Siliguri, May 29, 2025: Salesian College (Autonomous), Siliguri, proudly celebrated its Fourteenth Graduation Ceremony at St Kilian Arcade. The ceremony saw the conferment of degrees upon 674 undergraduate and 28 postgraduate students from 21 departments across Science, Commerce, Arts & Humanities, and Social Sciences.

The event marked a significant milestone as the final batch of students graduating under the Choice-Based Credit System (CBCS) and the first cohort of postgraduate students completing their degrees under the college's autonomous status, granted in 2023.

Chief Guest Rev Fr Shajumon Chakkalakkal SJ, Provincial of the Darjeeling & Nepal Province of the Society of Jesus, lit the ceremonial lamp, signaling the formal commencement of the event. Fr (Dr) Babu Joseph, Principal of Salesian College, delivered the Annual Report and praised the graduating class for their determination and strength in navigating higher education amidst the aftermath of a global pandemic.

66 students from the outgoing batch were awarded "Gold Certificate" for their outstanding academic performance, co-curricular achievements, and campus leadership. The ceremony featured a meaningful oath-taking ceremony, a series of awards, and a heartfelt vote of thanks by Student Council leaders.

As the graduating class marched out, heads held high, Salesian College reaffirmed its mission to inspire, educate, and empower generations for a better tomorrow.

Sonada, 9 May 2025 -  Fr. Roshan Kullu SDB, the Provincial Delegate for Mission Animation, led a very informative and interactive session on Salesian Missionary life at Salesian College Sonada on 9th May 2025.  The evening session was a response to the desire of the congregation to create missionary enthusiasm among those in post novitiate formation.   

The session began with the introductory words by Fr. Johny Nedungatt, the Rector and offering of khada to the resource person by Fr. Clement Lakra, the dean of studies. Thereafter, the resource person led the remainder of the session, presenting the mind of the congregation regarding Salesian Mission. He dealt with various aspects of the theme  emphasizing the  missionary vocation of a Salesian, Don Bosco’s missionary spirit, the profile of a Salesian missionary today, and the stages of the discernment of the Salesian missionary vocation.  He substantiated the above aspects of Missionary vocation with examples drawn from his personal experience.

The lively discussion that ensued focused on the glaring absence of the fruits such animation and missionary seminars bear in the province.  A question from the participants that made everyone pause and reflect was: how many missionary ad gentes have these animations and seminars brought forth in these past years? 

Another noteworthy intervention was the need to foster the missionary vocation that takes shape in the heart of a Salesian.  Every Salesian needs to fan into a flame that spark of the desire to be a missionary ad gentes which the Lord kindles in the heart of a Salesian. 

Some of the young Salesians present at the session spontaneously volunteered to be sent as missionaries ad gentes. Fr. Roshan  concluded the session and discussion with the words, “Make your life a mission and not an intermission.”

Cl. Clement Soren SDB

Sonada, 6 April 2025 -  The brothers from Salesian College Sonada organized a full day Lenten outreach programme on  6 April, 2025 at Our Lady of Lourdes’ substation, Maharanee Tea Estate. The programme was an expression of ‘works of mercy’ which Christians are exhorted to engage in during the season of Lent.  

Maharanee, is one of the sub stations of St. Mary’s Parish, Kurseong, with 120 families, of which 25 families are Catholic.  The people in general are very welcoming and open to the weekly outreach programmes organized by the brothers of the college. The main work for the day was to clear the rooftop of the village chapel and carry up sand to the first floor.

Mr. Bruno Sentury, the Catechist, along with one of the faithful introduced and organized the work to a group of 23 brothers from the college and eight hired helpers. They also provided the brothers with meal. The outreach programme served as an occasion for the brothers to feel one with the village faith community. It served also as an opportunity to work together and experience its concrete fruit.  

Ms. Merika Chettri, the Vice President of the village, expressed her concern stating, “We are very grateful and happy to see young brothers taking initiative to help in the renovation of the community chapel”. Bruno Sentury, thanked the community and the staff members for foreseeing the needs and the requirements of the village people.

As the outreach programme came to a conclusion, Br. Ayush Lepcha, one of the brothers, expressed a sense of gratitude for all the blessings they received during the day.  He said, “The village gave us an opportunity to become a means of expressing God’s love for the people”.  

