New Delhi, 9 September: The Salesian Province of Kolkata received the second prize in the Rector Major’s Innovative Ministry Award 2026 for BE CLEAN: Ministry among the Lepers, the pioneering mission of Fr Mathew George, SDB, among persons affected by leprosy in Medinipur, West Bengal. The award was presented during REWIND 2026, the annual review of Mission Poverty Eradication, held at the Salesian Provincial House, New Delhi.

Instituted to recognise creative, impactful and replicable Salesian initiatives responding to the needs of young people and marginalised communities, the Rector Major’s Innovative Ministry Award 2026 focused on the theme of Mission Poverty Eradication. A panel of three Salesian judges evaluated 32 initiatives from across the Provinces.

The Kolkata Province’s initiative, BE CLEAN: Ministry among the Lepers, was recognised for extending the Salesian charism to one of society’s most neglected and marginalised groups. Through his mission in Medinipur, Fr Mathew George, SDB, has sought to restore dignity, hope and a sense of belonging to people affected by leprosy, accompanying them not merely as beneficiaries but as persons worthy of care, respect and human fraternity.

The ministry goes beyond providing material assistance. It seeks to address the deep social isolation, stigma and exclusion experienced by persons affected by leprosy and their families. Through a sustained presence among the communities, the mission responds to their practical needs while offering companionship, pastoral care and opportunities for greater dignity and inclusion.

The recognition highlights a distinctive dimension of the Salesian mission: being present where people are most vulnerable and reaching out to those who are often forgotten by society. Fr Mathew’s ministry among persons affected by leprosy in Medinipur reflects this commitment by bringing the spirit of Don Bosco’s preventive system to people living on the margins.

The award was presented by Rector Major Fr Fabio Attard, General Councillor for South Asia Fr Biju Michael, and Executive Director of Don Bosco Tech Society Fr George Mathew. The Kolkata Province received a trophy and certificate in recognition of the initiative.

The Salesian Province of Delhi won the first prize for From Brick Kilns to Bright Futures: Transforming Lives Through Education, while the Salesian Province of Dimapur received the third prize for Labour for School Fee.

The Salesian Youth Movement (SYM), Kolkata Province, held a three-day Leaders and Animators Formation (LAF) Programme from September 5 to 7 at Don Bosco Nitika, bringing together youth leaders and animators from the Salesian Provinces of Kolkata, Delhi and Hyderabad.

The programme opened with Holy Mass presided over by Fr Sunil Kerketta SDB, Provincial of Kolkata, following morning prayer. Fr Alfred Paul SDB, Youth Delegate of Kolkata, welcomed the participants with the traditional “Uttorio.”

The first day focused on Salesian youth leadership and spirituality. Fr Patrick Lepcha SDB, South Asia Delegate for Youth Ministry, led a session on the Salesian Youth Movement and spirituality, followed by an exchange of best practices among youth groups from the three provinces. Fr Saroj Mullick SDB and Mr Ayush Raj Mathew conducted sessions on faith formation for young people and media skills for leadership, respectively. The day concluded with a reflection on “Hearing the Voice of God” by Fr Tushar Gomes SDB and a cultural evening that highlighted the participating provinces’ traditions.

The second day featured a Hindi Holy Mass presided over by Fr Deepak Kindo SDB, Youth Director of Delhi Province. Formation sessions addressed youth as agents of change, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship and the vocational dimension of young people. Adoration and Confession offered participants spiritual renewal.

An evaluation and way-forward session, facilitated online by Fr Alfred Paul, identified concrete lines of action for youth groups. The valedictory function distributed certificates and souvenirs to youth leaders, while presenting special centenary mementoes to youth animators and directors of the three provinces. A family get-together followed, marking the programme’s closing moments and shared fellowship.

The final day highlighted Kolkata’s spiritual and cultural heritage. Participants celebrated Holy Mass at St Mother Teresa’s Tomb, had breakfast at Mother House and visited the Victoria Memorial, St Paul’s Cathedral and Auxilium Parish Church. The programme concluded with a visit to New Market, leaving participants with memories of fellowship, formation and the cultural heritage of the “City of Joy.”
Fr. Alfred Paul, SDB

Sonada, 03 September 2026: The Salesians, faculty members, office and support staff of Salesian college, Sonada gathered around Mr. Robert Lepcha on 03 September 2026, its first librarian and office staff, to bid farewell to him after an unmatchable service of 36 years.  The day’s programme was coupled with expressions of appreciation for the teaching faculty as the nation keeps teacher’s day on the 5th of September. 

