BIS - Bosco Information Service Mumbai

BIS #2777 'AWARENESS RALLY ON CHILD RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES'

2012-01-28T14:28:00.000+05:30

BIS Mumbai

BOSCO INFORMATION SERVICE #2777

'AWARENESS RALLY ON CHILD RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES'

Aarti Joshi

ANDHERI, JANUARY 28, 2012: Continuing its work towards attaining a vision of 'Child Friendly' society, Don Bosco Balprafulta organized an awareness rally on the occasion of Republic day involving more than three hundred children from urban slums and schools.

Number of children carried banners and placards with 'Awareness on Child Rights', 'Let me live', 'Stop child labour', 'Right to education' written on them. The rally started with a loud slogan 'Bharat Mata ki Jai!!!', 'Vande Mataram!!!' and subsequently went on with the slogans on their rights and created awareness among the people on issues of children. Children also sang songs Like 'Hum Honge Kamiyab..' with zeal and enthusiasm.

The rally started from 'Andheri Meghwadi Police Station with slogans and songs on child rights on the road upto their destination at St Domnic Savio School Campus, Andheri.

Two short skits by the boarders of Dominic Savio and by the slum community children were presented at the Dominic Savio school hall. These skits gave a simple message to the children that 'Rights comes with the Responsibilities. Rights and Responsibilities are two sides of the same coin. As Mahatma Gandhi correctly said Rights without Responsibilities is one of the 'Seven Blunders of the World' which are considered as roots of violence.

A Community Leader and Social worker from the slum community was invited to motivate children to do their best to become good citizens.

All the children actively participated in Rally and enjoyed the program.

BOSCO INFORMATION SERVICE (BIS) MUMBAI

Don Bosco Provincial House,
Matunga, Mumbai - 400 019. INDIA
Email: bis@donboscomumbai.org

Website: www.donboscomumbai.org

News Blog: http://bismumbai.blogspot.com

BIS #2776 FR. DONALD FERNANDEZ AWARDED THE BHARAT VIDYA SHIROMANI AWARD

2012-01-28T14:13:00.000+05:30

BIS Mumbai

BOSCO INFORMATION SERVICE #2776

FR. DONALD FERNANDEZ AWARDED THE BHARAT VIDYA SHIROMANI AWARD

Oscar Lobo

PUNE, JANUARY 28, 2012: It was a very proud moment for us at the Sacred Heart Parish, Yerwada (Pune) when we got to know that our Principal Fr. Donald Fernandez, sdb was chosen, this year, to receive the prestigious Bharat Vidya Shiromani Award-2011 instituted by the Indian Solidarity Council, New Delhi for his outstanding achievements and excellence in the field of education.

The award was conferred to him on January 21, 2012, at the Indian Society of International Law, New Delhi, by His Excellency the Ambassador of Tunisia, Mr. Tarek Azouz, in the distinguished presence of Chief Justice Mr. O.P. Verma, Former Election Commissioner Mr. Dr G.V.G. Krishnamoorthy and Former Governor Bishmanarain Singh. He was also awarded the Rashtriya Vidya Gaurav Gold Medal.

The Shiromani Institute is a Non Profit NGO founded in 1977 by the prominent people of Indian origin to honour Indian achievers and Resident and Non Resident Indians with Bharat Shiromani Awards - a gesture of popular recognition of their outstanding achievements in their chosen field.
The Award is being given in different categories like Armed Forces, Information Technologies, Medical, Education, Judiciary, Science, Banking, Politics, Public Sector, Services, Social Work, Journalism, Cinema, Fashion, Sports, Arts and Culture, Business, Industry and any other recognized category.

The awards have a rare tradition of being presented by some of the highest placed dignitaries. The Bharat Shiromani Awards were first presented by the then Defence Minister Shri Jagjiwan Ram in 1977.

The deserving personalities are chosen on the basis of their comparative merit, high caliber and commitment to national progress and human welfare. Bharat Shiromani Awards aim at the renewal of our rich heritage and great historical traditions.

The Institute promotes the ideal of national unity, religious tolerance and communal harmony. So, while selecting the Awardees, their contribution towards promoting this ideal in different ways is given due consideration. Through these awards the institute tries to project secularism at its best as to revitalize unwavering faith in national unity and human brotherhood.

