A new 16-studio, ground-plus-one-storey, Healing Touch, Senior Citizens Home at Village Garade, 23 kms from downtown Poona, has been started by ex-merchant navy officer Capt Adi Mistry on March 5, 2022. At present nine seniors are set to reside in the apartments that are "fully furnished with everything from toilet paper to geysers,” he notes. Facilities include a big recreation room, with a 48-inch television set and "almost all basic indoor games… The land has a long walkway, with huge trees, all along the roads… We plant about 300 trees every year,” Mistry stated. Wife Khurshid manages the staff.
Clockwise from above: Khurshid and Capt Adi Mistry; seniors at a meal;
interior and exterior view of Healing Touch
Rooms are available at a predetermined price, and mostly on sharing basis. "The basic amount starts with about Rs 36,000 per month and gradually comes down to Rs 18,000 per month for long-term residents,” noted Adi. "This can reduce further if we get donations… We can increase the number of senior citizens by building more infrastructure, as I have more plots.”
"I have already invested about four crore rupees to fulfill my mother’s (Shera) dream, wish and command,” the 72-year-old Adi stated. "Dikra kai bhi karé tau buddha o né sambhaaljé, dua laagsé (Whatever you do, take care of the elderly… you will receive their blessings),” the senior lady reportedly told Adi. "I have prospered… séva karu tau su khottu chhè (what is the harm in serving)?” he told us.
Mistry may be contacted on 9822209752; Healing Touch, At and Post Village Garade, Gat. No 2313/1, Taluka Purandar, Dist Poona, 412301. F. J.