By Fr Chris Ferreira for BIS Mumbai

Don Bosco High School, Makarpura recently transformed its campus into a platform of culture and emotion for its Playway Annual Day 2025-26. The event, themed "Rishton ki Dor—The Bond that Binds," served as a poignant reminder of the values that unite families across borders.

The evening began with a disciplined atmosphere as student anchors Naksh, Shambhavi, Krishiv, and Rutu welcomed a packed audience of dignitaries and parents. The ceremony officially commenced with the "Lighting of the Lamp," where Chief Guest Fr Gregory D’Almeida and Guest of Honour Shri Francis Lobo were joined by Rector Fr Brian Moras and Principal Mrs Leena Varghese to symbolize the pursuit of knowledge. Fr D’Almeida praised the patience and dedication of the teachers in the playway section and Shri Lobo highlighted the importance of good parenting in their respective speeches.

The highlight of the night was a sprawling theatrical and musical journey that followed an NRI family—featuring characters like "Cool Dada," "Modern Dadi," and "Stylish Mummy"—traveling from abroad to rediscover their Indian heritage. The performances were meticulously choreographed, moving from an airplane cabin scene to the bustling Vadodara Airport. The audience was treated to a geographic tour of India’s traditions, including a high-energy Punjabi wedding sequence filled with "Balle Balle" cheers and a graceful Navratri Garba set in Vadodara.

Beyond the dance, the script delved into the "Rishton ki Dor" through emotional dialogue. A segment featuring a trip to the South emphasized nature and spirituality, while a nostalgic "School Flashback" scene showed parents teaching their children that schools are not just for books, but for becoming "good humans". A particularly relatable scene involving misplaced flight tickets and a father’s apology highlighted the theme of forgiveness within a family.

The program also showcased the school’s commitment to "Humanity," with a scene dedicated to charity and kindness. In her Vote of Thanks, student Uzma expressed gratitude to the teaching staff, the coordinating team led by the Section Coordinators - Ms Nisha Mamtani and Ms Beena Santosh, and the technical crew for their seamless execution. The night concluded with the National Anthem, leaving the Don Bosco Parivar with the message that while one may travel the world, their roots and sanskaar (values) are the jewels they carry forever.