In his acceptance speech, Fr. Donald thanked the organizers for bestowing on him this unique award, and said that this recognition would propel him to try and touch new heights in the field of education.

BOSCO INFORMATION SERVICE (BIS) MUMBAI

Don Bosco Provincial House,
Matunga, Mumbai - 400 019. INDIA
Email: bis@donboscomumbai.org

Website: www.donboscomumbai.org

News Blog: http://bismumbai.blogspot.com

BIS #2775 ENTREPRENET 2012 - GROW WITH INDIA A Convention for Christian Entrepreneurs

2012-01-27T18:23:00.000+05:30

Fr. Joaquim Fernandes sdb

MUMBAI, JANUARY 27, 2012: ENTREPRENET 2012 organised by Dimensions Mumbai and Kanara Entrepreneurs Global had a grand opening at the Intercontinental the Lalith, Mumbai. The theme of the convention is "Grow With India" The dignitaries included His Eminence, Cardinal Oswald Gracias, Archbishop of Bombay, Dr Mrs. Indu Shahani, Sheriff of Mumbai, Mr. Gul Kripalani, Convention President, Mr. Christopher John, Earnest John group of Companies, Mr. Albert D'Souza, Chairman Model Co-operative Bank, Mr. Ivan Fernandes, Chairman, Kanara Entrepreneurs Ltd. Global and Mr. Freddy Mendonca, Chairman, Dimensions, Mumbai.

His Eminence, Cardinal Oswald Gracias prayed over the gathering and delivered his inspiring message. He stressed that Entrepreneurs have been given talents and we need to multiply it for the benefit of society. He prayed to the Almighty for His presence during the two days of the conference as Entrepreneurs participate, deliberate, discuss and plan the future of self and country. He mentioned to the participants that this event was path breaking. Excelling in whatever we do should be the goal and we should not be shy of achieving success. He emphasized on ethics in business and to do whatever we could for the needy. He concluded with his blessings and wished the event a grand success. A Souvenir was released by His Eminence, Cardinal Oswald Gracias on this auspicious event.

Mr. Gul Kripalani, President of the Convention, welcomed the gathering. In his welcome address, he mentioned that hard work should not only benefit the country, but also the world. He requested the Community to be united in Christ, rather than divided by denominations. Joining hands will strengthen the community and the country as a whole. He concluded saying, India needs us and we need India.

The Chief Guest, Dr. (Mrs.) Indu Shahani, Sheriff of Mumbai in her motivating address quoted Thomas Friedman, "It is morning in India", the headlines in an American newspaper on the day the US President, Barack Obama was leaving to India from the US. It is truly morning in India, she said, because fifty per cent of the Indian population is under the age of twenty five years. The young people of India are the new mornings and will be the biggest asset of our country. If India has to make progress in its economy, Entrepreneurship should focus on Corporate Social Responsibility. She gave two good examples of young people who began doing business with a cause. Dhruv Lathra's Miracle: a courier service company employing hearing impaired persons. And Sweta who started an Ambulance service through the free toll number 1298 through cross subsidies and has got tenders to run her services in Kerala and other parts of the country.

Mr. Prabhu Guptara, Chairman and CEO of several companies and organizations delivered a scintillating keynote address on Emerging India-The Growth Story. He enumerated the global perspective scenario and the great depression of 2009 in the USA. The whole crisis of the Eurozone currency and the downslide in global markets and its effects on Europe. India and China are the emerging markets in South Asia and the GDP of both the countries touching eight to nine per cent. He discussed the issues for the Emerging India.

At the 'Presidential Dinner' on January 13, 2012 evening awards for Entrepreneurial Excellence were presented to distinguished Christians people:

Lifetime Achievement Award to Mr. Christopher John of Earnest Group

Mr. Christopher John has led the 'Earnest John Group of Companies' into diversified fields such as Construction, Mining, Shipping, Infrastructure and built the iconic 'EARNEST HOUSE', a building in the heart of Nariman Point. More such landmark constructions and property developments were conceived and implemented across Mumbai City. The 'Earnest John Group' has developed into a huge conglomerate and is well established in it's chosen fields. The Group has involved itself in various initiatives and forums, in a relentless mission to promote India on a Global platform.

