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A coffee table book titled Becchi to Guwahati: A Bicentenary Tribute to Don Bosco, by Guwahati Province. 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.

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI
Page 2: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI
Page 3: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI
Page 4: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

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

Page 5: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

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

Page 6: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

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. Ltd7 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.

Page 7: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

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. Ltd7 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.

Page 8: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

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.

Page 9: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

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.

Page 10: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

“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.

Page 11: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

“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.

Page 12: BECCHI TO 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 flame 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 field 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

Page 13: BECCHI TO 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 flame 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 field 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

Page 14: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

Communities and governments have been quick to recognize the significant contribution that Don Bosco has made to the history, culture and ethos of Northeast India. Many official 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 first 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, sacrifice, 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 affiliations, 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 first 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 first 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 confidence and pride.

Fr. Johnson Parackal SDBExecutive Director, DBI

From the editor's desk

14 |

Page 15: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

Communities and governments have been quick to recognize the significant contribution that Don Bosco has made to the history, culture and ethos of Northeast India. Many official 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 first 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, sacrifice, 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 affiliations, 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 first 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 first 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 confidence and pride.

Fr. Johnson Parackal SDBExecutive Director, DBI

From the editor's desk

14 |

Page 16: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

“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.

Page 17: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

“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.

Page 18: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

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 figure from behind in his dream.

19 |18 |

Father, Friend and Educator of YOUTH

Page 19: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

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 figure from behind in his dream.

19 |18 |

Father, Friend and Educator of YOUTH

Page 20: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

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 five years of enormous difficulties he managed to establish and open his first 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 fishing a prime occupation in Assam.

Page 21: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

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 five years of enormous difficulties he managed to establish and open his first 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 fishing a prime occupation in Assam.

Page 22: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

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 ragamuffins on the streets of Turin, playing with the young in the fields 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 |

Page 23: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

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 ragamuffins on the streets of Turin, playing with the young in the fields 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 |

Page 24: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

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 |

Page 25: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

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 |

Page 26: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

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 first 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 finery get ready

for a festival in western Meghalaya.

Page 27: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

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 first 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 finery get ready

for a festival in western Meghalaya.

Page 28: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

ENJOYABLE EDUCATION

Don Bosco's Preventive-Expressive system redefined 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 efficacious means of obtaining discipline and of benefiting 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 Fröbel'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

Page 29: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

ENJOYABLE EDUCATION

Don Bosco's Preventive-Expressive system redefined 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 efficacious means of obtaining discipline and of benefiting 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 Fröbel'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

Page 30: BECCHI TO 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

Page 31: BECCHI TO 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

Page 32: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

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, sufficient 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 |

Page 33: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

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, sufficient 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 |

Page 34: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

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 confidence” flow 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-filled approach from educators.

34 | 35 |

Page 35: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

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 confidence” flow 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-filled approach from educators.

34 | 35 |

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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 |

Page 37: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

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 |

Page 38: BECCHI TO 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.

Page 39: BECCHI TO 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.

Page 40: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

Bhattacharjee, who passed out from Don Bosco School, Haflong 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 officers 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.

Page 41: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

Bhattacharjee, who passed out from Don Bosco School, Haflong 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 officers 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.

Page 42: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

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 scientific 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 first to realise the importance of human resource development, is filled 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.

Page 43: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

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 scientific 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 first to realise the importance of human resource development, is filled 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.

Page 44: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

DON BOSCO & NORTHEAST

44 | 45 |

“Don Bosco institutions are gyan mandirs (temples of knowledge) giving selfless service to the society.”

Dr Samujjal Bhattacharyya, GuwahatiAdvisor, All Assam Students Union

“Don Bosco's name is associated with quality of institutions, efficiency and discipline.”

Col Manoranjan Goswami (Retd)Social activist and advocate

“He was a visionary saint who transformed the society with the magnificent tool of education.”

Chandra Kanta Das, IAS (Retd)Non-official 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 PhukanDeputy National Editor, NDTV 24x7

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

Sarat BarkatakiMinister of Education, Government of Assam

Women perform the Bagurumba, a folk dance

of the indigenous Bodo community in Assam.

Page 45: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

DON BOSCO & NORTHEAST

44 | 45 |

“Don Bosco institutions are gyan mandirs (temples of knowledge) giving selfless service to the society.”

Dr Samujjal Bhattacharyya, GuwahatiAdvisor, All Assam Students Union

“Don Bosco's name is associated with quality of institutions, efficiency and discipline.”

Col Manoranjan Goswami (Retd)Social activist and advocate

“He was a visionary saint who transformed the society with the magnificent tool of education.”

Chandra Kanta Das, IAS (Retd)Non-official 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 PhukanDeputy National Editor, NDTV 24x7

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

Sarat BarkatakiMinister of Education, Government of Assam

Women perform the Bagurumba, a folk dance

of the indigenous Bodo community in Assam.

Page 46: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

46 | 47 |

“The standard of education is undoubtedly among the best in the region, but students tend to be individualistic.”

Rajeev BhattacharyyaJournalist

“Don Bosco is an example for other institutions on how to balance the three legs of education – teachers, students and parents.”

Prafulla Kumar MahantaFormer 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 BordoloiSpokesperson, Government of Assam

“These are fine institutions helping pupils become good human beings.”

Nipon GoswamiActor and social activist

“His selfless 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 BhattacharjeeIndependent consultant for Defence and Cyber Security

Page 47: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

46 | 47 |

“The standard of education is undoubtedly among the best in the region, but students tend to be individualistic.”

Rajeev BhattacharyyaJournalist

“Don Bosco is an example for other institutions on how to balance the three legs of education – teachers, students and parents.”

Prafulla Kumar MahantaFormer 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 BordoloiSpokesperson, Government of Assam

“These are fine institutions helping pupils become good human beings.”

Nipon GoswamiActor and social activist

“His selfless 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 BhattacharjeeIndependent consultant for Defence and Cyber Security

Page 48: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

48 | 49 |

“Don Bosco was the first to think about Human Resource Development, youth development and youth welfare.”

Purno Agitok SangmaMember of Parliament, Tura (Meghalaya)

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

Manash BarooahSecretary, Assam Mountaineering Association

“Don Bosco has shaped my life.”

Kapil BoraActor

“These are excellent institutions rendering non-repayable service of education.”

Dr Joy Prakash DasSecretary, Assam Pradesh Congress Committee

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

Tarunabh DuttaFilmmaker

Adivasi youth of western Assam

on festive mode.

Page 49: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

48 | 49 |

“Don Bosco was the first to think about Human Resource Development, youth development and youth welfare.”

Purno Agitok SangmaMember of Parliament, Tura (Meghalaya)

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

Manash BarooahSecretary, Assam Mountaineering Association

“Don Bosco has shaped my life.”

Kapil BoraActor

“These are excellent institutions rendering non-repayable service of education.”

Dr Joy Prakash DasSecretary, Assam Pradesh Congress Committee

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

Tarunabh DuttaFilmmaker

Adivasi youth of western Assam

on festive mode.

Page 50: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

50 | 51 |

Bihu is the most popular folk dance related to

the mid-April Rongali Bihu festival.

SALESIAN PRESENCE (DIOCESE-WISE)Total Number = 38

Page 51: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

50 | 51 |

Bihu is the most popular folk dance related to

the mid-April Rongali Bihu festival.

SALESIAN PRESENCE (DIOCESE-WISE)Total Number = 38

Page 52: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

GUWAHATI PROVINCE

One of the largest provinces in India, it has had a phenomenal journey since its establishment in 1959.

GUWAHATI had India's first 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 first, 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 first 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.

Page 53: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

GUWAHATI PROVINCE

One of the largest provinces in India, it has had a phenomenal journey since its establishment in 1959.

GUWAHATI had India's first 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 first, 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 first 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.

Page 54: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

DON BOSCOIN

SOUTH ASIANO. OF HOUSES

369

NO. OF STATES

26

NO. OF SALESIANS

2676

NO. OF SALESIANPROVINCES

11

NO. OF SALESIANVICE-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 first 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 first Don Bosco Night School was opened in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, in 1912. The first 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 |

Page 55: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

DON BOSCOIN

SOUTH ASIANO. OF HOUSES

369

NO. OF STATES

26

NO. OF SALESIANS

2676

NO. OF SALESIANPROVINCES

11

NO. OF SALESIANVICE-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 first 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 first Don Bosco Night School was opened in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, in 1912. The first 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 |

Page 56: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

DON BOSCOIN

INDIAPROVINCE 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 |

Page 57: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

DON BOSCOIN

INDIAPROVINCE 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 |

Page 58: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

DON BOSCOIN 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 |

Page 59: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

DON BOSCOIN 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 |

Page 60: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

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

SCHOOLSNO.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 BOSCOIN 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 |

Page 61: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

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

SCHOOLSNO.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 BOSCOIN 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 |

Page 62: BECCHI TO 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 beneficiaries.

62 | 63 |

His Excellency Archbishop Salvatore Pennachio,

Vatican Ambassador to India, presents a statuette

to Fr VM Thomas, Provincial, Guwahati.

Page 63: BECCHI TO 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 beneficiaries.

62 | 63 |

His Excellency Archbishop Salvatore Pennachio,

Vatican Ambassador to India, presents a statuette

to Fr VM Thomas, Provincial, Guwahati.

Page 64: BECCHI TO 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.

Page 65: BECCHI TO 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.

Page 66: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

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 first 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

Page 67: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

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 first 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

Page 68: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

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, flagged 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 |

Page 69: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

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, flagged 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 |

Page 70: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

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

Page 71: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

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

Page 72: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

PASSAGE TO NORTHEAST

The Salesians came to the Northeast after the arrival of other Christian missionaries, but they gradually took the lead in changing the lives of the people for the better.

CHRISTIANITY reached India in 52 AD when Thomas the Apostle reached the Malabar Coast in Kerala. In 1830, when the American Baptists reached the Northeast, much of it was under Assam.

The Salesians arrived in our country in 1906, the year when the representative of the Pope came to Chennai (then Madras), and a fresh group of Salesians reached the Northeast in 1922. The first Don Bosco School came up in Guwahati in 1926.

“The service of the missionaries to the region has been tremendous. Don Bosco came later than the others, but it has gone far ahead in education, vocational and technical training, social service and youth empowerment,” says Tarun Gogoi, Chief Minister of Assam.

In the last 200 years, Christianity has been one of the primary agents of social, economic, and cultural transformation in the Northeast. Perhaps the most important contribution of Christianity is related to education, formal, non-formal and technical, and promotion of languages – many of them had no script.

Education has led to the development of human resources, helped purge superstitions and anti-social practices. Technical education and honing job-oriented skills have provided opportunities for employment for youth. The establishment of secondary schools and colleges prepared the way for the founding of central and state universities in the region. Education has made people aware of their rights and duties in society. It has created political consciousness and desire for political leadership in people and has enabled many to assume leadership in political parties, local and national bodies.

