MINISTRIES

Kolkata, 5 June: Fresh off its centenary celebrations this past February, the Salesian Province of Calcutta has begun an extraordinary visitation to evaluate its mission and chart a course for the next century. The visitation officially opened on June 5, coinciding with the ordination day of St. John Bosco. Fr. Biju Michael, the Regional Superior of the South Asia Region, is leading the province-wide evaluation as the delegate of the Rector Major.

Addressing rectors, parish priests, and confreres during the opening session, Fr. Michael anchored his address around a central, historical question: "Quo Vadis INC?" He challenged the gathering to consider exactly where the province is heading in its next 100 years.

To answer that question, Fr. Michael outlined a four-point scope for the visitation. The process will focus on understanding the current state of the province, evaluating its community life and financial health, connecting directly with young people, and ensuring proper implementation and accompaniment moving forward.

He also laid out the six-year strategic roadmaps for both the global congregation and the South Asia region. Globally, the Salesians will focus on the centrality of Christ, pastoral competence, navigating the challenges of artificial intelligence in education, and supporting the Salesian Pontifical University. Within South Asia, the priorities include renewing fraternal life, prioritizing marginalized youth, establishing joint formation programs with lay collaborators, and accompanying young people through digital environments.

The day's events began with an invocation of the Holy Spirit and a formal welcome from Provincial Rev. Fr. Sunil Kerketta. Fr. Kerketta described the visitation as a much-needed pause to reflect. He urged the confreres to use this time to listen closely to God, to the people working alongside them, and especially to the young.

To provide a foundational framework for the gathering, Fr. Eugene Kujur, Rector of Don Bosco Bharoul Chakraghatty in Nepal, read Articles 126 and 127 from the Salesian constitution. Fr. Michael then tested the room with an interactive Q&A on the history of the province and the South Asia region before moving into his main presentation.

At noon, the gathering celebrated the inaugural Holy Eucharist. During his homily, Fr. Michael reflected on the Gospel call to perfection. He stressed the importance of personal transformation, urging the confreres to focus on "becoming" rather than simply "doing" or "having." He reminded the Salesians that their charism must be more than just an activity and that they must be fully equipped for good works to let their light shine.

Following the Mass, the attendees gathered for a fellowship lunch before Fr. Michael began his afternoon meetings with the Provincial Council members. He begins his First Visitation on 6 June from North Bengal visiting the first house Don Bosco Samthar, Kalimpong.

KOLKATA, 25 April – Following the successful momentum of the national Salesian basketball championships held in Hyderabad, the stage is now set for a historic first in the world of Salesian youth sports. The inaugural All India Inter-Province Football Championship Under-17 (2026) is scheduled to take place on April 28 and 29 at the Don Bosco Vaduthala grounds in Kochi, Kerala.

Representing the Salesian Province of Kolkata (INC) is a formidable squad of young athletes known as the Kolkata Tigers. Drawing inspiration from the strength and spirit of the Royal Bengal Tiger, the team has spent their post-Easter break in a rigorous training camp at Don Bosco Azimganj. Under the tactical guidance and leadership of Fr. Bijoy Ghosh, Fr. Teleshphore Bilung, and Fr. Manoj Hasda, the Tigers have focused on refining their technical skills and fostering the discipline required for national-level competition.

The tournament is designed to bring together the finest young talent from Salesian provinces across India. The Kolkata Tigers are prepared to face a competitive field including teams from Shillong, New Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore, Goa, Hyderabad, Trichy, and Dimapur, all of whom have confirmed their participation in this landmark event.

For the Kolkata Tigers, this championship represents the culmination of intense dedication and significant community support. As the squad departs for the coastal city of Kochi, the provincial leadership expressed deep gratitude toward the benefactors whose contributions made the logistics and preparation for this journey possible. The team carries with them the pride of West Bengal, ready to demonstrate the skill and sportsmanship that the Kolkata Province is known for.

The two-day event in Kochi promises to be a high-energy display of athletic excellence, celebrating the Salesian commitment to youth development through the beautiful game. Results and highlights from the championship will be followed closely by supporters back home as the Tigers take to the pitch in Kerala.

