(ANS – Thrissur) – Shri Oommen Chandy, the Chief Minister of Kerala, inaugurated the concluding celebrations of Don Bosco Bicentenary at Shakthan Nagar, Thrissur, on 3 October 2015. Mar Raphael Thattil, the Auxiliary Bishop of Thrissur, gave the Benedictory Address. Fr Joyce Thonikuzhiyil, Salesian Provincial of Bangalore, delivered the Presidential Address.  

by Fr Mathew Valarkote, SDB

The Mayor of Thrissur, Shri Rajan Pallan, along with other dignitaries, offered good wishes.

The dignitaries were received by the School NCC, Junior Red Cross, Scouts and Guides, the School Band and a retinue of students specially dressed up for the occasion. After the words of welcome by Fr Mathew Kapplikunnel, Rector of Don Bosco Bhavan, Mannuthy, the function commenced solemnly with the lighting of the Bicentenary Flame by the dignitaries.

In the Inaugural Address the Chief Minister, affirmed that even after 200 years, Don Bosco’s mission of leading the young on the right path by providing them education and technical formation is still bearing fruit the world over. He said that Don Bosco institutions constitute a “Trade Mark” in the educational field for quality, discipline and morality. They contribute to moulding youth and making them useful members of the family, community and society by instilling values in them.

Mar Raphael Thattil added that Don Bosco was highly successful in tapping the potential of youth and orienting them to the development of society.

A significant element of the Bicentenary celebration was the inauguration of an Educational Scholarship Scheme to benefit 200 students, corresponding to the 200 years of Don Bosco.  

After the vote of thanks by Fr Varghese Thannippara, Rector of Don Bosco College, Mannuthy, the audience was treated to a devotional music concert by the troup “CrossTOC”.

The concluding function of the Bicentenary was preceded by an Awareness Bike Rally and Flash Mob on 1 October 2015. The Rally took off from Don Bosco College, circled Swaraj Round and arrived in front of Thrissur Corporation Office, where a “Flash Mob” was held by the students of Don Bosco College.

Published 20/10/2015