72 | 73 |Don Bosco College, Tura, Meghalaya

Students of Don Bosco College of Teacher Education, Tura

Page 73: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

PASSAGE TO NORTHEAST

The Salesians came to the Northeast after the arrival of other Christian missionaries, but they gradually took the lead in changing the lives of the people for the better.

CHRISTIANITY reached India in 52 AD when Thomas the Apostle reached the Malabar Coast in Kerala. In 1830, when the American Baptists reached the Northeast, much of it was under Assam.

The Salesians arrived in our country in 1906, the year when the representative of the Pope came to Chennai (then Madras), and a fresh group of Salesians reached the Northeast in 1922. The first Don Bosco School came up in Guwahati in 1926.

“The service of the missionaries to the region has been tremendous. Don Bosco came later than the others, but it has gone far ahead in education, vocational and technical training, social service and youth empowerment,” says Tarun Gogoi, Chief Minister of Assam.

In the last 200 years, Christianity has been one of the primary agents of social, economic, and cultural transformation in the Northeast. Perhaps the most important contribution of Christianity is related to education, formal, non-formal and technical, and promotion of languages – many of them had no script.

Education has led to the development of human resources, helped purge superstitions and anti-social practices. Technical education and honing job-oriented skills have provided opportunities for employment for youth. The establishment of secondary schools and colleges prepared the way for the founding of central and state universities in the region. Education has made people aware of their rights and duties in society. It has created political consciousness and desire for political leadership in people and has enabled many to assume leadership in political parties, local and national bodies.

72 | 73 |Don Bosco College, Tura, Meghalaya

Students of Don Bosco College of Teacher Education, Tura

Page 74: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

With Christianity came printing technology, modern science, interest in research, writing and publications. It pioneered the printing and distribution of newspapers, magazines and books, setting up libraries, and promoting scholarly studies in various disciplines. Missionaries have promoted the preservation of cultural artefacts and the establishment of museums along scientific lines in different parts of the region to preserve indigenous cultures.

A major contribution has been in the area of medicine and health, introducing the people to modern healthcare systems, better personal and community health and hygiene. Infrastructural developments in the form of buildings for educational institutions, churches, hospitals and cultural centres introduced modern architecture even in remote villages. Other areas of focus are conflict resolution and peace building, promotion of gender sensitivity and empowerment for women and the marginalized, fuelling local agriculture economy with scientific methods.

Pix by: SH patgiri74 | 75 |

The hills of Assam and elsewhere in the Northeast are gradually

switching from jhum (slash-and-burn cultivation) to terrace farming.

Page 75: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

With Christianity came printing technology, modern science, interest in research, writing and publications. It pioneered the printing and distribution of newspapers, magazines and books, setting up libraries, and promoting scholarly studies in various disciplines. Missionaries have promoted the preservation of cultural artefacts and the establishment of museums along scientific lines in different parts of the region to preserve indigenous cultures.

A major contribution has been in the area of medicine and health, introducing the people to modern healthcare systems, better personal and community health and hygiene. Infrastructural developments in the form of buildings for educational institutions, churches, hospitals and cultural centres introduced modern architecture even in remote villages. Other areas of focus are conflict resolution and peace building, promotion of gender sensitivity and empowerment for women and the marginalized, fuelling local agriculture economy with scientific methods.

Pix by: SH patgiri74 | 75 |

The hills of Assam and elsewhere in the Northeast are gradually

switching from jhum (slash-and-burn cultivation) to terrace farming.

Page 76: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

“Youngsters should not only be loved, but they themselves should know that they are loved.” Don Bosco

77 |76 |

Assam has a large population of Asian elephants, many domesticated

and used by the government in patrolling the wildlife preserves.

Page 77: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

“Youngsters should not only be loved, but they themselves should know that they are loved.” Don Bosco

77 |76 |

Assam has a large population of Asian elephants, many domesticated

and used by the government in patrolling the wildlife preserves.

Page 78: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

What makes a Don Bosco institution different?The answers come from students and past pupils of Don Bosco following a survey

Ø Sizeable investment of human and material resources besides dedicated staff

Ø Quality education - ‘preventive and expressive’ system

Ø Academic excellence and varied co-curricular activities

Ø Conducive infrastructure and loving, kind and friendly atmosphere

Ø Resource-pooling by stronger schools to uplift the poorer ones

Ø Orientation of teachers to the Salesian system of education

Ø Value-based education; adequate emphasis on teaching moral science and catechism

Ø Importance to values such as honesty, discipline, hard work, punctuality, neatness, forgiveness, sharing and universal brotherhood

Ø Family spirit, cheerfulness, courtesy, joy and spontaneity

Ø Spirit of solidarity with the poorer and disadvantaged section of society

Ø Nurturing of a sense of gratitude and tolerance, self-confidence, emphasis on oral and written communication

Ø Curriculum, instruction and assessment for the integral development of students

Ø House system for students to develop leadership, creativity, talent and teamwork

Ø Stress on talent and creativity in religious, educational, cultural and social programmes

Ø Involvement of parents in organising school programmes

Ø Emphasis on Salesian assistance

78 | 79 |

Smiles of enlightenment: Children of remote, almost

inaccessible and electricity-starved villages in Assam's

Karbi Anglong district are serviced by Don Bosco schools

such as the one at Umswai.

Page 79: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

What makes a Don Bosco institution different?The answers come from students and past pupils of Don Bosco following a survey

Ø Sizeable investment of human and material resources besides dedicated staff

Ø Quality education - ‘preventive and expressive’ system

Ø Academic excellence and varied co-curricular activities

Ø Conducive infrastructure and loving, kind and friendly atmosphere

Ø Resource-pooling by stronger schools to uplift the poorer ones

Ø Orientation of teachers to the Salesian system of education

Ø Value-based education; adequate emphasis on teaching moral science and catechism

Ø Importance to values such as honesty, discipline, hard work, punctuality, neatness, forgiveness, sharing and universal brotherhood

Ø Family spirit, cheerfulness, courtesy, joy and spontaneity

Ø Spirit of solidarity with the poorer and disadvantaged section of society

Ø Nurturing of a sense of gratitude and tolerance, self-confidence, emphasis on oral and written communication

Ø Curriculum, instruction and assessment for the integral development of students

Ø House system for students to develop leadership, creativity, talent and teamwork

Ø Stress on talent and creativity in religious, educational, cultural and social programmes

Ø Involvement of parents in organising school programmes

Ø Emphasis on Salesian assistance

78 | 79 |

Smiles of enlightenment: Children of remote, almost

inaccessible and electricity-starved villages in Assam's

Karbi Anglong district are serviced by Don Bosco schools

such as the one at Umswai.

Page 80: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

Ø Regular animation of teachers through meetings, annual retreats, etc.

Ø Special attention to spiritual and academic formation of poorer students

Ø Personal care for students

Ø Guided freedom to students and discipline without fear

Ø Positive public opinion

Ø Practical approach to life

Ø Involvement in one another's joys and sorrows

Ø Easy approachability of Salesian and lay staff

Ø Students go on to become balanced persons

Ø Timely appreciation and encouragement

Ø Vibrant association with past pupils

Ø Students become responsible, critical and capable of right choices in their daily life

Ø Encouragement to teachers to use innovative teaching methods

(Courtesy Youth: Shaping the Destinies of a Million Youngsters in India by Don Bosco Youth Animation, South Asia)

80 | 81 |

The smiles of these Adivasi girls hide the pain

of decades of deprivation and ethnic conflicts.

Page 81: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

Ø Regular animation of teachers through meetings, annual retreats, etc.

Ø Special attention to spiritual and academic formation of poorer students

Ø Personal care for students

Ø Guided freedom to students and discipline without fear

Ø Positive public opinion

Ø Practical approach to life

Ø Involvement in one another's joys and sorrows

Ø Easy approachability of Salesian and lay staff

Ø Students go on to become balanced persons

Ø Timely appreciation and encouragement

Ø Vibrant association with past pupils

Ø Students become responsible, critical and capable of right choices in their daily life

Ø Encouragement to teachers to use innovative teaching methods

(Courtesy Youth: Shaping the Destinies of a Million Youngsters in India by Don Bosco Youth Animation, South Asia)

80 | 81 |

The smiles of these Adivasi girls hide the pain

of decades of deprivation and ethnic conflicts.

Page 82: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

YOUTH SERVICESDon Bosco in the Northeast undertakes offers a range of services to harness the energies of the youth.

THE MOTTO of nation-building by moulding the youth into ideal citizens has made Don Bosco institutions undertake a number of services. Apart from schools, colleges and university, these are:

ü Daily oratory at youth centres

ü Technical education institutes, both formal and non-formal

ü Services for youth at risk (street children, marginalised, young prisoners, etc.)

ü Youth animation centres

ü Youth counselling centres

ü Vocational training centres

ü Centres for career guidance and employment

ü Social action and social service centres

ü Youth research and development centres

ü Media studies and media production centres

ü Communication institutes and publications for youth

ü Service for prisoners

ü Aftercare service for young prisoners

ü Evening and night schools for the poor

ü Centres for physically challenged youth

ü Centres for HIV affected and infected youth

ü Boarding and hostels for all types of youth

ü Community colleges

ü Orphanages

ü Distance education centres

ü Dropout prevention institutions

ü Transit schools

ü Women empowerment associations (SHGs)

ü Multi-disciplinary resource centres

ü Centres for refugees and migrants

ü Scholarship and sponsorship programmes for youth

ü Computer software and hardware training centres

ü Community centres for neighbourhood

ü Language instruction centres

82 | 83 |

“Don Bosco has gone far ahead than others in the field of education, youth and social services, vocational training and care for the poor and downtrodden.”

Tarun GogoiChief Minister, Assam

Page 83: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

YOUTH SERVICESDon Bosco in the Northeast undertakes offers a range of services to harness the energies of the youth.

THE MOTTO of nation-building by moulding the youth into ideal citizens has made Don Bosco institutions undertake a number of services. Apart from schools, colleges and university, these are:

ü Daily oratory at youth centres

ü Technical education institutes, both formal and non-formal

ü Services for youth at risk (street children, marginalised, young prisoners, etc.)

ü Youth animation centres

ü Youth counselling centres

ü Vocational training centres

ü Centres for career guidance and employment

ü Social action and social service centres

ü Youth research and development centres

ü Media studies and media production centres

ü Communication institutes and publications for youth

ü Service for prisoners

ü Aftercare service for young prisoners

ü Evening and night schools for the poor

ü Centres for physically challenged youth

ü Centres for HIV affected and infected youth

ü Boarding and hostels for all types of youth

ü Community colleges

ü Orphanages

ü Distance education centres

ü Dropout prevention institutions

ü Transit schools

ü Women empowerment associations (SHGs)

ü Multi-disciplinary resource centres

ü Centres for refugees and migrants

ü Scholarship and sponsorship programmes for youth

ü Computer software and hardware training centres

ü Community centres for neighbourhood

ü Language instruction centres

82 | 83 |

“Don Bosco has gone far ahead than others in the field of education, youth and social services, vocational training and care for the poor and downtrodden.”

