My Prophet Asho Zarathushtra Spitama, Primer and Activity Book by Ervad (Dr) Ramiyar Karanjia. Published in 2012 by Ahunavar Academy, 651-52, Firdausi Road, Parsi Colony, Dadar, Bombay 400014. Pp: 42. Price: Rs 130.
Lavishly illustrated by Firoze (Phil) D. Avari, this is Ervad (Dr) Ramiyar Karanjia’s second book in the series My First Steps to Zarthoshti Religion targeted at making religious education attractive for children. The first in the series was titled Ahura Mazda My God. These books are published by Ahunavar Academy run by Havovi, Ramiyar’s wife. In his Foreword the author expresses his gratitude for "her support” and to a "well wisher” for partly sponsoring the production costs in memory of his in-laws Perin and Viraf Dehnugara. Karanjia also acknowledges the enthusiasm of Ervad Cyrus D. Sidhva in designing the book.
The slim volume provides knowledge about the life of Prophet Zarathushtra, mentioning his lineage, titles and divine mission. A chapter each deals with his birth, childhood, divine revelation, his early struggles and arrival at the court of King Vistasp, progressing to the spread of the religion and covering the Prophet’s last days. Later chapters deal with his family and ascension. Each chapter concludes with an "activity” component — word games and associations — to create interest in the reader and increase comprehension of the facts provided.
The art paper publication is attractive, with each page printed in a different color. It should prove useful for Zoroastrian parents to inculcate knowledge about the religion, something which is taking a backseat among the younger generation in an increasingly cosmopolitan world. With Karanjia hoping "to bring forth more books in this series with the blessing of Ahura Mazda” readers have more such interesting and enlightening works to look forward to. The book is available at the Dadar Athornan Institute, tel no: 24138086.