Christian Missionaries Transforming Lives Through Education in Assam

Diphu: The contribution of Christian missionaries towards education in the hills of Assam is immense. The selfless service of the crusaders of noble cause is inspiring and the legacy is still continuing. What began with a small thatched hut is now a colossal edifice but the motivation has not changed. Until today the nuns render dedicated service for elevating education and civic sense.

Father Michael Balawan representing the Shillong-Guwahati ArchDiocese started a small lower primary school at Sojong village on a hillock in 1963, the Karbi village near Donkamukam, West Karbi Anglong. That was the commencement of modern education in one of the remotest part of Northeast India among the aboriginal tribes.

That single step taken by Father Michael Balawan has become a gigantic educational centre today after 50 years of relentless service by the missionaries to carry forward the bequest. Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, located at the majestic backdrop of lash green Sojong hills is in full bloom now. The whole area was economically and educationally backward.

“Father Balawan is a person with rare love on education for overcoming the common depression of our people. This school has produced many distinguished personalities from that locality who are well known in society today,” Mukul Kathar a prominent person of the locality said.

The school will observe its golden jubilee from 12th November with three days programme in presence of the former students and old guards who gave up their best part of their life to groom the future. Tuliram Ronghang Chief Executive Member of Karbi anglong Autonomous Council and resident of Donkamukam will remain present on the occasion.

Sushanta Roy
Sushanta Roy is a journalist in Assam, India, who photographs and writes about the people, animals and flora of Assam, and the things that affect them.