by Jeffi Ann Thomas
MUMBAI, OCT 31, 2017: One hundred and forty children infected with AIDS and over hundred parents had a reason to smile as Don Bosco Centre for Learning 
(DBCL) organised a 'Diwali Mela' at the DBCL campus in Kurla on October 28.
The event has been a tradition that DBCL has been following for years, with the aim of spending time with youth and their families and showering them with love and happiness.
Father Leon Cruz, administrator, DBCL Kurla, Father Cyril De Souza, campus minister, Vijaya Jagdale from Lions club Ghatkopar, Shirley from Inherwheel club, Thane, Madhuri from SBI life and Prabha Desai, Director of Sanmitra Trust were present at the inauguration ceremony.
Participants registered for the event at the onset and then enjoyed twelve different indoor games as an ice-breaker. To add to their excitement, prize coupon sheets were distributed during the time of registration, which would have been valid if they won a certain game. At the end of the indoor game session, prizes were distributed according to the number of prize coupons gained.
The youth participated in games like 'spoon and marble' and 'book balance race', while adults enjoyed 'housie'. Apart from games, activities to enhance the creativity of the youth like diya decoration, clay modelling and drawing competition were included.
A short cultural programme was arranged for the youth, which included dance performances by the dancing club members, magic show by Leo Linus and singing by Annie Renita and Rohan Kamath and students of DBCL.
Royal D'Souza coordinated the event with the help of volunteers, which included both NSS and non-NSS students from DBIT, DBC and Salesian Youth Movements. The day ended by showering the guests with Diwali presents.