Tarun GogoiChief Minister, Assam

Page 84: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

84 | 85 |

Rice occupies about two-third of the cropped area in Assam,

and is the mainstay of the state's rural economy.

Page 85: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

84 | 85 |

Rice occupies about two-third of the cropped area in Assam,

and is the mainstay of the state's rural economy.

Page 86: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

BOSCOREE

“Boscoree” stands for the jamboree of the Don Bosco scouts and guides organized once in three years. The first such jamboree was in Bangalore in 1974, though it was called All India Don Bosco Scout Camp. The name Boscoree was given to the second national meeting of scouts and guides in Mumbai in 1976, and it stuck.

The objectives of Boscoree are:Ø National integrationØ To instil in young minds a sense of the divineØ To provide opportunity to celebrate the feeling of

unit as Bharat Scouts, Guides as well as students of DB institutions

Ø To help young people know each other and appreciate the cultural differences

Ø To enhance a spirit of patriotism and love for the country

Ø To develop a sense of responsibility Ø To instil values of right living, compassion, love of

God and justiceØ To provide opportunities to cope with life

situations, learn practical skills and trigger creativity

87 |86 |

BOSCOREE 2000, Shillong

Page 87: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

BOSCOREE

“Boscoree” stands for the jamboree of the Don Bosco scouts and guides organized once in three years. The first such jamboree was in Bangalore in 1974, though it was called All India Don Bosco Scout Camp. The name Boscoree was given to the second national meeting of scouts and guides in Mumbai in 1976, and it stuck.

The objectives of Boscoree are:Ø National integrationØ To instil in young minds a sense of the divineØ To provide opportunity to celebrate the feeling of

unit as Bharat Scouts, Guides as well as students of DB institutions

Ø To help young people know each other and appreciate the cultural differences

Ø To enhance a spirit of patriotism and love for the country

Ø To develop a sense of responsibility Ø To instil values of right living, compassion, love of

God and justiceØ To provide opportunities to cope with life

situations, learn practical skills and trigger creativity

87 |86 |

BOSCOREE 2000, Shillong

Page 88: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

HARNESSING RESOURCES

Bosco Reach Out and other Salesian forums have dedicated themselves to the all-round development of the Northeast.

THE Northeast did not deserve to be backward. So in 1983, Don Bosco International Society established a non-profit, non-political and non-religious social development wing named Bosco Reach Out (BRO) that exudes the Salesian charisma.

BRO visualises a self-sustaining, self-reliant and dignified community where people live responsibly, striving for a just, equal and harmonious society. Over the years, it has engaged in capacity-building of the poor and marginalised people by upgrading their skills, organising training programmes, workshops and helping them think and act differently. It has helped form numerous self-help groups (SHGs) at the grassroots level for making optimal use of available resources for greater productivity and self-sustenance. It has also intervened and entrusted leadership responsibilities to cluster level federations (CLFs) to address larger social issues.

88 | 89 |

Page 89: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

HARNESSING RESOURCES

Bosco Reach Out and other Salesian forums have dedicated themselves to the all-round development of the Northeast.

THE Northeast did not deserve to be backward. So in 1983, Don Bosco International Society established a non-profit, non-political and non-religious social development wing named Bosco Reach Out (BRO) that exudes the Salesian charisma.

BRO visualises a self-sustaining, self-reliant and dignified community where people live responsibly, striving for a just, equal and harmonious society. Over the years, it has engaged in capacity-building of the poor and marginalised people by upgrading their skills, organising training programmes, workshops and helping them think and act differently. It has helped form numerous self-help groups (SHGs) at the grassroots level for making optimal use of available resources for greater productivity and self-sustenance. It has also intervened and entrusted leadership responsibilities to cluster level federations (CLFs) to address larger social issues.

88 | 89 |

Page 90: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

BRO's goals are:

1. Creating people's organisations through self-help and mobilising government schemes

2. Facilitating access to micro credit and development of micro enterprise

3. Ensuring food security through agriculture and livestock development

4. Gender equality in financial investments and leadership roles in village bodies

5. Strengthening traditional governance institutions of tribal communities

6. Facilitating better health by addressing problems related to various diseases

7. Partner support for improving knowledge skills and sustenance of grassroots NGOs

8. Protecting ecology and environment through sustainable development

9. Youth development

10. Special schools and intensive coaching for marginalised children

90 | 91 |

Page 91: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

BRO's goals are:

1. Creating people's organisations through self-help and mobilising government schemes

2. Facilitating access to micro credit and development of micro enterprise

3. Ensuring food security through agriculture and livestock development

4. Gender equality in financial investments and leadership roles in village bodies

5. Strengthening traditional governance institutions of tribal communities

6. Facilitating better health by addressing problems related to various diseases

7. Partner support for improving knowledge skills and sustenance of grassroots NGOs

8. Protecting ecology and environment through sustainable development

9. Youth development

10. Special schools and intensive coaching for marginalised children

90 | 91 |

Page 92: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

92 | 93 |

Women of a self-help group updating

their activity records.

BRO FOOTPRINTS

The 2013-14 fiscal year has been heartwarming.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Number of villages (regions) : 919 (27)

Number of Farmers' Clubs : 177

Number of SHGs (members) : 2,278 (23,393)

Number of Women's SHGs : 514

Number of CLFs (members) : 60 (7,955)

Total SGG savings : Rs 4,686,751

Total internal loan : Rs 16,687,756

Total external loan : Rs 2,320,000

EDUCATION

Number of centres : 129

Number of beneficiaries : 9,252

EYE CARE

Number of camps : 42

Number of beneficiaries : 13,799

Surgeries conducted : 760

Page 93: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

92 | 93 |

Women of a self-help group updating

their activity records.

BRO FOOTPRINTS

The 2013-14 fiscal year has been heartwarming.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Number of villages (regions) : 919 (27)

Number of Farmers' Clubs : 177

Number of SHGs (members) : 2,278 (23,393)

Number of Women's SHGs : 514

Number of CLFs (members) : 60 (7,955)

Total SGG savings : Rs 4,686,751

Total internal loan : Rs 16,687,756

Total external loan : Rs 2,320,000

EDUCATION

Number of centres : 129

Number of beneficiaries : 9,252

EYE CARE

Number of camps : 42

Number of beneficiaries : 13,799

Surgeries conducted : 760

Page 94: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

UNIQUE INSTITUTE

The multi-activity Don Bosco Institute has become a landmark in the Northeast.

THE RIVER BRAHMAPUTRA is a metaphor for the confluence of cultures and ideas in Assam. God thus willed an institute powered by Don Bosco's goal of disseminating knowledge from a point of convergence, to be established on its banks.

Don Bosco Institute (DBI) has risen from a riverbank mound at Joypur in Guwahati's Kharghuli area, blending the Brahmaputra's attributes and Don Bosco's ideals, to a lighthouse that nurtures dreams and shapes lives, awakens latent talents and stokes the passion for excellence.

94 | 95 |Don Bosco Institute, Guwahati

My privilege and great honour to be Chief Guest at the Graduation Day Ceremony of DBI today. It was indeed sincerely celestial to enjoy pure simple home-made lunch of this place with the living panorama of the Brahmputra covering the entire circle of the horizon with its silver sands and large stretch of still aqua – sheet through the windows for the eyes to feast upon. God be here always for love and peace of humankind. Thousand salutes to Nature & the imagination of Man.

His Excellency Devanand Konwar Governor, Orissa

Page 95: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

UNIQUE INSTITUTE

The multi-activity Don Bosco Institute has become a landmark in the Northeast.

THE RIVER BRAHMAPUTRA is a metaphor for the confluence of cultures and ideas in Assam. God thus willed an institute powered by Don Bosco's goal of disseminating knowledge from a point of convergence, to be established on its banks.

Don Bosco Institute (DBI) has risen from a riverbank mound at Joypur in Guwahati's Kharghuli area, blending the Brahmaputra's attributes and Don Bosco's ideals, to a lighthouse that nurtures dreams and shapes lives, awakens latent talents and stokes the passion for excellence.

94 | 95 |Don Bosco Institute, Guwahati

My privilege and great honour to be Chief Guest at the Graduation Day Ceremony of DBI today. It was indeed sincerely celestial to enjoy pure simple home-made lunch of this place with the living panorama of the Brahmputra covering the entire circle of the horizon with its silver sands and large stretch of still aqua – sheet through the windows for the eyes to feast upon. God be here always for love and peace of humankind. Thousand salutes to Nature & the imagination of Man.

His Excellency Devanand Konwar Governor, Orissa

Page 96: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

Inaugurated by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on 22 November 2004, DBI is a centre for human development, leadership and training designed and executed by Don Bosco Youth Mission and Educational Services (DBYES). Fr. Pascual Chavez SDB, the international director of Don Bosco Society dedicated it to the youth of NE India on 28 February 2005. Fr. VM Thomas, a Harvard graduate in Educational Administration, Planning and Social Policy, was its founder-director till his appointment as the leader of the Salesian province of Guwahati in May 2012.

DBI is an architectural marvel, lending dignity to the locality and providing one of the best views of the Brahmaputra. But there's much more to this institute than its exterior and surroundings. It nurtures excellence and fosters commitment in youth care, education, civil administration and corporate management; and it empowers the marginalized and at-risk groups of youth.

In a little more than a decade, DBI has become the most preferred destination for government and private functions of substance and socio-economic relevance, a home away from home to recharge and rediscover, and work toward peace in the Northeast. Specific departments of the institute handle the following missions.

96 | 97 |

Former Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh inaugurating

Don Bosco Institute on 22 November 2004.

Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and Fr Pascal Chavez,

former Rector Major, during the inauguration of DBI.

Thank you for a great experience. I really enjoyed meeting all the bright students.

Rahul Gandhi, Vice-President of the Indian National Congress Party

Page 97: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

Inaugurated by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on 22 November 2004, DBI is a centre for human development, leadership and training designed and executed by Don Bosco Youth Mission and Educational Services (DBYES). Fr. Pascual Chavez SDB, the international director of Don Bosco Society dedicated it to the youth of NE India on 28 February 2005. Fr. VM Thomas, a Harvard graduate in Educational Administration, Planning and Social Policy, was its founder-director till his appointment as the leader of the Salesian province of Guwahati in May 2012.

DBI is an architectural marvel, lending dignity to the locality and providing one of the best views of the Brahmaputra. But there's much more to this institute than its exterior and surroundings. It nurtures excellence and fosters commitment in youth care, education, civil administration and corporate management; and it empowers the marginalized and at-risk groups of youth.

In a little more than a decade, DBI has become the most preferred destination for government and private functions of substance and socio-economic relevance, a home away from home to recharge and rediscover, and work toward peace in the Northeast. Specific departments of the institute handle the following missions.

96 | 97 |

Former Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh inaugurating

Don Bosco Institute on 22 November 2004.

Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and Fr Pascal Chavez,

former Rector Major, during the inauguration of DBI.

