LONAVLA, JUNE 25, 2008: Maria Ashiana Therapeutic and Rehabilitation Centre (a project of Shelter Don Bosco) celebrated the Closing Ceremony of the Education Month on June 23. At a well organized programm
e, which commenced with a Prayer-Song, the boys displayed their various skills and talents through dance, song, skits and poetry recitals. The theme chosen for the occasion was aptly titled “Kadam Kadam Badayenge, Naya Bhavishya Banayenge.” In keeping with the theme, the boys performed Amiri-Garibi, an introspective skit focusing on the need to be educated, while the song Ek Pal Ka Jeena, Ek Pal Hai Jaana had the boys grooving Hrithik ishtyle! A creative recital of a few nursery rhymes and an inspiring thought “Luck is not in our hand, but work is in our hand… Our work can bring us good luck” added life to the programme. A few boys also shared their experience at the Centre. The Chief Guest for the evening was Justice Shri Ashok Agarwal, former Judge at Mumbai High Court and Retired Chief Justice of the Chennai High Court. He is presently the Chairman of the Pravesh Niyantran Samiti which regulates the admission to Private Medical Colleges and Higher Technical Institutions. He is also actively involved in working for the Scheduled Tribes and Castes dealing with displaced settlements. Speaking on the occasion he said: “I am very happy to see the many talents that you boys have. I am also very impressed with your creativity and your motivation to do well in life. May you enjoy success and don’t forget the many people who have helped you in this institution to develop your skills.” Justice Agarwal also distributed the Individual and Group prizes. The highlights of the Education Month included among the usual daily routine, activities such as General Knowledge Quizzes; Sessions about various academic subjects; Learning through Posters and Charts with a token examination too thrown in to motivate the enthusiastic boys. The major achievement during this month was the teaching and learning of the basics of the English Language. Other subjects covered were Mathematics, Science and Hindi. This entire month was co-ordinated by Komal Kamble and Anthony Rajkumar with generous help from Vijaya, Francis, Nirmala, Kavita, Dama and Hirabai. Mr Matthewkutty, the programme co-ordinator at Maria Ashiana, was happiness personified at the successful completion of the Education Month, and expressed his desire to organize many more motivational programmes in the coming months. Indeed the staff and the boys at Maria Ashiana are on the right track echoing in unison “Kadam Kadam Badayenge, Naya Bhavishya Banayenge……”
Chris Valentino sdb