Foreward - Kushagra N. Merchant · T he relationship with a school is built on tears. There were tears of anxiety when my mother took me to the school and left me in Khandubhai’s

T he relationship with a school is built on tears. There were tears of anxiety when my mother took me to the school and left me in Khandubhai’s class one wet June morning, and I had no idea what lay ahead. To be so little and be surrounded by little people who looked the same and who looked at me with curiosity was unnerving and puzzling. I cried. I didn’t know whether my mother would come and pick me up at some point later that day, or ever.

But Khandubhai’s stories and Vasuben’s rhymes and Joglekar-sir’s singing and Pushpaben Joshi’s stories of Gandhiji and Dineshbhai’s swirling hand drawing amazing characters and Buch sir’s astonishing recreation of history and Bharatbhai connecting music with science and Pareenben making us feel English is just another language, as easy as Gujarati, so effortless she made the learning for us, and Jerben’s glare which would silence the rowdiest of classes and Pushpaben Doshi staring at an equation and willing it to submission and solving it and Rameshbhai making literature come alive...... there are just so many stories and memories. (Yes, the dhokla and batata wada and sandwiches, too).

And then, a decade and a half later it was time to leave, and those tears returned. Saying goodbye wasn’t easy at all. How can you ever leave such a school? And even if you do, the school never left you.

What made New Era special was not its location, nor the number of laptops per student (we had none), nor indeed the gym facilities (none, again), but the quality of its teachers, and its ethos, and the values it imbibed in its students. It is not a cram school that produces top-rankers at competitive examinations; nor is it a finishing school for children whose eyes are firmly set on moving abroad, never to return.

This 85-year-old institution at Kemp’s Corner is special: It has witnessed the city’s political and cul-tural history and stood firm, like the moral conscience of a once-tranquil area. In an area now teeming with traffic, it is situated at a spot that’s a real estate developer’s dream. But look at its other side, flanking the Au-gust Kranti Maidan, or what we called the Gowalia Tank Maidan – and that sense of history returns. Across, the hall where the Indian National Congress was founded in 1885; across the school, the maidan, where Gandhi told the British – Quit India – in 1942.

The Vyas family that started the school built its ethos on the soft power they drew from Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore. It was nationalism with a small “n”, the kind Tagore empha-sized, where vasudhaiva kutumbakam – the world is my family – was an ideal. Ami Kantawala, an alumna who teaches art in New York, says: “Those principles and philosophies of Gandhi and Tagore need to be kept vibrant and reframed in the present context of education without losing the history of the institution.” It meant pride in one’s culture without disrespecting others’ cultures (even if it meant standing in attention during never-ending sarva-dharma-prarthana – for the agnostic in me, who still finds atheism attractive, I have to admit those were five agonizing minutes every Friday). Here, several teachers (Pushpaben Joshi, for example) and students (my friend Kaushik Laijawala, for example) chose to wear khadi (homespun) clothes; where the old uniform of khaki shorts and skirts and white shirts represented the Gandhian ideal of swaraj and it was not debased by the divisive propaganda of strident nationalism that prevails today in India, strutting around in the same uniform; where the school’s anthem, composed by Pinakin Trivedi, himself a student at Santiniketan at one time, resonated with Tagorean cadence. It was a school whose face to the world was a gigantic mural—now sadly and inexplicable torn down by the new management—created by Dineshbhai, commemorating Gandhi’s life. It has re-emerged at the home of Paula (nee Sonawala) and Ravi Mariwala, of the great clan without which any New Era story is incomplete. The Mariwalas, the Sampats, Bhatias, Mehtas, Shahs, Bhansalis, Desais, Parikhs, Jhaveris, and so many more, reading like entries of a special phone directory made of the city’s finer families.

That school taught us the spirit of fearlessness, which is drawn from its past: During the Quit India Movement of 1942, Gandhians Usha Mehta and others ran a clandestine radio station from the school,

Foreward

mocking the British authorities. “There is so much history here, it must be preserved,” Paula (who went on to get a doctorate at Stanford and is now a venture capitalist) told me once when I was admiring Dineshbhai’s mural at their home. Indeed, during the Emergency of 1975-77, some of us, with the full knowledge of our teachers, made copies of pro-democracy material that was distributed quietly at homes in Nepean Sea Road, Warden Road, Pedder Road, Laburnum Road and beyond, the catchment of the school, comprising mid-dle- and upper-middle-class Gujarati families who wanted their children rooted in Indianness, but able to deal with the world with confidence. Chaula Bhimani, your classmate (and Kaushik’s cousin), once told me, “Today when I see people streaking their hair and wearing tattoos, I feel proud of my firm identity, about my Indianness, which is all thanks to New Era.”

It was not uncommon to talk about Satyajit Ray and Ravi Shankar in our classes. Kartick Kumar and Zakir Hussain played at our assembly. Vijay Merchant and our alumnus Anandji Dosa told us stories about cricket. Umashanker Joshi and Niranjan Bhagat read us poetry. Morarji Desai spoke about Gandhi, Father Wallace about spirituality, Karsandas Manek told us stories.

It was a Gujarati medium school, but it never disregarded English. You could study French or San-skrit, until state regulations made it impossible. We could take optional classes on weekends for Bengali, which I did for two years – other New Eraites – Lopa Sheth and Sonal Mehta, both senior to me by three years – also studying with me out of choice, drawn by Ray and Tagore, about whom we first heard from our teachers.

Many of us felt drawn to the school even during vacations. My friend Darshana Shilpi Rouget, an art director who also lives in London, told me: “I loved going to school so much that I used to pretend to be well when I would be sick so that I wouldn’t miss school.” And the school trusted its students in return. My classmate and chartered accountant Nandita Parekh reminds me how we did not have invigilators for the preliminary examinations in 1977, because we asked the school to trust us, and the school did.

We are now in a new, shining India, where the school is known by some who don’t know its magic as the school next to the Porsche showroom, but what do they know of India, who only know Vande Mataram because of A R Rahman’s video? New Era taught us to shine and remain decent and modest. As I reflect back on the school’s alumni, we didn’t do too badly: Alumni I recall include the scholar on erotic art, Devangana Desai; corporate lawyer Bijesh Thakker; banker Falguni Nayar; mountaineering pioneer Harish Kapadia; stockbroker Hemendra Kothari; figurative painter Ila Pal; musician Vanraj Bhatia; Bollywood and Gujarati stage actors Satish Shah, Deepak Gheewala, and Siddharth Randeria; cricket commentator Anant Setalvad and broadcasters Amin Sayani and Hamid Sayani. There are many more.

Gandhi once said: “I want the cultures of all the lands to be blown about my house as freely as possi-ble. But I refuse to be blown off my feet by any.” The New Era School taught us how to be proud as Indians, and yet be world citizens.

It gave us the best of what it meant being an Indian. Those values made us. By living those values we honour that time and keep the school, and ourselves, alive.

Salil Tripathi started at New Era in Khandubhai’s Montessori class in June 1964. He completed his SSC in 1977, and did one year of junior college at the school, before leaving for Sydenham College. Later he got his MBA from Dartmouth College in the US, and lived in Singapore and now London. He is a journalist and author. He is contributing editor at Mint and Caravan in India, and has written for publications around the world. His books are Of-fence: The Hindu Case (Seagull, 2009), The Colonel Who Would Not Repent: Bangladesh War and its Unquiet Legacy (Aleph, 2014 and Yale, 2016), and Detours: Songs of the Open Road (Tranquebar, 2015). His next book will be about Gujaratis. He is the Chair of the Writers-in-Prison Committee, Inter-national PEN. He is also senior adviser at the Institute for Human Rights and Business in London. (Photo Credit: Abeer Hoque)

Shri Dineshbhai Shah

Restoration of the iconic Mural “Maha Manav (Gandhiji’s Life)” in 1994, originally created in 1969 by Shri Dineshbhai Shah. The

mural was 4.5 Ft. in height and covered the entire span of the school. Each illustration of the mural depicts a part of Gandhiji’s

life from his birth till India’s freedom.

Chronology

Foreward by Salil Tripathi

Section I The Spirit behind the Institution 1 Maha Manav 2 Building Blocks from publication ‘Dawn of New Education’ 3. Shri Kantibhai Vyas: An Insight by Mrs. Bina Kanchwala 4. by Mrs. Mala Kapadia

Section II The Brick and Mortar 1. Captains at the Helm 2. Our Guardians 3. The School Bell and Hop, Skip & Jump 4. Corridors of Fun 5. Right Up There and Taking Roots 6. The Gathering 7. Teacher’s Room and Songs of Pride 8. What’s in a Sandwich and Badges of Honor

Section III Class of 1990 1. Database of Students 2. Memories Captured 3. Thank you!

