BIS # 3755 HEALING BY REACHING OUT TO THE WORLD

by Cl. Ranson D'Souza SDB

LONAVALA-MAHARASHTRA, NOVEMBER 15, 2013: The Don Bosco Scouts and Guides Gromo 2013 entered its third day beginning with Baden Powell's Six Exercises. The Holy Eucharist was celebrated by Fr. Glenford Lowe. At the same time, those of the other faiths had their Scout's Own in front of the main stage.

The inspection began at 7.15 a.m. after which the rally reported for the flag break. Fr. Lowe spoke about the three ways of growth: the inward growth, the outward growth and the upward growth that should take place during these days in every person.

After breakfast the rally moved to the Railway ground presenting different cultures in the Pageant-O-Rama throughout the way. Traditional costumes, dances and short skits depicting the Gromo theme 'Heal the World' were presented all along. Powerful slogans invited by-standers to be agents of healing in the society.

At the Railway ground Dr. Hemant Agarwal, Mr. Sanjay Kumar Neve and Sir Zodhi were guests of honour. All the three spoke on the theme of Heal the World. Dr. Agarwal said, "To heal the world we have to have a burning desire first to heal ourselves and be successful in our life, so that we can be the change we want to see in the world". Mr. Neve said, "We must work together to heal the world beginning from self". Sir Zodhi had three important words 'Reduce, Reuse, Recycle'.

The rally then divided itself into four sub camps with a mission to clean the environment. The Railway ground, the Lonavala Bus stand, the Raiwood park and the road leading to Don Bosco Lonavala from the Bus stand were identified for the mission clean up. "I never realized that it is so easy to make a big difference in such a small way" said Cleon a young camper when asked about his experience.

After lunch, the Scouts and Guides had the first session of the day about the use of compass and Estimation. This was a new topic for many a scouts and guides. All were thrilled about the different situations in which a compass could be used and the way in which estimations can be made. They found it very practical and useful.

In the afternoon, the Exhibition competition was held where in each troop displayed many a new handmade things using their creativity. All was happy to have Fr. Godfrey D'Souza, Provincial of the Mumbai Province and Fr. Ajoy Fernandes, Vice-Provincial to judge the Exhibition.

After tea, wide games were organized for the rally which included Arabian Flag, Bucket Basketball, Crows and Cranes, Crossing the River Jorden and Dog and the bone. Everyone participated with great enthusiasm and enjoyed all the games.

After supper, there was the Grand Campfire for which Mr. P.K. Dayfade, District Educational Commissioner was the Chief Guest. All the troops displayed a blend of traditional dances and folk songs. Being the last night of the Gromo 2013, there was a lot of excitement among the Scouts and Guides. One could say, looking at the performances that the Scouts and Guides put in their best effort. Overall it was a wonderful and enjoyable evening around the Camp fire.

The Camp Co-ordinator and Camp Chief called for the Court of Honour wherein as usual the day's activities were evaluated, valuable suggestions were given and the time table of the next day was read out. The password 'Heal the World' was communicated by the Camp Co-ordinator.

It is but right to say that Gromo 2013 kept getting better and better with each passing day.