Charitable Chinoys

The Parsi Dharamsala, Secunderabad was originally the home of the late Khan Bahadur Edulji Sohrabji Chenai, the first of the illustrious line of Chinoys of Secunderabad and Hyderabad. He donated his home to the community in 1886 so that travelers could avail of inexpensive but comfortable lodgings while in that city for work or business. Over the years the building had fallen into disrepair and Boman Mirza, a member of the family, mooted the idea of repairing the residential quarters of the dharamshala, according to a write up sent to Parsiana by Mithi Chinoy.

Top: the renovated dharam­shala; Above(left): the Chinoy clan; trustees Roshan Patel, Behram Mistry, (seated), Homi, Darius and Sohrab Chinoy at the opening

The trustees of the Khan Bahadur Edulji Sorabji Chenai Trust, however, decided that it would be preferable to renovate the building. Not only that, it was decided that funds for the entire venture would be drawn from the Chinoys alone. Members of the family in Secunderabad, other parts of India and abroad willingly and generously donated for the purpose, notes the write up. Even those who were not trustees came forward with ideas and suggestions. Homi J. Chinoy supervised the building activity, Khoti S. Chenai helped in the planning and clearing out of old lumber, shopped for new things and willingly took on much of the responsibility while Goolbanoo Y. Chenoy, president, Parsi Zoroastrian Anjuman of Secunderabad and Hyderabad, provided valuable tips regarding the building of the new rooms.

Jashan to bless the new Parsi Dharamsala, Secunderabad

The dharamshala block was formally inaugurated on December 27, 2006 with a jashan, the clicking of many family photographs, laughter, camaraderie and a celebratory traditional Parsi dinner. The family’s oldest member, Mithoo K. Coor­lawalla, who had specially come from Bombay for the event, was invited to inaugurate the building, along with Soona Boman Mirza. Extolling this act of charity, Roshan M. Patel, the senior­most trustee, said: "Edulji (Sohrab­ji Chenai) would have liked and approved” of it, adding that the family regards philanthropy as an important duty owed to Ahura Mazda and gives freely of its wealth for the betterment of the community in the twin cities.

The four new fully furnished rooms with all modern conveniences — each one can easily accommodate a family of four — are available at affordable rates. Located in the heart of town, nestled between two agiaries, eateries and shopping centers, the dharamshala has already been host to travelers since its formal opening and it is hoped that more Parsis will use it in future, Chinoy adds.