At home, together

The colony born post partition in 1947 has Sindhi refugees from Pakistan who came to Pune and were allocated land at the then going price of less than a rupee per square foot! It is now one of the most upscale societies in Pune, where finding an available plot is a tough task. With an acreage of 125 and 18 kms of roads that maze through the entire estate, Sind Society houses 350 members. “Rickshaws never used to ply in this area a decade ago, everyone complained that we lived in a jungle! Even our friends seldom visited,” an old-timer resident reminisces.

With an average plot would be a whopping 10,000 sq ft, completely internally managed by nine members on the committee, the colony now boasts of its own post office, bank, a huge clubhouse and a school, Sindhu Vidya Bhavan. “The school isn’t only for the children of the society but more for children who are less fortunate. One of the many ways we give back to society,” says Mangat Malhotra, a senior committee member.

Popularised by Hollywood pair Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, during the shooting of their film, A Mighty Heart, the Sind society is a cluster of humble people in opulent homes. Apart from the ample houses, the lush foliage is punctuated with state-of-the-art facilities such as clean, well maintained roads, stiff security, three delightful gardens of which the oval garden is the jewel in the crown.

“Part of why our society has gained its status is that we manage the entire infrastructure domestically. The PMC need not be asked for any services, we handle everything on our own streetlights to plumbing and electrics. Service charges in total is only Rs 300,” asserts a general body member. In fact the mayor has also awarded the society as Pune’s Pride.

“Some old settlers who have been here for more than 50 years are selling their properties and moving abroad with their children and a few well heeled families are taking their place,” informs another committee member. “But most would hate to leave, this place grows on you. It’s home to us and always will be,” he adds.

With the recent sky rocketing growth of Aundh, Sind Society has become the ideal place to have a centrally located home in the midst of a bustling area. The cosmopolitan community celebrates everything together and there are quite a few enterprising residents.

“In spite of the occasional neighbourly tussles, every one comes together for festivals and other occasions. For our 60-year anniversary we had a party that can match a New Year’s bash! We arranged for a DJ, there were games for kids and adults alike and choreographed dances that were enjoyed by every body! I think the secret to our fellowship is that everyone respects each other and their space. Senior citizens and youngsters coexist rather happily. Everyone feels a sense of ownership not only on his or her home but also toward the whole society. They go that ‘extra mile’ to take care of all the amenities they are provided with,” says Malhotra.