BIS # 3671 YOU MAKE US GROW

by Cl. Nevelle Coutinho sdb

NASHIK-MAHARASHTRA, SEPTEMBER 7 2013: Teachers hold a very important place in the life of every student after his family; and so rightly there should be a day set apart for all teachers to make them know how precious and valuable they are to the students. Indeed the students of Divyadaan, Salesian Institute of Philosophy expressed this in a very unique way with the theme YOU MAKE US GROW.

The day began with a prayer service followed by a felicitation program in Fr. Vincent Vaz Hall. The teachers were brought in procession to the hall. The whole show was handled and rocked by the enthusiastic and creative comparing by Vivian and Sachin, which gave a flow to the whole program. In his welcome speech Fr. Robert expressed his gratitude towards the teachers and the students with the message that 'Divyadaan is not about learning philosophy but learning to live, love, care and share with each other and thanking God together.'

The MPH brothers played a melodious tune of instruments in complete harmony. The TYBPH brothers set the stage on fire with their lively dance. An address was read by Nigel and Sagar expressing their sentiments of gratitude towards the teachers. This was followed by the presentation of gifts and cards to all the teachers. The SYBPH went a step ahead to express themselves through a skit which highlighted the sense of duty coupled with love.

The staff members then cut a cake to lively songs. This was followed by a delightful song sung by the FYBPH brothers. The teachers were in for a surprise when they were called to participate in the animated games. The program concluded with a group photo of the staff members and a vote of thanks.

 'Every teacher ultimately lives on to inspire others…' the legacy lives on. 

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BIS # 3672 U-14 STATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONS

by BIS correspondent

MATUNGA-MUMBAI, SEPTEMBER 7, 2013: Don Bosco Matunga claimed the under-14 Subroto Mukherjee Football Trophy after defeating Amravati Dynmata School in the finals of the U-14 State Football Champions at Yavatmal in Nagpur. The Matunga boys beat Dynmata School with a difference of 3 goals to one.

The school authorities were hesitant to send the boys for the matches because of late intimation as it would be impossible to make all the necessary arrangements in a single day.  The parents, not able to bear the disappointment on their kids' faces took up the initiative and assured their support in arranging for their transport and stay. They even agreed to accompany the boys to Nagpur.

The boys gave their best. In the quarterfinals they beat Aurangabad 4 goals to nil and in the semifinals they beat Pune 3 goals to nil. One of the players, Clivert Millar, was so jubilant that he said, "We thought we were the underdogs but after drubbing Aurangabad, we knew the title was ours". His father was equally upbeat, 'The kids were the real heroes. They dominated all the games. I'm glad the school authorities supported the boys in the end."

Don Bosco Matunga are now State champions and they will represent Maharashtra at the National level tournament which will be held at New Delhi starting 20th September 2013. The boys, parents and the school are eagerly waiting for the competition and are hoping they become National Champions. 

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BIS # 3669 TEACHERS' DAY 2013

by Mrs. Joyce D'mello Fernandes

 

NERUL-MUMBAI, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013: Teachers' Day – the day that every teacher looks forward to – was celebrated at Don Bosco Senior Secondary School, Nerul, with great enthusiasm on 5th September, 2013.

Celebrations began on the eve of Teachers' Day, with the Pre-Primary and Primary Sections felicitating their teachers during their respective mini-celebrations, organized by the P.T.A. members.

The teachers dressed in their best were escorted by fine youngsters, amidst thundering applause, to the Ground floor Assembly Hall for the main event. The Variety Entertainment Program was prepared exclusively for teachers by the Office Staff, P.T.A. Members, the Activity teachers and students under the able-guidance of the Manager and the Principal.

The main objective of felicitating, appreciating and thanking the teachers was beautifully fulfilled through the excellent performances which included a soul-rendering orchestra, foot-tapping dances and impressive speeches.

Students loved seeing their teachers sashaying down the aisle to the stage to collect their bouquets and gifts. Teachers felt really special and loved through the heartfelt wishes, handmade cards and flowers. The variety of the program, with exclusive performances from students across classes, was well-appreciated. The teachers truly felt on top of the world.

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BIS # 3670 VISITING AHMADABAD, THE CITY OF KNOWLEDGE

by BIS correspondent 

AHMADABAD, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013: The community of Don Bosco Kapadvanj along with the aspirants went on one-day educational tour to the city of Ahmadabad on 4th September 2013.

The whole community set off in the morning after invoking the protection of our Blessed Virgin Mary. They visited the place where the father of our nation, Mahatma Gandhi spent a large part of his life. On reaching Gandhi ashram, the aspirants were taken to the exhibition-hall where various articles and letters of Mahatma Gandhi were displayed. Thereafter they visited the room that Mahatma Gandhi occupied.

