MINISTRIES

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

Kalimpong, 17 August: The 209th birthday of St. John Bosco, the "Father and Friend of Youth," was commemorated with great enthusiasm in Samthar on August 17. Don Bosco School Samthar and the Bosco Association organized the Bosco Jayanti celebration for the fourth consecutive year.

The event featured an inter-cultural dance competition and inter-school football tournaments, attracting students from various schools in the region. The Bosco Cup, which included both men's and women's open knockout football tournaments, was a highlight of the day.

The festivities began with a tribute to Don Bosco, including the offering of kadha and cake cutting. Several officials and dignitaries were present, with Fr. Martin serving as the chief guest. The first half of the event showcased the talents of the youth, who performed songs and dances.

The second half was action-packed with the Bosco Cup finals. In the inter-school match, St. Joseph School Tanyang defeated St. Maurice School 2-0. A friendly match between Priest VII and Bosco Appas ended in a 3-1 victory for Priest VII. The women's final saw Himalayan FC triumph over Rongmit United 1-0. The men's final was a thrilling match that ended in a 3-3 draw, with Sezum A ultimately winning the penalty shootout 0-2.

The winners of the dance competition were St. Joseph Tanyang, St. Joseph Nimbong, and St. Maurice Suruk. All participants received medals and certificates. In the football tournaments, St. Joseph Tanyang won the inter-school title, while Himalayan FC and Sezum A emerged victorious in the women's and men's open knockout tournaments, respectively.

Individual awards were also presented, recognizing outstanding performances in football. Prakash Lepcha from Sezum was named the best goalkeeper, Rohan Lepcha from Sezum was awarded the best defender, Silash from Yangri United was selected as the player of the tournament, and Prem from Yangri United was the highest scorer. In the women's category, Neva Sharma from Himalayan FC was the player of the tournament, and Pandimit from Himalayan FC was the highest scorer.

The Bosco Jayanti celebration in Samthar was a true testament to Don Bosco's motto, "Give me souls, take away the rest." The event provided a platform for young people to showcase their talents, compete in sports, and connect with their community.
Fr. Savio Rai, SDB

Azimganj, 16 August: Savio Bhavan, a formation house of the Kolkata Province, hosted a special celebration on August 16, 2024, to commemorate the birthday of St. John Bosco. For the first time, the parish youths of Azimganj Don Bosco Parish were invited to participate in the festivities.

The day began with a Eucharistic Adoration led by Fr. Ramesh Cherian, the Rector of Savio Bhavan. The session provided a spiritual foundation for the celebration, allowing the youths to connect more deeply with the values and mission of Don Bosco.

A vibrant cultural evening followed, showcasing the talents of both the parish youths and the residents of Savio Bhavan. The performances included prayer dance, instrumental music, a band performance, and a skit, all reflecting the spirit of Don Bosco.

Fr. Motilal Kisku, the Parish Priest of Azimganj Parish, and Fr. Ajay Sardar, the Rector of the Don Bosco Welfare Center, graced the occasion with their presence, strengthening the bond between the parish and the formation house.

Fr. Ramesh Cherian addressed the youths, speaking about the mission of Don Bosco and encouraging them to carry forward his legacy of love, service, and devotion.

The celebration was a resounding success, fostering unity and strengthening the relationship between the parish youths and the Savio Bhavan community. It was a day that truly embodied the spirit of Don Bosco, the father and friend of the youth.
Fr. Biswajit Mondal, SDB

Sonada, 14 August: Salesian College Sonada hosted Patriotic Vibrations, a pre-Independence Day celebration on the 14th of August which was organized by the Music Club of the college. 

The event started with a welcome speech by  Bro. Jacob Rai and introduction by Ms. Samridhi Lama, followed by a prayer led by the Rector,  Fr. Johny Nedungatt. The programme officially began with the lighting of the lamp and  a speech  by the Vice Principal Br. (Dr.) Augustine Joseph in which  he reminded everyone of the need to explore the talents they have and to develop them.   

The day featured a patriotic group singing competition with participation from all seven departments - BCA, Commerce, English, History, Mass Communication and Journalism, Political Science, and Sociology. This was followed by a group dance competition, with each department performing on patriotic songs.

The organizers ensured an open mic session by the students to give a finishing touch to the patriotic vibrations.

The department of Sociology emerged as the winner in the singing competition followed by the department of Political Science. In the dance competition, Political Science emerged as the winner with English department as the runner up.

The event concluded with vote of thanks by Ms. Sunaina Biswakarma and the singing of the national anthem, marking a day filled with talent, patriotism, and celebration of India's 78th Independence Day.

Ms. Anjana Rai

Darjeeling, 11 August: The brothers of Salesian College Sonada organized on the 11th of August an Intra-zonal football tournament at the Raghubir Busty football ground to select teams for the upcoming Football Showdown at Salesian College, Sonada. The event saw participation from youths representing three villages:  Raghubir Busty, Mali Busty, and Upper Balasun.

A total of thirty players attended the tournament along with numerous spectators.

Mr. Roshan Tamang, the president of Raghubir Busty, graced the occasion as the chief guest. He kicked off the tournament and in his opening address encouraged the players to demonstrate their skills and play fairly.

Each team had seven players on the field. A total of thirty players were on the ground and a sizable spectators.  Since there was a tie in the final match, both the teams were invited to participate in the Bosco Utsav.  Frs. Clement Lakra, the youth animator, and Angelus Minj, the Bursar, were the special guests at the event. 

Paul Rai from Mali Busty shared his thoughts on the tournament, “I enjoyed it a lot. Although we did not expect to win, we did, and I also made some new friends.”

The football tournament concluded on a high note, fostering both competition and camaraderie.

Cl. Clement Soren SDB

Darjeeling, 4 August: The Youth Centre department of Salesian College, Sonada  organized a solo Dance competition at Arubutia Primary school in one of the youth centres on  04 August, 2024 for the young people  of Garigaon and Balasun. 

The day began with welcoming the chief guest, Lokesh Khawas, the president of the village.  The chief guest, in addressing the participants and the audience, acknowledged the beauty and value of dance, describing it as a  ladder to achieve our dreams.  A good number of people from the surrounding villages were present for the programme. Thirteen young people came on the stage to showcase their talent. Ms. Sachita Gurung, a frequenter of the Sunday Youth Centre, bagged the first position. 

The villagers was thrilled  with the initiative taken by the brothers. The unexpected response from the villagers engendered them to take further such cultural expressions  for the betterment of the community. Ms. Angel Gurung, the president of Garigoan Youth Centre, had the concluding words, “A day well spent. Witnessing so many talented participants in our youth center gives us  hope for a better tomorrow”.

Cl. Octopaul Marbaniang SDB