by Ujjwala Siddapur and Fr Avil Correa for BISMumbai

A combined Farewell and Investiture Ceremony was held on Friday, 27 June 2025, at 10:30 a.m. in the Down Hall of Don Bosco High School & Junior College, Lonavla, marking a significant leadership transition.

The ceremony served a dual purpose: to bid farewell to outgoing Principal Fr Ranson D’Souza and to officially welcome the new Principal, Fr Kiran Salve, along with Br Melton Suares, Br Presley Andrade, and Tr Aruna Chatterjee.

The programme commenced with an opening speech by the Rector, Fr Blany Pinto, who introduced the new leadership team. This was followed by a prayer service titled “Embarking into New Beginnings”, setting a reflective tone for the morning.

A heartfelt farewell address was delivered by Sir Rajesh, acknowledging Fr Ranson’s dedicated service to the institution. The Rector then felicitated Fr Ranson in an emotional tribute, marking a poignant moment for the school community.

The event transitioned into the Investiture Ceremony, during which the newly elected School and College leaders pledged to uphold the motto of the institution, “Virtue Kindles Strength”, and to fulfil their duties with “integrity, faith and excellence.” Sashes and badges were conferred upon the student leaders, who took oaths underscoring their responsibility to maintain the school’s values and standards. House Flags were ceremonially handed over as a symbolic gesture of leadership being passed to the new office bearers.

Rev. Fr Ranson D’Souza then officially declared the House Points System for the academic year 2025–26 open, inspiring healthy competition and renewed commitment among the student body.

On behalf of all the student leaders, newly elected School and College Captain, Master Hasnain Sayyed, expressed sincere gratitude to the students, staff, and organisers for their support and contribution to the event’s success.

The ceremony concluded on a spiritual note, with a moment of prayer and thanksgiving, encouraging everyone to “carry the Spirit of Don Bosco within them—a light to guide their actions not only within the school and college, but also in their families, communities, and the wider world.”.