By Ms Lisa Dominic for BISMumbai

The Past Pupils’ Association of Don Bosco, Nerul, organized a Christmas Mela on 17 December 2022 from 4 to 7 p.m. on the Don Bosco School Campus. Around 330 students, volunteers and staff from the Oratory, National Institute of Open School and Skill Development Centre run by Don Bosco, Nerul, attended the event. The alumni organized the event with the intention of spreading Christmas cheer among the underprivileged ministered to by the institution.

Senior Police Inspector of NRI Police Station, Nerul, Mr Uttam Jagdale and the Rector, Fr Barnabe D’Souza, were the dignitaries present at the event. In his address, Mr Jagdale thanked the management for inviting him as the Chief Guest and also stated that he was extremely pleased to see the students enjoying themselves. In his message to the gathering, Fr D'Souza pointed out that, “Christmas is all about giving, caring and sharing joy and that is what we at Don Bosco, Nerul want to do for you this Christmas”.

The Christmas Mela kick-started with the past pupils singing popular carols and Christmas songs. The students then got busy playing exciting group games, while some got their hands and faces painted with beautiful designs. The past pupils had also arranged for exciting prizes to be distributed to the winners of the various games.

The highlight of the Mela was the ‘Secret Santa Event’. The Santas through their special dance and fun on the stage kept both the young and the adults on their toes. The entire crowd reveled in non-stop dance and music. Snacks and gifts sponsored by Team Spreading Smiles, Vikings Delhi and other well-wishers were distributed among those students present for the event. “I am waiting to get home and show my parents the gifts I received”, said an excited oratory student trying to hold the packet of snacks and the gifts in her little hands.

“Smiling, happy faces show that our mission has been accomplished”, said a past pupil at the culmination of the Pre-Christmas Extravaganza.