In an unprecedented ceremony recalling the historic event in the life of Jesus of Nazareth when he washed the feet of his disciples at the Last Supper prior to his crucifixion, the Vice-Chancellor of Assam Don Bosco University Dr Stephen Mavely washed the feet of 12 (six male and six female) faculty, staff and students.
Dr Mavely was heeding to the call of Pope Francis who set the example of including men and women in the feet washing ceremony on Holy Thursday, first day of the Easter Triduum, during which celebrant priest traditionally washed the feet of only men folk.
After reading of the passage from John’s Gospel (13:1-15) which narrates the incidents of the last supper, Dr Mavely wrapped a towel around his waist, knelt down before each one of 12 people and poured water on their feet, wiped off the water with a towel and kissed the feet.
“Each time I perform this action which Jesus did for his disciples, it has a deep impact on me. It makes me convinced that only from a position of service to others one can exercise authority,” Dr Mavely shared at the homily.
Following the symbolic act of Jesus, Dr Mavely invited other members of the congregation gathered for the Holy Thursday Eucharist to wash each other’s feet.
Heeding to the VC’s invitation several pairs of students, faculty and staff spontaneously came forward and washed each other’s feet in a symbolic gesture of service and humility.
“It was indeed an act of humility which I have never done before, me washing the feet of another person,” said Assistant Professor Mr P. Joseph who washed the feet of a security staff.
Several pairs of students, faculty and staff took turns to come before the assembly and wash each other’s feet. END
Guwahati, Nov. 22, 2025: Don Bosco Institute (DBI), Kharghuli, celebrated its Silver Jubilee with a solemn thanksgiving ceremony and the launch of Building Dreams – Shaping Lives, the autobiography of its educationist founder Fr. V.M. Thomas.
Hon’ble Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, Chief Guest at the celebration, released the volume in the presence of Guest of Honour Devajit Saikia, Advocate General of Assam and Secretary of the BCCI. The event drew a distinguished gathering of judges, government officials, clergy, religious, alumni, and friends of Don Bosco.
More than a chronicle of achievements laid out in 598 pages, the autobiography is a testimony of grace and a narrative of how one man’s...
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Organized by the Rajahatta Explore Group, the event draws participants from across India and South Asia, with registrations now open both online and offline. The registration fee is Rs. 1700. Interested runners may register online via the Explore Group’s Facebook page, or offline at Anand Chettri’s shop in 8th Mile Bazaar or through RJ Samir, Program Coordinator at Radio Salesian.
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Seven hundred young participants from across Northeast India concluded their five-day Holy Week retreat with a symbolic Easter morning river pilgrimage on the Brahmaputra river, marking the 18th edition of Youth Pasch.
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Youth Pasch immerses participants in the Paschal Mystery—the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus—through engaging liturgies, prayer, dramatic enactments and interactive sessions. This year’s event, held from 16 to 20 April, embraced the Salesian Jubilee Year theme, “Anchored in Hope, Pilgrims with Young People,” under...
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A highlight of the retreat was the solemn observance of Holy Thursday, commemorating the Last Supper of Jesus with His disciples. The ceremony was...
Shillong, April 16, 2025: Educators from four prominent colleges convened at Union Christian College (UCC) Shillong for a dynamic two-day workshop focused on incorporating artificial intelligence into a participatory teaching and learning framework. The initiative aimed to equip faculty members with essential strategies for navigating the evolving landscape of higher education.
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"Chai Time - A Darjeeling Tea Planter's Journey from Makaibari to Rimpocha," the latest book from Bose Creative Publishers, was launched at a special event held at Berlin Coffee House in Siliguri, 13th April 2025. Besides a galaxy of eminent citizens, participants from 9 countries joined the event on-line.
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Itanagar, 9th February 2025: The Department of Economics at Don Bosco College Itanagar recently organized a two-day national seminar on "Challenges and Opportunities for Socio-Economic Development in Rural Areas of Northeast India." The seminar, held on February 7-8, was supported by ICSSR-NERC and Federal Bank.
The seminar aimed to discuss the challenges and opportunities for rural development in Northeast India. It brought together experts, researchers, and policymakers to share their insights and experiences.
In his welcome address, Dr. Fr. Jose George, Principal of Don Bosco College, thanked the dignitaries for their presence. He highlighted the importance of the seminar, stating...
In a rare case of rags to riches story, an Assamese entrepreneur today heads a trillion dollar company in the U.S. employing over 4,000 people.
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