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Building BlocksEdited from an article “Dawn of New Education” that appeared in the Souvenir “50 Years of Education in Action” published by The New Era School in June 1980. (Contributed by Shri Dineshbhai Buch / Re-edited by Amit Shah)

Introduction by Amit Shah As Shri Buch Sir gave me this article published by our school it pretty much read like what a great school’s brochure would read today. It was then that it hit me as to what a holistic manner the founders, teachers and students of this school operated, taught and learnt in during times pre-dating even India’s independence! This article will give you a unique insight into how forward thinking the school was even while retaining all the cultural and social values of our great nation. The level of freedom and participation experienced by the teachers and students is one of the greatest reasons we all feel so at one with our beloved school! While I have edited some of the content to make it concise and give it a time context, remember as you read this that it is text written 35 years back and that too capturing the school’s 50 years of history at that time! Its possible that not all of this continued till the time we passed school in 1990 but this is what the institution was built on… these were the building blocks!

A PRESCIOUS SLICE OF HISTORY

Two Vyas brothers—Shri C. T. Vyas and Shri M. T. Vyas from the Rajpipla division of Bharuch district, graduated from Ahmedabad and soon came under the powerful influence of the Theosophical Society headed by Dr. Annie Besant. The program of National Education started by Mahatma Gandhi and Annie Besant, caught the imagination of these brothers. After training at Adyar (in Chennai) under Dr. George S. Arundale, they started an ashram school at a beautiful place on the banks of the Narmada at Shuklatirth in 1922.

The brothers along with their friends worked as volunteers in the Shuklatirth Ashram Secondary School. These volunteer-teachers, with a spirit of devotion and dedication worked on the basis of a principle of “each according to his capacity and to each according to his needs”. The Shuklatirth Ashram School was a residential one, a unique experience and experiment. Its atmosphere radiated a friendly understanding between teachers and students. The students did all their personal work themselves. They also cleaned the hostel building, the school and the campus.

The day for the students began early morning with prayers and exercise. For the first time in a Secondary school Fine Art, Drawing, Painting, Music and Drama were introduced along with prescribed academic courses. Games were played in the evening. The students, council managed the mess and other activities of the school along with normal classes under the big trees. Classrooms were built and constructed by them. The garden of the campus was their responsibility. Special time was allotted in the afternoon and after the school for studies and extra-curricular activities. The school built a healthy community relationship. Students and teachers organized a cleanliness squad for the village. First-aid service was rendered to the needy and poor. Exhibitions on health, agriculture etc. were organized to educate the village and the community. Dramas and entertainment were organized every month on full moon day in which students and teachers participated to present a social play or cultural program.

The students earned a little during the harvest time by picking cotton and doing other jobs. The school encouraged other activities like Camping, Hiking, Scouting, and Picnics for providing different types of training experiences.

Shri C. T. Vyas (the elder brother) continued to looked after the ashram school while Shri M. T. Vyas, based on guidance from Dr. Arundale, went for further studies to the London School of Education from 1924 to 1927. On the completion of his further education, Shri Rattans Korari, an industrialist-theosophist, invited Shri M. T. Vyas to start a school in Bombay.

T HE NEW ERA SCHOOL

During his studies, Shri Maganlal T. Vyas came in contact with a progressive movement in Education known as New Education Fellowship in England. The two brothers and Sarojben were responsible for founding the Fellowship School in 1927 and the New Era School in 1930 on the progressive ideals of New Education Fellowship.

If the idea of the naming the Fellowship School was derived from the New Education Fellowship movement, the name New Era School originated from the N.E.F’s magazine ‘New Era in School & Home’. These institutions started a revolt against the traditional education and manifested themselves through experimentation and innovations in education.

During the New Era School’s humble beginning, the devoted teachers lived together in classrooms, took food in the common kitchen. The lack of space sometimes made them take periods in the school bus. A child’s unique personality and importance were recognized. Freedom to organize an experiment in educational planning was encouraged. New methods like the Dalton Plan were tried out. This was a new approach towards a holistic education of the child. The development of the child was considered incomplete without the introduction of Fine Art, Craft, Music, Drama, Dance and other co-curricular activities along with academic studies.

Beatrice EnsorCo-founder

New Era Fellowship Movement

The New Era School always strived to recruit brilliant creative teachers, dynamic and active, ever looking forward to something new. Out of routine and tradition, Shri Pulin Bihari Dutt, an artist from Shantiniketan took charge of the Art Department and introduced few experiments in Art by introducing freedom of expressions, media and form for creativity. After him Shri Rabindra Dutt, Nalin Patel, and Dinesh Shah looked after this department with great zeal for Creative Art through experimentation. Bhimrao Shastri an expert from Shantiniketan took charge of Music. Tagore’s Shantiniketan’s successful dance-drama performance in Bombay in 1936 inspired the school to introduce dancing as a part of its activity in the school. Navkumar Sinha was the first Manipur Dance teacher. Thus, the school was a pioneer in introducing these Fine-arts-activities to enrich the educational program for total education. This school was also first in implementing the ideas of co-operation between the Primary and Secondary departments.

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I NNOVATION AT ITS CORE

The school, even during its first 50 years (1930-1950) of educational innovative practices and experiments, tried to implement the idea of education for the development of the child’s total personality. It organized the following educational program and activities that were implemented only now by many modern teaching institutions:

I. Academic and Co-curricular Activities using mediums such as audio-visuals, the library, self-study, clubs and inviting expert resources like poets, authors, artists, journalist, travellers, humanists, scientists, etc. Even back then emphasis on techniques such as research, problem solving, self-study and differentiated learning were adopted. The school’s teachers such as Mrs. Choksi, Miss Kumud Mulgaokar and Mr. Apte wrote textbooks of literature, often in collaboration with Education Officers of the British Council. Similarly textbooks on Geography, History and Civics were published on modern educational lines. Even the music teacher edited textbook for classical music with notations.

II. School Radio Broadcast were conducted for ten years by Mrs. Choksi, Head of the Department of English, for Schools from All India Radio, Bombay, presenting a series of talks connected with school subjects and preparing pamphlets containing full notes, questions and illustrations, copies of which were sent in advance to all listening schools. Shri Jamubhai Dani, Somabhai Patel, Pinakin Trivedi, Premyogi, wrote Gujarati songs, stories, skits, dramas, biographies of great men, for children from infant to High school level. The titles of these small booklets on different topics, numbered nearly 90. Shri Daulatbhai Desai and Shri Dinesh Buch wrote plays, historical as well as on topics for study in Social Studies. The school was one of the Associated Schools directly connected with UNESCO in co-operation with the Indian National Commission— to work its Major Project on Eastern and Western Cultural values since 1956. III. Educational Tours and camps were pioneered by the school with a view to study the art and architect, History, Geography, Science and Cultural life of people. The school made it a point to see that a child visited all the four corners of India before leaving the school. Camps were one of the special features of the school. It organized:(i) Scout/Guide Camps (ii) Cubs/Bulbuls Camp (iii) Science and Social Studies Camps(iv) Self-help Camps (v) Teachers Camps (vi) N.C. C. Camp(vii) Social Service and Community Development Camps(viii) Inter-regional camps, etc. (ix) One-day trips, cross-country walks, picnics, mountaineering from part of outdoor activities.

The school has actively participated in promoting the Scout/Guide Movement. Principal M. T. Vyas was one who inspired and promoted the activities of Scout/Guide Week — now known as Scout/Guide Festival. He was the Headquarters Commissioner for Educational Institutions in Maharashtra State. After him Dr. K. C. Vyas was appointed the Hos. Commissioner for educational institutions in Maharashtra till 1977.

IV. Participation of Teachers was sought to frame curricular and co-curricular activities and projects for the whole year. The school gave facilities for in-service Refresher Courses, Seminars, Conferences, Orientation of teachers with the aim to achieve new innovations and educational practices. The teachers were encouraged to follow the interdisciplinary approach and co-operate in planning co-curricular activity involving different subjects. Heads and teachers discussed the problems facing the child’s emotional, academic and behavioral aspects. Experts in different disciplines were invited from time to time as Resource Personnel, to participate in various academic and co-curricular activities. Organizing Parent Teacher meetings, cultural events with parent, inviting parents to

act as Resource Personnel and experts as well as meeting the parents individually to explain the status of each child was also one of the rare practices implemented by the school so many years ago.

