by Father Francis Fernandes for BISMumbai

With pride and joy-filled hearts, Don Bosco Waluj celebrated Women’s Day on 12 March 2021 with its VEP (Village Education Program) and social staff in its premises at Waluj. The Chief Guest was Smt. Rekha D’Souza, Principal-St. Joseph English School, Bajaj Nagar-Aurangabad. Father Richard Burkhao and Father Francis Fernandes were the other dignitaries.

Frs Burkhao and Fernandes felicitated the women with a rose and a token of appreciation. In her address, Smt. D’souza highlighted the plight of women in the past and in the present, and provided them with a glimpse of what the future situation would be. Sharing some of her own life experiences, she explained how they need to be independent and take responsibility for their life. She encouraged them to be role models for their children. In his Vote of Thanks Fr Burkhao encouraged the women who are mainly from the rural area to assert their rights starting in their own families and then in the neighbourhood. He highlighted the role of America’s Vice President Kamala Harris who is of Indian origin and who is now a role model for all women in India.

The programme concluded with refreshments for all. There was a visible cheer and brightness on the faces of the women as they left the premises.