HOUSE ACTIVITIES

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.

Delhi, 10 December: Fr N.T. Scaria, a pioneer of compassionate prison reforms, was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award for Prison Reforms with Compassion at the 15th International Human Rights Summit & Awards held on December 10, 2025, at the India Islamic Cultural Centre, New Delhi. The award, conferred by the All India Council of Human Rights, Liberties & Social Justice, recognized his extraordinary contributions to human dignity and social justice.

The Global Board of Jury commended Fr Scaria’s unwavering compassion and spiritual leadership in transforming lives behind bars through faith-driven social action. Beginning with his historic visit to Berhampore Central Correctional Home in 1995, he had pioneered initiatives in reform and rehabilitation across West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Bihar. His work introduced vocational training, legal aid, counselling, family support, and the world’s first certified motor driving school inside a prison.

Under his leadership, the Don Bosco Prison Ministry became a beacon of hope for thousands of prisoners and their families, facilitating release, rehabilitation, and reintegration. His initiatives inspired correctional officials, volunteers, clergy, and reformers to adopt a more humane and compassionate approach to justice.

Honouring decades of dedicated service, the award placed Fr Scaria among eminent global leaders recognized at the Summit, celebrating him as a national symbol of mercy, faith, and reform.
- CM Paul, SDB

BANKURA, June 13, 2025 – The Don Bosco HRD Mission, led by Salesian Father Dr. Mathew George of the Kolkata Province, celebrated its first year of transformative service to leprosy patients at Bankura Leprosy Hospital, Eastern India’s largest treatment center. Launched to address the persistent challenges faced by 350 men and 150 women patients, the mission has delivered critical aid, restoring dignity to those grappling with social stigma and neglect.

Despite leprosy being declared eradicated, thousands in West Bengal’s marginalized regions still suffer. The mission, based in Dhobasole, identified urgent needs unmet by government provisions. Under Dr. George’s leadership, 500 bedside lockers were provided for secure storage, while 50 wheelchairs, 20 tricycles, and 50 pairs of crutches enhanced mobility. Additionally, 105 hearing aids, 120 large umbrellas, and 120 ceiling fans improved living conditions, complemented by essential medical equipment like ECG machines, stethoscopes, BP monitors, and glucometers for better diagnostics.

Fr. Manoj, Assistant Director, alongside collaborators, facilitated the donation of two battery-operated auto rickshaws (Totos) from Petra Theiner of Sudtirol’s Hoffnung auf einen Besseren Morgen, easing patient transportation. The mission also supplied two large washing machines, mattresses, chairs, buckets, towels, soap, oil, and clothing to meet personal care needs.

Beyond immediate relief, the mission supports rehabilitation villages—Pierdoba, Garbheta, and Bishnupur—where cured patients face reintegration challenges. Housing improvements, vocational training, and food assistance have fostered hope and self-reliance. Dr. George, a former professor at Sacred Heart Theological College Shillong, draws inspiration from Salesian pioneers and Mother Teresa, aligning the mission with the Kolkata Province’s centenary preparations for February 2026.

The Don Bosco HRD Mission’s compassionate efforts highlight the power of sustained action, offering a lifeline to one of society’s most overlooked communities.
CM Paul

Kolkata, June 21 – Don Bosco centers in Joypur, Barapahari, Nitika, Malbasey, Krishnagar, and Samthar enthusiastically celebrated International Yoga Day, emphasizing the profound physical and spiritual benefits of yoga. The event commenced with invigorating warm-up exercises, setting the stage for students to showcase a variety of asanas. Faculty, staff, and children received comprehensive guidance on achieving body-mind harmony, reinforcing the significance of yoga in daily life.

In a world dominated by fast-paced, technology-driven lifestyles, these centers highlighted yoga's crucial role in enhancing children's concentration and physical fitness. By fostering a culture of wellness and unity, Don Bosco centers are instilling the importance of holistic education and the pursuit of inner balance among their students. The day's activities were a testament to the centers' commitment to promoting well-being and nurturing a healthy lifestyle.

The enthusiastic celebration at Don Bosco centers underscored the importance of prioritizing well-being through yoga. Participants left inspired to integrate yoga into their routines, experiencing the ancient practice's lifelong benefits for health and inner peace. The event not only showcased the physical and mental advantages of yoga but also encouraged a communal spirit of wellness and unity, reflecting the centers' dedication to holistic development.

Mrs. Shatabdi Roy, Program Coordinator

DB Development office, Kolkata

Kolkata, 20 June: The atmosphere was vibrant at Nitika Don Bosco today as 32 enthusiastic students celebrated their achievements at the conclusion of a month-long summer camp. The camp, organized in collaboration with the Social Communication Commission, saw 12 dance students and 20 spoken English students being awarded certificates by Mr. Andrea from Italy.

The ceremony took place in the presence of the evening tuition students, adding to the festive spirit of the event. Ms. Sweta Singha, the dedicated dance teacher, and Ms. Elisha, the spoken English teacher, were commended for their unwavering commitment and excellent instruction throughout the summer holidays.

Br. Lawrence Mondal, Director of DB SERVE (Evening Tuition Centre), was also acknowledged for his pivotal role in overseeing the appointment of the teachers and ensuring the successful completion of the courses. The event highlighted the importance of such educational initiatives and the positive impact they have on students' development.