by Andrea Gonsalves
MUMBAI, AUG 16, 2017: Students and staff of St. Dominic Savio School, Andheri reflected on the words of Harivanch Bhacchan in his poem entitled, 'Himmath karne valo ki 
har nahi hoti' during a special assembly marking India's 70th Independence Day on August 15.
Father Brian Moras, the rector and manager of the institution, urged the gathering to listen attentively to the poem in a bid to draw inspiration to reach for greater heights. Alumni, who have achieved success and bought laurels to the institution, were honoured during the course of the assembly.
The parents of Harsh Agarwal – the school topper with 94.4 per cent in the state examinations - were the Guests of Honour and were present alongside Father Moras, Valerie Mascarenhas, the principal, Vice Rector and Administrator Father Shekar Mariadas and Father Mylin Noronha, the vice principal.
Father Moras hoisted the National flag, while a group of students sang the National Anthem. Father Moras then lauded Agarwal for his accomplishment. "We have decided to felicitate Harsh Agarwal and his dear parents, to show that hard work, sincerity of purpose and the willingness to sacrifice can bear fruit."
"We also felicitate our under 14 football team which were the runners-up in the Subrato Cup football tournament zonal level and the boys who won Tai Chi Event -9th All India Suburban Sub Junior/junior Wu shu Championship, 2017 for their accomplishments."
Mascarenhas and Father Moras honoured the Under-14 football team and coaches Dayanand, Sachin and Tai Chi competitors. Shubham Herale, a current student, then addressed the gathering in Hindi on the issue of corruption, crime and public lynching.
Following the certificate presentation to Agarwal, his parents said, "It was an honour and privilege to be a part of the institution. Children are the focal point of a parent's life, but if there's anything that you can give your child it is time. Every child needs their parents presence, more than gifts."
"Apart from mastering academics, opportunities for adapting to debates, music, dance or sports should not be left unexplored as these are a method of self expression that leads to good communication skills, which lead them with flying colours at their work place."