BVS Timeline
Journey through BVS' rich history - from its founding in 1859 to today's continuing tradition of excellence
1859
1859-05-23: The Karachi Parsi Balakshala was inaugurated in the bungalow of Mr. Paymaster, marking the commencement of formal educational initiatives for the Parsi community in Karachi.
1859 - 1862
Nanabhai F. Spencer was appointed as the Founder-Secretary and Treasurer. Mobed Naurozdaru served as the institution’s first teacher.
1862 - 1865
Seth Shapurji H. Soparivala subsequently assumed the role of Honorary Secretary and Treasurer.
1863 - 1884
Jamshedji Faramji Master was appointed as Headmaster. The Balakshala was relocated to Sergeant's Bungalow, situated adjacent to the Saddar Agyari.
1869
Bai Virbaiji Soparivala, wife of the founder, passed away.
1870
The Balakshala was relocated to Soparivala House and the institution was renamed Parsi Virbaiji School (P.V.S.). Seth Shapurji Soparivala donated Rs. 10,000 to the school and was presented with a "Shawl of Honour." The Parsi Virbaiji School was formally registered and recognized as an educational institution.
1871
The school received its first Grant-in-Aid of Rs. 95. At this time, enrollment comprised 48 pupils, including 36 boys and 12 girls.
1875
Parsi Virbaiji School was elevated to the status of an Anglo-Vernacular School. His Excellency Sir Robert Temple, Governor of Bombay, visited the Parsi Virbaiji School.
1877
Seth Shapurji Soparivala was awarded the "Certificate of Loyalty."
1878
Three boys and one girl studied English, while 104 students learned Gujarati. The school’s income amounted to Rs. 1,636 and 12 annas; expenditures totaled Rs. 1,494, 14 annas, and 9 paise.
1885
Mobed Naorozdaru (Sethji Master) passed away.
1888 - 1899
Dinshaw P. Ghadiali was appointed as Headmaster.
1895
Shapurji Soparivala passed away.
1900
Cowashah Eduljee Anklesaria was appointed as Headmaster.
1904
The foundation of a new school building was laid.
1905
Miss Shirinbai Minwala was appointed to the staff.
1906
The new school building on Victoria Road was inaugurated.
1907
S. D. Contractor was appointed as Honorary Joint Secretary.
1915
The school's bye-laws were revised. Seth Khursedji S. Soparivala passed away.
1916
Pestonji B. Kotwal passed away. The Eduljee Bejanji Kandawala Library was established.
1918
BVS was divided into two separate institutions: the Boys’ School and the “New Parsi Girls School,” which is presently known as Mama Parsi Girls School.
1919
R. J. Dastur was appointed as Headmaster. The Scouting movement was introduced at B.V.S. The Cowasji and Virbaiji Variwa Bhojn was established to provide meals for underprivileged Parsi boys. The school’s Diamond Jubilee was celebrated.
1920
Dr. Pithawala served as Headmaster from 1920 to 1946. Mr. Limki joined the Parsi Virbaiji School during this period. A Science Laboratory was established and equipped through the support of the Soparivala family.
1922
English Primary Classes were introduced. The institution was renamed Bai Virbaiji Soparivala Parsi High School.
1923
A second story was added to the main B.V.S. building.
1924
K.B. Contractors was designated as Education Inspector (E.I.).
1926
Commercial education was introduced under the supervision of M. B. Dalal.
1927
The Cowasjee-Variawa Scout Band was established.
1930
Burjor Choksi, B.E., was awarded the Berkey Gold Medal.
1932
Electricity was installed at B.V.S. through the efforts of the Soparivala family. Gorwala Hall was constructed.
1934
The 75th anniversary jubilee of the school was celebrated.
1935
Manual classes were introduced, and the Limbuwala classrooms along with the Drawing Hall were constructed. The Junior Red Cross, St. John Ambulance Brigade, Scouts, and Cubs became fully operational. M. B. Irani was appointed as the technical teacher.
1936
Behli S. Rustomji was appointed as a teacher at B.V.S.
1938
N. R. Wadia retired from service.
1940
An agricultural scheme was introduced at the school. The school gymkhana was established as a gift from the Cowasjee family.
1941
The Hirjee Bhai Fakeerji Cowasjee Night Bhojan was instituted.
1942
B.V.S. won the Inter-School Athletics competition.
1943
B.V.S. was awarded the Rubie Cricket Shield.
1945
B.V.S. was officially recognized as a Technical High School.
1946
The Dadabhai Hormasji Mama Workshop was established. Dr. Pithwala retired from his position. Mr. B. S. H. J. Rustomji was appointed as Principal. Technical classes were reorganized.
1947
B.V.S. won the Jamshed Katrak Inter Parsi Cricket Shield.
1949
B.V.S. was awarded the Junior Red Cross Cup. The Cubs won the All Sind-Province Competition.
1951
Mrs. Deena Minoo Mistri joined B.V.S. School on May 19th.
1954
The Asia Foundation presented book gifts to the school.
1956
The Ford Foundation donated machinery to the Technical Hall.
1958 - 59
Books were gifted from Minneapolis, USA, for the school library.
1959
Centenary functions were held at the school. Sui gas was installed at the school.