Bombay House – More I look around this suffering world, more I find reasons to be proud of our mankind; under whose skin a compassionate heart still beats.
One such incident caught me, when the gates of the age-old global headquarters, the Bombay house, opened for our favorite four-legged furry friends. After undergoing refurbishment and restoration for nine months for the first time in history, the ninety-four years old heritage building was reopened. The inauguration ceremony marked the 114th birthday of JRD Tata. Most amazing thing, which took many hearts away, was that special place which the Tatas has opened for the stray dogs staying in its vicinity.
Not only the employees, the canine friends also held a special corner in the heart of the group. The management decided to provide a cozy corner for the dogs roaming around owing to the construction work in progress. For almost nine months, these canines had to shuttle between offices & streets to find a safe corner by skirting the workers. But now like the lords & ladies of Bombay house, they entered their favorite corner in the heritage building itself.
The spanking new abode of the canine lords & ladies in the ground floor is the safe-haven for them. The kennel is constructed and designed in such a way, that along with food, water & sleep they can play with the toys available for them. For comfortable siesta, the canines have resting areas. The clean and big space itself speaks of care & compassion the heritage institute beholds in their heart for the dogs. The place has ample hiding places along with enough ventilation & light. For decadesBombay House has been making the lives of the strays staying nearby a heavenly experience.
In the age when mankind is best known for its selfish & violent nature, and cruelty crosses its limit; such initiatives by elite groups like Tata really takes our heart away. Siba, Munni, Julie, Simba are some of the proud canine residents of the vintage building. The dogs have collars round their neck, but they are never chained. They can freely roam around without any interference or fear. They are true inhabitants who stays the House twenty-four hours, unlike the employees & security guards, who keeps changing.
Since the time of JRD Tata, the street dogs have free access to the premises of the building, but it was Ratan Tata who institutionalized the packs’ residence. According to an ex-employee overseas food used to arrive for Ratan Tata and his office dogs. The four-legged furry friends are entitled like other employees in the institute for various facilities. They have vet on call, a budget for their food & regular health check-ups. Some staffs even admit that, the dogs have perfect elevator etiquette too. Tatas prove every time with their path breaking initiatives, that they are the best employers an employee can ask for. And, now the renovated kennel in Bombay House demonstrates its friendship with the canines, epitomizing them to be dog’s best friend.
This is a perfect friendship gift for the most faithful animal and man’s best friend one can give as a human being.
