It is enough that you are young for me to love you. Don Bosco

It is enough that you are young for me to love you. Don Bosco

07 |

Credits

Advisor

Fr. VM Thomas SDB

Editorial Team

Fr. Johnson Parackal SDB

Dr. Francis Fernandez SDB

Rahul Karmakar

Photographs

Anupam Nath

Birkhang Narzary

Design and Layout

Birkhang Narzary

Publisher

Don Bosco Institute, Kharghuli

Guwahati 781004, Assam, India

Don Bosco Publications, Guwahati

ISBN: 81-87637-54

First Published :2015

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval

system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical,

photocopying, recording or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the

publisher. Any person who does any unauthorized act in relation to this publication may be

liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

Printed at Bhabani Offset & Imaging Systems Pvt. Ltd

7 Lachit Lane, Rajgarh Road, Guwahati - 781007

06 |

The world's largest tea-growing region, Assam has 312,210 hectares under

tea cultivation and produces 507 million kg of the beverage annually.

07 |

Credits

Advisor

Fr. VM Thomas SDB

Editorial Team

Fr. Johnson Parackal SDB

Dr. Francis Fernandez SDB

Rahul Karmakar

Photographs

Anupam Nath

Birkhang Narzary

Design and Layout

Birkhang Narzary

Publisher

Don Bosco Institute, Kharghuli

Guwahati 781004, Assam, India

Don Bosco Publications, Guwahati

ISBN: 81-87637-54

First Published :2015

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval

system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical,

photocopying, recording or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the

publisher. Any person who does any unauthorized act in relation to this publication may be

liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

Printed at Bhabani Offset & Imaging Systems Pvt. Ltd

7 Lachit Lane, Rajgarh Road, Guwahati - 781007

06 |

The world's largest tea-growing region, Assam has 312,210 hectares under

tea cultivation and produces 507 million kg of the beverage annually.

09 |

CONTENTS

1. Brightest Light

2. From the Editor

3. Educator Extraordinaire

4. Divine Dates

5. Enjoyable Education

6. Qualities in an Educator

7. Visionary Transformer

8. Don Bosco & Northeast

9. Guwahati Province

10. DB in South Asia

11. DB in India

12. DB Worldwide

13. World of Don Bosco

14. Language Promotion

15. Bicentenary Rally

16. A Saint's Relics

17. Passage to Northeast

18. Incomparable Institutions

19. Youth Services

20. Boscoree

21. Harnessing Resources

22. Unique Institute

23. Veritable Varsity

24. Splendid Schools

25. Special Schools

26. Campaign for Children

27. Radiant Region

28. Bharat's Bosco

29. Beyond Guwahati

08 |

Assam is blessed with

the best of nature.

09 |

CONTENTS

1. Brightest Light

2. From the Editor

3. Educator Extraordinaire

4. Divine Dates

5. Enjoyable Education

6. Qualities in an Educator

7. Visionary Transformer

8. Don Bosco & Northeast

9. Guwahati Province

10. DB in South Asia

11. DB in India

12. DB Worldwide

13. World of Don Bosco

14. Language Promotion

15. Bicentenary Rally

16. A Saint's Relics

17. Passage to Northeast

18. Incomparable Institutions

19. Youth Services

20. Boscoree

21. Harnessing Resources

22. Unique Institute

23. Veritable Varsity

24. Splendid Schools

25. Special Schools

26. Campaign for Children

27. Radiant Region

28. Bharat's Bosco

29. Beyond Guwahati

08 |

Assam is blessed with

the best of nature.

The teacher who is seen only in the classroom is a teacher and nothing more; but if he joins in the pupils' recreation he becomes their brother. Don Bosco

11 |10 |

The Brahmaputra, Assam's lifeline, is intrinsic to

the cultures of diverse communities in the state.

The teacher who is seen only in the classroom is a teacher and nothing more; but if he joins in the pupils' recreation he becomes their brother. Don Bosco

11 |10 |

The Brahmaputra, Assam's lifeline, is intrinsic to

the cultures of diverse communities in the state.

13 |

BRIGHTEST LIGHT

When God said, Let there be light, He probably meant enlightenment through education and knowledge. So God chose

St. John Bosco, popularly known as Don Bosco, as the medium of spreading this light on earth. Don Bosco was a giant

of sanctity, a man who blazed new trails in the horizon of education, a man who lit the undying ame of hope in the hearts

of millions of youngsters, an educator par excellence of the 19th century who fascinated the world of the young by

opening new horizons before them. The horizons that Don Bosco opened in the eld of education have been expanding at

an incredible pace. Don Bosco was a teacher, who had the father's heart and a father who had a teacher's mind and

method.

In this age of e-learning and information bombardment, it seems incredible that a visionary teacher used unconventional

methods to ensure spiritual and physical health, besides making the pursuit of academic excellence enjoyable for the

youth. But then, Don Bosco was ahead of his times by more than 150 years.

The Salesians came over to India more than a century ago to keep the torch of education, youth and social development

that Don Bosco lit, burning bright. Today, more than 1000 institutions with a dedicated team of 6500 men and women

are dedicated to the cause of the poor youth in our country. A major focus area is the Province of Guwahati that has

several Don Bosco institutions spread across 15 districts of lower Assam and the Garo Hills of Meghalaya.

The passion for service to humanity has taken the form of schools, colleges, universities, orphanages, hostels and homes

for the young people at risk such as street children, migrant youth, child and bonded labourers. There are a number of

social work centres, technical schools, educational support systems such as transit schools, open schools, tuition centres

and school dropout prevention centres. These offer group and community experiences, sports and cultural activities,

formative and spiritual experiences besides academics and learning employment and life-oriented skills.

Beyond its institutions, Don Bosco serves in the open society, creating self-help groups, children's parliaments, youth

movements, socially conscious and constructive initiatives for human rights and responsibilities, networking with like-

minded NGOs and collaborating with government projects. Good will prevails in every activity undertaken, which is

what Don Bosco envisaged.

On Don Bosco's 200th birth anniversary, we re-dedicate ourselves to the path he had shown for creating a better

Northeastern region, a better India and a better world. This Coffee Table Book is in remembrance of this visionary saint

the brightest educator who instinctively adapted his educational method to suit the psychology of the growing

adolescents.

May Don Bosco be our teacher, our guide and model!

12 |

An egret shows off the best

of Assam's rich avian fauna.

Fr. VM Thomas SDB

Provincial, Guwahati

13 |

BRIGHTEST LIGHT

When God said, Let there be light, He probably meant enlightenment through education and knowledge. So God chose

St. John Bosco, popularly known as Don Bosco, as the medium of spreading this light on earth. Don Bosco was a giant

of sanctity, a man who blazed new trails in the horizon of education, a man who lit the undying ame of hope in the hearts

of millions of youngsters, an educator par excellence of the 19th century who fascinated the world of the young by

opening new horizons before them. The horizons that Don Bosco opened in the eld of education have been expanding at

an incredible pace. Don Bosco was a teacher, who had the father's heart and a father who had a teacher's mind and

method.

In this age of e-learning and information bombardment, it seems incredible that a visionary teacher used unconventional

methods to ensure spiritual and physical health, besides making the pursuit of academic excellence enjoyable for the

youth. But then, Don Bosco was ahead of his times by more than 150 years.

The Salesians came over to India more than a century ago to keep the torch of education, youth and social development

that Don Bosco lit, burning bright. Today, more than 1000 institutions with a dedicated team of 6500 men and women

are dedicated to the cause of the poor youth in our country. A major focus area is the Province of Guwahati that has

several Don Bosco institutions spread across 15 districts of lower Assam and the Garo Hills of Meghalaya.

The passion for service to humanity has taken the form of schools, colleges, universities, orphanages, hostels and homes

for the young people at risk such as street children, migrant youth, child and bonded labourers. There are a number of

social work centres, technical schools, educational support systems such as transit schools, open schools, tuition centres

and school dropout prevention centres. These offer group and community experiences, sports and cultural activities,

formative and spiritual experiences besides academics and learning employment and life-oriented skills.

Beyond its institutions, Don Bosco serves in the open society, creating self-help groups, children's parliaments, youth

movements, socially conscious and constructive initiatives for human rights and responsibilities, networking with like-

minded NGOs and collaborating with government projects. Good will prevails in every activity undertaken, which is

what Don Bosco envisaged.

On Don Bosco's 200th birth anniversary, we re-dedicate ourselves to the path he had shown for creating a better

Northeastern region, a better India and a better world. This Coffee Table Book is in remembrance of this visionary saint

the brightest educator who instinctively adapted his educational method to suit the psychology of the growing

adolescents.

May Don Bosco be our teacher, our guide and model!

12 |

An egret shows off the best

of Assam's rich avian fauna.

Fr. VM Thomas SDB

Provincial, Guwahati

Communities and governments have been quick to recognize the signicant contribution that Don Bosco has made to the

history, culture and ethos of Northeast India. Many ofcial signs and symbols of this recognition dot the region.

