The inaugural function, marking the 37^th chapter of one of the community’s foremost youth platforms – ‘Holiday Programme for Youth’ (HPY), was held on 5^th May, 2024, at The Alexandra Girls’ English Institution, in Mumbai. 103 young minds, comprising 48 girls and 55 boys, from across Mumbai, India and even an overseas participant from Muscat, looked forward to a month of fun, camaraderie and learning, from 5^th May to 2^nd June, 2024.

For over 3 decades, HPY has been shaping young and impressionable, just-out-of-school minds, through a month-long summer day-program, comprising exciting learning activities and workshops by leading professionals and experts across various fields. The aim is to inculcate and empower children with pertinent information, life-skills and confidence to help them make the right choices and hit the ground running, once they step into the less-sheltered, real world, as young adults.

The event was graced by Chief Guest – Hon’ble Justice Firdosh Pooniwalla; Guest of Honour – Zervaan Bunshah – singer and performer; Chairman of the Function – Xerxes Dastur, BPP Trustee, alongside panel dignitaries – Er. Firdosh Pavri, HPY Mentor – Diana Marfatia, BPP Trustees, HPY’s Kayan Dalal and Ayesha Mehta. The function commenced with inspiring words about HPY by Kayan Dalal, who called upon Er. Firdosh Pavri to recite a prayer invoking the blessings of Ahura Mazda.

In her welcome address, HPY Mentor – Diana Marfatia shared HPY’s fruitful and impactful journey through the decades. She expressed gratitude for the constant support from BPP and others including Mr. and Mrs. J B Mitry (Chairman), Mr. and Mrs. Zubin Billimoria (Director), Shenaz Nalwala and others. HPY 2023 participant, Miron Shroff then shared the journey of students through the program – cherishing the experiences and lifelong bonds made. The audience cheered on as Diana Marfatia and the organizing committee sang the special HPY song, written by Raika Guzder and composed by Hormuz Ragina and Peshotan Kapadia.

Xerxes Dastur spoke about accomplishing success and how respecting one’s parents brought real success. Zervaan Bunshah had the audience rapt as he shared his HPY experience, emphasizing the importance of enjoying each day and not taking life too seriously. Hon’ble Justice Firdosh Pooniwalla spoke about making the right career choices. He commended parents on enrolling their children in HPY and encouraged children to nurture hobbies.

HPY’s Michelle Crawford gave a gracious vote of thanks, extended gratitude to all for their support including the dignitaries on stage, Kashmira Sarkari, Principal – Alexandra Girls’ English Institution and Ness Wadia Pavilion for the premise; Yasmin Charna for her support in helping HPY arrange for a Parsi child’s navjote; catering by Tehemton Dumasia; Huzan Forbes for the HPY website and Diana Marfatia – their mentor and main driving force behind HPY.

Speaking with Parsi Times, HPY’s Mentor and the woman behind its spectacular success and impact, Diana Marfatia shared, “HPY is my lifeline – it’s one of the important reasons one feels youthful and useful always. The gratification that HPY accords is unparalleled. It’s truly a unique initiative which engages the youth during their summer vacations so fruitfully and meaningfully, that it’s well worth all the effort that goes in by the OC in planning and executing it.”

The inaugural HPY 2024 function concluded amidst great applause and cheer. Kudos to the dynamic Organising Committee captained by Mentor – Diana Marfatia, including Coordinator Ayesha Mehta, alongside Sanaya Mehta, Zehan Tafti, Deanna Elavia, Ushaine Gandhi and Airyaman Master; as also Group Organisers who ensure smooth flow of events through HPY – Zavish Velati, Sohrab Mehta, Michele Crawford, Priyanka Master, Zeus Sirvala, Rayan Raimalwala, Kaiwaan Dalal and Arzaan Panthaky.