LONAVLA, AUGUST 18, 2008: The heavens have literally opened up these days in the hill-township of
Lonavla. The steady downpour has resulted in severe swelling up of lakes, rivers and the many dams. The cascading waterfalls and the refreshing green of the valleys have boosted the tourism industry while keeping the law-enforcers on their toes. Houses have been devoured, people have been grounded and the many electronic gadgets that modern households proudly own have blown-up! There has been general disarray and mixed emotions all through the first half of this month. However, here at Don Bosco Lonavla, life has been one huge roller-coaster ride from activity to activity, from one to the next with little time for respite. Plenty of energy and time has been gainfully translated into spiritual and other activities. The Marian Month was one such well executed exercise in spiritual growth. With the theme of the month being Torch of Our Faith, the aspirants put every effort in making this a very meaningful month filled with sermonettes, poems, serenades, skits, quizzes, concerts, singing, drawing, picnic, movies, games, thanksgiving trees, nose-gays, rosary and bhajan services, concluding with the solemn Marian Nite. The boys and the confreres participated in these various activities with great devotion and exemplary responsibility. The Marian Nite was the crowning glory of this devotional exercise with the Catholic boys of the School and the Co-operator Salesians joining in the grandiose spiritual celebrations in honour of Our Lady Help of Christians. Close on the heels of this spiritual activity, followed a secular riotous celebration, namely the Annual Day of the Don Bosco High School and Junior College. Held on August 16, the theme for the occasion was “Indians: Hum Sab 1 Hain...” The Chief Guest for the event was Sr. Nora Baretto, Principal of Auxillium Convent High School. After the initial warm words of welcome by Fr Thomas D’Costa, Rector of Don Bosco Lonavla, the proceedings of the evening began with a big bang as the Bosco Band conducted by Fr Flovi D’Souza churned out some racy numbers from recent movie releases. This was continued by way of dazzlingly colourful and wonderfully choreographed dances which had the performers as well as the ‘packed-to-capacity-yet-overflowing’ audience grooving non-stop. The orchestra performance later in the evening keyed up the tempo one notch more, when they belted out two heart-warming and foot-stomping numbers – Maa from Taare Zameen Par and La Bamba. Various prizes were handed out to deserving students who had excelled in their academics and other co-curricular activities. The comperes for the evening were the leaders of the School and Junior College, who carried the show forward with great aplomb! Fr Bernard Fernandes, the Principal gave the final touches by proposing the Vote of Thanks, appreciating the effort and the execution of the entire programme. As the heavens continue to shower down their blessings, the boys and confreres at Don Bosco Lonavla continue unabated in their spiritual and human growth. With the Unit Tests scheduled later this week, for now its back to basics… serious study and prayer !
Chris Valentino sdb