Thank you for a great experience. I really enjoyed meeting all the bright students.

Rahul Gandhi, Vice-President of the Indian National Congress Party

Page 98: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

Vocational and professional courses: These include various IT enabled and job-oriented vocational and professional courses and coaching for civil service, medical, engineering and other competitive exams.

Youth care: Youth services are executed through specially designed training packages on personality development, communication skills, career guidance and employment development skills. Regional youth consultations and national youth animators' trainings are also organized.

98 | 99 |

Students of Certificate Course

in Computer Application at DBI

Page 99: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

Vocational and professional courses: These include various IT enabled and job-oriented vocational and professional courses and coaching for civil service, medical, engineering and other competitive exams.

Youth care: Youth services are executed through specially designed training packages on personality development, communication skills, career guidance and employment development skills. Regional youth consultations and national youth animators' trainings are also organized.

98 | 99 |

Students of Certificate Course

in Computer Application at DBI

Page 100: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

Education for educators: Teachers are the target group for regular in-service training programmes designed for greater professionalism, motivation, knowledge enhancement, skill improvement toward quality education and personal growth. Thematic national conferences for teachers and school principals are also organised annually.

Networking for social transformation: DBI has been networking with NGOs and government agencies for a greater effectiveness of its services. UNICEF-backed partnership with Assam government in education of deprived urban children, campaign against child labour, disaster preparedness programmes and peace initiatives ensued. DBI is also collaborating with Tata Institute of Social Sciences for training the region's youth and with the Assam government in National Rural Health Project as the designated State ASHA Resource Centre for training 30,000 ASHAs in the state.

100 | 101 |

Teachers attending a training

programme at Don Bosco Institute

On Behalf of my whole delegation I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the hospitality you have extended to us; your visionary work and great dedication is really inspiring and most loveable.We wish your all success for your future plane.

Dr. Thomas Helfen, Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation & Development, Germany

Page 101: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

Education for educators: Teachers are the target group for regular in-service training programmes designed for greater professionalism, motivation, knowledge enhancement, skill improvement toward quality education and personal growth. Thematic national conferences for teachers and school principals are also organised annually.

Networking for social transformation: DBI has been networking with NGOs and government agencies for a greater effectiveness of its services. UNICEF-backed partnership with Assam government in education of deprived urban children, campaign against child labour, disaster preparedness programmes and peace initiatives ensued. DBI is also collaborating with Tata Institute of Social Sciences for training the region's youth and with the Assam government in National Rural Health Project as the designated State ASHA Resource Centre for training 30,000 ASHAs in the state.

100 | 101 |

Teachers attending a training

programme at Don Bosco Institute

On Behalf of my whole delegation I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the hospitality you have extended to us; your visionary work and great dedication is really inspiring and most loveable.We wish your all success for your future plane.

Dr. Thomas Helfen, Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation & Development, Germany

Page 102: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

DBI OUTREACH

BBC, Boko: The innovative Bosco Barefoot College, launched on 15 January 1999, targets the rural youth who are school dropouts or semi-literates. It was established to equip the unemployed, marginalised and at-risk youth of the region with knowledge, skills and right attitudes.

BYDC: Bosco Youth Development Centre is aimed at empowering the sizeable rural youth belonging to the less privileged section of the society. DBI reaches out to 20 BYDCs.

102 | 103 |

Barefoot college, Boko Bosco Production Centre,Amguri, Kokrajhar

Bosco Production Centre,Gosaigaon

I am so delighted to come and visit Don Bosco Institution. I was a Bosconian & still a Bosconian and I feel proud to see the institute has done so well. I assure all support to take it to a new height. I wish the Institute and the management and staff very well in life.

Justice Dr. M.K. Sharma, Former Judge of Supreme Court of India

Page 103: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

DBI OUTREACH

BBC, Boko: The innovative Bosco Barefoot College, launched on 15 January 1999, targets the rural youth who are school dropouts or semi-literates. It was established to equip the unemployed, marginalised and at-risk youth of the region with knowledge, skills and right attitudes.

BYDC: Bosco Youth Development Centre is aimed at empowering the sizeable rural youth belonging to the less privileged section of the society. DBI reaches out to 20 BYDCs.

102 | 103 |

Barefoot college, Boko Bosco Production Centre,Amguri, Kokrajhar

Bosco Production Centre,Gosaigaon

I am so delighted to come and visit Don Bosco Institution. I was a Bosconian & still a Bosconian and I feel proud to see the institute has done so well. I assure all support to take it to a new height. I wish the Institute and the management and staff very well in life.

Justice Dr. M.K. Sharma, Former Judge of Supreme Court of India

Page 104: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

It is always a pleasure to visit DBI. It is a place of hope & future. May the vision of Don Bosco continue to be the source, out of which so many young people can get the strength & courage to build a future where freedom, respect and solidarity will be lasting values.

Fr. Fabio Attard SDB, General Councillor for Youth Pastoral

Hidden Amongst the many hills is this future Jewel of Assam and its North East sister states. The Energy and the vibrancy of the people at DBI will yield Invaluable Dividends in the Not – Too Distant future. The air in the campus is full of optimism and Great promise for the future. This is a blessed campus. Thank you for allowing me to be a small part of your History.

Iftikar A. Ahmed, General Partner OAK Investment Partners, USA

Great to visit your institute, all the very best. A memorable visit. Good luck.

Mr. Subramanian Ramadorai Chairman, National Skill Development Council.

Don Bosco is my Institution and I belong to the family of Don Bosco because I have a long association with them. Good luck to Don Bosco.

Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister for Youth Affairs, Govt. of India

it is an uplifting experience to see the DB Institute in Such idyllic surrounding, serving society through developing skills and providing education and skills to the whole of North East.

It is an impressive achievement and I wish DB all success to come up with many such Institutes. It is a great service to the nation.

Ravi Bhat, National Service Head Appliance Division Godriej & Boyce Mfg. Co.Ltd, Mumbai

It was great sharing with young souls who hold out lot of promise.

Anna Hazare, Social Activist

Thank you for allowing me to be part of the DBI Management course. Many lessons can be learnt from DBI who is working smilingly with under privileged sections. Hats off to you Fr. Thomas VM (Very Magical) and your team.

Nita Choudhoury, Secretary Youth Affairs, GOI New Delhi

Black-necked stork.

105 |104 |

Page 105: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

It is always a pleasure to visit DBI. It is a place of hope & future. May the vision of Don Bosco continue to be the source, out of which so many young people can get the strength & courage to build a future where freedom, respect and solidarity will be lasting values.

Fr. Fabio Attard SDB, General Councillor for Youth Pastoral

Hidden Amongst the many hills is this future Jewel of Assam and its North East sister states. The Energy and the vibrancy of the people at DBI will yield Invaluable Dividends in the Not – Too Distant future. The air in the campus is full of optimism and Great promise for the future. This is a blessed campus. Thank you for allowing me to be a small part of your History.

Iftikar A. Ahmed, General Partner OAK Investment Partners, USA

Great to visit your institute, all the very best. A memorable visit. Good luck.

Mr. Subramanian Ramadorai Chairman, National Skill Development Council.

Don Bosco is my Institution and I belong to the family of Don Bosco because I have a long association with them. Good luck to Don Bosco.

Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister for Youth Affairs, Govt. of India

it is an uplifting experience to see the DB Institute in Such idyllic surrounding, serving society through developing skills and providing education and skills to the whole of North East.

It is an impressive achievement and I wish DB all success to come up with many such Institutes. It is a great service to the nation.

Ravi Bhat, National Service Head Appliance Division Godriej & Boyce Mfg. Co.Ltd, Mumbai

It was great sharing with young souls who hold out lot of promise.

Anna Hazare, Social Activist

Thank you for allowing me to be part of the DBI Management course. Many lessons can be learnt from DBI who is working smilingly with under privileged sections. Hats off to you Fr. Thomas VM (Very Magical) and your team.

Nita Choudhoury, Secretary Youth Affairs, GOI New Delhi

Black-necked stork.

105 |104 |

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107 |

Assam Don Bosco University,

Azara, Guwahati

VERITABLE VARSITY

In less than 10 years, Assam Don Bosco University is shaping up to be one of the best in the Northeast.

FEW universities can claim to stand out – in terms of ambience and holistic and personalised education – in less than a decade of establishment. Assam Don Bosco University (ADBU), the first in India by Don Bosco Educational Society, is one of them. It was the culmination of the quest for quality higher education in the Northeast that began with St Anthony's College in Shillong in 1934.

Established on 29 March 2008 and formally inaugurated on December 6 that year, ADBU aims to mould intellectually competent, morally upright, socially committed and spiritually inspired persons by imparting holistic and personalised education. It strives to ensure excellence in teaching and quality placements for students. A vibrant campus ministry program, a basket of 'finishing school' skills and a proactive alumni association underscore the university's style of functioning.

ADBU's main campus is at Azara near the airport on the outskirts of Guwahati. It has two other campuses – at Kharghuli and Maligaon in the city. A full-fledged, state-of-the-art campus is coming up at Tapesia, 20 km east of Guwahati, spread over 500 acres of land undulating hills. It is being developed as an uplifting confluence of natural beauty and architectural excellence.

106 |

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107 |

Assam Don Bosco University,

Azara, Guwahati

VERITABLE VARSITY

In less than 10 years, Assam Don Bosco University is shaping up to be one of the best in the Northeast.

FEW universities can claim to stand out – in terms of ambience and holistic and personalised education – in less than a decade of establishment. Assam Don Bosco University (ADBU), the first in India by Don Bosco Educational Society, is one of them. It was the culmination of the quest for quality higher education in the Northeast that began with St Anthony's College in Shillong in 1934.

Established on 29 March 2008 and formally inaugurated on December 6 that year, ADBU aims to mould intellectually competent, morally upright, socially committed and spiritually inspired persons by imparting holistic and personalised education. It strives to ensure excellence in teaching and quality placements for students. A vibrant campus ministry program, a basket of 'finishing school' skills and a proactive alumni association underscore the university's style of functioning.

ADBU's main campus is at Azara near the airport on the outskirts of Guwahati. It has two other campuses – at Kharghuli and Maligaon in the city. A full-fledged, state-of-the-art campus is coming up at Tapesia, 20 km east of Guwahati, spread over 500 acres of land undulating hills. It is being developed as an uplifting confluence of natural beauty and architectural excellence.

106 |

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109 |

The first convocation of ADBU – its motto is Carpe Diem, meaning Seize the Day – was held on 19 September 2012, and the convocation has then been an annual feature of ADBU.

The first constituent college of ADBU was Don Bosco College of Engineering and Technology (DBCET) (currently the school of technology of ADBU) at Azara, near the Azara Primary Health Centre. DBCET is 4 km from the airport and has good connectivity.

ADBU's second constituent unit is the Don Bosco Institute of Management (DBIM) which adjoins DBI at Kharghuli. An MBA institute with a difference, DBIM gives preference to talented youth from the underprivileged and economically backward sections of society with the help of competent faculty and guest faculty from prestigious MBA institutes of the country.

