I changed was organized by the Mazdayasnie Connection which is a non-profit organization based in Los Angeles. The tour guides were Silloo Mehta and Malcolm Bhesania. The Mazdayasnie Connection organizes two trips to Iran per year. The first trip starts in April and the second in October. Both trips last for 21 days and nights. This tour of Iran will take you to the main places the flight there to Tehran. of cultural activity in Iran. The places I visited Most of the accommodation was provided by the were Tehran, Alborz mountain range (including Parsian International group of hotels which are Mt Demavand), Namak Abrood and the Caspian present in many of the cities of Iran. The tour package coast (Mazandaran province), Zanjan, Hamadan, fee covers the cost of your accommodation whilst Kermanshah, Shahr e Kord (Bakhtiari province), you are in Iran. All accommodation in the hotels was Isfahan, Shiraz, Yazd and Mashad and Toos. in double rooms but if you are a single traveller you
196 Annangrove Road, Annangrove, NSW 2156. www.aza.org.au will most likely be given a double room to share with someone else that is present in the tour group. However, you can book for single room accommodation but this will cost you an extra 500 USD on top of the tour fee. The Parsian International hotels are all 4 to 5 star rated. The rooms were very comfortable with good shower and bath facilities. The balconies provided a good view of the city you were in. You will need to carry one or two socket conversion adapters as Iran is the Dar e Meher uses the European type electrical outlet socket. These Atash Kadeh and the Shah Behram Yazad Shrine. are essential for charging the batteries on iPhones The National Museum of Iran can also be visited and and digital cameras. Sometimes one of the power contains a few artefacts from the prehistoric times outlets in a room may not work so is very useful to and also some from Persepolis. The Golestan Palace, take a multiple power outlet board so that you can built by the Qajar kings is very big and worth seeing charge several electronic devices from one power as are the Crown Jewels at the Central Bank. outlet. Also try not to lock the doors on toilets and North of Tehran is located the Alborz mountain bathrooms if possible because sometimes the door range which is full of snowcapped mountains. In mechanisms get jammed and you may end up getting locked inside the room. Take a good quality torch with you as well because when going to public facilities in the dark you can easily trip over because of lack of lighting. this mountain range is found Mount There are many places to visit in Iran and it is a vast Demavand. This is a very beautiful mountain when country. Firstly in Iran there is the Rostam Bagh seen on a clear day and is of special mystical and Fire Temple in Tehran Pars. Also located in Tehran spiritual significance to Zarathushtrians. Also near
196 Annangrove Road, Annangrove, NSW 2156. www.aza.org.au this area are the Caspian Sea and the province of Here you can buy the world’s best saffron at a cheap Mazandaran. There is a popular tourist city called price. Near Mashhad is the ancient city of Toos and Namak Abrood in this area and you can take an aerial here you can experience the Shahnameh at the tomb tram ride to the Alborz heights. From the aerial tram of Firdaosi. The final part of the tour was a domestic ride you will see a lot of dense lush green forest. My flight from Mashhad to Tehran. tour group also visited the Ramsar Palace and Ramsar The last day in Tehran was spent seeing the Sadabad Hotel which belonged to the Reza Shah. or White Palace and the Green Palace which were In the Zanjan province there is the Atash Kadeh residential complexes of the Reza Shah. of Adar Gushtasp dating back to the Sassanian The Iranians are hospitable people and welcome era. The tour group also visited the Ganj Nameh anyone to their country. Most will welcome you cuneiform inscriptions of the great Achemanian into their homes and give you food to eat and also kings in Hamedan. The Ali Sadr cave which is the entertain you with music and Shahnameh recitals world’s largest water cave was also seen by the tour in the original Persian language. For entertainment group and is full of stalactites and stalagmites. In the the Iranians play their musical instruments and sing Kermanshah Province located on Mt Behistun is the Persian songs. In the evenings you can go shopping Behistun inscription from the Achemanian era and in in cities like Tehran and Isfahan and there are many the nearby area is the Taq e Bostan which is a series good quality restaurants there as well. of large rock reliefs from the Sassanian era. The city of Isfahan in Isfahan province has a huge People in Iran are in general friendly and polite. shopping square complex. Here you can buy all Because of the Islamic culture there, a man is not sorts of handicrafts, fabrics, scarfs and sweets. A allowed to shake a woman’s hand. A woman must famous poet of Iran by the name of Hafez has his wear at least a head scarf when going out on the tomb in the city of Shiraz. North east of Shiraz in streets and