MINISTRIES

Delhi, 10 December: Fr N.T. Scaria, a pioneer of compassionate prison reforms, was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award for Prison Reforms with Compassion at the 15th International Human Rights Summit & Awards held on December 10, 2025, at the India Islamic Cultural Centre, New Delhi. The award, conferred by the All India Council of Human Rights, Liberties & Social Justice, recognized his extraordinary contributions to human dignity and social justice.

The Global Board of Jury commended Fr Scaria’s unwavering compassion and spiritual leadership in transforming lives behind bars through faith-driven social action. Beginning with his historic visit to Berhampore Central Correctional Home in 1995, he had pioneered initiatives in reform and rehabilitation across West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Bihar. His work introduced vocational training, legal aid, counselling, family support, and the world’s first certified motor driving school inside a prison.

Under his leadership, the Don Bosco Prison Ministry became a beacon of hope for thousands of prisoners and their families, facilitating release, rehabilitation, and reintegration. His initiatives inspired correctional officials, volunteers, clergy, and reformers to adopt a more humane and compassionate approach to justice.

Honouring decades of dedicated service, the award placed Fr Scaria among eminent global leaders recognized at the Summit, celebrating him as a national symbol of mercy, faith, and reform.
- CM Paul, SDB

Kolkata, November 7 — The Don Bosco Alumni Association Kolkata is emerging as a powerful model for community outreach and social service, driven by the collective goodwill of its past pupils. Led by President Mr. Vikash Kumar Choraria and Secretary Mr. Manishankar Das, the association has significantly scaled its efforts to serve the marginalized and strengthen the global Bosco fraternity.

Among its key initiatives is Bosco on Wheels, a bi-monthly flagship program where a mobile food van distributes approximately 400 freshly prepared meals, including over 2,000 rotis, to beneficiaries at hospitals and settlement camps. Members personally serve the needy, addressing hunger among the poor.

The unit also addresses medical needs through Bosco Cares, a monthly full-scale clinic held at the school premises. Managed by alumni doctors, the clinic provides free consultations, medicines, and discounted diagnostics to over 100 patients monthly.

Beyond local service, the association fosters global and professional collaboration. DB Global connects past pupils through 16 active chapters worldwide, while Bosco Connects offers mutual assistance, providing support across various fields including employment, business guidance, academic help, and crisis intervention.

The alumni unit also continues its longstanding commitment to community outreach, which includes the 27-year-old Adult Literacy Project empowering underprivileged young women with education and vocational skills. This is complemented by regular Blood Donation Camps and specialized Free Eye and Osteoporosis Camps, which provide free check-ups and surgeries for the economically disadvantaged.

The Don Bosco Alumni Association Kolkata demonstrates how organized effort and collective goodwill can translate into sustained and meaningful social change.
- Rajesh Gupta, Former Vice President of Don Bosco Alumni, International 

Diamond Harbour, September 13, 2025 -On September 13, 2025, Don Bosco Diamond Harbour celebrated the blessing and inauguration of its newly established Guest Service Associate and Kitchen Training Lab. The ceremony was graced by Chief Guest Rev. Fr. Sanjay Kujur, Rector and Principal of Don Bosco Liluah, along with parents, well-wishers, and over 100 participants. The inauguration marked a significant step forward for the institution in offering quality training and professional skill development to students.

The program began with the solemn blessing of the labs, followed by a cultural program that showcased student talents. In his address, Rev. Fr. Sanjay Kujur emphasized Don Bosco's commitment to academic excellence and urged students to make the best use of the new facilities. Parents expressed appreciation for the state-of-the-art infrastructure, while student representative Atul Bor shared his joy in being part of a nurturing institution. The event concluded with a refreshment session, reinforcing Don Bosco’s commitment to education and community building.

Siliguri, September 23, 2025 – On Sunday, September 7, the Don Bosco School Siliguri Alumni planted 20 shade tree saplings along Don Bosco Road, advancing their commitment to a sustainable community. Led by the alumni association and joined by Rector and Principal Father V.C. Jose, the group transformed the sunlit stretch into a greener corridor. The selected saplings will beautify the area, provide shade, and improve air quality, addressing urban heat challenges in Siliguri’s growing landscape.