108 |

Page 109: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

109 |

The first convocation of ADBU – its motto is Carpe Diem, meaning Seize the Day – was held on 19 September 2012, and the convocation has then been an annual feature of ADBU.

The first constituent college of ADBU was Don Bosco College of Engineering and Technology (DBCET) (currently the school of technology of ADBU) at Azara, near the Azara Primary Health Centre. DBCET is 4 km from the airport and has good connectivity.

ADBU's second constituent unit is the Don Bosco Institute of Management (DBIM) which adjoins DBI at Kharghuli. An MBA institute with a difference, DBIM gives preference to talented youth from the underprivileged and economically backward sections of society with the help of competent faculty and guest faculty from prestigious MBA institutes of the country.

108 |

Page 110: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

Recognition and accreditation: ADBU is recognised by University Grants Commission and accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council, India. It is also approved by Distance Education Council and All India Council for Technical Education besides being a recognised member of Association of Indian Universities, Association of Commonwealth Universities, UK and International Association of Universities, France.

MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT

Don Bosco Youth and Education Services (DBYES) has made pioneering efforts to enhance the professional life of administrators and executives of corporate sector toward higher level of performance and policy making. DBYES was selected by Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, Mussoorie to guide IAS officers in their annual study tours and Bharat Darshan in the Northeast. With an increasing management clientele, DBI has designed management programmes for administrators of government, non-government sectors and school.

111 |110 |

Students of Don Bosco Institute

of Management, Guwahati

Page 111: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

Recognition and accreditation: ADBU is recognised by University Grants Commission and accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council, India. It is also approved by Distance Education Council and All India Council for Technical Education besides being a recognised member of Association of Indian Universities, Association of Commonwealth Universities, UK and International Association of Universities, France.

MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT

Don Bosco Youth and Education Services (DBYES) has made pioneering efforts to enhance the professional life of administrators and executives of corporate sector toward higher level of performance and policy making. DBYES was selected by Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, Mussoorie to guide IAS officers in their annual study tours and Bharat Darshan in the Northeast. With an increasing management clientele, DBI has designed management programmes for administrators of government, non-government sectors and school.

111 |110 |

Students of Don Bosco Institute

of Management, Guwahati

Page 112: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

113 |

TOP COURSES

ADBU offers a variety of academic p r o g r a m m e s i n e n g i n e e r i n g , management, social sciences, research and distance/online learning. These are:

Ø G r a d u a t e P r o g r a m m e s i n Engineering and Technology

Ø Post Graduate Programmes in Engineering and Technology

Ø Post Graduate Programmes in Social Sciences

Ø Post Graduate Programmes in Management

Ø Post Graduate Programmes in Applied Sciences

Ø Post Graduate Programmes in Life Sciences

Ø Research and Ph.D Programmes Ø Online and Distance Education

Programmes

112 |

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113 |

TOP COURSES

ADBU offers a variety of academic p r o g r a m m e s i n e n g i n e e r i n g , management, social sciences, research and distance/online learning. These are:

Ø G r a d u a t e P r o g r a m m e s i n Engineering and Technology

Ø Post Graduate Programmes in Engineering and Technology

Ø Post Graduate Programmes in Social Sciences

Ø Post Graduate Programmes in Management

Ø Post Graduate Programmes in Applied Sciences

Ø Post Graduate Programmes in Life Sciences

Ø Research and Ph.D Programmes Ø Online and Distance Education

Programmes

112 |

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114 | 115 |

CHANGING LIVES

CARE centres and Don Bosco schools are fuelling hope in remote and violence-scarred areas.

THE DON Bosco School at Amkachi, a village in Assam's Karbi Anglong district, has no electricity. It is beyond the mobile phone coverage area and it takes three hours to traverse the 67 km road from National Highway 37, the lifeline of the state. It is the kind of darkness that Class X student Homidas Malang and some 800 other boys and girls hope to dispel.

“Our school has given us hope even in our hopelessness,” says Homidas, whose village Umsder is a six hours' walk away. But factors such as poverty and the illiteracy of family members, besides difficulty in finding the right teachers owing to the school's remoteness, have impacted performance. “Things, though, are getting better,” as Fr. Solomon Joseph, says.

Paddy field on the way to Don Bosco

School, Amkachi

Don Bosco School at Amkachi in Assam's Karbi Anglong

district: The place has no electricity, no road and no mobile

phone connectivity despite being close to Guwahati.

Page 115: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

114 | 115 |

CHANGING LIVES

CARE centres and Don Bosco schools are fuelling hope in remote and violence-scarred areas.

THE DON Bosco School at Amkachi, a village in Assam's Karbi Anglong district, has no electricity. It is beyond the mobile phone coverage area and it takes three hours to traverse the 67 km road from National Highway 37, the lifeline of the state. It is the kind of darkness that Class X student Homidas Malang and some 800 other boys and girls hope to dispel.

“Our school has given us hope even in our hopelessness,” says Homidas, whose village Umsder is a six hours' walk away. But factors such as poverty and the illiteracy of family members, besides difficulty in finding the right teachers owing to the school's remoteness, have impacted performance. “Things, though, are getting better,” as Fr. Solomon Joseph, says.

Paddy field on the way to Don Bosco

School, Amkachi

Don Bosco School at Amkachi in Assam's Karbi Anglong

district: The place has no electricity, no road and no mobile

phone connectivity despite being close to Guwahati.

Page 116: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

Local ex-alumni at Umswai nearby have found a way out of the faculty problem by becoming teachers at the 1979-born Don Bosco HS School there. To fund her post-graduation course – as also with the desire to see the local children shine – Lily Terongpi took up the job as English teacher. “This school is 5 kms. from my village, but the college I graduated from in the nearest city was too far away. So I studied at home and went to college only to write my exams,” she says.

The Umswai school has a library most high-end urban schools would have been proud of. It has electricity too, but students can virtually count the number of hours of power they get in a year. “This is the reason why our computer classes are only theoretical, not practical,” Fr. Aloysius Roland Halge, says.

116 |

Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Umswai: Set up 30 years

ago, the school caters primarily to the underprivileged Karbi,

Tiwa and Khasi communities of Karbi Anglong district.

117 |

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Local ex-alumni at Umswai nearby have found a way out of the faculty problem by becoming teachers at the 1979-born Don Bosco HS School there. To fund her post-graduation course – as also with the desire to see the local children shine – Lily Terongpi took up the job as English teacher. “This school is 5 kms. from my village, but the college I graduated from in the nearest city was too far away. So I studied at home and went to college only to write my exams,” she says.

The Umswai school has a library most high-end urban schools would have been proud of. It has electricity too, but students can virtually count the number of hours of power they get in a year. “This is the reason why our computer classes are only theoretical, not practical,” Fr. Aloysius Roland Halge, says.

116 |

Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Umswai: Set up 30 years

ago, the school caters primarily to the underprivileged Karbi,

Tiwa and Khasi communities of Karbi Anglong district.

117 |

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The school, like other rural Don Bosco schools, caters to students from far away. But there isn't enough space in the hostel, so Class IV student Savian Malan and others of his ilk stay in rented houses. The monthly rent ranges from Rs 50 to Rs.1,200 depending on the facilities provided.

Others like Norombi M Mark, a Class XII student of Don Bosco HS School at Mendal in Meghalaya's Garo Hills, pay their 'rent' by doing household chores before and after school hours. The arrangement saves her from commuting from her village 7km away and putting pressure on her low-income parents.

118 | 119 |Don Bosco Higher Secondary School at Mendal in Meghalaya's

Garo Hills: It has brought quality education close to Garo tribal

people vulnerable to natural disasters and militancy.

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The school, like other rural Don Bosco schools, caters to students from far away. But there isn't enough space in the hostel, so Class IV student Savian Malan and others of his ilk stay in rented houses. The monthly rent ranges from Rs 50 to Rs.1,200 depending on the facilities provided.

Others like Norombi M Mark, a Class XII student of Don Bosco HS School at Mendal in Meghalaya's Garo Hills, pay their 'rent' by doing household chores before and after school hours. The arrangement saves her from commuting from her village 7km away and putting pressure on her low-income parents.

118 | 119 |Don Bosco Higher Secondary School at Mendal in Meghalaya's

Garo Hills: It has brought quality education close to Garo tribal

people vulnerable to natural disasters and militancy.

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Elsewhere, students are too poor to even pay the nominal school fees. “Almost 65% of our students come from BPL families. We cannot exert pressure on parents lest they withdraw the children from the school and deprive them of their much-needed education,” says Sr. Mary Leena , Headmistress of Don Bosco School at Amguri, near western Assam's Kokrajhar town.

120 | 121 |

Don Bosco Care centre at Saralpara, Kokrajhar

district: Dedicated to the service of Adivasi and

other backward communities living close to the

Bhutan border and without access to basic

amenities.

CARE School, Gaurinagar

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Elsewhere, students are too poor to even pay the nominal school fees. “Almost 65% of our students come from BPL families. We cannot exert pressure on parents lest they withdraw the children from the school and deprive them of their much-needed education,” says Sr. Mary Leena , Headmistress of Don Bosco School at Amguri, near western Assam's Kokrajhar town.

120 | 121 |

Don Bosco Care centre at Saralpara, Kokrajhar

district: Dedicated to the service of Adivasi and

other backward communities living close to the

Bhutan border and without access to basic

amenities.

CARE School, Gaurinagar

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123 |

Occasional leniency helped Class VIII student Anna Baskey continue with her studies. She had come via one of the CARE centres in the violence-scarred Chirang district. S. Baski, a Class X student of the Joypur-Mangaljhara Don Bosco High School – it stands where a relief camp housed 30,000 people displaced by ethnic violence in 1996 – has a similar story.

122 |Don Bosco School, Amguri, Kokrajhar

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123 |

Occasional leniency helped Class VIII student Anna Baskey continue with her studies. She had come via one of the CARE centres in the violence-scarred Chirang district. S. Baski, a Class X student of the Joypur-Mangaljhara Don Bosco High School – it stands where a relief camp housed 30,000 people displaced by ethnic violence in 1996 – has a similar story.

122 |Don Bosco School, Amguri, Kokrajhar

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124 | 125 |

An Adivasi village near the Bhutan border, miles

away from the development India is undergoing.

One of the CARE centres under five clusters across Chirang, Kokrajhar and Udalguri districts is at Saralpara. A plastic sheet covers the roof of the school – an elongated bamboo shed – whose one end was damaged by a herd of wild elephants. The adjoining jungle is just one of the school's problems; the flooding-prone river Saralbhanga often takes away what the marginal farmers grow, and the nearest government healthcare facility takes ages to reach because of poor communication.

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124 | 125 |

An Adivasi village near the Bhutan border, miles

away from the development India is undergoing.

