(ANS – Dimapur) – The celebration at provincial level for the Bicentenary of Don Bosco’s birth took off with a colourful ceremony at Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Dimapur on 23 October 2015. The Chief Guest for the Inaugural Ceremony was Shri. H. Atokhe Aye, Administrator, Dimapur Municipal Council, Dimapur. Over a thousand young people from the Upper Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Manipur took part, together with their teachers, priests, brothers and Sisters.

by Fr Anthony Christudoss, SDB

Fr Philip Magh, the Principal of Holy Cross HSS Dimapur, led the congregation in a devout prayer to draw down God’s blessings on the celebration just beginning. Then the students of St. Mary’s HSS, Padampukhri mesmerized the audience with the smooth playing of the Bicentenary band. Fr C. T. Varghese SDB, Rector and Administrator of DBHSS, Dimapur, warmly welcomed everyone to the three day long celebrations. DBHSS, Dimapur put everyone in festive mood with their harmonious singing of a tribute to Don Bosco.  

Fr Nestor Guria SDB, Provincial and President of the Bicentenary celebrations, mentioned some of the special characteristics of Don Bosco, such as: Giving priority to God, being honest, learning tricks and magic to draw the youth closer to God. He loved to be with the youth. After that, the brass band of St. Mary’s Padampukhri played the Indian national Anthem melodiously and with precision.

The Chief Guest in his speech underscored the importance of the Salesian family which is well-accepted in Nagaland. He further lauded their immense contribution in the field of education, and he appealed to the youth to imitate Don Bosco.

Fr Joshua Gangmei SDB, Principal of DBHSS, Dimapur, thanked the dignitaries for their presence and the youth for their performance. He wholeheartedly expressed his gratitude to all who contributed to the success of the inaugural programme.

The Province level President of Don Bosco Alumni, Dr Stephen Kamson (IRMS), praised highly the Don Bosco way of education with the four dimensions of the Educative Pastoral plan. He invited everyone to be living monuments of Don Bosco, instead of merely putting up statues of him.

Thereafter, the brothers of Salesian College led those present in prayer and singing and they brought the day to an end with thanksgiving to God through video clippings. After the night prayer, the Vice-Provincial, Fr Bosco Perianayagam, gave the good-night in which he highlighted the importance of being happy as the youth are loved by Don Bosco, wanted by their families and the society. He encouraged them to be joyful and walk steadily through the path of life in studies, getting a job, occupying dignified places in the society and serving others with love which is only way to receive blessings from God and favour from people.

Published 28/10/2015