NEWS

Sonada, 15 September: The Youth Centre department of Salesian College Sonada Philosophate organized a day of enriching and wholesome recreation, traditionally known as Bosco Utsav, for the young people of Sonada and its neighboring villages on September 15, 2024, in the college campus.

The day started with the welcoming of young people by the brothers, followed by a formal inaugural ceremony in the auditorium. Fr. Clement Lakra, the Youth Animator, welcomed all the invited guests and participants. This was followed by honoring Don Bosco with the traditional khada. The prayer dance staged by the college students kicked off the various programs on and off the stage.

There were 349 young people from 21 different youth centers present at the event. The day was filled with numerous activities for both boys and girls. There were around 18 different events, some of which included essay writing, ramp walk, throw ball, cypher dance, talent show, drawing, quiz, table tennis, carrom board, photography, cultural dance, singing, and many other competitive activities. Each of these competitions actively engaged the participants, effectively augmenting their self-confidence and self-esteem. They also led to a healthy competitive spirit among the different youth centers.

The Youth Centre of Middle Kharey Busty was judged the overall champion of the day and carried home the rolling trophy. Mali Busty was recognized as the best-disciplined center of the year. Sanskriti Limbu, a youth from Raghubir Busty, cherished the day, saying, "Thanks to the brothers for organizing such events for the betterment of the youth of this place. Their constant support and acknowledgement of our importance made our day."

Nikhil Darjee, a youth from Lower Balasun, expressed his experience of the day as, "A first step to shine, to boast of our self-confidence, and to discover a fresh path to inspire my friends."

The day ended well, with expressions of gratitude to the brothers for such a noble gesture to nurture the physical and spiritual well-being of the youths. The young people felt loved and cared for. There was a tinge of sadness on the faces of many young people as they bid goodbye to their dear brothers at 5:30 in the evening, for they felt the day was too short and they would have to wait another year for such wholesome enjoyment.

Cl. Octopaul Marbaniang SDB.

Siliguri, 8 September:  In a heartwarming display of Salesian joy and camaraderie, 19 young Salesians of the Kolkata Province gathered at Don Bosco Siliguri from September 6-8, 2024, for a three-day formation and fraternal event. The gathering aimed to strengthen their vocational journey, deepen their understanding of the Salesian charism, and foster a sense of community.

The program featured thought-provoking sessions led by experienced Salesians, including Fr. Roshan Kullu, who highlighted the missionary dimension of Don Bosco's charism, and Fr. Babu Joseph, who underscored the vital role of education in fostering the integral development of young people. Fr. John Berger reflected on the theme of the Pastoral Heart, reminding the young confreres of the importance of cultivating a heart that is open, compassionate, and attuned to the needs of the flock entrusted to their care.

Throughout the gathering, the young Salesians were accompanied by Fr. Sunil Kerketta, Vice Provincial of Kolkata Province, who provided guidance and insight during the sessions. His presentation on the Evangelical Counsels of Poverty, Chastity, and Obedience was particularly impactful, encouraging the young Salesians to live them with authenticity and joy. The gathering also included moments of fraternity, with friendly basketball and volleyball matches, and a special Mass at the Don Bosco Shrine where many made their first profession.

The gathering concluded with an outing to Siliguri Safari, marking a joyful end to the three days of learning, sharing, and fraternity. The event was a testament to the enduring power of faith and vocation, inspiring the young Salesians to be zealous apostles, particularly among the poor and the young. The presence of five newly ordained priests, who presided over the Sunday Eucharist, served as a reminder of the beauty and fruitfulness of priestly and religious life.

Bandel, 31 August: The first annual retreat of the Province for the 2024-25 year commenced on August 25 at Bandel Basilica. The retreat brought together 30 participants under the guidance of Fr. Doss Kennedy, Rector and Programme Coordinator of Don Bosco Renewal Centre, Bangalore. The retreat was centered around the Constitutions and Regulations of the Society of St. Francis de Sales, as decided by the province.

