BIS #5186 CONNECTING THE PAST TO THE PRESENT

by Amarr Prabhu 

 

MUMBAI, AUG 3, 2017: Eighty-five alumni attended the annual general body meeting of past pupils, organised by the Don Bosco Mumbai Provincial Federation of Past Pupils at St. Dominic Savio High School, Andheri, on July 30.

 

Father Godfrey D'Souza, the Provincial of Mumbai, was the chief guest for the event and was present alongside Father Diego Nunes, Salesian Family delegate, of Mumbai Province and Ketan Gala, the President of the Indian National Federation of Past Pupils.

 

The meeting started with the lighting of the lamp by the chief guest and other members. Wency Pinto led every one into the past pupils prayer. Father Shekar Das, the administrator of the host school, welcomed the gathering. Father D'Souza, in his address, touched on the history of the Federation of Past Pupils. He then dwelt on the seven priorities given by World Confederation of Past Pupil, namely, growth, sustainable structure, formation, training, GEX promotion, financing, fundraising, family support, Salesian family communication and external relations.

 

Father D'Souza then introduced Father Nunes as the new Salesian Family delegate. Addressing the gathering, Father Nunes then spoke about strengthening the Federation and reaching out to the dormant units. Amarr Prabhu, the President, Mumbai Provincial Federation of Past Pupils, presented the annual report for the year 2016-17, highlighting the visit of Father Noel Maddhichetty, the Salesian Family delegate of South Asia, Father Maria Arokiam, Regional Councillor, South Asia, the formation of the new GEX unit at Bosco Boys, Borivli and the representation of 10 delegates from the province of Mumbai at the 11th East Asia Oceania Congress from October 4 to 8, 2016 at Timor Leste. 

 

Joseph Gomes tabled the statement of accounts for the financial year. The minutes of the AGM held on July 2016 were read by Rajeev Mehra, the secretary. Father Glen Lowe then spoke in detail about the Boscoree which is slated to be held in Nasik from Dec 30, 2018 to Jan 2, 2019. He said that 5000 scouts and guides would be invited from all over India for the event.

 

The individual units of Andheri, Borivli, Kurla, Lonavla, Matunga, Nashik, Pune, Vasai, Wadala and Chottaudepur then presented their reports for the year 2016 -2017 and highlighted their plans for the forthcoming year.

 

Gala then spoke about the national scenario with respect to the functioning of the units. He also mentioned that the National Council was working to revive the Delhi and Goa Federation. New identification cards for life membership were also presented to the audience.