(ANS – Shillong) – The Don Bosco Bicentenary Youth Expo at Shillong (23-26 April) had a host of Government dignitaries and civil society leaders rooting for the Don Bosco system of Education which, in their opinion, gives maximum scope to the youth to build on their talents.

On the second day of the Youth Expo, Archbishop Thomas Menaparampil gave a clarion call to the youth of Northeast India to become agents of peace and justice. During the Holy Eucharist the prelate cited the examples of heroes who overcame hurdles and did immense good for humanity, and invited the youth to “get rid of hatred, violence and injustice.”

On the third and penultimate day of the programme at Don Bosco Mini Stadium, Shillong, the Member of Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, Mr Nongrum, called Don Bosco an “Institution of excellence that creates future leaders who believe in concrete human values”, and congratulated the Salesian Family of Silchar province for holding the Expo in such a festive manner. He said he considered it a matter of pride that in the Northeast there are selfless young men and women who have volunteered to spread love and care in the way of Don Bosco.

Mr Goyal IAS challenged the youth to become aware of their potential and get involved in creating a better society. He touched upon many issues like the importance of collaboration, the need to uphold diversity, and to fight substance abuse.

Dr. Ampareen, Minister for Urban Affairs, Government of Meghalaya, called for a change of mindset among youth. Rather than asking what one can get, the youth should begin to consider what they can do for others. With God’s help there is nothing that young people cannot achieve, she reminded the gathering.

Mr. Shaiphyrnai Phynrang, Education Secratary of the Indian Catholic Youth Movement challenged the youth to “Ignite a Flame, Spark a Dream”. Basing his talk on Mt. 9:23, “All things are possible for those who believe,” Phynrang encouraged his fellow youth to turn the spark they already have into flames that burn brightly for the good of others.  

Mr A.K.Nongkynrih, Head of the Department of Sociology at NEHU, in his talk on “Leadership towards Transformation,” highlighted qualities that a leader ought to have in order to bring about meaningful change in society.

Fr. Nestor Guria SDB, Salesian Provincial of Dimapur Province, presided over the Holy Eucharist. He spoke briefly on the overall theme of the third day of the Expo “Don Bosco: Dream for the young”.

Published 29/04/2015