Pune Jain Heritage at Risk: Trustees’ Decision to Sell HND Hostel and Temple Sparks Protest

Reported by Anil Dhanwate
Model Colony, 2nd October 2025: A significant hunger strike was held today at Modern Colony, organized by an Action Committee protesting the sale of part of the Seth Hirachand Nemchand Memorial Trust (HND Trust) property, which includes a Digambar Jain temple and hostel.

The trustees of the HND Trust have reportedly sold 12,018 square meters (approximately 129,361 square feet) of the heritage property to Gokhale Builders for Rs 230 crore. Due to its proximity—just 500 meters from the metro line—the land has been approved for development with a Floor Space Index (FSI) of four, allowing construction of 517,444 square feet of built-up area. At a projected market rate of Rs 20,000 per square foot for new flats, the total potential value of the development is estimated at over Rs 1,034 crore.

The protestors, including prominent activists Yogesh Pande, Sujata Bargale, Chandrakant Patil, and several members of the Jain community, demanded that the trust reconsider its decision, emphasizing the cultural and religious importance of the property.

Yogesh Pande, one of the lead agitators, questioned the need for the sale. “When we asked the trust, they said the hostel is damaged and student safety is at risk, and that financial difficulties made selling the land necessary. But the trust had an FD of Rs 8 crore a few months ago and an annual income of Rs 40–50 lakh. Why sell such a valuable heritage property?” he asked.

Sujata Bargale and Chandrakant Patil highlighted the historical and educational significance of the land. “This property is not just a heritage site; it is a center of faith for the Jain community. The hostel has shaped the future of countless students who hold prominent positions today. Selling this land risks the future of many Jain children and undermines our cultural legacy,” they said.

In a statement, Vishal Gokhale, Chairman and Managing Director, Gokhale Constructions, told Punekar News, “All the required legal formalities are completed while buying the land parcel of Seth Hirachand Nemchand Digambar Jain Boarding at Model Colony. It may be noted that we are building a new hostel building of 50,000 square feet with all modern facilities. Most importantly, the existing Jain Temple at the premises will be preserved as it is. There would be separate access for the new hostel building and the existing temple.”