It is a matter of pride that the city of Guwahati has remained the nerve-centre and pivot-point of all Don Bosco works in

Northeast India for nearly a century. In their mission of transforming the enchanting Northeast into a literate, progressive

and even more enchanting region, the city of Guwahati has played a most vital role.

As this year [2015] marks the bicentenary of the birth of Don Bosco, we join the entire Salesian Society to celebrate this

occasion and to pay rich tributes to St. John Bosco, whose legacy continues to live on, building dreams and shaping the lives

of millions of our youth. This coffee table book is a humble acknowledgement and recognition of the mighty transformation

that this great saint has brought to the state of Assam and to the entire Northeast region through his system of education.

This labour of love would not have been a reality without the efforts of many. In the very rst place, I would like to

acknowledge Rev. Fr. VM Thomas SDB, our Provincial, who is the inspiration behind this book and whose creative genius

and magical feat continues to give vent to new creations and spin new dreams. My special word of appreciation goes to Mr.

Rahul Karmakar, a renowned journalist who travelled extensively in the rural areas of our province, has seen for himself the

life-changing effects of the Salesian works and came up with some fantastic stories of youth empowerment and social

transformation. Fr. Francis Fernandez who did the entire proof reading of this work deserves our special mention. I thank

Mr. Birkhang Narzary who did a fabulous job with the design and layout of this book. His professional touch is seen in the

way the pages of this book speak to us the stories of love, sacrice, heroism and great commitment. I thank and

acknowledge everyone whose help and support has contributed to the making of this work of love.

May Don Bosco continue to remain our inspiration and guide.

15 |

Two centuries have passed since Don Bosco was born (1815) but he continues to be a name to reckon with even

today in both quality education and youth empowerment. He rules the minds and hearts of millions of youth

across the globe and leads them to progress and prosperity.

The Salesians of Don Bosco made Guwahati, Assam, their preferred area of work way back in 1922. Since

then, every facet of life in the region, - of peoples, tribes and communities, irrespective of religion,

backgrounds and afliations, has been impacted by the services rendered by the Don Bosco institutions in the

region.

For almost a century, the Salesians have been at the vanguard of academic education, technical training, health

services, promotion of culture and language, youth empowerment, women empowerment, and special services

to young-at-risk in the region.

Finding themselves in a region lagging behind in many respects, the Salesians of Don Bosco took it upon

themselves as a mission to spread the light of education and knowledge to all parts of the Northeast. They set up

schools primary, secondary, higher secondary, in every nook and corner of the region. Keeping higher

education of young people in mind, the Don Bosco society opened Colleges in various parts of Northeast India

Shillong, Tura, Maram, Itanagar, Guwahati, Jorhat, Diphu, Kohima, Golaghat and Dimapur. The rst

College - St. Anthony's College Shillong, was started way back in 1934. (NE India has three Salesian provinces

with headquarters at Guwahati, Dimapur and Shillong).

Determined to see that the youth of Northeast get the best that academic life has got to offer, the Don Bosco

society set up its rst University in the country Assam Don Bosco University, in the city of Guwahati.

Whole hearted commitment to the cause of basic human rights, education, and the health of the people of

Northeast India have made hundreds of men and women of the Don Bosco society to live out their lives in the

hardest of situations braving all odds, and at times even paying with their own lives. Thanks to the untiring

work of the Salesians, today in the Northeast, languages are preserved, history is safeguarded, leaders are

formed, the youth are empowered and communities are taught to march into the changing tomorrow with

condence and pride.

Fr. Johnson Parackal SDB

Executive Director, DBI

From the editor's desk

14 |

Communities and governments have been quick to recognize the signicant contribution that Don Bosco has made to the

history, culture and ethos of Northeast India. Many ofcial signs and symbols of this recognition dot the region.

It is a matter of pride that the city of Guwahati has remained the nerve-centre and pivot-point of all Don Bosco works in

Northeast India for nearly a century. In their mission of transforming the enchanting Northeast into a literate, progressive

and even more enchanting region, the city of Guwahati has played a most vital role.

As this year [2015] marks the bicentenary of the birth of Don Bosco, we join the entire Salesian Society to celebrate this

occasion and to pay rich tributes to St. John Bosco, whose legacy continues to live on, building dreams and shaping the lives

of millions of our youth. This coffee table book is a humble acknowledgement and recognition of the mighty transformation

that this great saint has brought to the state of Assam and to the entire Northeast region through his system of education.

This labour of love would not have been a reality without the efforts of many. In the very rst place, I would like to

acknowledge Rev. Fr. VM Thomas SDB, our Provincial, who is the inspiration behind this book and whose creative genius

and magical feat continues to give vent to new creations and spin new dreams. My special word of appreciation goes to Mr.

Rahul Karmakar, a renowned journalist who travelled extensively in the rural areas of our province, has seen for himself the

life-changing effects of the Salesian works and came up with some fantastic stories of youth empowerment and social

transformation. Fr. Francis Fernandez who did the entire proof reading of this work deserves our special mention. I thank

Mr. Birkhang Narzary who did a fabulous job with the design and layout of this book. His professional touch is seen in the

way the pages of this book speak to us the stories of love, sacrice, heroism and great commitment. I thank and

acknowledge everyone whose help and support has contributed to the making of this work of love.

May Don Bosco continue to remain our inspiration and guide.

15 |

Two centuries have passed since Don Bosco was born (1815) but he continues to be a name to reckon with even

today in both quality education and youth empowerment. He rules the minds and hearts of millions of youth

across the globe and leads them to progress and prosperity.

The Salesians of Don Bosco made Guwahati, Assam, their preferred area of work way back in 1922. Since

then, every facet of life in the region, - of peoples, tribes and communities, irrespective of religion,

backgrounds and afliations, has been impacted by the services rendered by the Don Bosco institutions in the

region.

For almost a century, the Salesians have been at the vanguard of academic education, technical training, health

services, promotion of culture and language, youth empowerment, women empowerment, and special services

to young-at-risk in the region.

Finding themselves in a region lagging behind in many respects, the Salesians of Don Bosco took it upon

themselves as a mission to spread the light of education and knowledge to all parts of the Northeast. They set up

schools primary, secondary, higher secondary, in every nook and corner of the region. Keeping higher

education of young people in mind, the Don Bosco society opened Colleges in various parts of Northeast India

Shillong, Tura, Maram, Itanagar, Guwahati, Jorhat, Diphu, Kohima, Golaghat and Dimapur. The rst

College - St. Anthony's College Shillong, was started way back in 1934. (NE India has three Salesian provinces

with headquarters at Guwahati, Dimapur and Shillong).

Determined to see that the youth of Northeast get the best that academic life has got to offer, the Don Bosco

society set up its rst University in the country Assam Don Bosco University, in the city of Guwahati.

Whole hearted commitment to the cause of basic human rights, education, and the health of the people of

Northeast India have made hundreds of men and women of the Don Bosco society to live out their lives in the

hardest of situations braving all odds, and at times even paying with their own lives. Thanks to the untiring

work of the Salesians, today in the Northeast, languages are preserved, history is safeguarded, leaders are

formed, the youth are empowered and communities are taught to march into the changing tomorrow with

condence and pride.

Fr. Johnson Parackal SDB

Executive Director, DBI

From the editor's desk

14 |

Do your ordinary duties extraordinarily well. Don Bosco

17 |16 |

The 170-year-old tea industry has 700,000 permanent

and casual workers most of them marginalised Adivasis

who are now 18% of the total population in Assam.

Do your ordinary duties extraordinarily well. Don Bosco

17 |16 |

The 170-year-old tea industry has 700,000 permanent

and casual workers most of them marginalised Adivasis

who are now 18% of the total population in Assam.

EDUCATOR EXTRAORDINAIRE

With Don Bosco dawned a new era of education and youth development.

YOUTH and human resource development are growth mantras for world

economy today. These were the very ideas that Don Bosco (Don means Father

in Italian) worked on more than 170 years ago in his mission to win the war

against ignorance and sin.

The loss of his father when he was only a child made John Bosco empathise

with the sorrows of many an orphan. He found in his mother Margaret an

example of Christian life that made a deep impression on his soul.

But many children in and around Becchi, his birthplace in northern Italy, were

unruly and wayward unlike him. Little Johnny wanted to be an acrobat, a

magician, a singer and a juggler in a bid to attract and wean them away from

sin. And at age nine, he had the urge to discipline them, even in his dreams.

One such dream in which he hit and kicked abusive children turned out to

be prophetic. Don't hit them; win over these friends with kindness and love...

I shall give you a Teacher under whose guidance you will be able to become

wise, and without whom all wisdom becomes nonsense, said a majestic

gure from behind in his dream.

19 |18 |

Father, Friend and Educator

of YOUTH

EDUCATOR EXTRAORDINAIRE

With Don Bosco dawned a new era of education and youth development.

YOUTH and human resource development are growth mantras for world

economy today. These were the very ideas that Don Bosco (Don means Father

in Italian) worked on more than 170 years ago in his mission to win the war

against ignorance and sin.

