Don Bosco College, Maram, Manipur – India

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

Category Archives: Maram

NSS Towards National Building

The one day NSS camp was organized in DBCMaram by Unit II and III on 1st December 2012. 103 volunteers attended the camp. The NSS volunteers assembled in the College at 5.30 a.m. We commenced the day by hoisting the NSS flag. Fr. Benny James the Principal of the college was the chief guest of the day and he appealed to the volunteers to contribute their services for nation development. After that we had a campus cleaning followed by a delicious breakfast. At 9.00 a.m. we began our first session.  Miss Elba was the resource person for the first session where she highlighted the importance of Youth and their potentials for national development. She presented a power point presentation on the theme of youth and their potentials. She also explained the importance of good character, discipline and social service in self-development and the development of society. The second session was conducted by Sr. Sweta the programme officer of Unit III. She focused on the theme- ‘Save water’ and ‘Plastic pollution.’  The volunteers pledged to ban the plastic, save water and to bring awareness in the society. Our third session was conducted by Prof. Jayasen, the Head of the Department of physics, DBCMaram. He threw light on the pollution and its effects. It was indeed an inspiring session as he explained on the

 issues of global warming and green house effect through video clips and PPT. We also had various competitions to mark the World AIDS Day. The volunteers brought out creative skits on the theme ‘Getting to zero’. The day was celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm assimilate the colours of national integration and social service in the college. Sir Jayasen appreciated the efforts of the volunteer and he also distributed the prizes to the volunteers to commemorate this day. The main aim to organize this one day camp was to sensitize the youth in building a peaceful world by breaking the shackles of traditional evils and work for humanity. We ended the day by de-hoisting of the NSS flag and NSS anthem.

Indira Gandhi National Service Scheme Award to Don Bosco College Maram and to its Programme Coordinator

New Delhi 19 November 2012: The prestigious Indira Gandhi National Service Scheme Award (IGNSS) is conferred on Don Bosco College, Maram and  Sr. Stella Thomas (commonly known as Sr. Arpita Therese) belonging to the congregation  of  Salesian Missionaries  of Mary Immaculate(SMMI), for the best programme officer of NSS for the year 2011-2012.

Don Bosco College Maram (DBCMaram), established in 2000, is a degree college in the tribal and hilly area of Manipur. DBCMaram is the first college to be selected nationally for such prestigious award from Manipur ever since the award was established in the year 1969. Fr. Benny James SDB, the principal of Don Bosco College, Maram and Sr. Arpita Therese received the award from the President of the country in a very colourful and impressive ceremony that was organized in the Darbar Hall, Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi on 19 November 2012.

A cash award of Rs. 70000/- and a trophy and Rs. 20000/-, citation and a medal were conferred on the college and the Programme Officer respectively. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India has instituted the Indira Gandhi National Service  Scheme (NSS) Awards to recongnise the Voluntary Service rendered by NSS volunteers, Programmes Officers, NSS Units and Colleges. These awards were instituted in the year 1993-1994. Since then, these awards are given away every year at four levels namely University, Programme Officer, NSS Unit and NSS Volunteer. It is expected that these awards will encourage the awardees to work with more dedication for the community development in future.

Sr. Arpita Therese hails from Kerala and has been serving as a lecturer in Don Bosco College Maram, Manipur in the department of English since 2007. From 2009 onwards, she has been actively involved in the NSS unit of the college as tireless programme officer. National Service scheme (NSS) is a Governmental and the biggest organization of the youth was launched on 24th  Sept. 1969, with its motto, “Not me But You”. She is also the coordinator of the Red Ribbon Club (RRC) of the college, which was launched in 2011 under Manipur Aids Control Society (MACS). The NSS in Don Bosco College, Maram has seen new heights under the leadership and encouragement given by the Management, the Principal, Vice Principal, staff and student community and the different stake holders of the College. In the past years, she has helped volunteers to explore their talents with many exposure programmes. This is seen in the regular participation of at least one volunteer in the Republic day parade, Adventurous camps, Exchange programs in China etc. Sr. Stella also had taken part in several training programmes both at National and Regional levels. Some of the commendable activities carried out under her leadership are Voluntary Blood Donation, Tree plantation, Cleanliness drive, Repair of NH 39, HIV/AIDS Awareness Campaign, Outreach Programmes to the neighbouring schools, Special camping in the adopted villages and a host of other activities.

A total of 1 University, 10 colleges, 10 programme officers and 30 volunteers received the national award today from the Honourable President of the Country Shri. Pranab Mukherjee. Don Bosco College, Maram with the assistance of Government of Manipur, Manipur University and different supportive agencies have grown to be a household name in educational field. The number of students in the college has increased in the recent years with the introduction of new courses like BCA, BSW etc. DBCMaram has become a centre of learning and excellence. This national award had brought in lots of joy and commitment among the Bosconians of Maram to be more centred on youth development and educational enterprise among the needy young people of today.

