REIGNITING THE FLAME OF HOPE: PAST PUPILS AGM 2025 - BARODA

“Hope is the spark that lights the way to a better tomorrow. When shared, it becomes a fire that can never be extinguished.”

The Annual General Body Meeting of the Past Pupils Association was held on 23rd August 2025 at the Mazzarello Youth Centre, Wadala. The gathering witnessed the active participation of approximately 11 delegates and 30 core team past pupils, making it a vibrant and meaningful event.

The meeting was graciously welcomed and moderated by Ms. Trupti Sawant, President of the INB Unit Federation. Sr. Philomena Lobo, delegate of the Past Pupils Association, extended a warm welcome, expressing gratitude for everyone’s presence. She also briefed the gathering on the significance of meeting in person and rekindling connections.

To invoke divine blessings, Sr. Maria Shirsath, delegate of the Ahmednagar Association, led us in prayer. This spiritual beginning set the tone for the day.

Following this, Ms. Vaidharbhi Trivedi from the Auxilium Baroda Association and Ms. Trupti Sawant conducted games and fun aimed at helping everyone get to know one another better. Once the atmosphere was warm and welcoming, the group attentively listened to an audio message from Provincial Sr. Meena D’Silva.

Sr. Meena expressed her deep appreciation for the work being carried out by the past pupils and encouraged all to revitalize the association. She emphasized the importance of drawing strategies to re-engage the youth and proposed using the Strenna as a unifying theme. Quoting the Jubilee theme, she reminded everyone that "Our hope does not disappoint," and urged the association to become life-giving, igniting hope and enthusiasm in its members.

Next, Ms. Aarti Bhadauria presented the collated Annual Activity Report (2024–2025), summarizing the initiatives of all 11 units. This was followed by Sr. Philomena Lobo, who outlined the proposed action plan and invited contributions from the units. The participants were then divided into four groups to collaboratively plan activities for the upcoming year, 2025–2026. This session was facilitated by Sr. Jyoti Pinto, delegate of the Nandgad Association.

Each group, after discussion, presented their plans through their secretaries, with guidance and facilitation provided by Sr. Antonieta D’Souza (Carona Unit) and Sr. Sunita Dabhi (Pansora Unit). The session was enriched with moments of joy as Sr. Kalyani S. from the Wadala Unit led the group in action songs and Ms. Vaidharbhi conducted interactive games, bringing light-heartedness to the day. A short refreshment break followed.

Post-break, the gathering resumed with an informative session conducted by Sr. Philomena Lobo and Sr. Esperanza D’Sa, Bombay Federation delegates, who thoroughly explained the statutes of the Confederation, covering key points such as:

• Unit Code Numbers

• Associate Data Entry Forms

• Confederation Certificate Process

• Membership Application Procedures

• Requirements to Become a member

• Views and directives from the Central Body

This session cleared many doubts and provided clarity and direction to all present about their roles and responsibilities within the unit.

The day concluded with an eco-awareness session led by Sr. Melissa D’Souza delegate of Caranzalem unit, who, through a well-prepared PowerPoint and video presentation, emphasized the urgent need to care for the Earth. She inspired participants to eliminate plastic use and adopt eco-friendly alternatives to reduce environmental harm.

The event was brought to a meaningful close with a vote of thanks by a member of the Bombay Past Pupils Unit, expressing gratitude to all for their enthusiastic participation.

Everyone left with renewed hope, marking the day as a fruitful and inspiring milestone in the journey of the Past Pupils Association.