Twenty-eight "beautifully furnished” rooms are "now ready to welcome a new generation of young Parsi women” at the renovated Shirinbai Dinsha Mody Hostel for Parsi Women in Bombay’s Worli. Reopened with a jashan and lunch for its well-wishers and alumni on April 21, 2024, the trustees of the Mody Hostel Trust say that the transformation is more than just a facelift. It "signifies the community’s unwavering dedication to its heritage and future generations,” stated chairman Dr Neville Mehta in a note to Parsiana.
A cornerstone for outstation working women for over seven decades, the Hostel’s aging structure had long awaited an overhaul. "Subsidized rates for residents meant operational losses, forcing the Hostel to rely on a generous corpus from the Mody family and trustees, supplemented by community donations,” stated Mehta. Former residents of the Hostel "realized that it was time to give back to the Hostel and rallied together to help in collection of funds,” stated Mehta.
One such key fundraiser and administrator of the renovations was Yasmine Dastoor. She later told Parsiana she had spent 18 years at the Hostel from 1980 onwards. Originally from Udvada, and a student at Ajmer where her father practiced as a priest, Dastoor says she was roped into the project by community activist Filly Bapuna whose sister had been a resident of the Hostel. "I took the lead to mobilize funds with permission from trustees… I supervised the entire renovation, liaising with contractors… The project took nine months to complete…Though it was tough at times I enjoyed doing the project.” Dastoor said she garnered a total of one crore rupees (USD 119,760) from appeals, including Rs 11 lakhs (USD 13,171) from ex-residents, which comprised a significant portion of the cost of renovations.
Above: Dr Neville Mehta; top: well-wishers of Shirinbai Dinsha Mody Hostel, Yasmine Dastoor at ext l;
2nd row, from l: Mody, refurbished exterior and interior views of Hostel
The project required strengthening of the exterior façade, renovation of the bathrooms and toilets, painting and polishing of furniture, new electrical fittings, some new furniture, additional amenities for residents like a new refrigerator, a water cooler. The kitchen and dining area have been "fully revamped,” said Dastoor. A large, airy study room is available, as are facilities on each floor for drying and ironing laundry. Plug points to charge laptops and phones are available in each room and in common areas, and closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras have been installed.
A total of 60 to 70 women can be accommodated. The revised tariff for triple sharing rooms with attached washrooms is Rs 6,000 per month whereas for double sharing rooms with attached toilets, it is Rs 9,000 per month. Meals are included in the tariff for which they have engaged a new caterer.
The Hostel needs finance for its running expenses. Dastoor stated, "We were able to renovate the Hostel with mobilization of donations but (we) need to maintain the facilities. Considering the nominal fees charged, we appeal for community funds.” Those who wish to donate to the Trust may contact Dastoor on 9820341890.
Neville Mehta’s co trustees are Darayus Mehta and Darayus Vajifdar. F. J.