By Br Aliester D’Souza for BISMumbai

Salesian Institutions across the Province of Bombay held the investiture ceremony of their leaders on 6 July 2023, the day they traditionally celebrate the feast of Dominic Savio in the region. 

The liturgical feast of Saint Dominic Savio is on 6 May. However, as in the province, most institutions have summer vacations, so the students miss celebrating this young leader who achieved holiness through Don Bosco’s education system. Therefore, once students return after their summer break, the feast is celebrated on 6 July every year.

Addressing the gathering at the investiture ceremony at Don Bosco, Nashik, the Rector, Fr Royal D'Abreo, delivered an inspiring speech, encouraging the newly elected captains to imitate the virtues of Dominic Savio. He emphasised the importance of servant leadership, humility, and dedication in fulfilling their roles as student leaders. The ceremony also provided an opportunity to recognise and felicitate Mrs Tezaswi Tile, a dedicated teacher at the Junior College. Mrs Tile recently achieved a remarkable feat by winning the Gold Medal for scoring the highest marks in her MEd at Savitribai Phule University. Her commitment to education and her outstanding academic achievements served as an inspiration to students and staff alike.

At Don Bosco Chatralaya, Dakor, the installation ceremony of the leaders of the boarding and the four teams was organised by Fr Ajay Shelke. The programme began with a prayer service. Deacon Agnel James did the honours of installing the leaders by donning the coloured sashes and flags. The leaders then took the solemn oath to lead the boarding to greater heights by following up on the norms of the house and maintaining discipline in the boarding. 

At Dominic Savio High School, Andheri, the Principal, Ms Valerie Mascarenhas, administered the Oath of Office to the newly elected Student Council and commended them for their readiness to assume duty. The House Prefects pledged to discharge their responsibilities to the best of their abilities and maintain school discipline. In a heartfelt address, Fr Francisco Pereira, the Rector and Manager, conveyed his best wishes to the Student Council members and the entire student body. He encouraged them to lead by example and foster a spirit of collaboration rather than competition, emphasising the importance of supporting and uplifting one another for a successful academic year. 

At Don Bosco High School, Matunga, the Rector, Fr Godfrey D’Souza, during their investiture ceremony, said: “A leader is the one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” The new leaders took their pledges, affirming their commitment to their duties with diligence and responsibility. The oaths were administered by the various heads of each section of the school, as they admitted the school captains, troop leaders, and house captains to the leadership council. The student council was invested with their official badges, ties, and blazers - all symbols of their leadership authority.

At Don Bosco Academy, Alirajpur, the installation ceremony commenced with the lighting of the lamp led by the Rector - Fr Cyril D'Souza, the Management, and the other guests of honour. The newly elected student council members pledged to work earnestly and uphold the honour and glory of the institution. Fr D’Souza presented Dominic Savio as a model to the leaders. The school felicitated the students who had topped the district in the board exams.

The Primary and Secondary sections of St Joseph's High School, Wadala, also held their investiture ceremonies. In the Primary Section, the event began with the Headboy and Head Captains welcoming the Chief Guest, Fr James Nigrel, and other dignitaries. They lit a lamp while a bhajan was played, and the Primary Head boy recited Solomon's prayer. The Chief Guest then invested the Headboy and Assistant Head Boy, followed by the captains and assistant captains of the houses. This ceremony concluded with the monitors and assistant monitors being invested by their respective class teachers. The Secondary Section had a similar ceremony for the installation of their leaders.

Don Bosco High School Kawant held its investiture ceremony on 8 July 2023, for both the Gujarati and English mediums. The Gujarati medium investiture ceremony was graced by Mr Nityanand Rathwa, a police officer and former student of Don Bosco. Mr Rathwa emphasised the value of leadership and education, sharing personal anecdotes to highlight their relevance. The ceremony included the induction of new leaders and the distribution of badges of authority. The English-medium ceremony then commenced with Sr Rohini Jadhav as the chief guest. The students, including the Head Boy and Head Girl, took a solemn oath, pledging loyalty to Don Bosco's ethos. The event concluded with the principal, Fr Rixson Nigrel, expressing gratitude, leaving a profound impact on the students' sense of responsibility and leadership.