ECHOES OF A LEGEND: THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF FR. JOSEPH AROKIASWAMY SDB

10th October 2024, Shillong: The book titled Echoes of a Legend is on the life of Fr. Joseph Arokiaswamy SDB, who was the principal of St. Anthony’s College, Shillong. He was in the college from 1958 to 1982 as the principal- the longest in tenure till date in this office. The book was released by Fr. John Zosiama sdb, the Provincial of the Shillong Province of the Salesians in the presence of Prof. David R. Syiemlieh, Brig. William Sturgeon, Fr A L Jose sdb, Fr Arcadius Puwein sdb, Sr. Philomena Kharakor RNDM and other members of the Salesian Family and friends who had association with Fr. Joseph. The book is a collection of reminiscences of people who have lived and worked closely with Fr. Joseph. They recollect their memories of Fr. Joseph. We also have a write up by Sr. Angel Mary FMM, the niece of Fr. Joseph in this collection among the 37 people who have contributed their memories and love of Fr. Joseph. Of these 37, three have returned to their eternal reward. Our prayers are with them. In the words of Archbishop Thomas Manamparampil, going through the pages of this book, one can find a visionary leader and his rich contribution to the cause of education in the region, to the service of the Church, his love for the many communities of the hills and valleys of Meghalaya and the undivided Assam. The publication of this book is an initiative with the support of the Alumni Association of St. Anthony’s College, Shillong (SACSAA). The profit from the sale of these books will be for the financial support of the economically deserving students of the evening college at St. Anthony’s. The copies of the book are available in St. Anthony’s College, Shillong, Don Bosco Book Depot, St. Paul’s Book Centre, Bosco World, Mawlai and other book shops of Meghalaya. The same can be ordered online from Amazon. Having looked at the life of this great visionary, educationist and priest one wonders, as Fr. Stephen Mavely has put – Here was a Legend, when comes such another?