132-Yr-Old School at Charni Road Regained its Gothic Glory

The 132-year-old Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Parsee Charitable Institution (BJPCI) has been restored to its former glory by conservation architect Vikas Dilawari. It is a historical monument located across from Charni Road Station in South Mumbai.

The BJPCI school was one of the few buildings in the city constructed in the Gothic architectural style. It was designed by the native Bombay architect, Khan Bahadur Muncherji C. Murzban. Erected in 1890, the structure is known for its colourful glass and unique teakwood screens. These features perfectly capture the Gothic Revival architectural style. The school can currently accommodate 1,500 pupils in three sessions: morning, afternoon, and evening.

The institution was founded by Byramjee Jeejeebhoy. After its official opening on September 12, 1891, the school was housed in a rented facility on Queen's Road while construction was being completed.

Initially, it only provided Parsi boys with access to the primary and middle school divisions. The school moved to its current location in 1908. The building project cost INR 4.5 lakh to complete. About INR 1.52 crore went towards its repair. This was financed in part by Virtusa, an IT firm with offices in Bengaluru and Mumbai, through its CSR programme.

Over time, the institution evolved, becoming coeducational in 1972. Junior college departments for science and commerce were added in 1978 and 1975, respectively. The school started allowing students of all religions in 1985.

The restoration started in the 1990s and continued until 2010. The restoration focused on various components, such as the interiors and the Athena statue. Large-scale internal and external renovations to the front facade and the main staircase block at the back were part of the most recent restoration project. It also saw structural repairs in specific locations, such as classrooms and passageways.

The school plans to launch a playgroup in the upcoming school year. Additionally, the school trustee intends to submit the building for possible inclusion in the UNESCO Heritage Awards.