Patole Anthony
WADALA, NOVEMBER 08, 2011: The Fourteenth Annual Diwali Mela of Shelter Don Bosco took place on November 4, 2011 from 9.00 am to 9.00 pm at Don Bosco's Quadrangle, Matunga. The theme for the Mela was "Baccho Ke Sapne Desh Ke Gahne"; The dreams of the Children are the ornaments and the most precious treasures of the nation. The chief guest for the Inaugural Mela was Mrs. Shrada Jadhav, Mayor of Mumbai. The other dignitaries present were Mr. Raghunath Thavai, Corporator, Deepal Shaw, Bollywood celebrity and Mr. Mir Ranjan Negi, Former Indian Hockey Goal Keeper and Captain. Mrs. Jadhav in her words emphasized on the good work done by Shelter Don Bosco. About forty NGOs participated in the event and fifteen hundred children were registered from various NGOs and streets of Mumbai. Celebrities like Akshay Kumar, Ranveer Singh and Anuksha Sharma, graced the occasion by their presence and took the privilege of entertaining the kids towards the end of the day.
Many institutions along with Don Bosco Kurla and Don Bosco Borivli gave useful and practical information on career guidance and about various vocational courses available at their centers. Doctors from K.E.M. hospital and D.Y. Patil College rendered their service in the medical department. Dilasa and Mayur Pankh extended their help in counseling the children of the different NGOs and the street children. The NGOs gave information and created awareness about HIV, addiction, education etc through various performance dances, skits, mimicry, puppet show and Sher Shayari.
Fire work show was performed by Mr. Newton D'souza. The standard IX students from Don Bosco High School Matunga, conducted games for the boys throughout the day. Salesian Cooperators from Wadala and Borivli unit made themselves available as volunteers too. There were also volunteers from various colleges, institutions and corporates. The shelter boys entertained the crowd by their dances and various other performances at the event.
Our heartfelt gratitude and thanks to all those who made this day possible.