V. Fine Arts were extremely important to the school. Exhibitions of Art Crafts at Jehangir Art Gallery, promoting Child-Art and creative activity in other schools were conducted regularly. As a result of these efforts the Prince of Wales Museum opened a Child Art Gallery along with master artists. The school was invited to participate in framing Art and Crafts syllabus by the State and Central Government. Art, Craft, Music and Drama were regularly performed on the school’s assembly hall, which was a landmark, because it was built by Shri Chandravadanbhai C. Mehta to perform his play Aag-gaadi for the first time in Bombay. The stage was subsequently presented to the school by him after this performance.

Shri Buch Sir with Late Shri Namdev Lahute during a play enactoment by New Era

Students

T HINKING IN ACTION

It was always the school’s objective that each of its students should be holistically developed acquiring academic proficiency, social consciousness and responsibility, a cultural and aesthetic base as well as develop technical knowledge and skills. With this in mind the following subjects were taught:

Gujarati: The objective of teaching Gujarati, which was the mother tongue of most of the students, was to help children express themselves adequately both orally and through written work. Projects were developed with the help of students on various forms of literature like novels, short stories, narrative poetry, etc. Children wrote dissertations manuscript, magazines, prepared charts on literary themes and small booklets and pamphlets. Debates and recitation in Gujarati were regularly organized.

Editors of Gujarati journals, poets and authors such as Shri

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C.C. Mehta and Shri Karsandas Manek were invited to teach a poem or tell a story written by them helping the children experience the sensitivity and emotions that went into such writings first hand. Children wrote, directed and staged dramas written by them. ‘Sahitya Kunj’, the Gujarati club helped organize interesting programs such as literary readings, recitations and ‘kavi sammelans’. Talks on literature its appreciation and criticism as well as history, formed part of the program.

Orientation of teachers in the subject was provided from time to time through organization of seminars and discussions, workshop on literature, drama, technique of teaching the language and appreciation of different forms of literature, etc. in co-operation with experts in the field—like Niranjan Bhagat, Bhayani, C. C. Mehta, T Prakash Mehta. etc. The Gujarati department was getting regular assistance, advice and help from authors and scholars, like, Suresh Dalal, Ghanshyam Desai and Prakash Mehta.

English: Since June, 1975 the teaching of English at a Higher level was introduced in the school. From Std. Vll onwards, the students learnt all subjects through English. Activities like songs in English recitation, narration of interesting episodes, debates and stories were organized. To build up a proper foundation of the language, spelling and word-games were played.

Interesting projects were made on a variety of subjects in English, some related to the texts e.g. works of well-known literary figures and on language study were displayed at the Annual Exhibition. Every grade had a supplementary reading list of books apart from text-books. In vacations, books were recommended on subjects interesting to students. All grades had their own library according to their level. The general library provided other varied material for reading at all levels. Newspaper reading was encouraged. Poets and authors of English literature like late Sarojini Naidu, Harindranath Chhatopadhyay, late Guru Dayal Malik were invited to recite extracts from English literature.

Higher-grade children enacted plays selected by them with the help of the teachers in English. Radio, T. V., Tape Recorder, Gramophone records, etc. were used for proper learning of intonation and pronunciation. British Council Library books and materials on teaching of English as a foreign language had been taken advantage of.

Social Studies: ‘Social Studies’ was not just a subject but a continuous form of interaction. Experiments in Social Studies from the third to ninth standards were conducted through an internally evolved syllabus which essentially integrated different subjects like History, Geography, Civics, Languages, Art and Craft. The children while working on the topics of Social Studies syllabus, studied through discussions, library work, reference books, interviews etc. making the subject enjoyable as they got an opportunity to learn the topic from various angles.

Students of Std. Vll got the advantage of Social Studies Camp, which helped them to have inter-regional contact and get acquainted with village life. This camp included cultural and social interaction with local people, participation in cleaning roads, rendering first aids, holding exhibitions on health, cleanliness programs, agriculture, 5 years plans. Social evils and other relevant topics of interest to the village folks.

Every evening, a campfire was organized which along with the cultural items, presented short scripts depicting evils of child marriage, dowry, illiteracy, etc. Resource Persons such as Ravi Shankar Maharaj of Gujarat, Jugatrambhai of Bardoli, Dr. Laxman Chapekar of Badlapur, Dr. A. J. Agarkar of Kareti, etc. were invited to help the students understand the Socio-economic problems of the village and its people.

Science: Study of science was made as practical as possible. The students made most of the experiments themselves. The study of science was divided into two parts-Study within the four walls of the classroom and the study outsidethe classroom. Under outdoor science activities the school had a nature study ramble club, which went out on rambles to study birds, insects, the flora and fauna. For Junior grades, Malabar Hill, opposite the school. served as its laboratory and as study syllabus. This group got a lot of help from the Natural History Association of Bombay.

They visited museums, gardens and The National Park as part of their study activity. Our school was affiliated to the World Wild Life Organization and it was the first institution to become a member of the N.C.I. (Nature Club of India).

At the annual Science Camp a syllabus was prepared of those topics, which couldn’t be studied in a classroom, like, Astronomy, Geology, Soils, Birds, Insects, Atmosphere, etc. Science camp equipment included a laboratory to verify specimen, reference books, telescope and other apparatus to help students study a special topic included in the science camp syllabus. An ‘Environmental Study through Science’, was taken up to study problems of environment through

interdisciplinary and discovery method. It helped create awareness of environmental hazards as well as explore efforts to eliminate them. The Environmental study was assisted by resource personnel like late Dr. M. D. Karkhanawala, Dr. C. P. S. lyer of B. A. R. C., Prof. A. N. Kothare and Principal S. M. Parekh of Bhavan‘s College, along with others.

The Science department tool help of community resources through expert personnel and institutes like- Nehru Science Centre, Natural History Society, Tata Fundamental Institute, John Ambulance, Junior Red Cross Society, etc.

Math: Math teaching materials and games were prepared by the teachers, to develop mathematical concepts in students. Practical activities were provided through measurement, shopping experience, making of mathematical models, quiz—games, etc.

Our school was the first to introduce Modern Maths in Bombay for the Board Examination. On behalf of Bombay Association of Headmasters of the Secondary Schools, the school organized training of Math teachers of forty schools in Modern Math.

Program for the Gifted: Most of the children are gifted in some way or other. They may be gifted in Humanities, Literature, Science, Math, Art, Craft, Music, Dances, Games, Athletics, Leadership, Management, Organization, Sociability, etc. Therefore, it was felt necessary that such gifted children should, as far as possible, be given an opportunity and facilities to develop their individual unique talents.

1. Gifted children were given challenging and up-graded assignments.2. Leadership was assigned to them in group-work programs.3. Participation in projects that gave scope to their special capabilities.

Other creative and problem solving materials were provided to meet their needs. For other different talents, varied physical, social, cultural, organizational and leadership programs were provided to enhance special skills of individuals.

Physical Education: The objective of this activity was to help a child get physically fit and healthy. Every child was provided with useful knowledge of diet, functions of body organism, need for exercises, games and rest. The school offered both-Indian games and others like Volley Ball, Basket Ball, Throw Ball, Base Ball, Badminton, etc. Yoga was taught to children. The school encouraged group rather individual competition to ensure maximum participation. than Nearly 100 students took part in inter-school tournaments and Athletics organized by Bombay High Schools Sports Association and the Maharashtra Table Tennis Association. Students passing out of the school were expected to know cycling, swimming, horse riding, first aid and camping. The school Gymkhana near Babulnath provided facilities for Badminton and Tennis to students and parents.

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Hikes and Picnics: ln the monsoon, every Sunday, a class went out on an educational hike to develop love for hiking, cross country ramble, to see nature at its best and to develop love for the outdoor life. The above activities resulted in the formation of Hikers and Climbers Club. Every year, the Club with its junior and senior members made 5 to 6 hikes and climbing programs in the Sahyadri mountains. The Club organized training in basic and advanced courses for climbing, with the help of Bombay Climbers Club

Love for mountain climbing resulted in many having taken to mountaineering as a hobby. Some took advance course at Darjeeling Institute of Mountaineering. ‘Trek in Sahyadri’ by Shri Harish Kapadia was a guide to the members of the Climber’s Club. Rifle Club in co-operation with Bombay Rifle Club provided shooting practice to senior boys and girls.