The loss of his father when he was only a child made John Bosco empathise

with the sorrows of many an orphan. He found in his mother Margaret an

example of Christian life that made a deep impression on his soul.

But many children in and around Becchi, his birthplace in northern Italy, were

unruly and wayward unlike him. Little Johnny wanted to be an acrobat, a

magician, a singer and a juggler in a bid to attract and wean them away from

sin. And at age nine, he had the urge to discipline them, even in his dreams.

One such dream in which he hit and kicked abusive children turned out to

be prophetic. Don't hit them; win over these friends with kindness and love...

I shall give you a Teacher under whose guidance you will be able to become

wise, and without whom all wisdom becomes nonsense, said a majestic

gure from behind in his dream.

19 |18 |

Father, Friend and Educator

of YOUTH

21 |

That person was Jesus and the Teacher, the Virgin Mary,

under whose guidance he placed his whole life and whom

he honoured with the title Mary, Help of Christians.

John took the path Jesus had shown him and became a

priest to dedicate himself entirely to the salvation of young

people, working by day and studying by night. Finally, at

26, he was ordained a priest in Turin.

In those days, Turin was full of poor orphans or abandoned

young people looking for work and exposed to many

dangers to both body and soul. Don Bosco started to gather

them together on Sundays, sometimes in a Church, out on a

grassy meadow, or in a town square, letting them play and

then instructing them. After ve years of enormous

difculties he managed to establish and open his rst

Oratory in the outlying suburb of Valdocco.

There, the boys found food and a bed. They would study or

learn a trade, but above all they learned to love the Lord.

Don Bosco was very much loved by the boys he lovingly

called 'rascals' Saint Dominic Savio was one of them

but many others found his unconventional ways of

teaching them crazy. Some fellow priests even attempted

to get him admitted to a mental asylum!

20 |

A network of 120 rivers and some 3,500 wetlands

make shing a prime occupation in Assam.

21 |

That person was Jesus and the Teacher, the Virgin Mary,

under whose guidance he placed his whole life and whom

he honoured with the title Mary, Help of Christians.

John took the path Jesus had shown him and became a

priest to dedicate himself entirely to the salvation of young

people, working by day and studying by night. Finally, at

26, he was ordained a priest in Turin.

In those days, Turin was full of poor orphans or abandoned

young people looking for work and exposed to many

dangers to both body and soul. Don Bosco started to gather

them together on Sundays, sometimes in a Church, out on a

grassy meadow, or in a town square, letting them play and

then instructing them. After ve years of enormous

difculties he managed to establish and open his rst

Oratory in the outlying suburb of Valdocco.

There, the boys found food and a bed. They would study or

learn a trade, but above all they learned to love the Lord.

Don Bosco was very much loved by the boys he lovingly

called 'rascals' Saint Dominic Savio was one of them

but many others found his unconventional ways of

teaching them crazy. Some fellow priests even attempted

to get him admitted to a mental asylum!

20 |

A network of 120 rivers and some 3,500 wetlands

make shing a prime occupation in Assam.

He was crazy indeed for the youth of his times and

willing to do anything, even what was considered

unacceptable such as moving around with ragamufns

on the streets of Turin, playing with the young in the

elds with the clergy dress folded and tucked in, doing

acrobatics or magic, and playing musical instruments to

entertain the young. His advice to his collaborators was:

Like what young people like. And his instruction to

the young was: Run, jump, play but do not sin.

He introduced a system of education called the

Preventive System based upon the pillars of reason,

religion and loving kindness. This system is followed

even to this day and is adopted as an excellent method of

education across 132 countries.

23 |22 |

He was crazy indeed for the youth of his times and

willing to do anything, even what was considered

unacceptable such as moving around with ragamufns

on the streets of Turin, playing with the young in the

elds with the clergy dress folded and tucked in, doing

acrobatics or magic, and playing musical instruments to

entertain the young. His advice to his collaborators was:

Like what young people like. And his instruction to

the young was: Run, jump, play but do not sin.

He introduced a system of education called the

Preventive System based upon the pillars of reason,

religion and loving kindness. This system is followed

even to this day and is adopted as an excellent method of

education across 132 countries.

23 |22 |

His indomitable spirit prevented Don Bosco from

resting; he even snatched time from sleep to write and

popularise simple booklets for ordinary people. He

keenly felt the need to consolidate his works and win

over young friends for the Lord with kindness and

love. On them, he spent what little money he had, his

time, his most extraordinary talents and his health.

With them, he became a saint.

Don Bosco breathed his last at the age of 72. But for

millions of youth, he is immortal for this simple and

heart-warming message: My dear boys, I love you

with all my heart and it is enough that you are young

for me to love you very much.

The Salesian Fathers, Brothers and Sisters have

followed Don Bosco's ideals in the service of young

people, the poor and the suffering across the globe. His

inspiration is motivating them run schools of every

type and level, technical and professional institutes,

hospitals, dispensaries, oratories and parishes.

25 |24 |

His indomitable spirit prevented Don Bosco from

resting; he even snatched time from sleep to write and

popularise simple booklets for ordinary people. He

keenly felt the need to consolidate his works and win

over young friends for the Lord with kindness and

love. On them, he spent what little money he had, his

time, his most extraordinary talents and his health.

With them, he became a saint.

Don Bosco breathed his last at the age of 72. But for

millions of youth, he is immortal for this simple and

heart-warming message: My dear boys, I love you

with all my heart and it is enough that you are young

for me to love you very much.

The Salesian Fathers, Brothers and Sisters have

followed Don Bosco's ideals in the service of young

people, the poor and the suffering across the globe. His

inspiration is motivating them run schools of every

type and level, technical and professional institutes,

hospitals, dispensaries, oratories and parishes.

25 |24 |

DIVINE DATES

16 August 1815: Johnny Bosco is born at Becchi, a small

hamlet in the Piedmont province of northern Italy.

February 1827: John, 12, leaves home to work as a

farmhand, praying and studying during spare time.

1841: Under Fr. Joseph Cafasso's guidance, John

becomes Don Bosco, a priest of God at the age of 26, after

six years of formation at the Seminary in Chieri .

1842: Don Bosco starts his rst Oratory with Bartolomeo

Garelli, an unorthodox mentoring centre for young boys.

1859: He founds the Society of St Francis de Sales, the

nucleus of the Salesians and the religious order that

would carry on his work.

1871: He founds the Institute of the Daughters of Mary

Help of Christians with Mary Mazzarello and her team in

the hill town of Mornese.

1874: He founds the Salesian Co-operators for rapidly

expanding and consolidating his works.

31 January 1888: Don Bosco dies in his humble room at

Valdocco aged 72.

1 April 1934: Pope Pius XI proclaims Don Bosco a Saint.

27 |26 |

Garo women in traditional nery get ready

for a festival in western Meghalaya.

DIVINE DATES

16 August 1815: Johnny Bosco is born at Becchi, a small

hamlet in the Piedmont province of northern Italy.

February 1827: John, 12, leaves home to work as a

farmhand, praying and studying during spare time.

1841: Under Fr. Joseph Cafasso's guidance, John

becomes Don Bosco, a priest of God at the age of 26, after

six years of formation at the Seminary in Chieri .

1842: Don Bosco starts his rst Oratory with Bartolomeo

Garelli, an unorthodox mentoring centre for young boys.

1859: He founds the Society of St Francis de Sales, the

nucleus of the Salesians and the religious order that

would carry on his work.

1871: He founds the Institute of the Daughters of Mary

Help of Christians with Mary Mazzarello and her team in

the hill town of Mornese.

1874: He founds the Salesian Co-operators for rapidly

expanding and consolidating his works.

31 January 1888: Don Bosco dies in his humble room at

Valdocco aged 72.

1 April 1934: Pope Pius XI proclaims Don Bosco a Saint.

27 |26 |

Garo women in traditional nery get ready

for a festival in western Meghalaya.

ENJOYABLE EDUCATION

Don Bosco's Preventive-Expressive system redened education across the globe.

QUIETNESS and discipline are virtues most systems of education want children to

imbibe. Don Bosco, the ultimate teacher, believed in letting them enjoy their childhood

youth too in their journey to being knowledgeable, responsible and healthy citizens.

Let the boys have full liberty to jump, run and make as much noise as they please, he said.

Along with academics, he believed that gymnastics, music, theatricals and outings were

the most efcacious means of obtaining discipline and of beneting spiritual and

physical health.

The world has seen many great educationalists evolving their own exclusive systems of

education Jean Jaques Rousseau's child-centred method, Friedrich Frbel's playway

method, John Dewey's progressive education and Maria Montessori's self-education, are

instances in this regard. But Don Bosco was way ahead of his times.

Recent studies have acknowledged that some of his institutions anticipated by 100 years

the ideas of 20th century humanistic psychology and cooperative education. An author

even emphasised the importance of identifying Don Bosco's positive system as 'Salesian

Expressive Education'. This novel outlook combining 'prevention' and 'expression' as

distinct features of the Salesian educational project is underscored by the two-pronged

mission of the Salesian Fathers, Brothers and Sisters to nurture youngsters in order to

save them from the dangers of society and to provide them with a lively environment that

offers opportunities for holistic growth to become professionals and active citizens at the

service of the society.

