By Fr Richard Burkhao for BISMumbai

Don Bosco English Medium School, Savedi, Ahmednagar, celebrated its 13th Annual Day on 3 February 2024.

The event was graced by the esteemed presence of Fr Gregory D’Almeida, the Economer of the Salesian Province of Bombay. Accompanying him were Fr Richard D'Silva - the Rector, Fr Richard Burkhao - the Principal, and the Salesians of the community and neighbouring communities as well.

The event commenced at six in the evening, with the school office bearers escorting the dignitaries. After the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, the Chief Guest garlanded the statue of St John Bosco, the Patron of the institute. Fr James Tuscano introduced Fr D’Almeida to the gathering, who was later felicitated by the Rector. Fr Burkhao felicitated the other dignitaries on stage.

During his address to the audience, Fr D'Almeida briefly highlighted Don Bosco's dream at the age of nine and the profound impact it had on his life and mission. He emphasised the significance of having a dream in life, particularly the aspiration to learn English, and the importance of persevering through difficulties and hardships. He assured the audience that the Don Bosco Institute is always ready to provide the students with assistance in achieving their dreams.

Following his address, Fr D’Almeida graciously released the eighth issue of the school magazine, titled ‘Bosco Leaders’. Later, Fr Burkhao presented the school's annual report. This was followed by the distribution of scholarships and souvenirs to students who had demonstrated outstanding performance in both academic and non-academic fields.  

The highlight of the annual day celebration was the captivating play titled ‘Echoes of Nature, Visions of Our Future’. The play incorporated skits and dances to raise awareness about the dangers faced by the five elements of nature: Space, Air, Fire, Water, and Earth. The play unfolded in a dramatic and meaningful manner, showcasing the cries of each element and urging humans to cease exploiting natural resources and instead care for them. The act also presented practical solutions to address these issues. 

A total of three hundred and fifty students participated in the performance, showcasing their talents and emphasising the importance of environmental stewardship and sustainability. After the curtain call, Fr Burkhao delivered a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all those who played a crucial role in making the event a resounding success. The event concluded with the national anthem.

The entire process of conceptualising the play was spearheaded by Fr Burkhao, along with a team of a few staff members who worked tirelessly for over a month. The entire school staff embraced the concept and dedicated themselves enthusiastically to training the children. Overall, it was a momentous occasion, marked by the presence of esteemed guests and a celebration of the school's commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals and fostering a sense of responsibility towards the environment.