by Namrata Goddeti for BIS Mumbai

To honour the father of our nation, the students and teachers of Don Bosco School and Junior College, Nasik, held a Special Assembly on 1st October 2024 in the Parish Hall, under the guidance of Principal Fr. Rixson Nigrel, to commemorate Mahatma Gandhi's legacy.

The assembly began with garlanding the portrait of Mahatma Gandhi and lighting the lamp by the Principal Fr. Rixson, alongside the primary section's head boy. Teacher Saloni took the floor, weaving a story that shed light on Gandhiji’s teachings and his philosophy of serving others. She reminded the students that "the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others" and emphasized the power of kindness with "one small act of kindness can make a difference." 

The students and teachers paid their respects through the rendition of Gandhiji’s beloved songs, “Sabarmati ke sant tune kar diya kamaal” and “Raghupati Raghav Rajaram.” 

A student from the primary section, dressed as Gandhiji, shared his famous quotes: "The future depends on what we do in the present" and "It’s easy to stand in the crowd, but it takes courage to stand alone." The event also stirred a wave of patriotism, drawing the audience back in time through a nostalgic video on Gandhiji’s life. The message was clear: if an average student, shy and fearful, could transform into a beacon of peace and lead India to independence, there is no mountain too high for those with the desire to make a difference. The video ended with a powerful question: "Just imagine, what can YOU do?"

In addition to the celebration of Gandhi Jayanti, the school organized a peace rally where students marched through the streets, chanting slogans to spread the message of peace throughout the community. Alongside this, the junior college students participated in a cleanliness drive, visiting busy areas of the city armed with brooms and trash bags, cleaning up litter to demonstrate the importance of a clean environment. Their efforts underscored the idea that a clean city fosters a better and more pleasant living space. 

Additionally, the students promoted the "Go Green" initiative, urging everyone to conserve the environment for a brighter future and healthier conditions for generations to come. 

Following this, Principal Fr Rixson extended his heartfelt congratulations to the teachers in charge of the event. He emphasized an important message: Gandhiji was far from perfect. In his younger years, he struggled with public speaking and was often fearful of people and situations. Yet, despite these challenges, he transformed himself into one of the most influential figures in history. Today, he is revered worldwide for his role in securing India's independence through non-violence, a revolutionary approach that had never been seen before. His journey is a testament to overcoming personal fears and standing for a cause greater than oneself. "Actions speak louder than words," he said, urging the students to embrace Gandhiji’s principles of peace and non-violence, not just on this day but as a guiding light in their daily lives. In conclusion, Fr Rixson shared a conversation with a student who observed that while it’s important to celebrate Gandhi Jayanti with enthusiasm, the spirit of peace and non-violence should be something we carry with us every day, "for old habits die hard, but a peaceful heart conquers all."