Siliguri, 19 April: Salesian College (Autonomous), Siliguri, hosted the first-ever inter-parish youth convention SymphoriX 2026 on April 18–19 under the banner of the Salesian Youth Movement, with the theme “Let Your Light Shine” (Mt 5:16).
The convention brought together 109 students from classes 9 to 12 representing seven tea garden parishes of Bagdogra and Jalpaiguri dioceses, including Bagdogra, Matigara, Jaigaon on the Bhutan border, Sylee near Nagarkata, Oodlabari, Banchkumari in Alipurduar, and New Jalpaiguri.
Jalpaiguri parish won the overall championship trophy, followed by Don Bosco Parish Oodlabari.
The two-day event featured 12 competitions ranging from Group Dance, Band, Biblical Mime, and Tableau to innovative formats such as Visionary (Faith Shark Tank), Reel Making, Quizedom, Treasure Hunt, Face Painting, Rosary Making, and Illuminate (Painting/Drawing). A Pro-Life exhibition, free face painting, and student volunteers cooking meals added to the festive spirit.
Some 50 volunteers facilitated the convention under the leadership of SYM President Ashish Santah, while the entire program was coordinated by Rector Fr. Dr. Tomy Augustine, ensuring smooth organization and pastoral guidance.
On April 18, Bishop Fabian Toppo of Jalpaiguri presided over the Holy Eucharist at Don Bosco Shrine, urging youth to radiate hope, love, and positivity through their talents and leadership.
The inaugural function at Kilian Hall felicitated dignitaries including diocesan youth directors Fr. James Bara (Jalpaiguri) and Fr. Hemant Minj (Bagdogra), as well as Salesian Youth Delegate for South Asia, Fr. Patrick Lepcha. Bishop Paul Simick presided over the concluding Eucharist on April 19.
A distinctive highlight was the Night Olympics held at the college stadium, coordinated by Mr. Liander Ekka with SYM volunteers, six Salesian Brothers, and 15 Sister students.

Fr. CM Paul, SDB

Azimganj, 19 March – The INC U-17 Boys Football Team has officially finalized its 18-member roster following an intensive five-day selection camp held at Don Bosco High School, Azimganj. The camp, which ran from March 5 to March 9, 2026, evaluated 33 young prospects through a series of fitness tests, tactical drills, and practice matches to identify the region's top talent.

The final squad features a strong contingent from the host town, complemented by skilled players from Samthar, Krishnanagar, and Katihar. These athletes were selected based on their technical proficiency, teamwork, and physical conditioning during the high-pressure evaluation period.

The team is now entering a concentrated preparation phase before traveling to Kochi for a series of competitive matches scheduled for April 27, 28, and 29, 2026. These upcoming fixtures are designed to provide the players with vital exposure to high-level competition and foster their growth in the sport.

The Official INC U-17 Squad

The following players have been selected to represent the team:

Rimil Kisku – Azimganj

Subham Sarkar – Krishnanagar

Alone Mangar – Samthar

Simon Lepcha – Samthar

Ajit Mardi – Azimganj

Rosen Soren – Azimganj

Rana Hasda – Azimganj

Parosh Murmu – Azimganj

Joseph Murmu – Krishnanagar

Rajib Kisku – Azimganj

Rohit Murmu – Krishnanagar

Anusent Marandi – Azimganj

Patoras Hansda – Azimganj

Dipak Hansda – Katihar

Bijoy Murmu – Azimganj

Tadius Mardi – Azimganj

Sohel Seikh – Krishnanagar

Subhodip Murmu – Krishnanagar

03 March 2026, Sonada: Gorabari Youth Centre, One of the twenty two youth centres managed by Salesian college, Sonada working for the welfare and development of young people of the hills, in collaboration with Team Agastya, organized a One-Day Bosco Basketball Tournament for the young men and boys of North Bengal on the 1st of March 2026 in the college grounds.

The tournament began with the inauguration at 9:40 a.m. The Chief Guest for the day was Rev. Fr. Johny Nedungatt SDB, the Rector of Salesian College Sonada. During his short message, Fr. Rector spoke about the importance of sports in building discipline, unity, and good character among young people. He encouraged all the players to play with honesty and true sportsmanship. The two officials of the day, Mr Rajak and Mr Sarbak from Siliguri, were also welcomed during the inaugural ceremony, and they ensured that all the matches were conducted fairly and smoothly.

There were six teams participating in the tournament: Agastya, Salesian Sonada, 4Hunnids, Truth, Raijin, and Spire. All the teams gave their very best and showed great teamwork and determination. The matches were very competitive and at many moments, it was a neck-to-neck contest. The players showed needed techniques and  skills and a good sporting spirit throughout the day, which made the tournament enjoyable for everyone present.