One of the CARE centres under five clusters across Chirang, Kokrajhar and Udalguri districts is at Saralpara. A plastic sheet covers the roof of the school – an elongated bamboo shed – whose one end was damaged by a herd of wild elephants. The adjoining jungle is just one of the school's problems; the flooding-prone river Saralbhanga often takes away what the marginal farmers grow, and the nearest government healthcare facility takes ages to reach because of poor communication.

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126 | 127 |

Underprivileged children trying to see the

world with the new light of education

“Life is very hard here,” says Habil Kinduwar, the CARE centre's founder-teacher. “But it could have been harder for our children had this centre not been here. Many do not get proper meals, but we know they will get a better life when armed with education.”

CARE School, Joypur

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126 | 127 |

Underprivileged children trying to see the

world with the new light of education

“Life is very hard here,” says Habil Kinduwar, the CARE centre's founder-teacher. “But it could have been harder for our children had this centre not been here. Many do not get proper meals, but we know they will get a better life when armed with education.”

CARE School, Joypur

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128 | 129 |

CARE MISSION

CARE ( Children At Risk Education) was a unique intervention that Fr. VM Thomas initiated with the help of Anna Richa and Deba Dutta to provide educational support to the rural poor and underprivileged children, particularly of the Santhal community affected by ethnic violence in the western Assam districts of Kokrajhar, Bongaigaon and Chirang after the ethnic conflicts in 1996 and 1998. It also caters to children in villages in Udalguri District that are far away from the reach of government schools. What began initially as literacy centres have now become full-fledged formal schools. While several centres still function under thatched roofs, seven schools – two high schools, and five primary schools were built with the help of the German Doctors. Today, CARE takes care of more than 3,500 children through 46 literacy centres and 110 teachers. Other points of intervention are the training of barefoot teachers, village education committees, adult literacy classes, mothers' groups and SHGs for health and rights awareness and income generation.

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128 | 129 |

CARE MISSION

CARE ( Children At Risk Education) was a unique intervention that Fr. VM Thomas initiated with the help of Anna Richa and Deba Dutta to provide educational support to the rural poor and underprivileged children, particularly of the Santhal community affected by ethnic violence in the western Assam districts of Kokrajhar, Bongaigaon and Chirang after the ethnic conflicts in 1996 and 1998. It also caters to children in villages in Udalguri District that are far away from the reach of government schools. What began initially as literacy centres have now become full-fledged formal schools. While several centres still function under thatched roofs, seven schools – two high schools, and five primary schools were built with the help of the German Doctors. Today, CARE takes care of more than 3,500 children through 46 literacy centres and 110 teachers. Other points of intervention are the training of barefoot teachers, village education committees, adult literacy classes, mothers' groups and SHGs for health and rights awareness and income generation.

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SPLENDID SCHOOLS

Schools run by the Don Bosco society and associate Catholic organisations are regarded among the best

THE ARRIVAL of the Salesians in 1922 had a huge impact on education in the region. The Salesians soon took over St Anthony's School in Shillong that began as an orphanage in 1901 under the Salvatorians. Earlier in 1909, five Loreto Sisters had started the Loreto School in Shillong with 23 day scholars and three boarders. The Sisters of Our Lay of the Missions then started St Agnes School in Haflong, Assam in 1911. The school, closed down for a short period until 1918, is now a higher secondary school and considered among the best in southern Assam.

Guwahati, the nerve centre of the Northeast, had its first Salesian school when six sisters (FMA) started St Mary's School on 2 February 1924 in a dilapidated thatched structure. The Sisters went on to establish St Mary's High School at Maligaon in 1967 and Holy Child School in 1972. Others such as Little Flower School came up in course of time.

131 |130 |

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SPLENDID SCHOOLS

Schools run by the Don Bosco society and associate Catholic organisations are regarded among the best

THE ARRIVAL of the Salesians in 1922 had a huge impact on education in the region. The Salesians soon took over St Anthony's School in Shillong that began as an orphanage in 1901 under the Salvatorians. Earlier in 1909, five Loreto Sisters had started the Loreto School in Shillong with 23 day scholars and three boarders. The Sisters of Our Lay of the Missions then started St Agnes School in Haflong, Assam in 1911. The school, closed down for a short period until 1918, is now a higher secondary school and considered among the best in southern Assam.

Guwahati, the nerve centre of the Northeast, had its first Salesian school when six sisters (FMA) started St Mary's School on 2 February 1924 in a dilapidated thatched structure. The Sisters went on to establish St Mary's High School at Maligaon in 1967 and Holy Child School in 1972. Others such as Little Flower School came up in course of time.

131 |130 |

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But the school that is considered iconic in Guwahati is Don Bosco School, Panbazar. Located in the heart of the city, it has a two-phase history – the first from 1926-1942 and the other from 1948 onwards.

In 1922, when the first group of SDB took up responsibility for the Assam Mission, they initiated a primary school for boys, a carpentry and a catechists training centre at Guwahati. In 1926 the Salesian community was formally set up. On 24 May 1926, Our Lady's Orphanage, a school for poor and abandoned boys of Assam plains was inaugurated. Soon a residence and a workshop were constructed. In 1928 a technical school was started with 12 students and it grew into two large workshops with 200 students by 1938. The orphanage thus changed to Don Bosco Technical School. In 1937 the students had classes from I-IV. After World War II broke out, the school was taken over by the army in June 1942. The school had to be closed abruptly for two years.

In 1948, Our Lady's Orphanage metamorphosed into Don Bosco School in Assamese medium, kick-starting the school's second phase. English medium was introduced in 1962 on popular demand. In 1965 the boarding for boys (orphanage) was closed. In 1969 due to lack of space the technical school was shifted to Maligaon. Since then the school has made rapid strides in all areas of life. In 1980 pre-primary and primary classes were added. In 1993 a new auditorium and sports complex were built and in 2002 a meteorological observatory centre was set up.

132 | 133 |

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But the school that is considered iconic in Guwahati is Don Bosco School, Panbazar. Located in the heart of the city, it has a two-phase history – the first from 1926-1942 and the other from 1948 onwards.

In 1922, when the first group of SDB took up responsibility for the Assam Mission, they initiated a primary school for boys, a carpentry and a catechists training centre at Guwahati. In 1926 the Salesian community was formally set up. On 24 May 1926, Our Lady's Orphanage, a school for poor and abandoned boys of Assam plains was inaugurated. Soon a residence and a workshop were constructed. In 1928 a technical school was started with 12 students and it grew into two large workshops with 200 students by 1938. The orphanage thus changed to Don Bosco Technical School. In 1937 the students had classes from I-IV. After World War II broke out, the school was taken over by the army in June 1942. The school had to be closed abruptly for two years.

In 1948, Our Lady's Orphanage metamorphosed into Don Bosco School in Assamese medium, kick-starting the school's second phase. English medium was introduced in 1962 on popular demand. In 1965 the boarding for boys (orphanage) was closed. In 1969 due to lack of space the technical school was shifted to Maligaon. Since then the school has made rapid strides in all areas of life. In 1980 pre-primary and primary classes were added. In 1993 a new auditorium and sports complex were built and in 2002 a meteorological observatory centre was set up.

132 | 133 |

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Thanks to the hard work and dedicated service of many, Don Bosco School emerged as one of the most prestigious schools under the Secondary Education Board of Assam. In 2006, it got affiliated to Central Board of Secondary Education, and in 2009 it obtained affiliation to commence senior secondary classes, and became a co-ed school by admitting girls in Class XI. It began to admit girls to Class 1 from 2010 onwards.

The establishment of a centre for the National Institute of Open School, tuition classes for the neighbourhood children, literacy and vocational courses for out-of-school children are all efforts to make Don Bosco School accessible to young people from all strata of the society. Don Bosco School, bearing distinction in academic excellence as well as in sports and co-curricular activities, makes every innovative effort to transform itself into a Youth Resource Development Centre (YRDC). A galaxy of excellent headmasters led the school from strength to strength.

134 | 135 |Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Panbazar, Guwahati

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Thanks to the hard work and dedicated service of many, Don Bosco School emerged as one of the most prestigious schools under the Secondary Education Board of Assam. In 2006, it got affiliated to Central Board of Secondary Education, and in 2009 it obtained affiliation to commence senior secondary classes, and became a co-ed school by admitting girls in Class XI. It began to admit girls to Class 1 from 2010 onwards.

The establishment of a centre for the National Institute of Open School, tuition classes for the neighbourhood children, literacy and vocational courses for out-of-school children are all efforts to make Don Bosco School accessible to young people from all strata of the society. Don Bosco School, bearing distinction in academic excellence as well as in sports and co-curricular activities, makes every innovative effort to transform itself into a Youth Resource Development Centre (YRDC). A galaxy of excellent headmasters led the school from strength to strength.

134 | 135 |Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Panbazar, Guwahati

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SPECIAL SCHOOLS

God willed some children to be differently abled, and their specific needs moved the Salesians to come up with schools tailor-made for their all-round education.

The Snehalaya Network, Guwahati: Snehalaya (House of Love) is a social service programme of the Don Bosco society for the care, protection and ultimate social re-integration of children in distress in Guwahati, Assam. It was officially launched on 16 August 2000. Today, there are five Snehalaya homes located strategically in the heart of the city.

Children's Home at Dhirenpara: Started on 1 January 2001 from a small hut with eight children picked up from Guwahati railway station by the Missionaries of Charity, this centre now has 80 boys between the ages of 7 and 18. Most of them attend government schools. A few are in various mission hostels and return to this home during their holidays and a few others are doing vocational training. Attached to the Children's Home is a literacy centre called Jyoti Kendra with 100 out-of-school children undergoing a bridge course of Sarva Siksha Abhijan.

136 | 137 |

Snehalaya homes at Dhirenpara (left)

and Paltanbazar, both in Guwahati

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SPECIAL SCHOOLS

God willed some children to be differently abled, and their specific needs moved the Salesians to come up with schools tailor-made for their all-round education.

The Snehalaya Network, Guwahati: Snehalaya (House of Love) is a social service programme of the Don Bosco society for the care, protection and ultimate social re-integration of children in distress in Guwahati, Assam. It was officially launched on 16 August 2000. Today, there are five Snehalaya homes located strategically in the heart of the city.

Children's Home at Dhirenpara: Started on 1 January 2001 from a small hut with eight children picked up from Guwahati railway station by the Missionaries of Charity, this centre now has 80 boys between the ages of 7 and 18. Most of them attend government schools. A few are in various mission hostels and return to this home during their holidays and a few others are doing vocational training. Attached to the Children's Home is a literacy centre called Jyoti Kendra with 100 out-of-school children undergoing a bridge course of Sarva Siksha Abhijan.

136 | 137 |

Snehalaya homes at Dhirenpara (left)

and Paltanbazar, both in Guwahati

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Snehalaya Drop-in Centre (for boys) at Panbazar: Experience had taught the staff of Snehalaya that street children need a period of time for weaning them away from the streets. Initially they do not like the discipline of the residential facilities. So a Drop-in Centre (Shelter Home) with minimum facilities, minimum rules and very little structured activities was opened at Panbazar on 23 March 2002. Free and regular meals are served here. It also offers counselling services to children who find it difficult to give up their vagrant habits or addictions. Those who are above the age of 14 go as apprentices to learn various skills and are slowly introduced to the world of work to earn an honest livelihood.

