Completing a notable ninety-nine years, Sir JJ Girls’ High School’s Grand Old Lady, Nergish Kaikobad Bamji, celebrates her centenary today! Born to Bachubai and Kaikobad Bamji on 2nd July, 1917 (Mah Dae, Roj Ashishwang), she grew up to achieve greatness, just like Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy, the founder of the school, where she served with love, care, affection and dedication for over forty years.

After finishing her schooling from JB Petit High School and a Master’s in history from St. Xavier’s College, Bamji obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Teaching (BT) and went on to join Sir JJ Girls’ High School in 1940, under the then principal, Manijeh Mehta. Upon his retirement in 1953, she became the principal – a post she held till 1978. Bamji did not approve of the then conventional attitude towards girl’s education and set about bringing progressive changes to ensure that the girl child receive equal education as the boys, not just a basic education laying greater emphasis on ‘feminine talents’ such as sewing, needlework, embroidery, crochet, etc.

The strong and determined lady that Nergish Bamji is, she did not see her young charges as subservient young ladies. She instilled confidence in them. She went about the onerous task of changing the medium of instruction from Gujarati to English so successfully that the very first batch which appeared for the matriculation examination passed with cent percent results! She wanted her girls to be smart and well-groomed. She made them participate in elocutions, debates, drama, music and dancing to make them more confident.

Sir JJ Schools’ Alumni Association is ever grateful to her for being their friend, philosopher and guide. She remains to date the driving force behind the association, and even the old boys, who never studied under her, dote upon her, love and respect her, including this writer!

No praise or adulation is hyperbolic for this wonderful lady who, at the time of her hundredth birthday, is still full of joie de vivre, sharp intellect, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes and an excellent memory, remembering most of her students who are themselves now grandmothers and great-grandmothers! She has always insisted that our Alumni Association’s Committee Meetings should be held at her place, and she entertains us to a high tea with grace and polish of a high-born hostess. We all love you, Nergish Bamji!!! Here’s wishing Nergish Bamji a great centennial orbit!