“An exemplary work environment”

"The trustees of the Byramjee Jeejee­bhoy Parsee Charitable Institution (BJPCI) are thorough gentlemen and ladies. They have given me a lot of autonomy, great freedom to do whatever is in the interest of the school and the children. They have never breathed down my neck, never made me feel uncomfortable. It has been an exemplary work environment,” says Diana Marfatia who has resigned from the post of principal at the BJPCI to take up a similar assignment at the prestigious Dhirubhai Ambani International School in Bombay.

Narrating how she received a call one day asking her to send her bio data, to the series of interviews at the highest levels and her final selection, Marfatia remarks: "I’m not letting my emotions get the better of me. This is a career move. I’m going there with an open mind. I will give hard work unconditionally and deliver the goods as expected of me.”

Marfatia also officially leaves the Holiday Programme for Youth (HPY) which she has sustained and strengthened as chief coordinator for 20 of its 22 years (for the first two years she was the facilitator). "HPY is really, really my baby. It is in every pore of my being,” she says with emotion. "I will be there for the new team. I don’t need the designation or the limelight. I will hold their hand and guide them, for the first year at least. It will not be possible, however, for me to be there every day of the Programme in the month of May as the Dhirubhai Ambani School starts its new year in March and functions through the month of May.”

Would young studying/working boys and girls be able to spare time and commitment and carry the Programme forward? we query. "It is a matter of conviction, of good time management. It is a question of sacrificing socializing time, not any other time,” she replies, adding that it is a brilliant team and they are geared to continue. "They will back my successor Azmin Mistry, they will not let HPY shut down. Azmin has just finished her third year BA and is looking to do her MA. She is very determined. She will make it happen.”

To Dee, with love — Azmin Mistry (left) greets Diana Marfatia

"HPY believes in change, and it is thoughtful change. Although this was Diana’s last year, we never felt and still don’t feel she’s going to go anywhere. She’s there to guide us and see us sail through. However, a lot of other responsibilities fell on my shoulders, which I would have been oblivious to, had I been just an organizer. So being the assistant coordinator enlightened me towards the more serious and important aspects of HPY, contrary to the established notion of it being ‘just’ a fun-filled program,” states Mistry, who did her HPY in 2003, winning the best participant prize. She was a group organizer for the first three years, "after which I was thought worthy enough to hold the portfolio of assistant coordinator for two consecutive years.”

Marveling at how things have fallen in place, Marfatia describes: "We had this excellent English teacher, Pavna Anchees, at the BJPCI, the wife of a naval officer, who had left us because her husband was being transferred. They returned to Bombay a couple of months ago and she brings to her new appointment here five years of experience as principal of an ICSE school. I have been sitting with her, guiding her on the SSC curriculum, while she gives me tips on ICSE school work which is completely different in approach and method. So we can be there for each other!” The trustees too are happy that the takeover has been smooth, she adds.

Born in Bombay and educated at Queen Mary School, Marfatia did her BA from St Xavier’s College. "My first association with BJPC School was in 1983 when I was a student of the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, doing my MA in social work. From 1985, when I completed my MA, to 1994 I was counselor/social worker at the Cowasjee Jehangir and BJPC schools.” The next year Marfatia completed her BEd from the Bombay Teachers Training College (BTTC) and also did a Diploma in Education Management, a collaborative venture of the BTTC and the University of West Georgia in the US, traveling to Atlanta to receive the diploma. She joined the BJPC in 1995 as head of the primary section and assistant principal. She was appointed principal when incumbent Roshen Driver passed away in 1999. Hardworking and dedicated, Marfatia headed the pre-primary, primary, secondary and higher secondary sections (junior college), sitting at her post even up to nine at night, if required.

"From my mentor, Dee, I have learnt to overcome challenges with panache and ease. I hope I can nurture our baby (HPY) to the best of my abilities for as long as I can and live up to the trust and expectations bestowed upon me,” says Marfatia’s youthful successor.