The Chief Guest for the evening was Mr. Nitin Upasani, the Secretary of the SSC and HSC Board (Nashik Division), a person who combines exquisitely a vision for education with excellent administrative skills. In his keynote address he shared with the parents some insightful words on educating children in the current socio-cultural milieu. "Giving their dreams wings is more important than getting them to live your unfulfilled dreams," he said. He also pointed out lacunae in our current education system and noted the need for a more mature use of the mass media among the younger generation. The school annual report was an eye-opener to many of the parents for it highlighted the accomplishments of the students in the curricular and co-curricular fields with some of the more intrepid among them receiving recognition at the national and international level. Mrs. Manjula Upasani did the honours of awarding the prizes and certificates to the successful students of the last academic year. The various items portrayed the cultural diversity of India threatened as it is by the divisive forces of corruption and communalism. A strong patriotic message was also delivered - as a fitting response to the recent terrorist attack in Mumbai in 26/11/2008.
They said it in words, they said it in rhyme, they said it in dance and they said it in mime. The bottom line was clear - with a vast collaborative effort involving teachers, parents and the budding stars - the sky is the limit. Dreams need wings but they also need a strong moral compass to ensure the journey reaches its true destination, and Don Bosco's vision provides just the right dose of each.