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SALESIAN COLLEGE SONADA BIDS FAREWELL TO ITS FIRST LAY OFFICE STAFF MR. ROBERT LEPCHA

Salesian College Sonada bids farewell to its First Lay office staff Mr. Robert Lepcha

Sonada, 03 September 2026: The Salesians, faculty members, office and support staff of Salesian college, Sonada gathered around Mr. Robert Lepcha on 03 September 2026, its first librarian and office staff, to bid farewell to him after an unmatchable service of 36 years.  The day’s programme was coupled with expressions of appreciation for the teaching faculty as the nation keeps teacher’s day on the 5th of September. 

Mr. Robert, a native of Molot, Darjeeling Hills, joined Salesian college on 15th March, 1990 as the first lay person to work as librarian of the philosophate and graduate studies, and made Gorabari his home.  Soon he began to take up office work and eventually became a full pledged office staff. His administrative expertise made him an indispensable member of several key institutional bodies. He was appointed to the NAAC First Cycle Preparation Committee in 2003 and later contributed significantly as a member of the Finance Committee, the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), and the College Autonomy Preparation Group from 2020 onwards. 

The college and the philosophate expressed its gratitude to Mr. Robert with a farewell dinner with the entire faculty and staff, followed by a stage performance consisting of dances, songs, video presentations and messages from numerous beneficiaries of his service. 

The Rector, Fr. Johny Nedungatt voiced the sentiments of the college community when he said, “Ever since day one, you were truly faithful to your assigned duties,  attended to whatever was needed to be done, ensured that the office was maintained beyond requirement, and built up familial relationship, as if this institute was your home. … You may leave the college, but the college will not leave you.” 

“We remember your willingness to work, we remember your sense of responsibility, we remember your perseverance and above all, we remember your loyalty to the Salesian College”, were the words of the Principal, Fr. (Dr.) Babu Joseph who was present throughout the entire programme.  This was complemented by the vice-principal, Dr. Terence Mukhia when he said,  “His industrious work ethic complemented by a remarkably humble, simple, and approachable demeanour made him an invaluable pillar of Salesian academic family”.

Mr. Robert was more than an employee. He considered Salesian college his home away from home.  This was manifested in the words of his colleague, Mr. Savio Giri, “Your knowledge of the office requirements, your guidance to the staff students and your willingness to take responsibility have been truly valuable to this institution”. 

“Throughout these thirty-six years, Sir Robert has anchored our administrative core with quiet dignity, selfless dedication, and an abiding fatherly care that treated every colleague and student as family. Today, we stand united in deep respect and gratitude to celebrate a lifetime of exemplary devotion to Salesian College,” were the sentiments of the faculty.

The president of the student council who planned meticulously the day’s programme spoke of Mr. Robert as “A symbol of dedication and untiring discipline”. 

The concluding words of  Mr. Robert, “As Salesian employees we have duties and responsibilities to assist and support the institution and if need be, by giving extra time to complete the assigned work… I think we should have the attitude of  my college is my family” spoke for itself who he was in the life of Salesian College. 

 

SCS Reporter