NEWS
Dr. Bastin Nellissery (INK)
At Don Bosco Anbu Illam, Salem, a significant and hope-filled initiative took shape with the official release of the Children’s Election Manifesto 2026—a document that brings together the voices, dreams, and concerns of children, especially those in vulnerable situations.
Emphasising the spiritual role of sacred spaces—“directed to the infinite and seeking to lead a person’s mind devoutly to God” (cf. Sacrosanctum Concilium, 122)—the renovated façade of St Anne’s Church at Ahilyanagar now stands as a striking symbol of faith, unity, and renewal. More than a structural upgrade, the renovation reflects the parish community’s collective commitment to spiritual growth and shared belonging.
In a major step to promote environmental responsibility within the education sector, the All India Don Bosco Education Society (AIDBES) convened a national online meeting on the UNESCO Green Schools Quality Standard (GSQS) on April 30. The virtual gathering brought together 80 educational leaders, including Province School Coordinators, Commission Members, Principals, and School Coordinators from across the country.
Highlighting the Salesian commitment to youth development through sport—fostering discipline, teamwork, and national-level sporting aspirations among young players—the Chennai Province emerged champions of the All India Don Bosco Inter-Province Football Championship 2026 (U-17 Boys), defeating Bangalore Province 2–0 in a spirited final held at Panampilly Nagar Stadium in Kochi.
A two-day intensive Salesian Pedagogy Training Programme was conducted at the Don Bosco Provincial House, Hyderabad, on 27th and 28th April, bringing together 57 participants, including School Principals, Vice Principals, and School Coordinators from across the Hyderabad Province. The resource person, Fr. John Parankimalil, Secretary of AIDBES and SPCSA, facilitated the sessions with depth and clarity.
On April 22, the campus of Don Bosco School, Kokar at Ranchi was transformed into a vibrant hub of environmental consciousness as students and faculty gathered to celebrate International Earth Day.
In the rich yet underexplored biodiversity of Northeast India, a new species of fossorial reed snake has been discovered in the Garo Hills of Meghalaya. The species, named Calamaria garoensis (Garo Hills Reed Snake), has been formally described in the internationally reputed peer-reviewed journal Taprobanica.
The AIDBES organised a two-day training programme at Don Bosco, Manikandam, Trichy, for the Salesians, teachers, and members of the Salesian Family of Trichy Province on April 24 and 25. Fr. John Parankimallil (Fr. P.D. John) served as the resource person. Around 35 participants, comprising 12 Salesians, 21 teachers, 2 past pupils, and one VDB member, attended.
Kolkata‑based Emporium Skills Training Institute, in collaboration with Salesian College Siliguri, organised a recruitment drive for female cabin crew positions with Air India on April 21, 2026.
Salesian College Siliguri marked International Earth Day with a student-driven initiative that turned discarded materials into purposeful creations. Organised by the Radio Club under its EcologyFirst program, the “Trash to Treasure Competition cum Exhibition” emphasised participation and creativity over mere presentation.
The AIDA–Don Bosco Job Placement Network (Dimapur), in collaboration with Don Bosco College Jollang, organised a Job Fair on 18th April, at Itanagar College campus, Arunachal Pradesh. The initiative created meaningful employment opportunities for youth from diverse educational backgrounds while enabling them to explore sustainable career pathways.
Salesian College (Autonomous), Siliguri, hosted the first-ever inter-parish youth convention SymphoriX 2026 on April 18–19 under the banner of the Salesian Youth Movement, with the theme “Let Your Light Shine” (Mt 5:16). The convention brought together 109 students from classes 9 to 12 representing seven tea garden parishes of Bagdogra and Jalpaiguri dioceses.
The Salesian family of Dimapur Province and across Northeast India is mourning the sudden death of Fr. Maippan Paul, SDB (62), who passed away following a heart attack at Don Bosco School, Dibrugarh, on Sunday, April 19, at 5:05 a.m. Fr. Paul was also the former delegate of the Salesian Province of Dimapur for BOSCOM South Asia.

















