Vaishali (Ghaziabad), Aug.17: National Institute of Social Communications, Research And Training (Niscort), organised a heart warming farewell to Fr. John Edappilly the outgoing Dean of studies. Rt. Rev. Salvadore Lobo the Bishop of Baruipur, and a large number of his friends, acquaintances, several prominent media persons, the priests and nuns from the neighbouring institutions, the staff and students of Niscort turned up to bid farewell at the function.
Fr.Jude Bothello, the director of Niscort, expressed sincere admiration to Fr. John for his dedicated service. He presented a brief sketch of his eventful eight years at Niscort from the year 2002. He said, “I could fully depend on John and I knew the task taken up by him will be fulfilled.”. He also acknowledged that it was Fr. John’s effort that the institute got association with Makhanlal Chathurvedi University, to provide the masters degree and post graduate diploma courses. He was candid in admitting that the centre would miss the services of Dr. Edappilly very much.
Rt. Rev. Salvadore Lobo articulated the gratitude and appreciation on behalf of the Catholic Bishops Conference of India and appreciated his attitude to any role and responsibility that comes along. He said, “Fr. John is a builder of community with contagious smile, association and information”. It is his ability to communicate effectively the visions of the organization in an exciting free-style that added to the success that Niscort achieved in the previous years.
Mr. A.J. Philip and Ms. Sunaina Chabra speaking on behalf of the staff felt that Dr. Edappilly was a strict disciplinarian and at the same time very human and understanding. “The stern and good humoured manner of approach inspired the staff members to contribute their best with enthusiasm”, said Mr. AJ Philip.
“Veni,vidi,vici” meaning “I came, I saw, I conquered” the words attributed to Julius Caesar were the words that Fr. Thomas D, Silva, speaking on behalf of the student community credited to Fr. John, who in reality conquered the hearts of the staff and students. He said that one outstanding trait in Fr. John is that he is an exemplary, enthusiastic, confident and committed leader, possessing a multi-faceted personality.
A video presentation documenting memorable events of Fr. John in Niscort with photos and video footages was the highlight of the function. The function was marked by the colourful cultural programmes put up by the students. The farewell song- ‘All of us gathered here’ put the gathering in the farewell mood. ‘Save the Earth’, the street play and the fusion dance by the students gave some food for thought and also kept everyone tap tapping their feet. The event came to an end with an agape.
In his farewell message Fr. John said, “I was just an instrument to be with you to encourage and institute the media studies here over a period”. He encouraged the students saying, “You have one of the best chances with the latest facilities second to none. Make the best use of it and there is no substitute to hard work to achieve the goal”. He appreciated the hard work of the students and the co-operation of the faculty members which made a name for the institute in the university securing hundred percentage year after year.
Jisty Varghese, II MJ, NISCORT