A lady working with the 'Charakha' gave a brief talk on Mahatma Gandhi's work in the ashram. After looking at the pictures, articles and the room of Mahatma Gandhi, one of the aspirants exclaimed, "Coming here was like meeting Mahatma himself!"

After the Ashram the journey continued towards Science city. The aspirants visited the planet and space sections. They were taken up with the things that were displayed and exhibited. They also watched a 3D movie for 60 minutes. The visit to the Science city was really beneficial to all. For some it cleared their doubts and for some it created more doubts with questions like: 'How is all this possible?' Or 'How was this universe created?'

Thereafter the group left for the Kankaria River Front where the aspirants enjoyed themselves by taking a ride on the toy-train that has been running since the 1960's. It was really a wonderful experience.

The visit to Ahmadabad really enriched the aspirants and increased their knowledge about the universe and how things came into being.

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BIS # 3668 BRAIN TRAIN PROGRAM

by BIS correspondent 

MATUNGA-MUMBAI, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013: Tej-Prasarini, Don Bosco Communications, Matunga organized a workshop for students, teachers and adults – 'Master Your Mind' at Don Bosco, Matunga from 15th August  to 1st September, 2013. Mr. D. P. Mahesha, Founder Director of Masterminds International, Bangalore, conducted this workshop in Mumbai for the eighth consecutive time in association with Tej-Prasarini - Don Bosco Communications, the communication arm of the Don Bosco Society.  RJ Bosco Rodrigues compared the valedictory program and enthralled the crowd with quips and anecdotes.

Mr.D. P Mahesha is a pioneer in the field of Creative Memory and Mind Management. By virtue of trained memory, he gained entry into the Limca Book of Records and was the proud recipient of the "Memory Wizard Award" in the Memory Asiad Competition held in 2001. He has conducted these workshops for a number of companies in different parts of India and abroad.

Fifteen teachers from Don Bosco School, Matunga and Six teachers of Don Bosco High School, Nerul, attended the Master Your Mind workshop on August 22 & 23, 2013. The session was conducted by Mr. D. P. Mahesha, Mr Zafar Mahmood, Mrs Poornima Radakrishnan and Fr. Joaquim Fernandes on the various memory techniques, rapid reading, Neurobics, super accelerative learning skills and Enlightened Leadership for Teachers. They were also made aware of the seven major types of intelligence and how they could use this knowledge in the classroom while dealing with children with different types of intelligence. The teachers will now break the rote memory system of learning and train the children through association techniques and new learning strategies developed in the 21st century.

A four day Master Your Mind Workshop was held at Tej-Prasarini, Don Bosco Communications Centre for Twenty Five adults. During the workshop the participants were introduced to multiple intelligence, ambidexterity, concentration, memory techniques, speed reading, mind maps, neurobics and a number of techniques to help the brain perform to its optimum best. Another important aspect during this workshop was to learn total relaxation techniques where the body is completely relaxed but the mind is fully alert. "This workshop provides a complete change of perspective and is one of the best courses that I have attended," said Mr.Sitesh Dutt, "It was a very good and well organized course. I enjoyed learning about mind-maps, Alpha waves and the different types of intelligence," said Mrs. Ujwala Mistry who is a teacher by profession. "It opens several avenues to you and gives you a fully empowered and enriched experience in life said Mrs Rupal Nagda and her husband Mr Rahul Murdeshwar.

Nearly 150 children from the various schools participated in the "Brain Training Program".  This was one of the best program I have attended so far said Dev from Don Bosco High School. It was an amazing experience said Erica from J B Wacha School

The chief guest Fr.Bosco Dmello, Principal of the Don Bosco High School, Matunga  speaking on this occasion congratulated the participants on the amazing skills presented by the participants during the demo at the conclusion of the seminar.  The Master Your Mind certificates were distributed to all the participants. Mr Nicolas Peris was the guest of Honour for this occasion and he also distributed the certificates for the Program.  Fr. Wilfred D'Souza, Rector of the Don Bosco High School congratulated the trainers for the exemplary and exceptional capabilities with unbounded capacities to unravel the power of the mind.  

Mr. D. P. Mahesha trained the boarders of Don Bosco, Matunga in Master your Mind workshop and the children were delighted to see the amazing powers of the brain.

