A Parsi name and reference were sufficient
criteria for railway recruitment in the early 20th century
Parinaz Gandhi
From the vanguard they moved ahead. For a toehold on the trains they changed their name and destination. Over a hundred years ago, to be recruited by the British for a job in the railways was considered prestigious, as attested Parsi sexagenarians/septuagenarians/octogenarians and nonagenarians who deemed themselves members of the "railway family.” They had witnessed their fathers/grandfathers flash their bronze/silver/gold cards that entitled them to privileges. There have been several instances of two generations from the same family or siblings being recruited by the British for railway service on the recommendation of a senior. Parsiana will feature those who served......