Don Bosco College, Maram, Manipur – India

DBCMaram is a Degree College of the Salesians of the Province of Dimapur

Category Archives: AICUF

I will Make Everything New

DBCMaram 24 Sept 2012: Don Bosco College Maram does take into account the holistic development of each of its student.  The Spiritual Convention that is conducted every year is a good example of the importance given to the emotional and spiritual development of students. This year, the event was made extremely special by animators who were chosen for three days. The speakers were  the powerful Vincentians who are known for their spiritual animation and retreats all over the world: Fr. Bobby, the Director of  Divine Retreat Centre, Margherita, Assam ; Fr.Dinny, Divine Retreat Centre; Mr. Johns, Musician.

The preparations for the great event was coordinated well beforehand under the farsighted guidance of the management of the college comprising of the very own Salesian fathers of DBCMaram.  A huge pandal rose up in the courtyard of DBCMaram, just for the smooth flow of the retreat.  The rest of the responsibilities were distributed to the entire college which included the seat arrangement in the pandal, the pandal decoration, stage decoration, music, intercession ministry and liturgical preparations. The Bosconians did showcase their most sincere efforts and participation. The Jesus Youth, Campus Ministry and AICUF etc did an extremely good job in the overall coordination of the event. Fr. KO Sebastian was the event manager of the entire programme. Kudos to him for his thoughtfulness and coordination.

Now about the cream of the event. The first day began auspiciously with the blessings from the Eucharistic Celebration. And then the students were thoroughly prepared for the very important sessions to be followed. The animators could make the first impact strike in the bulls eye. Fr. Dinny helped the students open their minds completely by urging them to ‘remove the rock from the way’. Fr. Bobby enabled the students to do a self evaluation by emphasizing the fact that the sufferings and problems in life are not necessarily God’s will and that it is in most cases,  one’s own decision to stay clear of God’s intervention due to our worldly inclinations.

The second day addressed most of the situations that most of the students went through and were prepared for an indeed good confession so that they may find out for themselves the solution of all their sufferings and that nothing hinders them from experiencing the eternal peace and joy. Since we were dealing with a large crowd of students, confession for all of them were provided that entire day and even the next day. The Salesians from neighboring areas were generous enough to lend a hand and make themselves available.

The third day was the concluding day of the spiritual retreat. It was solemnized by the Archbishop of Imphal His Grace Dominic Lumen who celebrated the concluding mass along with all the rest of the priests. The session ended with the anointing with the Holy Spirit and healing. Most of the students experienced healings both spiritually and emotionally and many  miracles took place in DBCMaram.

The students were really involved in the event that most of them didn’t want the convention to be concluded. Immense gratitude should be given firstly to God Almighty for pouring out His amazing grace during these three days and to the management of the college for making the retreat possible for all the students and Staff and a good number of neighbours who attended the retreat.

By Ms. D Matia MA English

Social Responsibility Needs to be Cultivated

Maram 13 August 2012: AICUF neighbourhood LITERACY PROGRAM was inaugurated on 13th August 2012 at 3: 15 pm at HRC hall of DBCMaram. The function was graced by the presence of Dr. Kashung, the chief guest, Fr. Benny James, the principal of DBCMaram and the State Advisor, Fr. KO Sebastian, the Rector, Sr. Deepa the Unit  Animator and with a total  number of 129 students along with 52 AICUFers. Sr. Deepa FCC, brought blessings on us from above through a prayer, followed by welcome song from AICUFers. As a sign of bringing light to the world, we had the lighting of the lamp. A word of welcome was given by a representative from AICUF followed by introductory words from Mr. Loveson, the President. We also listened to the words of acknowledgement and appreciation from Fr. Principal, the State Advisor who invited us to be critical in the society. A marvelous action song was sung by tuition students followed by speech from Sr. Deepa, the unit animator who spoke on the role of AICUF in an unjust society acting as a voice of the voiceless and power of the powerless. She concluded her speech with a quote “Awake, aware, and shift our paradigm to achieve goal for which we are born into this world”. Words of appreciation was proposed by a representative from tuition children and a song was presented by AICUFers. After which we tuned our ears to the most awaited moment for the profound pearls of wisdom from our chief guest. He quoted saying “Love of God is the beginning of wisdom.” Co-coordinator of tuition Mr. Joshua BSc 5th Sem gave us a quick report of the tuition of the past years followed by a speech from Fr. KO Sebastian SDB  saying “neighbour in need is our bounden need”.  Mr. Luikang the former Vice-President proposed the vote of thanks after the distribution of note-books to the children. The programme concluded with a light refreshment to all the participants.