a man cannot wear shorts in public but the Fars province is the citadel of Persepolis and at T-shirts are allowed. In general it is best to avoid the Pasargadae World Heritage Site is the tomb of talking about religion or politics but you can talk to our most beloved Cyrus the Great. A tour of an old the local people about general things such as family, Sassanian building called The Palace of Ardashir work and recreational activities. Papakan was also done. The food in Iran is mainly rice with a selection from The city of Yazd is the capital of the Yazd Province meat, chicken or fish. In most restaurants the meal and is the centre of Zoroastrian culture in Iran. is usually served with salad and a drink. The cost There are some fire temples here but all of the Atash of eating in the restaurants was covered by the tour Dadgah status except for the Yazd Atash Behram fee but you can buy small food items from the small (not kept as a true Atash Behram). In Yazd Province shops. For example I bought a packet of salt and are the well known sites of Zoroastrian pilgrimage vinegar chips for 20,000 rials. The ice cream in Iran known as the Pirs. My tour group visited Pir e Banu, also tastes very good. Pir e Sabz and Pir e Harist. Near Pir e Sabz there is Lastly but most importantly, you should take as many also an old unused Dokhma. Yazd also has a thriving sticks of sandalwood with you as possible to give to carpet weaving industry. the fire temples in Iran. You will see a donation box From Yazd the tour group travelled by railway to in most fire temples. Try to give at least 100,000 rials Mashhad in the north east of Iran. or more if you can.
196 Annangrove Road, Annangrove, NSW 2156. www.aza.org.au Indian Government Scheme, Jiyo Parsi launced to to (NAE) in the US for his outstanding contributions to boost the population of Parsis industrial development in India and across the world. In a population of 1.2 billion in India, there are only about 69,000 Parsis. While the 2001 Census recorded Besides Tata, eight Indian-Americans have been a 21% decadal growth of the country’s population, inducted into the institute, considered among the the number of Parsis declined by about 12% each highest professional distinctions accorded to an decade since 1941. engineer. Through the Centre’s Jiyo Parsi scheme, Rs 10 crore will be spent over four years for a two-pronged Tata, the 75-year-old chairman emeritus of the Tata approach to reverse the population decline, including Group, has been inducted as a Foreign Associate. advocacy and medical assistance. Founded in 1964, the National Academy of “About 7% of the funds will be spent for counselling Engineering (NAE) is a private, independent, of the Parsi youth and their families for early nonprofit institution that provides engineering marriage, conceiving at the right time and training leadership in service to the nation. volunteers. The rest will be spent on detection and The NAE this year has elected 69 new members fertility treatment for married couples,” said Shernaz and 11 foreign associates, thus bringing the total Cama, director, Unesco, Parzor Project. US membership to 2,250 and the number of foreign To read the article, visit http://tinyurl.com/m5yagom associates to 211. To read the article visit http://tinyurl.com/jvsp38z Old charm in new colours Two structures that have been part of Mumbai for Barons of Banking about a hundred years, get a cheerful facelift and a In Barons of Banking: Glimpses of Indian Banking thumbs-up from Unesco History, Bakhtiar K. Dadabhoy revisits the story of India’s banking industry, beginning at the turn of The Marzban Parsi colony in Agripada and the the 20th century. Dadabhoy follows the careers of Royal Bombay Yacht Club in Apollo Bunder after six eminent bankers; Sir Sorabji Pochkhanawala, the two restored structures were given UNESCO Sir Purshotamdas Thakurdas, Sir Chintaman D. Asia-Pacific Heritage awards recently. The Mumbai Deshmukh, A.D. Shroff, H.T. Parekh and R.K. buildings were among 10 names chosen out of 47 Talwar. What emerges is a tapestry rich with entries from 16 countries. The recognition intends to anecdotes and data on how the industry developed encourage heritage conservation, a cause that is often and fared up till the early 1990s. overlooked in the region. Dadabhoy has previously authored Jeh: A Life of To read the article, visit http://tinyurl.com/jw8j6xg JRD Tata and Sugar in Milk: Lives of Eminent Parsis. In a section titled “Weathering the Storm”, the Ratan Tata inducted into civil servant talks about the banking crisis of 1913, National Academy of triggered in equal parts by greed, deceit, ineptitude, Engineering in US and the absence of a central bank. Leading industrialist Ratan Tata has been inducted into the prestigious National Academy of Engineering To read the article visit http://tinyurl.com/lhsvupc
196 Annangrove Road, Annangrove, NSW 2156. www.aza.org.au Recipes to Delight Spice it up this summer with some amazing recipes to delight the family through the holidays and beyond. Get creative and add your own secret ingredients to create an awe inspiring masterpiece.
