Readers' Forum
WZO-India’s appeal
I read an "appeal” of the World Zoroastrian Organisation (WZO)-India carried in the Jam-e-Jamshed of July 15, 2012 where they have sought Rs 1.2 crores for redoing the Bharda House building in Udvada.
Having been a member of the WZO Youth Wing — which was disbanded years ago because of extreme politicking by the parent WZO committee — I happen to know about the history of this place which had been gifted to the Youth Wing by a generous family of Udvada. We planned to convert it into an old persons’ home and a group of young members managed to totally refurbish this fine but dilapidated building at a reasonable cost of seven lakh rupees. We were, however, discouraged from pursuing our plan by the parent committee, which took over Bharda House after the Youth Wing was disbanded and left it to rot all these years.
Rs 1.2 crores is an exorbitant amount for a village like Udvada where any such plan can be implemented at a fraction of the amount.
Apart from the Katila Boarding Lodge for Parsis with modest means, the WZO Youth Wing had also created a museum on Udvada at the Dasturji Kayoji Mirza Hall at a total expenditure of Rs 1.25 lakhs. Some time later, the parent WZO spent Rs 27 lakhs just to buy the property in which they finally opened another museum on Udvada and which no one now visits since it is so out of the way.
After this expensive purchase, property prices in Udvada shot up to absurd levels. They will spiral even more once the Rs 1.2 crore building comes up. The WZO has proposed to replicate the Katila Lodge model at the Bharda House, a worthy proposal, but at a staggering cost. The community has the right to know how a sum like Rs 1.2 crores will be spent on a single project.
FARHAD BHATHENA
farhad.bhathena@gmail.com
Rusi Bhumgara, president, WZO-India, responds:
It is WZO-India’s policy not to respond to mails where the name of the sender is not disclosed. (When forwarding letters for reply to the concerned party Parsiana does not disclose the name of the writer. This is to prevent any personal allegation being made on the author and preclude any pressure being brought on the party to withdraw the letter. When publishing the letter the name is always carried. Parsiana makes every effort to ensure the letter is sent by a bona fide person. — Editors.) In our community there are jealous/disgruntled people who try to bring disrepute to any organization even if they are doing good work. Ours is a reputed organization whose audited accounts are given out to all (over 2,500) members at every annual general meeting. We are also answerable to all our members/donors.
When we finish the project it will be there for all to see and appreciate. This new building will be offered at a low cost to all deserving Zarthoshtis (particularly low income individuals) who wish to pay homage to the holy Iranshah. The cost of construction will be at par with any comparable building in Udvada built recently or being built now.
Bharda House was transferred to WZO-India’s name only two months back. The WZO Youth Wing which was initially offered this building had not carried out proper documentation or repairs, which is why it was rotting for so many years. The agreement was faulty because of which we lost considerable time and money to rectify past mistakes.
I appeal to community members to participate in this worthy project. Bharda House, which was gifted to WZO-India by Gool Bharda and her family, needs to be re-constructed from plinth level.
Since the past 11 years WZO-India has been running Katila Lodge which is a stopover point for those who wish to visit the holy Iranshah where accommodation is given at a very nominal charge of Rs 40 per day (it was Rs 20 in 2001). This place has only four rooms and will continue serving the community in future.
WZO-India proposes to re-construct Bharda House and make 12 to 16 self contained rooms with modern amenities which will be given to Parsi/Irani Zarthosthis coming to visit Iranshah, at a reasonable cost. Efforts will be made to also provide meals at reasonable rates. Visiting Iranshah is becoming more and more expensive. Our aim is to provide decent facilities at affordable rates.
The total cost of construction is in the range of Rs 80 lakhs to one crore. We have received a munificent donation of Rs 20 lakhs from a well-wisher and construction of boundary wall has commenced. However, we require more funds to carry out the project. We appeal to all philanthropists, individuals, corporate houses, organizations and institutions to donate generously to this worthy cause which will benefit majority of families in the community.
We are willing to list the names of donors who donate above Rs 1,00,000 on the marble plaque. Also, for donation of Rs 10,00,000 a separate granite plaque will be placed above the room.
For further details please contact: Rusi Bhumgara (president) on 9819186687 or Nozer Meherji (vice president) on 9820070364.
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