Catholic University in Bangladesh marks Bengali New Year, Club Day with vibrant celebrations

Notre Dame University Bangladesh (NDUB) brought vibrant colors and festive spirit to its campus in Motijheel, Dhaka, as it celebrated Club Day alongside Noboborsho (Bengali New Year) on April 26.

The daylong festivities reflected the university’s commitment to cultural pride, creativity, and community building.

A formal ceremony kicked off the celebrations, raising the national flag and NDUB flag while the national anthem echoed throughout the grounds. Club moderators and co-moderators then proudly hoisted their respective club flags, setting the stage for a day of unity and festivity.

Distinguished guests, including NDUB Vice Chancellor Dr. Father Patrick Daniel Gaffney, CSC; Pro-Vice Chancellor Dr. Father Charles B. Gordon, CSC; Treasurer and Acting Proctor Dr. Father Subash Adam Pereira, CSC; Deputy Registrar Father Ashim Theotonius Gonsalves, CSC; and Club Coordinator Sister Shagorica Maria Gomes, CSC, graced the occasion.

In their inspiring addresses, the university leaders emphasized the importance of leadership, cultural heritage, and active student engagement. Father Patrick urged students to embrace creativity and community spirit, stressing that values like unity and respect for diversity are central to NDUB’s mission.

Father Charles reflected on the lasting impact of joyful memories, encouraging students to find happiness in participating in cultural and social activities.

Father Adam called on everyone to nurture their Bengali identity, highlighting the importance of celebrating traditional festivals like Pahela Baishakh, the Bengali New Year, with enthusiasm, just as global events like New Year’s Eve are marked with excitement.

The program was inaugurated with a symbolic release of balloons and a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Guests toured various club stalls, interacting warmly with students, faculty, and club moderators.

A cultural session in the afternoon added further joy, featuring colorful performances from NDUB’s various student clubs, including the Law Club, Computer Club, Drama and Film Club, Cultural Club, Debate Club, English Club, and Business Club.

Father Ashim welcomed guests with a heartfelt speech, while lively visual presentations and performances kept the audience enthralled. The celebrations concluded with Sister Shagorica’s closing remarks, thanking all participants for making the event a memorable one.

Earlier in the day, the NDUB community came together to pay a heartfelt tribute to the late Pope Francis. A solemn minute of silence was observed, and candles were lit around his portrait adorned with a floral garland. Reflecting on his legacy, Father Patrick spoke about Pope Francis’s deep compassion, advocacy for the marginalized, and love for creation, inspiring everyone to live lives of service and justice.

The day at NDUB was not just a celebration of tradition and talent but a powerful reminder of the university’s spirit of unity, cultural pride, and commitment to nurturing future leaders.