Shillong 26th August 2026: St. Xavier’s Higher Secondary School, Pathaliaghat, marked a significant milestone in its journey towards technology-based and skill-oriented education with the inauguration and blessing of its new Composite Skill Lab on Tuesday.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by Shri Subhash Dutta, TCS Grade-I and Additional District Magistrate (ADM), Sepahijala District, as the Chief Guest. Several Salesians and religious members, including Fr. Christopher of Bishramganj, Fr. Surjit of Agartala, Fr. Suman of Herma, Fr. Sunny and Fr. Joseph of Pitra, Fr. Glorious of Herma, Fr. Pravin of Gondachera, Sisters from Udaipur and Pathaliaghat, along with Fr. Babu Stephen, Fr. K.K. Joseph and Ms. Rosetta from Metabook XR, were present at the programme. A large number of parents also attended the function.
The programme began with a prayer led by Maryeona, followed by the welcome and felicitation address by Fr. Babu Stephen. Ms. Rosetta, Fr. K.K. Joseph and Fr. Christopher also addressed the gathering and highlighted the importance of technology-integrated learning and modern skill facilities in enhancing students’ creativity, practical knowledge and learning experiences.
Fr. K.K. Joseph blessed the new laboratory. The first phase of the inauguration was performed through the ceremonial ribbon-cutting by Fr. Christopher, Fr. Sunny, Fr. Suman, Fr. Surjit and Fr. Babu Stephen, while the second phase was formally inaugurated by Chief Guest Shri Subhash Dutta.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Dutta emphasized the growing importance of technology in education and appreciated the school’s initiative to introduce such a modern facility into its educational programme. He congratulated the school management and staff for their vision and efforts and expressed his appreciation for the well-equipped Composite Skill Lab.
The new facility is expected to provide students with opportunities for experiential learning, creativity, innovation and practical skill development, thereby complementing conventional classroom education and preparing them for the demands of the modern world.
In the afternoon, Shri Animesh Debbarma, Minister for Forest, Government of Tripura, visited the school and took an interest in the newly established facility. He appreciated the school’s initiative towards technology-based education and congratulated the school team for introducing the innovative learning facility.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Fr. Babu Stephen, who expressed gratitude to all the dignitaries, priests, sisters, parents, teachers, students and well-wishers whose support and cooperation made the initiative possible. The inauguration was a significant step forward for St. Xavier’s Higher Secondary School, Pathaliaghat, reaffirming its commitment to quality, innovation, technology and holistic education. The participation of parents and the presence of distinguished guests made the occasion all the more meaningful and memorable.
Reported by Fr. Babu Stephen SDB
