LETTER from BEHALA - Dear Friends, greetings from the Oxford Mission family, Behala! It gives me immense pleasure to express that life in Oxford Mission (OM) Behala for the last five months has been truly exciting, exhilarating and ecstatic.
The much-awaited 'Changes, Repairs, Renovations and Procurements' were completed on time, with extra funds sanctioned by the OM UK committee and earmarked donations generously given by our supporters in the UK. The salient tasks were: the refurbishment of the OM chapel at Barisha; the St Nicholas' Home first floor and roof repairs; the construction of a temporary shed to remove Barisha Sporting from their unauthorised occupation of Douglass' Hut; and the Boys' Hostel and ancillaries being trimmed up with fresh coats of paint.
Activities & events
All Soul's Day.
Combined prayers for boys, staff and the Cha plain were organised at the Mission cemetery on 02 November, in remembrance of the Epiphany founder fathers, other Brothers, lay leaders and associates and staff members who have rendered distinguished services to this Mission.
Achievements of OM Hostel Boys
An inter-church and inter-institution, age-wise, competition, comprising of drawing, a Bible quiz and a silent tableau depicting a biblical event lasting one minute without any audio-visual aids, was organised by the Diocese of Kolkata (CNI) at La Martiniere Boy's School, Kolkata. OM, Behala, boys came first in the tableau, won 23 events prizes and was declared the overall trophy winner of the Kolkata diocese, scoring 78 out of 100 points.
St Nicholas' Day, 06 December
This was observed with pomp, grandeur and maximum participation by the toddlers of St Nicholas' home on the boys' hostel lawns. The colourful decorations and the blinking electric lights added to the dances, drama, songs and recitations presented by our children to a large gathering of OM boys, staff members, teachers, tutors and many guests. Two sets of school uniforms, a pair of shoes with socks, a set of clothes and a packet of snacks, presented individually, brought cheesy smiles to the faces of these youngsters.
Re-dedication of OM Barisha Chapel
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A re-dedication thanksgiving service in the OM chapel was held on 06 December at 3.30 p.m. The Rt Revd Ashoke Biswas, Bishop of Kolkata Diocese and Chairman, OMTA, conducted the inauguration ceremony service, along with the Rt Revd Paul Sishir Sarker, Moderator, Church of Bangladesh. A large number of priests, institutional heads, OMTA Trustees, local Christians, ex-OM boys, staff members and hostel boys attended the service.
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Epiphany Day Festival
Sung Eucharist was also celebrated on 06 January on the Mission House lawn from 4.00 p.m. The service was conducted by the Rt Revd Ashoke Biswas. The Rt Revd Paul Sishir Sarker, Moderator, Church of Bangladesh, the Rt Revd B Malakar, Bishop, Barrackpore diocese, Father lan Weathrall, Delhi Brotherhood, OMTA Trustees and a large number of priests, along with OM staff members and boys, celebrated the festival very solemnly. Mr Sanjib Mondal, Mr Sanjay Bhowmick and several other OM old boys performed along with the present boys' orchestra. Tea and food packets were distributed to all present.
Academics
The annual school examinations being over, the boys are aspiring to join their higher classes. 91% of primary school boys and 97% of high school boys were promoted. Out of 135 boys, 9 failed to make the grade this year.
Extra-Curriculum
Increased enthusiasm and eagerness to become musicians was noticed among the boys after the procurement, with earmarked grants received from VI<supporters, of 15 wind instruments and 4 brass instruments. The music teachers are spending valuable time with keen learners.
Visitors
OM Barisha was extremely fortunate in having among them eminent visitors, namely:
The Revd Canon Joanna Udal, Archbishop of Canterbury's secretary for Anglican Communion Affairs, together with Ms Sue Parks, Archbishop of Canterbury's Project Officer from Lambeth Palace, London, visited OM Barisha, Santi Nivash Old People's home and St Peter's Church, Behala, on 13 October; The Rt Revd WJD Down, President of the Oxford Mission, visited OM Barisha from 28 to 30 October. Besides a fruitful meeting with the Rt Revd Ashoke Biswas, Bishop of Kolkata and Chairman, OMTA, he spent prime time with the OM boys in their worship, studies, meals and music classes;
Shane and Lesley Guy, from Oakington, Cambridge, VI<, spent quality time on 12 January visiting the boys' hostels, the renovated Chapel and were pleased by an impromptu orchestral recital rendered separately by our junior and senior boys in the Mathieson Memorial Music Centre; and
Mr Malcolm T Trigg, together with his business associate in India Mr Raj, visited OM Barisha on 22 January. He carried back pleasant memories and promised further assistance to us through the UK committee.
We look forward to more frequent visits from our UK committee members, donors and well-wishers, without whom OM Barisha will feel lonely and forlorn.
With fond regards and prayers.
Col Subir Ghosh
Administrator