By Ms Archana Rao for BISMumbai

Don Bosco Senior Secondary school, Nerul celebrated its 17th Annual Day on 27 and 28 January 2023 with great pomp, splendour and zest. 

The Chief Guests for the two days were Prof. Col. Dr James Thomas, Professor Cardiac Surgery and Former Vice Chancellor, D.Y. Patil University Hospital, Nerul, and Mr Vivek Pansare, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Zone 01, Vashi, Navi Mumbai. The Guest of Honour were the retired staff of Don Bosco Senior Secondary School namely – Ms Agnes Julian D’Souza, Mr Rajendra Pandurang Jadhav, Ms Keya Basu, Ms Asha Shantaram Sawant. Members of school management and the Don Bosco family wholeheartedly welcomed the dignitaries. 

The brass band from Don Bosco High School, Matunga, was invited to enthrall the audience with their rousing performance. To invoke God’s choicest blessings on the gathering, a wonderful prayer dance was presented by the talented primary students. The audience were welcomed by a graceful dance performance by the shining stars of the pre-Primary section, which was followed by the welcoming of the gathering by the Rector, Fr. Barnabe D’Souza.

The Vice Principal, Fr Akhil Abraham, introduced the Chief Guests and felicitated them. The academic and extraordinary achievements of the students of Classes 10 and 12, were honoured and encouraged by Chief Guests. The Principal, Mrs Sangita Bhattacharya, was appreciated and felicitated for her contribution in the field of education and for receiving top educator’s award, at the 23rd Global National Leadership Summit.

The energetic dance performance by the parents of students was the novel event introduced this year. The Annual Report was presented by the Principal, and was a visual Journey of the past year encapsulating most events, activities and happenings. 

Dr James, in his address, thanked all teachers as they emboldened youth and imbibed values in them. He encouraged students to become responsible citizens of tomorrow. Mr Pansare, in a similar way,  pointed out that Don Bosco school excels in all fields of learning and congratulated the school for carving a niche for themselves in the field of education. He appreciated the school for working towards social well-being and benefit of the society especially during the pandemic.

Then, it was time for the most awaited moment, the staging of ‘Annie’. The musical ‘Annie’, which is based upon the popular Harold Gray comic strip Little Orphan Annie, was the perfect occasion to showcase the talent, harmony and discipline of Don Bosco, Nerul. The dances, songs, dialogues, costumes and stage set-up woven together into a perfect entertainment, and was a testament to the many hours of hardwork and practice of the students and teachers of the institution.

The celebration culminated with a  vote of thanks by Ms Bhattacharya, and the school anthem played by the School Band.