The project reflects the alumni’s dedication to giving back to their alma mater and fostering environmental responsibility among students and residents. Father Jose, who joined the effort, emphasized, “This nurtures both nature and our community’s future.” As the trees grow, they will enhance local biodiversity and contribute to climate resilience, marking a vital step toward a greener Siliguri.
-CM Paul, SDB

Sonada, 30 July, 2025 – The Youth Department of Salesian College Sonada, in collaboration with Project Missio, organized a full day training session on the 27th of July 2025, on Prevention of Substance Abuse in Families through the intervention of Women. 

The programme aimed to create awareness among women about the harmful effects of substance abuse, especially its impact on families and children. A total of sixty-four women hailing from different villages surrounding the college participated in the event.

The session began with a brief welcome and introduction by Fr. Clement Lakra, the Youth Animator of Salesian College. He set the tone for the day by emphasizing the importance of women’s roles in society and in addressing issues related to addiction. He then introduced the speaker of the day, Sr.Claret Lepcha belonging to the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny. She has been actively involved in social work, particularly in child rights, since 2007, after completing her Bachelor’s in Social Work (BSW). Since 2022 she serves as the Chairperson of the Child Welfare Committee of Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts.

The sessions highlighted the various effects of substance abuse in the family. She discussed with the participants the impact addiction has on children, such as emotional and psychological effect, behavioral changes, developmental and health issues, as well as long-term consequences and social implications. Among the long-term consequences, she noted the cycle of addiction being passed down through generations, difficulty in building and maintaining relationships, and chronic stress-related health problems. She also emphasized the importance of seeking timely treatment for drug addiction and the role women can play in prevention and intervention.

The Participants found the session deeply enlightening and meaningful. Ms.Puja Subba from Rungmook shared, “I have come to understand the negative impact of addiction on society and the importance of good parenting”. “I was n’t aware of  what our young people are going through due to the menace of substance abuse. I need to remain vigilant with my children so that they would not become victims of drugs” were the words of Ms. Shanti Rai from Middle Mamring

The event was a significant step towards educating and empowering women to become advocates of change within their families and communities. It encouraged participants to take a more proactive role in safeguarding their homes and nurturing a healthier environment for the next generation.

Br. Abhishek Rai SDB

Sonada, June 30, 2025 - A Women Empowerment Programme related to domestic violence was organized by Salesian College Sonada, in collaboration with the Youth Department of the College and Project Missio, on the 29th of June, 2025 in the college premises. The programme was held to raise awareness and educate women and young girls on the pressing issue of domestic violence.

The event witnessed the active participation of over 35 women and girls hailing from the villages of Mamring, Cedar, Intake, and Balasun where the college has regular service learning projects. The programme began with  welcome words by Fr. Clement Lakra, who  introduced the much esteemed and competent resource person for the day, Sr. Claret Lepcha, SJC,  a social worker with over 25 years of service in the field of child rights and women empowerment. Since 2007, she has been actively engaged in child rights advocacy after completing her Bachelor in Social Work (BSW). She is currently serving as the Chairperson of the Child Welfare Committee of the Government of West Bengal, covering  Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts. 

The session conducted by Sr. Claret was informative, interactive, and participatory. She began by introducing the concept of domestic violence, explaining its various types, causes, and the psychological, emotional, and physical effects it has on women and families. She emphasized the critical role of women in preventing and combating domestic violence. She also educated the participants about the legal frameworks and protections available under Indian law, and the practical steps to be taken when facing domestic violence.

The day long programme, with snacks and lunch included, was much appreciated by the participants.   Ms. Menuka Mukhia from Upper Mamring said, “The workshop gave me clarity and awareness on issues I had never fully understood before.” Ms. Divya Bharti, a young girl from Balasun, probably voiced the feelings of the participants when she said, “We learned the importance of not remaining silent in the face of domestic violence, as silence only perpetuates the problem. We now feel encouraged to speak up and fight back.”

The event provided a golden opportunity for some of the brothers to get an ‘on-the-job-experience’ in organizing such outreach programmes.

Br. Abishek Rai SDB