29 |28 |

Students Don Bosco College of Engineering

and Technology, Azara, Guwahati

ENJOYABLE EDUCATION

Don Bosco's Preventive-Expressive system redened education across the globe.

QUIETNESS and discipline are virtues most systems of education want children to

imbibe. Don Bosco, the ultimate teacher, believed in letting them enjoy their childhood

youth too in their journey to being knowledgeable, responsible and healthy citizens.

Let the boys have full liberty to jump, run and make as much noise as they please, he said.

Along with academics, he believed that gymnastics, music, theatricals and outings were

the most efcacious means of obtaining discipline and of beneting spiritual and

physical health.

The world has seen many great educationalists evolving their own exclusive systems of

education Jean Jaques Rousseau's child-centred method, Friedrich Frbel's playway

method, John Dewey's progressive education and Maria Montessori's self-education, are

instances in this regard. But Don Bosco was way ahead of his times.

Recent studies have acknowledged that some of his institutions anticipated by 100 years

the ideas of 20th century humanistic psychology and cooperative education. An author

even emphasised the importance of identifying Don Bosco's positive system as 'Salesian

Expressive Education'. This novel outlook combining 'prevention' and 'expression' as

distinct features of the Salesian educational project is underscored by the two-pronged

mission of the Salesian Fathers, Brothers and Sisters to nurture youngsters in order to

save them from the dangers of society and to provide them with a lively environment that

offers opportunities for holistic growth to become professionals and active citizens at the

service of the society.

29 |28 |

Students Don Bosco College of Engineering

and Technology, Azara, Guwahati

How did it all begin? Industrialisation in the 19th

century Italy came with its perils for underprivileged

youngsters. St John Bosco, not a theorist but a

compassionate practical man, was against repression as

a corrective measure for the young victims of

circumstances. He had seen the effect of violence and

maltreatment juvenile prisoners were subjected to in

jails, and vowed to propagate the 'preventive system' as

an alternative method of education.

After nearly 37 years of using this method across the

educational institutes he founded, Don Bosco wrote a

brief Treatise on the Preventive System in 1877 to let the

Salesians or members of the order he founded

understand the educational principles close to his heart.

It is based entirely on reason, religion and, above all,

loving kindness, thus excluding all violent punishment

and trying to do without even the slightest chastisement.

31 |30 |

Union Minister for Power, Coal, New and Renewable Energy,

Mr Piyush Goyal, at a Bicentenary function at ITA , Guwahati.

Alumnus of Don Bosco School, Matunga, Mumbai

How did it all begin? Industrialisation in the 19th

century Italy came with its perils for underprivileged

youngsters. St John Bosco, not a theorist but a

compassionate practical man, was against repression as

a corrective measure for the young victims of

circumstances. He had seen the effect of violence and

maltreatment juvenile prisoners were subjected to in

jails, and vowed to propagate the 'preventive system' as

an alternative method of education.

After nearly 37 years of using this method across the

educational institutes he founded, Don Bosco wrote a

brief Treatise on the Preventive System in 1877 to let the

Salesians or members of the order he founded

understand the educational principles close to his heart.

It is based entirely on reason, religion and, above all,

loving kindness, thus excluding all violent punishment

and trying to do without even the slightest chastisement.

31 |30 |

Union Minister for Power, Coal, New and Renewable Energy,

Mr Piyush Goyal, at a Bicentenary function at ITA , Guwahati.

Alumnus of Don Bosco School, Matunga, Mumbai

True love, openness to others, ability for mutual

acceptance and of unconditional and positive appraisal,

kindness, sincerity, constant respect for justice,

pleasantness in dealing with others are basic

requirements for a Salesian educator. The Salesian way

requires an equilibrium and ability to adapt mentally. This

method believes in the ability to make free choices in the

light of genuine internal motives, sufcient psychological

autonomy, and experience of freedom without a feeling of

negative frustration.

In essence, Don Bosco's is a comprehensive concept of

education integrated with his very own charisma,

spontaneity and joy. It entails the total development of a

person, bringing out the best in his or her potentialities. As

he said: In every youngster, even the most wretched, a

point of goodness is accessible, and it is the primary duty

of the educator to discover that spot, that sensitive cord of

the heart so as to draw out the best in the young person.

33 |32 |

True love, openness to others, ability for mutual

acceptance and of unconditional and positive appraisal,

kindness, sincerity, constant respect for justice,

pleasantness in dealing with others are basic

requirements for a Salesian educator. The Salesian way

requires an equilibrium and ability to adapt mentally. This

method believes in the ability to make free choices in the

light of genuine internal motives, sufcient psychological

autonomy, and experience of freedom without a feeling of

negative frustration.

In essence, Don Bosco's is a comprehensive concept of

education integrated with his very own charisma,

spontaneity and joy. It entails the total development of a

person, bringing out the best in his or her potentialities. As

he said: In every youngster, even the most wretched, a

point of goodness is accessible, and it is the primary duty

of the educator to discover that spot, that sensitive cord of

the heart so as to draw out the best in the young person.

33 |32 |

QUALITIES IN AN EDUCATOR

Don Bosco wanted educators to treat the young as their

teachers to learn from them their needs, hopes and

insecurities. He outlined four qualities for the ideal

educator.

RESPECT

An educator should uphold the dignity of a young person,

for God's image in the heart of the young warrants him/her

to be polite, honest, genuine and sensitive.

UNDERSTANDING

An educator should know the fears, limitations and

potential of young people as groups and as individuals for

shepherding them towards a better life and preventing

harm coming their way.

AFFECTION

The Salesian system makes it essential for engaging

young people with the heart, establishing genuine and

friendly relationships with them; affection makes the

electric current of condence ow in youngsters.

HUMOUR

Don Bosco preferred noise, mirth and chaos to heavy and

solemn silence; he saw fun and laughter as an expression

of faith in the God of life and sought a humour-lled

approach from educators.

34 | 35 |

QUALITIES IN AN EDUCATOR

Don Bosco wanted educators to treat the young as their

teachers to learn from them their needs, hopes and

insecurities. He outlined four qualities for the ideal

educator.

RESPECT

An educator should uphold the dignity of a young person,

for God's image in the heart of the young warrants him/her

to be polite, honest, genuine and sensitive.

UNDERSTANDING

An educator should know the fears, limitations and

potential of young people as groups and as individuals for

shepherding them towards a better life and preventing

harm coming their way.

AFFECTION

The Salesian system makes it essential for engaging

young people with the heart, establishing genuine and

friendly relationships with them; affection makes the

electric current of condence ow in youngsters.

HUMOUR

Don Bosco preferred noise, mirth and chaos to heavy and

solemn silence; he saw fun and laughter as an expression

of faith in the God of life and sought a humour-lled

approach from educators.

34 | 35 |

VISIONARY TRANSFORMER

For laypersons with or without direct association, Don Bosco as

a divine educationist and youth development pioneer is beyond

compare.

INSTITUTIONS founded by Don Bosco have touched many a

life in the Northeast. Almost everyone directly or indirectly

associated with them agree that Don Bosco was a visionary

transformer and an incomparable educationist who impacted the

youth positively.

Samujjal Bhattacharyya, advisor to All Assam Students' Union, is

not a Don Bosco product but regards the schools run by the

Salesians as temples of knowledge. I have been attracted

towards Don Bosco since childhood days, and have been a

regular visitor to Don Bosco Institute and the Fathers to seek

guidance regarding the educational scenario of Assam, he says.

Bhattacharyya thinks of Don Bosco as a saint who promoted

human relations and brought a revolution to the world of

education by factoring in employability.

37 |36 |

VISIONARY TRANSFORMER

For laypersons with or without direct association, Don Bosco as

a divine educationist and youth development pioneer is beyond

compare.

INSTITUTIONS founded by Don Bosco have touched many a

life in the Northeast. Almost everyone directly or indirectly

associated with them agree that Don Bosco was a visionary

transformer and an incomparable educationist who impacted the

youth positively.

Samujjal Bhattacharyya, advisor to All Assam Students' Union, is

not a Don Bosco product but regards the schools run by the

Salesians as temples of knowledge. I have been attracted

towards Don Bosco since childhood days, and have been a

regular visitor to Don Bosco Institute and the Fathers to seek

guidance regarding the educational scenario of Assam, he says.

Bhattacharyya thinks of Don Bosco as a saint who promoted

human relations and brought a revolution to the world of

education by factoring in employability.

37 |36 |

Former Assam Chief Minister, Prafulla Kumar Mahanta's association was as a

guardian of a son who studied in Don Bosco School, Panbazar and a daughter

who studied in St Mary's, Guwahati. He had earlier sought guidance from the

Salesians during the Assam movement (1979-85) and later on, as the Chief

Minister, laid the foundation stone of DBI.

