By Angel Golda for BIS Mumbai

The Stellar Don Bosco Academy, Nerul, celebrated its fourth anniversary on October 22, 2026, with a programme that reflected on its journey, achievements, and continued commitment to empowering young people through skill development and career-oriented learning. The celebration brought together the management, staff, and members of the Don Bosco community to commemorate four years of progress and reaffirm the Academy’s mission of creating meaningful opportunities for youth.

The event commenced with a warm welcome and a prayer song, invoking God’s blessings for the Academy and its continued growth. Fr Barnabe D’Souza, Rector of Don Bosco Nerul, addressed the gathering and reflected on the vision behind the establishment of the Academy. He spoke about the journey so far and the collective aspiration to make effective use of the available infrastructure by bringing more young people into the Academy and equipping them with relevant skills to enhance their career prospects. He emphasised the importance of creating opportunities that enable youth to discover their potential, develop their abilities, and prepare for a changing professional landscape.

A memorable highlight of the celebration was the screening of a journey video, which offered a glimpse into the Academy’s beginnings, milestones, and progress over the past four years. The video evoked a sense of appreciation for the efforts, collaborations, and dedication that have contributed to the Academy’s development. It also served as a reminder of the vision that continues to guide its work in education, vocational training, and youth empowerment.

Following this, the Chief Operating Officer, Mr Raajesh Ohri, presented an overview of the Academy, NIOS, Social Development and Prafulta, highlighting its initiatives, facilities, programmes, and future direction. The presentation reinforced the Academy’s commitment to expanding its reach, strengthening collaborations, and providing industry-relevant learning opportunities that support the aspirations of young people.

The celebration also showcased the cultural talents of the staff. The Academy team presented a traditional dance performance, adding colour and energy to the occasion. The Social Development team followed with a vibrant dance representing the diverse cultural traditions of India, featuring Punjab, Gujarat, Marwar, Maharashtra, Bengal, Kashmir and Kerala. The performance celebrated the country’s rich cultural heritage and conveyed a message of unity in diversity.

The programme concluded with vote of thanks by Mr Mathew George, expressing gratitude to the management, staff, and everyone who has contributed to the Academy’s journey. The gathering was reminded of the importance of carrying forward the spirit of Don Bosco through service, dedication, education, and a continued commitment to young people. The celebration ended on a cheerful note, with the Social Media team creating reels featuring the staff and management, capturing the joy and togetherness of the occasion.

The fourth anniversary marked not merely a milestone in the Academy’s journey but also a renewed commitment to its mission of empowering youth, building skills, and creating pathways to brighter futures in the spirit of Don Bosco.