BIS #1497 BACK TO BACK CELEBRATIONS AT SHELTER

Roshan Gonsalves sdb
MUMBAI, AUGUST 17, 2009:
With great enthusiasm and energy Janmashtami was celebrated on August 14, 2009, at Shelter Don Bosco, Vadala. Speakers blaring the song “Govinda Alla re Alla” were enough for people to know that the Shelter boys were upto something extraordinary. Fr. William Falcao inaugurated the Dahi Handi festival while the boys ganged in teams to reach the handi. Undaunted by the many deterrents, the boys lived up to the excitement with cheerful glee. With showers of water the boys were overjoyed by the environment and mood. The boys enjoyed the festival to the Fullest.
August 15, Independence Day again proved to be a day of celebration at the Shelter. The chief guest for the occasion was Mr. Raghunath Tawai, the area Corporator and Fr. William Falcao. With a Proud Salute to the Tricolor the chief guest gave a wonderful message of Love and Peace to the boys. He asked the boys to make the best use of the opportunities that were offered to them at Shelter. The first anniversary of 'Mission Shikshan’ was also celebrated. Mission Shikshan was launched last year on August 15 at Shelter Don Bosco, the motto of which has been ‘Let's Unite to Ignite the Flame of Passion… To Educate The Less Fortunate'. Fr. William Falcao thanked all the people who came forward for this fruitful cause and also gave an unforgettable message to the boys on “Education” as a tool to build their future. He assured them that Don Bosco was with them all the way for their education, and to help them acquire necessary skills for their livelihood.
On this occasion the children took part in a drawing Competition conducted by TSMC (Youth Group from Rotary club). Khaleel and Ejaz Khan were the winners in the seniors’ category while Manoj and Salman won in the juniors’ category. The back to back celebrations at Shelter have not only brought the inmates close but also derived in them self confidence and motivation.