 

by Jengamliu Martha, Secretary AICUF

Mother’s Day In Yankullen

Maram 12 May 2012: The Willong villagers had their Mothers’ Day celebration on 12th May 2012 with the AICUFers of DBC Maram unit. The 30 active AICUFers left the college at 7:30 am accompanied by Sr. Deepa, the unit Animator and Miss Sultana a lecturer Department of English DBCMaram.

We reached Willong at 9.30 am and were welcomed warmly by the villagers. We, had the Mothers’ Day Programme at St Michaels; Church on the theme “Role of Mothers”. There were round 150 women from the village. Mr. Luikang Samson, the local catechist of the village expressed his gratitude to the AICUFers for having organized such a beautiful programme for the Mothers.

The AICUFers presented items like songs, skit, speech and instrumental. The skit, which was based on the life story of one of the AICUFers touched the hearts of the audience and some women shed their tears. Likewise, songs, speeches which were made the women folk shed their tears.

After the programme, we had meal at the traditional set – out near the church. At 11. 00 am we left Willong and visited Yangkhullen, a village at a distance about 7 km from Willong. The village has more than 300 houses. Some are Catholics and Baptists and the others to belong other churches. We climbed up to the village as there was no road for the vehicle to the village. Most of the houses were built on steep angles with much stones and have rocks as the foundations. After having visited the village we headed back to Maram and reached at 5: 15 pm.

Hidden Seeds must Sprout

Maram 14 Oct, 2011: The inaugural program of AICUF residential programme of Maram Unit was held in the HRTC hall of Don Bosco College, Maram at 10:00 am.  The introductory and welcome note was addressed by Fr. Benny, the state advisor and Principal of Don Bosco College, Maram among other things he stressed on the role and responsibilities of youth in today’s context. He went on to say that “ wherever there is action today in the world young people are present”.

A    brief history of AICUF in Don Bosco College Maram was shared with stress on the role AICUF has played in the college and which is marching on the side of the marginalized  ones of the area.

The AICUF in the college was initiated by the present principal and since then Sr. Deepa Mathew has been holding the reign of the movement and guiding its destiny. The President Mr. Peter, concluded his presentation of the report by inviting everyone to listen to the clarion call “to the world  you might be one person but to one person you may be the world”.

Fr. Victor, the principal and parish priest of St. Joseph School, Tadubi was the guest of honour. Through his well prepared and delivered keynote  address reiterated the theme of the AICUF residential camp “Catalystic role of youth”. The talk tickled the listeners to deep thought and action. He ended his talk by stating that the “biggest wealth of India is its youth”.

Fr. Selvin Raj SJ, the national adviser for AICUF in India, the  chief guest of the occasion paved the way for  AICUF to succeed with its theme ‘catalystic role of youth’. He opined that ‘the hidden seeds of AICUF must be sprouted”.

A few items presented by the tuition students and the AICUFers made the entire morning enriching and wholesome.  There were about 60 students and 50 AICUFers present for the programme.

Animals Do Not Read!

Maram 2 Oct. 2011: Dr Marlin Kasper, the benefactor of AICUF Tuition Programme at Maram with his team members Miss Eva and Miss Julia arrived in Don Bosco College, Maram at 1:00pm. A short programme was organized to thank him and to welcome the others to the fraternity of Bosoconians.

He gave a boosting speech on the relevance of reading books. In his short exhortation he differentiated  between animals and human beings.

He inaugurated the mobile library, a new concept in the college, with great delight amidst a number local dignitaries who were present on the occasion. The mobile library is an initiative of the principal of the college and is entrusted to Campus Ministry of the college to execute it at grassroots level.