St John Bosco was an apostle sent by God. In Assam, his institutions are

serving the remotest places by using education as the most powerful tool. These

institutions have made him immortal, he says.

Veteran actor Nipon Goswami too is connected via his son, a former Don Bosco

student. Don Bosco is truly the Father and friend of the youth, he says, adding

that the Salesians should open more institutions since many want to be

Bosconians because of quality education and discipline. Besides, Bosconians

earn respect and enjoy camaraderie everywhere.

Television journalist Sandeep Phukan is a former student, but believes his

association with Don Bosco is a lifelong one. St John Bosco's spirit to triumph

against all odds inspired others. He was a very compassionate person who

tirelessly worked for the poor and the marginalised. And his institutions do not

merely focus on producing good students but better human beings, he says.

Phukan is proud to be called a Bosconian, as are actors Kapil Bora and Tarunabh

Dutta, cyber security specialist Subimal Bhattacharjee and mountaineer

Manash Barooah. Don Bosco gave me a sense of discipline and decorum. It

helped me build my foundation by instilling a sense of focus and dedication in

me at a young age, says Bora. Studying in Don Bosco guarantees success,

Dutta adds.

39 |38 |

Ministers, legislators, judges and senior bureaucrats at the

concluding function of Don Bosco's birth bicentenary in Guwahati.

Former Assam Chief Minister, Prafulla Kumar Mahanta's association was as a

guardian of a son who studied in Don Bosco School, Panbazar and a daughter

who studied in St Mary's, Guwahati. He had earlier sought guidance from the

Salesians during the Assam movement (1979-85) and later on, as the Chief

Minister, laid the foundation stone of DBI.

St John Bosco was an apostle sent by God. In Assam, his institutions are

serving the remotest places by using education as the most powerful tool. These

institutions have made him immortal, he says.

Veteran actor Nipon Goswami too is connected via his son, a former Don Bosco

student. Don Bosco is truly the Father and friend of the youth, he says, adding

that the Salesians should open more institutions since many want to be

Bosconians because of quality education and discipline. Besides, Bosconians

earn respect and enjoy camaraderie everywhere.

Television journalist Sandeep Phukan is a former student, but believes his

association with Don Bosco is a lifelong one. St John Bosco's spirit to triumph

against all odds inspired others. He was a very compassionate person who

tirelessly worked for the poor and the marginalised. And his institutions do not

merely focus on producing good students but better human beings, he says.

Phukan is proud to be called a Bosconian, as are actors Kapil Bora and Tarunabh

Dutta, cyber security specialist Subimal Bhattacharjee and mountaineer

Manash Barooah. Don Bosco gave me a sense of discipline and decorum. It

helped me build my foundation by instilling a sense of focus and dedication in

me at a young age, says Bora. Studying in Don Bosco guarantees success,

Dutta adds.

39 |38 |

Ministers, legislators, judges and senior bureaucrats at the

concluding function of Don Bosco's birth bicentenary in Guwahati.

Bhattacharjee, who passed out from Don Bosco School, Haong in 1988, is a Member of

Board of Management of Assam Don Bosco University, Guwahati. Don Bosco institutions

offer a healthy atmosphere for children and teachers to grow and learn. His spirit lives on to

guide many to be successful and humane, he says.

As a mountaineer and businessman, Barooah has literally scaled success in life. Don

Bosco's education system prepares one to face the problems of life and overcome them, he

says.

Retired IAS ofcers Chandra Kanta Das (St Anthony's College, Shillong) and Himangshu

Sekhar Das have fond memories of their life in Don Bosco institutions. While the former

feels Don Bosco can make the Northeast a shining star on the map of India by reaching out to

the poorest of the poor, the latter a member of the Advisory Board to Vice-Chancellor of

Assam Don Bosco University thinks that the institutes should check the insensitivities

creeping in. But few can match Don Bosco's spirituality, intellectual teaching and

outstanding organising ability, HS Das says.

Retired Colonel Manoranjan Goswami is closely associated with DBIM, Kharghuli, where

he often participates in courses on management and leadership. Though not a Bosconian, I

was guided at times by some great missionaries. The results, performance of the students,

commitment of the management and teachers speak about the glory of Don Bosco. Any

individual feels proud to associate his/her name with these institutions, he says.

40 | 41 |

Don Bosco centres have given a ray of hope to violence-scarred

children, many of them rescued from relief camps.

Bhattacharjee, who passed out from Don Bosco School, Haong in 1988, is a Member of

Board of Management of Assam Don Bosco University, Guwahati. Don Bosco institutions

offer a healthy atmosphere for children and teachers to grow and learn. His spirit lives on to

guide many to be successful and humane, he says.

As a mountaineer and businessman, Barooah has literally scaled success in life. Don

Bosco's education system prepares one to face the problems of life and overcome them, he

says.

Retired IAS ofcers Chandra Kanta Das (St Anthony's College, Shillong) and Himangshu

Sekhar Das have fond memories of their life in Don Bosco institutions. While the former

feels Don Bosco can make the Northeast a shining star on the map of India by reaching out to

the poorest of the poor, the latter a member of the Advisory Board to Vice-Chancellor of

Assam Don Bosco University thinks that the institutes should check the insensitivities

creeping in. But few can match Don Bosco's spirituality, intellectual teaching and

outstanding organising ability, HS Das says.

Retired Colonel Manoranjan Goswami is closely associated with DBIM, Kharghuli, where

he often participates in courses on management and leadership. Though not a Bosconian, I

was guided at times by some great missionaries. The results, performance of the students,

commitment of the management and teachers speak about the glory of Don Bosco. Any

individual feels proud to associate his/her name with these institutions, he says.

40 | 41 |

Don Bosco centres have given a ray of hope to violence-scarred

children, many of them rescued from relief camps.

The opinion of political leaders is no different. I personally like Don Bosco because of its

discipline, academic performance and contribution to the development of society, says

Assam's Education Minister Sarat Barkataky. In 20 years of relation with the Salesian world, I

am an avid supporter, well-wisher and sometimes a guide to Don Bosco, the best institute for

personality development, says Assam government spokesperson Pradyut Bordoloi.

Don Bosco was one of the pioneers of educating the youth, much like Ishwar Chandra

Bidyasagar in India. Because of him advocating Right to Education, the society formed by him

has been able to globalise education. With Don Bosco providing education to all, India will

become a nation of education but this education should be spread in a liberal and more

scientic way, Bordoloi adds.

Purno Agitok Sangma, former Lok Sabha Speaker and Parliamentarian from Tura, was both a

student of Don Bosco (Tura) and a teacher (Dibrugarh). Anybody associated with Don Bosco,

the rst to realise the importance of human resource development, is lled with pride, he says.

42 | 43 |

Assam is home to an estimated 2,544 one-horned rhinos, which

is a major tourist attraction and the state symbol too.

The opinion of political leaders is no different. I personally like Don Bosco because of its

discipline, academic performance and contribution to the development of society, says

Assam's Education Minister Sarat Barkataky. In 20 years of relation with the Salesian world, I

am an avid supporter, well-wisher and sometimes a guide to Don Bosco, the best institute for

personality development, says Assam government spokesperson Pradyut Bordoloi.

Don Bosco was one of the pioneers of educating the youth, much like Ishwar Chandra

Bidyasagar in India. Because of him advocating Right to Education, the society formed by him

has been able to globalise education. With Don Bosco providing education to all, India will

become a nation of education but this education should be spread in a liberal and more

scientic way, Bordoloi adds.

Purno Agitok Sangma, former Lok Sabha Speaker and Parliamentarian from Tura, was both a

student of Don Bosco (Tura) and a teacher (Dibrugarh). Anybody associated with Don Bosco,

the rst to realise the importance of human resource development, is lled with pride, he says.

42 | 43 |

Assam is home to an estimated 2,544 one-horned rhinos, which

is a major tourist attraction and the state symbol too.

DON BOSCO & NORTHEAST

44 | 45 |

Don Bosco institutions are gyan mandirs (temples of knowledge) giving seless

service to the society.

Dr Samujjal Bhattacharyya, Guwahati

Advisor, All Assam Students Union

Don Bosco's name is associated with quality of institutions, efciency and

discipline.

Col Manoranjan Goswami (Retd)

Social activist and advocate

He was a visionary saint who transformed the society with the magnicent tool

of education.

Chandra Kanta Das, IAS (Retd)

Non-ofcial fulltime member, North Eastern Council

Don Bosco's are institutions of great repute that instil a sense of discipline that

one carries throughout one's life.

Sandeep Phukan

Deputy National Editor, NDTV 24x7

He was a divine soul who brought change in this world.

Sarat Barkataki

Minister of Education, Government of Assam

Women perform the Bagurumba, a folk dance

of the indigenous Bodo community in Assam.

DON BOSCO & NORTHEAST

44 | 45 |

Don Bosco institutions are gyan mandirs (temples of knowledge) giving seless

service to the society.

Dr Samujjal Bhattacharyya, Guwahati

Advisor, All Assam Students Union

Don Bosco's name is associated with quality of institutions, efciency and

discipline.

