The solemn function began with the rendering of Tamizh Thaai Vaazhthu (Hymn to Mother Tamil) followed by a prayer song, setting a tone of gratitude and reverence. The ceremonial lighting of the Platinum Jubilee Lamp symbolized seventy-five years of enlightened mission in higher education. Rev. Dr. Praveen Peter, Rector and Secretary, welcomed the gathering and introduced the Chief Guest, while Rev. Dr. Maria Antonyraj, Principal, honoured the Rector Major and other dignitaries.
Among those present were Rt. Rev. Ambrose Pitchaimuthu, Bishop of Vellore; Rt. Rev. Lawerence Pius, DD, Bishop of Dharmapuri; Rev. Fr. Biju Michael, Regional Councillor for South Asia; and Rev. Fr. Don Bosco Lourdusamy, the Provincial. Their presence underscored the ecclesial and Salesian significance of the occasion.
A notable highlight of the celebration was the formal declaration of the District Bird, the “Ash-coloured Hornbill,” affirming the institution’s commitment to ecological awareness and regional identity. The Jubilee was further marked by the release of commemorative publications: “Echoes of the Heart: Seventy-Five Years of Grace and Growth,” a chronicle of the college’s inspiring journey; “A Beacon of Service,” an impact study on its educational and community engagement legacy; and the Platinum Jubilee Souvenir. An evocative audio-visual presentation, “Glimpses of Sacred Heart College – 75,” traced the milestones, academic achievements, and outreach initiatives that have shaped the institution since its founding in 1951.
In a touching gesture of gratitude, the alumni association dedicated an ambulance to the college, a symbol of their enduring bond with their alma mater. The celebration also witnessed the conferment of the prestigious “Icon of the Year” award to the best outgoing student. Cultural performances added vibrancy and colour to the evening, reflecting the dynamism of campus life.
In his address, the Rector Major offered three profound reflections. He emphasized that education must go beyond academic excellence to form character, values, and a holistic vision of life. He urged young people to become “gentle agents of positive social change,” combining competence with kindness to challenge injustice and uplift the poor. Finally, he called them to be “sowers of hope” in a rapidly changing world, blending professional excellence with compassion and living Don Bosco’s spirit of fraternity, dignity, and service.
Earlier in the day, during a visit to the Dominic Savio Salesian Community, Fr. Attard recalled how Don Bosco’s own struggle for education inspired him to create spaces where young people could experience both joy and learning. He expressed appreciation for institutions that remain open to the poorest, affirming that such commitment authentically continues the Salesian mission.
Rt. Rev. Ambrose Pitchaimuthu, Bishop of Vellore, reflected on the living presence of Christ on the campus and the heroic missionary history that shaped the region. He praised the Salesians’ enduring contribution to education and faith formation. Rt. Rev. Lawerence Pius recalled his own Salesian formation and described the Rector Major as a gift to the universal Church, commending the college’s growth and modernization over the decades.
Rev. Fr. Biju Michael lauded the institution’s academic excellence, including its NAAC A++ accreditation and national ranking, while highlighting its transformative outreach to poor and marginalized youth. He encouraged students to embrace empowerment and become catalysts of change in their communities. Rev. Fr. Don Bosco Lourdusamy, Provincial, emphasized unity, gratitude, and renewed commitment to the college’s mission, recalling the providential election of the Rector Major and urging students to carry forward the legacy of service and faith.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by the Principal and the singing of the College Anthem. The Platinum Jubilee celebration stood as a monumental testament to Sacred Heart College’s seventy-five-year legacy of holistic education, social commitment, and unwavering dedication to nation-building — a beacon of Salesian presence in the cradle of South India.
Fr John Britto e Fr Anto John (INM)
{gallery}INM – RM a Sacro Cuore 2026{/gallery}
