by Fr Jesu Robinson for BIS Mumbai

On 19th January 2025, Bosco Samajik Vikas Sanstha (BSVS), Walvanda, celebrated the Bal Mela with the children attending the Supportive Education and Empowerment Program (SEEP). This event was organized by BSVS in collaboration with BOSCONET, Delhi. The SEEP Coordinator, Program Managers, Supervisors, Animators, and Project Staff meticulously organized the entire program. The children came from 32 villages in the Jawhar and Mokhada Talukas, with around 850 children participating in the Bal Mela. They all travelled by jeep to the event.

The children were welcomed with banners, rangoli, and a festive atmosphere on the campus. The Bal Mela program began with a welcome ceremony, which included the lighting of a lamp by the Chief Guest, Fr. Maria Anthuvan, and other dignitaries. This was followed by the felicitation program and all the dignitaries were welcomed and felicitated. Fr. Jesu Robinson, the Director of BSVS, Walvanda, welcomed the dignitaries, children, and all attendees. He spoke about the importance of education, encouraging the students to pursue learning. He also highlighted the spirit and work of Don Bosco, emphasizing the special care extended to children under Don Bosco’s guidance. He encouraged children to take full advantage of the facilities offered at various centres. The Chief Guest for the Mela, Fr. Maria Anthuvan, a Salesian Priest from Divyadaan Nashik who is the Prefect of Studies of the Brothers studying Philosophy, motivated the children with his talk on education, sharing his life experiences. He also quoted Malala Yousafzai, saying, “One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen can change the world.”

A special visit to the event was made by Mr. Kishor Manbhava, the Superintendent of Police at Jawhar Police Station, along with another police officer. Mr. Manbhava addressed the children with an important message about being smart and not getting attracted to strangers. His words emphasized the need for awareness and caution in today’s world.

After the felicitation and motivational talks, the children eagerly participated in the well-prepared cultural program. They performed dances to tribal songs (Tarpa) and other lively tunes. Some children also sang songs and staged a skit, conveying a beautiful message to the children. These performances brought immense joy to all. Mohini Nivara shared, “I was very happy to have this stage to dance and show my talents to my friends.”

The brothers from Divyadaan participated in the Bal-Mela and they were thanked for their active involvement in organizing and supporting the event.

In the afternoon, after a delicious lunch, the children participated in various fete games. They enjoyed the activities and encouraged each other to win more prize coupons, which could be exchanged for prizes. Many children received prizes for their success in the games. Brothers from Divyadaan came especially to help organize the games, contributing to the festive atmosphere.

The Bal Mela concluded with a vote of thanks. Krushana Shende, the SEEP project coordinator, thanked the SEEP team, various project teams, and the benefactors for their generosity and support. Harshala Bhoye said, “The children really enjoyed coming to Don Bosco campus, and it's all because of the Don Bosco fathers and brothers.” As they left the event, all the children received gifts and snacks, leaving with smiling faces. They carried fond memories with them and expressed gratitude to God for this wonderful experience outside their villages. Monica Charan commented, “We’d love to come again (to Don Bosco Walvanda).”