0n 29th of February 2020, we celebrated Anand Mela at Maria Sharan, Keshnand. The most awaited event- Anand Mela was attended by the children of the locality and by our inmates. The main organizers were Sr. Justina Rodrigues, with her team of volunteers of PIME brothers and the past pupils. The Anand Mela was well organized. The Theme was “Enkindle the Stars in the life of the other”. At 1.15 pm gate was opened to welcome the children of our locality. The children entered and registered themselves and received coupons for the games. There were 350 children who participated in the Anand Mela.
Mr. Navnath Kavle was the Chief Guests for this event. And Mr. Ganesh Ghotekar was the Guest of Honour. The community of Mundhwa too were present for this event. The programme began with a prayer service with the lighting of the lamp by Chief Guest Mr. Navnath Kavle, Mr. Ganesh Ghotekar, Sr.Justina, a past pupil, and a present pupil. Sr. Justina Rodrigues, the animator of Maria Sharan honoured Chief Guest Mr. Navnath Kavle, Mr. Ganesh Ghotekar, and all the children. The Chief Guest Mr. Navnath Kavle was introduced, after that Mr. Navnath Kavle was invited on the stage to address his speech. During his speech, he spoke on the theme that was depicted on the stage. He encouraged the children to shine like stars in the life of others. After his speech Sr. Justina Rodrigues declared the Anand Mela opened.
At 2.30 pm various games like hitting the object, throwing the ring on the object, hitting the glass with a ball, hitting the rat, a car race, tattoo, mehndi, painting nails, etc. were organized in different stalls by the PIME brothers and the volunteers. The winners were given gifts, to add more excitement, there was a lucky draw which was conducted on the stage by calling out the numbers and prizes were given out. Children were delighted and happy to take part actively in the game and win prizes. The ambience was full of cheer and happiness with the presence of 350 children. At 4.30 pm we gathered the children for the cultural programme and the children performed very creatively. To make the children happy, the brothers of PIME danced and sang a song. The vote of thanks was given by our boarder Pooja. As the children were leaving our campus, Sr. Justina offered the children a pen, a notebook and some snacks.
The event has created a positive impact on children of our locality. Once a year, they have this opportunity to participate in this Anand Mela which is organized by Maria Sharan community every year. The children of the locality wait every year to come and take part. This Anand Mela gives them the joy and learning something from cultural programme and through games. At the end of the event Sr. Justina and the Sisters appreciated the help of past pupils and PIME brothers, Sr. Cristine Ferreira and Sr. Jaya Rodrigues from Mundhwa as volunteers and offered them the small token of gift to acknowledge their service.
