(ANS – Goa) – The Salesians in Goa, India, have a special Christmas celebration with the poor and marginalised every year. This year it was held on 19th December 2012, and it was chosen because, besides being close to Christmas, it was also Goa’s Liberation Day from Portuguese colonial rule.

Around 1,200 poor and marginalised children gather together on this day for a day long encounter locally named ‘BALMELA’ (Children’s Fair). The theme for this year was - “Children of Today, Stars of Tomorrow. Fr. Ian Figueiredo sdb, Provincial of Konkan Province, was the chief guest and Ms Farida Dias, Municipal Counsellor was the guest of honour for the event.

The event is organised by Salesian provincial Commission for Young at Risk (YaR), a part of the Indian National Salesian initiative with various activities directed towards children who are homeless, orphans and marginalised by the society. Unlike similar events organised by NGOs, ‘BALMELA’ at Don Bosco’s gathers together children from different NGO centres, as well as the unorganised sector.

On the day of the BALMELA transport is organised to bring the children to Don Bosco Panjim, from the various other scattered centres in Goa. Every child is registered at the venue on arrival, and then after a quick welcome and snack, the children are led to enjoy a host of games of their choice. Meanwhile Volunteers and social workers interact with them, counsel and help them to interact with each other and express themselves. After the lunch they have opportunities to perform on stage to entertain each other and show off their talents. Invited dance groups also enthral them for a while. Finally, with a tea snack and a specially packed gift for each one, the children are given a ride back to the Centres they came from.

The Salesians make the event a group endeavour. “Even though this is an event organised by the Salesians of Don Bosco”, says Fr Arvind Severes SDB (Director of the Margaret Bosco Bal Sadan), “we need to acknowledge the help that comes from so many quarters to make this event what it is today.” This year, for example, the local Manipal Hospital came forward to offer their ambulance and services of a medical team to assist the poor children.

Another young volunteer Fiona Soares said, “Interacting and playing with the kids who are so happy and spontaneous, even though they are so deprived, is indeed an enriching experience.” She echoed the sentiments of 135 college and working youth volunteers who came to help at the event.

Published 04/01/2013