By Felix Anthony

Miao, August 11, 2019: The school dropout youth in the diocese of Miao in Arunachal Pradesh on August 11 staged a musical on the Old Testament character Job to mark the National Youth Day.

Around 70 dropouts from the villages of Tirap, Longding and Changlang districts, bordering Myanmar, came together for a four-day practice to stage the musical on Job, often depicted as the man tested by God.

Bishop George Pallipparambil of Miao, who attended the program at Light of the World School Hall, expressed satisfaction over that more than 50 percent participants in the musical have signed up for regular schooling from the next academic year.

“It is a beautiful coincidence that this musical is staged on the National Youth Day. Your performance today is a testimony that one does not become a dropout till he or she gives up in life. Your story is an inspiration to the youth in the last villages of your districts,” said the Salesian prelate.

Drawing a parallel from the story of Job who refused to give up in the face of discouragement, he told the youth that to be victorious one must stand up and not drop out.

Speaking at the end of the Musical, Chief guest Somlung Mossang, legislator representing Bordumsa-Diyun constituency, congratulated the youth for staging a delightful musical within a few days of practice.

The audience
“You have proved nothing is impossible. Many of the dropouts, including the likes of Bill Gates, have gone on to become great. Your performance today is encouraging signs that our youth have the talents to leave their mark behind,” the lawmaker said.

Additional Deputy Commissioner of Miao sub-division Tage Rumi too spoke on the occasion highlighting the importance of using the youthfulness to bring positive changes to society.

The musical event was trained by a team called Upper Room based in Goa, western India.

The day also organized animation programs for youth, singing and drawing competitions, and tree plantations held across the diocese.

The youth day is an initiative of the Youth Commission of the Conference of Catholic Bishops óf India.