By Ms Gail Fernandes for BISMumbai

Don Bosco High School and Junior College, Naigaon, conducted its first-ever collective exhibition, 'Be Peacemakers', on the 26 and 27 November 2022. Around 5000 persons visited the fair over these two days.

Conceptualised by Fr Joaquim Fernandes, this exhibition was a must-visit. One would be able to view extensive projects and displays following month-long preparations by the staff and students (Pre-primary to Class XII) under the supervision of Ms Supriya Rodrigues the coordinator of the event.

Niggling concerns about not meeting the current needs of the students with regards to changing requirements and attitudes led to the formation of a Steering Committee in August. Ms Dorothy Fernandes (Head of Exhibition Management) and selected staff members had regular brainstorming sessions which led to the suggestion of having an exhibition. Research was conducted via Google Forms and data collected from students, teachers, the management, and parents was collated and analysed. Thereafter, it was taken up for research by Fr Fernandes and Mr Conrad Saldanha.

The exhibition was inaugurated and graced by Mr David Samikkannu Antuvan, Senior Scientist (Retd.) at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, ISRO, Trivandrum. The focal points of the exhibition were - STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art/literature, mathematics), Care for Creation, Art for Peace, The Salesian Charism and Sustainable Development Goals as specified by the UN. Teaching students to relate to nature, enhancing their creative instincts, guiding them towards being at peace with themselves and others, and to seek truth were the objectives of this exhibition.

Towards this end, acclaimed artist Mr C D Jain, awardee of the Rippon Kapur Fellowship and other prestigious awards - a BFA from College of Fine Arts, Kerala, and a person who has worked as a consultant for UNICEF, World Vision and Save the Children, India; trained 100 students and almost 350 pieces of their beautiful artwork was exhibited.

Apart from this, the work of 42 students trained in Robotics was also on display. A Space Zone set up by Polestar Planetarium gave the attendees the ethereal experience of the universe. Themes like Biodiversity, Health and Hygiene, Diseases and Cosmology, and other innovative projects related to science, technology and hydroponics were displayed. A corner of the playground will feature the skills of the Scouts and Guides of Don Bosco, Naigaon.

Mr Nicholas Correa, Executive Director New Horizon Group of Schools, spoke about the hospitality and the synergy he experienced all through his visit. “This exhibition comes at the right time. The world needs peace and peacemakers”, he added. “Visitors and parents were captivated by the composure, confidence, conviction, and knowledge of the students - all on clear display”, remarked Ms Dorothy Fernandes, a teacher.

Proceeds from the exhibition will be donated to charity. The Management led by Fr Dominic Martis, the Rector, have been pillars of support since the inception of this event.