Past Pupils of Two South Indian Aspirantates Have a Rare Get together By Paul Joseph Paul and Peter NelapatiNew Delhi, Apr. 12. The Past Pupils of Don Bosco Aspirantates in Pachalam (Kochi) and Tirupattur (N. Arcot) from the 1950s up to 1978, had a special reunion on 9th & 10th April at Pachalam. It was an occasion of joy, bringing together members from Mumbai, Chennai, Kochi, Australia and USA and various parts of Kerala.
Rt. Rev. Dr. John Thomas Kattrukudiyil, the Bishop of Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and he was the main celebrant for the Holy Eucharist on the first day. Other guests of honor were Senior Salesian fathers: Rev. Fr. Joseph Kavilpurayidathil, Rev. Fr. Thomas Myladur, former directors of Don Bosco institutes.
On 10 April, the Holy Eucharist was animated by Rev. Fr. Noel Maddhichetty, the National Delegate for DB Alumni and the Secretary of SPCSA. In his homily he highlighted on the theme of the Identity, Mission and Role of the DB Alumni today. As he participated in this meeting immediately after having coordinated the whole process of Vision Building for Salesians of South Asia Region at DBI, Guwahati, he presented the highlights of present mission and future orientations of Salesian India, to the eminent gathering of DB Alumni. He also exhorted them to network with the main stream of DB Alumni movement in India.
It was a nostalgic golden jubilee occasion, as the participants were students in these prestigious institutes fifty years ago. There were 30 Salesians who are directors at various projects and other past pupils who held important positions such as the Chief Income Tax Commissioner E. T. Lukose, several retired Bank General Managers, Brigadier K.M. Thomson and wing commander Job Mathew.
The occasion was made memorable with a boat ride past Vallarpadam container terminal and the Bolgatty island. The meet concluded with the resolution to hold the next one in 2015, most likely in Chennai, in commemoration of the immense contribution Don Bosco has made in their lives.