By Tr Karen Jimmy for BIS Mumbai

Navi Mumbai, September 13, 2025: The Cultural Day of Class II was celebrated on September 13, 2025 at Don Bosco Senior Secondary School, Nerul. The event was held in the Multipurpose Hall, at 10.30 am. It was an initiative of the Foundational Stage II team. It aimed at building confidence in young students by engaging them in singing, dancing, and acting and learning about the cultures, food habits and dances of the world around us.

The programme began with the introduction of the guests by the comperes who extended a warm welcome to the parents and expressed gratitude to those who supported the teachers in the preparations for the cultural day programme. The guests of honor included Rector Fr Dr Barnabe D’Souza, Principal Mrs Kalyani Chaudhary, Vice Principal Fr Shekhar Mariadas, Mentor Fr Adolph Furtado, Catechist Fr Allwyn Misquitta, Headmistress Mrs Jyotsna D’Souza, supervisors, coordinators, and educational consultants. Mrs Shoba D’Souza and Mrs Winifred Fernandes, Anchors from each section of Class II introduced the theme, “Around the World with a Smile.”

The cultural journey began with a welcome speech by Rector Fr Dr Barnabe D’Souza where he addressed to the parents with a beautiful story and also urged the parents to encourage their children to take part in future programmes of the school. The programme began with a welcome song 'It’s a Small World', followed by a short prayer song. Students then presented a skit where they explored cultures of Japan, Egypt, Spain, and Hawaii. Each scene introduced the traditions, festivals, and dances of the respective countries—Japanese Tanabata celebrations, the Egyptian Nile Festival dance, the Spanish Flamenco dance, and the Hawaiian Hula dance. These were brought alive through vibrant performances by the children, highlighting the richness of global traditions.

The anchors emphasized the values of peace, joy, and cultural harmony. The Principal addressed the gathering and encouraged the students to take active participation in co-curricular activities and programmes of the school and also spoke to parents in Sri Lankan language. She also shared her experience as to how she explored Sri Lanka and spoke about the people of our neighboring country. A vote of thanks was delivered by the students, appreciating the management, teachers, staff, and parents for their contribution.

In conclusion with the programme, Tr Karen gave a small speech expressing her appreciation and gratitude towards the students’ efforts and participation. Our Headmistress Mrs Jyotsna D’souza expressed her appreciation towards the teachers and students for their hard work, efforts and confidence displayed by the children all throughout the programme. The programme ended with singing the school anthem, after which guests and parents departed with smiles. The day proved to be a meaningful experience offering the children an opportunity to celebrate unity in diversity while showcasing their talents and learning something different about the cultures around the world.