The Story of Blossom

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.