 

Staff Reporter 

 

PRESIDENT PRESENTS INDIRA GANDHI NATIONAL SERVICE SCHEME AWARDS

Rashtrapati Bhavan : 19-11-2012

The President of India Shri Pranab Mukherjee presented the Indira Gandhi National Service Scheme Awards at a function organized in Rashtrapati Bhavan today (November 19, 2012).

National Service Scheme (NSS) is one of the flagship programmes of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports aimed at developing qualities of good citizenship, spirit of Volunteerism and to provide youth an opportunity to work with the people in the villages and slum dwellers. The scheme seeks to achieve its objectives through a twin approach i.e. "Campus to Community" and "College to Village".

The National Service Scheme was launched during the birth centenary celebration of Mahatma Gandhi on 24th September 1969 in 37 Universities involving 40,000 students. Today, NSS has more than 3.2. million student volunteers on its roll spread over 299 Universities. The scheme is implemented through the State Governments and the operations of NSS are at the University/ College and Higher Secondary School level.

Indira Gandhi National Service Scheme awards have been instituted to recognize outstanding contribution of University NSS Cells, Programme Officers, College/+2 NSS Units and NSS student volunteers in community service.

HEALTH CAMP AT DBCMaram

Maram 3 November 2012: The Don Bosco Alumni, Maram Unit organized a Health Camp on Saturday, 3 November 2012 at Don Bosco College, Maram, Senapati. The camp was organized in collaboration with the District Health Mission Society, Senapati under National Rural Health Mission (NHRM), to help the students in need by spot diagnosis and treatment.

The day long camp started with a short introductory function at the college assembly hall. During the introductory programme Mr. David  Kamei, the Unit President of the Alumni, welcomed the medical team,  the Principal of the College Fr.Benny James SDB, who is also the unit delegate of the Don Bosco Alumni Maram unit, Dr. Fr. K.O. Sebastian SDB, the Rector, the fellow alumni and the participants. Fr. Benny also welcomed everyone to the camp and thanked the alumni for organizing the health camp. Dr. Simpson Sario, the CMO, Mrs. Elizabeth RK, the district programme manager (DPM-NRHM), Senapati, about 13 doctors, nurses and Para-medical staff made up the medical team.

Test and investigations available at camp were OPD, Ultra Sound, X-Ray, ECG, Blood Testing Lab, ENT, gynecology, ophthalmic, dental, general etc. Over 300 students and a good number of staff got treated for various sicknesses by expert physicians. The entire necessary test and investigations as well as the dispensing of medicines were free of cost. All those who came found the camp beneficial and worth attending.

David Kamei, President, Don Bosco Alumni Maram

Don Bosco Institutions Shape the Future Citizens of the Country

Maram 24 Oct 2012: Culmination of cultural fest 2012 was graced with the gracious and esteemed presence of Shri Pradeep Kumar Jha, IAS, DC- Senapati as the Chief Guest. He was accorded   a grant welcome on his arrival. On august gathering of bosconians grace upon grace was brought upon by Fr. K.O. Sebastian the Reactor. He emphasized the students to look upon great personalities like Shri Pradeep Kumar as their role models and become admirers rather than film figures.  Excellent performance of cultural fest 2012 like Aollege Anthem, western dance, folk song, unplug, mimicry and eastern solo were staged. Dushera the victory of good over evil, to celebrate the occasion rangoli, the Indian traditional art was portrayed by various groups. Fr Benny James the principal in his address of welcome profoundly appreciated and thanked the core team, the staff, support staff, group leaders, students and everyone concerned. He very specially expressed his gratitude to the village leaders as well as superiors of various congregations for their cooperation and acknowledged their great contributions for the smooth running of the college. The chief guest of the day Shri Pradeep Kumar Jha sowed pearls of wisdom and diamond as he spoke on the occasion.  He acknowledged the great contribution of Don Bosco institutions in shaping the future citizens of our country and the state; as well as he expressed his appreciation and admiration for all the Salisians especially Fr Benny James for his optimistic outlook and being a great doyen.  He motivated the students to be captivated by 3D’s…Discipline, Dedication, and Determination. He also stressed the importance of being “a true human being”. He said that “to come out of one’s own comfort zone, one should open the doors and windows of one’s own mind” that would polish the raw diamonds within. DBCMaram Youth Fest 2012, with the theme BE CREATIVE and BE ORIGINAL came to a grant success with the words of gratitude from Sr. Sweta CCV, one of the members of core team.

Sr. Shiny George FCC and Ms. Daihrii Matia

DON BOSCO COLLEGE MARAM CONDUCTS CULTURAL FEST 2012

22 October 2012 Don Bosco College Maram began a grant cultural fest of 3 days with the theme: Be Creative and Be Original.

