Nestled along the banks of the river Mula Mutha is the city of Pune which stands as one of the largest and populous cities, embracing the rich social, cultural and historical significance.
Yerwada is one of the most densely populated areas in Pune. In February 1952, some of the Jesuits from De Nobili College, Ramwadi, started the Fatima Tamil Primary School in order to educate the Tamil children of the slums of Yerwada. The people comprised of very poor and lower income families who had migrated to Pune from the neighbouring districts as well as from Tamil Nadu in search of work. Fr. Sebastian Mascarenhas, S.J. was responsible for providing a seemingly permanent site for the school and parish by purchasing a plot on the bank of the river Mula Mutha entitled "Aga Khan's out-house". It was eventually occupied by the sacristan and his family. Fr. Sebastian resided in a corner of the barracks. A structure of seven classrooms had been built with the help of diocesan funds.
In 1970, the school was converted to an English medium school. In June 1974, the Jesuits handed over this parish and Fatima High School to the Salesians. Fr. Olivio Miranda was the first Salesian priest in-charge and Bro. Joseph Mascarenhas was the first Salesian principal. The community resided at the Don Bosco Youth Centre at Koregaon Park.
The early days were tough. The school till Std. IX was housed in shanties unfit for use as class-rooms. It lacked adequate infrastructure, having neither laboratories nor a library. It was a coeducational institute and catered to the poorest of the poor. The church too was in a derelict state. Assisted by the clerics of the Youth Centre, various initiatives such as social service and supervised night study for slum children were taken up. Fr. Olivio was succeeded by Fr. P.D. Thomas and then by Fr. Michael Mascarenhas in 1977. The contract for the new property was finalised on March 8, 1978. The school and parish hall were shifted to a tin-shed which formed the new school and parish hall. In 1979, the Fatima High School was renamed Don Bosco High School. The School was housed in a makeshift asbestos structure with ten small rooms. The school was in two shifts. The secondary in the morning and the primary in the afternoon. Initially, children had to be forcibly brought into the school to secure the requisite strength. Most of the students hailed from families of lower economic strata and were provided with uniforms and books. During these days many adjustments had to be made. The classrooms being so near to each other, the staff and students had to endure many inconveniences. Yet there was a lively spirit of involvement and participation. Fr. John Samala the newly appointed Principal was quite strict, setting stringent rules with regards to discipline and insisted that students converse only in English. He initiated some refreshing activities- competitions, quizzes. Students were enrolled for Elementary and Intermediate drawing grade examinations, setting new pathways during his tenure.
In June 1984, the Loop Road in front of the School was renamed "Don Bosco Marg". Fr. Boniface D'souza was appointed Principal in 1987 and also took charge as a parish priest and the first Rector. The new school building was erected and blessed in 1988, the centenary year of Don Bosco's death. The school was shifted from the tin shed to the permanent site. Mean-while, Fr. Edward D Souza took over as the principal in 1988. He initiated Value education classes, implemented the house system, organized the investiture ceremony for the leaders and also changed the uniform and the colour pattern. In 1993 Fr. Cecil Noronha, the new Principal created positive work environment for the students and provided support through Counselling and House visits. On October 13, 1993, the Multipurpose Hall and K.G. Section was inaugurated by Rev. Fr. Aurelius Maschio. Computer education was also introduced in the school. On October 9, 1997, tragedy struck the parish through the sudden and tragic death of Fr. Anand Dalmet at Jaitala. He had worked hard to raise the standard of the school, even achieving a cent percent result in the SSC board exams of 1996. All the parishioners and students flocked to attend the prayers and ceremonies that were conducted in his honour. Consequently, Fr. Diego Nunes, the parish priest since 1992, had to assume the role of Principal as well. He enhanced students with various skills. He was known for his meticulous planning and apt organisation. He retained this dual role till May 1998. Fr. Crispino D’Souza served as the Principal of the institution from 1998 to 2001. He was known for his discipline, clarity of thought, and high level of professionalism regarding student attendance, and placed noteworthy emphasis on Academics. Being a sports enthusiast, little wonder then that the school had its first sports festival during his tenure. The first musical Mickey was staged by the Rector Fr. Ajoy Fernandes as the director.
Fr. Vivian D’Souza served as the Principal from 2001 to 2005. During his tenure, he initiated the NIOS, submitted a proposal for starting a junior college (which was rejected), and constructed volley ball, badminton, and basketball courts.
In 2005, Fr. Donald Fernandez took over as Principal and, as a visionary focused on holistic education. He introduced music, speech, dance, and drama. He also made rooms available for IT, a Science lab and more. Additionally, Fr. Donald initiated the establishment of the Junior College. He also began the Christmas Panorama. The school was also awarded the National Silver in the Adhyayan Review conducted by the province.
In 2014, Fr. Lorenzo D’Souza assumed the role of the new Principal, and he is fondly remembered as a highly student-centric leader.
He personally mentored students in their studies, particularly aiding weaker students to improve their academic performance. Fr. Lorenzo emphasized the importance of maintaining both Academic and Sports records.
Fr. Bosco D'Mello took over as Principal in 2015 and introduced various initiatives including the Musical Band, Bosco Kala Utsav, Bosco Pageant, section-wise Grand Annual Day Celebrations, School Excursions, Outreach Programs, and Adult Literacy initiatives. During his tenure the school was awarded ‘The Best School in the East Zone' In 2021.
Amidst the Covid pandemic, Fr. Ajit Munis took over as Principal and the school continued to run remotely in the online mode. The focus was on Academics as well as Extra Curricular activities. Students not only excelled in Sports but also achieved cent percent result. And now, In its Golden Jubilee year, 2024. Fr. Crispino D’souza has once again taken charge as principal of the school and junior college.
Don Bosco School and Junior College, Yerwada has run a remarkable course from its inception to present day, from humble beginnings to winning awards and accolades.