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Coomi Wadia & Areez Khambatta Conferred Padma Coomi Wadia & Areez Khambatta Conferred Padma Shri Awards 2023 On the eve of India’s Republic day, two Parsis are amongst those who are conferred the Padma Awards.

The Padma Shri awards are conferred to Areez Khambatta (posthumously) and Coomi Nariman Wadia

Areez Khambatta was conferred in the field of Trade and Industry and Coomi Wadia in the field of Arts.

Parsi Khabar congratulates the family of Late Areez Khambatta and also congratulate Coomi Wadia for this fantastic achievement.

More about Areez Khambatta :

Rasna founded by Areez Khambatta is one of India;s leading brand and available across the length and breadth of the country and also available is 53 countries. Rasna has 9 manufacturing plants with ISO 22000-2005, 26 depots, 200 super stockists, 2000 stockists, 3000 sub-stockists, 7 regional offices and available in 1.6 million outlets. The company and the brand are recipient of innumerable awards and accolades.

Khambatta started India’s original start-up by creating the world-famous Rasna brand, which today also quenches the thirst of millions of Indians at an affordable price point of Rs 1,

More About Coomi Nariman Wadia:

Coomi Wadia is recognised internationally as a conductor of choral music, as a judge at music competitions, and for her definitive first performances of new music from across the world, especially from India.
On the eve of India’s Republic day, two Parsis a On the eve of India’s Republic day, two Parsis are amongst those who are conferred the Padma Awards.

The Padma Shri awards are conferred to Areez Khambatta (posthumously) and Coomi Nariman Wadia

Areez Khambatta was conferred in the field of Trade and Industry and Coomi Wadia in the field of Arts.

Parsi Khabar congratulates the family of Late Areez Khambatta and also congratulate Coomi Wadia for this fantastic achievement.

More about Areez Khambatta :

Rasna founded by Areez Khambatta is one of India;s leading brand and available across the length and breadth of the country and also available is 53 countries. Rasna has 9 manufacturing plants with ISO 22000-2005, 26 depots, 200 super stockists, 2000 stockists, 3000 sub-stockists, 7 regional offices and available in 1.6 million outlets. The company and the brand are recipient of innumerable awards and accolades.
Khambatta started India’s original start-up by creating the world-famous Rasna brand, which today also quenches the thirst of millions of Indians at an affordable price point of Rs 1,

More About Coomi Nariman Wadia:

Coomi Wadia is recognised internationally as a conductor of choral music, as a judge at music competitions, and for her definitive first performances of new music from across the world, especially from India.

At a time in history when female conductors were rare even in the West, Coomi Wadia was blazing a trail as India’s first female conductor  She rose to prominence with her innate talent and musical brilliance, bringing home the 1st prize for Overall Excellence at the IX International Choral Song Festival in Poland way back in 1974 Today at 89 years of age, she has been the Music Director and Conductor of the Paranjoti Academy Chorus for 55 years since the demise of founder Dr. Victor Paranjoti in 1967.  She was a woman on a mission: to introduce new western choral music into India and open the eyes of the West to the beauty and sonorities of Indian music.
She was a woman on a mission: to introduce new western choral music into India and open the eyes of the West to the beauty and sonorities of Indian music.  For western audiences it was exciting and ground-breakin...
Repost from @thefezana FEZANA is saddened to hea Repost from @thefezana 

FEZANA is saddened to hear about the passing away of Byram Avari, the leader of the Parsi community in Karachi and Pakistan and one of it's greatest businessman. 

Byram Uncle's contribution to the community we're tremendous and his presence shall always be missed. 

Garothman Behest to his ruvan and many condolences to his family and friends. 

With deep sorrow we announce the passing away of our dear beloved,

Byram D Avari

Husband of Goshpi Avari,
father of Dinshaw, Xerxes and Zeena
in Karachi on Sunday, January 22nd 2023.

