How this 104-year-old Bandra housing society has held the community together

Buildings and societies under Salsette are popular for their elaborate Christmas lighting. Pics/Pradeep Dhivar

Turmeric latte-wielding and celeb-loving chic, Bandra is arguably the most hipster suburb in town. But what truly ups its street cred is the way it clings on to its sweet-smelling bakeries, wish-granting churches, charming cottages, quaint buildings, and a community spirit that towers above the city's flashy skyscrapers. A feisty ol' guardian that has been watching over much of the Queen of Suburbs is the Salsette Catholic Co-operative Housing Society, which completes 104 glorious years.

Francis Anthony Cyril Rebello

Founded by Francis Anthony Cyril Rebello, the former accountant general of Bombay Presidency, the society was set up in 1918, in the wake of the co-operative housing society movement. Like a shepherd who keeps his flock together, Salsette - which traces its name to Sasathi or Sashti, referring to the original 66 villages that made up the island - brought together Bandra Catholics, who were battling the threat of losing their land to rich outsiders. At the time, the British government was looking to develop the suburbs into residential settlements. Led by Rebello, Dr DA D'Monte and PC Gonsalves, among others, the society acquired plots from landowners, and drew up leases for 999 years, which prohibited the assignment or sale of the land to non-Catholics. Secretary Cornel K Gonsalves recalls that the clarion call to landowners to not sell their lands, and instead become shareholders as part of a co-operative, was answered by different groups. "Rebello also brought together Catholics to form the Mangalorean housing society, St Sebastian's society in Bandra, and St Anthony's Home in Chembur. He is known as the father of Catholic co-operative housing societies in Bombay," Gonsalves informs.

A map of Isle de Salcet. Pics Courtesy/Salsette Catholic Co-operative Housing Society

Over the years, Salsette has worked to cultivate and protect the Catholic identity of Bandra, shares septuagenarian Maria Fernandez, a resident of the cottage, Ashiana, on St Paul's Road. "Our community is scattered across town, and we are left with nothing. But the society has made us feel at home here through a lot of celebrations and events," she declares, while enjoying the annual Christmas bash that the society throws for children. Little elves are running around the lawns of the D'Monte Park Recreation Centre (DPRC) - a gift to Salsette residents by the society - as we speak, lapping up Christmassy games, inflated castles, a magic show and an array of snacks. Recently, the centre also witnessed a mammoth concert to kick off the countdown to X'mas.

Secretary Cornel Gonsalves showcases one of the last remaining cottages in the suburb

Besides fun fiestas like these, the society takes up residents' causes with the civic body, the state government, the police and other stakeholders, reveal residents Fidelis Mascarenhas and Navy veteran Brian Fernandez. "As any visitor will notice, the ambience of the area is so much better than many other places in Mumbai. That's because the society is conscious about issues like littering, traffic snarls, the state of our roads, parking, and the like," Fernandez tells us. Mascarenhas notes that Salsette is a significant part of their day-to-day lives.

Blossom Coutinho

"We get benefits such as medical reimbursements up to a certain amount, discount at Holy Family Hospital, a gift card at Sahakari Bhandar, and discount at Nature's Basket on Hill Road," he reveals. Salsette, adds Blossom Coutinho, is also home to some of Bandra's most recognisable landmarks. "St Andrew's High School, Holy Family Hospital and the Pali Market are among the institutions that have been built on land donated by us. Our aim is to ensure the whole community grows together," claims Coutinho, the first woman chairperson of the society.

Children enjoy the annual X'mas bash by Salsette at DPRC

With 210 plots - including between 20 to 30 bungalows - under its fold, it's no mean feat to keep preying builders away, reveals Gonsalves. He recalls how around five years ago, a popular actor, in connivance with builders tried to acquire a Salsette property through dubious means. "The Bombay High Court came to our rescue. Even in our own community, there are people who might want to sell out our ideals for some money. That's a major issue we face, but by and large, the community has stood by us. We live by the model bye-laws set by our founders," admits Gonsalves.