Christmas Celebrations 2018

The celebration of a ray of light, the divine birth in manger, and glory of God is Christmas in essence.
Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science had its glorious Christmas Celebrations on 14 December 2018, Friday. Mr. Sadhu Chellappa, Founder, Agni Ashram, Chennai was the Guest of the day. The event was well attended by representations from all Hindustan Group of Institutions. Hymns praising the exaltation of the Lord reverberated the air and instilled the sense of unity and oneness amongst everyone which is the real sense of Christmas.

Rev. Eapen Mathew, Vicar, St. Paul’s Mar Thoma Church, Adayar rendered the Opening Prayer. In his message, Mr. Sadhu Chellappa drew the unity among all Gods and said, “Concept of God is same in all religions; only the names differ. We are the temple of God. Love is God and God is love. Do everything with faith and hope, God will definitely help to overcome hurdles in life. The more you trust yourselves, the more you become temple of God. Let us make this Christmas a day to get ourselves closer to God.” He also correlated Christmas and gifts: “The joy is all about gifts . . . Let us gift an enemy, forgiveness; an opponent, tolerance; a friend, our heart; to all, charity; to every child, a good example; and to ourselves, respect!” Dr. Mrs. Elizabeth Verghese, Chair Person, Hindustan Group of Institutions, in her Christmas message said, “Jesus is both God and human in the shape of one. He emphasized on serving poor: an equivalent to God. Christ should be celebrated during Christmas not religion. Only through love of God we can get joy and harmony among us. Christmas brings universal love to this distraught world.” Further, she wanted each of us to renew our hearts and stay committed to work for God and society in the new year.

Dr. Susan Marthandan, Director, Hindustan Colleges of Arts and Science gave message from the Bible. Mellifluous choir rendition of carols accompanied by orchestra got appreciations from all. The Hindustan Group of Institutions Calendar and Diary 2019 of the institution was released by General Lt Bobby Mathews, Joint Director, Hindustan International Schools; and the first copy was received by Dr. Mrs. Elizabeth Verghese. Prize distribution for “BIBLIA 2018”, a Bible Quiz was done during the celebration. Hindustan College of Arts and Science and Hindustan International School, Padur won first prize in Biblia under College and School category respectively. Dr. Anand Jacob Verghese, Director & CEO, HGI, Dr. Aby Sam and Dr. Ashok G. Verghese, Directors, HITS Ms. Annie Jacob Verghese, Director K.C.G. College of Technology, Dr. Susan Marthandan, Director, HCAS and other members of the management were also present at the function.

With the gleeful entry of Santa Claus wishing “Merry Christmas” and a “Happy New Year”, and “Silent Night” sung, the celebrations came to denouement. Rev. Jobi Varghese, Student Chaplain, HGI showered the programme with closing prayer.