Paidus / Funeral prayers will be held at Khorshed Villa,

inside the compound of Beach Luxury Hotel

at 1pm on Monday, 23rd January 2023,
followed by Sarosh prayers at sunset
on Monday and Tuesday, 23rd / 24th January 2023
Rustom Baug Is 100 Years Old Well done, bawa! Rust Rustom Baug Is 100 Years Old Well done, bawa! Rustom Baug smashes a tonne Byculla’s 32-building Parsi housing enclave set to celebrate 100th birthday with year-long events planned by grateful residentsBuildings are being lit up at Rustom Baug. Pics/Atul KambleThe landmark Rustom Baug Parsi Colony in Byculla East marks a historic 100 this year. Celebrations begin for the residential enclave’s smashing century with a Thanksgiving Jashan (prayer) on the evening of Saturday, January 14, followed by a Khushali-no-Melavdo, which, roughly translated, means a get together.Article by Hemal Ashar | Mid-Day An excerpt from the invite to the first of year-long events reads: ‘We are so excited and proud to inform you that 100 years ago, the gates of Rustom Baug opened up for the Zoroastrian community, thanks to the unconditional benevolence of Bai Jerbai Wadia. This legacy was increasingly maintained by the Wadia family’. In a corner of this invite are three lines that are germane to the spirit of the celebrations: ‘Gratitude for our past; Celebrating our present; Enriching our future’.Lights onGratitude is key for Rustom Baug Welfare Association (RBWA) President Burzis Taraporevala who has lived in the colony for 64 years. “We are blessed. I want youngsters to know how fortunate they are. We can never forget Jerbai Wadia and the Wadia family philanthropy,” he said.Rustom
Through a lens, gently The city premiere of Divya Through a lens, gently The city premiere of Divya Cowasji’s film next month will showcase the best and brightest—and last—of Parsi theatre’s singing stars

Veteran stars Bomi and Dolly Dotiwala (centre) practising with young dancers and singers

Article by Meher Marfatia | Mid-Day

Sparkling, tender, bittersweet, honest, here’s a film tumbling headfirst into the creative chaos of rehearsals, capturing up close and personal the rumbunctious rapport and superb spirit backstage among Parsi Gujarati theatre’s leading lights. The Show Must Go On, by photographer-filmmaker Divya Cowasji, preserves for posterity their last hurrah. 

This second film, after her documentary Qissa-e-Parsi picked up the National Award in 2015, is the inaugural production under the Bhai Bahen Films banner with her cinematographer-filmmaker brother Jall. Nominated for the 2019 ARRI Volker Bahnemann Award for Outstanding Cinematography, he has edited The Show Must Go On.

Rehearsal shot of golden couple, both on and off stage, Ruby & Burjor Patel

From premiering at Film South Asia in Kathmandu last April, to receiving a standing ovation at the International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala, to winning Best Documentary at the Logcinema Theatre on Films Festival in Buenos Aires and being selected to open the International Film Festival of India in Goa, The Show Must Go On has reached far beyond its filmmakers’ expectations.
Turmoil for Residents of Hong Kong House in Malcol Turmoil for Residents of Hong Kong House in Malcolm Baug, Jogeshwari Mumbai The below is an article by esteemed journalist Nauzer K. Bharucha on the happenings at HongKong House in Malcolm Baug, Jogeshwari, Mumbai.WHEN PARSI FAMILIES ARE BULLIED BY THEIR OWN
IS THE N M WADIA CHARITIES A COMMERCIAL ENTERPRISE?
Some wealthy, influential Parsis controlling Parsi charitable trust properties cannot be allowed to get away with their high-handed, whimsical behaviour. They need to be called out and exposed when they threaten, bully and coerce Parsi families living peacefully in community housing complexes. As many as 30 families residing in Hong Kong House at Malcolm Baug, Jogeshwari, many of them for over two decades, have been forced to sign patently one-side leave & license agreements by the trustees of N M Wadia Charities headed by former high court judge Shahrukh Kathawalla. Some of the traumatized families who met me recently say their rents (license fees) have increased by a shocking 5 to 9 times. Some of the residents are retired, some are on the verge of retirement, and others are single mothers and elderly widowed ladies. They have told me that the larger, insidious plan could be to force them to vacate their flats (for which they have paid 50% to 80% of the market value as deposits and donations when these flats were allotted to them years ago). It is learnt that some of the bungalow owners of Malcolm House too have been asked to shell out crores of rupees by the trust to renew their lease.
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Coomi Wadia & Areez Khambatta Conferred Padma Coomi Wadia & Areez Khambatta Conferred Padma Shri Awards 2023 On the eve of India’s Republic day, two Parsis are amongst those who are conferred the Padma Awards.