Words of appreciation were pronounced by Mr. John Hingba, the president of the Catholic Association of Maram Kullen Area and Miss Mary, the proprietor and warden of Centre Point Boys’ Hostel.  This was followed by words of gratitude and action songs by the tuition students. The Annual Report of tuition was reported by AICUF secretary with the help of audio visual programme.

Sweaters, T-shirts and notebooks were  handed over to each student based on their performance in the tuition class conducted by the college students of Don Bosco College, Maram.

The State Advisor of AICUF – Fr. Benny James SDB, thanked Dr. Martin Kasper for his initiative and financial support. He also expressed his sincere gratitude towards the public who are very supportive of the ventures of the college and encouraging the youth to be more socially oriented. The presence of Fr. John Bosco, the councilor of DBCMaram; Fr. PX Francis, the director of Bosco Mangal; Mr. RK Peter, the the President of Maram Union; Mr. John Hingba, the President of Catholic Association of Maram Kullen Area; Mr. Joseph, the catechist of Maram Centre, Miss Rana and Miss Mary and many other religious leaders and faculty members of the college who were present on the occasion whole heartedly supported the venture.

Catalysitic Role of Youth

The AICUF unit of DBCMaram is holding three days of residential camp on the theme "Catalystic Role of Youth". There are about 60 participants for the programme. Fr. Selvin Raj SJ, the National Advisor for AICUF India is animating the group. Fr. Victor, the Parish Priest and Principal of St. Joseph School, Tadubi was the spcial speaker on the occasion.

AICUF Ventures into Neighbourhood Upliftment Programmes

DBCMaram 24 August 2011: The AICUF Tuition Inauguration function was organized on 24th August 2011 in Don Bosco College Maram. Mrs. Ea-a, the child development project officer,(CDPO) was the chief guest of the evening .Sir John Hingba, the president of Maram Catholic Association was the Guest of Honour. Rev.Fr Benny James, the Principal and State Advisor, Sr. Deepa, the unit Animator, Fathers, Sisters, Lecturers, Aicufers and the tuition children facilitated the programme.

The Inaugural function began by invoking God‘s blessings and assistance and words of exhortation by Fr. P.O.Sabastian, the Rector. This was followed by introductory words and presentation by Sr. Deepa, the Aicuf unit Animator, in which she emphasized the aim of AICUF movement to kick out the exploitation that carves the weaker section of the society. It was followed by a welcome note from Miss Roselyn Gangmei, the secretary of Aicuf, followed by action song from class IV. The report of the AICUF activities was presented by Mr. Peter, the President of AICUF. He gave a report on how Aicuf movement was started and what is its main activities, aims and objectives in the college. The words of acknowledgement was pronounced by Rev.Fr Benny, the state advisor who encourages student involvement in various activities of the college.

The inaugural address was given by the chief guest Mrs. Ela-a. She addressed the students to understand the society in order to reform it. She even challenged the students to take a stand for the betterment of society. She focused on tuition children and encouraged them to be regular for tuition. She taught them how to set and achieve goals. This was followed by action song from the students of classes VI, VII and VIII and Dr. Antony‘s speech on behalf of all the lecturers. He reiterated the service that is being imparted by the AICUFers of the college for the betterment of society. He encouraged everyone to be cooperative and regular for classes. Lastly the vote of thanks was proposed by Jonah BCom III the tuition headmaster, in which he expressed his sincere thanks and gratitude to all the members present. The members present were about 200 . After a small refreshment all went home happily and contended. The executive members along with the unit animator had a small discussion for extra tuition on Saturdays as their exams were approaching.

It was indeed a successful programme arranged by the Executive team of AICUF to prepare responsible citizen for the society.

By Ms. Roselyn Gangmei BA III

The Inauguration of Tuition for the Children of Maram

DBCMaram 24 August 2011: The AICUF Tuition Inauguration function was organized on 24th August 2011 in Don Bosco College Maram. Mrs. Ea-a, the child development project officer,(CDPO) was the chief guest of the evening .Sir John Hingba, the president of Maram Catholic Association was the Guest of Honour. Rev.Fr Benny James, the Principal and State Advisor, Sr. Deepa, the unit Animator, Fathers, Sisters, Lecturers, Aicufers and the tuition children facilitated the programme.

