SHILLONG: The 300-strong past pupils of Don Bosco from Khasi and Jaintia Hills, who attended an annual rally at Don Bosco Technical School, Shillong, on Sunday, were asked to be instrumental in bringing peace and harmony in violence affected areas of Meghalaya. This appeal was given by noted Sociologist, Dr. A.K Nongkynrih, of NEHU.
The rally, which was organised by Don Bosco Past Pupils’ Association (DBPPAS), was attended by the chief guest of the occasion, Rev. Fr. Gorge Maliekal, SDB, Provincial of Silchar Province, special guest speaker, Dr. A.K. Nongkynrih of NEHU, and Rector of Don Bosco Technical School, Fr. Philip Barjo, SDB.
Addressing the past pupils, Dr. Nongkynrih stressed that during the year-long bi-centenary celebrations of Don Bosco (2014-2015), the DBPPAS ought to undertake some solid youth-oriented activities to prevent them from being weaned away into underground outfits or anti-social organisations.
He said that Meghalaya is already in serious crisis both on leadership as well as on underground activities and their rippling effects are felt everywhere in the State. The reasons for this are many but among others domestic, socio-economic, socio-political and geo-political are the main ones, he said. He urged the DBPPAS to be instrumental in bringing peace and harmony in the violence-prone areas of Meghalaya.
The Provincial and the Rector said that it was the first time they were addressing a past pupils’ rally during their profession as priests and after assuming important posts in their religious congregation. They praised the organizers of the rally in keeping up with the spirit of the Salesians and tradition of Don Bosco.
The Provincial urged them to be more diligent and dedicated to the works of the past pupils’ activities and to infuse more young blood into the organisation to ensure vibrancy, sustainability and continuity. Informing the up-coming programmes of the year-long Don Bosco birth bi-centenary, the Provincial urged the DBPPAS to take active part and engage themselves in different programmes to ensure the success of the year long celebrations.