The Padma Shri awards are conferred to Areez Khambatta (posthumously) and Coomi Nariman Wadia

Areez Khambatta was conferred in the field of Trade and Industry and Coomi Wadia in the field of Arts.

Parsi Khabar congratulates the family of Late Areez Khambatta and also congratulate Coomi Wadia for this fantastic achievement.

More about Areez Khambatta :

Rasna founded by Areez Khambatta is one of India;s leading brand and available across the length and breadth of the country and also available is 53 countries. Rasna has 9 manufacturing plants with ISO 22000-2005, 26 depots, 200 super stockists, 2000 stockists, 3000 sub-stockists, 7 regional offices and available in 1.6 million outlets. The company and the brand are recipient of innumerable awards and accolades.

Khambatta started India’s original start-up by creating the world-famous Rasna brand, which today also quenches the thirst of millions of Indians at an affordable price point of Rs 1,

More About Coomi Nariman Wadia:

Coomi Wadia is recognised internationally as a conductor of choral music, as a judge at music competitions, and for her definitive first performances of new music from across the world, especially from India.
On the eve of India’s Republic day, two Parsis a On the eve of India’s Republic day, two Parsis are amongst those who are conferred the Padma Awards.

The Padma Shri awards are conferred to Areez Khambatta (posthumously) and Coomi Nariman Wadia

Areez Khambatta was conferred in the field of Trade and Industry and Coomi Wadia in the field of Arts.

Parsi Khabar congratulates the family of Late Areez Khambatta and also congratulate Coomi Wadia for this fantastic achievement.

More about Areez Khambatta :

Rasna founded by Areez Khambatta is one of India;s leading brand and available across the length and breadth of the country and also available is 53 countries. Rasna has 9 manufacturing plants with ISO 22000-2005, 26 depots, 200 super stockists, 2000 stockists, 3000 sub-stockists, 7 regional offices and available in 1.6 million outlets. The company and the brand are recipient of innumerable awards and accolades.
Khambatta started India’s original start-up by creating the world-famous Rasna brand, which today also quenches the thirst of millions of Indians at an affordable price point of Rs 1,

More About Coomi Nariman Wadia:

Coomi Wadia is recognised internationally as a conductor of choral music, as a judge at music competitions, and for her definitive first performances of new music from across the world, especially from India.

At a time in history when female conductors were rare even in the West, Coomi Wadia was blazing a trail as India’s first female conductor  She rose to prominence with her innate talent and musical brilliance, bringing home the 1st prize for Overall Excellence at the IX International Choral Song Festival in Poland way back in 1974 Today at 89 years of age, she has been the Music Director and Conductor of the Paranjoti Academy Chorus for 55 years since the demise of founder Dr. Victor Paranjoti in 1967.  She was a woman on a mission: to introduce new western choral music into India and open the eyes of the West to the beauty and sonorities of Indian music.
She was a woman on a mission: to introduce new western choral music into India and open the eyes of the West to the beauty and sonorities of Indian music.  For western audiences it was exciting and ground-breakin...
Repost from @thefezana FEZANA is saddened to hea Repost from @thefezana 

FEZANA is saddened to hear about the passing away of Byram Avari, the leader of the Parsi community in Karachi and Pakistan and one of it's greatest businessman. 

Byram Uncle's contribution to the community we're tremendous and his presence shall always be missed. 

Garothman Behest to his ruvan and many condolences to his family and friends. 

