By Mrs Ujwala Siddapur and Cl. Alfred Menezes for BISMumbai

Don Bosco High School & Junior College, Lonavla conducted its Investiture Ceremony for the new academic year 2023-24 on 23 June 2023. The newly elected School and College leaders took the pledge to uphold the motto of the School and College, “Virtue Kindles Strength” in high regard and esteem.

The Ceremony began with the compere welcoming the chief guest, management, teachers and students. The chief guest of the ceremony was Dr Javed Kaleem Sayyed, a chief commando at MCF Pune Gramin. He administered the oaths to the newly-appointed council members while underscoring the importance of their role in maintaining the values and standards set by the school. The students promised to serve the institution and perform their duties with integrity, faith and excellence led by the newly elected school and college captain Master Rolan Chettiyar. They were conferred with sashes and badges. Flags were handed over as a symbolic representation of handing over responsibility to the new office bearers. The prefects were invested by Br Royston Colaco and the monitors were invested by the teachers, Mrs Vrushali Jadhav and Ms Qaafiya Sayeed. 

Later, Dr Sayyed congratulated the newly elected leaders and stressed on “leading by example”. He shared a story to highlight the importance of self-discipline and selflessness, as these remain values to be imbibed by all student leaders. He quoted verses from all the major religions to emphasise the values of selflessness and duty. He then declared the House Points System for the academic year 2023-24 open. After this, on behalf of all the leaders, the newly elected school and college captain Miss Sneha Shinde thanked all the students and staff for bestowing faith in them, and assured them that they would do their best towards the progress of the school in conduct, studies and games. She also thanked  all the people involved in the coordination and execution of the programme, especially those who worked backstage.

The solemn ceremony concluded by thanking the Almighty for his grace and blessings. The compere urged all to carry the spirit of Don Bosco in their hearts and make it a guiding light which will shine and radiate through them and around them; not only in the school and college but also in their families, neighbourhood and in the world.