Cl. Octopaul Marbaniang SDB

Sonada, 6 April 2025 - Salesian College Sonada and Siliguri jointly organized a spiritually enriching three-day camp cum retreat under the leadership Fr. Arvind Khalkho SDB, April 4 - 6, 2025, at the Salesian College Sonada campus. Centered around the theme “Honour God with Your Bodies,” the retreat aimed to deepen  spiritual awareness of young participants, guiding them toward a Christ-centered understanding of the human body. 

The camp commenced with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist by Fr. George Thirumalachalil SDB of Salesian College Sonada. Following the Mass, the participants embarked on a spiritual walk to Nalichor, a sub-station of the Salesian Parish of Sonada with a beautiful grotto and Calvary, where they recited the Rosary and meditated on the Way of the Cross. This prayerful journey fostered reflection and set the tone for the rest of the retreat. In the evening, a lively and meaningful Camp Nite was organized by the brothers of the Sonada campus, which offered an opportunity for bonding and community celebration.

The second day of the retreat opened with a thought-provoking session led by Fr. Sanjok Rai, Principal of St. Robert's School. His presentation on “Our Identity in Christ” encouraged the youth to explore their personal relationship with Jesus and emphasized various ways to encounter Him in everyday life. He particularly focused on how to honour Christ through the body, aligning with the overall theme of the retreat.  The day concluded with a candle-lit Rosary procession followed by a vibrant session of Praise and Worship, leaving the participants spiritually uplifted and united in faith.

On the final day, the sessions by Fr. Johnny Nedungatt SDB, Rector of Sonada campus,   focused on the psychological understanding of human sexuality. These sessions offered valuable insights into sexuality, helping the participants to better understand the ways of  honouring the body through a healthy behaviour involving the human body.  He helped them to understand some of the contentious issues associated with human sexuality. The retreat concluded on a note of deep reflection and renewed commitment by the youth to honour God with their bodies and live a Christ-centered life.

Overall, the retreat was a profound experience for everyone involved. It provided an environment of prayer, learning, and fellowship, allowing young hearts to grow closer to God and embrace their identity in Christ. Through engaging sessions, spiritual activities, and meaningful community interactions, the retreat left a lasting impact on the participants and strengthened their faith journey.

Miss. Pragya Ekka
 

Kolkata, March 31, 2025 - Thirty-seven Salesians from across Bangladesh, Nepal, New Delhi, and West Bengal converged at Bandel Basilica for their annual spiritual retreat from March 25-31. The six-day gathering aimed to rejuvenate the spiritual journey of the participants.

Fr. Philip Barjo, the retreat preacher, led the Salesians through profound reflections on the Jubilee Year, Don Bosco's teachings, devotion to Mother Mary, and Pope Francis's Lenten messages. The participants also received spiritual guidance, preparing them for the Sacrament of Confession.

In his concluding remarks, Fr. Barjo emphasized three guiding principles for the Salesians to embody in their mission: being men of prayer, embracing Don Bosco's charism, and pursuing inner renewal.

As the Salesians return to their respective missions, they carry with them a renewed sense of purpose and spiritual vigor.

Kolkata, March 19, 2025 - Don Bosco Technical Institute (DBTI), Park Circus, marked a significant milestone in its history, celebrating its Diamond Jubilee and hosting the 7th National Auto Tech Fest. The six-decade journey of DBTI has been a testament to its commitment to excellence in technical education.

The 7th National Auto Tech Fest, held from March 17-19, 2025, brought together 15 institutes from across India, with 4 trainees and 1 instructor participating from each. The event featured 9 technical competitions, designed to test the trainees' knowledge and problem-solving abilities in various automotive sectors. Don Bosco Kalimpong claimed the overall champion title, while DBTI Park Circus secured the runner-up position.

The Diamond Jubilee celebration, held on March 19, 2025, commemorated 60 years of DBTI's excellence in technical education. The institute's journey began in 1965, operating from the second floor of Don Bosco School, before moving to its own dedicated building in 1980. The celebration kicked off with a Eucharistic celebration presided over by His Grace Thomas D'Souza, Archbishop of Kolkata.

The event was graced by Mrs. Barbara Voss, Consul General of Germany in Kolkata, symbolizing DBTI's strong international ties. Other distinguished guests included His Grace Archbishop Thomas D'Souza, Mr. Tom Reiner, Regional Director of the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce, and Mr. Viond Kulkarni, Head CSR, Tata Motors.

