By BIS Correspondent for BIS Mumbai

Don Bosco Boarding, Kawant, hosted its first parents’ meeting of the year on Friday, August 8, 2025, bringing together over 200 parents for a lively and engaging interaction. The meeting served as a platform to strengthen collaboration between the boarding management and parents for the well-being, discipline, and overall development of the children.

The programme began with a prayer service led by Cl Ankit Ganava SDB, invoking God’s blessings for the children and their families. This was followed by a warm welcome from Fr Mayank Parmar SDB, Rector and Manager of the boarding, who introduced the boarding masters, support staff, and kitchen personnel who contribute daily to the care and formation of the boarders.

Mr Ravji Rathwa, staff member, then read out the boarding rules and regulations, explaining them in detail to ensure clarity and uniformity in understanding. Fr Ajay Shelke SDB, Principal of the Gujarati Medium School, addressed school-related matters directly connected to the boarding. Fr Agnel Dias SDB, Boarding In-Charge, spoke next, emphasizing the need for discipline within the boarding and requesting the cooperation of parents in upholding it. He underlined that discipline is a shared responsibility between staff and families, crucial for the holistic growth of the children.

In his detailed address, Fr Parmar outlined several important points:

• The financial status of the boarding and recent infrastructure improvements, including water-proofing and ceiling repairs for the safety of the children.

• The variety of sports coaching available — football, volleyball, basketball, chess, table tennis, and carrom.

• Music lessons and spoken English classes provided for skill development.

• Extra tuition in the evenings to support academic progress.

• The institute’s commitment to providing immediate medical attention to any sick child, ensuring proper healthcare.

• He also shared future projects aimed at further improving facilities and services for the boarders.

After the official addresses, an open discussion allowed parents to share their views and suggestions. Many expressed gratitude for the high standard of care provided, saying they had complete trust in the institute — so much so that children often chose to remain in the boarding during holidays. Parents suggested implementing a monthly visitation policy instead of weekly visits, and restricting weekday visits, allowing children to focus on studies and activities without disruption.

The meeting concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Fr Parmar, followed by snacks and tea for all parents and children, fostering a spirit of community and mutual support.

The gathering reaffirmed the Don Bosco Boarding’s mission of working hand in hand with parents to form responsible, disciplined, and well-rounded young individuals in the Salesian tradition.