Auxilium Snehalaya at Noonmati (for destitute girls): At this centre neglected and rejected girl children are healed of their emotional wounds, get reconciled to their past and begin to look beyond after experiencing the tender love of the care-givers. Several children from this centre have been restored to their families. Girl children rescued from the railway station are sent to this centre for a short or longer stay, as the case may be. Children from this home attend schools. A literacy centre called Deepjyoti for children from the neighbouring slums is attached to this centre where classes in Hindi and Assamese are offered three hours daily from Monday to Friday. Auxilium Snehalaya is looked after by the Salesian Sisters.

138 | 139 |

Auxilium Ashalaya, a shelter for

homeless children in Guwahati

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Snehalaya Drop-in Centre (for boys) at Panbazar: Experience had taught the staff of Snehalaya that street children need a period of time for weaning them away from the streets. Initially they do not like the discipline of the residential facilities. So a Drop-in Centre (Shelter Home) with minimum facilities, minimum rules and very little structured activities was opened at Panbazar on 23 March 2002. Free and regular meals are served here. It also offers counselling services to children who find it difficult to give up their vagrant habits or addictions. Those who are above the age of 14 go as apprentices to learn various skills and are slowly introduced to the world of work to earn an honest livelihood.

Auxilium Snehalaya at Noonmati (for destitute girls): At this centre neglected and rejected girl children are healed of their emotional wounds, get reconciled to their past and begin to look beyond after experiencing the tender love of the care-givers. Several children from this centre have been restored to their families. Girl children rescued from the railway station are sent to this centre for a short or longer stay, as the case may be. Children from this home attend schools. A literacy centre called Deepjyoti for children from the neighbouring slums is attached to this centre where classes in Hindi and Assamese are offered three hours daily from Monday to Friday. Auxilium Snehalaya is looked after by the Salesian Sisters.

138 | 139 |

Auxilium Ashalaya, a shelter for

homeless children in Guwahati

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Jyoti Snehalaya at Beltola (for girls and small boys from dysfunctional families): This is the second home for girl children and boys below 8 years. Children from extremely difficult situations and dysfunctional families are accommodated here. This centre was opened on 3 April 2004. Regular counselling enhances their mental and emotional health. At present there are 19 girls and eight boys at this centre. The children belong to the 4-15 age group. This centre is managed by the Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians.

The Snehalaya group also includes Ila Snehalaya at Betkuchi (2004), Children's Assistance Booth at Guwahati railway station (2005) and Okonir Snehalaya (2007), besides other projects such as psychological support project, skill training, advocacy, networking, right-based approach, etc.

140 | 141 |

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Jyoti Snehalaya at Beltola (for girls and small boys from dysfunctional families): This is the second home for girl children and boys below 8 years. Children from extremely difficult situations and dysfunctional families are accommodated here. This centre was opened on 3 April 2004. Regular counselling enhances their mental and emotional health. At present there are 19 girls and eight boys at this centre. The children belong to the 4-15 age group. This centre is managed by the Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians.

The Snehalaya group also includes Ila Snehalaya at Betkuchi (2004), Children's Assistance Booth at Guwahati railway station (2005) and Okonir Snehalaya (2007), besides other projects such as psychological support project, skill training, advocacy, networking, right-based approach, etc.

140 | 141 |

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142 | 143 |

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142 | 143 |

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CAMPAIGN FOR CHILDRENLIKE ALL fast-growing cities, Guwahati has its share of problems. One of them is a growing crowd of marginalised, malnourished children who are out of school and vulnerable to exploitation, abuse, addiction, and trafficking. Their plight moved Don Bosco Society to lead Child Friendly Guwahati (CFG), a civil society campaign.

CFG uses a multi-pronged strategy of rescue, repatriation, rehabilitation, networking, lobbying and advocacy in collaboration with government-related bodies. It entails taking care of children 1540 aged 6-14 in 40 CFG motivational centres and following them up till class X, and providing them free vocational training.

CFG has mainstreamed 644 of more than 5,500 street children in Guwahati to formal schools. The campaign involves motivating, counselling and educating children. The six-year-olds were enrolled in schools, provided a set of uniform, a school bag, a pair of school shoes and school stationery.

144 | 145 |

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CAMPAIGN FOR CHILDRENLIKE ALL fast-growing cities, Guwahati has its share of problems. One of them is a growing crowd of marginalised, malnourished children who are out of school and vulnerable to exploitation, abuse, addiction, and trafficking. Their plight moved Don Bosco Society to lead Child Friendly Guwahati (CFG), a civil society campaign.

CFG uses a multi-pronged strategy of rescue, repatriation, rehabilitation, networking, lobbying and advocacy in collaboration with government-related bodies. It entails taking care of children 1540 aged 6-14 in 40 CFG motivational centres and following them up till class X, and providing them free vocational training.

CFG has mainstreamed 644 of more than 5,500 street children in Guwahati to formal schools. The campaign involves motivating, counselling and educating children. The six-year-olds were enrolled in schools, provided a set of uniform, a school bag, a pair of school shoes and school stationery.

144 | 145 |

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A social worker-mainstreaming coordinator team tracks the progress of the children in schools, ensures their regular attendance, and meets teachers and the principal for updates on them. The homes of these children are also visited for counselling and guidance, especially to their parents.

146 | 147 |

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A social worker-mainstreaming coordinator team tracks the progress of the children in schools, ensures their regular attendance, and meets teachers and the principal for updates on them. The homes of these children are also visited for counselling and guidance, especially to their parents.

146 | 147 |

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149 |148 |

Bedecked Saraighat Bridge at Guwahati, the primary road

cum rail link between the two banks of river BrahmaputraStudents of Don Bosco College, Diphu

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149 |148 |

Bedecked Saraighat Bridge at Guwahati, the primary road

cum rail link between the two banks of river BrahmaputraStudents of Don Bosco College, Diphu

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RADIANT REGION

India's Northeast, comprising eight states, is a kaleidoscope of cultures and natural splendour.

ARGUABLY the most vibrant and misunderstood of India's regions, the Northeast is like a rainbow with eight colours – Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura. It covers 2,62,500 sq. km, a little less than one-tenth of India's landmass and is mostly hilly barring the Brahmaputra and Barak valleys in Assam and Imphal Valley in Manipur.

The region is crucial from India's security point of view, surrounded as it is by Bangladesh, Bhutan, China and Myanmar. It shares more than 95% of its boundary with these countries, connected to mainland India by a narrow strip of land called Chicken's Neck.

With 31.4 million people, the Northeast accounts for 3.8% of India's population. Some 8.1 million of them belong to various ethnic communities. Arunachal Pradesh, India's Land of the Rising Sun, has 24 major tribes and some 140 tribes. These tribes comprise 70% of the state's population. The 14 hill tribes and nine plain tribes of Assam total 11%. Manipur's 28 tribes make up 28% of its total population. The primarily matrilineal tribes of Meghalaya comprise 81%, while the Mizos comprise the bulk of Mizoram's 94% tribal population. Nagaland's 16 major tribes constitute 84% of its population. Tripura's 19 tribes, on the other hand, make up only 29% of its total population.

151 |150 |

A Rabha tribal farmer inspects

paddy for harvesting.

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RADIANT REGION

India's Northeast, comprising eight states, is a kaleidoscope of cultures and natural splendour.

ARGUABLY the most vibrant and misunderstood of India's regions, the Northeast is like a rainbow with eight colours – Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura. It covers 2,62,500 sq. km, a little less than one-tenth of India's landmass and is mostly hilly barring the Brahmaputra and Barak valleys in Assam and Imphal Valley in Manipur.

The region is crucial from India's security point of view, surrounded as it is by Bangladesh, Bhutan, China and Myanmar. It shares more than 95% of its boundary with these countries, connected to mainland India by a narrow strip of land called Chicken's Neck.

With 31.4 million people, the Northeast accounts for 3.8% of India's population. Some 8.1 million of them belong to various ethnic communities. Arunachal Pradesh, India's Land of the Rising Sun, has 24 major tribes and some 140 tribes. These tribes comprise 70% of the state's population. The 14 hill tribes and nine plain tribes of Assam total 11%. Manipur's 28 tribes make up 28% of its total population. The primarily matrilineal tribes of Meghalaya comprise 81%, while the Mizos comprise the bulk of Mizoram's 94% tribal population. Nagaland's 16 major tribes constitute 84% of its population. Tripura's 19 tribes, on the other hand, make up only 29% of its total population.

151 |150 |

A Rabha tribal farmer inspects

paddy for harvesting.

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153 |

Most of the tribal groups, originally Australoids and Mongoloids, came to settle in this region through the northern passes of Bhutan and Tibet and the Assam-Myanmar routes to the east. Some groups have been living somewhat in isolation preserving their ethno-biological traits, while others have intermingled with non-Mongoloid populations to varying extents. The Mongoloids are generally referred to as tribal, distinguishable from the non-tribal Caucasoids.

The diversities of nature, ethnic groups and lifestyle make the region known to the world as a land where people have a great passion for beauty and colour. But a certain backwardness marks the general standard of life despite the fact that nature has been liberal in her blessings with abundance of resources, yet to be fully tapped and harnessed for the growth of the region in particular and the country in general.

Dwellings: Life without bamboo is unimaginable in the Northeast. This tall grass takes care of just about everything – from cradle to coffin or funeral pyre, from floor to roof, from rituals to playthings, from eatables to utensils, utility items, furniture and adornments. The people have traditionally built dwellings with bamboo, cane, wood or straw, their houses resting on strategically placed stone or bamboo supports. Each tribe has a distinct architectural style; the Chirus of Manipur have separate doors for outsiders and friends; the Karbis of Assam divide their house into two parts – one with a hearth for guests and the other for family members; Nagas have a separate granary house while the Lyngngams and Garos of Meghalaya build tree houses that also serve as watchtowers for intruders.

152 |

Dimasa tribal weavers at work in

Assam's Dima Hasao district.

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153 |

Most of the tribal groups, originally Australoids and Mongoloids, came to settle in this region through the northern passes of Bhutan and Tibet and the Assam-Myanmar routes to the east. Some groups have been living somewhat in isolation preserving their ethno-biological traits, while others have intermingled with non-Mongoloid populations to varying extents. The Mongoloids are generally referred to as tribal, distinguishable from the non-tribal Caucasoids.

The diversities of nature, ethnic groups and lifestyle make the region known to the world as a land where people have a great passion for beauty and colour. But a certain backwardness marks the general standard of life despite the fact that nature has been liberal in her blessings with abundance of resources, yet to be fully tapped and harnessed for the growth of the region in particular and the country in general.