A special highlight of the event was the felicitation of past Rectors and Principals, honoring their immense contributions to DBTI's growth and legacy. The celebration also featured a vibrant cultural program, showcasing the talents of DBTI students.

As DBTI looks to the future, it reaffirms its commitment to shaping the future of technical education. With a legacy built on innovation, excellence, and community service, DBTI is poised to continue empowering the next generation of skilled professionals.

In his concluding remarks, Fr. Jose Podimattam, Principal of DBTI, stated, "As we celebrate the diamond jubilee of our institute, we honor the milestones that have shaped our journey thus far. Yet, we recognize that this is not the summit. The laurels of our past achievements inspire us, but they do not define us. With greater heights to conquer and new horizons to explore, our journey continues with renewed purpose and determination."
Fr. Jose, SDB

Sonada, April 6, 2025 -  Two awareness camps on child rights and protection of children were organized on 06 April,  2025 at Lower  and Upper Cedar, villages situated  about 9 k.m from Salesian college,  Sonada. The Youth Department of the college in collaboration with Project Missio undertook the organization of this all important and very significant knowledge sharing camp.

The event was attended by approximately 50 participants - men, women, boys, girls, and children. The workshop at Lower Cedar began at 9:00 am with introductory words by Fr. Clement Lakra, the Youth Animator, who also welcomed the resource person, Sr. Claret Lepcha SJC, an expert in the field of child rights with over 25 years of dedicated service and experience and currently working as the Chairperson of  Child Welfare Committee of the government of W. Bengal, Darjeeling-Kalimpong district. The session at Upper Cedar was held in the afternoon.

Sr. Claret presented a comprehensive interactive session covering the fundamental rights of children, the various forms of violence they face, and emphasized the importance of the law of the land, Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO)  in safeguarding these rights. Sr. Claret also discussed the pivotal role of community in preventing child abuse at the village and individual levels. The programme concluded at 4:45 pm with a feedback session, where the majority of the participants expressed their appreciation for  the very informative and much relevant session.

Mr. J.B Rai, a parent representative from Lower Cedar expressed his sentiments at the end of the session stating, “This is really an important session for all, especially for the parents as we become aware of the possible dangers our children are constantly exposed to.  This type of programme should be organized often.” Pari Chetri, a girl from Lower Cedar also shared her feelings, “It was very informative as it helped to become aware of our rights. We need to stay alert always.”

The programme concluded with the distribution of snacks, and the participants were happy to be informed and conscientized on the rights of the children.

Cl. Clement Lakra SDB

Sonada, March 30, 2025:  The brothers from Salesian College Sonada in collaboration with the Village Elders Association of Balasun organized the Annual Sports’ Day on 30 March, 2025 at Balasun Football Gound for the young people of seven surrounding villages.

The programme started at 10:00 am with the registration. S.K Chamling, the president of the Village Elders Association delivered the welcome speech which was followed by khada arpan ceremony to all the esteemed guests of the day - Umesh Agarwal, Manager of Balasun Tea Estate, and Pemba Tamang, the Panchayat President. Br. Samuel Salahe SDB, sang a song to set the tune for the day. After the national anthem Br. Kushal Kami SDB, introduced the programme of the day highlighting the basic rules and regulations of the competitions.

The various events were categorized under junior and senior sections. Each event was organized separately for boys and girls. Dances and other entertaining items were interspersed with sports events to give time to relax and lighten the atmosphere filled with competitive spirit.  Fifty-five young people from seven villages participated in the sports.  

Mr. S.K Chamling, the president of the association while addressing the gathering acknowledged the good and effective initiatives taken by the brothers for the welfare of the young people.  He encouraged them to initiate more such activities to help the young from rural settings to develop their hidden and untapped potential. Niraj Mukhia, a youth from Mali Busty, spoke of the day saying, “It’s a wakeup call for me, to furthermore explore my potentialities and to build up a good foundation for further growth”. As the programme came to a closure all the participants received a medal each and the champion’s trophy was lifted by Lower Balasun.   The day came to a grand finale with fellowship gathering around a cup of Darjeeling Tea.

Br. Abhay Dungdung SDB, the general coordinator of the entire programme expressing his great satisfaction said, “The young people of these villages gave us such a wonderful opportunity to reach out to them and serve them the Don Bosco way.  It’s a small step in our learning to be with the young”.