Currently the Group has diversified into Port Development and is in the process of building one of the largest Ports in Maharashtra at a cost of at Rs.10, 000 crores. The Group intends to develop twelve more Ports around the world. This Global Citizen believes in giving back to Society at large and therefore Corporate Social Responsibility is an integral part of his business philosophy.

The Entrepreneur of the Year Award to Mr. Albert D'Souza of Printania Pvt. Ltd. and Aldel Educational Trust

Not content with initiatives in business he has immersed himself in the Educational, Co operative and Social Service sectors. He is the Chairman of Model Co-operative Bank Ltd and Vice Chairman of Christian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and is the key figure in the establishment of St Francis Engineering College, Borivali, Mumbai; St. Xavier Engineering College, Mahim, Mumbai and Don Bosco Engineering College, Kurla, Mumbai. He serves as Executive Committee Member in these Colleges and is also associated with the several engineering and management colleges besides serving as the Executive Committee member of Karuna Hospital, Borivali, Mumbai and Advisory Board Member of Holy Family Hospital, Mumbai.

Two years ago he established the Aldel Education Trust and started two educational institutions namely, St. John College of Engineering Technology and St. John Institute of Pharmacy and Research in the St. John Educational Complex at Palghar, Thane Dist of Maharashtra. A new Institute, St. John Institute of Mgmt. and Research is his recent addition.

The Woman Entrepreneur Award to Dr. Ms. Francin Pinto

Dr. Francin Pinto is the Founder-Director of Garbage Concern Welfare Society established in 2005. The enterprise laudably provides employment for school dropouts.

She is also the Proprietor of three-S 'Envosolutions' since 2006 - an initiative that provides systematic site specific solutions in Water Management, through Rainwater Harvesting, Waste Water Recycling and Waterless Urinal Concepts.

She is the winner of numerous awards such as:

· 'Most Pro active Environment NGO 2006 07' by the Municipal Corporation Of Greater Mumbai

· 'Woman Achiever' by Maanch Environment Action Group

· 'Environment Dedication Award' for planting 45000 plants in Mumbai by the Lion's International.

The Award ceremony was being held against a backdrop of a fashion show by the redoubtable Wendell Rodricks group and an evening of entertainment led by Rahul Saxena with music by Ron and his Rockstars.

BIS #2774 SALESIAN YOUTH PREPARE FOR POLAND CULTURAL TRIP

2012-01-27T17:50:00.000+05:30

Fr. Glenford Lowe sdb

MATUNGA, JANUARY 27, 2012: Thirteen Salesian youth from various Salesian Parishes and Movements in Mumbai are preparing for a ten-day Cultural Tour to Poland from May 20-30, 2012. As part of the preparation, a day's animation program was conducted at the Auxilium Provincial House, Bandra on January 26, 2012. The program consisted on activities for Team Building, Salesian Youth Spirituality and a pilgrimage to Mount Mary's, Bandra.

Preparations for the Poland Youth Cultural Tour began over a month ago. Every one of those chosen had to go through a selection process at the local and regional level. Fr. Ajoy Fernandes, Vice Provincial of the Mumbai Province introduced the youth to the purpose of the entire cultural tour and together with Frs. Isaac, Glenn, Roy and Sr. Rita Lobo drew up a calendar of events that would prepare the youth for a holistic tour ahead. Preparations included were Spiritual Animation, Team Building Activities, and Research into various aspects of Indian Culture and Heritage, Practices for the Various Dances and Songs. The group meets every Saturday and Sunday for various practices and research work. At the very start, every young person had to make a personal commitment to the entire formative process.

As part of this process, the youth were given moments for Team Building and for getting to know one another through a session organized by Fr. Glenn Lowe. Fr. Isaac was introduced to the group. The youth were presented a session on the Salesian Youth Spirituality by him.

After lunch, the youth undertook a Walking Pilgrimage to Mount Mary. A brief presentation about the history of Mount Mary was presented by Mr. Donald and Malaica. Along the walk, the rosary was prayerfully said. Personal testimonies on the role of Mary in one's life were also shared by many.

