On 16^th August 2014, Vicuna Nivas, Jumaikela, inaugurated the Bicentenary of the Birth of Don Bosco with great joy and enthusiasm.  Day started with the Morning Prayer animated by Sr. Archana Kujur.  The solemn Eucharistic celebration began with entrance dance and unveiling of the picture of Don Bosco by the parish priest Fr. Patrick Tigga.  During his sermon he exhorted the young people to be obedient to their parents and have an aim and ambition in life and to work hard to achieve the goal like Don Bosco. The Mass was followed by a stage programme by the students.  Rhythmic steps and melodious songs kept the audience spellbound. Through the enactment of the skit the students invited the audience to be zealous and enthusiastic in search of souls. LONG LIVES DON BOSCO……

The Bicentenary year of Don Bosco’s birthday was inaugurated with great joy on 16th August 2014.  The Morning Prayer, animated very creatively by Sr. Nilam Kindo, helped the community to admire the works of Don Bosco and invited us to dream for our mission “great dreams” as Don Bosco did.

At 9.00 a.m. all the students gathered together to celebrate the historic event. The day began with the hoisting of the bicentenary flag by Sr. Teresa Vettuvazhiyil, the Animator. Soon after this, there was a slogan shouted, and pledge taken by the students. A meaningful prayer service was conducted in the school auditorium. The prayer began with the Don Bosco’s hymn: “ Prethebi ke simantong tak… guj raha jo namm, Don Bosco…” and honoured him by a “sradhanjali”, lighting of the lamp and garland. Colourful cultural dances by the students brought youthful vitality around. After the prayer service there was a movie on “Don Bosco’s life and mission”, which the children enjoyed on this memorable day.

On 16 August, 2014, the Birthday of St. Don Bosco, the Salesian Family at Kalyani consisting of SDB, FMA, SMI, Don Bosco Ashalayam together with our parishioners, celebrated a Solemn Eucharist in  preparation for the bicentenary of the Birthday of St. John Bosco.

The young people, under the guidance of Sr. Margaret Barla, gracefully led the celebrants to the altar through their rhythmic steps. The meaningful prayer of the faithful combined with the offertory was animated by the Don Bosco and Auxilium boarding boys and girls with the help of Sr. Juliana Rozario and the “Aarati” for doxology by the SMI candidates.

 The main celebrant was Rev.Fr. Soroj Mullick SDB, the Rector of Don Bosco, together with the concelebrants, Parish Priest Fr. Thomas Peechat and Assistant Parish Priest Fr. V.D. Mathew. Fr. Soroj recalled the message of the Rector Major saying that “our great Salesian Family” should involve the lay people in our planning and executing of programmes among the young in order to relive “the dream of Don Bosco” in creative fidelity, and with the signs of the times.

After the Holy Mass Fr. Soroj hoisted the bicentenary flag of Don Bosco amidst thunderous claps and slogans to Don Bosco “Father and friend of the youth”.

Sr. Margaret  Barla and Sr. Asha Kiran Xess

“All hail to you Don Bosco, father and guide of youth”

On 13th August 2014 HCAuxilium School – Vasant Vihar inaugurated with a lot of enthusiasm and cheer the Bicentennial of Don Bosco. Since Don Bosco is the patron of Red House, the members and coordinators of the Red house actively anchored the day’s programme. At the onset of the programme, the captain of the Red House Ms. Sunidhi Rathi solemnly carried the flag accompanied by the young people. Diksha Katoch, Vice- captain of the Red House briefed the audience about the importance of the day highlighting the ideals and legacy left behind by Don Bosco and glimpse of the life of him. She recalled the three-year preparation and the theme of each year suggested by the Rector Major Pascual Chavez.

The father and friend of youth was honoured with floral tribute by all the sisters, teachers, representatives of classes, clubs, and various houses. Mrs. Shivani Singh, a past pupil and now part of the teaching faculty shared her experience in HCA about prayer, values, and openness to the realities of life. Ms. Shreya Malik, student of cl. X recited self – composed poem on Don Bosco. A movie ‘Don Bosco: A Fascinating Saint’ and a song ‘Teacher of the World’ left every one mesmerized.

The grant finale of the programme was releasing of the balloons with messages of love, peace, joy, kindness, gentleness, cheerfulness etc. by the sisters, teachers, and young people.