Don Bosco School, Alaknanda was privileged to welcome the beloved Rector Major, Very Rev. Fr. Fabio Attard, the 11th Successor of Don Bosco, during his official visitation to the school on 10 February, 2026. The esteemed dignitary was accompanied by Rev Fr. Biju Michael, Regional Superior, South Asia, Rev. Fr. Thathireddy Vijayabhaskar, Private Secretary to the Very Rev. Rector Major and Rev. Fr. Davis Maniparemben, Proviancial, Delhi Province
The programme commenced with a ceremonial welcome to the revered priests, and the Rector Major, a living embodiment of Saint John Bosco. As the NCC cadets gave him and the other guests a Guard of Honour, the Salesians of Don Bosco School, Alaknanda, escorted him as he took a tour of the school. He was ushered to the school auditorium with a standing ovation by the students. Each Bosconian wore a proud smile as they welcomed him with the showering of petals. The cultural programme commenced with a soulful welcome song by the school choir, followed by an audio-visual presentation, highlighting the life and mission of the school. Rev. Fr. Binny Isaac, the Rector, Director, and Manager, delivered the welcome address. Rev. Fr. Binny expressed his happiness and joy in welcoming the revered dignitaries. He reiterated in the hearts of all that the revered Rector Major is the living Don Bosco amongst all. A grand felicitation ceremony followed as the honoured dignitaries were felicitated with warm hearts and symbolic tokens of honour and gratitude; after which the much revered Rector Major addressed the gathering, inspiring all with his thoughtful and encouraging message.
His message encompassed the life and mission of Don Bosco – a man who wanted his life to reflect meaningful education and therefore he himself engaged in work and service to make education available to all, to boys who had no chance in life. He emphasised that Don Bosco’s story is a story of generosity and urged all to be grateful to one’s roots and opportunities in life and living. He etched out in the hearts of all that happiness comes from the honest fulfilment of one’s responsibility – a message that all Bosconians are sure to carry in their hearts and minds. A heart-warming and engaging interview with the revered Rector Major followed, with students and teachers asking him questions to seek his guidance.
Each question was answered with graceful honesty and he emphasised on the values of empathy, gratitude and kindness. His idea was simple yet life-changing and enlightening as he spoke in detail on the role of educators in today’s world that is crowded with necessary and unnecessary information. The deep, spontaneous yet cheerful interview was succeeded by a self-composed homage to Don Bosco sung by the students and teachers with deep reverence and happy joy of receiving his blessings. The programme concluded with a Vote of Thanks proposed by Rev. Fr. Sujith Augistine, the Principal, who showered his deepest gratitude to the respected guests on behalf of the Don Bosco, Alaknanda family, marking the privileged visit as a memorable and enriching experience for the entire school community.