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Mankind’s first Prophet

Mankind’s first Prophet

Zarathushtra. The Story of the First Prophet on Earth by Kety K. DadyBurjor. Published in 2012 by Vakils, Feffer and Simons Private Limited, Industry Manor, Appasaheb Marathe Marg, Prabhadevi, Bombay 400025. Pp: 38. Price: Rs 250.

 

"When I wished to tell the story of Zarathushtra to my grandsons Mishal, Ayaan and Armaan, I could not find material that was simple enough for them to understand and enjoy. Therefore I decided to write and illustrate this book for them and for children of all faiths to enjoy the wonderful story of the first Prophet on earth," mentions author Kety K. DadyBurjor in the Preface to her book.

In his Foreword Dastur (Dr) Peshotan H. Mirza describes the author as "a retired teacher who taught English language and literature as well as fine and commercial art. This rare combination has resulted in the production of this book." Indeed this reflects in the contents as the text is lucid, the color illustrations attractive and evocative. Starting with the miracles and wonders of the Prophet’s early years, the story progresses to journeys and quests on the road to enlightenment while teachings and truth deals with the spreading of the divine message. A Glossary of Avesta terms adds value to the book. Glossy art paper and clear, large typefaces make the book visually appealing to young and old alike.

Dedicated to the author’s parents and grandparents, the book has been sponsored by the Maneckji Cooper Education Trust, Central Bank of India, Cymroza Art Gallery and Shiamak J. Marshall. DadyBurjor expresses her gratitude to Mirza for valuable insights, to Noshir Dadrawala who provided her reference material on which she based the book and Adi F. Merchant who was her "sounding board" and helped her with the text.