Tours: Tours made possible the study of Historical places, Geography, nature, wildlife as well as industries and observe cultural life of the people. Once a year the school organized an educational tour to places of interest in different parts of India. Cycle tours were organized giving adventure thrills. If a child joined all tours organized by the school, he probably would have visited most of India during his school life.

A FEW THINGS THAT NEVER CHANGED

School Assembly: The morning assembly formed a very important feature of the school. Every day the children and teachers met in the assembly hall in a silent, peaceful atmosphere for prayer, music and other programs. The morning assembly began with :- (a) a non-denominational prayer(b) music-classical, devotional or sugam (light) music(c) it ended with the National Anthem

Besides this regular music program, every Monday information regarding cultural programs in Bombay was announced to the students. A poem in Gujarati or English selected by a student, was recited in the assembly.

On Tuesday, the children gave news of the week about the school, Bombay and

On Wednesday, the students conduct the assembly by giving a devotional or sugam sangit song. They read news on world affairs, science and sports of the week. The President of the Students‘ Council made announcements regarding information about the Student’s Council.

On Thursday, an assembly was conducted in the last two periods. Different classes in turn gave cultural programs such as: a short play in Hindi. Gujarati or English, folk dance or a song, Instrumental music or any other cultural program. After all classes had their turn, the Thursday Assembly talked on prophets of different religions, Great humanists, Scientists, Artists, Poets or Authors, Journalists, Social reformers, etc. Certain National and International festivals were celebrated in these assemblies. In this way, children were indirectly exposed to moral and ethical education.

On Friday, the school observed Mahatma Gandhi Day since his martyrdom. The celebration included :

1. Prayers of all religions2. Verses from the Bhagwat Gita, which gave the ideals of a good Samaritan.3. A devotional song.4. Reading of anecdotes from the writings of Mahatma Gandhi, Nehru, Tagore and other Indian and international personalities.

A collection of fund by the children and the teachers to help distressed people during a natural calamity, was voluntarily made after the assembly.

Thus, the Friday program endeavored to develop social responsibility towards the community and keen emotional sensitivity towards people suffering hardships and distress.

On Saturday there was community singing by children in the assembly. The school had prepared a special collection of songs in a booklet called ‘Sangh Geet’. After singing, the children go to the August Kranti Maidan for rhythmic, physical exercises, match past and games.

Every day the assembly was organized by the Students‘ Committee in charge of the assembly management. They were in charge of organizing all the activities mentioned above. The Committee President presided along with the Principal.

Parting Thoughts by Amit ShahThe detailing and thought process that the New Era School followed can be taken as an ideal blend of pedagogies for creating an ideal school even today! We have all been part of most of these activities, be it camps, hikes, sports or even the general assembly (with the Shukravaar no Faalo!). We can only feel proud and blessed to be part of an institution that was so ahead of its time and that we were part of something so magical in its own right…

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Shri Kantibhai Vyas: An Insight

I consider myself privileged to be born in the Vyas Family. Shri C.T. Vyas and Shri M. T. Vyas who started the school were amongst others greatly influenced by Mahatma Gandhi & Rabindranath Tagore. The first led them to create an institution that had large overtones of social and productive education aiming to give the citizens of the future, a keen sense of a personal worth and efficacy and strengthen in them the desire for self-improvement and social service in a cooperative community. The latter gave them a unique insight into aesthetic and creative education that greatly emphasized on the potential in Nature for education and the importance of making fine arts as an integral part of the curriculum. In fact, Shri M. T. Vyas received an Award of ‘Padmashree’ from then the Viceroy of India.

Dr. K. C. Vyas, my father, inherited the educational ideals from the two Vyas brothers and continued the philosophy of the school through innovative educational practice. His concept of education was not restricted only to class-room teaching. He encouraged students to travel to other parts of the country and the world, cultivate secular outlook and broaden their vision and horizon. He modernized this vision by developing a project called “School on Wheels’ which could have actualized this vision. The project could not go live due to unavoidable circumstances. However, UNESCO recognized this passion of Dr K. C. Vyas and awarded him a world tour to share his educational ideas with the rest of the world. He remained the Principal of the school for three decades.

But to the world whilst he was a great educationist, a reformist and a principal, to me he was first and foremost my father… He was progressive in his ideas, probably miles ahead of his era. To most children, the word ‘Father’ would bring memories of fear, discipline, strict protocols and intolerance!! But for us 3 girls, he was a bundle of joy, a friend who you could confide in. Fear and dad were poles apart.

We remember doing a lot of things with dad. We went out almost every evening, went out into the nature every weekend for a picnic, and a trip during school holidays. We talked, laughed over silly imaginary jokes. In our life, there was no right or wrong. At the same time he very skillfully embedded the good values in us. These were to be a good human, to be compassionate and be happy with yourself. We were always encouraged to think rationally and not follow any belief if it did not agree with our rational thinking. He did not preach this, we learnt these through his daily behaviors. I inherited wonderful values and educational ideas as a way of life. Life just seemed very easy then and is easy now as I do not perceive struggles as limitations but as lessons to learn from.

There was complete freedom for me to do what I wanted with my life. I once asked him, “Dad, why did you give us so much freedom?” To which he said, “If I did not allow you, you would do it still, and I would not know!”

These values of Dr. K.C. Vyas, extended in the school culture. The New Era School had a child-oriented approach. School children got a lot of freedom – There were not many restrictions on them. They could freely express themselves. The Student Council was a true reflection of this. It was an important feature of the school through which democratic principles were established and students were given a fair amount of freedom. This feature also empowered student agency in school.

The students did not fear teachers as authorities. They built positive relationships with each other during school picnics, school camps and cultural activities. In fact, the teachers of the school were considered family members. They were highly talented and experts in their own fields. They wrote books for the children to supply extra reading material. One history book in particular “India through the Ages” with a secular approach was written for the tenth grade. Teachers wrote Gujarati songs, stories, scripts, Dramas, biographies of great men for children from Kindergarten to High School.

The school philosophy did not value academic competitiveness. There were no examinations till the sev-enth grade during the time I was at school. Academic ratings were not given a lot of weightage and hence we were

given grades rather than marks. If dad had his way completely, he would not have had the system of “EXAMINA-TION” at all. He believed that all students learnt at a pace of their own.

I realize this now more than ever before. As an educationist, I felt the development of a growth mindset from the very first day. I joined The New Era School, when it was going through, in my opinion, a turmoil of ed-ucational deficit thinking. The goals and philosophies of school did not match the students who passed out from the school. Even though they highly valued their education in New Era, they did not perceive the same benefits for their own children. On reviewing the Goals of New Era School, I surveyed past and present students, teachers and parents of the school to get the idea of their expectations from the school. The decision reached then was to introduce a language lab through which the students would continue learning Gujarati, which would preserve the first language used in the families as well as understand, appreciate and enjoy Indian Culture through dance, drama, music. The other core subjects would be taught through the medium of English as that is the international language. This was my vision, which unfortunately could not be exhibited as I left the country for good in 1993.

I guess looking back, probably like any other child, I learnt a lot about the important values of life from the life of Dr. K. C. Vyas. I was fortunate to do so not only in the capacity of a daugh-ter but also as a student and eventually a staff of The New Era School. I cherish these memories and learning and feel blessed when I see the feeling of happi-ness and content on the faces of other alumni whose lives have been touched in one way or another by the teachers and the system of education that was carried on by my father. I wish all of you the very best in your lives and thank you for re-membering and cherishing our family’s valued legacy.

Bina Kanchwala is the youngest of Kantibhai and Bhanuben Vyas’s three daughters. Schooled at New Era, Mrs. Kanchwala went on to graduate from Elphiston college with a Master in Arts with Economics and went on to get a Master in Education from Wellington University in New Zealand. She served as a teacher and a vice-principal of The New Era School.

A mother of two, Mrs. Kanchawala has worked as a teacher in Primary Schools in NZ for 12 years and as a math advisor for the past 8 years. While she delivers professional development to teachers, she encourages and motivates teachers to change and modify their beliefs through recent research materials on best practice in teaching. She inspires teachers to implement culturally responsive pedagogy and differentiated learning to cater to students’ needs in the classroom. Promoting ‘Discourse based Collaborative Approach’ to mathematics has been the highlight of her career as a mathematics advisor. She is passionate about the learning approach where students become confident mathematicians when they communicate with others a self-developed reasoning & justification for their thinking.

