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Kolkata

DB SERVE at Nitika Marks Don Bosco Feast with Cultural Celebration and Value Education

1 February 2026

Education and Culture, Youth,

News reported by: Soroj Mullick SDB

The campus of Nitika Don Bosco resonated with colour, music and youthful energy as DB SERVE children came together to celebrate the feast of St. John Bosco, blending festive joy with strong value-based messages rooted in the Salesian tradition.

Inspired by Don Bosco’s famous exhortation, “Run, jump, but do not sin,” the programme underscored the cultural dimension of human formation that he championed—where wholesome recreation goes hand in hand with moral and spiritual growth. The celebration opened with a warm welcome and a brief introduction to the saint’s enduring love for the young, captured in his words, “It is enough that you are young for me to love you.”

The event also drew attention to Peace Day and the anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination, inviting the children to reflect on non-violence, reconciliation and the responsibility to build a just and harmonious society. Anchors compered seamlessly in Bengali and Hindi, ensuring inclusive participation without mechanical translation.

A rich array of cultural performances followed, with dances and presentations highlighting themes of prayer, brotherhood, fraternity and peace. Items such as Mongoldeep and creative expressions on deshottwabodh (love for the homeland) reflected the youngsters’ pride in their identity and their aspiration for harmony in a multi-faith context. Subtly addressing contemporary challenges such as excessive smartphone use and self-centred lifestyles, the performances encouraged compassion, concern for others and genuine human connection.

Songs and a thought-provoking skit further conveyed enduring values of love, reconciliation and harmony. Don Bosco’s motto, “Give me souls, take away the rest,” was interpreted for young minds as a call to choose truth, honesty and integrity over easy compromises. Another segment invited students to “dream youthful dreams,” echoing Don Bosco’s own use of dreams as a language of hope, vocation and divine guidance.

A poignant moment came with the farewell to Madhyamik (Class 10) students attending coaching and formation at Nitika. Speaking with emotion, a student representative described Nitika Don Bosco not merely as a study centre but as a space where young people gain confidence, values and discover their God-given talents. Several students testified that their teachers are like sisters, mothers, friends and guides—an embodiment of Don Bosco’s preventive system based on loving presence.

Addressing the gathering, Fr. I.C. Jacob, Rector, said Don Bosco rejoices in seeing the students receive not only academic support but formative experiences that touch both mind and heart. He urged them to honour Don Bosco by living the values they have learned and carrying forward a spirit of service. He also appreciated the dedicated efforts of Br. Lawrence and the teaching team, noting that gratitude itself is a sign of walking in Don Bosco’s path, prayed for the success of the outgoing students.

The celebration concluded with a brief felicitation and prize distribution, recognizing academic excellence and special talents in dance, music and leadership.

DB SERVE, guided by Br. Lawrence Mondol SDB and supported by 17 staff members, including 12 tutors, accompanies 683 children daily from the surrounding locality, slums and peripheries. Today, Nitika Don Bosco stands as more than a tuition centre—it is a catechetical and social communications hub, a youth animation space and a platform for social outreach in the Tangra–Tiljala belt, offering a safe and nurturing “second home” where education, mentoring and value formation flourish together in the spirit of Don Bosco.