By Fr Charles Anthony for BISMumbai

Don Bosco College (DBC), Kurla, transformed into a hub of literary exploration and intellectual exchange on 8 August 2023, as the DBC Student Council joined hands with the Library Committee to organise a captivating ‘Book Review Competition’. This thought-provoking event underscored the college's commitment to fostering a love for reading, literature, and critical thinking among its students.

In a spirited display of intellectual engagement, the event was expertly hosted by students from the Second and Third Years of the Bachelor of Management Studies. A total of 20 students took part in this initiative, each driven by a common goal: to cultivate and nurture the art of reading.

Under the insightful guidance of Dr Preeta Rejoy and the adept supervision of librarian, Mr Vishal Sawakare, the competition unfolded with an air of elegance and purpose. Guests of honour, including Ms Elenka Rebello and Ms Shamim  Shaikh, graced the occasion, sharing their valuable insights and contributing to the vibrant literary discourse. 

The event commenced with a heartfelt tribute to the legacy of Dr. S.R. Ranganathan, a distinguished librarian, followed by a comprehensive introduction to the competition's rules and objectives. Each participant was granted five minutes to eloquently present their meticulously crafted book review. The genres under scrutiny encompassed a diverse spectrum, ranging from fiction and non-fiction to motivation and history. 

Participants took to the stage, showcasing their unique perspectives with finesse and eloquence that left the audience awe-inspired. The reviews ignited a fervent passion for reading, inviting fellow students to explore the worlds hidden within the pages of these literary works.

Among the notable books reviewed were John Green's poignant ‘The Fault in Our Stars’, the timeless wisdom of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, the gripping thriller ‘A Good Girl's Guide to Murder’ by Holly Jackson, and the financial insight offered by ‘Rich Dad Poor Dad’ by Robert Kiyosaki. As these literary gems unfolded on stage, the audience was reminded of the boundless worlds awaiting exploration within the pages of a book.

The climactic moment of the competition arrived with the announcement of winners, an eagerly awaited revelation. Certificates were presented to the deserving champions, with the top three participants earning recognition through multiple prizes.

It was a touching moment of gratitude when Ms Jigya Jain, a student, extended heartfelt appreciation to all participants for their unwavering dedication in motivating their peers to delve into the world of literature.