This seminar taught each of the participants to work smarter and to use our potentials to our optimum level. It was a spiritual reawakening through the past life regression it healed the emotional scars and I learned to forgive and let go to attain fulfilment and peace.  I laughed after almost 21 years and I feed proud said Mr Umesh Kamat a business entrepreneur.  Tony Buzan the mind power expert says "Instead of teaching the individual facts about other things, we must teach him facts about himself… like how he can learn, think, recall, create and solve problems". This Brain Training program was indeed a journey to self-exploration. Nearly 450 people who attended the valedictory program were mesmerized with awe and amazement at the way the children and adults grasped words, numbers, and dates and above all to learn the power of the mind.

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BIS # 3667 ORIENTATION PROGRAM FOR CLASSES VIII TO XII

NERUL-MUMBAI, SEPTEMBER 3, 2013: Orientation means giving a direction and helping one find a proper bearing in life. This was exactly the 

purpose of conducting Orientation sessions for the students of standards 8 – 12 from 12-16 August, and from 26 August – 3 September at Don Bosco, Nerul.  Fr. Cleophas Braganza of Don Bosco Youth Services – Mumbai was the resource person for these sessions.

The students of standards 8 – 10 were guided in evaluating their life's compass, defining goals and learning how to cope with stress. During the session, they verified their own development in various areas of their personality and their relationship with others. Since they have to face a lot of academic pressure, the topic of stress was touched upon, to help them understand its meaning, its effects, how they can cope with it, and make optimum use of the time and resources available to them.

The students of standards 11 – 12 were introduced to "Education to Love" (understanding the true meaning of love, sexuality and relationships). Looking at a human being as composed of different dimensions (body, mind, heart and soul); the students were able to understand the difference between lust, romance and infatuation as compared to an enduring self-sacrificing love. Other issues related to sexuality and relationships were also discussed in a frank and open manner.

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BIS # 3665 A WEEKEND TO REMEMBER

by Charlene Gibbs 

LONAVLA, September 2, 2013: On the 31st of August 2013, the SYM members of DBYS set out for Don Bosco Lonavla, for a weekend full of fun and frolic. On arrival, the rector - Fr. Solomon addressed the youth and extended a warm welcome to them. After lunch, the enthusiastic group marinated a pigling (renamed SYGgie the Pyggie in honour of the Salesian Youth Group) to be barbecued for dinner.

After the BBQ preparations were done, the group set out on foot for Bushi dam, enjoying a beautiful walk through the green hills and cool drizzle. The walk took a bit of effort but was worth it. The icy water gushing down the steps of the dam revived the exhausted youth as they splashed about in it. After a hot cup of tea, they started their return journey eagerly looking forward to the BBQ party. SYGgie was royally roasted, with the youth singing, making humorous comments and having fun. Dinner was preceded by a thanksgiving prayer for all the wonderful experiences of the day.

On Sunday, the group participated in the Holy Eucharist presided by Fr. Glenn, along with the boys from the boarding. After Mass, the group set out on a hike to Tungarli Dam and to Microwave hill. It was a steep climb up mountains and along winding tracks - an adventure everyone enjoyed and will treasure forever. The scenic panorama of the valley below was simply breathtaking and serene. To top it all, Mr. Chris J. Ndallo, the director of Tanzania Youth Cultural Exchange Network (TYCEN) who joined the group on this trip, shared his memories of being in a Salesian school in Tanzania and his experience of heading an NGO that empowers youth through networking across countries.

Before the group left, they played a football match with the boarders. They then trekked to the railway station to catch a train back to Mumbai, rejuvenated and ready to get on with their busy schedules.

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BIS # 3664 TO LORD GANESHA WITH LOVE - GOING GREEN

by Ms. Sunita D'Souza 

WADALA-MUMBAI, SEPTEMBER 2, 2013: It's that time of the year again when streets, shops, homes and offices are decked up and prepared for the installation of the idols of Lord Ganesha. St. Joseph's High School has also begun preparing the students for the festival – the Green Ganesha way. On the 30th of August, 2013, ten students from very class from Std. I - X assembled in the school hall for the 'Green Ganesha Workshop'. An eco-friendly organisation - Vidyamargam, demonstrated and helped the students in the preparation of Lord Ganesha idols that were eco-friendly, adorable and creative.

Ms. Ashwini from Vidyamargam addressed the students and stressed the importance of using eco-friendly material in the preparations of the idols of Lord Ganesha. Her team members conducted a presentation that outlined the harm caused by idols made with materials such as Plaster of Paris, etc. at the time of immersion. During the discussion there was an active participation from the students with amazing responses aimed at creating an eco-friendly atmosphere around the time of the season of Ganesh Chaturthi.