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Writer, healer and teacher, Dr. Mala Kapadia, is Founder of Human Potential Consulting named ‘Tame the Monkey’.

Researching in area of Wellbeing, Holistic Healing and Integrated Intelligence for more than 2 decades, Dr. Kapadia has been renowned speaker internationally. She has developed psychometric based on ancient wisdom of Ayurveda and working on certification course of the same.

Her book ‘Heart Skills : Emotional Intelligence for work and life’ has been awarded ISTD Award 2008-2009. Her work integrates Western Competency Framework of EI (Emotional Intelligence) with Eastern perspectives and wisdom of Yoga and Ayurveda. She has been a pioneer in teaching EI and Leadership as a one credit course to MBA students in India and Singapore since 1999.

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PrincipalsThe New Era School

Mrs. Gool Ghadiali

Smt. Pushpa Doshi

Mr. Rajendra Mankad

Shri Kantibhai Vyas

Ms. Havovi Kholsawala

2006 - Till Date

Mrs. Arnavaz Bhagat

Mrs. Malti Renjen2004 - 2006

1991 - 2004

1990 - 1991

1987 - 1990

1985 - 1987

The Captains at the Helm

1967 - 1985

Shri Maganbhai VyasCo-Founder

Our Guardians!

15 16

The School Bell

Who does not remember the sound of our school bell... from a feeling of panic of getting into the class before the teacher to the exhilara-tion of getting a period to spend on the maidan, this school bell located quite cen-trally continues to be an icon

of The New Era School!

Hop, Skip & Jump

You get a sense of how large the school is when you re-member the number of stair-cases all around the premis-es! Only we know how many times we must have run up and down these, be it for re-

cess or otherwise!

Place of Fun!Meeting friends, going to the principal’s office, playing table-ten-nis, getting to assembly or even just being made to stand outside

class... These corridors have seen almost 90 years of it all!

And then of course we have our ‘nanu’ and ‘motu’ maidan... crick-et, volleyball or just chor-police... Amazing memories!

17 18

Right up there

A school’s success can be gauged by the quality of its students... While New Era has produced some of the most prominent personal-ities, here is the concrete proof of the school’s amazing performance. Look closely and you’ll see our very own Chaula Bhimani (Laijawa-

la)!

Taking Roots

New Era was one of the few schools to have so much na-ture all around it! Proba-bly having seen every class pass from school, this tree has witnessed it all! Right in the center of the courtyard on the Huges Road side the magnificent tree stands tall

till date!

qw

The Gathering

Drama, Music, Debate, General Knowledge, Guest Speaker or just plain lunch... it all happened on this glori-

ous stage in our favorite Assembly Hall! Few can for-get the steps to enter from the side when it was their cue or sitting on the ground accross to watch the festivities un-

fold...

19 20

The Sandwich

Our canteen served some of the best foods everyday. While specialities varied from batata vada to misal pav, the one thing that any New Eraite remembers is the chutney sandwich. No one knows the secret re-ceipe but if you feel like a bite you are still lucky to get this at the Tejpal Audi-

torium on Sundays!

Badge of Honor

The New Era School badg-es have always been worn with honor. Whilst we had a sown cloth badge for most of our school life, here are some of the badges over the

decades...

Songs of Pride

While singing of many forms was practiced at New Era, the Sangh Geet was one of our most precious books that also had our school an-

them...

Teacher’s Room

Not always the best place to end up in... but while for many this was detention cen-tral for many it was where parents & students could

meet their teachers.

21 22

Dr. Aditi DagliDate of Birth: 2nd October 1974

Home Address: 2024 Robin Rd, Orlando 32814, USA

Tel: +1(904)235-9966E-mail: [email protected]

Spouse: KshitijChildren: Maitri and Amitav

Organization: Florida Hospital Medical GroupDesignation: Director, Medical Genetics

Nature of Work: Figuring out what disorders people have when no one else can figure it out. Take care of patients with rare genetic disorders.

Akash DoshiDate of Birth: 22nd September 1974

Home Address:32 A Sarnath, 59 B Desai Road, Sophia College Lane, Breach Candy,

Mumbai 400026, IndiaTel: +919820130294

E-mail: [email protected]

Spouse: VaishaliChildren: Juhi

Organization: S. Doshi Papers Industries Pvt LtdDesignation: Director

Nature of Work: Manufacturers of self-adhesive products like sticking, bonding, positioning & holding tapes.

Alpa Shah (Shah)Date of Birth:3rd January 1974

Work Address:76/33 Panchar, 4th Flr, “F” road, Marine Drive, Patanwala Marg,

Mumbai 400020, IndiaTel: +919322214197


Spouse: VineshChildren: Ansh

Organization: Nupur Dance

Ami Shah (Parikh)Date of Birth: 17th January 1974

Work Address:71, Tulips. 1st floor, Nepeansea Road,

Mumbai 400006, IndiaTel: +919820833166


Organization: Spiritual Impressions Pvt. Ltd.

Ami Sanghavi (Shah)Date of Birth: 11th November 1973

Home Address:402 Shiv Tirth No. 2, 4/6 B.D. Road,

Mumbai 400026, IndiaTel: +919870064726


Spouse: JaydevChildren: Aditya and Nirali

Amee Shah (Shah)Date of Birth: 21st April 1975

Home Address:26A2 Prithvi Bldg, Altamount Road,

Mumbai 400026, IndiaTel: +919867336457


Spouse: ShreyanceChildren: Rhea and Tia

23 24

Ami Doshi (Jhaveri)Date of Birth: 10th August 1974

Home Address:12, Akashdeep, 3rd Floor, Dongarshi Road, Malabar Hill,

Mumbai 400006, IndiaTel: +919619074887


Spouse: ApoorvaChildren: Aashna and Aashay

Amit ShahDate of Birth: 16th November 1974

Home Address:223, Maker Tower B, Cuffe Parade, Mumbai 400005, India

Tel: +919821128076E-mail: [email protected]

Spouse: NipaChildren: Amaira

Organization: Spectrum International Pvt. Ltd.Designation: Director & CEO

Nature of Work: Producer, Processors and Traders of Sustainable Fibers & Textiles

Amit B. ShroffDate of Birth: 13th February 1974

Home Address:193, Rushabh Apartment, 19th Floor,

Prarthna Samaj, Parekh St., Mumbai - 400004, India


Ammit KananiDate of Birth: 7th September1974

Home Address:302-A, Ansal Heights, Worli,

Mumbai 400018, IndiaTel: +919821075660


Spouse: BinitaChildren: Kareena

Organization: R V & CoDesignation: Partner

Nature of Work: Textiles/ Bed Linens

Anish JhaveriDate of Birth:

BusinessHome Address:

29 Laburnum Road, E/8 Saraswat Society, Gamdevi, Mumbai 400007, India


Spouse: AmiChildren: Saiyami and Aarav

Organization: Arihant DiamondsDesignation: Proprietor

Nature of Work: Diamond jewellery

Amit H. ShroffDate of Birth: 20th August 1973

Work Address:202, 2nd Floor, 43 M G Road, Yusuf Buidling, Fort,

Mumbai 400023, IndiaTel: +919820013775


Spouse: MadhuChildren: Vanshika

Organization: AdvocateDesignation: Self employed

Nature of Work: Own conventional law practise of litigation and documentation.

25 26

Anish ZaveriDate of Birth: 28th October 1973

Home Address:Plot no. 18/C, 101 Firdaus Building, NS Road No.4,

JVPD Scheme, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai 400056, IndiaTel: +919967574777


Spouse: NoopurChildren: Arnav and Tanya

Organization: MFCPLDesignation: Executive Director

Nature of Work: Manufacturers of Pollution Control Equipment

Apurva N. ModyDate of Birth: 18th December 1973

Home Address:9 Flint Street, Chelmsford 1824, USA


Spouse: AnnaChildren: Ananya, Angela and Ariana

Organization: WhiteSpace AllianceDesignation: Chairman

Apurvi Shah (Thakore)Date of Birth: 17th February 1974

Home Address:25, Sharda Society, Nr. Shreyas Overbridge,

Paldi, Ahmedabad 380007, IndiaTel: +917926612479


Spouse: Dr. DevalChildren: Harsh

Organization: Wadia Ghandy & Co.Designation: Associate

Nature of Work: Property/Land related Title Verification. Also free-lancig as a software process consultant at Cygnet Infotech Pvt. Ltd.

