UDYACHAL SCHOOL
Where Learning Is Joy

How a Model School Functions

I have known three ladies by the name of Binaifer in my life. One is my school friend, who, from Junior KG to S.S.C., religiously stood first in class. Another Binaifer is a friend who works in The Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi Ltd. who was Mumbai Region Winner in the DHL-NIPS Secretary of the Year Contest, 1998. Now it is my privilege to know a third Binaifer, also a topper in her profession as teacher and Principal, but extremely modest in acknowledging it.

I recall our first meeting at the Udyachal Pre-Primary School on October 30, 1999 when I had organised a Press conference for the School. The occasion was Fun Time. I came across a friendly, well-composed, hardworking and sincere assistant to Ms. Shirin Choksey, former Principal of the Udyachal Pre-Primary and Primary Schools. But when I met Binaifer the second time for this particular interview, I found her not only to be both outspoken and humble at the same time, her sense of hospitality keen, but also a caring and loving person. She very kindly offered me the Pre-primary School children’s delicious mid-morning snack, rice kheer, which reminded me of my own school days when we used to get school breakfast and lunch of the then famous Challa Caterers. The little paper weights carved out by the Udyachal School children placed on her neat table in her well-ventilated office in lush green surroundings, impressed me most. Meet Binaifer Chhoga, recently appointed Principal of the Udyachal Pre-Primary and Primary Schools.

Binaifer Chhoga with E. J. Kalwachia and Harpreet in 1996
during the project on 'Minimum Levels of Learning'