By Br Aliester D’Souza for BISMumbai

Shelter Don Bosco organised ‘Christmas Dhamaka’ for marginalised youngsters on 26 and 27 December 2023, at Don Bosco School, Matunga. In total, 1400 youngsters participated in the two-day event, making it a resounding success.

The programme was inaugurated by Mrs Grace John and Mr Mathew George. Both of them have been working for the upliftment of poor and marginalised youngsters for the past 25 years. After the ceremony, the children participated in various games organised at stalls set up along the school portico.

The first day of the Christmas Dhamaka event had Mr Amol Dongre and Mr Amol Javid, who are Protection Officers from DWCD, as well as Mr Mahadev Sawant, the Chairman of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), as the Chief Guests. On the second day, the event was graced by Mrs Vibha Javid, the City Development Officer of Mumbai, along with Sangita Hire, Shweta Palkar, and Prathibha Gaude, the BMC Community Organisers, who also attended as chief guests.

 Fr Savio Silvera, the Provincial, gave a Christmas message urging the young people to bring peace in society just as Jesus did. He pointed out that many parts of the world are currently suffering from the consequences of war and are desperately seeking peace. 

Furthermore, the children showcased their talents through numerous cultural programmes that were a captivating blend of dance, drama, and other cultural expressions. The festive atmosphere was further enhanced by the performance of the band, Secret Hope, which played popular Hindi numbers to the delight of the young audience.

The Christmas Dhamaka was a celebration that transcended all barriers, bringing people of all creeds together under one roof. The atmosphere was electric, with laughter, music, and dancing. Truly, it was an experience that will be cherished by all who were lucky enough to be a part of it.

Also, Don Bosco Development Services (DBDS) along with Don Bosco School, Nerul, organised a Christmas Mela on 19 December on the school grounds for the migrant community members. Over 700 DBDS beneficiaries participated in the mela. The chief guest of the event was Mrs Shalini Kamble of the Rotary Club, Navi Mumbai. It was an evening filled with entertaining games, sumptuous food at the food stalls, delightful music, and various events that brought joy and fostered a sense of community and inclusivity. 

Don Bosco High School, Matunga, held its annual Christmas Panorama on 20 and 21 December. The campus pulsated with the infectious passion of participants, the enthusiasm of the cheering friends, the exhilaration of engaging and entertaining games, a delectable array of food in the food stalls, and the charm of the venue, which was enhanced by the creative decorations crafted by the students. 

On 26 December, St John Bosco Church, Borivali, illuminated the festive season with a heartwarming event, ‘The Joy of Christmas’. This celebration welcomed over 850 children from the Ganpath Patil, Dongri, Gorai, and MHB slum areas. Spearheaded by the Parish Priest, Fr Solomon Rapol, this event was a collaborative effort by various associations of the parish to spread the joy of Christmas among the less fortunate. The children were treated to an evening of games, song, dance and festivities.