By BIS Correspondent for BIS Mumbai

The buzz of excitement at the Josephite Festival, held on October 8-10, 2026, filled the campus of St. Joseph’s High School, Wadala, with eager participants and unforgettable memories. With an impressive 4,519 participants from 60 schools, the festival celebrated healthy competition and showcased the talents of students through a vibrant blend of individual and group events - 65 events in all.

The inter-school mega event featured a wide range of competitions, including start-up, debate, Spell Wiz, storytelling, T-shirt painting, drawing, craft, coding, ethical hacking, monoacting, Indian and Western instrumental music, choral recitation, English and Hindi elocution, essay writing and the innovative street play. The display of talent across the events was truly remarkable.

The esteemed Chief Guests on the three days were Fr Osborn Furtado, Parish Priest and Vice-Rector of St Joseph’s High School, Wadala; Fr Flovi D’Souza, Principal of Don Bosco, Matunga; and Fr Sunil Pinto, in charge of Shelter Don Bosco. They were delighted to witness the students’ skills and enthusiasm. Fr D’Souza expressed his gratitude and happiness at being part of an event that gave students an excellent platform to reveal their hidden potential.

The judges were impressed by the creativity, confidence and calibre of participants from Categories 1 to 4, ranging from tiny tots to high school students. Judge Mrs Lovie Miranda described it as “a new and great experience” and a delight to see such confidence in young children. A parent from a participating school praised the festival for being well organised and for giving students opportunities to explore their talents, exchange ideas and learn through collaboration.

Parents also benefited from sessions conducted by counsellor-psychologists from Prafulta on parenting tips, mental health, emotional awareness and character building.

The prize distribution ceremony celebrated the winners of the various competitions, with 231 awards presented to deserving students. Cheers and excitement reached a crescendo on the final day. Principals of participating schools were honoured with trophies for their schools’ enthusiastic participation, while parent volunteers who helped reach out to schools were felicitated. Thirteen lucky draw winners received fabulous prizes, with Master Akshay Pathak of St Joseph’s High School, Wadala, winning the first prize—a cycle.

Adding a technological touch to the festival, past pupil Mr Guransh Singh Keer and his sister, Ms Mansha Kaur Sahni, created an innovative system that integrated attendee records and event information, making details instantly accessible with a click.

Heartfelt appreciation goes to the Management team, Rector and Manager Fr Solomon Rapol, Fr Osborn Furtado, Fr Diego Nunes, Administrator Fr Jeswin Mastan, Secondary Supervisor Mrs Nagaprabha Rao, Primary Headteacher Mrs Smita Lewis, Pre-Primary Co-ordinator Ms Jennifer Dabhi, and the entire Josephite family of staff, parents and student volunteers. Their collective efforts made the Josephite Festival a grand success!