Freedom fighter and scholar of Parsi-Gujarati literature, 80-year-old Dr Dharmendra M. Master was felicitated by the Zoroastrian community of Ahmedabad on September 14, 2006 at the residence of industrialist A. S. Medora. Dr Ratan R. Marshall of Surat, who presided, was also felicitated on the eve of his 93th birthday.
Best known for his four-decade long research on Parsi poet A. F. Khabardar, Master was presented a Sanman Patra written by scholar Noshir Dabu. In his address Master spoke of the generosity of Parsis and the pioneering work done by them in the fields of art, literature, industry and journalism. He also read out a poem, Parsi Kaum ni Seva (Serving the Parsi community) written by him.
Master, whose PhD thesis was on poet Khabardar, is Convener, National Poet Khabardar Centenary Publications. He has written books in both Gujarati and English on varied subjects. Some of these titles are: Kavi Khabardar na Gadhlekho (Rs 120), Chaimika Kavi Khabardar na Pranikavyo (Rs 80), Sanchyika Kavi Khabardar na Uttam Kaviyano Sangrah (Rs 150), Parsi Rangbhoomi na Geeto (Rs 100), Manuraj — Natak (Rs 80), Kavi Khabardar na Patro (Rs 70) which are all in Gujarati. His English titles are: Resthouse of the Spirit (Rs 15), Leaf and Flowers (Rs 50) and Migratory Birds (Rs 60).
The author feels Zoroastrian libraries, schools, colleges and other institutions should purchase these reasonably priced books by sending money orders covering the cost of the books along with postal/courier charges of Rs 60 to: Dr Dharmendra M. Master, A/31 Par-svanath Towers, Subhas Chowk, Guru-kul Road, Memonnagar, Ahmedabad 380052.