Making a mark in music

Adding yet another accolade to her well recognized accomplishments, Veera Pooniwala (née Ghati) was presented The Stop Gaps Cultural Academy Bombay’s Annual Award 2008 for "significantly promoting and encouraging international music in India and particularly in the city of Poona” where she lives and teaches music, as per a write-up received from H. S. Talati of Bombay. Speaking to Parsi­ana over the telephone, Pooniwala mentioned that she received the Aw­ard at the hands of the Archbishop of Bombay on December 20, 2008 at the National Centre for the Performing Arts. The occasion was the 25th anniversary of the Stop Gaps Cultural Academy headed by Alfred D’Souza, senior choir director.

The characteristically humble teacher acknowledges: "I owe my success to my teachers, parents, pupils and my ever supportive husband.” Way back in 1953, Pooniwala was one of the first music pupils of the fledgling St Cecilia’s School of Music founded and run by Enid Roberts. From the start, Pooniwala had a clear vision for her future — she wanted to teach. Working steadily at her music, Pooniwala passed her ATCL (Associate, Trinity College, London) and later the LTCL (Licentiate, Trinity College, London). For obtaining the highest marks in her Licentiate, Trinity College awarded her a gold medal. More honors and awards followed — the Bhikhaji Limjibhoy Palamkote Award and the Bombay Madrigal Singers Shield. Co-currently, Pooniwala completed a two-year teaching course at the St Mary’s Teacher Training College — no mean feat, Talati explains.

For many years thereafter, Pooniwala managed the dual roles of school and music teacher — at different institutions. When "Miss Roberts” passed away, Pooniwala stepped into the shoes of the woman she idolized. Now into her 13th year as principal of St Cecilia’s, Pooniwala has introduced a number of innovations and additions while retaining the traditional values set by the founder, maintaining an excellent all-round standard of musical education.

Unfazed by the awards and accolades, the dedicated teacher sums up: "I have received so much from the School — all I want to do is to give something back.”