Cl. Octopaul Marbaniang SDB

Sonada, March 28, 2025: Salesian College, Sonada organized the annual Salesian Fiesta, an inter-school event, on 28th March 2025, when nearly 300 senior school students from 10 schools came together to celebrate art, culture and talents. 
The event began with the inaugural ceremony in the college auditorium, where the organizers set the tone for the entire day. Welcoming the participants, Fr. Johny Nedungatt, the Rector said, “We are here to celebrate our hope through the expression of art, culture and talents”. A special guest performance by the college alumnus Diwakar Khawas added to the event’s grandeur, captivating the audience with his melodious and soulful songs. As a mark of respect and gratitude, khada was presented to the teacher representatives from various schools.

 
Following the opening ceremony, the students participated in a variety of events held at different venues across the College Campus. The atmosphere of festive outdoor setting where food stalls and a variety of games organized by the students of the College, created an engaging and joy-filled  environment for all.  The events reached the high point at  2:00 PM when all the participants gathered again in the auditorium for the  prize distribution ceremony, where each school’s achievements were duly recognized.

A teacher representative from St. Michael School, Darjeeling, expressed his happiness with the programme stating, “We are very happy to participate in this programme and we have learned so much from it,” which resonated with the collective sentiment of the day. 

Feedback from students as well highlighted the event’s success. Abhiyan Thapa from Ruhiyyih School, Jorebungalow commented, “It was a learning experience for me and  I also enjoyed.” Another student , Parijat Chettri from St. Anthony School, Kurseong added, “ Overall, it was good. The hosting of the programme was well managed.”

The festivities concluded with vote of thanks by the chief coordinator, Miss. Ashwini Tamang, who acknowledged the collaborative efforts of the faculty and students that made the event a huge success. The closing performance by Backlash Band, followed by DJ Lazy Soul, left a lasting impression on everyone, encapsulating the spirit of learning and enjoyment.

Cl. Clement Soren SDB

Kolkata, March 19, 2025 — Fr. Peter Vincent Lourdes, a pioneering Salesian priest and one of India’s first priest psychologists, celebrated his 100th birthday today at Nitika Don Bosco, Kolkata, marking a century of remarkable service in counseling, spiritual direction, and education. The centenarian priest, who made his religious profession on December 6, 1944, and was ordained on December 5, 1954, continues to inspire with his resilience, having beaten COVID-19 at 94 and hoisted the Tricolour on Independence Day 2020 before leaving Fortis Hospital.

Fr. Lourdes boasts an illustrious career spanning over 50 years, with advanced degrees including a D. Psych in Clinical Psychology from Salesian University, Rome, a Masters in Somatic Psychology from California Institute of Integral Studies, San Francisco, and a PhD in Counselling Psychology from Loyola University, Chicago. A Salesian College alumnus, Mr. Devasia, said, “His classes on psychology were the most sought after and fruitful,” reflecting the impact of his tenure as Programme Director and Head of the Psychology Department at National Vocation Service Centre, Pune, and as the inaugural President of the Salesian Psychological Association. Currently, he maintains a psychotherapy practice in Kolkata.

His academic and literary contributions include popular books like The Human Face of Clergy (1997), Wow Jesus! (2014), and The Clash (2016), the latter exploring the intersection of Transcendental Meditation and counseling psychology. A certified massage therapist from the San Francisco School of Massage Therapy, Fr. Lourdes also brought a unique somatic perspective to his work.

Born in 1925, Fr. Lourdes was among the first students at Don Bosco School, Liluah, in 1937, later returning as a brother and rector. Fr. Sanjay Manohar Kujur, Rector of Don Bosco Liluah, noted, “Rev. Fr. Peter Vincent Lourdes was the 1st amongst the students to be admitted at our DBL ..way back in 1937, when it opened the gates....Roll Nos. 28, He later came back as a brother, Dean of Studies and Headmaster of DBL.” He served as principal of Salesian College Sonada from 1967 to 1970 and was a visiting faculty member at Sadhana Institute, Lonavla, and Sumedha Centre from 2003 to 2014. His 60th ordination anniversary and 70th religious profession anniversary were celebrated in 2014.

Today’s milestone underscores his enduring legacy as a priest, educator, and healer.