East Indians Demand Housing on Goregaon Seminary Land
The Archdiocese of Bombay has commenced construction on a convention centre at its expansive St Pius College campus in Goregaon, located along the Western Express Highway. This new centre, intended for hosting meetings and seminars, is still in the early stages of development, with plans expected to be finalised after consultation with the newly appointed archbishop.
Father Nigel Barrett, the Archdiocese spokesperson, shared that while the idea of the convention centre has been in the pipeline for several years, there is no immediate timeline for its completion. He also mentioned that the decision regarding the development would ultimately rest with the new archbishop. Father Niel Dos Santos, the estate officer for the Archdiocese, confirmed that the project had been under consideration since 2010 but provided no further details on the construction timeline. However, the development plans have raised concerns within the East Indian community, who have expressed their demand for a more significant role in the use of the seminary land. The East Indians, whose ancestors donated the land to the Archdiocese, have written to the authorities requesting that the property be used for the creation of housing for the city’s Indigenous Catholics, alongside a community centre, which they propose be named the East Indian Bhavan.
The East Indian Samaj feels that the Archdiocese is neglecting the interests of the community, which has faced housing challenges for years. Gleason Barretto of the Mobai Gaothan Panchayat stated that the community had willingly contributed the land to the Church, but now, when the community faces housing shortages, the Archdiocese has failed to offer assistance. He argued that the development of the seminary should also include space for the East Indian Bhavan. Walter Murzello, founder trustee of the MGP, highlighted that the East Indian community, which traces its roots to the local castes of farmers, fishermen, and toddy tappers who converted to Roman Catholicism in the 16th and 17th centuries, remains economically backward. Despite some members of the community benefiting from opportunities in South Mumbai, the majority, particularly those in northern Mumbai, continue to face socio-economic challenges. Murzello also pointed out that housing built on church land in Orlem had mostly benefited non-East Indian families, leaving the community’s needs unaddressed.
While the Archdiocese has yet to comment on the demand for housing and a community centre on the seminary land, the East Indian community remains hopeful that the newly appointed Archbishop John Rodrigues, a member of their community, will listen to their concerns and address their long-standing housing issues.