by Lynette Sequeira for BISMumbai

50 years of commitment and service to the community, 50 years of dedication and accompaniment in the Don Bosco Way and 50 years of the Salesian presence in Borivali (West) is what the Management, Staff and students of Don Bosco High School and Junior College, Borivali will be celebrating right through this Golden Jubilee year. After the Inaugural Mass that was celebrated on the 24 January, the Golden Jubilee Celebrations took off in style through a wonderful Annual Thanksgiving Day on 01 February 2020, during which the students transported everyone to a whole new world of magic and enchantment, as they took us all on a very colourful magic carpet ride, through their production of the Broadway for kids version of Alladin.

The presence of many, many previous Rectors, Principals and other Salesians, who have worked in the institution over the years; and that, of a number of retired teachers of the school, made the occasion extremely special. Apart from the Annual Report that presented the highlights of the Institution, a wonderful video presentation of all the Salesians and teachers who have been an invaluable part of the legacy of this wonderful institution over the years, warmed every heart, as it took everyone present, on a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Another video presentation of ex-students, who are now successfully working and contributing to society in various fields, filled the hearts of everyone in the audience with pride and joy.

Father Savio Silveira, Provincial of the Mumbai Province who was the Chief Guest on this occasion, in his address, thanked God for accompanying the Salesians and teachers on this 50 year journey; and appreciated the Management for inviting the past Rectors, Principals and retired teachers, who have been the strength, pillars and columns of the institution and who have built Don Bosco, Borivali into what it is, step by step and moment by moment. He said, "as we look forward to the next 50 years, we must work on, not only preparing minds but also warm hearts. Our students must be filled with goodness, kindness and attitudes of service in their hearts. We must not only train our students to have skilled hands but also helping hands.” He added, "we must prepare our students not just for great careers but to become great contributors to society. In doing this, we would be fulfilling Don Boscos mission and dream, to create ‘good persons’ and ‘honest citizens’."

Vice Provincial Father Ashley Miranda, who is an alumnus; and other Salesians, who have worked and contributed to the growth of the institution over the years, Father Anaclete D'Mello and Father Bosco D'Mello also addressed the gathering. Father Provincial blessed the plans of the upcoming new Turf Project on this occasion, together with the Rector and Principal. Our Silver Jubilarian support staff, Dilip D'Monte was also felicitated as he completes 25 years of service in this institution.

The highlight of the evening was a fabulous stage production of the mini-Broadway version of Alladin, in which the students had a wonderful opportunity to showcase their amazing talents in acting, singing and dancing. Directed by Asmita D'Souza and her very capable team of dance choreographers, Mahesh Kamble, Sachin Kadam and Raj Sakpal, and well-designed, colourful costumes by Mini Sachdeva, together with the Principal and teachers of the school, college and the NIOS sections; the children sang, danced and performed like true professionals, by using the wonderful talents God has blessed them with. The audience was glued to their seats and left completely spell-bound by the action that unfolded right through the Musical. After the Grand Finale, Principal Father Flovi DSouza expressed his gratitude to everyone who had contributed in ways, both big and small, to make sure that the Inaugural Golden Jubilee Celebration was a wonderful beginning to the year ahead.