The new, ten-day online avatar of the 34th Holiday Programme for Youth (HPY), that kicked off on 26th May 2021, is keeping our community’s young guns busy and entertained with activities, motivational and educational talks (leadership training, personality development, first aid, music, dance, yoga, sports) by popular celebrities and well-established former HPY-ites from various fields. A great summertime initiative indeed by HPY mentor Diana Marfatia (Dee) and the organizing team! 

 Some of the week’s highlights included a session by media stalwart – Sam Balsara – Chairman, Madison World, and daughter Lara Balsara Vajifdar, Executive Director, Madison World. They explained concepts of advertising, marketing and entrepreneurship, career opportunities, and encouraged children to work hard, choose wisely and build themselves in their respective careers. Young Sports achievers – Arzan Nagwaswalla and Rehan Poncha, spoke with theater and Bollywood actor extraordinaire and producer – Boman Irani, who inspired the youth to follow their dreams and excel in life.  

Boman Irani held the attention of the youth as he shared his life story and struggles in his inspirational narrative. He added, “One must be happy and satisfied, along with making money. You have to love what you do. Have some kind of big goal in mind along with mini ones. That should be the pattern of your life. Be proud of whatever you do… the moment you make an excuse, you have lost the game. Whatever resources you have, stretch them to the maximum and make the most of it.” He highlighted how practicing attributes like gratitude, humility, honesty, facing challenges and remaining focused, ensured reaching one’s goal in life. 

Leading comedian, political satirist, TV personality, animal lover and our very own Parsi Times columnist, Cyrus Broacha, also conducted a session on Animal-friendliness. He urged kids to stand up for animals and not get scared of them, especially dogs, as bonds with animals last forever. He also shared fun snippets from his days in theater. Many other personalities and speakers addressed the participants through the week, giving useful advice and leaving a strong impression on transforming young minds.    

 Speaking to Parsi Times, HPY mentor Diana Marfatia said, “The children have adapted to HPY online extremely well as everyone has had 14 months of online schooling. The organizing team has worked very hard to ensure HPY’s success, despite the challenges, with great commitment and sincere effort, right from the start. I have a super team of group organizers and exemplary overalls, handling different portfolios like Literary Arts, Performing Arts and Sports and also a senior organizer who manages all the backend IT work. What keeps HPY unique is always add something fresh and keep it relevant. It takes a lot of meetings and brainstorming to finally culminate into the magical adventure called HPY.”