The Holiday Programme for Youth (HPY) is a buzzing rite of passage where students who have completed their tenth Boards get to explore career paths, gain real-world insights, and connect with like-minded peers, thus helping them swap confusion for clarity in these extremely influential years, as they step into life beyond the classroom.

The 38^th month-long HPY edition kicked off on 4^th May, 2025, at the Alexandria Girls’ English Institution, with an auditorium packed with enthusiastic youth, ready for transformation. Gracing the occasion were Chief Guest – eminent ecologist, Dr. Rashneh Pardiwala and Guest of Honour – noted athlete, Ayesha Billimoria, alongside Chairperson for the inauguration and BPP Trustees Anahita Desai, Armaity Tirandaz, Hoshang Jal and Chairman Viraf Mehta, as also top associates of the Alexandria School including Principal Kashmira Sarkari and Board of Directors.

The brainchild of Mehroo Bengali, HPY was initiated in 1987, supported by the BPP. This year, HPY comprises 120 participants, with an equal number of boys and girls for the first time, and most hailing from Mumbai, and some from Surat, Thane, Pune and Navsari. Delivering a heartfelt welcome note for all, HPY’s ‘Mentor’, the dynamic Diana Marfatia said, “HPY has completed close to four decades and has touched a whole generation. We have come full circle and our own alumni, like our Guest of Honour – Ayesha Billimoria, are living up to our motto of ‘Striving for Excellence’. We remain committed to the future of our community – the youth.”

Ayesha Billimoria shared her HPY experience, saying HPY was “A special place where friendships are built. We are fortunate as a community to have HPY… Enjoy the learning and the process, participate in everything!” Anahita Desai shared, “HPY is the only month-long program for the youth worldwide! The amazing confidence that you gain here helps you navigate the adult world.”

Chief Guest Dr. Rashneh Pardiwala, moved by Shanaya Saklatwalla’s glowing HPY 2024 recap, admitted to feeling “envious” of the youth embarking on this unique journey. Drawing from her global fellowship experiences, she related to their mix of excitement and nerves, especially for those new to Mumbai. Urging full participation, she encouraged them to dive in “with head and heart,” likening HPY to a five-star buffet – “taste everything!” She advised, “Each one of us is a representative of our community… and we need to conduct ourselves with honesty and integrity.”

The inaugural event ended with a vote of thanks and refreshments.  Needless to say, this month of May 2025 will be etched in the memory of all the participants. As the lovely Diana Marfatia recommends, “Surrender to a kind of magic – a magic called HPY!”