CM urges Don Bosco to set up varsity in Garo Hills

FROM A CORRESPONDENT

Tura, Oct 18: Amidst fun and merriment, the Don Bosco Higher Secondary School here on Wednesday celebrated its diamond jubilee. The school is revered as one of the most prestigious schools in Meghalaya.

Fr Anthony Buccieri, an Italian missiory, started the school in 1957 to further the cause of education in Garo Hills, which at that point of time had to face multiple challenges and difficult situation.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma graced the occasion as chief guest and laid the foundation for a Diamond Jubilee Indoor Stadium in the presence of Bishop of Tura Rev Andrew R Marak, Salesian Provincial Fr Vattathara Thomas and Vice Provincial Fr Januarius S Sangma.

He also gave away a token of appreciation to past Principal and Vice-Principal of the school and released the souvenir of the school.  

On the occasion North Tura MLA Noverfield Marak, Garo Hills Autonomous District Council Chief Executive Member Boston Marak and member of council Righteous Marak felicitated the founding teaching staff for their contribution and dedicated service to the growth and welfare of the school.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister expressed his deep sense of appreciation to the Don Bosco society for the establishment of the school at Tura, which at that point of time must have been a big challenge.

“Don Bosco has provided a platform to have access to quality education in Garo Hills. The alumnus of this great institution has been bringing a transformative change in the society,” he added.

The Chief Minister sought for collaborative partnership with Salesian schools in providing access to quality education in Meghalaya and urged the Don Bosco Society to contemplate to establish Don Bosco University in Garo Hills.

He said about 10 years ago, Meghalaya Assembly passed a Bill for establishment of private universities in the State but the Don Bosco Society did not consider setting up any university.

“I request the Salesian society to establish the university and cater to the needs of higher education in Meghalaya,” exhorted Sangma, while stating that education can create a “positive rrative” in promoting a region and a place for tourism.

“The alumni can become readymade partners in dissemiting the positive rrative,” he said.

He said the government has accorded highest budget for education but still it was not being able to meet the challenge and demand for access to quality education in the State.

Actually, The journey of Don Bosco from lower primary to higher secondary has been long drawn with few students at the time of its inception to about 2,000 students at present. In 1998, the school started its evening section to cater to the educatiol needs of the margilized youth.

Over the years, the school has produced lumiries in different fields, including politicians, academicians, bureaucrats and sports persolities.

Apart from imparting education, the school has always laid thrust on co-curricular activities, the imprints of which are seen till date.

The yearlong celebration saw different cultural and co-curricular activities, including a rock concert by Riprap, a popular band of Garo Hills. The celebration came to a close with a cultural and musical evening.