by Dorothy Fernandes & Father Joaquim Fernandes for BISMumbai

“ A good teacher is like a candle, it consumes itself to light the way for others,.” - the quote is apt for Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the best teacher, philosopher and mentor India had, and celebrating his birthday, 05 September, as Teacher’s Day across the nation since 1962. Despite the COVID-19 restrictions, the students of Don Bosco High School and Junior College, Naigaon (East) celebrated Teachers' Day with a lot of enthusiasm and expressed their heartfelt gratitude to their teachers - a gesture that touched one and all.

The morning came alive with a beautiful address to the staff members , wherein the students touched upon the inspirational lives of great teachers like Dr.Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, Swami Vivekanand and others. The lofty ideals and lifetime achievements of Dr.Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan and other great teachers were presented in an awe-inspiring manner.

The well-knit gathering comprised of dance and song presented by the students of Primary, Seconadry and College Section. Principal-Father Anthony Fonseca and Rector-Father. Dominic Martis addressed the teachers and thanked them for their sincere and relentless contribution towards the functioning of the school in these difficult times. The management then felicitated and wished goodbye to the retiring staff: Janet Mendonca,Virginia Futardo, Augustine Mendonca, Gorety Pereira, Anisha Baptista and Sydney Borges.

A souvenir and bouquet each was offered as a mark of gratitude to the retiring staff. Virginia Futardo, Primary senior teacher, having completed 14 years of service, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the management and staff saying, “ You will live in my memories. I’ll always remember the things we’ve achieved together. I am ever grateful for your stimulating company and the enormous collection of shared experiences indelibly printed on my mind.”

The programme culminated with a vote of thanks with Primary teacher Ankita Rodrigues thanking everyone who worked behind the scenes to ensure that the celebration was enjoyable and memorable for all.