YWCA-Ghouse

Located in the picturesque backdrop of the Shivalik Mountain cover the foundation stone of the Doon View YWCA Mussoorie was laid in 1916. This property was purchased by Mr. Smith and was run as a summer school for some time. During the Second World War it worked as a leave center for military personnel. After the world war was over, it was handed over to Ms. Norah Ventura, Ms.Olga Lawrence and Miss Moss to manage. When Doon View was functioning as a summer school it remained closed from August for the winter break. Most committee members of the YWCA were men at the time who gave immense time and work to make it a home rather than a hostel. However, unfortunately in 1948 the house fell into debt and it was after this it was opened to guests as well as summer school.

Nainital YWCA started in 1913 with a membership mostly of foreigners residing in Nainital. The first Indian member joined in 1935 and subsequently members of other faiths came forward to serve and help the association thereby promoting understanding and goodwill in the community

with the broad objectives of the association of promoting the spiritual, intellectual, social and physical well being of all the young women living in Nainital. The main service of the Association was to provide board and residential facilities for the working women.

After 1947 the membership started dwindling which finally resulted in passing of the Association assets including the building to the YWCA of Indian in 1968. The YWCA of India then converted it into a full fledged Holiday Home after enlarging it in 1968 and placed it under the capable management of a Project Secretary.

View Of Nainital from the Room of FairHavens

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Anandagiri Ootacamund started as a Training Centre in the year 1929 by Ms. Elizabeth Wilson the then National General Secretary for the YWCA of India, Burma and Ceylon. The land is understood to be gifted by friends in United States of America to the YWCA of India on completion of 50 years of YWCA of India’s works in India, Burma and Ceylon. For a short while it was requisitioned by the WAC(I) and the army has been responsible for its modern sanitary drainage and running water system. The additions to the project has been a Chapel dedicated in 1954, a dining hall and sunshine lounge, two cottages and a dormitory.

A well has been dug up also to provide a constant supply of water to the Guest House. The property of Anandagiri is also originally the Nilgiri Brewery. To prove it one just has to scratch the ground to find broken pieces of beer bottles. Subsequently it was converted into the Grand Hotel by Mr. Prichley mainly to cater to the need of racing crowds. Anandagiri has hosted many a workshop and camps of the YWCA of India. It has also been a venue of many National Conventions and summer schools. Other organizations viz. the YWCA’s, National Christian Council, Girls Guides, Student Christian Movement, Bible Society etc. have utilized the services of Anandagiri effectively. The Guest House functions year round under capable guidance of the Project Secretary and professional staff.

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Wyoming was under the management of YWCA of Coonoor and functioned as a hostel and guest
house. In 1969, it was decided that it will be a National Project and the decision to hand over the
property to YWCA of India was under taken. Wyoming Coonoor is located in an estate of almost
16 acres of wooded land, in the heart of Coonoor and is very favorably placed. This attracts many
tourists and transit guests because of residential schools situated in the vicinity. Excursion groups of schools and colleges are also housed at the project. It can be utilized for social gatherings, retreat, meetings and seminars. The project generates most of the funds for self administration but has not been able to be very viable due to of resources. Plans had been underway to develop the huge acreage as tea gardens which will be a great help in revenue but have not taken off yet. Major repairs however have been completed to give it a more comfortable and welcoming look.

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Click Here for the details (More on International Guest House)

Located in the heart of the city and in the vicinity of Connaught Place, the International Guest House was opened in 1962 with an objective to provide transit guest facilities to middle income group tourists both Indian and foreign. The project was also conceived to be an income generating service to help finance the YWCA of India’s program. The building was constructed through government grants, loans and also gifts from YWCA of India and friends. Due to its vicinity of the New Delhi Railway Station and Inter State Bus Terminal there has been an influx of tourists and the International Guest House has been able to fulfill both the objectives of its inception. The International Guest House has twenty four saleable rooms, a dining area, reception and lawn. Recently a Travel Counter has been opened to facilitate guests in their travel plans etc. Income from this project has been substantial which has been diverted towards the projects and program of the YWCA of India. However, maintenance costs have been back breaking but were a necessity. It is hoped that in the coming years the IGH will prove to be the most beneficial project of the YWCA of India in terms of its income generating capabilities.

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