WZO centers for seniors

A sad but stark reality in our community is that in many families senior citizens either live all alone in small flats or else as many as three generations live together in small flats. This is in no way conducive for senior citizens to spend the evening of their lives in peace and tranquility. Out of this reality was born our dream to do something tangible and positive for our senior citizens. It was our good fortune that the trustees of Bai Maneckbai P. B. Jeejeebhoy Deed of Settlement Fund too shared this dream with us.

The culmination of the common vision shared by the WZO (World Zoroastrian Organisation) Trust Funds and the trustees of Bai Maneckbai P. B. Jeejeebhoy Deed of Settlement Fund resulted in the creation of our Bai Maneckbai P. B. Jeejeebhoy Centre for Senior Citizens in Navsari opening its doors in the service of the community 10 years ago on January 6, 1998.

With growing popularity and patronage it was not long before we realized the need to expand the existing facilities. The biblical saying "cometh the hour, cometh the man” proved accurate. Rena and Behram Baxter of the USA arrived on the scene. After just one visit to the institution they gave a commitment to fund the construction of another similar institution. We were very fortunate to procure property on the same street as our existing Centre and link them up from the rear. The Dolat and Hormusji Vandrewala Senior Citizens Centre became a reality on December 15, 2005.

Our residents spend their golden years in comfortable surroundings, reflecting on memories of days gone by, mingling in the company of contemporaries, enjoying games, picnics and going on annual outings to Udvada and Sanjan, doing their own thing with worries and stress a thing of the past.

Senior citizens relax at the WZO centers in Navsari

Savor what some of our residents have had to say: "Here we feel absolutely at home living like one big family. In the village that we come from our neighbors were all non-Parsis and some were very violent and abusive in nature. It is a welcome change living with our own people in a clean and cultured environment,” say a retired medical representative and his wife. A single lady who has lived at the home since 1998 adds: "I am so well looked after over here, I never feel lonely.” Another resident, a single male, who was in his heyday a professional musician and sports enthusiast feels, "Here I am very happy and comfortable. I go for walks, watch television and pray. What else would you expect a man of my age to do?” An energetic 82-year-old who zipped around Navsari on his own moped, visiting friends and doing odd jobs as an electrician exclaims, "Most people go to heaven after they die. We are lucky to be in heaven here during our lifetime!”

The health of our residents being one of our prime concerns, we remain alert to their well-being. Arrangements have been made for quality medical care and hospitalization, when required. A sick bay has also been created to look after those afflicted by minor ailments.

Our charges are not only moderate and flexible, depending on the economic condition of our residents, but have been constant since we opened, remaining at Rs 3,000 per month for a single room, including boarding and lodging. Charges for other rooms depend on the economic condition of residents. Several economically challenged residents are provided the services gratis. Irrespective of their subscriptions no distinction is made and the facilities enjoyed by all residents remain on par. For this we are most grateful to the trustees and administration of Sir Ratan Tata Trust for their largesse over the years in funding the day-to-day running of our institutions. It is only on account of their support and that of other donors, big and small, that we have been able to provide quality services to residents.

Our happy band of residents symbolize the truth echoed by Robert Browning in his immortal words: "Come, grow old along with me!/The best is yet to be,/The last of life,/For which the first was made.”

The WZO Trust Funds may be contacted at Shanti, 5th floor, 6 Banaji Street, Fort, Bombay 400001 and the Senior Citizens Centre at Pinjar Street, Malesar, Navsari 396445.

DINSHAW TAMBOLY

Chairman, WZO Trust Funds