Pune: Jain Community Unites To Oppose Sale of Historic HND Hostel Land, Calls For Immediate Halt

Pune | May 15, 2025: The H.N.D. Jain Hostel located in Model Colony, Shivajinagar—an educational cornerstone for Jain students across India for the past 65 years—is currently embroiled in controversy. A proposal by the managing trust to sell the hostel’s 3-acre land to a builder has sparked outrage and deep concern within the Jain community.

Since the hostel’s trust is registered with the Charity Commissioner, community members have demanded intervention from the charity department to halt the proposed sale, which they believe endangers the institution’s original mission and the broader interest of the community.

A Legacy at Risk

Established in 1960, the hostel has supported thousands of students by offering accommodation, education, and cultural development. Alumni include respected officers, doctors, engineers, chartered accountants, and entrepreneurs. The proposed land sale is seen by many as a betrayal of the institution’s foundational goals.

Clear Demands from the Jain Community: Development, Not Sale

Community members have presented the following demands to the trust:

• 1. Expansion of hostel capacity to at least 500 students (250 boys and 250 girls).
• 2. Proper reconstruction of the Jain temple on campus.
• 3. Reservation of hostel admissions exclusively for Jain students.
• 4. Transparency and community involvement in any redevelopment or sale-related decisions.

Rising Suspicion: Why the Rush to Sell?

A lack of transparency and the urgency surrounding the sale have raised suspicions. With potential support from philanthropists and alumni, many question why the land is being sold at all.

Not Political, But a Public Movement is Inevitable

Although this is a social and educational issue with no political agenda, the Jain community asserts that any decision compromising the institution’s legacy will be opposed. A public movement is likely if their demands are ignored.

Memorandum to Charity Commissioner

Community representatives have submitted a formal memorandum to the Charity Commissioner demanding the immediate cancellation of the sale. They have also called for the formation of an independent inquiry committee to safeguard the trust’s original mission.

“H.N.D. Jain Hostel is not just a building—it symbolizes the dignity and educational progress of generations within the Jain community. Rather than selling the land, we should focus on its holistic development to serve more students. Any decision that tramples on the sentiments of the community will not be tolerated. If necessary, we will take to the streets.”

– Akshay Jain, President, Youth Congress (Media Department)

With the unifying slogan “Not Sale, but Development,” the Jain community has pledged to preserve the legacy of the institution with full commitment.

Akshay Jain (Youth Congress, Media), CA Anand Kankariya, CA Dhiraj Ostwal, Piyush Bafna, Sanjay Gandhi, Swapnil Gangwal, Mahavir Chougule, Sanjay Bafna, Sachin Jain, Nikunj Parakh, Adv. Swapnil Bafna, CA Saurabh Jain, Dinesh Sabadra, Vaibhav Lunia, Amit Tatia, Swapnil Shah, Vineet Shah, Amit Mehta, and Kaustubh Hullikere.