By Father Christopher George SDBMumbai, Jan. 3. The 13th National Boscoree 2018 culminated today, 03 January 2019, with the valedictory ceremony on the Father Sean McFerran Parade Ground, at Divyadaan Salesian College of Philosophy, Nashik. Father Maria Arokiam Kanaga, Don Bosco South Asia Regional Head of Operations was the Chief Guest for the Closing Ceremony. Other guests of honour were: Sister Rita Dora Thomas, Provincial of the Sisters of Daughters of Mary Help of Christians Mumbai, Father Godfrey D'Souza, Salesian Provincial Mumbai and Father Maria Charles, Director Don Bosco South Asia Youth Animation.
The Boscoree 2018 Camp Chief, Father Ian Doulton, welcomed the dignitaries and introduced Father Kanaga, while Father D'Souza and Sister Thomas felicitated the Boscoree Core-Committee with souvenir mementoes commemorating the 13th National Boscoree.
Two books were launched as part of the closing ceremony: A research study, ''Children of Migrant Construction Workers in six Indian Cities,'' authored by Dr. AjoyFernandes, Director of Don Bosco Research Centre (DBRC) Mumbai and ''Gospel Stories'', the revised and enlarged version, volume two, penned by Father Kanaga, an acclaimed scholar on the philosophy of Swami Vivekananda and widely lauded author of original and creativepopular books.
Father D'Souza thanked the entire organizing team for the wonderfully coordinated collaborative effort to ensure that this Boscoree2018 was a memorable event of helath, holiness and harmony.Father Charles congratulated the Mumbai Province and highlighting the relevance of the Boscoree2018 theme for nation-building, he said, ''This has been one of the best gathering of scouts and guides from all the Don Bosco and FMA schools from across India.''
Father Kanaga provided 3 pointers, saying, ''You scouts and guides are the future of the country so it is your duty to be responsible, care for the environment and to cultivate a relationship with God.''
With the lowering of the flags in true scouting style and with patriotic fervour, the Boscoree flag was handed over by Father Charles to Father Januarius S Sangma, the Salesian Provincial of Guwahati to host the next edition of the scout-guide extravaganza, the 14th National Boscoree.
Extending his gratitude on behalf of the hosts and to all who shouldered the responsibility of planning and executing the 13th National Boscoree 2018, Father Doulton, the Camp Chief brought the 3-day mega scouting event to a close by lowering the National Flag as the entire campsite reverberated with the National Anthem.
