clear objectives, the choice of subjects, our insistence of social responsibility combined with professional expertise, the campus ministry programme aimed at giving our students a rounded and holistic human formation,” recalled Dr. Mavely who met the Princess for the first time.

The Principality of Liechtenstein is a doubly landlocked alpine country in Central Europe, bordered by Switzerland to the west and south and by Austria to the east. Its area is just over 160 km² (about 61.7 square miles), and it has an estimated population of 35,000. Its capital is Vaduz; the biggest town is Schaan.

The Coordinator of “100 Cities for Peace” Mr. Pablo Marcet facilitated the 40-minute meeting. Incidentally, Guwahati was nominated last year as one of the 100 Cities for Peace. The Princess is chairperson for “100 Cities for Peace,” an institution which is engaged in international civic and social movement without political affiliation or economic interest, spread across five continents. It unites and directly involves local authorities, as a driving force for civic impulse, those who want to lead the achievement of the main objectives of the Millennium Goals of the UN in the five continents.

Dr. Mavely pointed out that, “She also was very alert to the fact that North East India is a mosaic of Indo-Mongolian tribes who are very open to Christianity and are facing, at the same time, the challenge of transition to the values and disadvantages of globalization and mono-culturalism...”

Very much devoted to Don Bosco, “She was aware of our (Don Bosco) works throughout the world, and was very appreciative of the fact that we have taken the initiative to start the first Catholic University in India. I brought to her notice also the reality that we work with all strata of society – high schools, technical schools, hostels, children from the streets, agricultural centres, self-help groups, and that the university project is aimed at making our Christian presence felt at the level where the leaders of society are being formed with a view to help form generations of leaders with a commitment to social development while striving to make a future for themselves.”

She (Princess Nora) is expected to make her maiden visit to India on the occasion of the ‘100 Cities for Peace’ function in Guwahati and is keen to see North East India and Kerala!

On a more positive note Dr. Mavely did not hesitate to say, “Princess Nora promised to put me in touch with some Foundations in Liechtenstein.”

She is expected to make her maiden visit to India on the occasion of the ‘100 Cities for Peace’ function in Guwahati and is keen to see North East India and Kerala!

A member of the International Olympic Committee since 1987, Princess Nora was President of Liechtenstein’s National Olympic Committee from 1982 to 1992 and she has been President of Special Olympics Liechtenstein since 2002. She was Chief Scouting Guide 1973 to 1989 and currently honorary member of the Scout association.

Princess Norberta ‘Nora’ of Liechtenstein, Countess of Rietberg, and Dowager Marchioness of Mariño was born October 31, 1950.

C.M. Paul