On 31^st May, 2026, the 39^th edition of the Holiday Programme for Youth (HPY), held at the BJPC Institution, concluded on a high note, as it gave a resounding send off to its latest batch of enthusiastic young participants. Celebrating a month filled with friendship, discovery, laughter and personal growth, the bright sparks walked away with treasured memories, newfound confidence and a deeper appreciation of community and compassion.

Gracing the Valedictory Function were Chief Guest Kaizad Bharucha – distinguished DMD, HDFC bank; Guest of Honour – Shazneen Arethna, noted singer and performer; and Chairperson Viraf Mehta – BPP Chairman alongside BPP Trustees Anahita Desai, Armaity Tirandaz, Mahrukh Noble and Hoshang Jal.

Er. Homiyar Nasirabadwalla led the gathering with an auspicious Humbandagi. He advised the youth to become shining examples of “integrity and compassion.” The powerhouse ‘Mentor’ of HPY, the every-dynamic Diana Marfatia (or Dee) bid adieu to her latest batch of students with a mixed bag of feelings even as the fledglings moved into the world. With this new batch, HPY has now groomed over 7,000 youth over the years! In 2026 alone, 130 of the community’s youth participated enthusiastically and over the month, “confidence replaced anxiety, knowledge replaced ignorance and strangers became friends.”

HPY Coordinator Ayesha Mehta shared a quick recap of the varied activities and workshops organized for the participants. In addition to getting oriented with career opportunities by leading experts, they also received training and competed in 15 competitions over the four portfolios of Performing Arts, Literacy, Sports and Social Service. The youngsters also learnt more about our religion, culture and heritage, with the knowledgeable Mr. Khojeste Mistree’s talks on Zoroastrian Studies being the ‘crowd favourite’.

Beyond recreation and learning, HPY 2026 instilled in its participants the values of compassion, service and community engagement. The youngsters played an active role in a blood donation drive that yielded 174 units of blood, visited residents at Parukh Dharamshala, engaged with individuals at Ahura Support, and sponsored the Navjote of a child from an underprivileged family. The programme also excelled in its digital outreach, with a vibrant social media presence throughout the season. Adding further value, representatives from 15 national and international universities were invited to guide participants on higher education opportunities and career pathways.

The organizers, all HPY alumni, served as great motivators to the participants, encouraging healthy competition and team spirit even as the four teams of Achievers, Enactors, Performers and Creators fought for the coveted first place. Sharing her experience, HPY2026 participant, Ayana Patel, described 2026 described it as, “a feeling impossible to put into words…the greatest gift I have received from the HPY is a sense of community.”

One of the most awaited segments of the evening was the prize distribution ceremony, with Guest of Honour – Shazneen Arethna and Chief Guest – Kaizad Bharucha awarding participants who had won across various categories. An HPY alumnus herself, Shazneen reminisced about her experience as a participant nearly thirty years ago, “At the age of 15 when you are confused, HPY opens your mind to what’s possible. When life challenges you – improvise! That’s when the magic happens and where you grow!” Adding to her sentiment, Kaizad Bharucha advised participants were to, “trust yourself…fail bravely…work with curiosity and passion and at some point, come back and give some of it (to the community).”

The grand finale reached its peak with the announcement of the programme’s most coveted honours. Zeean Turel was crowned Mr. HPY 2026 and Khushafrin Batliwalla was crowned Ms. HPY 2026, a testament to their all-round excellence and exemplary participation. Keith Bhathena and Ava Nariman secured the runners-up positions, while the Enactors walked away with the prestigious Best Group Award, having impressed judges and peers alike with their remarkable teamwork, creativity and collective spirit.

Speaking on behalf of the BPP, Chairman Viraf Mehta reminded the youth that they were “privileged to be born a Zoroastrian, be a part of HPY and have Diana as a mentor.” The valedictory function closed with a brief entertainment segment, which began with participants showcasing their group dance and beat-boxing talent. What really brought the house down was the powerhouse performance by Shazneen and her daughter – Jaeda Hodywalla, who was incidentally also a participant this year.

Thus ended the month-long HPY 2026 Program for the youth, leaving an indelible mark on all participants and bringing out their best, just as mentioned in the HPY song. Kudos to ‘Dee’ and her fab team for setting the bar higher each year! Here’s looking forward to the landmark 40^th edition of HPY 2027!