Philanthropy 2.0

The façade once had a direct sea-facing view. The statue of Athena (goddess of learning) holding a lit torch and book, was destroyed and had to be replaced by an identical statue. Few public buildings in Mumbai display a statue atop as their crowning feature. CSMT (formerly Victoria Terminus) is a famous example. PIC/PRADEEP DHIVAR

In repairing this grand building, we are doing what Seth Byramjee Jeejeebhoy would have expected of his heirs," says Rustom Byramjee, trustee, Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Parsee Charitable Institution (BJPCI), about the recently restored school building in Gothic Revival style that has stood opposite Charni Road Railway Station since 1908.

Founded by late Seth Jeejeebhoy in 1891, it was principally to promote education among the economically weaker sections. The campus designed by Khan Bahadur Muncherji C Murzban, master builder of landmark public buildings, is a lesson in visionary zeal. "He was a sensitive engineer who factored in the site's proximity to the sea and created sufficient open space around," shares Vikas Dilawari, the conservation architect behind the effort. During our walkthrough, Dilawari and school coordinator Vaishali Mhatre, recall the challenges.

The bust of Seth Byramjee Jeejeebhoy. PIC/PRADEEP DHIVAR

"We had to undertake complex structural repairs for the decaying timber. It had to be replaced with similar material; nowadays, large sections of wood are not easily available." Mhatre recalls the backing of trustee Jeejeebhoy who had said, "Letting this institution go to seed is not an option, therefore the fervour." Then, COVID-19 struck, and two cyclones hit the city. Trees fell, tiles were displaced, and sections damaged. The two-year gap resulted in an infestation by termites.

Vaishali Mhatre at her study table in the school's biology lab. The space offers a fleeting imagery of the early days, when the school's façade had an uninterrupted sea view

Renewing the effort required fresh funds. The once-famed philanthropist spirit that built early Bombay manifested itself in the modern era, when Virtusa Foundation, the charity wing of global provider of digital engineering and technology services Virtusa Corporation, came out in support. "It's an honour to be part of this mission that ensures the legacy of BJPCI remains intact," says Santosh Thomas, CEO and Executive Director, Virtusa Corporation.

The central staircase on its east façade is lit with eastern light and has three-storied double height space; (right) "We are thankful to Sir Byramjee Jeejeebhoy who had the vision for the school as well as to the current trustees who maintain this magnificent building. The coming batches will be fortunate to learn in this magnificent building, says Atharva Savarkar, a Class X student

"Given that the school is operational for 10 months annually, and caters to over 1,400 students, the narrow window of two summer holiday months for restoration posed a challenge, further intensified by Mumbai's monsoons," Thomas explained. They met the deadline, Dilawari says, by dividing the work into four segments and appointing three contractors for the ground floor; first and third floors, and the last was handed the façade.

Vikas Dilawari

The bust of Seth Byramjee Jeejeebhoy on the landing of the teakwood staircase is a silent reminder of the benevolence that built this institution, and has now ensured its longevity. Rustom Jeejeebhoy borrows a line from The Bible: "Prophet Nehemiah actually got permission from a king to allow him to rebuild not just the walls in the temple but also the gates and the walls of the city, Jerusalem."