MINISTRIES

Sonada, 26 October 2025  - The Sonada Youth Centre emerged as the overall champion of Bosco Utsav 2025, a day-long inter-youth centre extravaganza that drew nearly 450 young people from 26 Sunday ministry groups run by Salesian priests.

The event, organized by the Department of Youth Services at Salesian College, kicked off at 10:15 a.m. with a welcome address by Fr. Clement Lakra, SDB, Dean of Studies and Youth Animator. A scripture reading, ceremonial lamp lighting, and a prayer dance by college student Ms. Mehek Tamang set a devotional tone.

In his keynote, Fr. Johny Nedungatt, SDB, Rector of the college, urged participants to cultivate confidence, declaring, “With confidence you can do all things.” He described the festival as a deliberate effort to nurture that quality among youth.

Competitions and performances unfolded across campus, including Western Dance, Short Film Making, Photography, Poem Writing, Quiz, Cultural Ramp Walk, Cypher Dance, and Carrom. Lunch was served to all, and activities continued without pause until the 4:30 p.m. prize ceremony in the college auditorium.

Sonada Youth Centre’s overall win triggered cheers and applause, capping a day participants described as joyful and transformative. Ms. Safalta Sewa called it “a very nice and extremely joyful experience” that fostered new friendships. Joel Rai praised the chance “to grow and showcase talents… while contributing to social development.”

The festival embodied the Salesian charism—faith, friendship, and youthful energy—leaving attendees inspired to achieve “great things” through confidence and unity.

Reported by Cl. Lamkupar Nonglang SDB

Shillong, September 21, 2025 -The Young Salesians of the INC Province participated in a two-day Training of Trainers (TOT) program on 19th and 20th September 2025, organized by Don Bosco Youth Animation – South Asia at Don Bosco Provincial House, Shillong. The program aimed at equipping them with skills and animation techniques to become effective trainers and leaders in the field of youth ministry.

The four participants included Fr. Mukesh Garasia from Don Bosco Sirsia, Nepal; Br. Roshan Ekka from Don Bosco Jyoti, Kalimpong; Fr. Amit Xess from Don Bosco Diamond Harbour; and Fr. Simon Bara from St. Teresa Parish, Sonada. The sessions provided opportunities for learning, sharing, and personal growth in the Salesian spirit, preparing them to better accompany the young in their journey of faith and life.

Hyderabad, September 23, 2025 – The Kolkata Province of the Salesians joined 85 youth leaders from the Provinces of Delhi and Hyderabad for the Leaders and Animators’ Formation (LAF) Programme at BIRDY, Hyderabad, from September 12-14, united under the theme “Salesian Youth Leaders as Pilgrims and Beacons of Hope.” In his keynote address, Fr. Santiagu Thomas, Hyderabad Provincial, inspired participants with Don Bosco’s vision of serving the poorest and most abandoned youth, urging Kolkata’s delegates to embrace their role as transformative leaders in youth ministry.

The three-day programme offered a rich blend of intellectual, spiritual, and cultural experiences, with Kolkata participants engaging deeply in sessions on Salesian youth spirituality, sustainable leadership, and societal advocacy. Guided by Salesian and lay animators, the group tackled pressing youth issues like addictions, relationships, and media influence through a dynamic panel discussion. Prayer, adoration, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation fostered spiritual renewal, while province-wise cultural performances and informal gatherings strengthened bonds among participants.

On the final day, Kolkata delegates joined a Darshan tour of Hyderabad, visiting Tank Bund, Birla Temple, Charminar, and the Don Bosco Navajeevan Community, which supports at-risk youth. This exposure highlighted the Salesian mission in action, reinforcing their commitment to marginalized communities. Meticulously coordinated by Fr. Yeruva Joji SDB, with support from youth delegates across provinces, the programme equipped Kolkata’s leaders with the tools to inspire hope in the Church and society.

The LAF Programme left a lasting impact on Kolkata’s participants, who returned with renewed zeal to implement Don Bosco’s vision. By combining leadership training with spiritual and cultural enrichment, the event solidified their resolve to serve as faithful pilgrims and beacons of hope, ready to uplift the youth of their communities.

Sonada, 01 September 2025 - The Inter-Youth Centre Nepali Cultural Dance Competition 2025, organized by the Department of Youth, was successfully held on 31st August, 2025 at Salesian College Sonada. A total of 15 youth centres from the neighbouring villages of the college  participated in this vibrant celebration of Nepali culture and tradition.

The event began at 10:15 am with the welcoming of 211 young people and guests by Br. Vivek  Rai and Br. Kuldeep Ekka, the anchors of the day.  Scripture reading and lighting of the lamp, symbolizing wisdom and unity, set the tone for the day. The judges for the day’s competition were Mr. Samir Chettri, a dance teacher from the High School in Sonada and Ms. Namrata Rai, an alumna of the college. Fr. Clement Lakra SDB, the Youth Animator and chief organizer of  the programme  welcomed the  guests with traditional Nepali khadas, a gesture of deep respect and hospitality.

The stage performance was organized to give the young people an opportunity to come together, have healthy enjoyment and a platform to showcase their cultural traditions. Besides, an opening was created for the brothers to take leadership, and learn planning and implementing by engaging young people.  As the curtain raised, the audience enjoyed a spirited introductory Nepali dance by the brothers, energizing the crowd and setting a lively tone.