"This is a first of a kind Pilgrimage experience for me," said Blossom, "and I take with me very happy memories." All the young people are highly charged and motivated at the prospects of showcasing Indian Culture abroad. "You are representing the face of Salesian India and the face of Cultural India," said Fr. Fernandes at the start of the initial preparation.

The entire Cultural Tour is sponsored by the Salesian Province of Poland. Fr. Isaac and Sr. Rita Lobo will accompany the young people on this unique experience.

BIS #2773 JAI HIND AND JAI DON BOSCO

2012-01-27T16:15:00.000+05:30

Cl. Patole Anthony

WADALA, JANUARY 27, 2012: Shelter Don Bosco celebrated the Republic day with a small program. Mr. Ravi Nair, staff for Teach India by Times of India was the Chief Guest for the programme. The Shelter boys marched in with the Chief Guest to hoist the flag. They delivered a speech in Hindi, a poem in English, and a song highlighting the virtue of patriotism. Mr. Bhangade, principal of Sewri Wadala Marathi Medium BMC School and the Guest of Honour, appreciated the talents and the qualities of the Shelter Don Bosco boys, which were evident in his school's activities.

Fr. William the Rector in his welcoming speech introduced the guests and made us aware that we are the keepers of the rules (constitution) of the nation. "Now the colonists are not there to make us keep the rules," he said.

In the evening, Shelter Don Bosco animated the day's novena at Our Lady of Dolours Church, Wadala. It was nice to see the boys participating in the Eucharistic Celebration. The mass concluded with the boys singing the recessional hymn to Don Bosco in Hindi.

BIS #2772 VEP WEEK IN SUKET

2012-01-27T14:58:00.000+05:30

Paul sdb

SUKET, JANUARY 27, 2012: The VEP day was celebrated with a difference this time aound in Don Bosco, Suket!

Rather than get the VEP children from the twenty three centres to the Don Bosco residence in Suket, the team decided this year, to train a few class IX students and visit all the VEP centres in their settings, beginning from January 22, 2012. Groups were made of four and five centres as per the proximity of their location, and a day was allotted to them. The programme in each of the centres included cultural programme staged by the VEP tuition teachers with the students who frequent the classes, and a skit towards the awareness of the need to frequent schools prepared by the students of Don Bosco Vidyalaya under the guidance of Fr. Francis Fernandes and Fr. Ajit Munis.

The VEP children got an occasion to meet their neighbouring friends along with their village folk who turned up in large numbers. All those present seemed highly appreciative of the work and the initiative taken by the Salesians of Don Bosco to enthuse children in the villages to take interest in education which is a window to a world of opportunities.

Special thanks and praises were also showered at the various venues by the children and elders of the village to the VEP co-ordinator, Fr. Glen Fernandes and the VEP supervisor for their tireless and patient follow up of the VEP classes throughout the year.

BIS #2771 CLEANLINESS DRIVER ON MITHI RIVERBANK- MUMBAI

2012-01-27T14:36:00.000+05:30

Savio Silveira sdb

MUMBAI, JANUARY 27, 2012: Over three hundred students and teachers from twenty schools across the city attended the 'Meet the Mithi' programme organized by GreenLine, the Don Bosco Environmental Forum, at the Maharashtra Nature Park at Sion-Dharavi, and thereafter, a clean-up on the bank of the Mithi River at Bandra-Kurla Complex on Wednesday, January 25, 2012.

The event was part of the Green Schools Campaign that has been going on in thirty schools right from Colaba to Naigaon, spread across the western and central suburbs of Mumbai. The main objective of the Green Schools Campaign is creating the next generation of environmental leaders. Hence, prior to Republic Day, this event aimed at brining the students face to face with an important event concerning our city. In his introduction, Fr. Savio Silveira, Director of GreenLine, explained to the students the need for citizens to wake to the gift of the Mithi River, how it is being destroyed, and how this problem needs to be urgently addressed. This was followed by the screening of the documentary movie by Observer Research Foundation (ORF), called 'Making the Sewer a River Again'; documenting the Mithi river's passage through time, its degradation and the necessity of its revival and upkeep. Next, noted river activist Janak Daftari, addressed the students. He pointed out that today the Mithi is in such a bad shape, that no one would even want to dip a finger in it. However, he went on to say, that if the citizens and authorities work together for the Mithi cause, in a few years from now we would be able to swim in it again. The well known environmental researcher Gautam Kirtane, then addressed the students, and exhorted them to learn more about the local history and geography, especially that of our city. He suggested that they take up a detailed study of the Mithi, to understand its significance and its problems.