Directions Add fried onion, tamarind paste, brown sugar and salt and fry for Heat the oil in a wok 3-4 minutes. Add the onions and saute until brown. Add fresh coriander and mint Add the cumin seeds, green leaves. chillies and ginger garlic paste. Saute for a minute. When the masala thickens add Add the liver, gizzard and salt. fried prawns, mix for 2 minutes Saute until the liver is cooked. Parsi Prawn and serve hot. Remove only the liver from the wok and keep aside. Serves 2 Cook the gizzard a little more with water and then add the liver Ingredients again. • Large prawns 300 gm Add the tomatoes and jaggery. • Oil for frying Cook until the mixture is • Oil 3 tbsp absolutely dry. • Onion 1 (sliced) Garnish with green coriander. • Garlic clove 4 – 5 (chopped) Serve hot. • Red chili powder 1 tbsp • Turmeric 1 tsp Aleti Paleti • Water ½ cup (Spicy chicken liver) • Tamarind paste 3 tbsp • Brown sugar 1 tsp Serves 4 • Salt as required • Fresh coriander ¼ bunch Ingredients (chopped) • Chicken Liver and Gizzard - • Mint leaves ¼ bunch 500 gms, cleaned, cut into 1/2 inch pieces Directions • Vegetable Oil as required Clean prawns. Heat the oil in a • Onions - 2, chopped pan and fry the prawns and keep • Cumin Seeds - 1 tsp aside. • Green Chillies - 2, slit • Ginger Garlic Paste - 1 tsp In other pan heat 3 tbsp oil and fry • Salt to Taste the onion till it gets golden. • Tomatoes - 1 tbsp, chopped • Jaggery - 1 tbsp, chopped Then fry garlic cloves, red chili • Green Coriander - 1 tbsp, powder, turmeric and water and chopped fry for 2-3 minutes.
196 Annangrove Road, Annangrove, NSW 2156. www.aza.org.au Member’s Column
This was hard for her to 2013. We all cherish her memories accept as a mother but through and pray to Ahura Mazda to take Change of Address determination overcame as she care of her in her new journey. Cyrus and Dhun Madon. also overcame her stroke in March Address: 1201/3 Cary Street, Drummoyne NSW 2047 Tel No: 02 9719 2990 (Home) 02 9719 2992 (work) Dr. Siloo Vohra Mobile (Dhun) 0433 190 233 Mobile (Cyrus) 0407 405 826 Cracks a Century Veera Ostowari “Dr Silloo Vora turned 100 on and for all of us, her family. She 17th August 2013! It was a great had the pleasure of having all her and memorable occasion for mum family of children, grandchildren
R.I.P. Mrs. Akhtar Farsi Ghadivi passed away on 3 October 2013 Mrs. Ghadivi was beloved mother of Pari Batha, mother-in-law of Aspi Batha and grandmother of Raity and Kaveh
Mrs. Akhtar Farsi Ghadivi had a strong belief in her Zoroastrian religion from her childhood as she had a difficult time during that period. She was always eager to help the community in whatever ways she could. It was her dream to start Dar-Gujusteh-Zarthost- Zarthost No Diso-which she initiated in the loving memory of her son Parviz who passed way due to M.S.