Mr. Robert, a native of Molot, Darjeeling Hills, joined Salesian college on 15th March, 1990 as the first lay person to work as librarian of the philosophate and graduate studies, and made Gorabari his home.  Soon he began to take up office work and eventually became a full pledged office staff. His administrative expertise made him an indispensable member of several key institutional bodies. He was appointed to the NAAC First Cycle Preparation Committee in 2003 and later contributed significantly as a member of the Finance Committee, the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), and the College Autonomy Preparation Group from 2020 onwards. 

The college and the philosophate expressed its gratitude to Mr. Robert with a farewell dinner with the entire faculty and staff, followed by a stage performance consisting of dances, songs, video presentations and messages from numerous beneficiaries of his service. 

The Rector, Fr. Johny Nedungatt voiced the sentiments of the college community when he said, “Ever since day one, you were truly faithful to your assigned duties,  attended to whatever was needed to be done, ensured that the office was maintained beyond requirement, and built up familial relationship, as if this institute was your home. … You may leave the college, but the college will not leave you.” 

“We remember your willingness to work, we remember your sense of responsibility, we remember your perseverance and above all, we remember your loyalty to the Salesian College”, were the words of the Principal, Fr. (Dr.) Babu Joseph who was present throughout the entire programme.  This was complemented by the vice-principal, Dr. Terence Mukhia when he said,  “His industrious work ethic complemented by a remarkably humble, simple, and approachable demeanour made him an invaluable pillar of Salesian academic family”.

Mr. Robert was more than an employee. He considered Salesian college his home away from home.  This was manifested in the words of his colleague, Mr. Savio Giri, “Your knowledge of the office requirements, your guidance to the staff students and your willingness to take responsibility have been truly valuable to this institution”. 

“Throughout these thirty-six years, Sir Robert has anchored our administrative core with quiet dignity, selfless dedication, and an abiding fatherly care that treated every colleague and student as family. Today, we stand united in deep respect and gratitude to celebrate a lifetime of exemplary devotion to Salesian College,” were the sentiments of the faculty.

The president of the student council who planned meticulously the day’s programme spoke of Mr. Robert as “A symbol of dedication and untiring discipline”. 

The concluding words of  Mr. Robert, “As Salesian employees we have duties and responsibilities to assist and support the institution and if need be, by giving extra time to complete the assigned work… I think we should have the attitude of  my college is my family” spoke for itself who he was in the life of Salesian College. 

SCS Reporter

RASUWA, NEPAL, 30 August 2026: The Nepal Don Bosco Society (NDBS) emergency response team was forced to suspend its field mission to Timure in Rasuwa on 30 August after rising river levels and severe damage to the transport corridor made onward travel unsafe. The team reached Bidur Municipality in Nuwakot but could not proceed towards Timure and Rasuwa. Following the disruption, the team temporarily halted its movement and returned to Thecho.

The mission was undertaken to establish contact with local authorities and communities and prepare for an immediate humanitarian response in the affected areas. The team planned to coordinate with local authorities and humanitarian structures, secure necessary approvals, conduct a rapid needs assessment, verify vulnerable households and identify priority requirements related to food, drinking water, shelter and essential services.

The renewed flooding has also affected the movement of relief supplies. A significant quantity of humanitarian provisions mobilised by various organisations has reached Bidur Municipality but remains unable to move by road to the most severely affected areas. Field information received by NDBS indicates that the Nepal Army has taken responsibility for coordinating the movement of essential relief materials to inaccessible locations, including through helicopter operations where road access is unavailable.

The situation continues to present major access challenges for humanitarian agencies seeking to reach affected communities. The Nepal Army has been conducting helicopter-supported rescue and relief operations in Rasuwa and surrounding areas, while renewed rises in the Bhotekoshi River have further disrupted access and prompted continuing warnings for downstream communities.

Howrah, 27 August 2026: Don Bosco Technical School, Liluah, Howrah, welcomed the new academic session 2026–2027 with an inspiring Investiture Ceremony cum Freshers’ Welcome on 27 August 2026. The programme brought together the newly admitted first-year students, their parents, faculty members and the school community in an atmosphere of enthusiasm and hope.

