Teresian Nivas Hostel for women

Home away from home
Camil Parkhe
Monday, December 21st, 2009 AT 8:12 PM
Tags: Women, http://www.sakaaltimes.com catholic
Young women residing in Teresian Nivas Hostel in Camp spend quality time with underprivileged children
A group of young women drawn from various parts of the country and belonging to varied faiths live together in a hostel to study and to establish themselves in life and leave the place in a couple of years to start their own independent life. This hostel, Teresian Nivas Hostel on the Sachapir Street in Camp has offered shelter and psychological support to hundreds of youngsters during the most crucial phase of their life.
Teresian Nivas Hostel is run by Teresian Association, an organisation of lay people committed to the twin causes of education and culture. The hostel is owned by Pune Catholic diocese headed by Pune Bishop Thomas Dabre.
The hostel is open to women belonging to the age-group of 18 to 30 years. The hostelites are either students or working women and they can stay at the hostel for a maximum of four years.
"The period of four years gives sufficient time to the young women to complete their basic studies, to find a job, alternate accommodation or even a life partner," says Maria Goretti Gonsalves, in-charge of this unique hostel.
Almost 50 per cent of the hostelites are Christians but that is only because the institute is run by a Christian organisation. "We do not admit women based on their religion. We only conduct their interview to know their character and their need to live in the hostel," says Gonsalves.
Women from north-eastern states, north India, south India and even rural parts of Maharashtra approach the hostel for admission.
The Teresian Association was founded by Fr Pedro Poveda, a diocesan priest, in Spain in 1911 with an aim to promote human advancement and transform social structures.
The Association's hostel, besides offering shelter, also helps the women to shape their personality and to equip themselves for the future.
The hostel life helps the young women understand each other's cultures, traditions and other religions, Gonsalves adds.
The Teresian Association organises various activities for the inmates on Sundays or during holidays, including visits to orphanages and slums.
"We also celebrate religious festivals like Diwali, Eid, Christmas and national festivals like Independence Day. Birthdays too are celebrated" says Gonsalves.