Don Bosco Jayanti celebrated with sports and cultural extravaganza in Samthar, Kalimpong
Kalimpong, 17 August: The 209th birthday of St. John Bosco, the "Father and Friend of Youth," was commemorated with great enthusiasm in Samthar on August 17. Don Bosco School Samthar and the Bosco Association organized the Bosco Jayanti celebration for the fourth consecutive year.
The event featured an inter-cultural dance competition and inter-school football tournaments, attracting students from various schools in the region. The Bosco Cup, which included both men's and women's open knockout football tournaments, was a highlight of the day.
The festivities began with a tribute to Don Bosco, including the offering of kadha and cake cutting. Several officials and dignitaries were present, with Fr. Martin serving as the chief guest. The first half of the event showcased the talents of the youth, who performed songs and dances.
The second half was action-packed with the Bosco Cup finals. In the inter-school match, St. Joseph School Tanyang defeated St. Maurice School 2-0. A friendly match between Priest VII and Bosco Appas ended in a 3-1 victory for Priest VII. The women's final saw Himalayan FC triumph over Rongmit United 1-0. The men's final was a thrilling match that ended in a 3-3 draw, with Sezum A ultimately winning the penalty shootout 0-2.
The winners of the dance competition were St. Joseph Tanyang, St. Joseph Nimbong, and St. Maurice Suruk. All participants received medals and certificates. In the football tournaments, St. Joseph Tanyang won the inter-school title, while Himalayan FC and Sezum A emerged victorious in the women's and men's open knockout tournaments, respectively.
Individual awards were also presented, recognizing outstanding performances in football. Prakash Lepcha from Sezum was named the best goalkeeper, Rohan Lepcha from Sezum was awarded the best defender, Silash from Yangri United was selected as the player of the tournament, and Prem from Yangri United was the highest scorer. In the women's category, Neva Sharma from Himalayan FC was the player of the tournament, and Pandimit from Himalayan FC was the highest scorer.
The Bosco Jayanti celebration in Samthar was a true testament to Don Bosco's motto, "Give me souls, take away the rest." The event provided a platform for young people to showcase their talents, compete in sports, and connect with their community.
Fr. Savio Rai, SDB