Parukh Dharamshalla

The F. S. Parukh Dharamshalla, a much needed initiative of the Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP), situated at Khareghat Colony, Hughes Road, is a boon for the senior citizens of our community.
Ninety percent of the residents are housed totally free of cost. They do not have to pay for any of their requirements such as accommodation, meals, clothes, linen, diapers, toiletries, laundry services, services of a barber, etc.
Medicines prescribed by the doctor appointed to take care of the senior citizens of the Dharamshalla are also supplied free of cost. Hospitalization, if required, is at no cost at The B. D. Petit Parsee General Hospital. Medical equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, surgical beds and side-tables are also provided.
Many of the senior residents need constant medical supervision as well as help with basic tasks like bathing and using the toilet. A few of the residents are immobile and restricted to their beds.
For entertainment there are television sets in each ward. Every month some entertainment program is organized to keep up the spirits of the residents.

Entertainment programs at the F. S. Parukh Dharamshalla

The Dharamshalla has a capacity of about 100 persons, including some paying residents who are provided separate rooms. All the facilities are available for paying residents at a nominal cost of Rs 7,000 per month, which does not include the expenses of a caretaker such as a ward assistant. The residents are housed in separate wings for men and women.
Residents are provided wholesome, nutritious meals. Some meals, however, are sponsored by donors.
It requires enormous funds to run a home of this magnitude smoothly and efficiently. Salaries need to be paid to staff, including a doctor, nurses, manager, assistant manager, supervisor, cooks, ward assistants, a liftman, etc. In order to maintain the premises in an ultra-clean and hygienic condition, there is huge expenditure on the upkeep, repairs and maintenance, which includes two lifts, furniture, fixtures, electricity bills and appliances.
All these facilities are provided with the support of the BPP and through generous donors. A Ladies Advisory Committee looks after the needs of the residents and generally oversees the running of the Dharamshalla. The Committee members, managers and support staff ensure that the sunset years of the residents are their "golden years,” and that they remain respected members of the community.
We hereby appeal to you to donate generously to support our 175-year-old community institution. Donors may credit the bank account directly if they so wish. To donate contact pdharmshala@gmail.com for bank details, etc.
Your largesse will go a long way in making the lives of our seniors more comfortable.

ARMAITY TIRANDAZ
Chairperson, Bombay Parsi Punchayet