Don Bosco statue installed in Dimapur town By Tarcisius ToppoDimapur, Dec. 3. On December 03, the statue of Don Bosco was unveiled and installed at Walford, Dimapur, by Shri. T.R. Zeliang, Hon'ble Minister for Planning & Co-ordination, Evaluation, Veterinary and Animal Husbandry and Parliamentary Affairs, Govt. of Nagaland, to commemorate the visit of the Relic of Don Bosco to Dimapur Province. An august assembly of 400, consisting state and district dignitaries, priests and religious, DB Alumni, students and special invitees witnessed and participated on the occasion. It was blessed by Rev. Fr. James Poonthuruthil, Salesian Provincial, Dimapur.
After the prayer of blessing by Fr. Chacko Karinthayil, Parish Priest of Holy Cross, Dimapur, Shri. Francis P. Solo, President Don Bosco Alumni, Dimapur Province, welcomed the Chief Guest and the guests gathered for the occasion.
Expressing his gratitude to the Saint of the Young, as he himself was a beneficiary of Don Bosco School, Dibrugarh, the Chief Guest, Mr. T.R. Zeliang, recalled the great time he had at Dibrugrah. He exhorted the students gathered on the occasion to take utmost advantage of the facilities and resources made available in the school lest they regret later in life. He thanked the many great Catholic missionaries who 'dedicated' themselves for the uplift of the society, and imparted quality education in Nagaland and Northeast India.
Fr. James, took the occasion to say that India and especially Northeast India was specially seen in the dream that Don Bosco had. He himself had a great desire to go out as a missionary but was prevented by the wise counsel of his spiritual guide. However his missionary zeal was fructified when his successor Don Rua sent many young missionaries to India.
Mr. Rajesh Gupta, World Confederal Member and former President of DB Alumni India, who was the main person behind the making and the transport of the statute, gave a brief explanation about the statue.
Dr. Tali Longkumer, the founding President proposed the vote of thanks to the Chief Guest and all people present especially those who sacrificed their precious time and energy to install the statue. He also thanked all the district administrators and officials, forest officers and municipal councilors for their help and support. The programme ended with a photo session of the Don Bosco Alumni delegates.
Present for the occasion were also Fr. Nestor Guria, Vice Provincial, Fr. Jose Palely, Economer, Fr. Noel Maddhichetty, National Delegate of Don Bosco Alumni, Shri. Rajiv Tikmani, National President of Don Bosco Alumni,