MINISTRIES

Sonada, March 1, 2025 – The prestigious Inter-College Jellici Memorial Basketball Tournament 2025 was successfully hosted at Salesian College, Sonada in honour of Fr. Luigi Jellici, fondly remembered as the ‘Apostle of The Hills.’ The event witnessed intense competition and sportsmanship among nine participating teams. The whole event was coordinated by Sir Rakesh Saibo, the head of the sports department of Salesian College Sonada.

The tournament featured nine teams in male and female categories. The male category included five teams: Inspiria Knowledge Campus A & B, Salesian College Siliguri A & B, and the host team, Salesian College Sonada. The female category saw participation from four teams: Salesian College Siliguri, Salesian College Sonada, Inspiria Knowledge Campus, and Loreto Convent School, Darjeeling.
Before commencing the tournament there was a short opening ceremony at 9:00 a.m. The programme proceeded with the traditional Khada Arpan followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. The memory of Fr. Jellici was brought alive by Fr.  George Thirumalachalil who delivered a brief account of his life focusing on the contributions he made to the hill people. After the oath-taking ceremony the Rector of the College, Fr. Johny Nedungatt officially declared the tournament  open.

After a series of thrilling contests, the host team, Salesian College Sonada, emerged as the champions in the male category, defeating Salesian College Siliguri in the final match. Among the female Category Salesian College Siliguri emerged victorious and Inspiria Knowledge campus as the Runners-up. The tournament concluded with a grand prize distribution ceremony, celebrating the spirit of sportsmanship and teamwork.

Mr. Rajendra Rajak, the head basketball coach from Inspiria Knowledge Campus, expressed his appreciation, saying, “It is nice to come again to this college.  We enjoyed the support and hospitality of Salesian College Sonada… it’s a privilege to be defeated by a team like that of Salesian College, Sonada. We would like to come again next year..”

Anish from Salesian College Siliguri also shared his thoughts, stating, “To be very honest, the management was good, and the environment was really challenging. We all played well, and the finalists were well-deserving. They played very well. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to participate.”
Elisha Rai added, “It was a good experience overall. We were a bit discouraged by the referee’s decision, but still, we won.”

The Inter-College Jellici Memorial Basketball Tournament 2025 successfully upheld its legacy of honouring Fr. Luigi Jellici while fostering healthy competition and unity among participating colleges. The event not only highlighted basketball talent but also strengthened the bonds between institutions, making it a success.

Br. Clement Soren SDB
 

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

11 June 2024, Darjeeling: The graduation ceremony at Salesian College Sonada commenced with an assembly in the Front Courtyard on 11 June 2024. The procession included the National Flag Bearer and College Flag Bearer, both Deans, followed by NCC cadets, band members, and department-wise lines led by their HoDs. The dignitaries, including the Chief Guest, Principal, Rector, Vice Principals, Coordinator, and faculty members, were escorted by NCC cadets. The Vice Principal addressed the assembly from the Arcade.

The Master of Ceremonies began with a quote from George Washington Carver. The Vice Principal, Fr. Nirmal Toppo, welcomed the guests. Dr. Terence Mukhia and Mr. Uday Malla then led the procession to the Auditorium with the Brothers’ Band playing “Come thou fount of every blessing.”

In the Hall, the students and dignitaries took their places in silence. The MC highlighted the significance of Graduation Day. A lamp-lighting ceremony followed, symbolizing knowledge and life, with participation from the Chief Guest, Principal, and representatives from each department. Ms. Alisha Soreng led the Prayer of the Graduates, after which the National Anthem was sung.

Fr. Johny Nedungatt delivered the Rector’s message, and the HoDs called the roll of candidates for graduation. The Principal, Fr. Dr. Babu Joseph, assessed and declared the candidates’ readiness for their degrees, followed by an oath-taking ceremony.

Dr. Terence Mukhia presented the annual report. Certificates and mementos were distributed to students by various dignitaries, and special awards such as the Principal’s Award and President’s Award were given.

Dr. Nupur Das delivered the keynote address, inspiring the graduates. The ceremony concluded with a song by Anjana Rai, a valedictory speech by Mr. Prabhakar Khawas, and the College Anthem. The graduates then proceeded for group and individual photographs.

The ceremony celebrated the students' achievements and marked the beginning of a new chapter in their lives, emphasizing the values and education imparted by Salesian College.