Ashish GandhiDate of Birth: 16th April 1974

Home Address:Los angeles 90703, USA


Spouse: MonaChildren: Manav

Bhakti Kapashi (Doshi)Date of Birth: 28th August 1974

Home Address:503 Pleasant Palace,16 Narayan Dabholkar Rd.,

Mumbai 400006, IndiaTel: +919821214455


Spouse: NimishChildren: Dev and Veer

Organization: Events by DesignDesignation: Events designer

Nature of Work: Freelance Events Planning and Designing

Arif LalaDate of Birth: 27th October 1973

Work Address:D502, Sarkar Tower 2, D Wing, 5th Flr, Nesbit Rd.,

Mazgaon, Near Burhani College, Mumbai 400010, IndiaTel: +919821148633


Spouse: KhadijaChildren: Rozmin

Organization: Lala Engg. Co.Designation: Partner

27 28

Bijal Shah (Shah)Date of Birth: 6th January 1974

Work Address:25, Ashok Nivas, South Pond Road,

Vile Parle (W), Mumbai 400056, IndiaTel: +919867069077


Spouse: NiravChildren: Virali

Nature of Work: Teaching English Phonics and Grammar

at the Primary level

Bijal Thakker (Parikh)Date of Birth: 3rd October 1974

Home Address:42, Kamal Bldg., 69 Walkeshwar Road,

Mumbai 92620, IndiaTel: +919821279697


Spouse: ViralChildren: Ishaan and Saumya

Organization: Parkinsons Disease Movement Disorder SocietyDesignation: Counsellor

Chaula Bhimani (Laijawala)Date of Birth: 5th September 1974

Home Address:26 CCI Chambers, Dinshaw Vachha Road,

Mumbai 400020, IndiaTel: +919820597124


Spouse: AmitChildren: Yash and Mira

Chetan ParekhDate of Birth: 14th June 1974

Home Address:7887 Hedgewood Cir, Mason 45040, USA


Spouse: NehalChildren: Elina and Ojas

Chintan ShahDate of Birth: 5th December 1973

Home Address:A 1102 Panchsheel Heights, Mahavir Nagar,

Kandivali (W), Mumbai 400067, IndiaTel: +919820220929


Spouse: PurviChildren: Ishaan and Anay

Organization: Orion SolutionDesignation: CEO

Nature of Work: Web Development

Chetan PatelDate of Birth: 3rd September 1974

Home Address:162 Wilowbrook Drive, Bldg # 16,

North Brunswick 8902, USATel: +1(212)593-0537


Spouse: AshuChildren: Divya and Rayna

Organization: Amikam LLCDesignation: Production Manager

Nature of Work: Wholesale of Jewellery

29 30

Dr. Dhanisha JhaveriDate of Birth: 21st January 1974

Home Address:16, Tulipwood place, Brisbane 4070, Australia

Tel: +61 403996747E-mail: [email protected]

Spouse: Anil NaiduChildren: Anay

Organization: Queensland Brain Institute, University of QueenslandDesignation: Research Fellow

Nature of Work: Research in neuroscience, stem cells, neuropsychiatric disorders.

Dipti Anand (Vora)Date of Birth: 4th September1974

Home Address:6927 NW 110th Way, Parkland 33076, USA


Spouse: NavinChildren: Ayan

Organization: AssurantDesignation: Project Manager

Nature of Work: Information Technology

Gaurav JhaveriDate of Birth: 14th June 1974

Home Address:7027 Argonne trail, Sugar Land, TX 77479, USA


Spouse: JigishaChildren: Anshumi and Anshul

Organization: SIEMENS EnergyDesignation: General Manager / Director

Hema Kathrani (Doshi)Date of Birth: 7th February1974

Home Address:D 903, Bestech Park View Spa, Sector 47,

Gurgaon 122001, IndiaTel: +918879604553


Spouse: BitenChildren: Shlok

Hetal Shah (Kothari)Date of Birth: 6th February 1974

Home Address:Daisy 128, Serene County, LnT, Gachi Bowli,

Hyderabad 500032, IndiaTel: +919642494313


Spouse: DeepanChildren: Mohit and Bhavya

Hamir MehtaDate of Birth: 26th May 1974

Home Address:2, Ratnakar Building, Dr. B.I.Road,

Malabar Hill, Mumbai 400006, IndiaTel: +912223683830


Spouse: JesalChildren: Hriday

31 32

Jignasha Thakker (Vora)Date of Birth: 30th November 1973

Home Address:Parvati Bldg, 10th Rd. JVPD Scheme,

Mumbai 400049, IndiaTel: +919769247424


Spouse: NitinChildren: Jishnu

Organization: Peraj Insurance Brokers Pvt. Ltd.Designation: Insurance Broker

Kadambari Mehta (Shah)Date of Birth: 10th September 1974

Home Address:1725, Taylor Street,

San Francisco 94133, USA +1(408)882-6076

E-mail: [email protected] Spouse: Suvrat Shah

Organization: SAGE COMM Consulting Designation: Co-founder, CEO

Dr. Kinnari Sabnis (Shah)Date of Birth: 24th April 1974

Home Address:Jeevan Bima Nagar, Borivalli (W),

LIC Colony Jeevan Shrushti, C-9, Flat No. 2, Mumbai 400103, IndiaTel: +918080077667


Spouse: RajeshChildren: Om

Organization: Smile Zone Dental ClinicDesignation: Periodontist

Nature of Work: Dental Specialist

Keyur GandhiDate of Birth: 4th February1974

Home Address:Nepeansea road, Mumbai 400006, India


Spouse: SonalChildren: Dhir and Jay

Nature of Work: Diamond Business

Kavita JhaveriDate of Birth: 12th December 1973

Home Address:14 B Shanaz Apartments, 90 Napeansea Road.

Mumbai 400006, IndiaTel: +919819822750


Spouse: ApurvaChildren: Kush and Aastha

Organization: KASABDesignation: Designer

Kajol (Mamta) Sadhwani (Hathiramani)Date of Birth: 11th May 1973

Work Address:Mesa Y Lopez 58, 4th B, Escalera 1,

Las Palmas 35010, SpainTel: +34928227045


Spouse: ManojChildren: Simran and Ronit

Organization: Shalina BrosDesignation: Partner

Nature of Work: Vogue 2000 wholesale and retail of garments

33 34

Lahar PasadDate of Birth: 18th June 1974

Home Address:300 Albany St., Apt. 3J, New York, NY 10280, USA


Organization: West Elm Designation: Design Director Nature of Work: Home retail

Manisha MehtaDate of Birth: 15th December 1973Home Address:

Flat #8, Rajesh Bldg, Vishwabharati Society, V. P. Rd, Off Juhu Lane, Andheri (West), Mumbai 400058, India


Spouse: JayantChildren: Dhawan

Organization: Rapaport India Pvt. Ltd.Designation: Trading Manager

Nature of Work: Professional in Diamond Trade - Managing auctions..

Mehul MehtaDate of Birth: 17th March 1974

Home Address:42 Sadhana Bld., B Road,

Churchgate, Mumbai 400020, IndiaTel: +919920940236


Spouse: ArchanaChildren: Neer and Samir

Manasi MehtaDate of Birth: 13th June 1975

Home Address:42, Makani Manor, 16,Pedder Road,

Opposite Jaslok Hospital, Mumbai 400026, IndiaTel: +919821631727


Spouse: ApoorvaChildren: Aryan and Aditya

Organization: MystiqueDesignation: Partner

Nature of Work: Event Management - Social and Corporate

Kunal ShahDate of Birth: 5th January 1973

Home Address:22, Mahesh Villa, Dr A. B. Road, Opp. Campa Cola Compound, Worli,

Mumbai 400018, IndiaTel: +919821007836


Spouse: MansiChildren: Adit

Organization: Dimexon Diamonds Ltd.Designation: Senior Executive

Nature of Work: Diamond Sourcing

Kuntal Doshi (Shroff)Date of Birth:

Home Address:A/1702 Vardhaman Heights, Tukaram Kadam Marg,

Mumbai 400027, IndiaTel: +919820495222


Spouse: NileshChildren: Ishita and Harshita

Organization: Star Paint and Oil Industries / Star Hentzen / Star Tech.Nature of Work: Manufacturer of High Heat Resisting Industrial Paints

35 36

Mihir SanghaviDate of Birth: 11th January1974

Home Address:10 A Crystal, 36 Altamount Road, Mumbai 400026, India


Spouse: RadhikaChildren: Mahek and Parth

Organization: Auro Engineering CompanyDesignation: Managing Partner

Nature of Work: Manufacturing, erection, commissioning and mainte-nance of HVAC&R parts and plants

Milin ShahDate of Birth:1st May 1974

Home Address:3907 Barleyton Circle, Sylavnia 43560, USA


Spouse: Purvi shahChildren: Anshi and Aarav

Organization: First solarDesignation: Project manager

Nature of Work: Manufacturers of Solar Modules

Milind DesaiDate of Birth: 2nd May1974

Home Address:41, Dev-Chhaya Bldg, Haji Ali Circle, Mumbai 400034, India


Spouse: MitaChildren: Mehek

Organization: Bharat CorporationDesignation: Partner

Nature of Work: Authorised stockist of screws/fastners, Welding rods & its related products.

