The annual Dae mah jashan of the Bai Shirinbai Cama Convalescent Home in Bandra was performed by priests of the Tata Agiary on June 2, 2013. An email report sent to Parsiana by community historian Marzban Giara mentions that Cama’s grand nieces Dr Shirin Homi Mullan and Kashmira Gundevia, who were present on the occasion, were felicitated by the trustees of the Home and presented with flowers.
Bomi Dabhoiwalla felicitates Roda Bhagwagar
(L-R): Kashmira Gundevia, Shirin Mullan, Dinaz Choksey
Mullan recalled that Cama was a powerful personality, a strict disciplinarian. The determined lady would visit the homes of wealthy Parsis to obtain donations for noble causes. Cama founded two convalescent homes for Parsis, one for women and children in 1903 and another for men of the community, in 1932, both located facing the sea in Bandra, then known as the queen of Bombay’s suburbs. Over the decades hundreds of men, women and children have benefitted, recouping their health there by availing of the benefits offered, Giara writes.
Following the jashan the inmates and guests were treated to snacks with falooda and icecream prepared by Dilbur Pestonji, superintendent of the Home. Managing trustee Sam Choksey and trustee Bomi Dabhoiwalla take an active interest in its running, the email reveals.
In an interesting aside Giara provides valuable historical information on the founder and her family. Born on August 4, 1857, Cama was the daughter of Sorabji Burjorji Kharshedji Jassawala and the wife of Mancherji Dosabhai Hormusji Cama. Educated at the Fort School under the Parsi Girls’ School Association, she was later sent on a tour of the UK and European countries where she gained valuable experience. Her motto was: "To serve one’s people is to serve God.” Cama passed away on June 2, 1936 at the age of 78. In 1933, her nephew Sorabji Jassawalla and his wife Banoobai started the Cama Montessori and Primary School, Tardeo in her honor. Following their demise, their daughter-in-law Maharukh has been running the 80-year-old School with the cooperation and guidance of Amy Behram Doctor, her husband’s sister, Giara writes.