by BIS Correspondent
CHHOTAUDEPUR, DEC 19, 2017: The Don Bosco Chhotaudepur campus witnessed over 700 bright-eyed enthusiastic children gathering together under the 
Lok Seva Kendra Chhota banner for the Village Education Programme (VEP) Annual Children's Day event entitled "Accept Childhood, Know Life" on December 17.
Father Brian Buthello, Rector of Don Bosco Chhotaudepur welcomed the gathering, while Brother Ramesh Durairaj, Director of Lok Seva Kendra introduced the guests of honour. Among the main speakers for the day were Father George Miranda, Director of Don Bosco Snehalaya Vadodara; Dr Amit Rathwa, alumnus of Don Bosco Chhotaudepur and Praful Macwan, former teacher at Don Bosco Chhotaudepur.
Father George Miranda, Gujarat State Government awardee for working with vulnerable children, addressed the massive gathering of children and VEP teachers saying, "Each of you must have a dream, just as the former President of India Dr APJ Abdul Kalam had a dream. Only when you have a dream you can achieve something. However achieving is not everything. Each of you must be able to give in return. Even if you have nothing great to give, try to give a smile to another and brighten up their day. When we become loving and affectionate with others, then God gives us what we desire, and more importantly we will gain definite satisfaction for ourselves."
Doctor Rathwa, in his speech, focussed on the importance of education and the personal commitment to study well. Reminiscing the time spent at Don Bosco Chhotaudepur as a student, Doctor Rathwa invited the children to, 'learn the important things of life, live by values and principles if you want to achieve something in life'. He also remarked, "The difference between Don Bosco's system and other institutions is the quality, attention and faith principles that enrich one's life for the better."
Further Macwan shared his personal experience and relationship with Don Bosco. "I can never forget the love, affection, and family atmosphere here at Don Bosco Chhotaudepur. It is a real joy to be here and spend time with you all for it reminds me of the days I spent here as a teacher, confused as I was distinguishing between Gujarati and Rathwi," he said.
The large gathering of children enjoyed the well-prepared fete game stalls manned by Don Bosco Chhotaudepur boarders and each child managed to win some gift or the other. A sumptuous lunch ensured their day was done, even as they gathered in the auditorium to witness a well-coordinated musical performance by the junior college students based on the 'Prodigal Son' in Hindi keeping the children enjoyably engaged in the afternoon.
Felicitations of the VEP teachers and certificates for the meritorious children in the evening, was soon followed by the obligatory foot-tapping lively Rathwi dance for all. Doctor Rathwa along with his wife, presented Father Buthello and Brother Durairaj with a gift in appreciation and gratitude for their committed service for the betterment of children.
The children thoroughly enjoyed the day's programme thanks to the effort of the VEP teachers and the Lok Seva Kendra Chhotaudepur. Brother Durairaj proposed the Vote of Thanks, appreciating the teachers for their enterprising dedication and the children for their enthusiastic participation.