Christmas Celebrations 19

The Christmas Celebration of Hindustan Group of Institutions held on 20 December 2019 at MGR Auditorium, Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science, Padur commenced with the opening prayer by Rev. Eapen Mathew, Vicar, St. Paul’s Mar Thoma Church, Adyar.In the presidential address delivered by Dr. Mrs. Elizabeth Verghese, Chairperson, Hindustan Group of Institutions, a reference to the celebration of Christ in its real essence was drawn. She also informed that our nation is going through turbulence caused by conflicts, differences of opinion and national and man-made calamities; but the love of God can provide us peace and harmony.

Dr. Mathews Mar Makarios, Bishop of Mar Thoma Church, Chennai-Bangalore Diocese, the chief guest of the eventdelivered the Christmas message. The message conveyed that God left the heavenly abode and entered the world of human beings which has its own limitations of joys and sorrows. He also added that the birth of Christ symbolises human beings moving from the world of darkness to light just as the shepherds and the three wise men followed the light to reach baby Jesus who Himself is the Light. The Most Reverent Bishop recorded his appreciation for Hindustan Group of Institutions for the service rendered towards education. He said that the institution is striving hard to fulfil the motto of the Founder Chairman: “To Make Every Man A Success And No Man A Failure”.

Mr. Nitirooge Phoneprasert, Consul General, Thailand,the Guest of Honour delivered the felicitation; and informed that Christmas implies that Son of God came to the world to save humanity. He iterated that Christmas is the story of hope; and Jesus Christ inspires us to love one another with full of generosity and grace. Through this, he highlighted that even after two thousand years, the message of Christmas of hope and humility is still applicable. The Consul General said that he feels honoured to represent the people of Thailand on this auspicious occasion.Dr. Susan Marthandan, Director, Hindustan College of Arts & Science read the bible portion. Carol singing was rendered by the staff and students of the colleges belonging to Hindustan Group of Institutions. The students of the Hindustan International Schools explicitly portrayed the Nativity Scene. “Campus Talk” Newsletter, Calendar and Diary 2020 of the Hindustan Group of Institutions was also released on this day. Winners of Biblia 2019 and Carol the King received their prizes from the Chief Guest. Dr. Pon. Ramalingam, Registrar, Hindustan Institute of Technology & Science proposed the vote of thanks. Rev. Shinu Baby, Bishop’s Secretary, offered the closing prayer.The benediction was rendered by Dr. Mathews Mar Makarios, Bishop of Mar Thoma Church, Chennai-Bangalore Diocese. The event concluded with the congregation holding lit candles and the hymn “Silent Night”. Finally, the Santa Claus visited the venue and wished one and all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2020.