By Jyotsna Dsouza for BIS Mumbai

Navi Mumbai, July 2026: Don Bosco Senior Secondary School, Nerul, launched its Marian Month celebrations with a series of creative, value-based competitions for students. The month-long initiative seeks to foster faith, creativity, and family bonding across all grade levels by encouraging gratitude towards mothers and mother figures while instilling the virtues of Mother Mary into daily student life.

The celebrations were inaugurated on July 16, 2026, by Rector Fr Barnabe Dsouza, who urged students and teachers to emulate Mother Mary’s virtues to become good and contributing citizens. Designed by Br Ralston Rosario alongside Principal Mrs Kalyani Chaudhuri, Vice Principal Br Royston Colaco, Catechist Fr Joyston Machado, and the Leadership team, the programme invites participation across all sections through age-appropriate activities celebrating love, compassion, sacrifice, and service.

Students of Classes I to V will participate in "One love, many names" — a multilingual activity titled “Mother, Spelt the Indian Way,” where they write the word Mother in various Indian languages and scripts to celebrate India’s linguistic diversity and the universal nature of maternal love.

For Classes III to XII, the “Letters to My Mother” activity encourages students to express personal affection and gratitude through heartfelt letters. Additionally, students of Classes VI to XII will participate in a Poem Writing Competition, reflecting on the influence of mothers and Marian values in their lives.

The programme also embraces modern digital creativity. Students of Classes I–VIII will participate in “Mom & Me – 90 Seconds of Love,” creating a short video sharing cherished moments or their mother’s favourite recipe. Meanwhile, students of Classes IX–XII will craft a "Thank You, Mom" social media reel, using engaging, value-based content to express appreciation for motherhood.

Musical talents will be highlighted through “Melodies for Mom,” an open original song composition competition for individuals and groups. Participants will present original lyrics and music dedicated to mothers, reinforcing artistic expression alongside gratitude.

Through these diverse activities, the school aims to offer students meaningful opportunities to recognize the sacrifices of mothers while drawing inspiration from Mary as a model of faith, humility, and loving service. The Marian Month programme reflects the Salesian commitment to holistic education by nurturing creativity, family values, cultural appreciation, and spiritual growth among young people.

The celebrations will culminate with the recognition of outstanding entries across all categories, honouring student talent while reaffirming the school’s mission of forming compassionate, faithful, and grateful individuals.