Mumbai's Time & Talents Club Celebrates Nine Decades of Social Transformation
As The Time & Talents Club commemorates its 90th anniversary today, this Mumbai-based charitable organization stands as a beacon of sustained social service across Maharashtra. For nearly a century, the club has been instrumental in driving numerous welfare initiatives that have profoundly impacted tribal communities, empowered women, and provided essential medical, educational, and social relief in both rural and urban areas.
Revolutionizing Menstrual Hygiene in Gadchiroli's Tribal Hamlets
One of the organization's most significant recent achievements involves the transformation of Kurma Ghars or period huts in Gadchiroli district. For generations, menstruating women in tribal villages like Kondawahi, Salebhatti, Godalwahi, and Kupaner were forced to isolate themselves in dilapidated structures during their menstrual cycles, facing stigma and unhygienic conditions.
Over the past year, The Time & Talents Club has completely rebuilt these period shelters using durable brick and mortar construction. The upgraded facilities now feature:
- Adequate sanitary systems and proper ventilation
- Comfortable dormitory spaces for multiple women
- Spacious verandas and designated kitchen areas
- Sewing machines to facilitate skill development
Currently, a fifth Kurma Ghar in Chavela village is undergoing renovation, while four additional shelters are scheduled for comprehensive overhaul in the coming months. This initiative represents a crucial step toward dismantling menstrual taboos while providing safe, dignified spaces for tribal women.
Nine Decades of Philanthropic Excellence
The organization's journey began in 1934 when four visionary young women—Gool Shavaksha, Hilla Daruvala, Sooni Mulla, and Roshan Sethna—established the club, inspired by an English charitable group. Their inaugural fundraising event in 1935 at the Mulla family residence in Marine Lines featured sales of handcrafted jewellery, embroidered napkins, and homemade jams, setting the foundation for decades of creative philanthropy.
Throughout its history, The Time & Talents Club has become renowned for innovative fundraising approaches including charity concerts, food sales, special events, and recipe publications—all designed to generate resources while raising awareness about critical social issues.
Sustainable Development and Community Empowerment
Beyond the Kurma Ghar initiative, the organization has implemented numerous sustainable development projects across Maharashtra's rural regions, where basic infrastructure has historically been lacking. These comprehensive programs include:
- Rainwater harvesting systems to address water scarcity
- Smokeless chulhas (cooking stoves) to improve indoor air quality
- Solar lighting installations for reliable electricity access
- Agricultural infrastructure development to enhance farming productivity
These initiatives have not only improved living conditions but have also created sustainable income streams and significantly empowered women in tribal communities.
Skill Development and Healthcare Support
The organization's commitment to holistic development extends to comprehensive skill training programs designed for farmer families during agricultural off-seasons. These include practical courses in:
- Typing and computer literacy
- Nursing and healthcare assistance
- Mehndi application and traditional arts
- Stitching and textile crafts
Through specialized committees, The Time & Talents Club has also raised substantial funds to support children and young adults battling serious health conditions including various cancers, Thalassemia, Aplastic Anaemia, and kidney-related diseases.
Celebrating Nine Decades with Opera and Culinary Heritage
The 90th anniversary celebration, scheduled at Mahalaxmi Race Course's Mini Turf Club, will feature former Supreme Court Justice Rohinton Nariman launching a special coffee table book that chronicles the organization's rich history alongside traditional recipes. The event, hosted by television personality Parishad Kolah Marshall, will include musical performances by internationally acclaimed opera singers Natalie Di Luccio and Frazan Adil Kotwal.
"All proceeds from the anniversary event and book sales will be directed toward our ongoing charitable programs and welfare initiatives," emphasized Bakhtawar Shroff, President of The Time & Talents Club.
This milestone celebration not only honors nine decades of transformative social work but also reinforces the organization's enduring commitment to creating equitable opportunities and improving lives across Maharashtra's diverse communities.
