Shillong (India). Il 12 agosto 2025 at Lumshyiap, Shillong, the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (INS) Province officially inaugurated the Bellefonte Evening College, affiliated to the North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) and All India Council for Technical Education. The College aims to provide opportunities for those seeking higher education while also engaging in livelihood activities during the day.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by esteemed guests: Most Rev. Victor Lyngdoh DD, Archbishop of Shillong Archdiocese, Sister Chantal Mukase, General Visiting Councillor of the FMA Institute and Prof. Sumarbin Umdor Pro-Vice chancellor, North Eastern Hill University.
Sister Helen Puwein, Principal of the College extended a warm welcome to the dignitaries, faculty, staff, students, benefactors, friends and well-wishers, setting the tone for the momentous occasion. The Provincial, Sister Rosa Pyngrope, presented a comprehensive profile of the college, highlighting its mission, vision and objectives.
the archbishop lauded the management of the evening college for its passion-driven approach to education, providing a ray of light in the dark for those seeking evening education. He invited the Salesian Sisters to walk forward together in faith and unity. Further, he urged students to take ownership of their future and also highlighted the importance of parental support in their success.
Sister Chantal Mukase in her speech assured the gathering that the Salesian Sisters would live the words of Don Bosco, “For you I live, for you I work, for you I study”. Another guest of honour, Prof. Sumarbin commended the undaunted spirit of the Salesian Sisters towards the realisation of the new college. He also drew lesson from a short story, reminding the young people that their life is in their hands and invited them to make the best use of the possibilities offered for them.
The event was marked by a series of cultural performances, including a song titled “Be a Light” by the pioneering students and faculty of the college, a prayer dance by the students of Sacred Heart Girls Higher Secondary School, Mawlai, a song “Dare to Dream” by the Auxilium Girls’ Higher Secondary School, Nongthymmai Shillong and an action song by the Novices of Bellefonte Shillong.
The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Pynshngainlang Nongbri one of the faculty members. Prior to the inaugural function, there was the celebration of the Holy Eucharist imploring God’s manifold blessings on the new venture of the province. The Holy Mass was presided over by the Archbishop Victor Lyngdoh and concelebrated by other priests.
The Bellefonte Evening College offers four-year undergraduate programme in six major subjects namely, English, Education, Economics, Political Science, Sociology and Computer Applications. It also offers multidisciplinary, ability enhancement, skill enhancement and value-added courses to its curriculum. The new college is seen as a significant milestone in the region’s educational landscape, and the contribution of the Salesian Sisters towards holistic and integral education of a person.
