A month of bonding, learning, fun, hard work, a lot of sweat and a few tears came to a close on 1^st June, 2025, as the 38^th edition of the Holiday Programme for Youth (HPY) gave a resounding send off to its latest batch of participants, at the BJPC Institution. Gracing the Valedictory Function were Chief Guest – eminent cardiac surgeon, Dr. Kayaan Siodia; Guest of Honour – educationist Suzanne Chawdhry, alongside BPP Chairperson Viraf Mehta and trustees including Anahita Desai, Hoshang Jal, Armaity Tirandaz and Mahrukh Noble.

The program commenced with Er. Kerman Fatakia leading the gathering with a Humbandagi prayer, followed by the powerhouse HPY ‘Mentor’ – Diana Marfatia bidding adieu to her latest batch of students, with feelings of both – elation and a hint of melancholy to see them leave. With this batch, HPY has now groomed over 7,000 Parsi youth, over nearly four decades, imbibing in them an unparalleled quantum of learning and sense of community, fostering life-long friendships.

Coordinator Ayesha Mehta, appreciated for her dedication, warmth and fairness by, shared of an astonishing range of workshops, talks, competitions and field visits crammed into just 28 days, where participants were exposed to career opportunities by leading experts and also received training.

From careers in cybersecurity, graphology, and nuclear sciences to sessions on mental health, religion, and design thinking, the programme offered an unmatched holistic learning experience. Talks on law and dentistry rubbed shoulders with lessons in first aid, table manners, and the importance of community engagement. For the first time, 15 national and international universities, provided guidance to the students on various courses offered.

Empathy and social responsibility were strong threads throughout. Participants visited the Parsi Ward at JJ Hospital, seniors at Parukh Dharamshala and All Saints Home, and also spent time with members of Ahura Support. HPY even sponsored the Navjote of a child from an underprivileged background – continuing a proud tradition.

Competition was fierce yet friendly, with 15 contests sparking talent across sports, dance, drama and fashion. Four dynamic teams – Achievers, Enactors, Performers and Creators – battled for top honours, with the Achievers surging ahead in the final days to win Best Group of HPY 2025. As participant Afreen Irani shared, “There’s nothing like HPY! It has an incomparable magic – a comfortable place to get out of your comfort zone.”

The energy and exuberance of the participants at the valedictory ceremony was infectious and further cranked up a notch for the much-awaited prize distribution, at the hands of HPY alumna Suzanne Chawdhry and Dr. Kayaan Siodia. Chawdhry, recalling her own journey from Dahanu to HPY, shared how the programme gave her the confidence to navigate life in a big city. Dr Siodia praised HPY for nurturing identity beyond academics, reminding students, “Your marks are not your identity – they’re only the foundation to build your future… you need to have perseverance, hard work and dedication. There are no shortcuts to success.”

The coveted Mr. HPY title went to Merwyn Patel and Kiya Lord was crowned Ms. HPY. Speaking on behalf of primary sponsor – BPP, Ch’man Viraf Mehta shared that no one could put a value on what the students gain at HPY and that they were fortunate to build friendships here which would be their lifeline going forward.

The valedictory function closed with a brief entertainment segment, which had organizers poking fun at each other in good humour and the youth showcasing dancing skills with prize-winning performances. “As HPY comes to a successful close each year, I feel rejuvenated and my heart fills with gratitude for everyone who contributed to its success,” shared Diana Marfatia.

As the curtains drew to a close on HPY 2025, one truth resonated with every proud parent, inspired speaker and spirited participant – this wasn’t just a summer programme, it was a transformative journey. With its perfect blend of purpose and play, HPY once again affirmed its reputation as a singularly impactful initiative that nurtures talent, confidence, and community spirit in equal measure. And at the helm of it all stood the indomitable Diana Marfatia and her tireless team, whose vision and dedication continue to shape the future of our youth.

Pics Courtesy: TEAM AFT DIGITAL