by Father Vivian deSouza for BISMumbai

Don Bosco Vyvasayik Prashikshan Kendra [DBVPK] Chinchwad celebrated the 72nd Republic Day of India with patriotic fervour. The chief guest was Shri Kishore Somavanshi, President Thermax Workers’ Union, while the guest of honour was Shri Raju Pachpute, former-President Thermax Workers’ Union. The ceremony began with the hoisting of the National Flag and the singing of the National Anthem. VicePrincipal-Poorva Sabana welcomed the guests with floral tributes. A couple of patriotic songs were performed by the students, followed by a patriotic dance performance to a patriotic song by the students of the Draughtsman course. Shri Somavanshi spoke of the requirements of the industrial world and the need to successfully complete the ITI course to enter any establishment. He outlined the possibilities available at Thermax with placement opportunities. and sponsored a sumptuous breakfast for the participants. Principal-Mayur Deshmikh, proposed the vote of thanks.

The feast of St. John Bosco was celebrated on 30 January 2021 , since the actual feast day was on Sunday 31 January. The staff and students gathered for the usual assembly at 9.00am, for prayer and instructions about the day’s programme. The Catholic students proceeded to the chapel for the celebration of the Eucharist while the other staff and students moved to the newly furnished and spacious audiovisual hall for the screening of the film on the life and work of St. John Bosco in Hindi.

The Eucharist was celebrated by Parish Priest-Father Lazaras, who conducted the liturgy with a mixture of English, Hindi and Marathi. In his homily in Hindi he recalled his days as the Parish Priest of Lonavla, and the encouragement he extended to youngsters there to come to Chinchwad and study at DBVPK. Thereafter, all gathered in the Father Alessi hall for a short programme to honour Don Bosco. The management team together with student representatives litt the ceremonial lamp and garlanded the picture of Don Bosco. Rector-Father Sanjay Lopes spoke at length on the life of Don Bosco, the relevance of his education system today and the need to imbibe his spirit. The girls from the Draughtsman course, sang a couple of hymns to praise Don Bosco in Hindi and Marathi, which was followed by dances. Principal-Mayur Deshmukh, proposed the vote of thanks. Entertaining games, at which the staff participated, to the delight of the students, ended with a sumptuous fellowship meal.