The Diocese of Nashik organized Diwali celebrations for the children attending remedial classes in the six villages of Harigaon at Ashankur, Bokhar for the first time on Sunday, November 03, 2024. 92 children studying in Class I to VI were present for the programme.
The children were brought from the villages (Khokar, Wadala, Jagatapvasti, Nipani, Indira Nagar and Harigaon) in vehicles arranged by the Sisters of the Society of the Sacred Heart of Jesus under the leadership of Sr Prisca Tirkey RSCJ and her collaborators. As soon as the children came to the Ashankur premises, they were given a banana; after taking the attendance, they were taken to the hall for the Diwali celebrations. The programme was well arranged with a welcome dance, prayer, and the Lighting of the Lamp. The children presented a few items: School Chale Hum, two speeches highlighting the importance of Diwali and the benefits of medicinal plants, a skit on de-addiction (Nasha Mukti) and some dances (Planet Dance and bom, bom bole).
In his message to the children, Bishop Barthol Barretto stressed the importance of inculcating sound moral values: study every day, respect your parents and reach out in service to your neighbours. He said: “Who knows: one of you may be the future Prime Minister of the country or the Chief Minister of our State or a Cabinet Minister.” He impressed on the students that our State needs good citizens, and he was confident that the children would rise to the occasion and become significant leaders in society.
Towards the end of the programme, Bp Barthol presented each child with a bag comprising a blanket, a towel, bathing soaps, washing soaps, tooth-paste, tooth-brush, hair oil bottle, pens, a wooden board for exams, biscuits and chivda. The children were very happy to receive the gifts.
The programme ended with a delicious lunch prepared by the Staff of Ashankur.
Sr Prisca Tirkey RSCJ