The inaugural ceremony of DBCMaram Cultural Fest began at 9.00 am with the invocation of God’s blessings by Dr. Fr. K.O. Sebastian SDB, the Rctor. On this occasion he also spoke about the importance of being creative and original as that of God’s creation and brings out the best in all of us. All were warmly welcomed by the students of BCA with their melodious song.   Fr Benny James SDB, Principal stressed the importance of keeping a good decorum in the campus while enjoying wholesome scholastic activities. He reiterated the students to showcase their talents and develop them to greater perfection. He also opined that the programmes are going to be entertaining, educative. There are over 2300 young talents of the college participating in a total of 27 events. After the speech the core team members as well as all the leaders of various groups were introduced. Rev. Sr. Lucy Thomas, Vice Principal expressed sentiments of gratitude to all the organizers and in advance thanked everyone for the great success that is to be won. Colourful, wonderful and mesmerizing items like mime, western dance, western solo, skit, elocution etc. are  on the list. The three days of programme will culminate on 24 of this month when DC of Senapati District will give away the prizes to the winners of various events. There are four stages set up to conduct all the events. All the students with great enthusiasm and zeal are competing to realize and achieve the theme BE CREATIVE and  BE ORIGINAL.

By Sr. Shiny George FCC

SPIRITUAL REVIVAL IN MARAM

Maram 14 Oct 2012: In a climate of faith, joy and expectation a three-day spiritual retreat for the faithful of St. John Bosco parish began on 12th October 2012. The preachers from the Divine Retreat centre, Khetri animated them. The team comprised of Rev. Frs. Rony & Sam, Vincentian priests; Rev. Srs. Jesila FCC, Elinda MSMHC & Alva VSDB. It is to be noted that this charismatic retreat was preceded with a lot of devoted preparation by the parishioners in the form of chain fasting and prayers. The youth of the parish took initiatives regarding the discipline of the entire church into their hands. It was indeed edifying to see the faithful who came in large numbers taking part in the retreat wholeheartedly. During the whole course of the retreat the parishioners who attended the retreat in Khetri, the last month took turns to intercede before the Blessed Sacrament exposed behind the altar. On the concluding day of the retreat Rev. Fr. T.S. Dominic, the chancellor of the diocese, officiated the Holy Mass as the main celebrant. He exhorted the faithful to keep up the ‘faith in this year of faith’ which was declared by the Holy Father on 11th of this month.

A few impressions from the retreatants….

“I feel so good that, I just want to linger on here.”

“I’m lost for words to express how wonderful it is to be a part of this retreat. What I articulate will not suffice what I feel deep inside.”

“I came in with a lot of tensions but now I received immense peace, joy & serenity.”

The three days of Spiritual retreat came to an end today with adoration during a number of them were healed of their sickness and ailments. PRAISE THE LORD! ALLELUIA!!

by Sr. K.C.Monica FMA & Elba Mathews – Jesus Youth Full Timer 2012

ANIMAL GYM COMES TO DBCMaram GYM

DBCMaram 11 Oct: The representatives of the Animal Gym, Imphal visited Don Bosco College Maram on 11 October 2012. The team was led by its proprietor, Bishovjit. They were given a grand reception by the Principal, the staff and the students, who gathered around and gave them applauses. The Principal, Fr. Benny James sdb in his speech welcomed them and expressed his sincere happiness for their presence in the college.

During the short gathering four of the members exhibited their physical body fitness. This was done to encourage the young students to go for physical exercises and maintain good health and fitness. Exercises relieve stress and allow the mind to think and respond more sharply. It reduces life threatening chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, obesity, heart disease, diabetes, insomnia and depression. Later, the team met the gym instructor, Kabi John and the students in the college gymnasium and had an interaction cum short instruction session on how to build muscle, burn fat, increase strength and on how to become the next Ronnie Coleman.

Ms. D Matia MA (English)

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

New Maram: The Adopted Village

The NSS unit-II of Don Bosco College Maram observed the 143rd  birth Anniversary of the Father of the Nation, M.K. Gandhi on  2nd oct 2012 at our adopted village, New Maram which is 15 minutes of walk from the college by doing  a social work.

When we reached the village, we were given a warm welcome  by the villagers along  with their local Pastor and they were very delighted to have us.

We enquired, what work could be done?  And they told us to clean up the surrounding  of their main football ground along with repairing of various roads. We were provided us with tools for the work and finally we started the work at 6:15 am and worked for around two hours. We also made proper drainage alongside the roads and repaired various pot holes. We could complete the work at 8:40am.

After completing the work, the villagers provided us tea with snackes, then we had a group photo session along with the villagers .We finally departed  the village at 9:15am.

It was indeed a memorable day for both the volunteers and the villagers as well. Every one of us were exhausted and all left for their own respective hostel /home.