In a city known for its strong contrasts, the Bandra-Kurla Complex is one of the starkest reminders of the mismanagement of waste, and the adverse effects of unstructured modernization. Hence, this location was decided as the best place to sensitize the students on the problems of the river. While the movie showed the spoiling of the Mithi river, on-site, the students from the different schools were at first disgusted with the amount of dirt in the river as well as on its banks. It however, was most heartening to see that all of these students, armed with only gloves and brooms, in the span of one hour, managed to clean each of the twenty sections of the river bank that had been allotted to them. The students showed absolutely no inhibitions about cleaning the dirt. Some students were also trying to pull garbage from the river itself.

The students were supported in their task by some municipal staff. Throughout the time that the clean-up was going on, students held banners on the main road asking people to be more conscious about the treatment being meted out to the Mithi, which has the capacity to be the water lifeline of the city. If the efforts of these students is anything to go by, Mumbai is being witness to a wave of environmental leaders in their grooming stage, and when they are at their prime, will be making wiser environmental and sustenance plans for the whole of the city, country and world.

BIS #2770 JOIE DE VIVRE AT FELICITATION OF SILVER JUBILARIANS

2012-01-27T12:42:00.000+05:30

Salesian Cooperators' desk

BORIVLI, JANUARY 25, 2012: The French philosopher, Voltaire said, "Appreciation is a wonderful thing: It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well." These exact sentiments echoed the pride and pleasure that we Salesian Co-operators felt as we gathered in large numbers to felicitate three of our members Philomena D'Souza, Carmen Nunes and Angelo Nunes who completed more than twenty five years of active service with the Association of Salesian Co-operators.

Philo, Carmen and Angelo made their promise to be Salesian Co-operators in January 1984, that is, about twenty eight years back. Fr. Elias Dias was the local delegate of the Cooperators at that time. Since time, all three have been consistently very active and faithful to their commitment. They regularly attend meetings and participate in the activities conducted by the Association. Carmen and Angelo sit in the religious book stall every evening. You can count on them to be there every day, whatever the weather - be it rain, cold or shine. All three are very helpful, supportive, kind, generous and encouraging.

Completing more than twenty five years of active and faithful association with the Co-operators is an important milestone. Hence, to celebrate this achievement, the Co-operators decided to felicitate Philo, Carmen and Angelo in a special way on January 24, 2012. The date chosen had a special "Salesian Significance" the Feast of St Francis de Sales. The celebrations began with the 7.00 pm Eucharistic Celebration which was offered as a Thanksgiving Mass. Fr. Wilfred D'Souza, Provincial Delegate of the Salesian Family, Mumbai Province was the main celebrant at this Eucharist. Fr. Ronald Menezes, our parish priest, was the concelebrant.

After Mass, the Co-operators gathered in the Multi-purpose hall, waiting to greet the Guests of Honour. The jubilarians Angelo flanked by Carmen and Philo on either side entered the hall to the beat of music and enthusiastic applause of the Co-operators and occupied centre stage. Phyllis Lewis presented a bouquet to Fr. Wilfred, who then addressed the Co-operators. He lauded the Co-operators of our unit for being active and vibrant. He touched upon different aspects the duties of the council members to ease the pressure off the delegate, the spiritual formation and animations to be done at the monthly meetings, the Salesian Family Day and the Strenna for this year. Fr. Wilfred then presented the Silver Jubilarians with plaques and gifts.

The co-ordinator of our unit, Geeta Menezes, addressed the gathering and the power point presentation with various photographs featuring the three Silver Jubilarians elicited amusing response from the audience.

Everybody enjoyed the games and the fellowship meal that followed. The Co-operators coming together in such large numbers and participating in the celebrations showed solidarity and affection for Philo, Carmen and Angelo. All in all, it was an evening of joie de vivre and camaraderie!