190th Anniversary of the Armenian College

Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin
2/4/2011

The 190th Anniversary of the founding of the Armenian College and Philanthropic Academy (ACPA), Kolkata, India was celebrated on Saturday, April 02, 2011 at the college auditorium, with a program organized by the teachers of the institution.

The celebration was initiated by members of the Church Committee, members of the Armenian Community, and the staff and students of ACPA.

The Armenian College was established in April 1821, by its benefactors Mr. Astwasatoor Mooradkhanian and Mr. Manatsakan Vartanian. It is the second oldest school in Kolkata.

The program was opened with the Lord’s Prayer, followed by the national anthems of Armenia and India. Thereafter, the audience was enthralled by a welcoming dance, choreographed in Indian style by the students of the School. Principal Mr. Soumitra Mallik, made opening remarks and distributed awards. A souvenir was given to the graduating students. The School Choir then mesmerized the audience by their mellifluous rendition of songs in Armenian, Urdu and English. This was followed by a power point presentation on “Armenians in India”.
The high mark of the celebration was the presentation of the second volume of ‘Indian Armenians’ 2010 a bilingual yearbook. With the blessings of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, the yearbook which was sponsored by the Church Committee, was released by its author Very Rev. Father Khoren Hovhannisyan, Pastor of Armenians in India and Dean of the Armenian College and Philanthropic Academy.

The yearbook presents in a comprehensive way, the yearly activities, progress and achievements of the Armenian community of India. The volume includes events that have taken place in “Little Armenia” in India – Armenian College, including the academic and co-curricular achievements of its promising students.

The program ended with a valedictory address by Father Khoren, followed by the benediction.

After the program, a special anniversary cake was distributed to everyone by Father Khoren in the dining hall of the School.
The day was marked with a spirit of bonhomie filled with gratitude towards the Founders.

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