BIS #1852 MUMBAI DARSAHAN FOR ALIRAJPUR STUDENTS

Mylin Noronha sdb
MUMBAI JUNE 7, 2010: The students of standard nine of Don Bosco Academy, Alirajpur, enjoyed a three day Mumbai Darshan from June 1, 2010 to June 3, 2010 to reward them for their hard work and good performance during the past academic year.
On the morning of June 1, 2010 ten students along with Fr Leslie Pereira, the Rector, and Fr Mathias D’cunhaand, Cl. Osborn Furtado were welcomed to a sumptuous breakfast in Don Bosco, Naigaon. The students then set out to cool themselves in the waters of Great Escape water-park, but not before dropping in for a short visit at Resurrection Church, Virar. After splashing around to their heart’s content, the students paid a visit to the Our Lady of Light Church, Jyoti. The day was brought to a close with a lavish supper prepared by the family of Cl. Osborn, in his house at Naigaon.
The next day began on a spiritual note with the Celebration of the Holy Eucharist in the Crypt of Don Bosco, Matunga and a pilgrimage to Mount Mary’s Basilica, Bandra. The students enjoyed the views of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link and Bandstand on their way to DBIT, Kurla where they enjoyed their lunch. A trip to Mumbai is not complete without a good look at some of its big malls, and so Fr Leslie ensured that the students had some time for window shopping at In-Orbit, Malad. The excitement of stepping into an elevator and escalator was all it took to satisfy these students who had never set foot beyond the confines of the district in which they were born. In the evening, the House of Andheri laid a wide spread for tea and permitted the budding basketball players to have a feel of their excellent basketball court. However, the high point of the day was a ‘dip in the sea’ at Juhu Beach. The students relished the novelty of the waves beating against their bodies and had to be forced out of the water so that they could get back to Don Bosco, Matunga. A delicious supper and a night walk to Shelter, Wadala, brought the day’s proceedings to a tiring yet satisfying end.
On the third and final day, the students visited the Gateway of India and the Taj Hotel. They also enjoyed a boat ride before they visited the Hanging Gardens. The afternoon was spent in the midst of the marvels of science at the Nehru Science Centre after which the students spent some time shopping in Dadar. The outing drew to a close with ‘The Last Supper’ at the home of Fr Leslie.

The students had a wonderful time in Mumbai witnessing the high-rise posh buildings, the rush in the local trains and the busy life style of the ordinary Mumbaikars. Simultaneously, they were reminded of the harsh reality of the rising gulf between the rich and the poor while observing the miserable condition of those in the slums. All in all, the students had a great exposure to the opportunities and drawbacks of the city, which would have definitely left a striking imprint on their memories as they get back to their simple village lifestyle and aspire to bring about a positive change in their lives and their families.