The new college will benefit students from Banswara district and other districts under the Udaipur diocese, especially Chittorgarh, Dungarpur, Pratapgarh, and Salumber, as well as those from neighbouring districts in Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. It will significantly reduce the need to travel long distances, thereby improving convenience, educational quality, and economic growth.

 

Welcoming Bp Ganawa, Fr Ashley Miranda, Provincial, Fr Robert Pen, Vice Provincial, Fr Gregory D'Almeida, Provincial Economer and other dignitaries, Fr Michael Bansode, in charge and Provincial Councillor, briefed the gathering about 'Project Banswara' and how the Salesians could carry forward its completion.

 

At the site of construction, Bp Ganawa led everyone in prayer through the words of the Psalm "If the Lord does not build the house, in vain do the builders labour", and blessed the foundation, imploring God's assistance through the intercession of Mary, Mother of God and her spouse, St Joseph. "It is a huge project, and many are the hardships, but we rely on the help of God to make the dream come true", the bishop said.

 

Thereafter, during a brief felicitation, Fr Ashley Miranda, Provincial, highlighted that the dream of opening an institute of higher education was being fulfilled with the blessing of the foundation stone. He expressed his gratitude to his Lordship, Bp Ganawa, for inviting the Salesians to take up this task. He also thanked Fr Savio Silveira, the former Provincial, Fr Gregory D'Almeida, Provincial Economer and Fr Michael Bansode, in charge, for their constant follow-up and hard work. Bp Ganawa congratulated the Salesians on making the dream a reality and thanked the Provincial and his Council for undertaking this major project. Fr D'Almeida, the Economer, also spoke on the occasion about the project.

 

Bp Ganawa blessed a statue of Don Bosco, which was skilfully moulded by Fr Michael Bansode, beautifully set up on a pillar and with the canvas painting of the city of Florence fixed in the "Don Bosco Corner" of the Salesian residence.

 

In line with its holistic approach, the Salesians of Don Bosco will support growth in character, inner consciousness, values, and academic skills.