Funds for new fire temple

The New Bombay Zoroastrian Association Charitable Trust is in the process of building an agiary/dadgah, a community hall, charitable dispensary, old age home and other structures in New Bombay to meet the religious and social needs of our ever growing Zoroastrian community.

We have been recently allotted a plot by CIDCO (City and Industrial Development Corporation) of 850 sq m for the purpose, the total cost of which works out to Rs 63 lakh (including stamp duty and registration). However, even if we use up all our investments and bank deposits we will have just Rs 42 lakh. The undersigned has already contributed over Rs 20 lakh, The Framji H. B. Settna Legacy Trust through the good offices of Rustom J. Vakil has donated Rs 10 lakh, The Sir Shapoorji Burjorji Broacha Charity Trust through the good offices of Kety Mehta has contributed one lakh and an additional amount has been raised by the Zoroastrian residents of New Bombay as well as sundry community members from around the world.

We still have a shortfall of Rs 21 lakh to be able to pay for the plot. A fellow Zoroastrian has assured us that he will build an agiary at his cost and manage and maintain it provided we name it after his family, to which our trust is agreeable.

We appeal to all Zoroastrians to contribute whatever they can so that our dream of having an agiary/dadgah in New Bombay becomes a reality. No amount of donation will be too small for us.

We will be erecting three marble tablets, each showing the names of those donating Rs 50,000 and over, Rs 1,00,000 and above and Rs 2,00,000 and more. Our Trust is also willing to name any of the various structures like community halls (two floors), charitable dispensary, public library, priests’ quarters, kathi godown, old age home, etc as per the wishes of large donors (Rs 10 lakh and above).

The amount of Rs 63 lakh has to be paid to CIDCO on or before October 31, 2011. At the most, we can endeavor to get an extension of 30 days. Cheques in Indian rupees may be drawn in favor of the "New Bombay Zoroastrian Association Charitable Trust” and sent to the same at Plot-179, Lane-F, Sector-8, Vashi, New Bombay 400703, India. Tel: +91 22 27821239 (preferred) or +91 9869016730. Donors are eligible for deduction of 50 percent from their taxable income under section 80G of the Indian Income Tax Act.

SHARUKH MAHIAR DOCTOR

President/managing trustee

New Bombay Zoroastrian Association Charitable Trust

Vashi, New Bombay