By Tr Shiny for BIS Mumbai

The 19th Annual Thanksgiving Day at Don Bosco Senior Secondary School, Nerul, held on January 23, 2026, marked a momentous occasion as the institution entered its Decennial Year. This resplendent celebration, imbued with profound gratitude and jubilant festivities, exemplified the school’s unwavering dedication to academic excellence and holistic education anchored in timeless Salesian principles. The grand affair witnessed enthusiastic participation from 1100 students, creating an atmosphere of collective achievement and institutional pride.

The celebration was graced by distinguished Chief Guests Dr K. M. Vasudevan Pillai and Dr Daphne Pillai, eminent educationists and founding pillars of the Mahatma Education Society. Dr Vasudevan Pillai, Founder and CEO of MES, has championed holistic, value-based education across numerous institutions, while Dr Daphne Pillai, Co-Founder and Secretary, has significantly contributed to academic leadership and women’s empowerment through her extensive work in English Literature.

The distinguished guests were accorded a ceremonial reception befitting their stature, welcomed with traditional brooches and fragrant bouquets. This dignified protocol established an auspicious and reverential tone for the evening’s proceedings.

The evening commenced with a melodious welcome song by Foundation-1 students, followed by a graceful Prayer Dance invoking divine blessings. Dr Barnabe D’souza, our esteemed Rector, extended a warm welcome reflecting on the school’s transformative mission, while Vice Principal Fr Shekar Mariadas eloquently introduced the distinguished guests.

The Prize Distribution Ceremony constituted a highlight of the evening, as exceptional achievers from Classes X and XII Board Examinations (2024–25) ascended the stage to receive recognition for their exemplary academic excellence. Beyond academics, outstanding achievements in sports, arts, and culture were celebrated, acknowledging the multifaceted development fostered by the institution. These remarkable accomplishments epitomized perseverance, disciplined effort, and dedicated mentorship, witnessed with evident pride by parents and faculty alike.

Dr K. M. Vasudevan Pillai delivered an inspiring keynote address advocating for student-centered education that honors individual abilities and interests. He urged parents to support their children's unique talents rather than pressuring them toward standardized success. Dr Vasudevan concluded by appreciating Don Bosco's commitment to holistic education and wishing the institution continued growth.

Principal Mrs Kalyani Chaudhari presented the annual report, highlighting institutional achievements across academics, co-curricular activities, and community engagement. Following intermission, the cultural extravaganza featured the musical drama “Once Upon a Time—A Story of Hope,” conceived by Neil and Archana Azavedo. This poignant adaptation of “The Prodigal Son” narrates the journey of Becky, daughter of Dr Ryan Jacob, who abandons her conventional path for modeling in Bangalore, only to encounter harsh realities. Her eventual homecoming, broken yet transformed, powerfully illustrates the enduring strength of familial love and redemption.

Spectacular dance performances beautifully complemented the narrative arc: Classes III through IX presented thematically rich and energetically choreographed performances including the vibrant “Lollipop,” the inspirational “I See the Light,” the socially conscious “Fast Food,” the nautical “Sea Cruise,” the reflective “Story of My Life,” the captivating “Made You Look,” and culminating dramatically with “Roar,” powerfully symbolizing youthful confidence and unwavering resilience.

Headmistress Mrs Jyotsna D’souza and coordinator Mrs Lisa Domnic expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Chief Guests, faculty, students, and parents, concluding with the school anthem that brought the evening to a harmonious close.

The 19th Annual Thanksgiving Day proved an unequivocal triumph, magnificently showcasing students’ multifaceted talents while reaffirming the institution’s steadfast commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals prepared to navigate future challenges with confidence and integrity.