The Inaugural function began by invoking God`s blessings and assistance and words of exhortation by Fr. P.O.Sabastian, the Rector. This was followed by introductory words and presentation by Sr. Deepa, the Aicuf unit Animator, in which she emphasized the aim of AICUF movement to kick out the exploitation that carves the weaker section of the society. It was followed by a welcome note from Miss Roselyn Gangmei, the secretary of Aicuf, followed by action song from class IV. The report of the AICUF activities was presented by Mr. Peter, the President of AICUF. He gave a report on how Aicuf movement was started and what is its main activities, aims and objectives in the college. The words of acknowledgement was pronounced by Rev.Fr Benny, the state advisor who encourages student involvement in various activities of the college.
   The inaugural address was given by the chief guest Mrs. Ela-a. She addressed the students to understand the society in order to reform it. She even challenged the students to take a stand for the betterment of society. She focused on tuition children and encouraged them to be regular for tuition. She taught them how to set and achieve goals. This was followed by action song from the students of classes VI, VII and VIII and Dr. Antony`s speech on behalf of all the lecturers. He reiterated the service that is being imparted by the AICUFers of the college for the betterment of society. He encouraged everyone to be cooperative and regular for classes. Lastly the vote of thanks was proposed by Jonah BCom III the tuition headmaster, in which he expressed his sincere thanks and gratitude to all the members present. The members present were about 200 . After a small refreshment all went home happily and contended. The executive members along with the unit animator had a small discussion for extra tuition on Saturdays as their exams were approaching.
It was indeed a successful programme arranged by the Executive team of AICUF to prepare responsible citizen for the society. 

Youth For Social Transformation

DBCMaram Feb. 9, 2011.: The AICUF Unit of Don Bosco College, Maram (DBCMaram) organized a residential programme with the theme “Youth for Social Transformation“ on 4th and 5th February. The programme was also an orientation programme for the AICUFers to know AICUF in depth with Mr. Niraj Lakra, the National Full timer as the main resource person. The programme began on the eve of 4th February with 65 AICUFers registered for the programme, Fr. Benny James SDB the State Adviser and the Principal of the College; Sr. Deepa Mathew FCC, the Unit Animator and Sir Amit Kumar. The AICUFers welcomed the full timer and had some ice-breaking sessions. In the evening a movie “Hotel Ruanda“ was shown; a movie on social issues – conflict between two African tribes and how it affects the locals.

The AICUFers with Fr. PO Sebastian SDB, Fr. Benny James SDB and Sr. Deepa Mathew FCC and National Full Timer – Mr. Niraj Lakra

On 5th, the day began with aerobics, morning jobs and the Eucharistic celebration which was presided over by Rev.Fr. P.O.Sebastian, the Rector of the College. The programme of the day began with the Inaugural ceremony with Mr. R.K.Peter, President of Marams as the chief guest. The AICUFers had sessions on “Youth as an Agent of Change“ by Miss. Monica TA of the Department of History, Don Bosco College, Maram; “Know AICUF“ by Mr. Niraj the National full timer and “Action Plan for AICUFers“ by Sr. Deepa Mathew FCC, the Unit Animator. In the evening there was a cultural programme with competitions on Cultural Costume Show where the different cultures of North -East was presented before the guests of the evening. A debate was conducted between the boys and girls on the topic, “Women are Equal to Men“ were the girls stood for motion whereas the boys opposed the statement. Finally it was agreed upon that women and men are equal and it is the support and cooperation to one another that makes society a wonderful place to live in and life so beautiful. There was also a Skit Competition based on the theme of the residential programme itself- “Youth for Social Transformation“ where the participants were given an opportunity to stage the way they would bring a change in the society. It was indeed a great success and was so promising to see youngsters taking pledge to become a catalyst for the change in the society. The programme ended with the report presentation on the residential programme which was also an analysis of the programme. The programme was indeed a grant success; students took up in charge and proved that they can be strong pillars of a better society and a better tomorrow.

AICUF is a youth movement among the university students. It is youth who plans and executes their actions for a better society. Such programmes certainly enrich their personality and experience. Who is says that they are not the pillars of tomorrow?

By Sr. Deepa Mathew FCC