Mona Damani (Ajmera)Date of Birth: 5th December 1974

Home Address:12 Nutex Bldg, 1st floor, 82,

Saraswati Rd., Santacruz (W), Mumbai 4000054, IndiaTel: +919892612899


Spouse: DharmeshChildren: Shanay and Sakshi

Mrudang KothariDate of Birth: 7th September 1974

Home Address:12159 Rain Slicker Place, Nokesville 20181, USATel: +1(202)262-6749


Minal Doshi (Shah)Date of Birth: 24th November 1974

Home Address:150, Manekbaug Society, Ambawadi, Ahmedabad 380015, India


Spouse: MitulChildren: Hridesha and Rahil

Organization: Gifting GreensDesignation: Owner

Nature of Work: Landscape designing and plant studio

37 38

Nanda Dadia (Doshi)Date of Birth: 1st November 1974

Home Address:Dr. A. B. Road, Ramodiya Mansion No. 2,

3rd Floor, Flat no. 9., Worli, Mumbai 400030, IndiaTel: +919820741473


Spouse: MitulChildren: Nayomi

Neha Vora Date of Birth: 4th June1974

Work Address:Nepeansea Rd, Mumbai 400006, India


Organization: Akruti LivingDesignation: Director

Nature of Work: Modular Kitchens Shop

Neha SarafDate of Birth: 19th October 1974

Home Address:6th floor, Kailash, Peddar Road,

Mumbai 400026, IndiaTel: +919820222733


Spouse: AdityaChildren: Agastyaa, Avyay and Advaitaa

Dr. Nehal Vora (Shah)Date of Birth: 4th June1974

Home Address:B 501 Harmony, D D U Marg, Mulund (West), Mumbai 400080, India


Spouse: AlpeshChildren: Dhruv

Designation: General Practitioner

Nimisha ShahDate of Birth: 23rd December 1974

Home Address:7/71 Vikram Apts, 100 LT road, Borivali West, Mumbai 400092, India


Organization: BASF India LimitedDesignation: Deputy General Manager

Nature of Work: Head Business Controller and Head Supply chain for Autotomotive Industry

Nehal BhansaliDate of Birth: 2nd July 1974

Home Address:10-D Shanaz, 90 Nepean Sea Road, Mumbai 400006, India


Spouse: AnishChildren: Sakshmi and Shaurya

Organization: Lil Ballerina JewelsDesignation: Admin Head - Marketing & Sales

39 40

Nirali Shivhare (Modi)Date of Birth: 16th December 1973

Home Address:12 Rewa Apartments, Bhulabhai Desai Road, Mumbai 400026, India


Spouse: SandeepChildren: Ishaa and Veer

Organization: EurotecDesignation: Vp markeringNature of Work: Oil & gas

Payal Shah (Shah)Date of Birth: 5th April 1974

Home Address:5/9, Sudarshan, 22, L.D. Ruparel Marg, Malabar Hill,

Mumbai 400006, IndiaTel: +919867186618


Spouse: KunalChildren: Aalisha

Organization: Kids Quest SchoolDesignation: Admin Head Counsellor

Nature of Work: Education - Preschool and Counselling Centre, brain mapping.

Nirav KacheriaDate of Birth: 18th March 1973

Home Address:220, Khetwadi Main Rd., Tara Mansion,

Mumbai 400004, IndiaTel: +919820092067


Spouse: PayalChildren: Dillan and Mahir

Organization: VersaliteDesignation: Marketing /sales

Nisha ShahDate of Birth: 14th February 1974

Home Address:Sarojini Road, Vile Parle West,

Mumbai 400056, IndiaTel: +919819646753


Spouse: BhaveshChildren: Vishank

Parag ShahDate of Birth: 19th March 1973

Work Address:77, Prakash Chambers, Gr.Fl., Fort., Mumbai 400023, India


Spouse: BhavitaChildren: Manan

Organization: Nam EnterprisesDesignation: CEO

Nature of Work: Manufacturer of sheet metal machinery, all types of pumps and welding machines.

Nirav TalatiDate of Birth: 18th May 1974

Home Address:9 Delstar, Kemps Corner, Mumbai 400036, India


Spouse: PinkyChildren: Aarushi and Arham

Organization: JasaniDesignation: VP Rough DiamondsNature of Work: Diamond Business

41 42

Pranav ShahDate of Birth: 28th September 1973

Work Address:5/A, 5th floor, Nandigram CHS Bldg No. 2, 4/6 B.D. Road, Nr. Andheri

Recreation Club, Andheri (W) , Mumbai 400058, IndiaTel: +919820386798


Spouse: DharaChildren: Brinda and Poorva

Organization: Durga InternationalDesignation: Managing Partner

Nature of Work: Provider of Underground Earthing and Lightening Pro-tection Systems to Power Plants like NPCIL

Preeti Shah (Presswala)Date of Birth: 15th January 1974

Home Address:11303 Carmel Creek Rd., San Diego 92130, USA


Spouse: MilindChildren: Arshia and Anushka

Organization: Achieve Medical CenterDesignation: Psychotherapist

Premal ShroffDate of Birth: 24th July 1974

Home Address:45 Lahey Street, New Hyde Park 11040, USA


Spouse: PauraviChildren: Ayush and Arham

Organization: City of new YorkDesignation: Computer systems manager

Nature of Work: IT management and programming

Purav MalbariDate of Birth: 30th May 1974

Home Address:A-1202, Bhoomi Samkit, Mahavir Nagar,

Kandivali (W), Mumbai 400067, IndiaTel: +919820002585


Spouse: Disha

Rajan MehtaDate of Birth:22nd June 1974

Home Address:13 Beach View, 93 Bhulabhai Desai Road,

Breach candy, Mumbai 400026, IndiaTel: +919870018605


Spouse: ParulChildren: Aarnav

Organization: Rajan Dilip Mehta architectsDesignation: Principal

Nature of Work: Architecture and Interior Design

Priya Nahar (Janani)Date of Birth: 14th May 1974

Home Address:25 Manav Mandir, Worli Hill Rd, Worli,

Mumbai 400018, IndiaTel: +919821144980


Spouse: Sailesh NaharChildren: Parth and Aarav

43 44

Reema Mehta (Shah)Date of Birth: 21st December 1973

Home Address:11152 Berkeley Hall Lane, Frisco, TX 75033, USA


Spouse: RakeshChildren: Aadit and Aayush

Organization: Trendz ForeverDesignation: Owner

Nature of Work: Fashion Boutique

Reetu GandhiDate of Birth: 11th June1973

Home Address:9 Akruti Aastha, 23G Dongersi Road, Walkeshwar,

Mumbai 400006, IndiaTel: +919821073990


Organization: Indian Hotels Company LtdDesignation: Manager

Nature of Work: Look after Employee Engagement and Management with the Mumbai properties of Taj

