Pageant of festivals

A pageant of festivals titled "Amchi Mumbai” was the highlight of the 77th annual day function of the Cama Montessori and Primary School held at the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan auditorium on January 20, 2011. Children dressed in colorful costumes welcomed the guests and sang the school song, notes community historian Marzban Giara who sent the information to Parsiana via e-mail.

"There is none nobler than the teaching profession,” said the chief guest, eminent surgeon Dr Bakhtawar K. Dastur. "This school was established by philanthropist Sorabji Khursetji Jassa-walla in 1933. Besides academics, art, craft, dance, music, elocution and dramatics are encouraged. The dedication, sincerity and team work of the staff is highly commendable,” she informed the gathering.

Principal Maharukh Jassawalla, a member of the founder’s family, noted, "Education develops an all round personality. Education is the most powerful weapon the parents can give to their child to change the world.”

Right: Principal Maharukh Jassawalla (left) with Dr Bakhtawar K. Dastur

The program of the various festivals in Bombay began with Maharashtra Day and covered religious festivals of all communities like Gokul Ashtami, Ramzan Id, Ganesh Chaturthi, Christmas and Navratri which were depicted through the garba dance, singing of Christmas carols and skits, mentions the e-mail. Eminent personalities were portrayed by parents dressed as Rani Laxmibai of Jhansi, Madame Bhikhaiji Cama, Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Dr B. R. Ambedkar and Indira Gandhi. The show was conceived, coordinated and compered by Mani Mulla, Giara concludes.