MINISTRIES

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 

BANKURA, June 13, 2025 – The Don Bosco HRD Mission, led by Salesian Father Dr. Mathew George of the Kolkata Province, celebrated its first year of transformative service to leprosy patients at Bankura Leprosy Hospital, Eastern India’s largest treatment center. Launched to address the persistent challenges faced by 350 men and 150 women patients, the mission has delivered critical aid, restoring dignity to those grappling with social stigma and neglect.

Despite leprosy being declared eradicated, thousands in West Bengal’s marginalized regions still suffer. The mission, based in Dhobasole, identified urgent needs unmet by government provisions. Under Dr. George’s leadership, 500 bedside lockers were provided for secure storage, while 50 wheelchairs, 20 tricycles, and 50 pairs of crutches enhanced mobility. Additionally, 105 hearing aids, 120 large umbrellas, and 120 ceiling fans improved living conditions, complemented by essential medical equipment like ECG machines, stethoscopes, BP monitors, and glucometers for better diagnostics.

Fr. Manoj, Assistant Director, alongside collaborators, facilitated the donation of two battery-operated auto rickshaws (Totos) from Petra Theiner of Sudtirol’s Hoffnung auf einen Besseren Morgen, easing patient transportation. The mission also supplied two large washing machines, mattresses, chairs, buckets, towels, soap, oil, and clothing to meet personal care needs.

Beyond immediate relief, the mission supports rehabilitation villages—Pierdoba, Garbheta, and Bishnupur—where cured patients face reintegration challenges. Housing improvements, vocational training, and food assistance have fostered hope and self-reliance. Dr. George, a former professor at Sacred Heart Theological College Shillong, draws inspiration from Salesian pioneers and Mother Teresa, aligning the mission with the Kolkata Province’s centenary preparations for February 2026.

The Don Bosco HRD Mission’s compassionate efforts highlight the power of sustained action, offering a lifeline to one of society’s most overlooked communities.
CM Paul

JALPAIGURI, June 5, 2025 – John Paul Oraon, a young Oraon tribal from Don Bosco Oodlabari and an alumnus of Salesian College (Autonomous) Siliguri’s Department of Social Work, has emerged as a powerful voice for his community. As the field researcher and interviewer for the documentary Khun Pasina Jekar, Cha Bagan Ukar (Those Whose Sweat and Blood, Their Tea Garden), John played a central role in bringing the inspiring story of Sonali Tea Garden to the forefront. The 1-hour-35-minute film, premiered on a large screen in the garden’s Bara Line on Thursday, captures the struggles and resilience of Sonali’s tea garden workers, a narrative deeply personal to John.

Raised in the crowded lanes of Sonali Tea Garden amidst the verdant Dooars, John witnessed the devastating impact of a tea garden’s closure. His two-year journey to create the documentary was driven by a passion to showcase his community’s strength. “Sonali’s story is my story,” John said. “Through this film, we show the world what happens when livelihoods vanish in a tea garden, but also how our community fought back.” His meticulous research involved collecting oral histories, archival records, and interviews with elders like Mattu Oraon, former vice-chairman of the cooperative, whose emotional reflection during the screening—“We did it. Others can too”—resonated deeply with the audience.

The documentary details the closure of Sonali Tea Garden on September 24, 1973, sparked by a dispute over festival bonuses, and the workers’ extraordinary response. On September 6, 1974, they formed a cooperative that revived the garden, setting a historic precedent by distributing a 20% bonus in 1977 and implementing equal wages a year before the Equal Remuneration Act of 1976. John’s research vividly recreated moments like the workers’ march across the Teesta River to protest at the Jalpaiguri District Magistrate’s office, a powerful symbol of unity and defiance. “These stories were fading,” he said. “I wanted to preserve them for my generation and beyond.”

Produced in Sadri and Kurukh, with planned subtitles in Bengali, Hindi, Nepali, and English, the documentary reflects John’s commitment to accessibility. Guided by filmmaker and Dooars social activist Rupam Deb, who highlighted the cooperative model as a lifeline for struggling tea gardens, and supported by assistant filmmaker Shard Mahali, John’s work has ignited hope. “This isn’t just a film,” he said. “It’s a call to action for other tea gardens to believe in their power to rebuild.”

For John, shaped by Don Bosco’s ethos of service and Salesian College’s focus on social work, the documentary is a tribute to his roots. “Sonali’s blood and sweat built this garden,” he said. “I’m honored to help tell its story.” The film stands as a testament to his dedication, bringing pride to Sonali and inspiration to tea garden communities across the Dooars.

- Ricky Pullock

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, 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 16, 2025:  The brothers from Salesian College Sonada organized a full day work camp on 16 March, 05 at Sri Satya Sai Academy, Primary School, Upper Cedar. The camp was an expression of ‘works of mercy’ which Christians are exhorted to engage in  during the season of Lent.

Upper Cedar, is one of the vibrant youth centers of Salesian College Sonada. It has a population  500 families, hailing from different faiths.  The people, in general, are very welcoming and open to the weekly outreach programmes rendered by the brothers. The main work for the day was to demolish the old school building and level the ground to create space for extracurricular activities. The existing primary school has a strength of  40 students, ranging from nursery to class four, with seven teachers.

Upon reaching the school, Mr. Pranay Sarki, the Headmaster, welcomed warmly the work force of 26 brothers, including some of the Claretians. He gave a short instruction before the work began. The headmaster and three more teachers joined the workforce to demolish the old building.

By the end of the day the target of the work camp was achieved. The Headmaster had only words of appreciation for the brothers. He said,  “This is the happiest day for me personally, for the school and for the our village. We will benefit greatly from the hard work and the sacrifice rendered by the brothers. Thank you for your support.” Ms. Sayari Rai, one of the teachers, described day as, “A day where I know that some people are still ready to support us, help us in our task to develop a bright future for our children of this locality. Thank you to Salesian College Sonada and to all the brothers.”

As the camp wounded up, Br. Jacob Rai SDB, the leader of the work camp, expressed their gratitude to the residents of the village for allowing them to extend a helping hand to them.  As a final message he said, “We can do much good in society if we are ready to give a helping when someone is in need”