by Fr. Gregory D'Almeida'
MATUNGA-MUMBAI, JANUARY 5, 2015: On December 27, 2014 Shelter Don Bosco organized Bosco Mela, keeping in mind the bicentenary of birth of Don Bosco at Don Bosco, Matunga for the
street boys of Mumbai. The theme for the Mela was "Don Bosco Ki Raahon Mein Chale Sang, Lekar Ummeedon Ke Rang". The Mela began with the registration of the outreach boys at the entrance. The boys were then served breakfast and directed towards the game stalls that were set up. The inaugural ceremony of the Bosco Mela then began. The guest of honours for the programme, Mrs. Neera Aasthana, the Deputy General Manager of Mahanagar Gas limited, Fr. Ajoy Fernandes, the Vice Provincial of the Salesian Province of Mumbai and Mr. Rajesh Batra, the Director of the Batra group were welcomed by the Director of Shelter Don Bosco Fr. Gregory Almeida.
The inaugural ceremony began with the lighting of lamp which was followed by a prayer song, a prayer dance and releasing of the balloons with the logo of bicentenary year of Don Bosco. After which, there was an awareness programme on various pressing topics like education, addiction and child labor. Post lunch, there was a talent show that helped the children to come on the stage and showcase their talents in dance, singing, mimicry, stunts and etc.
There various NGOs too put up a programme after the talent show. In the evening, there was a cultural programme where the shelter boys presented various cultures through a dance performance. Mr. Boman Irani, a well-known and respected actor made a special appearance during the cultural programme. The crowd was very excited and uncontrollable at the glance of the actor.
Mr. Boman Irani was then presented with bouquets and a statue of Don Bosco by the Management of Shelter Don Bosco. He briefed the crowd about his life and struggles on his journey. The mela ended with the jam session. As the boys were moving out they were given take away snacks. They left the premises of Matunga School with broad smiles on their faces.