The occasion was graced by Rev. Fr. Anil Toppo SDB, Rector of Don Bosco Bandel, as the Chief Guest, accompanied by Rev. Fr. Sanjay Manohar Kujur SDB, Rector of Don Bosco School, Liluah, and Rev. Fr. Banti Mondal SDB, Principal of Don Bosco Technical School, Liluah.

The Investiture Ceremony marked the formal entrustment of leadership and responsibility to the newly appointed student leaders. They were encouraged to lead with discipline, integrity, teamwork and a spirit of service, understanding that “true leadership is not merely about holding a position but about serving others and contributing positively” to the school community.

The Freshers’ Welcome warmly introduced the new first-year students into the Don Bosco family. The presence and participation of their parents added special significance to the occasion, reflecting the strong partnership between the institution and families in nurturing the students’ education, character and future aspirations.

The programme concluded on a joyful and hopeful note, leaving the new students with a strong sense of belonging and purpose. The occasion marked not just the beginning of a new academic year, but also a renewed commitment to learning, leadership, discipline, excellence and service in the spirit of Don Bosco.

Kolkata, 30 August: Auxilium Parish, Kolkata, and its three chapels at Motijhil, Dhapa and Hatgachia celebrated the Feast of St. Monica on Sunday, 30 August, with special focus on mothers. Mothers took an active part in the Holy Masses at all four locations by proclaiming the Scripture readings and intentions and presenting the offerings at the altar. Following the Eucharistic celebrations, the mothers gathered near the altar to receive a special blessing from the celebrants and the assembly, with prayers for their strength, guidance and well-being.

The celebration highlighted the life of St. Monica and her perseverance in prayer for her family. The parish community joined the mothers in thanksgiving and prayer, seeking St. Monica’s intercession for mothers and their families. The observance concluded with prayers for the continued faith, well-being and strength of mothers in their family and Christian vocation.

JALPAIGURI, 30 August: More than 1,500 mothers gathered at Don Bosco Parish, Oodlabari, Jalpaiguri, on 30 August to celebrate the Feast of St. Monica. The celebration marked the culmination of a month-long spiritual preparation organised and coordinated by the parish Mother’s Association (Mahila Sangh), which included daily prayers, a Bible quiz and a novena dedicated to St. Monica.

The solemn Holy Eucharist was presided over by Fr. Sunit Kishor Kiro, Assistant Parish Priest, and concelebrated by Fr. (Dr.) Aju Kurian, Rector. Members of the Mahila Sangh prepared and conducted the liturgy. In his homily, Fr. Sunit highlighted St. Monica’s perseverance in prayer, selfless love for God and steadfast trust in divine providence.

Following the Eucharistic celebration, MSMHC candidates and mothers from various parish sub-centres presented a cultural programme. The day-long celebration concluded with a fellowship lunch shared by the participating mothers and the faithful.

Howrah, 30 August: Around 150 young parishioners gathered at Don Bosco Liluah to celebrate Parish Youth Day with vibrant energy and devotion.

The memorable day commenced with a prayerful entrance dance and hymn, leading the concelebrants and the main celebrant, Rev. Fr. Sunil Kerketta, Provincial (INC), to the altar for the solemn Eucharistic celebration. In his inspiring homily, Fr. Provincial exhorted the youth never to lose heart during difficult and challenging times, reminding them that God walks faithfully by their side.

Following the Holy Mass, the youth assembled in the auditorium for the formal inauguration and an engaging session on the encyclical “Magnifica Humanitas.” Led by Fr. Arvind Khalkho, the session came alive through dynamic interactions and thought-provoking discussions. Fr. Arvind urged the gathering, “Do not allow technology to define who you are; instead, remain truly human—grounded in truth, love, freedom, authentic relationships, responsibility, and compassion.”

After a fellowship lunch, Sr. Nootan Rose CHF, Sr. Thresiamma AASC, and Bro. Roshan Ekka SDB shared touching insights into their religious journeys, encouraging the youth to listen to God’s call and generously respond to a life of service.

The afternoon transitioned into the vibrant talent showcase, “Beyond the Ordinary: 2 Minutes to Fame,” featuring high-energy solo and group performances. Bro. Roshan Ekka then energized the participants further with an action-packed, Gospel-based outdoor Treasure Hunt.

The day concluded in the auditorium with the prize distribution and a vote of thanks:

Solo Category (2 Minutes to Fame): George Mondal (1st place), Anisha Bar (2nd place), and Eva Minj (3rd place).