196 Annangrove Road, Annangrove, NSW 2156. www.aza.org.au and great grandchildren on this school and university students to home ever since. Mum is frail but wonderful milestone. Mum was keep her mind and body active. well and we hope that her good one of 6 siblings. In her day in Our memory of mum is one genes continue to support her. On Bombay, she was well ahead of of a very strong, hardworking, behalf of mum, we would like to the times. Mum was not only a tenacious and fun loving woman thank all our friends in the Parsi Doctor but was also a soprano who sacrificed much for her community who have known her singer and an accomplished family. She was known for and played a part in her life here, musician, playing several her good sense of humour and sharing many laughs and good instruments. She was the Medical outgoing personality. There was music. head of the Greater Bombay never a dull moment and she Cheers to cracking a century! Govt school health department certainly had a very full life! Her loving family. and retired in 1971. Her love Silloo Vora migrated to Australia for teaching led her to then tutor in 1982 and has called Sydney Kidz Korner Riddles By Farshid Khurshed
Q. Why was the maths book sad? Q. What tool do you use in maths? A. Because it had too many A. Multi-plyers. problems
Q. What US state has the most Q.How do you make one vanish? maths teachers? A. Add a ‘g’ to the beginning and A. Mathachussets it’s gone!
196 Annangrove Road, Annangrove, NSW 2156. www.aza.org.au Q. Why can’t a man living in New however, it was obvious that the up on the footpath, and stopped York be buried in Chicago? nephew was getting bored, and the centimeters from a shop window. A. Because he’s still living! uncle was running out of things to For a second everything went amuse him with. quiet in the cab, then the driver Q. What is the easiest way to Finally, the uncle had an idea. said, “Look mate, don’t ever double your money? “There’s no one around for miles, do that again. You scared the A. Put it in front of the mirror of why don’t you grab a gun, take daylights out of me!” course! the dogs, and go shooting?” This The passenger apologized and Q. When you have me, you feel seemed to cheer the nephew up, said, “I didn’t realize that a little like sharing me. If you do share and off he went, dogs in trail. tap would scare you so much.” me, you don’t have me. What am That afternoon, the nephew The driver replied, “Sorry, it’s not I? returned. “How did you enjoy really your fault. Today is my first A. A secret that?” asked the uncle. day as a cab driver - I’ve been Q. Why did the turtle cross the “It was great!” exclaimed the driving a funeral van for the last road? nephew. “Got any more dogs?” 25 years”. A. To get to the shell station. Two men were walking home Always self conscious of his lack after a Halloween party and of ears, whenever Bob would decided to take a shortcut through interview a future employee, he the cemetery just for laughs. Right would ask him “what do you in the middle of the cemetery, they notice different about me?”. If the were startled by a tap-tap-tapping employee would mention his lack noise coming from the misty of ears (which often they did), it shadows. would be a for sure “no” for the Trembling with fear, they found job. However if the employee an old man with a hammer and would mention something else, he Jokes chisel, chipping away at one of the would hire the guy. By Surosh Khurshed headstones. One year, at the yearly Holiday One day a mailman was greeted “Holy cow, Mister,” one of them business party, Bob approached by a boy and a huge dog. said after catching his breath. his most recent hireling and asked The mailman said to the boy, “You scared us half to death -- we him if he remembered the last “does your dog bite?” thought you were a ghost! What question he had asked him when “No,” replied the boy. Just then are you doing working here so late interviewing him for the job. the huge dog bit the mailman. at night?” “Sure I do” was his reply. “You The man yelled, “I thought your “Those fools!” the old man asked me what was different dog doesn’t bite!” grumbled. “They misspelled my about you and I said that you were “He doesn’t,” replied the boy, name!” wearing contact lenses.” “Of all “that’s not my dog!” things to answer”, Bob questioned A taxi passenger tapped the driver curiously, “why was that the thing A young man from the city went on the shoulder to ask him a you noticed?” “Well, to be honest, to visit his farmer uncle. For the question. it was quite simple. How could first few days, the uncle showed The driver screamed, lost control you possibly be wearing glasses if him the usual things - chickens, of the car, nearly hit a bus, went you don’t have any ears! cows, crops, etc. After three days,
196 Annangrove Road, Annangrove, NSW 2156. www.aza.org.au POSTAGE If undelivered, please reutrn to: SURFACE PAID 196 Annangrove Road MAIL Annangrove NSW 2156 AUSTRALIA Manashni
Print Post Approved PP 255003/0318