Boscoree 2018: Pledging to build a peaceful India

The highlight of the 13th National Boscoree 2018 was the grand Peace Rally flagged off by film persona Boman Irani.

Addressing the enthusiastic Scouts and Guides assembled on the Fr Sean McFerran Parade Ground, Irani said: “I have travelled across the world. I have been to many places and seen many different cultures, but it is not often that I go to one place and see all the cultures of India gathered in one place. When money and fame come, you will be lost. So preserve your innocence and remember nothing is too small, for even if you are just a few performing, for later on this will help you in life. Build a better India, a harmonious India, a peaceful India.”

The Guests of Honour at the function were Ranjana Bhansi, Mayor of Nashik; Fr Nirmol Gomes, Salesian Provincial of Kolkata; and Fr Antony Joseph, Salesian Provincial of Trichy.

The live brass band by the students of Divyadaan, Nashik, and traditional dances of Karnataka, West Bengal, Sikkim, and Shillong kept the Scouts and Guides enthralled the viewers despite the afternoon sun.

Mr Irani then flagged off the Rally. The Scouts and Guides dressed in their traditional cultural attire with various peace message placards walked on four demarcated routes, accompanied by Leader Trainers, Scout Masters, Guide Captains, and members of the Salesian Family.

The Rally culminated with an Inter-Faith Prayer Meet on Parade Ground. The purpose of the prayer service was to foster a feeling of tolerance and understanding among the scouts-guides from diverse religions.

Students dressed in their different religious attire led the gathering in prayer. Each of the students recited and explained a few verses from their religious texts. The 13th National Boscoree Prayer followed. A grand choral We Shall Overcome in English and Hindi brought the Inter-Faith Prayer Meet to a close, with the scouts and guides pledging to build a better, peaceful, harmonious and holy India.