By Cl. Ankit Ganava for BIS Mumbai

The Boarding Parents’ Day at Don Bosco Kawant was celebrated with great enthusiasm, reverence, and heartfelt gratitude, bringing together parents, students, and the management in a joyful spirit of family and togetherness. The occasion was dedicated to honouring the parents of the boarders and acknowledging their invaluable role in the lives and formation of their children.

The program was graced by the esteemed presence of the Chief Guest, Nareshbhai Kandhubhai, who is himself a proud past pupil of Don Bosco Kawant and a former boarder who grew up within the very boarding community he addressed. The event commenced with a solemn prayer service led by the boys, invoking God’s blessings upon the parents, staff, and students.

Fr Mayank, the Rector, along with the Manager, warmly welcomed the gathering and introduced the Chief Guest. In his address, Fr Mayank reflected on the irreplaceable role of parents in shaping the character, values, and future of their children. He emphasized that while the boarding provides structure and formation, it is the love, trust, and sacrifices of parents that form the strongest foundation in a child’s life.

A touching highlight of the morning was an address delivered by one of the students on behalf of all the boarders. The message expressed heartfelt gratitude, love, and appreciation towards the parents for their constant support, silent sacrifices, and unwavering faith in entrusting their children to the boarding. The words resonated deeply with the audience, creating an atmosphere filled with emotion and pride.

The celebration then moved into a vibrant cultural program presented by students of each standard. During the program, Br Melvin, the Administrator, took a special moment to acknowledge and felicitate the kitchen staff. He thanked them for their tireless dedication in preparing meals for the boarders every single day without fail, recognizing their quiet yet essential contribution to the well-being of the children. Fr Agnel, Prefect of Studies, expressed sincere appreciation to the boarding masters and the practical trainee for their round-the-clock care and supervision of the students.

The Chief Guest, Mr Nareshbhai Kandhubhai, delivered an inspiring speech, reminiscing about his own days as a boarder at Don Bosco Kawant. He spoke movingly about how the education, discipline, and values he received there continue to guide him even today in his service in the medical field. He encouraged students to cultivate genuine friendships, remain focused, and embrace hard work as the path to achieving their goals. His testimony stood as a living example of the lasting impact of Don Bosco education.

The celebration concluded on a joyful note with an agape meal shared by parents, students, and staff. Boarding Parents’ Day was thus a meaningful celebration—an occasion of thanksgiving, reflection, and renewed commitment to the collaborative mission of forming responsible, value-centered young individuals.