Kohima, June 5: Reinforcing its commitment to quality education and youth empowerment, Don Bosco College, Kohima (DBCK) inaugurated its newly extended infrastructure on June 5 in a significant ceremony attended by MLA Achumbemo Kikon, Secretary General of the Naga People’s Front (NPF), who graced the occasion as the chief guest.
The newly added floor extension marks another milestone in the institution’s ongoing efforts to expand educational opportunities for the young people of Nagaland. The infrastructure was dedicated in honour of Msgr. Emmanuel Bars, SDB, and Fr. Umberto Marocchino, SDB, pioneering Salesian missionaries whose vision, sacrifice, and commitment laid the foundations for Catholic education and social development in Kohima and beyond.
Addressing the gathering, Kikon lauded the contribution of Don Bosco institutions in shaping generations of young Nagas through education, discipline, and value-based formation. He noted that the initiatives undertaken by the Salesians have significantly benefited Naga society by nurturing responsible citizens and fostering both intellectual and moral development among young people.
“Educational institutions such as Don Bosco have played a transformative role in building the Naga society by instilling discipline, character, and a sense of humanity among the youth,” Kikon remarked. He encouraged students to take pride in belonging to the institution and to strive to fulfil the aspirations of their parents and educators through dedication and hard work.
In his keynote address, Fr. Dr. Tious Varghese, Principal of DBCK, underscored that the expansion project represented far more than additional physical space. “This extension is not merely about infrastructure; it is about creating more room for dreams, enhancing learning opportunities, and equipping young people to become architects of Nagaland’s future,” he said.
The ceremony also highlighted the enduring legacy of the Salesian pioneers whose missionary zeal transformed education in the region. Paying tribute to Msgr. Emmanuel Bars, SDB, and Fr. Umberto Marocchino, SDB, speakers recalled their pioneering efforts in establishing educational institutions that have empowered countless young people and contributed significantly to the social and educational advancement of Nagaland.
Offering the formal blessing of the new facility, Rev. Fr. Joseph Pampackal, SDB, Provincial of the Salesian Province of Dimapur, described the occasion as a celebration of a dream that continues to flourish decades after it was first envisioned by courageous missionaries. He emphasized that the institution’s growth stands as a testimony to the enduring impact of the Salesian educational mission in the region.
Adding his reflections, Dr. Kiyasetuo Stephen Vizo, Governing Body Member of DBCK, reminded students that the true measure of an institution lies not in its buildings but in the quality of the persons it forms. Highlighting the college motto, “Duty and Joy,” he urged students to place duty before self-interest and to dedicate themselves to service, peace, and environmental stewardship.
Coinciding with the observance of World Environment Day, the inauguration concluded with a tree plantation drive involving the chief guest, dignitaries, faculty members, and students, symbolizing the institution’s commitment to sustainability and ecological responsibility.
The programme was chaired by Dr. Lanukumla Ao, Assistant Professor, Department of History, while Fr. Dr. Xavier Mattam, Rector of Don Bosco College, invoked God’s blessings on the new facility. The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Neilazonuo Khruomo, Assistant Professor, Department of Botany.
The new infrastructure is expected to further strengthen Don Bosco College Kohima’s mission of providing holistic education, fostering leadership, and creating greater opportunities for the youth of Nagaland, thereby contributing meaningfully to the continued progress and development of Naga society.