After several exciting rounds, Team 4Hunnids and Team Agastya reached the finals. The final match was intense and well played by both sides. The score remained close, and both teams fought hard until Team 4Hunnids emerged as the winners with a score of 39–31. 

During the closing ceremony Team 4Hunnids received the winners’ trophy and cash prize, and Team Agastya was awarded as runners-up. Individual awards were also given to players who performed exceptionally well. Nigel Rai was awarded Rookie of the Year, Ugen Sherpa received the Best Scorer award, and Pratham Lama was declared the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament. 

The officials shared a few words, expressing their appreciation for the smooth organization of the event and praising the sportsmanship shown by all the teams. Abhinay Tamang, one of the players said, “This tournament was a very good experience for me. The organizing team did a great job, and I especially thank the referees for their fair and clear decisions. I also enjoyed meeting new players, and the overall environment of the tournament was really great.” Anidhy Thapa, another participants voiced, “It was a wonderful and new experience for me. I would encourage that more such tournaments be organized in the future. I sincerely thank the college and all the organizers for their efforts in making this event possible.”

The tournament came to an end at 6:30 p.m. with a vote of thanks delivered by Br. Banteiburom Mukhim. He expressed gratitude to the Chief Guest, officials, players, and organizers for making the event successful. The day concluded with a group photo session, marking the end of a memorable and meaningful Bosco Basketball Tournament 2026.

Br. Lamkupar Nonglang

Krishnagar, 24 January: The Centenary Football Tournament came alive at Don Bosco Krishnagar with a full day of energetic football, youthful enthusiasm, and a strong spirit of sportsmanship, marking a hundred years of the Salesian presence in Kolkata. Organised as a one-day tournament, the event placed young people at the centre of the celebrations, using football as a living expression of the Salesian commitment to education, discipline, and fraternity.

The tournament was inaugurated by Fr. V. T. Jose, Rector of Don Bosco Krishnagar, who also distributed the trophies and prize money at the conclusion of the matches. His presence and encouragement gave the event both inspiration and direction, linking the excitement on the field with the deeper meaning of the centenary celebrations.

This sporting celebration drew its significance from history. In 1925, the Salesians began their mission in Kolkata by taking up the responsibility of the Archdiocese Cathedral of Kolkata and the Catholic Orphan Press. A century later, the same Salesian spirit was visible on the football field, where young players competed with passion while upholding values of fairness, respect, and teamwork.

The tournament witnessed keen competition across Senior and Junior categories, with teams representing institutions, seminaries, parishes, and youth centres. The Senior Category (12 Teams) featured Don Bosco ITI Krishnagar (A), Don Bosco ITI Krishnagar (B), Amghata Regional Seminary, Don Bosco Mirpara, Don Bosco Azimganj (A), Don Bosco Azimganj (B), Bandel Parish – Rajhat, Don Bosco Seminary Bandel, Don Bosco Liluah, Don Bosco Mukti Nagar (Chandra), Vianney Home Seminary, and Don Bosco Krishnagar – Salesians. In the Junior Category, (4 teams) teams from Don Bosco English Medium Krishnagar, Don Bosco Azimganj (A), Don Bosco Azimganj (B), and Don Bosco Youth Centre Krishnagar took part, bringing vibrancy and youthful excitement to the tournament.

At the end of a closely contested day, Don Bosco ITI Krishnagar (B Team) emerged as the Senior Category champions, lifting the trophy and receiving a cash prize , while Don Bosco Azimganj finished as runners-up and were awarded cash prize along with a trophy. In the Junior Category, Don Bosco English Medium Krishnagar claimed the championship and received cash prize with a trophy, and Don Bosco Youth Centre Krishnagar secured the runners-up position with cash prize and a trophy. Individual awards for Best Player, Best Goalkeeper, Best Scorer, and Man of the Match further recognised talent, effort, and fair play.

The tournament was efficiently coordinated by Fr. Manoj and Fr. Nicholas, with the dedicated support of Bro. Praveen, Bro. Robin, Bro. Uttam, Bro. Sanju, Bro. Ankit, and Bro. John, ensuring the smooth conduct of all matches. As the final whistle blew, the Centenary Football Tournament stood as a powerful reminder that, for the Salesians, sport remains a vital space where young people grow, bonds are strengthened, and a century-old legacy continues to move forward with hope and energy.