Tura, March 9, 2025: One of the oldest and prominent School of the Tura town, the St Xavier’s Higher Secondary School, Tura celebrated the much awaited Platinum Jubilee on Saturday evening with a grand celebration at the school premises in Chandmari.

Established with a purpose of imparting basic and quality education to the young girls of the society, St. Xavier’s School began its journey in two small rooms and a veranda of a simple “katcha” school building near a jackfruit tree in 1951. This tree has stood witness to nearly six decades of children learning, growing and thriving.

Initially, the school started as a Garo medium school with classes A, B, I, II and III and the sisters would visit families to encourage them to send their children to school, emphasizing the importance of education, discipline and cleanliness.

As the school grew, the Garo medium primary school expanded to become a Middle English medium school in 1959. In 1961, a new building was constructed, which still stands today, echoing memories for countless past pupils. It may be mentioned that the school was run by the Missionaries of Christ Jesus which was founded in 1944 in Spain by Mother Maria Camino, along with two other dedicated women, Concha Arraiza and Maria Theresa Unzu. Their mission was to make a difference in the World.

Member of the Parliament, Lok Sabha, 2-Tura Parliamentary Constituency, Saleng A Sangma was present as the Chief Guest in the presence of Deputy Commissioner, Jagdish Chelani, Executive Chairman, MBOSE, Tura CP Marak, Right Reverend Bishop of Tura, Bishop Andrew R Marak, Auxiliary Bishop of Tura Bishop CJ Jose and host of distinguished dignitaries including Alumni, parents and students.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Guest Saleng A Sangma lauded the efforts of the missionary sisters in establishing the school not only for the people of Tura, but for the whole of Garo Hills and beyond facing numerous challenges at that time. Expressing his gratitude for the abundant blessings showered by the Almighty, he also acknowledged the dedication and selfless service rendered by the Missionary Sisters including the teachers for changing the lives of many and for guiding the students towards countless success adding that the foundation led by the founding Sister Maria Camino had made an indelible mark in the history of education in the region.

Stating that the teachers are the architect of shaping the young minds, he said that their unwavering commitment and dedication have inspired them with values lasting a lifetime and the alumni as the living legacy of the school whose achievement reflects the strength of education imparted in the school. Reminding the motto of the school “Love in Service”, he said that every person has a purpose and that each one should live upto the expectations and continue to contribute to the society in meaningful ways.

The General Directress of Missionaries of Christ Jesus Sr Bangizila Kitumua extended her warm greetings to everyone present on the occasion and said that Tura is the first born child and first school of MCJ. Stating that 75 years is a long journey, she expressed her thankfulness to God Almighty, the benefactors, the teachers, the Alumni and added that the grand celebration was made possible by the generous contribution of the Alumni and to continue its mission in future.

Right Reverend Bishop of Tura, Bishop Andrew R Marak, from the Alumni Executive Chairman, Meghalaya Board of School Education (MBOSE), Tura CP Marak, Retired IAS Renilla D Marak and Shella N Marak were among others who spoke during the occasion while the Principal St. Xavier’s School, Tura Sister Maria D ‘Silva presented the Flashback of 75 years by the digital world.

Earlier the Chief Guest along with other dignitaries inaugurated the Higher Secondary Block and was Blessed by Bishop Of Tura Reverend Andrew R Marak in the presence of Auxiliary Bishop, Bishop CJ Jose, General Directress MCJ Sister Bangizila Kitumua and others. The dignitaries also cut the Jubilee Cake during the event.

As a remembrance to all those departed, a rich Floral Tribute was paid to these God’s Angels . Various cultural programmes befitting the occasion marked the Platinum Jubilee celebration with Musical Treat by the Shammy and the Band and Rough Road.