With deep sorrow we announce the passing away of our dear beloved,

Byram D Avari

Husband of Goshpi Avari,
father of Dinshaw, Xerxes and Zeena
in Karachi on Sunday, January 22nd 2023.

Paidus / Funeral prayers will be held at Khorshed Villa,

inside the compound of Beach Luxury Hotel

at 1pm on Monday, 23rd January 2023,
followed by Sarosh prayers at sunset
on Monday and Tuesday, 23rd / 24th January 2023
Rustom Baug Is 100 Years Old Well done, bawa! Rust Rustom Baug Is 100 Years Old Well done, bawa! Rustom Baug smashes a tonne Byculla’s 32-building Parsi housing enclave set to celebrate 100th birthday with year-long events planned by grateful residentsBuildings are being lit up at Rustom Baug. Pics/Atul KambleThe landmark Rustom Baug Parsi Colony in Byculla East marks a historic 100 this year. Celebrations begin for the residential enclave’s smashing century with a Thanksgiving Jashan (prayer) on the evening of Saturday, January 14, followed by a Khushali-no-Melavdo, which, roughly translated, means a get together.Article by Hemal Ashar | Mid-Day An excerpt from the invite to the first of year-long events reads: ‘We are so excited and proud to inform you that 100 years ago, the gates of Rustom Baug opened up for the Zoroastrian community, thanks to the unconditional benevolence of Bai Jerbai Wadia. This legacy was increasingly maintained by the Wadia family’. In a corner of this invite are three lines that are germane to the spirit of the celebrations: ‘Gratitude for our past; Celebrating our present; Enriching our future’.Lights onGratitude is key for Rustom Baug Welfare Association (RBWA) President Burzis Taraporevala who has lived in the colony for 64 years. “We are blessed. I want youngsters to know how fortunate they are. We can never forget Jerbai Wadia and the Wadia family philanthropy,” he said.Rustom
Through a lens, gently The city premiere of Divya Through a lens, gently The city premiere of Divya Cowasji’s film next month will showcase the best and brightest—and last—of Parsi theatre’s singing stars

Veteran stars Bomi and Dolly Dotiwala (centre) practising with young dancers and singers

Article by Meher Marfatia | Mid-Day

Sparkling, tender, bittersweet, honest, here’s a film tumbling headfirst into the creative chaos of rehearsals, capturing up close and personal the rumbunctious rapport and superb spirit backstage among Parsi Gujarati theatre’s leading lights. The Show Must Go On, by photographer-filmmaker Divya Cowasji, preserves for posterity their last hurrah. 

This second film, after her documentary Qissa-e-Parsi picked up the National Award in 2015, is the inaugural production under the Bhai Bahen Films banner with her cinematographer-filmmaker brother Jall. Nominated for the 2019 ARRI Volker Bahnemann Award for Outstanding Cinematography, he has edited The Show Must Go On.

