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The "tin shed… a happy place for colony residents…. It has been our adda (meeting point) for recreation, indoor games and functions for the past 30 years… The endeavor was always ongoing to make it a permanent structure,” stated Khushmeher Sodawaterwala, wife of the (B. S.) Panthaki Baug Welfare Center (PWC) president Zubin. That endeavor fructified when a 1,200 sq ft brick and mortar facility was inaugurated on August 18, 2024.

A group of "overwhelmed colony elders, enthusiastic youth and excited children” attended the inaugural function. Thanks to the perseverance of the managing committee and the involvement, funding and support from local politicians, the facility will host indoor games — table tennis, carom, chess and draughts as well as taekwondo and religious classes, she noted. The premises may also be rented to residents for parties, stated Khushmeher who hosted the function and sent Parsiana a write-up on the event and the background of the pavilion. 

At the inauguration, Zubin and PWC secretary Eric Lath expressed gratitude to the Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) trustees and also to the late member of the legislative assembly (MLA) Ramesh Latke. Latke had a few years earlier initiated discussions on the project, which was later taken up by his family and party members. The varadhyu (auspicious offering) for this occasion was carried by PWC committee member Yasmin Panthaki along with Baug resident Delnaz Irani. The festive rangoli was made by Delnaz Batliwala, also a Baug resident, wrote Khushmeher.

In attendance were BPP chairman Viraf Mehta and trustees Armaity Tirandaz and Anahita Desai "who enhanced the event by their support and inspiring words,” MLA from Andheri East, Rutuja Latke, wife of the late Ramesh with senior Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray) party member Manohar Panchaal and their teams. "Their kind words and praise for the committee as well as residents was humbly received,” noted Khushmeher. 

"No funds (were received) from BPP,” said Khushmeher. The pavilion was built by the MLA’s team from party funds… They sent their contractors… The cost is not known to us.”

Previous committee members Kurush Wadia and Mahiyar Khambatta who contributed to the effort were thanked, as were "pioneers of the Welfare Center who were its backbone since the 1980s, Noshir Karanjia, Aspi Khatow and late Parvez Driver.” Twelve-year-old Gianna Mistry thanked Rutuja in Marathi on behalf of the colony children, which was "very well received.” Besides Zubin, Lath and Panthaki, other committee members include Percy Dangore, Shahrokh Bulsara, Zubin Elavia and Farhad Mogal.

A thanksgiving jashan performed by Ervads Aspi Desai, Farhad Mogal, Mehernosh Panthaki, Mehernosh Subedar and Jouyan Panthaki, all Baug residents, "harmoniously created good vibrations all around,” noted Khushmeher.

The Baug has 14 buildings housing about 275 families. Established in 1969, with the PWC formed in 1984, the Baug delayed its golden jubilee celebrations till December 2021 on account of the pandemic (see "Panthaki Baug is 50,” Events and Personalities, Parsiana, February 7-20, 2022).  

"Wholehearted support”

Hoping for a recreational facility "since the 1980s,” and after continued collaboration with BPP, the colony was given permission to construct a temporary pavilion in 1992, noted Khushmeher.  "Years passed, the seasons wore away the metal sheets of the pavilion” but the resolve of the residents persisted. Khushmeher stated. "The elders who championed the idea, some of them still had the dream and some are no longer here… The youth of yesteryears have become middle aged and the next generation is now ready to access the advantages of a permanent pavilion.” She said that "a few years ago, a new PWC committee was able to revive discussions with local political parties and the BPP.”  This time, wholehearted support was available. Over a period of a year-and-a-half the discussions, permissions and plans were all in place and once the green signal was given, the new permanent pavilion was built in five months. 

Parsiana queried Viraf Mehta why the facility was 40 years in the making. "Not sure. Previous trustees could answer that,” he responded. Trustee on the previous board Noshir Dadrawala responded, "Not too sure… I think there was issue of permission, location and funds.”  Erstwhile chairman Dinshaw Mehta stated it is always up to the welfare centers of every colony to lead the construction of a pavilion, if needed. "The Punchayet may support to an extent.”

Speaking to Parsiana on September 11, Zubin stated that efforts for a club house started as soon as the PWC was formed. Every time they raised the issue with BPP, it was felt that a road passing through the colony that was in the city’s development plan may prove an obstacle to getting permission for a permanent structure. Reportedly, when then BPP chairman Jimmy Guzder visited the colony, he okayed a temporary structure, which was put up almost immediately with the efforts of colony residents, he stated. "Whenever we raised the issue of a permanent structure later, the same objections were raised — about permissions... it was fortuitous that our Pervez Driver knew Latke,” stated Zubin. 

Zubin stated that scion of the endowing family, Jehangir Panthaki provided funds, reportedly via the Poona-based industrialist family, the Poonawallas, for strengthening the Baug’s boundary wall. 

On their turf!

The spanking new pavilion comes shortly after the inauguration of a 5,000 sq ft new football turf ground on January 7, reportedly the only colony in Bombay to have an astro turf. Seeing 35 children sign up for football classes conducted by colony resident Khushroo Zaiwalla, the PWC committee started seeking options and plans for a professional turf ground. Colony resident Marzee Kerawala and his family generously sponsored the project, "the first of its kind that we have seen among colony donors,” stated Khushmeher. Inaugurated by Marzee’s mother Persis, the inauguration function included a jashan, prize distribution for an earlier indoor sports tournament and an inaugural game of football. Khushmeher stated that the ground is being used for football training "optimally,” and also for box cricket tournaments.

Speaking to Parsiana on September 4, Zubin said, "We feel very fulfilled when the plans and initiatives transform into reality…We are very fortunate to have guidance from our senior citizens and also from the youth and children who wholeheartedly come forth in large numbers for participation and contribution in any initiative.” Lath corroborated: "Ultimately, it’s about the people of our colony and it’s great to see how all these facilities are bringing young and old out of their homes to enjoy time with each other… The bawa spirit of giving, caring, majaa-masti (fun and games) and sport thrives today in Panthaki Baug.” 

Zubin was on the PWC committee from 1988, when he was 17, until 2005. A period of lull followed, during which events were held sporadically, until 2019 when Lath and he got together to discuss a revival plan. "They brought some likeminded people together and took over the management from the remaining two-three committee members and that’s how PWC committee 2.0 was formed,” explained Khushmeher.

She noted, "Other ongoing colony initiatives are a monthly paper-collection activity… Recently a fortnightly religious class has been started, conducted by Yasmlin Panthaki where nearly 35 to 40 participants show up early on alternate Sunday mornings.”

Ongoing and future projects on the table for the Baug are road repairs; renovation and beautification of the well (tiling work on the outside wall, a new stand for lamps, netting to prevent leaves falling in) and proper playground facilities, noted Khushmeher. How are these projects to be funded? Parsiana queried. "All projects are initiated by PWC and sometimes are very partially funded by BPP… Mostly all money is raised by the colony…Our well is partially funded by BPP but road repair and playground are funded by colony residents and sponsors approached by PWC.”