Ms Ann Choi from Hong Kong inaugurates BOSCOREE 2018 at Nashik

The 13^th National Boscoree began with great pomp and fanfare with 4058 scouts-guides and 477 officials and dignitaries gathered on the Father Sean McFerran Parade Ground, Divyadaan. The solemn inaugural ceremony began at 14:00 hours and showcased varied cultural performances portraying the grace and colour of the different regions of western India, particularly from the states of Gujarat and Maharashtra.

The scouts and guides from Dakor, Ahmednagar and Kawant enthralled the gathering with their spirited enthusiasm swaying to the beats of the dhol, the lezim and the cymbals. The Salesian students of Divyadaan Salesian College of Philosophy enhanced the ceremonial extravaganza with their polished band pieces. The percussionists from Sacred Heart School, Nashik provided the local flavour with the feisty rhythmic Nashik Dhol.

Further on, the ceremony struck a solemn note as the dignitaries were escorted by the colour party to the stage at the call of the bugle. This was followed by the flag break, the national anthem and the scout prayer song. Immediately thereafter, 17 groups representing the scouts and guides from the different Don Bosco and Auxilium schools participated in a brilliant and highly disciplined march past to the beats of ‘Colonel Boogey’. The Chief Guest, Ms Ann Choi, the Deputy District Commissioner of the Scout Association of Hong Kong took the salute. A serene and synchronized prayer dance by the students of Kilbil School, Nashilk was then followed by Father Ian Doulton, the Boscoree Camp Chief welcoming the gathering and encouraging the scouts to be strong and self-reliant. “Scouting is a way of life that reminds you that today you are a young citizen of this great country but before long you will be a full-fledged adult citizen of India.” said Father Doulton.

The Boscoree Souvenir was released by Ms Choi, and a few of the eminent dignitaries addressed the camp. These were Sister Rita Dora the Provincial of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians of the Mumbai Province; Father Godfrey D’souza, Salesian Provincial of Mumbai; Father Robert Simon - the Don Bosco Youth Association Delegate for South Asia; Bishop Lourdes Daniel of the Diocese of Nashik; Dr. Ravindra Singhal, Commissioner of Police, Nashik City and Ms Ann Choi. “We need you to be ambassadors for Scouting,” said Choi as she encouraged the scouts to continue the scouting legacy of instilling leadership, character and service and declared the 13^th National Boscoree open.

The highlight of the event was the unveiling of the ‘I Love Boscoree’ selfie point by the Chief Guest. The installation is sure to be a fascinating crowd magnet over the next 2 days.

The inaugural ceremony concluded with a performance of the Boscoree 2018 theme song with Father Doulton, the Camp Chief dispersing the gathering.

The students of Don Bosco and Auxilium, Savedi, Ahmednagar, staged a brilliant dance performance of Maharashtrian culture. They combined traditional folk dances of the farming and fishing communities and finished off with the famous film song ‘Malhari’. The over 40 strong dance troop shook the ground with their electric performance, much to the audience’s amusement.

The students of Don Bosco Dakor put up a medley of Gujrati folk dances. The couples were clad in bright and shiny cultural costumes and gyrated to the tunes of folk songs.

The students of Don Bosco Kawant showcased their Ratwi culture in true Ratwi spirit with live music and a dance performance that proved to be a visual spectacle. Besides their periodic yelling and feet-tapping music, they entertained the crowd with the spectacular dance formations which demonstrated excellent balance and skill.

Camp Chief – Father Ian Doulton welcomed all the Scouts and Guides who had come from all over India and Nepal, for the 13th National Boscoree. He quoted Lord Baden Powell, “We ought to strive to leave this world a little better than we found it,” to inspire the young Scouts and Guides to give their best not only during the Boscoree but even in the events of daily life. He went on to give a succinct explanation of the theme of the Boscoree namely, Health, Harmony and Holiness. He indicated "...the connection between good physical health and a good all-round personality is very crucial and important as is harmony. It is the need of the hour of today and holiness can be achieved in the simple events of life."

Nashik City Police Commissioner, Dr Ravindra Kumar Singhal, who was the Guest of Honour, delivered a fiery speech to the assembly. He congratulated the organizers saying, "I commend the discipline of the students and the helpfulness of the Salesians in educating the school students across Maharashtra. You students , scouts and guides, with your disciplined lifestyle and example can do whatever you set your mind to, provided you are willing to work hard to achieve it."

Ms Ann Choi, the Deputy District Commisioner of Scouts and Guides, Hong Kong, stressed the relevance of the theme. She spoke of the benefits of health, harmony and holiness and how the Scout and Guide Movement is directed towards achieving them.

Fr Godfrey D’Souza, Provincial of the Mumbai Province, used the story of the good wolf and bad wolf to drive home the point that good must be done and evil must be avoided at all times. He encouraged the students to take the first step in this direction during the Boscoree and carry forward all that they learn here to the places they come from.

Sr Rita Dora, Provincial of the FMA province of Mumbai, informed the gathering of the excitement that has been steadily building up among the organizers over the past 18 months. She encouraged the participants saying, "make the best of the opportunities that will come your way over the next few days."

Fr Robert Simon, National Delegate for Groups and Movements, congratulated both participants and organizers for making this mega-event a reality. He emphasized the cultural dimension of the Boscoree and indicated its potential to help all the participants to grow in Health, Harmony and Holiness.

Bishop Lourdes Daniel, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Nashik, extended a warm welcome to all those gathered, saying, "I am very happy seeing so many people from all over the country and beyond. I ask you Scouts and Guides to live up to the promises you made at your initiation."