Rehearsal shot of golden couple, both on and off stage, Ruby & Burjor Patel

From premiering at Film South Asia in Kathmandu last April, to receiving a standing ovation at the International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala, to winning Best Documentary at the Logcinema Theatre on Films Festival in Buenos Aires and being selected to open the International Film Festival of India in Goa, The Show Must Go On has reached far beyond its filmmakers’ expectations.
Turmoil for Residents of Hong Kong House in Malcol Turmoil for Residents of Hong Kong House in Malcolm Baug, Jogeshwari Mumbai The below is an article by esteemed journalist Nauzer K. Bharucha on the happenings at HongKong House in Malcolm Baug, Jogeshwari, Mumbai.WHEN PARSI FAMILIES ARE BULLIED BY THEIR OWN
IS THE N M WADIA CHARITIES A COMMERCIAL ENTERPRISE?
Some wealthy, influential Parsis controlling Parsi charitable trust properties cannot be allowed to get away with their high-handed, whimsical behaviour. They need to be called out and exposed when they threaten, bully and coerce Parsi families living peacefully in community housing complexes. As many as 30 families residing in Hong Kong House at Malcolm Baug, Jogeshwari, many of them for over two decades, have been forced to sign patently one-side leave & license agreements by the trustees of N M Wadia Charities headed by former high court judge Shahrukh Kathawalla. Some of the traumatized families who met me recently say their rents (license fees) have increased by a shocking 5 to 9 times. Some of the residents are retired, some are on the verge of retirement, and others are single mothers and elderly widowed ladies. They have told me that the larger, insidious plan could be to force them to vacate their flats (for which they have paid 50% to 80% of the market value as deposits and donations when these flats were allotted to them years ago). It is learnt that some of the bungalow owners of Malcolm House too have been asked to shell out crores of rupees by the trust to renew their lease.
Parsi Khabar is saddened to hear about the passing Parsi Khabar is saddened to hear about the passing away of Frene Noshir Ginwala, a leading freedom fighter in South Africa, and the first speaker of an independent South Africa.
Our dear friend Zerbanoo Gifford, President of the World Zoroastrian Organization, knew Frene well; and shares her thoughts on Frene and her passing.
Frene Ginwalla was a great soul. Respected for her steadfastness to see the end of the barbaric apartheid regime that illegally ruled South Africa from 1948 to 1994.  Frene was my heroine. Her death has left me numb. You believe that human rights warriors never die they live forever.  In a funny way they do. Frene will live forever in the hearts of all those that fought the horrors of apartheid and those that endured those terrible years of vicious racism.  Frene's life was magnificent. She gave her whole self to fight the apartheid regime of South Africa and she finally won. 
Hers was not an easy life although it could have been. Frene, could have lived comfortably.  She was rich and as she was so fair that no one would have challenged her in racist South Africa. She could have passed as a Persian as they were classified as white by the Apartheid regime who at the time needed Persian oil to survive. Not Frene, who understood how racism devalues life and she decided to see the end of it.  She never tried to pass off as white or anything else. She had the confidence to be her own woman. 
Frene came from a wealthy and cultured Zoroastrian family.  Her grandparents went to Africa as traders and prospered , owning the largest cotton gins in the southern hemisphere. During the Second World War Frene was holidaying in Bombay and so stayed there and was educated at a Catholic school. Later she went to Britain to sit her university exams.  Brilliant, by the age of 14 she went to Canada to study chemical engineering. Allergic to some chemicals Frene could not work as a chemical engineer  and so returned to Britain to study law. After quali
Bhonu to pick: An RTI effort is reviving lost Pars Bhonu to pick: An RTI effort is reviving lost Parsi recipes At Mumbai’s Sir Ratan Tata Institute, dishes from the distant past are being archived and served up on seasonal and monthly menus. These include British-era Continental desserts and unlikely combinations such as mango and meat

PREMIUM The RTI Rewind menus have featured dishes such as Bharuchi Mutton, a slow-cooked stew made with cashew, milk and dry fruit.

Article By Riddhi Doshi | Hindustan Times

When Manek Pithawalla started working in the kitchens of the Sir Ratan Tata Institute (RTI) 30 years ago, Parsis would bring their own tiffin boxes to the Mumbai eatery, so they could pick up dhansak, khichdi and frilly fish cutlets to take home. Those who opted for the institute’s packaging (aluminium boxes) had to bring the boxes back, washed and cleaned.

Pithawalla is now 56. She still works at RTI, which is now 94, with seven outlets across Mumbai. The Institute was founded in 1928 by Navajbai Tata, wife of the first Ratan Tata (who was the son of Tata Group founder Jamsetji Tata). Its mission was to offer Parsi women a way to earn a living from their cooking, stitching and embroidery.

The number of dishes on offer when RTI opened was about double what’s on offer now, Pithawalla says. The women cooked gigantic portions without referring to any written recipes. Then tastes changed, demand for some dishes dwindled, competition grew, and the RTI menu was whittled down to a list of puffs, pastries and staples.

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Parsi Khabar is a portal of information about Parsis and Zoroastrians, appearing on the world wide web everyday.

The main objective of the site is to inform the public about news articles referencing Parsis. From time to time, there shall be opinions, commentaries, and announcements.

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