The Shirinbai Dinsha Mody Hostel for Parsi Women in Worli was established in 1953 to provide Parsi girls and women, mostly from Gujarat, accommodation while pursuing academic and professional careers in Bombay. Today, the 70-year-old building is in need of renovation for which the Mody Hostel Trust lacks adequate funds.
Shirinbai Dinsha Mody Hostel for Parsi Women; inset: Shirinbai
Founded at Sleater Road by Meher F. S. Talyarkhan, the initial small facility was inadequate to meet the demand. The philanthropic Mody family provided funds for capital expenses and maintenance of the Mody Hostel in a two-storeyed building in Worli which can accommodate 70 to 80 women. The Hostel has 14 airy rooms on each floor with attached bathrooms. There are drying and ironing rooms on each floor, a study room on the second floor, a dormitory and dining hall on the ground floor. Hostelites are provided meals at nominal rates.
Former residents of the Hostel who had benefitted greatly from the facilities have, with the consent of the trustees, started an initiative to raise funds for the renovation. Yasmine Dastoor and Phiroza Patwa, with assistance from Filly Bapuna are managing the project. However, as the funds they have garnered are insufficient, we appeal to community trusts and individuals for donations.
Donations may be credited to the Mody Hostel bank account by direct transfer or by cheque in the name of "Shirinbai Dinsha Mody Hostel for Parsi Women.” Please contact Dastoor (tel: +91 9820341890) for further details.
Dr NEVILLE A. MEHTA
Chairman, Mody Hostel Trust