The practice of hoarding Trust flats by more than some community beneficiaries is, unfortunately, not uncommon in our Community. There are numerous Parsi families who continue living in exceedingly cramped and unhealthy environments because of their financial constraints, and to the horror of a dangerously dwindling population, many have chosen, for the same reason, to avoid getting married. It was for such community members that Trust flats were built and Baugs constructed by our philanthropic Parsi greats. It is these Parsis that deserve to be given Trust flats. But as we all know only too well, things stand differently today. A number of such residential beneficiaries keep unused flats locked for years, while they live elsewhere or abroad – there’s also a term coined for such flats – ‘Vacation Flats’. It only gets worse when beneficiaries end up owning and thereby misusing multiple flats. This comes at the expense of our not-so-fortunate fellow Zarthostic who are truly deserving of this benefit.

However, sharing a refreshing and exemplary act of goodness, a brother-sister duo, Jimmy and Sherry Ghaswala – who currently reside in Perth, Australia and who’s family were beneficiaries of one such Trust property – decided to return the flat to the BPP as an act of gratitude and grace. On 7^th August, 2018, Mr. Homi Dalal paid a visit to the BPP office to hand over the keys of the flat, as requested, which was the home of siblings –  Jimmy and Sherry Ghaswala. This is definitely the exception to the rule where a beneficiary has returned a Trust flat to the BPP, so that another Parsi family may benefit, in keeping with the true essence of why these flats were constructed in the first place.

The following is the e-mail dated 12th August, 2018, written by Jimmy Ghaswala, addressed also to BPP Trustees Kersi Randeria and Noshir Dadrawala, entrusting Homi Dalal with the return of the keys of the flat which was no longer in use by them, back to the Trust.

“Dear Homi Uncle,

Thank you very much for helping us to return the keys to our Papa Building Flat to Parsi Punchayet.  We appreciate the effort you have taken.  Ever since we have known you, we know that you are always ready to help people out in their time of need.

We would also like to thank Mr. Kersi Randeria and Mr. Noshir Dadrawala for their kind words.  We deserve absolutely no thanks for what we have done.  It is what I would expect every Parsi to do.  I say that because I am aware of what Parsi Punchayet have done for our family.  I still remember the joy that Mum and Dad experienced when they were successful in getting our home in Palm Lands.  

For approximately 23 years following their marriage, Mum and Dad survived in a cramped paying guest accommodation. Our first memories were of staying in a one room ‘paying guest accommodation’ in Dadar, which served both as a kitchen and bedroom!

As dad was the bread winner and busy at work, I remember Mum narrating to us kids how she regularly visited Parsi Punchayet offices to BEG the Trustees for a Parsi Punchayet flat. Even today, I vividly remember Mum praising one old gentleman Trustee (I forget his name) who was very helpful, and eventually was responsible for granting us the accommodation at ‘Papa Building’ in Mahim.

This was the first place we could call HOME, where we grew up and had stability for several decades.  My sister Sherry and I (and I know Mum and Dad would agree with us) are very grateful to Parsi Punchayet for giving us this opportunity to have a stable home in Mumbai.

It pains us to read your email below stating that there are 700 applicants even today on the ‘Waiting List’, just like Mum and Dad were from the 1950’s till 1970.  This is the VERY reason why we handed over the keys to Parsi Punchayet – so that another young deserving family can make it their home.  We wish them all the best and hope that they have decades of happiness living in Papa Building, just like we had.”

 

Excerpts from the mail written by Homi Dalal to Jimmy and Sherry Ghaswala on 8^th August, 2018:

“Yesterday I had been to Panchayat’s office to hand over the keys of your Papa Building flat. All the Trustees PRESENT were very happy of your generous action. Whilst I was waiting outside the Board room, I happened to talk to a few of the poor applicants. I was really moved how they are trying for a roof over their heads since years, giving regular visits to BPP’s office, literally begging for the allotment, week after week, month after month, and years after years! There are about 700 applicants on the pending list. I happened to meet an applicant who is staying in a 280 square feet flat with 6 members of the family!

 The present board, unlike previous boards, does NOT charge a single naya paisa from the applicant for allotting the flat in spite of very bad financial crunch face by BPP. The present trustees, after coming to power, have allotted 140+ flats so far, without any monitory consideration, to poor and needy. Special thanks to Kersi and Noshir. Your donation will not go waste and GOD is bound to bless you from above and your parents will be happy in heaven.” 

 

In doing so, Jimmy and Sherry Ghaswala have set the much-needed precedent for the rest of the beneficiaries, many of who choose to hoard and keep their flats locked even though they are not in use, or worse, are in possession of multiple flats for personal gains, thus violating the good faith and intention of the existence of Trust residences for the welfare of the community. Kudos to Jimmy and Sherry Ghaswala! We look forward to other community beneficiaries to follow in their footsteps, and simply do the right thing.

Have a good weekend!

– Anahita