By Ms Shiny George for BISMumbai 

Don Bosco, Nerul celebrated its ‘Community Day’ on 31 January 2023 with pomp and gaiety on the feast of their Founder, St John Bosco. 

The day began with a Solemn Eucharist for the students of Classes 5 to 11 with the teachers and staff. The celebrations continued on the school turf ground as the students participated in various ‘Lightning Tournaments’. Don Bosco always wanted children and youth to play, sing and enjoy, and that was the reason for organizing the tournaments for the school students.  The atmosphere in the campus was charged with excitement and enthusiasm as the students displayed their sporting talents. The students enjoyed themselves like never before and the joy was evident on their faces. 

Don Bosco, Nerul, celebrated the second anniversary of the ‘Community Fridge’. It had begun as an initiative to help the migrants and the poor during the pandemic, and even today it continues to be a beacon of hope to fight hunger in the locality. The Chief Guest for the celebration was Mr Uttam Jagdale, Police Sub Inspector at the NRI Police Station, Seawoods. In his speech, Mr Jagdale thanked and congratulated the Rector and Don Bosco Development Services Team in this noble initiative. He encouraged all to make an effort to serve the needy in whatever way possible. The Rector, in his speech, expressed his desire to reach out and serve as many as possible in future through the initiative of the Community Fridge. The anniversary celebration ended with the cutting of the ribbon to mark the second anniversary by the dignitaries and the distribution of the food packets by the Chief Guest to the underprivileged who were also a part of this celebration.

In the evening, the teachers and all the staff came together as a family and celebrated the day with joy. The programme began with a prayer, and Fr Adolph Furtado raised the toast to wish the Don Bosco-Nerul community success and happiness with the special thanksgiving to the Rector for his inspirational presence in the community. The staff of the institution organized ‘Finger Food Potluck’ with the thought that the fondest memories are made when gathered around the table. Dance, music, fashion show, and games kept the audience entertained. It was wonderful to see the Salesians, teaching, non-teaching staff of the community spending time together. It was indeed celebrating happiness together.