On 23 November 2022, around 300 students of St. Xavier's High and Higher Secondary Schools Loyola Hall, put up an elaborate and entertaining fun-fair for the disadvantaged children from 97 slums settlements of Ahmedabad in which St Xavier’s Social Service Society (SXSSS) is engaged in. The ‘Bal Din’ (Children’s Day) was truly a fun-filled one. The school students had set up 36 stalls on the school grounds. The 1286 children (712 girls & 574 boys; Stds I to X) from the slums and Loyola Evening School, regaled themselves and had a time of their lives at the various stalls! There were games of skill and sheer entertainment- for all! It was fun for those who won (with exciting prizes) and also for those who did not do so! But in the end, in the true festive spirit, every child was a winner. The Loyola students ensured that all the children who were present received a gift!  Finally, there were no losers, only winners! The spirit and joy of giving: the essence of ‘Bal din’ triumphed!

The Chief Guest for the inauguration of ‘Bal Din’ was Mr. Bharatsinh Gohil, Office Superintendent, DEO office, Ahmedabad and the guest of honour was Dr Jayur Kamdar, Pediatric Surgeon from Jaydeep Hospital. In his address Dr. Kamdar, motivated the children with examples of people who surmounted various difficulties to attain distinction in life!  He encouraged the children to dream big and to work hard to reach new heights in life.

After the fun fair, the children were treated to a sumptuous meal. This was followed by a cultural program organized by the slum children at the Diamond Jubilee Hall. Ms. Nutan Krishnakumar Vijh was the Chief Guest and Ms. Jyoti, one of the old students of Loyola Evening School, who is now working as Police Constable was the guest of honour. In their addresses they motivated the children to study well, work hard in order to realise their dreams. Through a variety of programmes, the children exhibited their talents before a packed auditorium.

‘Bal Din’ this year was indeed an unqualified success! It was a wonderful experience for the hundreds of children who were back on the Loyola campus after a break of two years, necessitated by the COVID pandemic. Organised by St. Xavier's Social Service Society in collaboration with St. Xavier's High School, Loyola Hall it was indeed a memorable event for one and all – very specially for the children from the slums! Kudos to one and all who made it happen!