By Ashwin Macwan SDB

A wave of joy, laughter, and youthful energy swept across the campus of Don Bosco Kapadvanj as more than 400 children gathered for the much-anticipated Children’s Day Celebration organized by DRISTI Don Bosco. The event, held on Friday, 16th May, marked the grand culmination of a 15-day summer camp organized across multiple villages in the Kapadvanj Taluka.

From the break of day, the grounds of Don Bosco Kapadvanj were alive with cheerful noise and bustling activity as children arrived in colorful groups from various villages, accompanied by their teachers and village coordinators. The event began with a warm registration process, where each child was welcomed with smiles and hospitality, followed by delicious morning snacks that set a pleasant tone for the day.

The official inauguration ceremony commenced with a solemn and graceful tribute to St. John Bosco, the Father and Friend of Youth. Fr. Pratap Damor SDB, Rector of Don Bosco Kapadvanj, garlanded the statue of Don Bosco, symbolizing the commitment to the Salesian mission of serving and empowering the young. He extended a heartfelt welcome to all the children, guests, staff, and volunteers, setting a tone of gratitude and unity.

The dignitaries on stage were then invited to take part in the traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp. Each dignitary was felicitated with a floral welcome, acknowledging their contribution to the well-being and development of the children.

Fr. Ashwin Macwan SDB, Director of AmrutDhara Don Bosco Animation Centre, took the opportunity to introduce the Chief Guest of the Day, Sr. Fulmani LDFX, the Prison Ministry Coordinator of Gujarat State. A tireless social worker and a voice for the voiceless, Sr. Fulmani captivated the audience with her inspiring keynote address. She spoke passionately on the issue of human trafficking, emphasizing the need for awareness, vigilance, and protection—particularly for children in vulnerable communities. With empathy and clarity, she urged the young attendees to remain alert, to report suspicious behavior, and to value their own dignity and safety. Her message struck a deep chord and set a reflective and empowering tone for the celebration.

Following the keynote, the grounds were transformed into a vibrant playground as the children enthusiastically participated in a variety of games and recreational activities organized by DRISTI staff and youth volunteers. From relay races to group challenges and fun competitions, the atmosphere was alive with laughter, cheering, and spirited camaraderie.

After an energetic morning, the children enjoyed a hearty lunch, lovingly prepared and served with care. The afternoon session brought a change in rhythm with a colorful cultural programme presented by the children themselves. Dressed in traditional and festive attire, the young performers showcased an array of folk dances, songs, skits, and musical numbers that reflected the rich cultural heritage of the region. Every performance was met with enthusiastic applause and admiration from the audience, which included fellow children, teachers, and special guests.

As the cultural events concluded, attention turned to acknowledging the spirit of participation and excellence. All the winners of the games and activities were awarded with attractive prizes, bringing big smiles and pride to many faces. In a touching gesture of appreciation, every child present was gifted a writing hardboard, symbolizing the commitment to their education and growth.

Before closing the event, Fr. Pratap Damor returned to the stage to offer a sincere vote of thanks. He expressed deep gratitude to all who made the day a resounding success — the DRISTI staff, village teachers, youth volunteers, organizers, and donors who worked behind the scenes to bring this day to life.

The grand finale was an explosion of joy and unity, as all the children, staff, and volunteers came together for an open dance session. As the sun began to set and the children slowly dispersed, the spirit of the day lingered in their smiles and laughter. They returned to their villages not only with prizes and gifts, but also with new memories, friendships, and a renewed sense of hope.

This Children’s Day Celebration at Don Bosco Kapadvanj was more than an event – it was a testament to the unwavering commitment of the Salesians and their partners to nurture the minds, hearts, and dreams of children from all walks of life.