April 2018 marks the centenary of
The Mama Parsi Girls' Secondary School. The school's history and development
reflects the contribution of the Parsi community to the city's civil life,
offering a paradigm of the community spirit.
In 1917, there were few schools,
particularly for girls, and very few girls went to school. As early as 1903,
Seth Eduljee Dinshaw proposed the establishment of a High School for Parsi
Girls. However, the funds raised then, were insufficient. The school was
finally established in 1918 due to the foresight and acumen of Jamshed
Nusserwanji Mehta, who brought together the community minded sprit and
philantrophy of Khan bahadur Ardeshir Hormusjee Mama, Khan Bahadur Nusserwanji
Mehta and Nadirshaw Eduljee Dinshaw. Shehryarji Contractor, Director of Public
Education, Bombay Presidency, provided expert guidance. Since Khan Bahadur
Ardeshir Hormusjee Mama was the largest donor, the school was named The Mama
School in memory of his parents.
The school started in the BVS
School premises, then moved to the Mama Mansions and finally settled down in
its present location in 1920, with the capacity to accomodate 250 Parsi girls.
In 1947, after partition, at the personal request of the Quaid-e-Azam,
admission was opened to girls of all communities.
Starting with about 50 Parsi
girls, we now have 2130 girls! The Founder's motto was to provide the best
possible education to every child entering the portals of this school. Moving
with the times, many things have changed but our motto has remained unchanged.
We have surged ahead with the growth in numbers - our beautiful old buildings
still stands, with several new structures added on new programmes and
curriculum have been introduced. We now work in two shifts morning and
afternoon. Computer Studies was introduced in 1985. The Matriculation System of
the Sindh Board was changed to the SSC Examinations of the Aga Khan University
Education Board. Co curricular activities have increase, with Urdu &
English Literary & Dramatic societies, Red Crescent, Mama Cadets & Girl
Guides also being added on and of course we are very proud of our girls' School
Band.
Remaining true to our motto, our
aim is not only to impact knowledge but to develop informed, ethical and
reasonable individuals who are prepared for life-long learning, to lead and to
serve.
We now have many Mamaians in
different parts of the world, who are living, working and positively
contributing to their cities and communities. We are indeed proud of them!
We thank God Almighty for the
school's successful century and pray for His Blessings for many many more years
to come.
On 100 Years of Mama Parsi Girls' Secondary School Karachi (1918-2018), Pakistan Post is issuing a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs 8/- denomination on July 24, 2018.
No comments:
Post a Comment