“A lot to learn”

Your editorial "A lot to learn” (Parsiana, April 7, 2008), and your cover story on education prompts me to write about another 75-year-old Parsi school situated in Khandala. The Bai Dhunmai Cawasji High School was established in 1934 by the late Dinshaw Cawasji in memory of his late mother Dhunmai. The School is now celebrating its platinum jubilee year, culminating in Founders’ Day on February 14, 2009.

Situated in the scenic Sahyadri ranges of the Western Ghats, Khandala is 550 m above sea level, 105 km from Bombay and 66 km from Poona. An English medium co-educational residential school, the Bai Dhunmai Cawasji High School and Junior College prepares students for the Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSC) Board, Poona. It has classes from the pre-primary (lower kindergar­ten) to the secondary level (standard X) and is recognized by the Education Department of the government of Maha­rashtra. The secondary section (standards V to X) is aided by the government. The Junior College of Science with subjects like Information Technology was established in 2001.

Separate dormitory facilities are available for girls and boys, with vegetarian and non-vegetarian catering. The school has an excellent academic record and provides co-curricular and sports activities with a swimming pool and a new, modern and well equipped gymnasium. Music, arts and crafts also form part of the regular school activities.

The vision and foresight of our founder prompted the setting up of this much needed educational facility for Parsi students decades ago. It is in the spirit of this pioneering and philanthropic effort that we have endeavored to further this cause and ensure the growth and development of the institution. We would appreciate the goodwill and support of the community in our efforts to continue our work and achieve our goals.

KAMAL KALI CAWASJI

Trustee, Bai Dhunmai Cawasji High School Trust