Each participating youth centre presented a traditional Nepali dance, filled with colour, energy, and cultural pride. Ms. Mahima, a youth from Rungmook Youth Centre, shared: "It was an amazing experience. All the dances were wonderful, and it was also nice and encouraging to see everyone cheering for all. I feel good about how this type of event happened."Ms. Megha Tamang, another dancer from Raghubir Busty, expressed: “All the young people were very talented and it was a great opportunity where all got a chance to display their talent. The Fathers and Brothers were also very kind. We also got to exhibit our Nepali culture and express ourselves through dance.”

A well-prepared lunch, presentation of tokens of appreciation to the judges, guest performance, prize distribution and snacks were the add-ons of the day. The young people of  Maharani Youth Centre came in the first place followed by  Mamring. Raungmook youth Centre was placed in the third position.  

One of the judges, Miss Namrata Rai, beautifully captured the mood of the day saying:  "It is wonderful to have such programmes being organized, especially since they are so rarely held these days. Events like this promote a sense of belonging to one’s own culture and keep tradition alive.”

The programme came to a joyful end with a culminating dance session, where all the young people, the animating brothers and guests  came together once more not as competitors, but as one community, celebrating culture, unity, and the care of those guiding them.

Br. Lamkupar Nonglang SDB                                                                                    

Kolkata, July 18, 2025 — Don Bosco School, Park Circus, hosted the third edition of the Inter-School Bible Quiz for Classes 3, 4, and 5 on July 18, 2025, bringing together 10 esteemed schools in a vibrant celebration of faith and knowledge. The event, inaugurated by Most Reverend Thomas D’Souza, Archbishop of Kolkata, alongside Principal and Rector Fr. V.C. George and Assistant Principal Fr. Francis Gomes, focused on the Gospel of John, encouraging young participants to embrace the Bible as their guiding light.

The participating schools included Our Lady Queen of the Missions School, Kolkata; Loreto Day School, Bowbazar; Loreto Day School, Dharamtala; Loreto Day School, Sealdah; Don Bosco School, Park Circus; Don Bosco High & Technical School, Liluah; Don Bosco School, Bandel; Auxilium Convent School, Bandel; Auxilium Convent School, Dum Dum; and St. Xavier’s Collegiate School, Kolkata. Archbishop D’Souza inspired the young minds to read, reflect on, and live by the Holy Bible, stating, “The Bible is the source of our Christian existence — the light that guides us.” Fr. George emphasized the importance of wise choices and virtuous influences, urging students to view the Bible as a companion and moral compass.

The event began with a soulful rendition of “Jesus Got a Hold of My Life” by the school choir, led by Sir Peter, followed by a symbolic candle-lighting ceremony referencing John 1:4 — “Jesus is the light of men” — symbolizing Christ’s ability to dispel darkness. The quiz, conducted by the dynamic quiz master Mr. Andrew Scolt, was lively, interactive, and well-paced, with seamless execution thanks to the dedicated efforts of Ma’am Cynthia George, whose coordination was pivotal to the event’s success.

Don Bosco School, Park Circus, won first prize, with Loreto Day School, Bowbazar, securing second, and St. Xavier’s Collegiate School taking third. Fr. George and Fr. Francis presented each participant with a token of appreciation, encouraging them to grow in God’s love and grace. The day concluded with loud applause and smiling faces, as participants left with enriched knowledge and cherished memories. Bosco Quiz 2025 was a joyful celebration of learning and faith, with Don Bosco Park Circus looking forward to hosting more such vibrant events in the future.

Reported by Mrs. Cynthia George and Ms. Marita Gomes

Sonada,  21 July, 2025 - Salesian College Sonada, in collaboration with Project Missio, conducted an  Animation Programme on 20 July, 2025 for young leaders hailing from  26 villages on the theme “Leaders in the Digital World”.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation by 69 young leaders representing the youth centres where the brothers from the college organize regular Sunday youth activities.  

The programme commenced with a warm introduction by Br. Vivek Rai and Br. Cyril Lepcha, followed by the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by the dignitaries. 

In his welcome address, Fr. Johny Nedungatt SDB, the Rector shared an inspiring message on the importance of youth empowerment and leadership in today’s world. The youth of Rungmook added a cultural touch with the lively performance of a traditional Nepali dance.

The main session, animated by Mr. Rashik Chettri, an ex-faculty member of the Salesian College, offered deep insights into the essence of leadership. He emphasized that leaders are not born but made. He said that leaders are those who carry fire in their hearts, possess the willingness to learn, and are always ready for action. He stressed that true leadership begins with self-management, which involves control over one’s thoughts, body, and soul. 

Following the session, participants enjoyed a very delicious lunch. Zonal level discussions chaired by the brothers were the after lunch events. Fr. Clement Lakra, the Youth Service Coordinator, facilitated a general session where major events of the year ahead were planned with the young leaders. 

Speaking about the day, Shraddha Mukhia from Beltar said, “The sessions were truly helpful and I hope we will have more of such events”.  Samraddhi Tamang from Gorabari opined, “I am grateful to the brothers for organizing such a wonderful learning opportunity, and it was  a valuable and empowering experience”.

The programme concluded with vote of thanks delivered by Br. Kushal, who expressed sincere gratitude to all who contributed to the success of the event, especially the organisers, the resource person, and the enthusiastic young leaders.

Br. Abhishek Rai SDB