Vidya Fernandes
LONAVLA, NOVEMBER 28, 2011: An atmosphere of gaiety and lively enthusiasm marked the celebration of YAR day on November 20, 2011 at Maria Ashiana, Lonavala. Inaugurated by the Rector, Fr. Cletus D'Souza sdb and Dr. Bacchav from Lonavala College, the programme commenced with a welcome song from the Maria Ashiana boys and an introductory note about "Bal Hakh Diwas."
In his speech, the Chief Guest highlighted the importance of celebrating YAR Day as Child Rights Day. The audience listened with rapt attention as the boys displayed their talents in singing, dancing, acting and narrating jokes. The programme also witnessed a dance by the girls of Kunegaon village. There was a skit on child labour created and enacted by the boys of Maria Ashiana, wherein they highlighted their own experiences of being child labourers and how coming to Maria Ashiana had changed their lives for the better. The event was covered by the local channel 'Maval Varta' and televised in their "jatra" programme the same day. The evening concluded with a thank you speech and distribution of snacks.