BIS # 962 FIRST PAST PUPILS MEET AT CHHOTA UDEPUR

Charlin Chandran sdb
CHHOTA UDEPUR, JUNE 2, 2008: The first ever ‘Joint Past Pupils Meet’ of three Don Bosco Institutions in Gujarat – Chhota Udepur, Kawant and Narukot – was held at Chhota Udepur over the weekend. The programme began at 4.00 pm on Saturday, May 31, and concluded with lunch on Sunday, June 1. Close to 250 former students from these three institutions participated in this event which helped forge stronger ties among the alumni. It was also an occasion for them to look to the future with a common vision. The overnight Meet began with a short cultural performance by a troupe from Baroda. This was followed by the Keynote Address given by reputed humanitarian worker Mr. Francis Macwan. He stressed the fact that the past pupils had benefited much from the education they had received in the Don Bosco institutions. Although coming from backward villages and poor families, the education that they received had helped them to create good careers for themselves. Some of them were now engineers, doctors, teachers, or in the army and police force. He pointed out that it was now their turn to contribute towards the betterment of society. He asked them to come forward and make a significant difference in the lives of underprivileged and disadvantaged people. Several past students also addressed the gathering expressing their gratitude to the Salesians for supporting them during their schooling years and especially for assisting them to move ahead into good careers. Among those who spoke were RTO Inspector Ashok Rathwa, Municipal Corporator Ranchod Rathwa. Doctor Vanraj Rathwa and Social Worker Ramilla Rathwa. Guest speakers from the Dominic Savio Past Pupils Unit Andheri also addressed the gathering and presented ideas on how the alumni can be socially involved. The meet ended on a practical note with the creation of three units: Chhota Udepur, Kawant and Baroda. The members will now meet in these three units and chalk out an action plan. Kudos to all the organizers of this Meet, especially Br. Ramesh Durairaj, Fr. Dominic Martis and Fr. Ranald Lopes.