Rikin MehtaDate of Birth: 8th December 1973

Home Address:73-75 Walkeshwar Road, 6th floor, 63 Flat No.,

Mumbai 400006, IndiaTel: +919820038669


Spouse: ShitalChildren: Ananya

Organization: N. Sunderlal & Co.Designation: Managing Partner

Nature of Work: Chemical Business

Romish ShroffDate of Birth: 22nd August 1974

Home Address:1433 S. Nebraska Place, Chandler AZ 85286, USA


Spouse: PritalChildren: Prisha and Iraj

Organization: VariousDesignation: Risk / IT Manager

Rupal PatelDate of Birth: 15th August 1972

Home Address:46 Foacote Road,

London Nw4 3sd, UKTel: +447710448187


Rinku Shah (Baxi)Date of Birth: 5th May 1974

Home Address:121 Enterprise Apt., Tardeo, Forjett Hill,

Mumbai 400026, IndiaTel: +919820467584


Spouse: RajeshChildren: Dhwani

45 46

Sarang JhaveriDate of Birth: 31st August 1974

Work Address:Adi Kunj 148-A Walkeshwar Road, Mumbai 400006, India

Tel: +91 9820033490E-mail: [email protected]

Spouse: SunejaChildren: Dhruv and Moksh

Organization: Decent ImpexDesignation: Partner

Nature of Work: Diamond Manufacturer, Exporter, Importer amd Wholesaler

Saurav ShahDate of Birth: 5th January 1974

Home Address:Divyalok, Flat 101A/101B, 320 L.D. Ruparel Marg, Malabar Hill, Mum-

bai 400006, IndiaTel: +919619617456


Spouse: SimoniChildren: Alyssa and Ryshaan

Organization: Tiara JewelsDesignation: Director

Nature of Work: Diamond and Diamond Jewllery

Sheetal Cunningham(Taswala)Date of Birth: 4th August 1974

Home Address:30 B Tyler Ct, Streamwood 60107, USA


Spouse: Tom

Organization: Celergo Inc.Designation: Senior Business Analyst

Nature of Work: Data/Software Analyst

Shrenik ShahDate of Birth: 17th February 1974

Work Address:601 Arun Chambers, Tardeo Rd.,

Mumbai 400034, IndiaTel: +919967777775


Spouse: PurviChildren: Aryan and Arya

Shital Nanavati(Thakore)Date of Birth: 9th April1974

Home Address:1405, Spectra, Prathamesh Complex, Opp. Country Club, Veera Desai

Rd., Andheri (W), Mumbai 400053, IndiaTel: +919820148174


Spouse: KaushalChildren: Aarush

Organization: VistrutiDesignation: Partner

Nature of Work: Home Linens and Home Decor

Shital ShethDate of Birth: 4th October 1973

Home Address:Vasant Bldg., 2nd Floor, Flat No. 7, Peddar Road,

Mumbai 400026, IndiaTel: +919821887811


Spouse: Ruchir shethChildren: Aahaan

47 48

Shweta KothariDate of Birth: 16th May 1974

Work Address:3A Monolith, 7 Nepean sea Rd, Mumbai 400036, India


Spouse: SunitChildren: Anyssa

Organization: L.I.F.EDesignation: CEO

Nature of Work: Jewelry

Simpi Shah (Zaveri)Date of Birth: 22nd November 1973

Home Address:89 Harrowes Meade, Edgware Middsx,

London HA8 8RS, UKTel: +447916728783


Spouse: Himanshu ShahChildren: Aaryan and Mahika

Sonal ThakkerDate of Birth: 26th May 1973

Work Address:Richoux Building, 501/502, 5th Floor, Chimbai Rd., Bandra (W),

Mumbai 400050, IndiaTel: +919833177638


Organization: Roopa Sona Inv. & Tdg. Do. Pvt. Ltd.Designation: Director

Nature of Work: Investments

Viral ThakkerDate of Birth: 28th February 1974

Home Address:42 Kamal, 69 Walkeshwrar Road, Mumbai 400006, India


Spouse: BijalChildren: Ishaan and Saumya

Vishal JhaveriDate of Birth: 26th April 1974

Home Address:60/5, Rajat Apartments, Napean Sea Road, Mumbai 400006, India


Spouse: DiptiChildren: Shaan

Organization: Company SecretaryDesignation: General Manager

Nature of Work: Compliance and Research

Tejas SanghviDate of Birth: 24th January1974

Work Address:37 Andhakshi Ashram, 1st Fl, Gilbert Hill, Andheri (W), Mumbai

400058, IndiaTel: +919820027287


Spouse: DeepaliChildren: Dhyan

Organization: Supersoft Consultants Pvt LtdDesignation: Founder

Nature of Work: Risk Management + Enhanced Due Diligence

49 50

Vivisha DoshiDate of Birth: 16th November 1973

Home Address:185 Meyer Road, Singapore 437969, Singapore


Spouse: TusharChildren: Sangini and Shashank

Organization: Tushiv InternationalDesignation: Director

Nature of Work: Makers of 3D holographic sculptures

M. I. A.

There are a couple of batchmates who we have not been able to contact and hence declared “Missing In Action”. There have been rare sightings

by few lucky individuals but we at the Reunion Committee were not able to trace them. We sincerly regret the same.

If anyone of them ever get a copy of this book, know that you are very much in our hearts and we hope to meet you soon!

Yatrik MehtaDate of Birth: 4th June 1974

Home Address:10395 Calvert Drive, Cupertino, CA 95014, USA


Spouse: MinalChildren: Samarth and Prashant

Organization: InfraBrixDesignation: CEO

Nature of Work: Technology

Memories over a decade...

51 52

Memories over a decade... Memories over a decade...

53 54

Credits25 years. A quarter of a century. More than half of our lifetime! Seems surreal, doesn’t it?

I’ve been through multiple schools for short periods of time but my longest stint has been with New Era and all of you. Clearly, this is the only place I remember as ‘my school’ and all of you as ‘my childhood friends’.

When I joined school in the 3rd standard, it was a new experience. Traveling everyday from Wadala was fairly unsettling. A new environment, new friends and new teachers (Bharatiben felt like a real task master!) were all a bit much for me to take in. But slowly and steadily, one day at a time, one friend at a time all of that changed.

I’ve always wondered why school friendships are so dear or why the friendships I made at New Era have lasted so long? While the list of reasons would be fairly long, I believe it was primarily as our friendships were selfless, showing each other who we truly were as people, as human beings. There were no pretenses. This is a quality that at least I have not shared with anyone else to the extent that I have with all of you.

The love that we share for the school comes from the bucketsful of memories that we collected growing up, dis-covering the challenges and excitements of life together. The hours of senseless banter and deep conversations, of learning and playing, of falling and getting up were all spent together as one and are etched in the recesses of our minds forever, bringing a smile to our lips every time we reminisce.

But all this would not have happened without the support of our loving teachers who more often than not acted as friends or guides, shepherding us through the maze called growing up. For this we are perpetually in their debt and no matter what we say or do will ever commensurate that.

I hope my daughter experiences even an ounce of the love, the friendship of what I have experienced with all of you. It was mostly with the next generation in mind that this coffee table book was conceptualized. Our time at New Era, the values we learnt and the experiences we relished are part of a shared legacy that I felt we should pass on to the world, specially our children.

The response that all of you gave to this reunion has been extremely heartwarming and I thank all of you for it. An idea brewed over coffee between a few of us slowly but surely turned into a grand celebration. While I specially thank the Reunion Steering Committee, I want to thank each one of you for the warmth, support and encouragement that you have shown at every step of the way. People have flown in (some even for a day) and have tried to contribute in one way or another to make this book and this event a reality. I must also thank the various alumni from other batches as well as teachers who have helped tremendously either in providing pic-tures, gathering facts or contributing articles.

As we celebrate a lifetime of a memories, I only pray to the Almighty that may this 25 years turn into anoth-er 25 with just as much strength & conviction and may the bonds, no matter what the geography, only grow stronger!

Dhanya New Era!!

Amit Shah

Thank you!

Reunion Planning Team:Akash DoshiAmit Shah

Chintan ShahMihir SanghviNehal BhansaliNimisha Shah

Articles Contrbuted by:Mrs. Bina Kanchwala (Class of ‘75)

Shri Dineshbhai BuchMrs. Mala Kapadia (Class of ‘75)

Information Contributed by:Mr. Francis Menezes

Phots Contributed by:Bhavesh Shah (Class of ‘84)

Shri Dineshbhai BuchMitesh Shah (Class of ‘89)

Pankajbhai Mehta (Class of ‘74)Paula Mariwala (Class of ‘81)

Mrs. Shyamaben Shah (Class of ‘73)“Dhanya New Era” Facebook Page

Special Thanks to:Salil Tripathi (Class of ‘77)

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Documents

Foreward - Kushagra N. Merchant · T he relationship with a school is built on tears. There were tears of anxiety when my mother took me to the school and left me in Khandubhai’s