By BIS Correspondent for BIS Mumbai

A two-day Diwali camp based on constitutional values was organised at Don Bosco Boarding, Kawant, on October 30 and November 1. The camp aimed to promote constitutional values among rural children studying in Classes 8 and 9 in the Kawant region and encourage them to grow into responsible and aware citizens of the country.

A total of 91 students, including 55 boys and 36 girls from Classes 8 and 9, who reside and study at the boarding, actively participated in the camp. The programme provided an opportunity for students to understand the importance of constitutional values and learn how to apply them in their everyday lives.

The camp began on October 30 with a session on ‘Leadership’ conducted by Father Ajay, Vice-Rector of the institution and Principal of Don Bosco High School, Gujarati Medium, Kawant. Through his session, he explained that leadership does not simply mean being at the forefront or leading others. Rather, it involves taking responsibility, working as a team, developing the ability to make appropriate decisions and encouraging others. He highlighted the importance of these qualities in becoming an effective and responsible leader.

The second session was conducted by the Rector of the institution, Fr Dr Mayank Parmar, on the theme ‘I Am Unique’. He explained that every individual has their own abilities, talents and strengths. He encouraged students to believe in themselves, recognise their potential and respect the unique qualities of others. His engaging presentation helped students appreciate the importance of self-confidence, individuality and mutual respect. Brother Joseph, the hostel in-charge, assisted in creative expression during the session.

The second day's programme began with a session on ‘Freedom of Expression and Equality’, led by Hasmukh Christian, Programme Officer of Disha Sanstha. The session was held from 9.30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

During the session, students explored several important questions, such as: What is freedom of expression? How can individuals express their thoughts, opinions, suggestions, likes and dislikes? What does the Indian Constitution say about freedom of expression? What are its legal limitations? What does equality mean in the context of the Constitution?

These topics were explained through school-based case studies, group discussions, examples from everyday social situations, stories and PowerPoint presentations. The discussions helped students understand fundamental constitutional values such as liberty, equality, justice, fraternity and human dignity, and their relevance to daily life.

The programme was designed to make learning interactive, meaningful and practical rather than limiting it to theoretical knowledge. Students were also encouraged to prepare action plans based on the training so that the ideas and values discussed during the camp could be put into practice in their everyday lives.

The camp served as an important learning experience, helping young students develop leadership qualities, respect for diversity, confidence in self-expression and an understanding of equality and justice. Through this initiative, Don Bosco Boarding, Kawant, took a meaningful step towards nurturing socially responsible young citizens who understand and uphold the values enshrined in the Indian Constitution.