What does it mean for an institution to carry the vision of its founder more than a century later?
At The BJPC Institution, Founder’s Day Celebration is an opportunity to pause and look at that journey. Celebrated every year on 12th September, the occasion commemorates the vision of Seth Byramjee Jeejeebhoy, whose commitment to education laid the foundation for an institution that continues to nurture young minds and shape individuals of substance and character.
This year’s celebration brought together the many people who make that journey meaningful students, teachers, principals, parents, alumni, trustees, well-wishers and guests. At the centre of the celebration was not just the past, but the way that legacy continues to live through the present generation.
Founder's Day Celebration: A Tradition Rooted in Values
The programme began with a Jashan, bringing a sense of tradition and reflection to the occasion.
What followed was a series of student performances, each offering something different. School students presented a Monajat, invoking blessings for the gathering. Junior College students then brought energy to the stage with a dance performance.
The school students returned with a mime carrying a message that felt particularly relevant to young people today. Through the performance, they explored how mobile phones and social media can affect children when screen time begins to take over their everyday lives. Rather than simply talking about the issue, the students used performance to make the audience think about it.
Then came “Seven Lights, One Creation,” a skit presented by the Junior College students. The performance explored the seven Amesha Spentas, the guiding divine beings in Zoroastrianism, and conveyed a message about not allowing grief and pain to become something we hold onto forever. Together, the performances showed how students can use the stage not only to entertain, but also to communicate ideas, values and questions that matter.
When The BJPC Institution Community Comes Together
The formal proceedings began with the Welcome Address by Principal Mrs. Daisy Zohrahi.
She welcomed the gathering, presented the annual report and felicitated the dignitaries. The occasion was attended by the President and Trustees of the Alumni Association, well-wishers, guests, principals, teachers, students, parents and ex-students a gathering that reflected the many generations connected with The BJPC Institution.
The presence of alumni was especially significant on an occasion centred on legacy. Former students are, after all, an important part of the story of any institution. They carry memories of their years at the Institution while watching new generations create their own.
A Conversation with the Community
Mr. Farhad Hozdar, President of the Alumni Association, addressed the gathering, adding the perspective of the Institution’s alumni community to the celebration.
The Head Boy of the Institution, Tuzan Panthaky, then introduced the Chief Guest, Ervad Dr. Ramiyar Parvez Karanjia.
Ervad Dr. Ramiyar Parvez Karanjia, who was accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Havovi Karanjia, addressed the gathering and spoke about Zoroastrianism and its various aspects.
His address brought the focus back to faith, tradition and the importance of understanding the values that form part of one’s heritage. For students, occasions like these create a space to hear perspectives beyond their regular classroom learning and engage with the cultural and spiritual dimensions of their community.
Celebrating the Students of Today
There was another important part of the celebration; the Prize Distribution Ceremony.
Students from the School, Junior College and Degree College who had excelled academically were felicitated for their achievements.
The moment was more than a presentation of prizes. Founder’s Day looks back at the person who began an educational journey. The prize distribution, in its own way, looks at the young people continuing that journey today. Every student achievement represents effort, support and the opportunity to grow and those achievements become part of the Institution’s continuing story.
A Legacy Is Built One Generation at a Time
The programme concluded with the Vote of Thanks by Principal Mrs. Vandana Nambiar, followed by dinner. But the celebration left behind something that goes beyond the day’s programme.
There was tradition in the Jashan.
There was creativity in the performances.
There was reflection in the Chief Guest’s address.
There was pride in the students’ achievements.
And there was a sense of community in bringing together students, teachers, parents, alumni and well-wishers. That is what makes the Founder’s Day Celebration meaningful.
Seth Byramjee Jeejeebhoy may have laid the foundation, but every generation that learns, teaches, achieves and contributes becomes part of what that foundation grows into. At The BJPC Institution, Founder’s Day Celebration is therefore not just a day to remember the founder, but a day to recognise the legacy, celebrate the present and look towards the generations still to come.
