by Cajetan D'Souza for BISMumbai

The House Team of Don Bosco, Lonavla (DBL) along with the Past Pupils kicked of the Diamond Jubilee DJ60 celebrations on 15th August 2021 with a threefold ceremony of Feast of Assumption of our Lady, 75th Day of Independence of India and Inauguration of Diamond Jubilee Year of DBL.

The Core Team and Planning Committee of DBL led by Fr. Blany Pinto, Rector and Fr. Godfrey D’Souza, Vice Rector had planned many activities and events starting from 15 August 2021 and Concluding with closing event on 12 June 2022.

The Staff of Don Bosco attended the Flag raising Ceremony in the morning with enthusiasm and gusto. Fr. Blany Pinto hoisted the flag which marked the commencement of the Diamond Jubilee year. The Principal, Fr Ranson shared some inspiring words while conveying good wishes. National anthem was sung, and Constitution Preamble was read.

The Fathers along with Clerics, Salesian Sisters, Don Bosco Co-operators, Past pupils, and Staff participated in the Celebration of Mass following all covid appropriate behaviour. We also remembered Fr. Casa. the Founder, Fr. Cajetan Lobo and Bro. P.M. Thomas and all those who helped us to reach here today. We were also made aware of the beginnings of DBL. This entire service was beamed live from the beautiful Chapel with Sacred Heart mosaic on YouTube, which was possible due to ParaVision Team, which helped 1400 well-wishers to witness the event all over the world. You can view it on https://youtu.be/U6tulHpkyCU

After the Eucharist and Introduction of Fathers and Brothers of the House Team, the DJ60 Website https://donboscolonavla.in was launched. This website is exclusive for the Aspirantate of DBL. Then the DJ60 Anthem was played with a video taking us through a nostalgic Journey right from Arrival at Lonavla down the winding road up to the house, and taking us down the memorable corridors and spaces.

The Anthem, which was so beautifully composed and written by Fr. Peter, Roney & team, is still in our minds and in our hearts, the video of the anthem brought back treasure of our nostalgic memories of DBL, for everyone who were part of the DBL family.

The Ceremony concluded with an Interfaith prayer service by the Past Pupils and teaching staff from all faiths lighting the lamp and thanking God for all the good things given to all who had great experiences in Don Bosco Lonavla. Each felt united by wonderful memories of an all-round value-based education Don Bosco Lonavala. Delivering diamonds for 60 years.