By Br Aliester D’Souza for BISMumbai

On 5 September every year, Teachers’ Day is celebrated across India. Students show their love and gratitude towards their educators in a long-standing tradition that also commemorates the birth anniversary of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, an eminent educator and the second president of India. With the aim of educating the young, the Province of Bombay has educational institutions across the entire region, and it comes as no surprise that Teachers’ Day was celebrated with much pomp and zest.

At Don Bosco, Chhotaudepur, dances ranging from traditional Rajasthani numbers to Western mashups were performed by the students. A couple of songs rich with meaningful words apt for teachers were sung with live music, with the kids themselves accompanying the singers on the musical instruments. Besides, in their own classrooms, students felicitated their own teachers with cards, flower bouquets, and gifts. 

Likewise, Don Bosco High School, Makarpura, celebrated Teacher's Day with great enthusiasm and heartfelt gratitude to honour their dedicated and inspiring educators. During the cultural programme, vibrant with dances, songs, and skits, Ms Vaishnavi Kathit addressed the teachers, saying that this day served as a reminder of the invaluable role teachers play in shaping the future of our nation and thanked them for their unwavering dedication towards their students.

At Don Bosco, Borivli, the celebrations began a day prior with the morning assembly dedicated to the teachers. On 5 September, the teachers participated in the Holy Eucharist presided over by Fr Solomon Rapol. During the cultural programme, the GreenLine team presented the teachers with a sapling to commemorate the occasion.

For Don Bosco, Nashik, it was indeed a remarkable celebration, as one of the teachers, Ms Anagha Dusane, was felicitated for her contributions on the reality show ‘Mi Honar Superstar’. Mrs Dusane has been the mentor of Ms Srushti Pagare, her student and a contestant on the show. Thus, on the occasion of Teachers’ Day, she was lauded and presented with a magnificent statue of 'Goddess Saraswati' by the show's organisers, symbolising the profound appreciation for her dedication and invaluable mentorship in nurturing Srushti's exceptional talent.

At Don Bosco, Narukot, the students welcomed the teachers by putting tikka on their foreheads, offering a rose, and offering prasad, which symbolised the solemn welcome to their gurus. During the memorable cultural programme, Fr Stanny Ferreira, the Rector, addressed the teachers, saying, “A true teacher is one who is ready to sacrifice her or his time for the sake of the students because she or he believes that a good character is moulded when it is tender”.

At Don Bosco Edu-Complex, Yerwada, the day began on a prayerful note as the Management and teachers had a meaningful Eucharistic Celebration. Later, the teachers headed to their respective classrooms for a personalised and special class celebration. During the common cultural programme, the students from all the sections gave a wide range of performances in the form of music, dance, and drama. Fr Crispino D’Souza, the Rector, appreciated both the past and present teachers and urged them to take care of their families and their health while devoting themselves to this honourable profession. 

The highlight of the celebration at Shelter Don Bosco, Wadala, was not only the teachers but also the non-teaching staff and volunteers who were felicitated. The programme revolved around the theme of the teacher-student relationship. Students also made handmade cards and video presentations to show their appreciation and gratitude towards the teaching and non-teaching staff. In return, the staff staged a special programme for the students by expressing their heartfelt thanks and efforts to make the celebration

The students of the evening study classes at the Don Bosco Matunga Campus felicitated their teachers with a rich and entertaining programme organised by themselves. During the programme, Fr George Miranda, the director of the oratory,  thanked the teachers for their dedication and hard work.

At Don Bosco High School, Matunga, the student council organised the entire celebration. What is noteworthy of mention was the presence of retired teachers at the programme. Their presence added a nostalgic touch to the occasion, bridging the past with the present. Ms Beatrice Pinto, a past staff member, expressed her overwhelming gratitude and described her time at Don Bosco as a privilege.