The 13th of December 2025, witnessed St. Theresa’s Hall well decked up for UCDC’s Christmas and Annual Day celebration. The entire hall was beautifully decorated for the occasion and a meaningful backdrop named ‘UCDC Parivar Utsav 2025’ graced the stage.
The programme commenced at 11 AM with the singing of the UCDC Anthem. The dignitaries were next welcomed on stage and felicitated with presentation of potted plants. Besides our Director – Fr. Lawrence Correa, Fr. Kuriakose – Treasurer, Fr. Cosmos Ekka – Programme Coordinator, Fr. Tomy Thomas – Provincial Superior, SVD, and Guest of Honour, Fr. Donald D’Souza, Committee Member, not forgetting the Chief Guest – Sr. Kripa, from ‘Navjeet’ of Holy Family Hospital, were all seated on the dais.
In his welcome speech, Fr. Lawrence welcomed all the guests present with a short but meaningful speech on ‘Hope’. Hope is God’s gentle whisper that even in our darkest moments, light is on its way. It is the quiet assurance that we are never alone, that every challenge carries within it the seeds of growth, and that every ending prepares us for a new beginning. Fr. Tomy Thomas voiced his appreciation of the good work done by UCDC, as also Sr. Kripa, who expressed similar sentiments, in particular of the excellent work done by the Centre for the migrant section of our society.
The cultural segment followed with our little children from the Balwadi and Tuition Classes singing a welcome song. The Junior and Senior KG students danced to the Hindi Christmas song – ‘Chan Chan Chan’. The rest of the items presented were vibrant and colourful dances by our Adult Literacy students who performed an Assamese dance, while our UCDC staff danced to the song ‘Teri Aur’.The boys from Stds. I to IV performed to the Christmas carol – ‘Mary’s Boy Child’ whilst the girls from the same classes danced to a song about the ‘Environment’. Not to be left behind, our Ex-students danced to the carol – ‘Hark the Herald Angels Sing.’ The finale was the mothers of our children who did an Adivasi dance.
Soon after, some of our children who had scored extremely well in their academic studies and various competitions, were presented with Awards of Appreciation.
The Vote of Thanks was proposed by Fr. Cosmos, thanking all the guests, participants, parents, students and ex-students, not forgetting our volunteers and staff, commending them for a memorable job, well executed. Fr. Jomet Kolath, SVD, then said the Prayer before Meals, after which the festive lunch was declared open.
There were about 350 persons comprising of children, staff, parents, volunteers, Adult Literacy students, donors and well-wishers.
All were very happy and enjoyed the whole programme and returned home with good and unforgettable memories.
The day’s events were captured on camera by Fr. Cosmos and his team. Take-away gifts were presented to all present by the Centre at the end of the festivities.
