By Fr. Bento D'Souza, SDB for BIS Mumbai

Ahmednagar: It was a day of drama—in every sense of the word. What began with a torrential cloudburst and flash flood quickly transformed into an unforgettable evening of celebration and transformation at Bosco Gramin Vikas Kendra (BGVK). The rains swept through the fertile grounds of BGVK, reaching the very steps of the building, as if nature itself wanted to bear witness to what was about to unfold.

And then came the calm after the storm—a fitting metaphor for the journey of the eighty-six participants of the Residential English-Speaking Course. Over the past thirty-five days, these young learners from rural Maharashtra evolved in language, confidence, and character. Now, it was their moment to shine.

The Graduation Day ceremony, held at 7:30 p.m., radiated the spirit of Don Bosco, who once said, “A Salesian house without music, dance and drama is like a body without a soul.” That evening, the soul of BGVK came alive. The campus echoed with laughter, applause, and powerful performances—from heartfelt speeches to lively skits and dazzling dance numbers.

The chief guest, Fr. Nathaniel, an educationalist, applauded the students' remarkable transformation. The evening’s theme, ‘With a Grateful Heart’, was showcased through a thoughtful play in which the camp students expressed their appreciation for the small acts of kindness shown to them throughout their lives.

The students were genuinely grateful for the opportunity to be part of the program. Many expressed how it had opened new doors for them—giving them not only language skills, but also a new sense of self-worth and purpose.

Behind their success stood the tireless efforts of the animating team—Fr. George, Fr. Clarence, Fr. Bento, Br. Vincent, Brs. Aldon and Shaun, Sisters Monica and Suvarna, and dedicated volunteers Gloria, Riya, Cheryl, Gelsey, and Jerin—who turned classrooms into safe havens for curiosity and creativity. Grammar, phonetics, conversation, confidence—they taught it all with heart.

Now equipped not only with English proficiency but also with computer literacy, personality development, and essential life skills, these students step forward with heads held high. The future for these “village sons of the soil” is no longer a distant hope—it is brighter, better, and beautifully within reach.