Don Bosco Provincial House, Panbazar, Guwahati, joined the rest of the nation in celebrating India’s 80th Independence Day on August 15, 2026, with a solemn and patriotic gathering at the Provincial House lawn.

The celebration began with the hoisting of the National Flag by Rev. Fr Sebastian Kuricheal, SDB, Provincial, followed by the singing of the National Anthem. Salesians and members of the Provincial House community gathered to honour the nation and remember with gratitude the sacrifices of the freedom fighters who secured India’s independence.

Earlier, Cleric Timash N. Marak delivered a brief reflection on the significance of the occasion. He called upon everyone present to take pride in being Indians and to contribute actively towards the progress and development of the nation. He reminded the gathering that the freedom enjoyed today carries with it the responsibility of working for the common good.

Addressing the gathering, Fr Sebastian Kuricheal said that Independence Day is an occasion not merely to remember the past but also to commit oneself to fulfilling the dreams and aspirations of the freedom fighters. He urged everyone to work towards the progress and development of the country and to become active participants in nation-building.

The Provincial further emphasized that peace and tranquillity in the country can be strengthened when every citizen takes responsibility for building a just, harmonious and prosperous nation. He called for greater commitment, cooperation and a spirit of service for the welfare of society.

The gathering also expressed its patriotic sentiments through the singing of the hymn, “Into That Heaven of Freedom, My Father, Let My Country Awake,” inspired by Rabindranath Tagore’s celebrated vision of a free, awakened and enlightened India.