Elson Barretto sdb
CHHOTA UDEPUR, AUGUST 21, 2008: The past weekend saw a slew of activities taking place at Chhota. On August 14, the Earth literally screamed to be saved! Fr. Ranald Lopes and his talented troupe put up a musical entitled “Pukare Dharti, Bachao Mane” (The Earth Cries Out: Save Me). Through songs, dances, skits, dialogues, slide shows, visuals and what-have-you of the “electronic blitz”, they made us feel small, vulnerable, responsible, great and challenged. They should do that often! Bishop Godfrey de Rosario of Baroda honoured us by being the Chief Guest. On August 15, at 9.00 am, the School took part in the district level flag hoisting ceremony on the Parade Ground where the students belted out the national anthem in their melodious voices. At 10.00 am the students stood ramrod on our school grounds and saluted as the Chief Guest unfurled the Tricolour….. Bharat Mata Ki Jai! Then at 11.30 am Bishop Godfrey, as President, led the faithful to a meaningful Eucharistic celebration of the Parish feast of “Muktidaini Mata” (Mother of Freedom) - Into that haven of freedom, let me too awake! And as a tangible sign of freedom, after the celebrations, the gates were opened and the boys literally ran home, to enjoy the long weekend with their dear ones. August 16 saw the Salesians ‘jeeping’ down to Baroda in twos and fours to talk shop …and listen to Fr Xavier Manjooran sj explain the salient points of the Forest Act 2008 and also touch upon NREGS and RTI. In between, we grouped together to discuss the agenda at hand under the “bearded” guidance of Fr. Stanny Fereira. Many points were carried over to the next meeting, so that ”Bigger Shots” could attend and fathom what transpires in the head and heart of a “rustic Salesian”.
On August 17 the boys trooped back in and once again the corridors and grounds resounded to their raucous shouts and screams. It is unusually “quiet” when they are not around. The month promises to be exciting as always. Watch this space....!
On August 17 the boys trooped back in and once again the corridors and grounds resounded to their raucous shouts and screams. It is unusually “quiet” when they are not around. The month promises to be exciting as always. Watch this space....!