Jose Ani GUWAHATI, DECEMBER 8, 2008: December 6, 2008, will always remain a red letter day for the Salesian Province of Guwahati, and indeed for the whole of Salesian India, when the inauguration of the Don Bosco University was solemnized in a glittering function at Don Bosco School, Auditorium. The university was declared opened by Shri Tarun Gogoi, the Honourable
Chief Minister of Assam. The function began with moments in prayer led by students of Don Bosco College of Engineering and Technology, followed by a presentation on the Coat of Arms of Don Bosco University, a prayer dance and the lighting of the lamp. In his Welcome Address, the Chancellor Designate Fr. Joe Almeida sdb, welcomed the dignitaries and guests to the function. The Vice Chancellor designate Fr. Stephen Mavely sdb gave a short account of the evolution of the dream of the university as it has unfolded. In her key note address, Prof K Sudha Rao, former Vice Chancellor, Karnataka State Open University, clarified the role of the University in the cultural context of Northeast India. Shri Tarun Gogoi exhorted all involved in the project to be filled with the spirit of Don Bosco and the mission of empowering youth with necessary skills and knowledge. The Archbishop of Guwahati, Rt. Rev. Thomas Menamparmbil sdb, released the DBU Brochure and presented it to the Chief Minister. Then followed a series of felicitations from the various dignitaries present for the occasion.
Don Bosco has a remarkable history of a century long commitment to excellence in education in India. The Salesians of Don Bosco run hundreds of Primary, Middle and High Schools all over the country. They have 27 colleges and over a hundred Technical Schools. They are recognized by the government as the single largest provider of technical education in India, second only to the government.