Throughout the retreat, Fr. Doss Kennedy delved into key themes such as Vocation and Prayer life, the Centrality of Christ and the vows, the mission of the Society, and the importance of education and evangelization. He also explored synodality, community life, the service of authority, and the challenges faced in Salesian consecrated vocation today, concluding with reflections on Don Bosco. These themes were enriched with examples from his own experiences as a Salesian.

Fr. Sunil Lakra of Hridaynibas Don Bosco, Diamond Harbour, served as the Rector of the retreat. Special thanks were extended to Vice-Provincial Fr. Sunil Kerketta for coordinating with the preacher and overseeing the logistics of the retreat.

Sonada, 31 August: A ‘Conference cum Interactive Session of Principals and Senior Teachers’ from the neighbouring schools of Darjeeling District was held at Research & Publication Cell, Salesian College Sonada (SCS), Autonomous,  on 23rd August, 2024, targeting principals and teachers of the region. 

Prof. Kem Chand Kapoor, former Vice Chancellor, Rajiv Gandhi University, Arunachal Pradesh, was the resource person. A total of 25 participants were present at the session. 

After the free registration, the Principals & teachers of eleven schools from Kurseong, Mirik and Darjeeling zones,  gathered in the Research and Publication Cell at 2 pm. The session commenced with words of welcome, a short introduction of SCS and perspective of the event by Dr. Terence Mukhia, Dean, SCS.  Dr. Bro. Joseph Augustin, Vice Principal of SCS and the Convener of the event, introduced the resource person, Prof. Kem Chand Kapoor.

Prof. K.C. Kapoor shared his expertise through a power point presentation on “School Leadership and Changing Educational Landscape: Embracing NEP, Skill Development, and AI for Future-Ready Schools.” It was an interactive session during which the teachers posed questions seeking answers and clarifications. NEP 2020 was one of the major concerns of the participants.

As the discussions progressed some clarity was brought about in the areas of NEP, implementation of Bloom’s Taxonomy, challenges in the field of undergraduate research, the policy of non-retention of students till cl.8, and learner/learning centric education. 

Rev. Bro. Joseph Augustin summed up the interactive session highlighting the importance of spending more time and energy in the field of school education which serves the basis for higher education. He thanked the resource person and the participants for the enthusiastic participation in the interactive session. 

Dr. Terence Mukhia

Rome, August 16: Master Rickey Pullock, a young delegate from Don Bosco Oodlabari Parish, Salesian Province of Kolkata, embarked on a remarkable journey to Italy, where he participated in the Salesian Youth Synod from August 9-16, 2024. This significant event, which commemorated the 200th anniversary of Don Bosco's dream at the age of 9, brought together over 350 delegates from around the world. Master Pullock's participation in the Synod marked a proud moment for the Salesian Province of Kolkata, as he joined the global Salesian family in celebrating this milestone.

Master Pullock joined fellow delegates from across the globe to rediscover Don Bosco's spirituality, faith, and devotion to Mary Help of Christians. The event was a testament to the power of unity and faith, bringing together young people from diverse backgrounds.

Fr. Patrick Lepcha, National Youth Coordinator for South Asia, also played a key role in the Synod, guiding and animating the youth delegates throughout the event.

The Synod featured a series of inspiring events, including a grand welcome, pilgrimage to historic sites, and discussions on the Instrumentum Laboris. The delegates celebrated Mass with Rector Major Cardinal Don Angel Fernandez Artime and engaged in cultural exchange through the SYM Fair-Market.

The experience was a testament to the enduring legacy of Don Bosco's dream, uniting young people across cultures and languages in a shared vision of faith and service. Master Pullock's participation in the Synod marked a proud moment for the Salesian Province of Kolkata, as he joined the global Salesian family in celebrating the 200th anniversary of Don Bosco's dream.
Fr. Arvind Khalkho, SDB