Crescens Lemos sdb MATUNGA, OCTOBER 26, 2008: Day two of Uddan ’08 saw the 
energy, enthusiasm and excitement at this mega event soar to great heights! With well over two thousand youngsters filling the quadrangle of Don Bosco Matunga, the Mela lived up to its reputation of being one of Mumbai’s biggest annual events for street kids. The day also witnessed the release of the book ‘Children in Adult Garb’ by Fr. Barnabe D’Souza. The book was released by well known Member of Parliament Ms. Priya Dutt. She spent a good amount of time at the Mela, going around meeting the children and the organizers. Ms. Dutt was accompanied by another renowned parliamentarian, Mr. Eknath Gaikwad. Addressing the children Mr. Gaikwad told them to face life boldly and not to give up the struggle till they have achieved their dreams. Several other dignitaries dropped into the Mela at various times of the day. One such personality, who got the kids clapping and dancing, was the celebrated singer Shan of the “Sa Re Ga Ma” TV Show. The children too put up several dances and other cultural items. As the Mela closed and the youngsters slowly drifted out of the campus, the ‘Diwali glow’ was clearly visible on their faces. As Mumbai celebrates the ‘festival of lights’, Uddan has certainly done its bit to brighten up the lives and the future of the poor and marginalized boys living on the streets of this city. 
