by Sheena Aery
VADODARA, FEB 18, 2019: Don Bosco High School (DBHS), Vadodara celebrated its annual Thanksgiving Day on February 15.
The scouts troop escorted the Chief Guest H Madhavan, General Manager, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), Vadodara, Guests of Honour Father John Samala, Golden jubilarian, Mita Bhatt, retiring teacher, Father Anthony Pinto, Rector and Principal, Father Isaac Arackaparambil, parish priest, Father Dominic Martis, the administrator, and Father Sunil Pinto, a newly ordained priest.
An audience of around 1800, comprising parents, well-wishers, ex-teachers, school staff, alumni, students, and friends witnessed the programme. Father Martis welcomed the gathering and also paid a tribute to the martyrs of Pulwama with a two-minute silence.
The prayer and welcome dances set the right note for the programme. H Madhavan, an ex- Boscoite was appreciated for his esteemed presence as the chief guest and presented a plaque as a memento by Father Anthony Pinto. Madhavan in his address shared memories and experiences at Don Bosco School as a student, emphasising that a person is recognised by his roots.
Father Samala was felicitated for his 50 years of fidelity to the Lord as he celebrates the Golden Jubilee of his Sacerdotal Priestly Ordination. Teacher Mita Bhatt was congratulated on the occasion of her retirement, for the dedication with which she has served the school for 18 years.
The theme of the annual Thanksgiving was ‘Sangam’, an amalgamation of various cultures in India. The story unfolded with the significance of the culture of Bihu (Assam), Pahadi (northern India), Adivasi (tribal culture), Koli (Maharashtra), and Garba (Gujarat). Dances depicted by students were enhanced by the visuals on the LED screen. The curtain call was the Sangam of various cultures unified with the song ‘Happy ending’.Presenting the vote of thanks, Leena Varghese, the chief coordinator of the school thanked all present for their contribution in making the programme a grand success.