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On the 22nd of
March, 2008, The Parsee Girls’ School Association,
a pioneering body for the cause of female education,
commenced its Sesquicentennial Celebrations at
Albless Baug, Girgaon, Mumbai.
Founded in 1858
by far sighted stalwarts such as Dr. Dadabhai
Naoroji, Faramji Nusserwanji Patel and K. R. Cama,
among others, The Parsee Girls’ School Association
opened the doors to formal education for girls
by setting up several schools over the years.
Today, the Association runs and manages The Bai
M. N. Gamadia Girls’ High School and The
Bai B. S. Bengallee Girls’ High School.
Both these institutions have an excellent reputation
and continue to provide a sound education to girls
of all communities.
The Jashan Ceremony,
held in-doors was attended by scores of students,
ex-students, their families, teachers –
past and present, the Trustees and the Members
of the Managing Committee of the P.G.S.A. Among
the alumni present was Dr. (Miss) Mehroo Bengalee
– Ex-Vice Chancellor of Mumbai University
and an ex-student of Gamadia School.
Most of the ladies
were attired in the traditional ‘Gara’
and ‘Kor’ sarees that lent an auspicious
look to the gathering. Everyone present wore beaming
smiles which only grew wider as they met their
beloved acquaintances and friends, after long
years.
A brief musical
interlude comprising some Monajats and devotional
songs were presented by the staff and students
of Bai M. N. Gamadia Girls’ High School.
Having finished the religious ceremony, and clapping
it all with the singing of The Parsi Anthem –
‘Chhaiye Hame Zarathoshti’, the celebrations
were taken outdoors to be joined by even larger
number of enthusiastic students – past and
present.
Mrs. Roshni Irani
– Principal, Bai M. N. Gamadia Girls’
High School and Mrs. Kashmira Balsara –
Principal, Bai B. S. Bengallee Girls’ High
School, felicitated the Trustees and the Members
of the Managing Committee, through whose efforts
the two schools are administered with smoothness
and efficiency.
Mr. Minoo Bilimoria,
Senior Trustee of the P.G.S.A. formally inaugurated
the 150th Year Celebrations with a welcome speech.
White balloons were released to symbolise the
heights that the two schools have achieved and
would continue to achieve. In the absence, due
to ill health, of the Chairman of the Association
– Mr. Adi Mulla, Mr. Bilimoria gave the
historical account of the Association’s
work and informed the gathering of its visionary
ideals and pioneering service rendered to further
the cause of female education in the city.
Amid loud cheers
and applause, the audience expressed their loyalty,
affection and support to the two Schools of The
Parsee Girls’ School Association, which
had moulded them and where they found their most
enjoyable years.
The Websites
of the P.G.S.A., The Bai B. S. Bengallee Girls’
High School and The Bai M. N. Gamadia Girls’
High School were officially launched by Mr. Bilimoria
to a cheering audience.
A variety entertainment
programme was presented by the students of both
the schools which comprised of group dances and
songs. The cultural programme was compered by
Mr. Lily Udhnawala of Gamadia School and the vote
of thanks was given by Mrs. Benaifer Mehta of
Bengallee School.
A magic show
and a performance by a juggler, arranged by the
event manager, Mrs. Chargeman was greatly enjoyed
by the old and the young alike. There were stalls
for the up-beat generation, to sample the offerings
of a tattoo artist and a handwriting analyst.
Besides these, a diversity of food stalls pampered
the taste-buds of one and all.
There wasn’t
a dull moment as the evening was packed with excitement,
delight and fun and the pleasure of greeting old
friends with nostalgia. A spirited eighty year
old, an ex-student of Gamadia School was among
the oldest present in the gathering and was felicitated
by our trustee, Mr. Kersi Commisariat.
The function
ended with a splendid dinner by Ms. Tanaz Godiwala.
As the evening darkened into night, the departing
guests expressed a note of hopefulness to enjoy
many more celebratory events during the 150th
Anniversary Year. |
