The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) ushered in the new academic year with great fanfare by celebrating the ‘Chala Shalet Jauya’ (Let’s Go to School) enrollment festival across all 80 of its municipal schools. The day was marked by a host of creative and warm welcome activities designed to make the first day of school memorable for new students and their parents.
At every school, students were greeted with rose flowers and chocolates at the entrance. Lezim performances and the rhythmic beats of dhol-tasha drums created an atmosphere of excitement as the newcomers were paraded from the school gates to their classrooms in a ceremonial procession. Rangoli decorations adorned the entrances, while colorful balloons and festoons brightened up the premises, adding to the festive mood.
A unique activity involved taking the footprints of the youngest students on paper sheets — symbolizing their first steps into formal education. In many schools, special 'selfie points' were set up, allowing parents and children to capture the joyful moment. Classrooms were specially decorated for the occasion, and exhibitions of educational materials were organized to showcase learning resources available to the students.
Another highlight of the day was the distribution of textbooks, notebooks, uniforms, shoes, socks, and stationery to all students from classes 1 to 8 — ensuring they were fully equipped from day one. In Nerul and other schools, tree plantation drives were also held with the participation of dignitaries, parents, and students, promoting environmental awareness among the young learners.
Teachers, school management committees, and parent groups played a vital role in planning and executing these welcome activities. Their efforts transformed the otherwise routine first day of school into an inspiring and confidence-building event for the children. The lively celebrations helped ease the anxiety of many first-time students and motivated them for the academic journey ahead.
The enthusiastic participation of parents and local community members reflected growing public trust and interest in municipal schools, indicating a positive shift in the perception of public education.
NMMC Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde, who attended the event at NMMC School No. 10, Nerul, lauded the initiative and emphasized the importance of such joyful beginnings in nurturing lifelong learners. Similar activities were reported across all NMMC schools, making the 2025–26 school opening day an unforgettable experience for thousands of children.
