By Alphonsa Ohol for BIS Mumbai

Don Bosco High School and Junior College, Yerwada, Pune celebrated its tradition of nurturing leadership through two solemn investiture ceremonies, held separately for the school and junior college students. The ceremonies marked the formal installation of the newly elected Student Councils and the entrustment of leadership responsibilities to the young representatives of the school and junior college. The occasion served as a significant reminder that true leadership is founded on discipline, integrity, responsibility, and selfless service.

The ceremony for the school took place on July 14, 2026 and was conducted with due solemnity. Fr Crispino D'Souza, the Rector, invested the School Council members with their badges and Fr Glen Fernandes, the Principal invested the House Captains and Vice-Captains, while Fr James Nigrel, the Administrator, invested the Class Monitors. The newly appointed student leaders subsequently took the oath of office, pledging to discharge their responsibilities with sincerity, dedication, discipline, and commitment. The occasion was made particularly meaningful as it was held in honour of St. Dominic Savio, the patron saint of young students and an exemplary model of holiness, discipline and leadership.

Fr Michael Fernandes addressed the gathering and congratulated the newly elected Student Council members. In his address, he urged them to exercise leadership with humility, integrity, responsibility and compassion, emphasising that genuine leadership is rooted in selfless service. The Head Teacher Mrs Varsha Hiwale also addressed the newly elected council members and encouraged them to discharge their duties with honesty, dedication and commitment while serving as exemplary role models to their fellow students.

The Investiture Ceremony for the Junior College, was held on July 16, 2026. The programme commenced with a warm welcome to the dignitaries and the gathering and continued with the administration of the Oath of Office. In a similar way, Fr. Crispino D’Souza, the Rector, formally invested the newly elected student leaders by handing over their badges and flags while Fr. Glen Fernandes, the Principal, subsequently handed over the badges and flags to the House Captains. The Class XII Monitors were also formally inducted into their positions by Fr. James Nigrel, the Administrator. Addressing the gathering, Fr D’Souza congratulated the newly invested leaders and encouraged them to understand the true meaning of leadership reminding them that genuine leadership is rooted in humility, honesty, compassion, and a spirit of service.

The Investiture Ceremonies concluded on a meaningful note, reminding the newly appointed student leaders that leadership is not merely a position of authority but a solemn responsibility to serve and inspire.