Love is stronger than death even though it can’t stop death from happening, but no matter how hard death tries, it can’t separate people from love. It can’t take away our memories either. In the end, life is stronger than death. This is the consolation of the DBTI alumni at the departure of their former principal who was their mentor and guide during the period of training at DBTI Okhla and after that as well. The person referring to is none other than Rev Fr George Nadackal SDB who passed away at 4.00 am on 2nd August 2021 due to cancer and other related complications. The news of his sudden departure has left everyone shocked and a heart full of sorrow.
The alumni gathered together on 8th August 2021 at 10.00 am to commemorate the departure of their mentor, Fr George Nadackal. About forty past pupils gathered for a memorial service at DBTI Okhla. There was Holy Mass at 10.00 am presided over by Rev Fr Sajan M George, the Director of the institute. Fr K A Joseph shared his thoughts on Fr George during the sermon. Mr Sonu Dey was at the keyboard and the choir sang all the hymns so melodiously and in a prayerful manner fitting to the occasion. Mr Roby gave the vote of thanks at the end of the mass.
Soon after the Holy Mass everyone gathered in the hall to cherish the memories. At the outset Mr Ajit Osta, the president of the alumni, invited Br Tom, the current Principal and delegate of the alumni, to speak on Fr George Nadackal. Br Tom spoke and gave an elaborate detail of exactly what happened on 1st August, the last day of Fr George Nadackal. There were five salesians in the hospital on that evening till at 3.00 am on the following day morning as Fr George’s condition had deteriorated drastically. Fr Sajan M George was invited to give an introductory talk and to introduce the Salesian staff and after that Mr Ajit Osta shared his thoughts and invited the representatives to share their views and thoughts on Fr George Nadackal. Six of them shared and several of them were in tears during their sharings.
Towards the end of the gathering, Mr Ajit Osta said that Fr George had a big heart especially for the poor trainees and so to keep his legacy and dream alive he proposed to start a scholarship program “George Nadackal Memorial scholarship” for the needy trainees of the institute. This suggestion came first from Mr Roby George. The idea was welcomed by everyone and the first one to contribute was Mr Alias Pinto, the Vice President of MothersonSumi company as he contributed rupees one lakh. Mr Jomon too contributed Rs. 21000/ by way of cheque. Others are expected to contribute once the account is opened but the following past pupils have confirmed to contribute amounts as given below.
Mr Roby Geoge: Rs.25000/-
Mr Amit John: Rs. 11000/-
Mr Denzil Schoffil: Rs. 50000/-
Mr Ajit Osta: Rs.11000/-
After the memorial gathering in the hall everyone had a sumptuous lunch after which as a token of love for Fr Geroge, 150 lunch packets were distributed to the poor people of the street in and around Sukhdev Vihar.
There are no goodbyes for us. As you are in heaven dear Fr George, you will always be in our hearts. When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. –DBTI Alumni