The students, divided into ten groups in order of their classes, were provided with clay by the members of Vidyamargam.  The ten instructors of Vidyamargam distributed themselves in each of these groups to personally instruct and assist the members of the group. It was indeed an efficient and effective arrangement since there was individual guidance and encouragement. To express their love and gratitude to Lord Ganesha for being with us, some students melodiously and joyously sang the 'Aarthi Prayer' – a prayer of praise and thanks to Lord Ganesha.  Another group of students joined in singing the song 'Bholenath'.

The Greenline team members, Mr. Aristo and Ms. Jessica, were in attendance. They marvelled at the eco-friendly idols of Lord Ganesha intricately and artistically designed by the students. Besides capturing the snapshots on their cameras, they were assigned the difficult task of selecting the best five designed idols from each of the two sections – the Primary and the Secondary.  They announced the results at the end of the workshop Fr. Bernard Fernandes (Principal), Ms. Nicole Britto, the Headmistress, and Mrs. Matilda Fernandes, the Primary Head teacher interacted with students moulding the idols in their own distinctive style and their own 'vision' of Lord Ganesha.

The workshop ended with a prayer. Fr. Bernard thanked the entire team of Vidyamargam, in particular the coordinator, Ms. Sunanda  Nevase, for their guidance and assistance. He also thanked the Greenline team members for their presence and assistance in all the greening activities.

Ganpati Bappa Moorya!

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BIS # 3662 BCY-CAREER GUIDANCE WORKSHOP

by Bento D'Souza

BHINGAR-AHMEDNAGAR, SEPTEMBER 2, 2013: On 29th August 2013, thirty youth, the office bearers of the Satellite Youth project, leaders, secretaries and treasurers of the various zones met at St John Baptist Church, Bhingar for a training session and a workshop to help them articulate their aspirations and career goals. Planning and choosing a career path for themselves, is what the two hour workshop aimed at.

At the very onset of the workshop the participants were asked to prepare posters in groups on their target ten years from today.  Fr. Nelson animated the session and the Pastoral youth animation team members, (PYAT) Solomon Gaikwad and Shyam Pol assisted the youth in the preparation of the charts and gave them useful tips to present their views before the group of elders, parish council members and others.

This planning exercise helped the elders as well as the Salesians understand what the youth want for themselves in their future. This way they could facilitate the direction of the journeys of the youth, help them focus on goals and also help remove obstacles along the way.

This was the first Basic Christian Youth event of the year, the ball is now setting rolling for other events to follow. This is the beginning of the Salesian Youth Movement in the Bhingar Parish.

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BIS # 3663 OATH TAKING CEREMONY

by Fr. Bento D'Souza 

BHINGAR-AHMEDNAGAR, SEPTEMBER 2, 2013: On 31st August, 2013.  Fr. Michael Fernandes, the Salesian Provincial and Fr Ajoy Fernandes, the Vice Provincial who were on their regular Provincial team visit at St John the Baptist Church, Bhingar attended a unique program. They were honoured with a satkar and a phetta, which crowned their foreheads. They were also presented with a shreephal and shawl in the church.

After the satkar, the young members of the newly formed group of the Basic Christian Youth (BCY) took an oath of commitment to abstain from all forms of bad habits, focus on their aspirated goals in life and achieve success in what they set their minds on. Mr. Solomon Gaikwad, of the Pastoral Youth Animation team (PYAT) compered the event.

The youth listened in attention to the words of advice from the Provincial covering many issues that the youth should care for. Mr. Mark Anthony entertained the group with his melodious violin. Fr Nelson Falcao, the parish priest, gave a vote of thanks. The event ended with a prayer and a renewed vision of the enthusiastic youth eager to build a better future for themselves and their environment.

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BIS # 3662 BCY-CAREER GUIDANCE WORKSHOP

by Bento D'Souza

BHINGAR-AHMEDNAGAR, SEPTEMBER 2, 2013: On 29th August 2013, thirty youth, the office bearers of the Satellite Youth project, leaders, secretaries and treasurers of the various zones met at St John Baptist Church, Bhingar for a training session and a workshop to help them articulate their aspirations and career goals. Planning and choosing a career path for themselves, is what the two hour workshop aimed at.

At the very onset of the workshop the participants were asked to prepare posters in groups on their target ten years from today.  Fr. Nelson animated the session and the Pastoral youth animation team members, (PYAT) Solomon Gaikwad and Shyam Pol assisted the youth in the preparation of the charts and gave them useful tips to present their views before the group of elders, parish council members and others.

This planning exercise helped the elders as well as the Salesians understand what the youth want for themselves in their future. This way they could facilitate the direction of the journeys of the youth, help them focus on goals and also help remove obstacles along the way.

This was the first Basic Christian Youth event of the year, the ball is now setting rolling for other events to follow. This is the beginning of the Salesian Youth Movement in the Bhingar Parish.

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