by Br Veenus James for BIS Mumbai

The Village Education Program (VEP) Annual Day 2025 was celebrated with great enthusiasm at Don Bosco Kawant on February 9, 2025. DISHA Development Office, which operates 20 VEP centres across the Chhota Udaipur district, organized this grand event to bring together children and teachers from various centres to showcase their talents and achievements.

The event witnessed the participation of approximately 800 children along with their VEP teachers. The presence of esteemed guests added prestige to the occasion, with Mr Vasantbhai Rathwa, Director of the Tribal Cultural Centre, Kawant, gracing the event as the chief guest.

The celebration commenced with a solemn prayer, followed by the traditional lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries. This was accompanied by a beautifully choreographed welcome dance performed by the children of the VEP, setting an energetic and vibrant tone for the day.

Following the cultural inauguration, the Director of DISHA, Fr Mayank Parmar, warmly welcomed the gathering. In his address, he highlighted the mission and impact of the Village Education Program in empowering children through education and skill development. He also emphasized the role of teachers and community support in fostering an environment conducive to learning and holistic growth.

The chief guest, Mr Vasantbhai Rathwa, in his speech, appreciated the efforts of the DISHA Development Office for their dedicated work in supporting underprivileged children. His words of encouragement and recognition reinforced the importance of such initiatives in uplifting rural communities.

Another significant highlight of the event was an informative session conducted by Mr Ranchod Rathwa, a past pupil of Don Bosco Kawant who currently works in the health department. He delivered an enlightening talk on the critical health issues of sickle cell disease and tuberculosis, educating the attendees on symptoms, prevention, and available treatments. This session was highly beneficial for both children and teachers, raising awareness about prevalent health concerns.

In addition to the educational and cultural programs, the event featured a variety of fete games arranged by the students of Don Bosco Kawant. The children thoroughly enjoyed participating in these games, displaying enthusiasm and excitement. The interactive and engaging activities created a lively atmosphere, making the celebration even more memorable.

A delicious lunch was served for all attendees, providing an opportunity for children, teachers, and guests to come together and share a meal in a joyful setting. The well-prepared meal was appreciated by everyone present, adding to the overall experience of the day.

Following the meal, the children of the VEP presented a beautiful cultural program, showcasing their talents through dance, music, and drama. Their performances reflected the rich cultural heritage of the region and highlighted the skills they had developed through their education at the VEP centres. The audience was captivated by the creativity and dedication displayed by the children, making the event a true celebration of talent and hard work.

The festivities concluded with the distribution of attractive prizes to children who participated in the fete games. The excitement and happiness on the children's faces as they received their prizes were a testament to the success of the event. The prizes served as a token of encouragement, motivating the children to continue their learning journey with enthusiasm.

The VEP Annual Day 2025 was a grand success, bringing together children, educators, and community members in a celebration of education, culture, and community spirit. The event not only provided a platform for children to express themselves but also reaffirmed the commitment of DISHA towards rural education and empowerment. The day ended on a joyous note, with children leaving the venue with smiles, cherished memories, and renewed inspiration for the future.