Honoring Merwan Behram “Irani Master”
A gifted teacher and head of Technical Studies whose devotion to students spanned three generations and 65 years.
Information gathered from this archived BVS tribute .
Money was not very important to him — the reward was the satisfaction of educating others.
Merwan Behram Irani
(Fondly known as Irani Master)
Teacher & Head of Technical Department, 1911 – 2000
Merwan Behram Irani (1911–2000) grew up in an orphanage in Mumbai alongside his brother Meheriyar and an older stepsister. In 1935, at age 24, he moved to Karachi and joined B.V.S., fluent in Farsi and teaching Persian to students.
He continued his own studies at N.E.D. Engineering College until he was certified to teach technical courses such as electrical and mechanical skills, drafting, carpentry, and mathematics. After persuading Principal Dr. Pithawalla to establish a Technical Department, he became its head.
Teaching was his passion. Money mattered little to him; he often waived tuition fees, finding his reward in the satisfaction of educating others. He met and married Thrity Irani, with whom he had a son, Gustasp. Though Thrity passed away at 39, he remained devoted to her and never remarried, saying she was the only woman for him.
Strict yet loving, he said discipline ensured students learned so they could thrive. He felt father-like pride in every success. In his later years, generations of students honored him in a ceremony that moved him to tears of joy. Over 65 years, he taught three generations and remained honest, ethical, hardworking, and deeply religious — always ready to help others.
His dedication earned the respect and love of family, students, the community, and all who knew him. He was truly a wonderful man who is sincerely missed.
This memoir was written by Gustasp Merwan Irani — son of Mr. Irani and a fellow Virbaijeeite, currently residing in California.