Col Manoranjan Goswami (Retd)

Social activist and advocate

He was a visionary saint who transformed the society with the magnicent tool

of education.

Chandra Kanta Das, IAS (Retd)

Non-ofcial fulltime member, North Eastern Council

Don Bosco's are institutions of great repute that instil a sense of discipline that

one carries throughout one's life.

Sandeep Phukan

Deputy National Editor, NDTV 24x7

He was a divine soul who brought change in this world.

Sarat Barkataki

Minister of Education, Government of Assam

Women perform the Bagurumba, a folk dance

of the indigenous Bodo community in Assam.

46 | 47 |

The standard of education is undoubtedly among the best in the region, but students

tend to be individualistic.

Rajeev Bhattacharyya

Journalist

Don Bosco is an example for other institutions on how to balance the three legs of

education teachers, students and parents.

Prafulla Kumar Mahanta

Former Chief Minister, Assam

Don Bosco is a very liberal and modern institution that feels the needs of the society and

changes accordingly to it.

Pradyut Bordoloi

Spokesperson, Government of Assam

These are ne institutions helping pupils become good human beings.

Nipon Goswami

Actor and social activist

His seless works based on core Christian values are inspirational.

Himangshu Sekhar Das, IAS (Retd)

Chief Information Commissioner, Assam

Don Bosco institutions are very good for the formative years of every individual and the

value system and quality of education helps in making every child a good human being

and purposeful in life.

Subimal Bhattacharjee

Independent consultant for Defence and Cyber Security

46 | 47 |

The standard of education is undoubtedly among the best in the region, but students

tend to be individualistic.

Rajeev Bhattacharyya

Journalist

Don Bosco is an example for other institutions on how to balance the three legs of

education teachers, students and parents.

Prafulla Kumar Mahanta

Former Chief Minister, Assam

Don Bosco is a very liberal and modern institution that feels the needs of the society and

changes accordingly to it.

Pradyut Bordoloi

Spokesperson, Government of Assam

These are ne institutions helping pupils become good human beings.

Nipon Goswami

Actor and social activist

His seless works based on core Christian values are inspirational.

Himangshu Sekhar Das, IAS (Retd)

Chief Information Commissioner, Assam

Don Bosco institutions are very good for the formative years of every individual and the

value system and quality of education helps in making every child a good human being

and purposeful in life.

Subimal Bhattacharjee

Independent consultant for Defence and Cyber Security

48 | 49 |

Don Bosco was the rst to think about Human Resource Development,

youth development and youth welfare.

Purno Agitok Sangma

Member of Parliament, Tura (Meghalaya)

Learning in a Don Bosco institute is like a privilege in life.

Manash Barooah

Secretary, Assam Mountaineering Association

Don Bosco has shaped my life.

Kapil Bora

Actor

These are excellent institutions rendering non-repayable service of

education.

Dr Joy Prakash Das

Secretary, Assam Pradesh Congress Committee

He gave plenty of scope and encouragement to develop personal skills.

Tarunabh Dutta

Filmmaker

Adivasi youth of western Assam

on festive mode.

48 | 49 |

Don Bosco was the rst to think about Human Resource Development,

youth development and youth welfare.

Purno Agitok Sangma

Member of Parliament, Tura (Meghalaya)

Learning in a Don Bosco institute is like a privilege in life.

Manash Barooah

Secretary, Assam Mountaineering Association

Don Bosco has shaped my life.

Kapil Bora

Actor

These are excellent institutions rendering non-repayable service of

education.

Dr Joy Prakash Das

Secretary, Assam Pradesh Congress Committee

He gave plenty of scope and encouragement to develop personal skills.

Tarunabh Dutta

Filmmaker

Adivasi youth of western Assam

on festive mode.

50 | 51 |

Bihu is the most popular folk dance related to

the mid-April Rongali Bihu festival.

SALESIAN PRESENCE (DIOCESE-WISE)

Total Number = 38

50 | 51 |

Bihu is the most popular folk dance related to

the mid-April Rongali Bihu festival.

SALESIAN PRESENCE (DIOCESE-WISE)

Total Number = 38

GUWAHATI PROVINCE

One of the largest provinces in India, it has had a phenomenal journey since its

establishment in 1959.

GUWAHATI had India's rst formal Don Bosco school in 1926. It proved to be the

launch pad for the Salesians to spread out to various parts of the Northeast at the

service of humanity.

Guwahati is the mother Salesian province in the Northeast by virtue of being the

region's rst, established in 1959. It was the largest province after Chennai until its

bifurcation in 2012 for forming the Silchar Province to cater to geographically

disadvantaged southern Assam, parts of Meghalaya, Mizoram and Tripura. This was

the second division of Guwahati Province; the rst was in 1981 to give birth to

Dimapur Province.

During the last bifurcation, Fr. Thomas Vattathara, the Founder-Director of Don

Bosco Institute, was appointed the 11th Provincial of the Province of Mary Help of

Christians. The province comprises western and central Assam and parts of

Meghalaya falling under the Guwahati Archdiocese and the dioceses of Bongaigaon,

Diphu, Nongstoin, Tezpur and Tura.

The Guwahati Province today has 23 schools with a total 17,510 students, 864

teachers. There are other institutes catering to the various needs in the region.

52 | 53 |

Kaziranga National Park in central Assam is a popular

stopover for the migratory bar-headed geese.

GUWAHATI PROVINCE

One of the largest provinces in India, it has had a phenomenal journey since its

establishment in 1959.

GUWAHATI had India's rst formal Don Bosco school in 1926. It proved to be the

launch pad for the Salesians to spread out to various parts of the Northeast at the

service of humanity.

Guwahati is the mother Salesian province in the Northeast by virtue of being the

region's rst, established in 1959. It was the largest province after Chennai until its

bifurcation in 2012 for forming the Silchar Province to cater to geographically

disadvantaged southern Assam, parts of Meghalaya, Mizoram and Tripura. This was

the second division of Guwahati Province; the rst was in 1981 to give birth to

Dimapur Province.

During the last bifurcation, Fr. Thomas Vattathara, the Founder-Director of Don

Bosco Institute, was appointed the 11th Provincial of the Province of Mary Help of

Christians. The province comprises western and central Assam and parts of

Meghalaya falling under the Guwahati Archdiocese and the dioceses of Bongaigaon,

Diphu, Nongstoin, Tezpur and Tura.

The Guwahati Province today has 23 schools with a total 17,510 students, 864

teachers. There are other institutes catering to the various needs in the region.

52 | 53 |

Kaziranga National Park in central Assam is a popular

stopover for the migratory bar-headed geese.

DON BOSCO

IN

SOUTH ASIANO. OF HOUSES

369

NO. OF STATES

26

NO. OF SALESIANS

2676

NO. OF SALESIAN

PROVINCES

11

NO. OF SALESIAN

VICE-PROVINCES

1

(Courtesy Youth: Shaping the Destinies of a Million Youngsters

in India by Don Bosco Youth Animation, South Asia)

PRESENCE IN SOUTH ASIA

Don Bosco institutions have come a long way since the rst night school was established

in Thanjavur in 1912.

DON BOSCO started out with a night school in Italy. So did his followers in India.

The rst Don Bosco Night School was opened in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, in 1912. The

rst formal school in the Indian subcontinent took another 14 years to be established in

Guwahati. Today, there are more than 250 Don Bosco schools and a Don Bosco

University in India.

Don Bosco schools in the country are associated with excellence and all-round

formation of the young. They have bagged many awards for quality education. But the

Salesians' goal is not merely to run a school, but in having the right kind of school at the

right place to cater to the needs of the young.

Educating the young has been Don Bosco's goal, not merely running schools. The

institutions are thus tailored for various requirements transit schools, bridge schools,

evening and night schools, tutorials and private study centres. The Association of Don

Bosco Schools has a network spread across 21 states in the country.

South Asia has 12 provinces, of which only one Colombo is outside India. These 12

provinces run 369 Houses under the committed care of 2,676 SDBs under these

provinces. The provinces in India together run 250 schools, colleges and 46 DB

institutes of higher education, 120 DB technical institutes, 57 DB centres for young at

risk, 51 DB youth animation centres, 129 daily oratories and youth centres, 18 DB youth

counselling centres, 52 career guidance and job placement centres, 215 DB boardings

and hostels, and 84 DB evening schools, and a University the Assam Don Bosco

University, established in 2008. They have bagged many awards for quality education,

sports and co-curriculal actities.

The focus of these institutions is the empowerment of the youth and the primary target

groups are the poor and the disadvantaged rural poor, street and working children,

children/youth in remote areas, nomads, tribal, bonded labourers, migrant workers and

their children, ethnic, racial and linguistic minorities, refugees, the disabled and the like.

54 | 55 |

DON BOSCO

IN

SOUTH ASIANO. OF HOUSES

369

NO. OF STATES

26

NO. OF SALESIANS

2676

NO. OF SALESIAN

PROVINCES

11

NO. OF SALESIAN

VICE-PROVINCES

1

(Courtesy Youth: Shaping the Destinies of a Million Youngsters

in India by Don Bosco Youth Animation, South Asia)

PRESENCE IN SOUTH ASIA

Don Bosco institutions have come a long way since the rst night school was established

in Thanjavur in 1912.

