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Panbazar, Guwahati, Assam

Educating with the Heart: Salesian Pedagogy Workshop Rekindles Don Bosco’s Vision in Guwahati

28 February 2026

Formation,

News reported by: Mukhim Bivan [ING]

The Salesian Province of Mary Help of Christians, Guwahati, hosted a grace-filled and intellectually stimulating Two-Day Workshop on Salesian Pedagogy titled “Educating with the Heart of Don Bosco: A Journey into Salesian Pedagogy” at the Provincial House, Panbazar. The programme brought together members of the Salesian Family, clerics, sisters, and teachers, united by a common desire to rediscover and renew the educational spirit of Don Bosco.

The workshop was inaugurated on 27 February by the Provincial, Fr. Sebastian Kuricheal SDB. Expressing his gratitude, he acknowledged Fr. P.D. Johny SDB, Secretary of SPCSA, for carrying forward the vision of organising Salesian Pedagogy workshops across the Provinces of South Asia, with particular relevance to the Guwahati Province. Such initiatives, he noted, are both timely and essential to keeping alive the charism of Don Bosco in the region.

Fr. Sebastian also warmly appreciated the presence of Fr. Patrick Lepcha SDB, Director of DBYA, who animated the sessions with commitment and clarity. The workshop, he said, would help participants “inherit from Don Bosco” and rekindle their passion for the mission entrusted to them as educators and pastoral agents.

Quoting Don Bosco, the Provincial reminded the gathering that education is far more than an intellectual exercise; it is a transformative encounter. True education, he emphasised, forms not only the mind but also the heart. He urged participants to embrace Don Bosco’s well-known motto, “Give me souls,” as a guiding principle, calling them to attentively look after the children and young people entrusted to their care and to fulfil their responsibilities with fidelity and compassion.

Reflecting on the Preventive System, Fr. Sebastian highlighted its three foundational pillars—reason, religion, and loving-kindness—as indispensable attitudes in working with the young. Stressing the importance of a loving heart, he encouraged educators to become compassionate presences who listen, accompany, and empower, effectively becoming “other Don Boscos” for today’s youth.

Underlining the relevance of Salesian pedagogy in the Northeast, he remarked that Don Bosco remains a household name in the region and challenged participants to safeguard and strengthen this legacy in schools, parishes, youth centres, and institutions.

The workshop sessions focused on Don Bosco’s life and educational vision, core principles of Salesian pedagogy, creating safe and protective environments for children, and fostering a person-oriented approach to education. Through discussions, group work, and reflective sharing, participants renewed their commitment to be educators who truly educate with the heart.