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Dimapur, Aug. 21 (EMN): The centenary celebration of ‘Don Bosco- 100 years with the people of Northeast India’, which commenced from August 16, concluded on Sunday at Don Bosco Higher Secondary School in Wokha.
An update from the centenary celebration organising committee informed that the grand finale celebration was held with the advisor of Law and Justice, Dr. Chumben Murry, and the deputy commissioner of Wokha, Ajit Kumar Ranjan, as the chief guest and guest of honour respectively.
The chief guest, in his address, stated that through the tremendous efforts of the pioneers of Don Bosco, many people have been able to fulfill and live their dreams. Murry appreciated the Don Bosco family for their sacrifice and efforts in establishing Don Bosco institutions in Northeast India despite hardships and challenges.
Pointing out that centenary celebration alone cannot take society forward, he said jubilee should be also a time to retrospect the past, introspect on the present and prospect for a better future.
Murry stressed on the importance of cleanliness and hygiene to bring reformation and change in the society and urged the students to live by the rules of the community.
He also called upon the teachers, which he described as “pillar of the society,” to facilitate the overall development of the students, while he urged the students to be respectful to elders. The advisor further lauded the students for attending the celebration in full traditional attires and urged the students to continue with the habit of promoting one's own culture and tradition.
Ajit Kumar Ranjan exhorted the students to learn from each other and build up their own character, which according to him, is the basic foundation of good education.
Adding that an individual could excel and achieve beyond one’s imagination by following the footsteps of the pioneers, Ranjan urged the students to be grateful to the pioneers who took to the mission despite hardships and challenges.
Ranjan also called upon the gathering to cultivate independence and entrepreneurial mindset while pointing out that Wokha being the ‘Land of plenty’, there are many avenues available for the educated youths, which is encouraging and gratifying.
He mentioned that entrepreneur task force (ETF) in the district has been set up to promote entrepreneurship through the implementation of various tools.
Stating that mobile and electronic applications should lead to something positive and creative, he urged the students to use modern applications to gain knowledge and skills rather than getting addicted to them.
Rector and parish priest, Rev. Fr. CT Varghese, in his welcome address expressed gratitude to the chief guest, guest of honour and all the invitees for their presence. He also assured and committed to work for the people of Wokha in general through various actions plans of the school and the parish.
Highlighting the activities of Don Bosco in North East India, Rev. Fr. TC Joseph, principal of DBHSS Wokha, stated that with great difficulty the Salesian congregation accepted from the Holy See when the Pope asked the society to take up the mission of Northeast India. Initially, 11 Salesians came to Northeast India to start the mission of Don Bosco, Joseph said.
He stated that despite challenges, the pioneers sacrificed and contributed in the last 100 years of Don Bosco mission to Northeast India.
Earlier, in the inaugural programme on August 16, medical officer (Ayush) of PHC, Chukitong, Dr. Thungdeno P Murry, who was the special guest, fondly recalled the memories during her days as a student at DBHSS, Wokha.
She urged the students to live their dreams and cherish every moment of their student days.
Thungdeno further encouraged the students to be committed to the learning process under the guidance of their teachers.
The week-long centenary celebration also witnessed cultural show, modern dance, weaving, knitting, flower making, cross stitching, handicraft making, choral competition, earring making, quiz competition, spelling bee, story-telling, yodeling, fire making, top spinning, cosplay and many other activities.