DON BOSCO started out with a night school in Italy. So did his followers in India.

The rst Don Bosco Night School was opened in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, in 1912. The

rst formal school in the Indian subcontinent took another 14 years to be established in

Guwahati. Today, there are more than 250 Don Bosco schools and a Don Bosco

University in India.

Don Bosco schools in the country are associated with excellence and all-round

formation of the young. They have bagged many awards for quality education. But the

Salesians' goal is not merely to run a school, but in having the right kind of school at the

right place to cater to the needs of the young.

Educating the young has been Don Bosco's goal, not merely running schools. The

institutions are thus tailored for various requirements transit schools, bridge schools,

evening and night schools, tutorials and private study centres. The Association of Don

Bosco Schools has a network spread across 21 states in the country.

South Asia has 12 provinces, of which only one Colombo is outside India. These 12

provinces run 369 Houses under the committed care of 2,676 SDBs under these

provinces. The provinces in India together run 250 schools, colleges and 46 DB

institutes of higher education, 120 DB technical institutes, 57 DB centres for young at

risk, 51 DB youth animation centres, 129 daily oratories and youth centres, 18 DB youth

counselling centres, 52 career guidance and job placement centres, 215 DB boardings

and hostels, and 84 DB evening schools, and a University the Assam Don Bosco

University, established in 2008. They have bagged many awards for quality education,

sports and co-curriculal actities.

The focus of these institutions is the empowerment of the youth and the primary target

groups are the poor and the disadvantaged rural poor, street and working children,

children/youth in remote areas, nomads, tribal, bonded labourers, migrant workers and

their children, ethnic, racial and linguistic minorities, refugees, the disabled and the like.

54 | 55 |

DON BOSCO

IN

INDIA

PROVINCE HOUSE SDB

Mumbai 28 221

Kolkata 45 244

Dimapur 46 241

Guwahati 39 256

Hyderabad 26 205

Bangalore 43 341

Chennai 52 377

New Delhi 24 184

Konkan- Panjim 16 103

Silchar 26 220

Tiruchy 24 224

Colombo 15 66

Total 384 2682

(Courtesy Youth: Shaping the Destinies of a Million Youngsters

in India by Don Bosco Youth Animation, South Asia)56 | 57 |

DON BOSCO

IN

INDIA

PROVINCE HOUSE SDB

Mumbai 28 221

Kolkata 45 244

Dimapur 46 241

Guwahati 39 256

Hyderabad 26 205

Bangalore 43 341

Chennai 52 377

New Delhi 24 184

Konkan- Panjim 16 103

Silchar 26 220

Tiruchy 24 224

Colombo 15 66

Total 384 2682

(Courtesy Youth: Shaping the Destinies of a Million Youngsters

in India by Don Bosco Youth Animation, South Asia)56 | 57 |

DON BOSCO

IN THE NO. OF HOUSES

NO. OF NATIONSNO. OF DON BOSCO PROVINCES:NO. OF SALESIANS

15298

1965

132(Courtesy Youth: Shaping the Destinies of a Million Youngsters

in India by Don Bosco Youth Animation, South Asia)

58 | 59 |

DON BOSCO

IN THE NO. OF HOUSES

NO. OF NATIONSNO. OF DON BOSCO PROVINCES:NO. OF SALESIANS

15298

1965

132(Courtesy Youth: Shaping the Destinies of a Million Youngsters

in India by Don Bosco Youth Animation, South Asia)

58 | 59 |

Per Schools 584 71481

Primary Schools 955 339127

Secondary Schools 636 221498

(to Middle school)

Senior secondary schools 513 194332

Secondary Technical Schools 178 71186

Higher secondary Schools 66 111069

Literacy Programmes 288 36164

TOTAL 3221 1044857

ORATORIES-YOUTH CENTRES NO.

CENTRES BENEFICIARIES

DON BOSCO

SCHOOLS SCHOOLS

NO.

BENEFICIARIES

Festive Oratories 635 121758

Daily Oratories 163 33791

Youth Centres 196 42720

Oratory-Youth Centres 659 236935

TOTAL 1653 435204

TECHNICAL INSTITUTES NO.

AGRICULTURAL SCHOOLS BENEFICIARIES

Technical Schools 455 127934

Agricultural schools 46 9924

Adult courses 89 18169

TOTAL 590 156027

DON BOSCO

IN THE

SOCIAL COMMUNICATION CENTRES STAFF/COLLABORATORS SALESIANS

Provincial Communication Centres 51 88 150

Publishing Houses 48 96 616

Print shops 55 90 912

Audio-Visual Centres 13 16 56

Bookshops 88 55 369

Data Centres 12 15 36

Radio 32 32 212

Radio-TV 11 11 85

TOTAL 310 403 2436

NO. NO.

BENEFICIARIES

331 32612

46 4563

47 2981

85 4912

18 1838

527 46906

CENTRES NO.

BENEFICIARIES

337 67540

52 58867

5 5522

89 235362

291 437909

774 805200

BOARDING/HOSTELS

Hostel

Middle school hostels

Senior schools hostels

University hostels

Hostel for young workers

TOTAL

SOCIAL WORKS

Youth at Risk

Migrant Assistance

Leprosariums

Clinics

Various

TOTAL

(Courtesy Youth: Shaping the Destinies of a Million Youngsters

in India by Don Bosco Youth Animation, South Asia)

60 | 61 |

Per Schools 584 71481

Primary Schools 955 339127

Secondary Schools 636 221498

(to Middle school)

Senior secondary schools 513 194332

Secondary Technical Schools 178 71186

Higher secondary Schools 66 111069

Literacy Programmes 288 36164

TOTAL 3221 1044857

ORATORIES-YOUTH CENTRES NO.

CENTRES BENEFICIARIES

DON BOSCO

SCHOOLS SCHOOLS

NO.

BENEFICIARIES

Festive Oratories 635 121758

Daily Oratories 163 33791

Youth Centres 196 42720

Oratory-Youth Centres 659 236935

TOTAL 1653 435204

TECHNICAL INSTITUTES NO.

AGRICULTURAL SCHOOLS BENEFICIARIES

Technical Schools 455 127934

Agricultural schools 46 9924

Adult courses 89 18169

TOTAL 590 156027

DON BOSCO

IN THE

SOCIAL COMMUNICATION CENTRES STAFF/COLLABORATORS SALESIANS

Provincial Communication Centres 51 88 150

Publishing Houses 48 96 616

Print shops 55 90 912

Audio-Visual Centres 13 16 56

Bookshops 88 55 369

Data Centres 12 15 36

Radio 32 32 212

Radio-TV 11 11 85

TOTAL 310 403 2436

NO. NO.

BENEFICIARIES

331 32612

46 4563

47 2981

85 4912

18 1838

527 46906

CENTRES NO.

BENEFICIARIES

337 67540

52 58867

5 5522

89 235362

291 437909

774 805200

BOARDING/HOSTELS

Hostel

Middle school hostels

Senior schools hostels

University hostels

Hostel for young workers

TOTAL

SOCIAL WORKS

Youth at Risk

Migrant Assistance

Leprosariums

Clinics

Various

TOTAL

(Courtesy Youth: Shaping the Destinies of a Million Youngsters

in India by Don Bosco Youth Animation, South Asia)

60 | 61 |

WORLD OF DON BOSCO

More than 15,000 Salesians are engaged in Don Bosco

institutions across 90 provinces in 132 countries.

NIGHT needs the light to tame darkness. It was thus apt

that Don Bosco began his mission in 1845 of dispelling

the darkness of ignorance with a night school for boys in

Valdocco, now part of the municipality of Turin in Italy.

Don Bosco opened more schools in the following years,

and in 1857 drew up a set of rules for his helpers. These

became the Rules of the Society of St Francis de Sales that

Pope Pius IX approved 16 years later. The Society grew

rapidly with houses established in Europe and across other

continents.

The Society has, since then, been adhering to the Salesians'

charter that describes its mission thus: The Christian

perfection of its associates obtained by the exercise of

spiritual and corporal works of charity towards the young,

especially the poor, and the education of boys to the

priesthood.

Today, there are 15,298 Salesians in 1,965 houses under 90

provinces in 132 countries. They run 3,221 Don Bosco

s c h o o l s , 1 , 6 5 3 o r a t o r i e s / y o u t h c e n t r e s , 5 9 0

technical/agricultural schools, 527 boardings/hostels and

774 centres for youth at risk, 18 universities as also migrant

assistance, leprosariums, clinics and various other forms of

social service. Together, these schools and centres

currently have 2,488,194 beneciaries.

62 | 63 |

His Excellency Archbishop Salvatore Pennachio,

Vatican Ambassador to India, presents a statuette

to Fr VM Thomas, Provincial, Guwahati.

