Fr. C.M. Paul
Darjeeling, October 9, 2024: A large number of alumni are participating in the Don Bosco Mission Seminar being held in Salesian College Sonada, Darjeeling, from October 9 to 12 in preparation for centenary of Kolkata province, the first Salesian province in India established in 1926
First group of Salesians of Don Bosco arrived in Shillong, northeast India in 1922 and today have four provinces in the region, including Kolkata.
The national seminar christened as “Rejuvenating the Mission – 100 Years of Salesians in Kolkata” the three day event started off with Vicar General of Darjeeling diocese Father Victor George Fernandes presiding over a solemn Eucharistic celebration in the college chapel.
It was followed by the inaugural session held in the presence of Kolkata Salesian provincial, College Principal, College Rectors of both campuses of Siliguri and Sonada, a bishop and an archbishop both alumni of Salesian College Sonada established in 1938.
After introductory words by Seminar Coordinator, Salesian College Siliguri Rector Fr Dr. Tomy Augustine, Rector of Sonada Fr Johny Nedungatt welcomed participants.
Salesian provincial of Kolkata Fr.Dr. Joseph Pauria in his opening remarks gave a brief history of Kolkata province mentioning illustrious pioneers.
There are some 120 participants including 60 plus Salesian brother students, as well as resource persons and participants from around the country, majority of whom are Sonada alumni.
While alumnus (batch of 1976) Bishop George Palliparmbil of Miao gave the keynote address, former Dean of Studies at Salesian College Archbishop emeritus Thomas Menamparampil of Guwahati gave the presidential address.
The solemn inaugural function ended with concluding remarks by Principal of both campuses Fr. Dr. Babu Joseph and the college choir rendering the centenary anthem composed by alumnus Salesian Fr Jacob Iruppakattu based in Kolkata.