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A TRIBUTE TO FR. JOSEPH VERZOTTO SDB: A VETERAN SALESIAN MISSIONARY

A tribute to Fr. Joseph Verzotto SDB: A veteran Salesian Missionary

Sonada, 19 September 2026 – The annual event of Fr. Joseph Verzotto memorial lecture was held at Salesian College Sonada, Darjeeling, on 19 September, 2026. Fr. Gyan Sandeep Kujur SDB, currently pursuing his doctoral studies, lectured at length on “Tradition and Modernity in Dialogue: Transformations in the Cultural Identity of Adivasi Youth in Chotanagpur.” 

 

The programme began with the invocation of the Holy Spirit, seeking God’s wisdom and guidance for the gathering. This was followed by the traditional honouring of the distinguished guests, resource person, and  the faculty with  Nepali Khada. 

 

Following the lamp-lighting ceremony, Rev. Fr. Johnny Nedungatt, the Rector of Salesian College Sonada, while welcoming the gathering focused on the significance of coming together to commemorate the memory and legacy of Fr. Joseph Verzotto, a Salesian missionary who has left indelible mark on the lives of many in the hills. A brief presentation of his life and contribution was subsequently given by Fr. Pritam Barla.

 

The central part of the programme was the presentation by Fr. Gyan Sandeep Kujur SDB, the resource person. Before the lecture, Rev. Fr. Mathew Cheerukattuparambil introduced the resource person to the participants. Fr. Gyan then delivered his lecture on his selected topic which arouse much curiosity among the participants. The topic invited reflection on the cultural experiences of Adivasi youth in the context of social change and the encounter between inherited traditions and modern influences.  He also stressed on the need to keep the memory of some of the traditions that communicate certain values valid in the midst of unbridled progress.  The short interactive session that followed clarified certain concepts for the students. 

 

The lecture was followed by  vote of thanks proposed by Bro. Soren Silen, who expressed gratitude to the resource person, guests, organizers, faculty members and all those who contributed to the successful  organizing of the memorial lecture. The programme concluded with the singing of the College Anthem, bringing the 17th memorial lecture to a formal closure.

 

Br. Abhishek Rai SDB