How many of us Parsis know that there is a reputed school and college of commerce and management in Mumbai, which provides free education to Parsi students? As a minority community institution 50% seats are reserved for Parsis. This article is written to make our community aware of the opportunities provided by Patuck Polytechnic Trust in the field of education.

History: Late Mr. Rustomji Hormusji Patuck was the founder and sole settler of Patuck Polytechnic Trust in 1932. He was a Parsi businessman settled in Manchester, U.K. He was a merchant prince turned technical educationist. He was groomed at the Manchester College of Technology. He became a philanthropist in the cause of vocational and professional education on his return to India. He was born on 12th November 1860 and passed away on 20th October 1936. Rustomba Patuck as he was popularly known to his close associates started Modern Industrial School in 1934 to impart technical and vocational training in weaving and carpentry. He ran the school in Gujarati medium, in hired premises with eight students. He himself was the founder principal, chief instructor and caretaker all rolled into one. He established the Trust with a corpus of Rs. 9 lakhs for the running of the Institutions managed by the Trust. He was the preceptor of the concept of work experience and vocationalisation of technical education at the secondary and higher secondary levels. His credo was "Work is worship".

Patuck Complex is situated at Vakola, one km. away from Chhatrapati Shivaji Domestic Airport, Mumbai off the Western Express Highway. The road adjoining the campus is named Rustomba Patuck Marg since 17th July 2004. It consists of its own 4-acre plot and houses the campus under its Integrated Education system viz. K.G. to P.G. (Kindergarten to PostGraduate). Its students feature in the merit list at S.S.C., H.S.C. exams and have won laurels in various fields. The following institutes are conducted by the Trust catering to the educational needs of over 3500 students:

1. Patuck Play School

2. Patuck Pre-Primary Schol (1994)

3. Patuck Primary English School (1994)

4. Patuck Technical High School (1945)and Jr. College (Science(1982), Vocational(1986), & Commerce)

5. Patuck Gala College of Commerce & Management (2002)

6. Yeshwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University Study Centre for Diploma course in Engineering (1998)

7. Gala Infotech Centre (2000)

8. Patuck Industrial Training Centre (1981)

Patuck Gala College of Commerce & Management was started in 2002. It is affiliated to the University of Mumbai for teaching Commerce (B. Com.) and Management (BMS Bachelor of Management Studies). Dr. C. M. Sankaran Kutty is the Principal. The Trust is starting a Law College from June 2005 as also Master of Management Studies M.M.S. courses shortly.

Organising Board: Mr. Adil J. Patuck, grand nephew of the founder is the chairman. Professor Rustom Kaikhushroo Mody, former Principal and Secretary, VJTI is a director. Mr. J. J. Goiporia is the Honorary Secretary. Principal K. G. K. Kurup is the administrator. Postal address is 100, Nehru Road, Vakola Bridge, Santacruz (East) Mumbai 400 055. Tel. no. 26680939, 2668 3806

Junior College -Science (1982)

Students desirous of going for higher studies in Engineering, Medicine or Para-Medical courses and other science faculties can opt for Jr. College-Science.

1. Pure Science

2. Science with information Technology

3. Science with Vocational Subject – Computer Science or Mechanical maintenance

Junior College – Vocational (1986)

Objectives: Govt. of India in its National Education Policy contemplated Vocational Education at plus two stage (after SSC) having minimum competencies in various fields. On completion of these two-year courses as vocational technicians with NCERT certificate, the trainees directly enter the world of work. Patuck has several courses in which well-qualified teachers in its own well-equipped laboratories and workshops impart training.

Special Features: 1. On the job training of six weeks compulsory. 2. Computer Awareness is an added competency. 3. Received National Award for School Industry Linkage in 1998 from NCERT, Govt. of India.

A. Accounting and Auditing

Subjects: English, Hindi, Financial Accounting, Cost Accounting, Auditing.

Job Opportunities: Accounts assistant, Cashier, Ledger clerk, Audit clerk, Audit assistant. Can render services independently on accounting activities as self employed in any of these jobs.

B. Auto Engineering Technician

Subjects: English, Hindi, Mechanical Technology, Auto and Diesel Cycle, Engineering Drawing, Garage Management & Motor Vehicle rules.

Job Opportunities: Auto mechanic, Service mechanic, Vehicle surveyor and loss assessor, driver, auto fitter.

C. Building Maintenance

Subjects: English, Hindi, Construction technology, Estimating and costing, Construction management and accounts, Building yard practice.

Job opportunities: Supervisor, contractor, plumber, consultant for maintenance, entrepreneurship.

D. Electronics Technology

Subjects: English, Hindi, Basic electricity materials, Basic electronics, Applied electronics, Electronic instrumentation, Consumer electronics, Industrial electronics & Line Communication.

Job opportunities: Maintenance and repair of electronic equipment, sales and service centre for electronic equipment, manufacture of electronic equipment, mobile service centre for sales and service in rural areas.

E. Maintenance and repair of electrical domestic appliances

Subjects: English, Hindi, Material and workshop practice, Domestic appliances, Elements of electrical technology.

Job opportunities: Manufacture, testing, repair, selling domestic appliances. Dealership / Agency, repair shop of electrical domestic appliances.

F. Mechanical technology

Subjects: English, Hindi, Mechanical technology, Engineering Drawing, Operation and Maintenance of machine tools, Engineering science.

Job opportunities as skilled worker in turning, fitting, welding, chargeman supervisor, instructor.

G. Medical Laboratory Technician

Subjects: Anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, clinical biochemistry, microbiology and parasitology, clinical pathology and haematology, Blood Bank, Histo technology, Laboratory management and ethics.

Job opportunities: Laboratory technician in colleges, hospitals, pharma labs, health centres. Self employment as distributor for lab chemicals, wares, equipment and spare parts.

H. Tourism and Travel Techniques

Subjects: Introduction to tourism, Heritage of India, Economics and geography of tourism, transport, hospitality industry and business communication, travel agency operations.

Job opportunities: Tour organiser, tour operator, travel counsellor, transporters, tourist cars, buses, Pilgrimage tour organisers.

At present only two Parsi students are availing of this golden opportunity. It is hoped that more and more Parsi students become aware and take advantage of this renowned institution.