On 26th January, 2024, the Parsi social media network was all abuzz with videos and pictures displaying the absolutely impoverished and helpless condition of a family comprising a brother and sister, Mitra and Gershasp – both senior citizens, residing on the ground floor, in Contractor Baug.

Mitra was seen lying on the floor, unable to stand on her own. It was learnt that she has been sleeping and living on the floor as she was rendered physically immobile, since over a year now. Though Gershasp has been trying his best to look after his sister, it has been a downhill battle for them both. They hadn’t bathed in months and the brother was suffering a severe skin infection.

The Contractor Baug Welfare Association contacted WAPIZ and BPP trustee Anahita Desai, as in the past WAPIZ has helped countless senior citizens in similar situations through their ‘Helping Hands for Seniors’ project. WAPIZ Trustees – Anahita and Karyesh Patel immediately visited the siblings and were crestfallen to see the destitute and unhygienic condition, in which they were  living – while Mitra was listlessly lying on the floor in need of a diaper-change, Gershasp was in a completely dishevelled state; the house was completely hoarded with junk and dust and infested with bed bugs. An ambulance was immediately called and Mitra was taken to Parsi General Hospital, accompanied by WAPIZ Chairperson – Meher Panthaki.

Fortunately, her vitals were normal but her knee X-rays taken due to her inability to walk, were diagnosed by Dr. Soonawalla, as suffering from acute arthritis. With no medical grounds to admit her to the hospital, Team WAPIZ was told to take her back to her home. This was not a workable option.  Anahita Desai then thought it a good idea to have her stay at the BPP-run Parukh Dharamshala, where she also serves as a Trustee. After getting the go-ahead from her fellow Trustees, Mitra was taken to Parukh Dharamshalla, where the staff gave her a warm and loving welcome. Within an hour, she was bathed, groomed, provided new sadreh and other clothing, along with a nighty, towel, bedsheet and was fed nutritious food. Her brother was also served lunch. She is currently staying at Parukh Dharamshala.

Next morning, Anahita and Karyesh took on the laborious task of organising the cleaning of the house, alongside Team WAPIZ, which has been selflessly serving the community, especially its seniors and those in need. WAPIZ informed Parsi Times that after the flat will be cleared of all the junk and dirt, it would then be fumigated to get rid of the bed bugs and other potential disease-causing pests. WAPIZ will also refurbish the house with new mattress, chairs, furniture and household items, new kusti and clothes, and a tiffin service will be started for the siblings. Medical help will also be rendered to the brother and a house-help will be organised to sweep and swab the home to maintain cleanliness and hygiene in the flat.

Kudos to Team WAPIZ for always coming through for the less fortunate community members in genuine need. Those who would like to volunteer and help clean up the premises, scheduled for Saturday (today) and Sunday, are welcome to join hands with the ‘Helping Hands for Seniors’ project. For details, contact Karryesh Patel: 9820113791