Group Category (2 Minutes to Fame): Annie Sneha Surin & Group – Liluah Unit (1st place), Chandmari Unit (2nd place), and DB Tech Boys (3rd place).

The celebration stood as a true testament to faith, friendship, and fellowship. Each participant departed inspired by the overarching call: Belong to God, Believe in Yourself, Serve Others, and Build the Future—Together We Shine for Christ.

Sonada, 30 August 2026 - A mobile based match, ‘Mobile Legends: Bang Bang’ (MLBB) was organized by Gorabari Youth Centre (Salesian College, Sonada)  for the young people interested in mobile gaming.  This game is very popular among young people aged between 15 to 25, particularly in South Asia, Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.

The mobile based match brought together 13 teams, from neighbouring villages,  each team consisting of five members. Thus, a total of 65 players participated in the competition. Apart from the participants, guests and spectators were also present, bringing the total attendance to nearly 100 young people. A registration fee of around ₹100 per team was collected from the participating teams.

The programme began with a short inauguration ceremony in which Fr. Johny Nedungatt, SDB, Rector of Salesian College, Sonada, addressed the participants. In his message, he emphasized the importance of teamwork and encouraged the players to work and participate together as a team. His message reminded the young participants that the event was not only about winning but also about cooperation and learning to accept ‘losing and failures’ in life. 

The competition was conducted using knockout system, with the participating teams competing against one another in a series of matches. The matches were actively followed by the players, guests and spectators present at the venue. There was a lively and enthusiastic atmosphere throughout the competition as the teams competed for a place in the final. After several rounds of matches, Fusion Prime from Dilaram Youth Centre came out as the victorious team.

At the end of the competition, the winners and runners-up were honoured in the presence of the participants, spectators and Salesians. The winning team was awarded trophy, medals and certificates, while the runners-up received certificates in recognition of their achievement.

After the competition, the captains of both finalist teams were interviewed about their experience. The captain of the runners-up opined, “The matches were fair and enjoyable; although our team lost the final, we had  fun playing throughout the competition.” The winners’ captain appreciated saying, “The matches were organized excellently well and we are happy that there are people who share interest in such games.” Their feedback reflected the positive experience of the participants and the friendly spirit prevalent during the entire event.

The programme concluded round 6.00 pm. Overall, the competition was successfully conducted and provided a meaningful opportunity for young people from many villages to come together, participate in a shared interest, develop teamwork, and enjoy a spirit of healthy competition and friendship.

Br. Lamkupar onglang SDB

Sonada, 18 August 2026- Salesian College (Autonomous), Sonada, organized “Patriotic Vibrations 2026” on 14 August, 2026 as a solemn remembrance of the Partition of Bengal and its tragic consequences, alongside the celebration of the spirit of patriotism, unity, and cultural diversity.

The programme was organized by the Music Club of the college in collaboration with the Restless Minds Club, under the coordination of Ms. Aswini Lama, and others.  The event was anchored by Reegden Lepcha and Shreya Sherpa.

The programme commenced with a welcome address and introduction of the dignitaries, followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. The Rector, Johny Nedungatt led the gathering in prayer through Rabindranath Tagore’s celebrated poem “Where the Mind Is Without Fear,”. The prayerful recitation of the poem, while awakening the aspiration, “Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake,” beautifully reflected the central spirit of Patriotic vibrations - freedom, unity, courage, and  hope for a nation bleeding with communal division, religious fundamentalism, political anarchy and a polarized social existence. 

Dr. Terence Mukhia, the vice-principal, addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of remembering history and upholding the values of unity and patriotism. The Hon’ble Shri Sonam Lama, MLA, Kurseong, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and addressed the gathering, encouraging students to value their history, heritage, and responsibilities as citizens.

The cultural segment featured theme based skits by various departments and a song presented by the Music Club. These performances provided meaningful and artistic interpretations of historical and social themes.

A major highlight of the programme was the Interdepartmental Dance Competition, featuring teams from different departments. The various dances showcased creativity, cultural diversity, teamwork, and enthusiastic and competitive involvement of the students.

Patriotic Vibrations 2026 successfully brought together historical remembrance and cultural expression through music, drama, and dance. The programme provided students with a meaningful platform to engage with the history of the nation while celebrating the ideals of freedom, unity, diversity, patriotism, and national pride.

Br. Abishek Rai SDB