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The Rector Major In his keynote address, emphasising the vitality of the University said, ``The young people of North East India are alive with joy, particularly talented and piously religious. They need to be guided to carve great possibilities in front of the nation.”
Archbishop Thomas Menamparampil of Guwahati expressed his joy at the occasion and spoke of the importance of Don Bosco University and said that the University will have emphasis in planting values in the hearts of people and convictions that build the society.
In his welcome address, Fr. Joe Almeida, Provincial Superior of Guwahati Province declared, ``The establishment of the University is a fitting tribute to the genius that Don Bosco truly is.``
Fr. Stephen Mavely, Vice Chancellor of Don Bosco University in his speech making a special note of thanks to the Rector Major said, ``The decision of our Superior General to personally come and bless the Foundation Stone of the permanent campus this morning is the clearest signal to us and to the people of North-East India that Don Bosco Society is deeply committed to this project.``
About 1,500 people were assembled to welcome the Rector Major to the DBCET including distinguished guests, members of the local Church, government officials, academicians, students from various city schools joined DBCET and DBIM students. The function drew to a close with all singing with one voice the song of Don
Later the Rector Major went with the local Salesians to open the Sanctuary of Don Bosco in Cherrapunjee, the place with the heaviest rain-fall in the world but which ironically is short of water. Fr Chávez reminded the Salesians present this this was the only church dedicated to Saint John Bosco, Father and Teacher of Youth in the whole of North East India in the State of Meghalaya.
In the early evening Fr Chávez visited the Salesian house of St Anthony. A member of the community said how he and his confreres were eternally grateful to Fr Giuseppe Bacchierello, who had wanted to start St. Anthony’s College which is now one of the best educational Institutions in India. The community then greatly enjoyed the presence of the Rector Major and listened to what he had to say.
Published 11/11/2009
