Tura, Garo Hills – The Chief Minister of Meghalaya Dr. Mukul M. Sangma, conferred a special life time service award to a Salesian missionary who worked over 65 years in the Garo Hills of Meghalaya.
“In honour of his selfless service to the people of the region I am pleased to confer the special award for lifetime service to Reverend Father Battista Busolin,” said Dr Sangma conferring on him the award on Republic Day at Tura Stadium, 26 January.
The citation presented to Fr Busolin of Don Bosco College Tura reads, “Reverend Father Battista Busolin, SDB, 94 years of age – a patron, friend and guide of the people of Garo Hills has dedicated his entire life and the past 65 years for selfless service to the people of Garo Hills.”
Born on 16th January, 1922, in Padua, Italy Fr Busolin set foot first in Garo Hills in 1950 and has devoted more than six decades of his life to endless and untiring service of the people of the region.
“Don Bosco College, Tura, Don Bosco B.Ed College, Don Bosco College Higher Secondary Section, the College Hostel are all monuments to his vision and commitment to the development of Garo Hills,” says the citation highlighting some the veteran missionary’s achievement.
Fr. Busolin has also set up numerous schools and dispensaries in Rengjeng, Garobadha, Bagmara and in several villages of Garo Hills bringing hope into the lives of a million people, having educated over 20,000 students many of whom are now holding responsible positions in society.
Fr. Busolin exudes happiness and enjoys good health even at the age of 94 and the many people who come to meet him daily are inspired by his positive mindset and relentless service, and generosity.
He continues to live among the Garos whom he calls ‘my beloved people’, bringing life, light and happiness to thousands of Garos and giving everyone a shining example of selfless service and sacrifice.