The Story of Blossom
Blossom has to its credit many firsts to its record. It was the first society promoted and built by a group of dedicated people actively involved in social service and trade union movement. It was the first housing project implemented by the employees themselves, thus demonstrating what self-help can do to deliver those who are in the quest for a dwelling from the clutches of unscrupulous builders and brokers. It was the first society to give occupation to all 284 members at the same time.
In all senses, Blossom has been a torchbearer, a model for employees of Bombay’s burgeoning industries and organizations to emulate. Since the establishment of this society, hundreds of similar societies have come up emulating the example set by it. Ours is a truly cosmopolitan society, a mini secular India.






Where it all began

A team of Pfizer Limited employees who were involved in social service and trade unionism set forth to improve the lot of employees. A three-member team comprising M/s. C.C. Mendes, P.R. Nair and K.K. Kuruvilla was formed then to promote the society.

After finding a suitable plot of land, drafting the Sale Agreement, and signing the land agreement, the next step was to get the Society Registered. Among the five names proposed for the society, “BLOSSOM” was selected by the Registrar of Co-operative Societies. On 21st June 1965, "Blossom Co-operative Housing Society Ltd.” was registered.

It was a race against time. There was hardly 2 months to make up the required funds (approx.. Rs. 4 lakhs) to complete the conveyance deed. With the risk of failure to make the payment, Rs. 1 lakh paid as earnest money would automatically be forfeited. The first objective was to complete the conveyance deed.

On the advice of the Purchase Manager of Pfizer, Mr Thadani, we approached the vendors (Mr. Thadani’s friends) to get some extension of time. With the help of some well-wishers, we got an extension of three months with the condition that the property is mortgaged back to them after the completion of the conveyance on the stipulated date.

At a Special General Body Meeting held on 14th November 1965 M/s. E. S. Andrades & Co. were selected as contractors for the construction of the society. It was the first time they undertook the work of a housing society. It was their conviction that all 11 buildings were to be made ready for simultaneous occupation in 3 years.

On 5th December 1965, the foundation stone was laid by the then Mayor of Bombay, Shri M. Madhavan. The Mayor congratulated the promoters and praised them in their endeavour to partly solve the vexed housing problem in the city. His speech boosted the confidence of the promoters and the contractors.

From early 1966 hectic activity started at the construction site and this further boosted confidence and inspired the team to forge ahead with determination for the successful completion of the project in time. Enrolment of fresh members also picked up steam.

A loan application of Rs. 36 Lakhs was prepared and submitted to The Bombay Co-operative Housing Finance Society Ltd. However, it was rejected by the officials. News about the rejection of the loan application filtered to the members and some of the panic-stricken ones started asking back their contribution. The society also approached LIC for a loan, which was rejected again.

The buds of the collective dream had blossomed. The 11 buildings were complete and the time had come when all the possession letters could be issued, barring some odd ones. All the buildings were occupied by September 1969. All the trials and tribulations of the past were forgotten.

Shri P. G. Kher, the then Hon. Minister for Urban Development, Govt. of Maharashtra has given his consent to the request to inaugurate the society. Accordingly, suitable arrangements were made for the inaugural function to be held on 22nd Feb. 1970. Mr C.C. Mendes, President of the Society welcomed guests and members.
From the Chairman
Greetings to all members and their family,
I welcome all the members on “Blossom Co-operative Housing Society website”. As we are headed for “Self-Redevelopment”, a platform is needed where we can meet, exchange our views, retrieve stored information and use this as one of the mediums of communication with each other and the outside world. Even the State Government’s various communique suggests that those Co-op Housing Societies (CHS) attempting to carry redevelopment of their buildings should have their own website where all communication will be posted and available for review.
We will try to make this medium one of the means of communications and storehouse of useful information and data and expect your full cooperation in making it more vibrant, dynamic, useful and informative.
It is said that even the weak become strong when they are united. Let us come together and unitedly make the self-redevelopment project of BLOSSOM successful.
Yours in cooperation,
S. D. BARGIR
Chairman
Managing Committee
Every committee member is devoted to raising the spirit of Blossom
Mr. S. D. Bargir
Hon. Chairman
Mr. Anil Tawde
Hon. Secretary
Mr. Sudhir Kamath
Hon. Treasurer
Mr. J. K. Shetty
Member
Mr. Kurien Kurien
Member
Mr. P. C. K. Nair
Member
Mr. Suresh Nair
Member
Mr. Sunil Gosai
Member
Mr. Shankar Gupta
Member
Ms. Arlene Fernandes
Member
Ms. Anshu Dabra
Member
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