The Platinum Jubilee of Sacred Heart College (Autonomous), Tirupattur, commemorating 75 illustrious years of academic excellence and transformative educational service, was celebrated with grandeur and solemn splendour on the college campus in the august presence of eminent dignitaries, distinguished alumni, faculty members, and students. The historic celebration commenced with Tamizh Thaai Vaazhthu, followed by a reverential prayer song. The ceremonial lighting of the Platinum Jubilee Lamp stood as a resplendent symbol of the institution’s seventy-five years of enlightened mission in higher education.

Rev. Dr. Praveen Peter, Rector and Secretary, delivered the welcome address, and formally introduced the Chief Guest. Rev. Dr. D. Maria Antonyraj, Principal, honoured the Chief Guest, Most Rev. Fabio Attard, Rector Major of the Salesians of Don Bosco, followed by the felicitation of other distinguished dignitaries. Rt. Rev. Ambrose Pitchaimuthu, Bishop of Vellore, Rt. Rev. Lawerence Pius DD, Bishop of Dharmapuri, Rev. Fr. Biju Michael, Regional Superior, South East Asia and Rev. Fr. Don Bosco Lourdusamy, SDB, Provincial.

A significant highlight of the celebration was the formal Declaration of the District Bird, the “Ash-coloured Hornbill,” symbolising ecological consciousness and regional identity. The occasion was further marked by the release of two prestigious commemorative publications: “Echoes of the Heart: Seventy-Five Years of Grace and Growth,” a concise chronicle of the college’s inspiring journey, and “A Beacon of Service: The 75-Year Legacy and Impact of Sacred Heart College in Education and Community Engagement,” an in-depth impact study and the release of the Platinum Jubilee Souvenir.

An evocative audio-visual presentation titled “Glimpses of Sacred Heart College – 75” traced the institution’s historic milestones, academic contributions, and societal outreach initiatives.

In a magnanimous gesture of gratitude, the alumni fraternity dedicated an ambulance to the college, underscoring their enduring bond with their alma mater. The celebration also witnessed the conferment of the prestigious “Icon of the Year” for the best outgoing student.

Rt. Rev. Ambrose Pitchaimuthu, Bishop of Vellore, extended his respectful greetings on the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of Sacred Heart College, Tirupattur. Reflecting on every visit to the sacred campus, he noted how Christ’s living presence continues to inspire, strengthen, and guide all vocations and missions. He recalled the heroic history of the Church in the region and the growth of the Vellore Diocese through missionary service and Salesian dedication. Highlighting the college as a centre of knowledge, faith, and formation, he appreciated the contribution of the Salesian congregation, faculty, staff, and alumni. He concluded by invoking God’s blessings on the institution’s continued mission of education and service.

Rt. Rev. Lawerence Pius DD, Bishop of Dharmapuri, delivered a warm felicitation during the platinum jubilee celebrations of Sacred Heart College, Tirupattur. He fondly recalled his formative years in Salesian schools and praised Rector Major Fr. Fabio Attard as a global gift to the Church, noting his theological depth and pastoral leadership. Highlighting the college’s transformation since its founding in 1951, he commended its academic growth and modern programmes. He lauded the Salesian charism and predicted its expanding global influence, congratulating the management, staff, students, and alumni on the milestone celebration.

Rev. Fr. Biju Michael, Regional Superior, South East Asia, congratulated the management and staff of Sacred Heart College, Tirupattur during its Platinum Jubilee celebrations. He lauded the institution’s academic excellence, highlighting its NAAC A++ accreditation and national ranking achievements. Beyond academics, he praised the college’s transformative outreach among poor and marginalized youth in the region, calling it a hallmark of the Salesian mission. Emphasizing “empowerment” and “transformation,” he urged students to shape their own growth and become icons for their families and communities. He expressed hope that the college would continue its impactful legacy toward its centenary milestone

Very Rev. Fr. Fabio Attard, Rector Major of the Salesians of Don Bosco, offered three key reflections in his address. He stressed that education must build character, values, and holistic vision beyond academics. He urged youth to become “gentle agents of positive social change,” using competence and kindness to challenge injustice and uplift the poor. Finally, he called them to be “Sowers of hope” in a rapidly changing world, blending professional excellence with compassion. He encouraged students to live Don Bosco’s spirit by promoting fraternity, dignity, and service for a more humane and hopeful society.

Rev. Fr. Don Lourdusamy, SDB, Provincial highlighted the responsibility of preserving God’s image and likeness through unity, gratitude, and renewed commitment during the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of Sacred Heart College, Tirupattur. Recalling the election of Rector Major Fr. Fabio Attard on the Solemnity of the Annunciation, he described it as a providential blessing. He shared touching instances of the Rector Major’s compassion toward the poor and marginalized, reflecting the spirit of St. John Bosco. Emphasizing empowerment and social transformation, he urged students to uphold the institution’s values and mission while carrying forward its legacy of service, faith, and formation.

Cultural performances added colour to the celebration. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Rev. Dr. D. Maria Antonyraj and the College Anthem. The Platinum Jubilee celebration stood as a monumental testament to the college’s legacy of holistic education, value-based formation, and unwavering commitment to nation-building.