Bangalore: Celebration mood permeated among the faithful as NECCB Day was celebrated with pomp and gaiety. The North East Catholic Community Bangalore, on Sunday, August 20th, 2023, celebrated NECCB Day – Freshers’ Meet Cum Sports at the premise of St. Joseph’s University, Bangalore. The Catholic Community Bangalore celebrated its first-ever Community Day in history with pomp and gaiety under the theme “Under one Roof in Christ.” This annual event highlights unity and diversity within the community, with participants from various Northeastern states of India joining for spiritual enrichment and cultural exchange.
Over 300 faithfuls joined the congregation and participated in the event. The program commenced as per Catholic traditional norms with a Holy Mass presided over by the Main Celebrant, Fr. Arun Sj. The faithfuls went on to celebrate Freshers’ Meet followed by Games and Sports.
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The Chief Guest of the day was Mr. KC Menon, retired Colonel of the Indian Army, the present Chief Human Resources Officer at St. Joseph’s University, Bangalore.
Menon enthused the gathering by citing his experience, relationship, and bond with the North Eastern people when he was in the service. “My battalion belonged to various tribes; we worked together in unity and participated in the cultural activities of the people through civic mission,” said Menon.
Furthermore, he urged the attendees to maintain a good balance between life and work as he did. “Instill the virtue of steadfast faith as Catholics and work cohesively for the collective aspirations of NECCB and for the greater kingdom of God,” opined Menon.
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It may be noted that the NECCB was founded in 2009 by two catholic youths from Manipur, namely Abraham Maluk from Poi Village belonged to Holy Spirit Parish Longpi, and Tharuba Francis Soiba, from St. John Bosco Parish, Maram Centre from Manipur.
The community celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2019. However, this kind of program is being held for the first time in history under the leadership of Fr. James Sauntak Sj, the chaplain of NECCB.
Earlier in the program, the welcome song was presented by the NECCB choir team, followed by a welcome address by Alice Rong, President NECCB, and various items were performed by different tribes, while Mying Yanthan proposed the vote of thanks.
(North East Catholic Community Bangalore, August 22, 2023)
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