By Sir Leo D’Souza for BIS Mumbai

The students of Don Bosco Junior and Senior College, Pune, embraced the true spirit of Christmas through a meaningful Share and Care Activity on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. The outreach programme took place at the Pandita Ramabai Mukti Mission, Kedgaon, an institution committed to uplifting destitute women and children since 1889. Today, the Mission is home to over 500 residents and educates more than 2,000 students on its campus.

In preparation for the visit, students were encouraged to contribute essential items and usable clothing. Their enthusiastic response resulted in a generous collection of neatly packed articles, prepared by a team of dedicated volunteers.

A group of fourteen students, accompanied by coordinators Sir Leo D’Souza and Tr Pearl Fernandes, departed the college at 9:30 a.m. and reached the Mission by 11:00 a.m. They were warmly welcomed by the staff and residents. The campus tour offered students a glimpse into the daily lives of the inmates and the challenges faced by marginalised communities. A visit to Pandita Ramabai’s historic room provided deeper insight into her pioneering work and lifelong mission to support the oppressed.

One of the most noteworthy aspects of the visit was the students’ interaction with a group of special needs children who receive training customised to their individual intellectual abilities. The students also engaged with visually impaired women proficient in basket‑making, whose self‑reliance, craftsmanship, and joyful singing left a profound impact on them.

The group further visited the Old Heritage Church on the campus, where they admired its distinctive cross‑shaped architectural design. Then, they proceeded to tour various vocational centres, including the baking unit, candle and soap‑making sections, and the fashion‑designing department. These centres highlighted the Mission’s strong commitment to women's empowerment through skill‑development initiatives. The exposure offered the students valuable insight into how structured vocational training can transform lives and promote independence.

The students engaged in heartfelt conversations that broadened their understanding of life’s realities. The joy expressed by the members upon receiving the donated items was deeply moving. The Mission’s PR team expressed sincere gratitude for both the contributions and the meaningful interaction with the special needs children.

The experience proved transformative for many students. Gloriya D’Souza (Std 12 Arts) shared with emotion, “This has been the most heart-touching experience of my life. It made me realise how blessed we are to have a family and all our needs met.”

Jeet Jadhav (FYBCom.) added, “Sharing with the underprivileged is our responsibility. We must act as responsible citizens and help bridge the gap between the rich and the poor.”

The outreach activity reinforced the important lesson that even small acts of kindness and the simple act of spending time with the neglected can bring immense joy. It broadened the students’ perspectives and reminded them that some of life’s most meaningful lessons are learnt beyond the classroom. Inspired by this experience, the students expressed their commitment to carrying forward the message of compassion and plan to participate actively in similar outreach initiatives on a regular basis.