By Ms Cynthia D’Silva, Ms Sandhya Jain, Fr Cedrick Sankul, Fr Daresh Rathwa and Ms Placida De Sequeira Nazareth for BISMumabai

The birth anniversary of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, 14 November, is celebrated as Children’s Day in the country. All across the Salesian institutions of the Province of Bombay, this day was marked with festivity, as the Salesians, educators and parents joined together to celebrate the gift of children in their respective communities.

At St John Bosco Church, Borivli, it was a combined celebration for the Catechism students of the parish and the children from the nearby slums who frequent the evening tuition classes organised by the community. Before the get-together on the school grounds, there was a special Eucharist being celebrated for the Catechism children by Fr Solomon Rapol, Parish Priest. Later, around 90 children participated in the celebration organised by the staff of evening tuition classes, Catechists, and a few volunteers from the parish. To add glamour to the occasion some children were dressed as Chacha Nehru. Speech competition, party games, and antakshari were the highlights of the event. The children also tapped their feet to some hit Bollywood numbers. They all actively participated with a competitive spirit and enjoyed themselves. Apart from the various other programmes on this occasion, the School and Junior College at Don Bosco, Borivli, had a magic show staged on the occasion which was the icing on the cake of a wonderful Children’s Day celebration.

At Don Bosco School and Junior College, Nashik, a programme was held for the students. After a short prayer service, the teachers pooled in their ‘hidden’ talents and graced the stage thus enthralling the students on this special occasion. The highlight of the programme was an interesting skit in which the teachers of School and Junior College acted as students. With melodious voices and graceful moves, teachers rocked the platform by putting forth a thrilling song and dance performance.

At St Joseph’s School, Wadala, the Management and teachers, along with the PTA members, put their best foot forward to make this occasion a memorable one for the students with a special programme. Apart from the usual performances, the thrilling telegames filled the hearts of every student with immense joy. The school also gave the students gifts on this occasion.

Don Bosco, Narukot, celebrated this special day with the theme drawn from the Gospel: ‘Let the little children come to me for theirs is the Kingdom of God’. Fr Daresh Rathwa, the Principal, while addressing the students remarked: “The way we bring up the children of today will determine the future of our country.” He further went on to say to the students: “You are the true treasure of our life and your contribution to the society will make our nation grow and flourish.”