For community care

Over 90 people attended a khushali nu jashan performed by Ervads Noshirwan Tata and Rayan Dastur of Tata Agiary at the Shirinbai Cama Convalescent Home in Bandra on the evening of June 10, 2012. A minute’s silence was observed in memory of Kersasp Haradhwala, the former administrator who had passed away some months earlier. Mehelli Bomanbehram now holds the post.

Community historian Marzban Giara informed Parsiana by e-mail that present at the ceremony were trustees and inmates of the Home. Yasmin Charna, Marzban Mehta and Marazban Wadia along with Parsi boarders from the Bai Avabai Petit Girls’ School entertained the audience with music and songs. This was followed by snacks prepared by Dilbar Pestonji, manager of the Home.

Described as "an oasis of peace of tranquility” for Parsi Irani Zoroastrian men, women and children the Home is managed by a board of trustees comprising chairperson Kety F. Mehta, managing trustee Sam S. Choksey, Kersasp H. Dadinatha, Rusi N. Sethna, Bomi F. Dabhoiwalla, Nadir A. Modi and Farokh K. Kavarana. Founded by social worker Shirinbai Mancherji Cama over a century ago, the present building on Byramji Jeejeebhoy Road was built with a generous donation of Rs 65,000 from Lady Frainy Dhunjibhoy Bomanji in memory of her husband, late Sir Dhunjibhoy Bomanji, Giara writes.

(Clockwise, from l): Cama Convalescent Home; attendees at jashan; Marazban Wadia; singing of monajats

The facilities at the Home include free accommodation with all meals for poor and middle class Parsi Irani Zoroastrians. Special rooms with attached bath are available at a nominal charge. A doctor visits once a week and free medicines are provided for inmates. A television set in the reception room provides entertainment, while the large sea facing balcony enables inmates to exercise, pray, read newspapers or play indoor games like carom, cards or housie. The Home has a suggestion box and notice board. Music programs, jashans and occasional outings are arranged for residents. Thousands of members of the community have availed of the Home’s facilities to regain health and vitality after illness, surgery or accident, Giara writes. Those wishing to go there may contact the manager between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. on tel 26423727 or 26456116, or write to her at the Shirinbai Cama Convalescent Home, 56, Byramji Jeejeebhoy Road, Bandra (West), Bombay 400050.