PUNE,SEP 16: Don Bosco Pune noted its remarkable participation in the rally of school students as their commitment towards care for ecology. The rally was organised by the DIOCESE OF POONA with the inspiring initiative of the Bishop of Pune Rev.Fr. Thomas Dabre who also has declared the year as 'Year of Ecology'. With a sincere intention of spreading the concern and care for ecology, more than 3500 students priests and teachers from 32 schools across Pune, Solapur, Kolhapur and Lonavala walked together in the rally.
The rally was inaugurated in the campus of Ornellas High school at the hands of the Bishop of Pune Rev Fr. Thomas Dabre and the guests of honour ADV. S.K.Jain, Dr.Ganpat More(Dist Edu Officer), Principals and priests from all over Pune. In his inaugural message, the Bishop said,"I am very happy to see such a huge gathering of children for the cause of saving environment and ecology as we observe the World Ecology Day today." Adv. S K Jain appealed the students to save electricity putting off electric appliances when not needed in school and at home. By this we will save lakhs of units of electricity all over the country which in turn will reduce the consumption of fossil fuels resulting in less pollution. DR.More gave the mantra of 'NO PLASTIC, ZERO KACHRA(GARBAGE)' to everyone present. Ms.Valentina John, a student of Don Bosco Pune lead the gathering into an oath for the protection of Ecology and Environment.
As Fr Thomas and the other dignitaries waved flag-off, the disciplined flow of joyful students calling out slogans marched ahead the main streets of Pune Camp. The children also displayed a number of having messages and tips for the protection of Ecology and Environment. The civilians by the roadside were happy to see the school students in a rally with such great intention. One of the onlookers commented,"It's really a great initiative by school children imparting a highly valuable message to public. I am highly impressed and will surely do my bit."
St.Vincent High school warmly welcomed the rally for the closing ceremony to be held in the presence of the Chief Guest DR.Dinesh Seth, Principal S P COLLEGE Pune and eminent priests from the Diocese of Pune. A sapling was planted at the venue at the hands of the Chief Guest. The rally concluded with a promise to devote for the greater cause of making this earth a healthier place to live. All the participants were offered snacks before they departed. The rally was surely fruitful, meaningful grand success. DON Bosco Pune wholeheartedly contributed its bit to the cause.
.....Report by PRASHANT GAIKWAD