New Central School Building (ICSE) at DB IJK: a Testament to Past, a Promise to the Future

The inauguration and blessing of the new Central School building at Don Bosco, Irinjalakuda, Kerala, was held on Friday, 24 January. This marks a significant milestone in the institution’s mission to provide quality education and holistic development for students.

The Honourable Minister for Higher Education and Social Justice, Government of Kerala, Dr R. Bindu, inaugurated the facility, and Rt. Rev. Dr. Pauly Kannookkadan, Bishop of Irinjalakuda, blessed it. The Bishop invoked God’s blessings on the new facility and all those who will benefit from it. Several distinguished guests, including Rev. Dr. Jose Koyickal, Provincial of the Sacred Heart Province of Bangalore, Mrs. Marykutty Joy, Municipal Chairperson of Irinjalakuda, Father Shalbin Kalanchery, Vice Provincial, Father Joy Neduparambil, Provincial Economer, and former Rectors, Principals, Administrators of the school, and Salesians from neighbouring institutions graced the occasion.

During her address, Dr. R. Bindu congratulated the Salesian community for their remarkable service to the region’s young people. She highlighted the institution’s legacy of nurturing notable achievers across various fields, including politics, cinema, administration, entrepreneurship, medicine, and sports. She also remarked that the new building stands as a testament to past achievements and a promise of even greater success in the future.

Bishop Pauly Kannookkadan commended the Salesian community for its unwavering commitment to fostering academic excellence and character formation among the diocese’s youth. Father Jose Koyickal, the Provincial, emphasized the transformative power of Salesian education in shaping individuals and communities.

In his welcome address, Father Emmanuel, the Manager, expressed heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed to the realization of the new building. He specially acknowledged the efforts of Mr. Adithya Varma, the architect from Alphonse Associates, Mysore, Mr. K.P. Paul, the contractor from HyArch Projects, Angamaly, and Father Joyson Mulavarickal, the Administrator, for his dedication in ensuring the completion of the project on time. Father Emmanuel also highlighted the design of the state-of-the-art infrastructure to provide an enriching learning environment for students.

The vibrant cultural performances by the students further enlivened the event, showcasing their talent and enthusiasm. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Father Santhosh Manikombal, the Principal of the Higher Secondary School.