Funds for Dastoor Baug

The Dastoor Khurshedji, Bai Avanbai and Cawasji Dastoor Memorial Trust Dharamsala, known as Dastoor Baug, situated in the vicinity of the sacred Iranshah Atash Behram at Udvada, is a very well known retreat for Parsis visiting that town. It was constructed for the benefit of the Parsi community by Behmanshah Cawasji Cooper (Dastoor) in memory of the late Dastoor Khurshedji and Behmanshah’s parents, Avanbai and Cavasji Dastoor.

The dharamshala was closed down in 2003 as a result of major structural breakdown requiring urgent repairs. We, the third generation of Avanbai and Cavasji Dastoor, who are the present trustees under the leadership of our president, Ratoo Dara Dastur, took it upon ourselves to reconstruct the dharamshala. We intended to bring down the current structure and raise a new building with modern amenities. After consulting some leading architects, the plan for new construction was worked out at an estimated cost of Rs 17 to 19 lakhs.

Various appeals for donations were published in our community weekly, and local and foreign trusts were approached. Unfortunately, the target could not be achieved. So the plan for a new construction was temporarily shelved, and it was decided to repair and renovate the old building using the donation amounts received.

Above: Dastoor Baug, before and after repairs. Below: The shabby kitchen (left) and its new look (right)

The estimate for the repairs to the old building was quoted at Rs 11 to 12 lakhs. But, using the available funds of Rs 7.65 lakhs received, we managed to temporarily renovate and repair the building. Also, many donors had contributed in kind by way of furniture and fixtures. We were able to reopen the dharamshala on November 10, 2006.

The Dharamsala still lacks attached toilets and baths (as compared to similar establishments in Udvada) and the entire upper floor which is made of wood is already making creaking sounds disturbing the ground floor passengers. The ceiling of the kitchen area will require urgent replacement after the next monsoon, as the contractors fear it will not be able to withstand the floor weight for long.

The Trust also has vacant land attached to the building. It is our dream to build a new wing of the dharamshala there as soon as we receive fresh funds. We are approaching various trusts and organizations to help us in this project. We once again appeal to all Zoroastrians in India and abroad to help us in this endeavor.

RATOO DARA DASTUR, president, BEHMANSHAH COOPER, JAMSHED DASTOOR, ZAVAHIR DASTOOR trustees, MERVANJI DASTOOR, honorary secretary,

The Dastoor Khurshedji, Bai Avanbai and Cawasji Dastoor Memorial Trust (Dastoor Yaadgiri Trust)