One Man’s Surprising Will Gives a Second Life to 135-Year-Old Animal Hospital
The Bombay Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BSPCA) and Bai Sakarbai Dinshaw Petit Hospital both were left with 15 percent of the estate for repair work of the hospital.
Vidya Raja
Philanthropists who help organisations during their lifetime are often lauded and written about. But what about after their demise?
We bring you the story of Parvez Minoo Mistry, a businessman who, even after his death, has ensured that many trusts and organisations benefit from his estate.
Isn’t that something worth applauding?
Parvez drew up his will dated April 17, 2009. According to the will, he left 50 percent of his residuary estate (amounting to almost Rs 1.5 crore) to 12 different trusts in the city. For example, The Bombay Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BSPCA) and Bai Sakarbai Dinshaw Petit Hospital both were left with 15 percent of the estate for repair work of the hospital.
On June 7, 2009, two months after he made his will, Parvez passed away. After the required court proceedings, the will’s executors Rustom Dalal and Mehernosh Currawalla handed over Rs 45 lakh to the hospital on January 18, 2017.
Built in 1883, this animal hospital has some wards that have not been repaired even once since then. This animal hospital renders medical care for sick and injured animals and birds. It is a charitable hospital, which survives on donations by generous patrons.
Colonel (Dr) J C Khanna, secretary and in-charge of the hospital, said, “Almost every structure in the hospital is more than 100-years-old, in a dilapidated condition and require urgent repair work. As there is a lot of woodwork, there were termites, which would cause infections in the animals. We were desperately looking for the donations for the repair work and when we received the donation, we started the work immediately,” as reported by Mumbai Mirror.
This hospital treats on average treats 10,000 animals annually. While these include dogs and cats primarily other animals are also treated at this facility. With the donation of Rs 45 lakhs coming in a lot of repair work has started at the hospital.
As of now, the money is being spent on reconstruction of the pet and card ward, repairing the animal birth control ward, adding new operation tables, and the construction of three toilets for doctors and visitors, and repair of the post-surgery ward room roof.
Here’s hoping many more people come forward and support these creatures, big and small.
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