WORLD OF DON BOSCO

More than 15,000 Salesians are engaged in Don Bosco

institutions across 90 provinces in 132 countries.

NIGHT needs the light to tame darkness. It was thus apt

that Don Bosco began his mission in 1845 of dispelling

the darkness of ignorance with a night school for boys in

Valdocco, now part of the municipality of Turin in Italy.

Don Bosco opened more schools in the following years,

and in 1857 drew up a set of rules for his helpers. These

became the Rules of the Society of St Francis de Sales that

Pope Pius IX approved 16 years later. The Society grew

rapidly with houses established in Europe and across other

continents.

The Society has, since then, been adhering to the Salesians'

charter that describes its mission thus: The Christian

perfection of its associates obtained by the exercise of

spiritual and corporal works of charity towards the young,

especially the poor, and the education of boys to the

priesthood.

Today, there are 15,298 Salesians in 1,965 houses under 90

provinces in 132 countries. They run 3,221 Don Bosco

s c h o o l s , 1 , 6 5 3 o r a t o r i e s / y o u t h c e n t r e s , 5 9 0

technical/agricultural schools, 527 boardings/hostels and

774 centres for youth at risk, 18 universities as also migrant

assistance, leprosariums, clinics and various other forms of

social service. Together, these schools and centres

currently have 2,488,194 beneciaries.

62 | 63 |

His Excellency Archbishop Salvatore Pennachio,

Vatican Ambassador to India, presents a statuette

to Fr VM Thomas, Provincial, Guwahati.

LANGUAGE PROMOTION

The Don Bosco Society developed on what the American Baptists had done.

NORTHEAST India is home to more than 200 languages and dialects. But

many of them face serious threat of extinction as they are oral and have no

written literature nor are taught in schools. Assamese, Garo and most

languages of Nagaland and Manipur were patronized by the Baptist

missionaries in the 1830s, while Khasi and Mizo were promoted by

Presbyterian missionaries.

Don Bosco Society, which began working in the region from 1922, sensed

the urgency of promoting literacy, language development and education. A

member of this organization, Fr. George Plathottam SDB, in 1992 founded

in Don Bosco Communications (DBC), Guwahati, a centre for promoting

communication, indigenous cultures and languages. DBC came in contact

with two other organizations devoted to language promotion Summer

Institute of Linguistics (SIL) International, a UNESCO-recognized NGO

founded in Mexico in 1934 and operating in over 40 countries, and State

Resource Centre (SRC), Assam, a government of India venture for

promoting languages.

64 | 65 |

A senior citizen belonging to one of

the tribes in Assam the Tiwa.

LANGUAGE PROMOTION

The Don Bosco Society developed on what the American Baptists had done.

NORTHEAST India is home to more than 200 languages and dialects. But

many of them face serious threat of extinction as they are oral and have no

written literature nor are taught in schools. Assamese, Garo and most

languages of Nagaland and Manipur were patronized by the Baptist

missionaries in the 1830s, while Khasi and Mizo were promoted by

Presbyterian missionaries.

Don Bosco Society, which began working in the region from 1922, sensed

the urgency of promoting literacy, language development and education. A

member of this organization, Fr. George Plathottam SDB, in 1992 founded

in Don Bosco Communications (DBC), Guwahati, a centre for promoting

communication, indigenous cultures and languages. DBC came in contact

with two other organizations devoted to language promotion Summer

Institute of Linguistics (SIL) International, a UNESCO-recognized NGO

founded in Mexico in 1934 and operating in over 40 countries, and State

Resource Centre (SRC), Assam, a government of India venture for

promoting languages.

64 | 65 |

A senior citizen belonging to one of

the tribes in Assam the Tiwa.

DBC, SIL and SRC joined hands on several projects like organising workshops,

seminars and undertaking publications. Together they were able to hold several writers'

workshops, orthography seminars, book-build programmes and develop alphabet and

spelling books, mathematical primers, grammar, word books. The focus of these events

was on making the people conscious of taking up education in their mother tongue so

that they do not suffer the loss of their languages. Some of the communities with which

DBC has worked are: Aka, Galo and Tangsa of Arunachal Pradesh, Maram and

Thangkul of Manipur, Rabha, Deuri, Sadri, Karbi, Amari Karbi, Tiwa of Assam, and

Hajong of Assam and Meghalaya. DBC has published several books in Angami,

Assamese, Bodo, Garo, Khasi, Mizo and other languages.

DBC felt the need to uphold the rights of people to learn in their mother tongue, as

endorsed by Article 350A of the Constitution of India. This was primarily the reason

why Don Bosco School at Umswai in Assam's Karbi Anglong district converted its

English medium primary school into Tiwa and Karbi mediums under one roof. The

conversion, begun in 2006, was completed in 2008. These became the rst Karbi

medium and Tiwa medium schools for the respective tribal groups. The school

subsequently prepared and published nearly 50 colourful books in these two languages

for all subjects, besides Tiwa/Karbi languages.

66 | 67 |

Karbi youth performing a

traditional dance

DBC, SIL and SRC joined hands on several projects like organising workshops,

seminars and undertaking publications. Together they were able to hold several writers'

workshops, orthography seminars, book-build programmes and develop alphabet and

spelling books, mathematical primers, grammar, word books. The focus of these events

was on making the people conscious of taking up education in their mother tongue so

that they do not suffer the loss of their languages. Some of the communities with which

DBC has worked are: Aka, Galo and Tangsa of Arunachal Pradesh, Maram and

Thangkul of Manipur, Rabha, Deuri, Sadri, Karbi, Amari Karbi, Tiwa of Assam, and

Hajong of Assam and Meghalaya. DBC has published several books in Angami,

Assamese, Bodo, Garo, Khasi, Mizo and other languages.

DBC felt the need to uphold the rights of people to learn in their mother tongue, as

endorsed by Article 350A of the Constitution of India. This was primarily the reason

why Don Bosco School at Umswai in Assam's Karbi Anglong district converted its

English medium primary school into Tiwa and Karbi mediums under one roof. The

conversion, begun in 2006, was completed in 2008. These became the rst Karbi

medium and Tiwa medium schools for the respective tribal groups. The school

subsequently prepared and published nearly 50 colourful books in these two languages

for all subjects, besides Tiwa/Karbi languages.

66 | 67 |

Karbi youth performing a

traditional dance

BICENTENARY RALLY

PEACE was the underlying message of a rally on 30

January 2015 by more than 5,300 students from

institutions run by the Salesian family of Guwahati. The

special attraction of the Peace Rally, agged off by

Dhruba Jyoti Saikia, Vice Chancellor of Cotton College

State University, was the performance of three school

bands besides Vibes, the Don Bosco School's choir

group. Dr. Saikia said that the rally was an expression of

our faith in the possibility of peace while Fr. VM

Thomas, Provincial, said peace is possible if we all

desire it. Balloons and pigeons were also released during

the celebration to mark the bicentenary of St John

Bosco's birth.

68 | 69 |

BICENTENARY RALLY

PEACE was the underlying message of a rally on 30

January 2015 by more than 5,300 students from

institutions run by the Salesian family of Guwahati. The

special attraction of the Peace Rally, agged off by

Dhruba Jyoti Saikia, Vice Chancellor of Cotton College

State University, was the performance of three school

bands besides Vibes, the Don Bosco School's choir

group. Dr. Saikia said that the rally was an expression of

our faith in the possibility of peace while Fr. VM

Thomas, Provincial, said peace is possible if we all

desire it. Balloons and pigeons were also released during

the celebration to mark the bicentenary of St John

Bosco's birth.

68 | 69 |

A SAINT'S RELICS

DON BOSCO Institute was spiritually blessed on 30 May 2011, the day

when the sacred relics of St. John Bosco arrived in a casket for the staff,

collaborators, locals and dignitaries to pay their respects. A cultural

welcome showcasing the dances of various tribes of the region set in

motion the ceremony of welcoming the relics. Fr. VM Thomas, the then

DBI director, garlanded the casket with a gamosa (Assamese cotton scarf)

and a japi (Assamese straw hat); this was followed by pluri-religious

prayers. Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi underscored the services of the

Don Bosco Society for the people of Northeast India and released Hand, a

24-minute documentary on the arrival of the Salesians in the region in

1922. Music, skits, quiz and exhibition on Don Bosco marked the day. The

relics travelled to other Salesian institutions on the following days.

70 | 71 |

Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi pays

homage to the relics of St. John Bosco

A SAINT'S RELICS

DON BOSCO Institute was spiritually blessed on 30 May 2011, the day

when the sacred relics of St. John Bosco arrived in a casket for the staff,

collaborators, locals and dignitaries to pay their respects. A cultural

welcome showcasing the dances of various tribes of the region set in

motion the ceremony of welcoming the relics. Fr. VM Thomas, the then

DBI director, garlanded the casket with a gamosa (Assamese cotton scarf)

and a japi (Assamese straw hat); this was followed by pluri-religious

prayers. Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi underscored the services of the

Don Bosco Society for the people of Northeast India and released Hand, a

24-minute docum