A Tribute to Mrs. Scylla R. Vatcha – A Woman of Substance.
Heroes get remembered, but legends never die; dear Scylla donned her ethereal robes on 17th March 2020 to progress to the higher realms where she will for eternity be held in Divine Embrace.It was 30 years ago in 1990 that Bachi & I were blessed to have met Scylla for the very first time at a social function at the residence of late Thrity & Homi J. H. Taleyarkhan at Mumbai. It was a year when the two of us had just begun to conceptualise setting up a Public Charity Trust that was predominantly intended to support poor Zoroastrians (mainly agrarians) residing in the villages of South Gujarat in abject poverty.
Our meeting up with Scylla was indeed a red letter day in our lives and by extension also for very many other community members in diverse areas of need.
The World Zoroastrian Organisation Trust became operational in 1991 at which time we depended mainly for the most part on the largesse of Scylla. Her response was always with alacrity and laced with generosity.
Interacting and working closely with her was an education in itself. It was through our regular meetings and exchange of ideas with her that we learnt from her example that the essence of philanthropy was not all about money, but about feeling the pain of others and caring enough about their needs and helping them.
The support extended to the WZO Trusts was phenomenal and enormous. In addition to providing regular support such as providing assistance to poor farmers, replacing huts into cottages, she very generously extended support towards various major projects:
a) The Athornan Mandal – WZO Trust Funds Young Full Time Mobeds Scheme was started due to the donation of Rs.90,00,000 (Rupees ninety lakhs) given by her in 1995-1996. Till the time of writing 75 Mobeds continue to receive support from the income of the fund.
b) The WZO Trust Funds ‘Self-Employment Scheme’ was conceptualised in association with her; she funded Rs.100,00,000 (Rupees one crore) each for a period of 5 years – 1995 through 1999 – on the condition that amounts by way of ‘interest free financial support’ be extended to Zoroastrians wishing to be gainfully self employed with repayments being recycled. The result of this initiative has been 1156 Zoroastrian individuals spread over 123 rural and urban locations having received supported to kick start modest businesses and be gainfully self-employed. As at end March 2019 the amount of Rs.500,00,000 has been recycled to Rs.208,611,543 and been instrumental in changing the lives of many.
c) The WZO Trust Funds Bai Maneckbai P. B. Jeejeebhoy Senior Citizens Centre at Navsari that became operational in January 1998 was established due to her vision. The complete expense from purchase of property, construction and fully furnishing the institution was made available through her. The institution has evolved into a leading community centre where 55 mobile senior citizens reside, spending the evening of their lives in a vibrant atmosphere, free from stress.
d) Many individuals donate their old ancestral houses at Navsari to The WZO Trust Funds, which are demolished and comfortable apartment blocks constructed at nominal rents. From the 18 such buildings that have been constructed so far, 7 have been funded from the funds made available by dear Scylla.
e) The Sanatorium at Sanjan is the result of a munificent donation received by the WZO Trust Funds from Scylla of Bai Maneckbai P. B. Jeejeebhoy Deed of Settlement Fund. The Sanatorium became operational in 2001 and has over the years become a popular retreat for community members. The Sanatorium at Sanjan is a palatial bungalow, comfortable rooms radiating with understated elegance, a huge front yard where a beautiful garden, the like of which is rarely seen, is always in full bloom, the backyard has a planned mango orchard, coconut trees growing along the boundary, palm trees and many others all combine in harmony to create an ambience without parallel. The pollution free environment complements the trees, the flowers and the fauna.
Scylla was a visionary who believed that philanthropy lies at the heart of human greatness. Her generosity was the outward expression of her inner attitude of compassion and loving kindness towards economically and physically challenged and elderly human beings in different forms of distress.
Being extremely meticulous and forward thinking, Scylla though no longer physically in our midst, had planned well before her passing to the higher realms, the philanthropic work that she started and the legacy she created would continue without hiccups. Her daughter in law Persis having worked very closely with Scylla over the years during her life time, the transition has been smooth, seamless, continuing and effective.
Scylla embodied what Buddha said “No true spiritual life is possible without a generous heart. Generosity allies itself with an inner feeling of abundance – the feeling that we have enough to share”.
Scylla will always be remembered by the thousands of those whose lives she touched so brilliantly.
Dinshaw Tamboly
I admire Dinshaw Tumboly
What a soul.
Yeh kya cum hai ki mur janepey duniya yaad karti.hai.
Most Loved and Most respected by Indians and Foreign Ambassadors.
Madam Sylla Vatcha, Truely A Mother Teresa Character who was all for the poor and needy.
SALUTE
May her noble soul rest in eternal peace. Her name was truly synonymous with charity.
God bless her and hope she finds the eternal peace in the spirit world as her humble journey on earth has ended now! She will always be remembered for her charity and help she rendered to many humans and Parsi students all over! I was one of the fortunate one of them to have received Rs 100,000 (1 lakh) from her for my studies in England way back in 2007. Never actually got to meet the lady but I called her an angel from breach candy that helped me when I needed the money. So here I am just saying a Thankyou to her for her kindness and generosity 🙏❤️
Indeed she was a very GENEROUS WOMAN responsible for making many a careers for the young zoarastrians by funding them for their education. Also medical aides were given to the needy. She will always be remembered in high esteem.
Absolutely. She was a Mother God to all the poor Parsis she helped generously.
She was well respected and praised for her contribution towards the society.
She will always be remembered by me and all the people who knew her.
Madam Scylla Vatcha was truly a Mother Teresa for all the poor and needy of our community.
Grieving is an intense feeling & so is dealing with emotions very difficult.
Your leaving us has been terribly painful for many of us as God has opened Heavenly Doors for you Madam.
A small message/prayer for Late Scylla Vatcha which comes from within :
Like a rare gem, found in the depths of the earth;
You are one of those jewels, of whom there is a dearth;
Like a prized possession, always kept safe and secure;
Your timely help, in making many careers, will be in our hearts for sure.
As valued Financial support all these years to many of us;
Yet really, you deserve our cheers;
You’ve given all, your very best;
Now it’s time for some well-earned rest.
We hate to see you leave us and go;
Your resignation has been a big blow;
And as we say our Good-byes with a lot of pain;
We will always remember you in high esteem & THANK YOU again & again !!
We shall miss you so very dearly.
May your soul rest in peace …AMEN ! AMEN ! AMEN !
Dadar Hormazd Bless Her Soul Rest In Peace 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