Dwellings: Life without bamboo is unimaginable in the Northeast. This tall grass takes care of just about everything – from cradle to coffin or funeral pyre, from floor to roof, from rituals to playthings, from eatables to utensils, utility items, furniture and adornments. The people have traditionally built dwellings with bamboo, cane, wood or straw, their houses resting on strategically placed stone or bamboo supports. Each tribe has a distinct architectural style; the Chirus of Manipur have separate doors for outsiders and friends; the Karbis of Assam divide their house into two parts – one with a hearth for guests and the other for family members; Nagas have a separate granary house while the Lyngngams and Garos of Meghalaya build tree houses that also serve as watchtowers for intruders.

152 |

Dimasa tribal weavers at work in

Assam's Dima Hasao district.

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155 |154 |

Food habits: Bamboo shoot is a key ingredient in the Northeastern diet dominated by rice and its derivatives. Rice is the staple food for most people, followed by maize, millet and other cereals. The main agricultural products are rice, maize, millet, arum, potatoes, garlic, chilies, soybeans, sugarcane and a variety of leafy vegetables. Most of the people consume, especially those of the plains, fish and fowl. Meat is a must for the hill tribes, the most popular being pork. Beef is preferred to, as is the semi-wild mithun during festivals and social functions. Most tribes have traditionally been tea drinkers; they are also fond of homemade rice beer, particularly during festivals.

Dresses and ornaments: Practically all diverse groups in the Northeast weave their own apparels, from the fine and thin cotton loincloth and towel to the heavy shawls to kill the chill in the hills. Weaving is a household occupation and women are adept at it. The finest of silk cloths – from the eri and golden muga threads – are woven by Assamese women. Their counterparts in the hills are experts in shawl-making, the colours and motifs differing from tribe to tribe. The dress common to women in the plains is the mekhela – kind of a two-piece sari – while those of the hills wear a sarong-like wraparound with blouse. Necklaces, bangles and earrings of beads, coins, cane or bamboo shavings besides gold and silver accompany the apparels. Men too are in the habit of wearing accessories, concentration being on turbans and headgears. Tattooing is also a custom for some tribes.

The best of Assamese cuisineWarp and weft

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155 |154 |

Food habits: Bamboo shoot is a key ingredient in the Northeastern diet dominated by rice and its derivatives. Rice is the staple food for most people, followed by maize, millet and other cereals. The main agricultural products are rice, maize, millet, arum, potatoes, garlic, chilies, soybeans, sugarcane and a variety of leafy vegetables. Most of the people consume, especially those of the plains, fish and fowl. Meat is a must for the hill tribes, the most popular being pork. Beef is preferred to, as is the semi-wild mithun during festivals and social functions. Most tribes have traditionally been tea drinkers; they are also fond of homemade rice beer, particularly during festivals.

Dresses and ornaments: Practically all diverse groups in the Northeast weave their own apparels, from the fine and thin cotton loincloth and towel to the heavy shawls to kill the chill in the hills. Weaving is a household occupation and women are adept at it. The finest of silk cloths – from the eri and golden muga threads – are woven by Assamese women. Their counterparts in the hills are experts in shawl-making, the colours and motifs differing from tribe to tribe. The dress common to women in the plains is the mekhela – kind of a two-piece sari – while those of the hills wear a sarong-like wraparound with blouse. Necklaces, bangles and earrings of beads, coins, cane or bamboo shavings besides gold and silver accompany the apparels. Men too are in the habit of wearing accessories, concentration being on turbans and headgears. Tattooing is also a custom for some tribes.

The best of Assamese cuisineWarp and weft

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157 |

Sattriya, one of the eight principal classical Indian dance traditions,

was founded by 15th century saint-reformer Srimanta Sankardeva.

156 |

Music: The agricultural cycle has dictated the songs and dances of all communities in the Northeast, and they are usually associated with festivals during the sowing or harvesting seasons. Pride of place in the plains goes to the Manipuri dance, recognized as one of the classical dances of India. The Assamese Bihu dance – during the springtime Rongali Bihu – and its tribal variants such as Boisagu (Bodos) lead the folk palette. No less spectacular are Cheraw, the bamboo dance of the Mizos, and Bro-Bah, the masked dance of the Membas of Arunachal Pradesh. Hojagiri of the Reangs of Tripura, Wangala of the Garos of Meghalaya and war dances of Nagaland tribes are mesmerizing.

Customs and beliefs: Hinduism (Vaishnavism) and Islam dominate the plains of Assam, Manipur and Tripura. Christianity has had a great influence among the hill tribes, especially in Meghayala, Mizoram and Nagaland. Some, though, have adhered to indigenous faiths – like Donyi-Polo of certain Arunachal tribes and Sanamahi of Meities of Manipur.

Society: Many tribes are insular, and community ownership of land scores over individual possessions, particularly in the villages. All follow the patriarchal system barring the Garos, Khasis and Jaintias of Meghalaya. Their matrilineal tradition makes children follow the mother's clan while the youngest daughter inherits property. Most tribes follow monogamy, though polygamy isn't uncommon among certain tribes. A few practice polyandry too. Women in the tribal societies of the Northeast are generally not discriminated against, though in many tribes they cannot become village chieftains. Most communities are egalitarian; they are – despite modern judicial system – also governed by customary laws, which traditional village councils invoke to settle disputes.

Community fishing by tribal women in Assam

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157 |

Sattriya, one of the eight principal classical Indian dance traditions,

was founded by 15th century saint-reformer Srimanta Sankardeva.

156 |

Music: The agricultural cycle has dictated the songs and dances of all communities in the Northeast, and they are usually associated with festivals during the sowing or harvesting seasons. Pride of place in the plains goes to the Manipuri dance, recognized as one of the classical dances of India. The Assamese Bihu dance – during the springtime Rongali Bihu – and its tribal variants such as Boisagu (Bodos) lead the folk palette. No less spectacular are Cheraw, the bamboo dance of the Mizos, and Bro-Bah, the masked dance of the Membas of Arunachal Pradesh. Hojagiri of the Reangs of Tripura, Wangala of the Garos of Meghalaya and war dances of Nagaland tribes are mesmerizing.

Customs and beliefs: Hinduism (Vaishnavism) and Islam dominate the plains of Assam, Manipur and Tripura. Christianity has had a great influence among the hill tribes, especially in Meghayala, Mizoram and Nagaland. Some, though, have adhered to indigenous faiths – like Donyi-Polo of certain Arunachal tribes and Sanamahi of Meities of Manipur.

Society: Many tribes are insular, and community ownership of land scores over individual possessions, particularly in the villages. All follow the patriarchal system barring the Garos, Khasis and Jaintias of Meghalaya. Their matrilineal tradition makes children follow the mother's clan while the youngest daughter inherits property. Most tribes follow monogamy, though polygamy isn't uncommon among certain tribes. A few practice polyandry too. Women in the tribal societies of the Northeast are generally not discriminated against, though in many tribes they cannot become village chieftains. Most communities are egalitarian; they are – despite modern judicial system – also governed by customary laws, which traditional village councils invoke to settle disputes.

Community fishing by tribal women in Assam

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159 |

One of the most fascinating mountain railway systems in

India, through Assam's Dima Hasao district, is the lifeline

for southern Assam, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura.

Economy: Almost 96% people are agriculture-dependent, rice, millet and maize being their chief crops. The hill tribes practice jhum or slash-and-burn cultivation, but many are switching to terrace and settled cultivation. Their subsidiary occupations are sericulture, hunting, fishing and animal husbandry. Cash crops such as rubber, tea, coffee and cashew nut are becoming popular too. Village councils and governments in the region also earn from mineral resources like coal, oil and natural gas, limestone, marble and dolomite.

Nature: The Northeast is rich in flora and fauna, with many species found nowhere else in the world. Most states have a flagship species – the rare one-horned rhino in Assam, the brow-antlered deer in Manipur, the Blythe's tragopan in Nagaland and the spectacled monkey in Tripura. The region has UN-designated World Heritage Sites such as Kaziranga and Manas national parks in Assam, the Balpakram biosphere reserve in Meghalaya and Namdapha National Park in Arunachal Pradesh.

Connectivity: Almost every corner in the region is today serviced by mobile phones and Internet while better roads link most towns and villages. Barring Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim, the state capitals are serviced by regular flights. For all modes of communication, Guwahati is the hub.

158 |

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159 |

One of the most fascinating mountain railway systems in

India, through Assam's Dima Hasao district, is the lifeline

for southern Assam, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura.

Economy: Almost 96% people are agriculture-dependent, rice, millet and maize being their chief crops. The hill tribes practice jhum or slash-and-burn cultivation, but many are switching to terrace and settled cultivation. Their subsidiary occupations are sericulture, hunting, fishing and animal husbandry. Cash crops such as rubber, tea, coffee and cashew nut are becoming popular too. Village councils and governments in the region also earn from mineral resources like coal, oil and natural gas, limestone, marble and dolomite.

Nature: The Northeast is rich in flora and fauna, with many species found nowhere else in the world. Most states have a flagship species – the rare one-horned rhino in Assam, the brow-antlered deer in Manipur, the Blythe's tragopan in Nagaland and the spectacled monkey in Tripura. The region has UN-designated World Heritage Sites such as Kaziranga and Manas national parks in Assam, the Balpakram biosphere reserve in Meghalaya and Namdapha National Park in Arunachal Pradesh.

Connectivity: Almost every corner in the region is today serviced by mobile phones and Internet while better roads link most towns and villages. Barring Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim, the state capitals are serviced by regular flights. For all modes of communication, Guwahati is the hub.

158 |

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The bi-centenary of the birth of Don Bosco is a clarion call to his followers to continue their services to the people of Northeast India – those living in perilous conditions on Assam's border with Bhutan, in the malaria infested countryside of the Garo Hills, in the inaccessible and least developed corners of Karbi Anglong as also in the towns and cities of Assam and the other states of Northeast India – offering them quality education, skil l ing them towards promising employment, empowering them to be builders of their own destiny, preserving their cultural heritage and guiding them to be honest citizens and good human beings. Don Bosco knows no barriers, he knows no boundaries, but only that he can be wherever the young people are; for he is their friend, educator and father.

161 |

BHARAT'S BOSCO

Don Bosco lives in the heart of Indians impacted by his global vision of a better world.

THE aura and influence of great souls know no boundary. They are not confined to the place, region, country, or even the continent of their birth. They belong to the world – like the Indian subcontinent-born Gautama Buddha, Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore, and the Albania-born Mother Teresa who died an Indian.

Born in an Italian village named Becchi, Don Bosco had a global vision of educating the youth in the remotest corners of the earth and moulding them into capable, responsible and compassionate human beings. He motivated a team of Salesians to create an institution that – in an era of communication handicap – touched hearts beyond Italy and Europe. India was one of the major destinations of Don Bosco's missionaries to educate deprived children with care, not with the cane.

The Economic Times said: “Assam, as well as most Indian states, is a beneficiary of his efforts; the Salesian movement for education, which he (Don Bosco) started, has benefited thousands of Indian children through the last 200 years.” Today, Don Bosco has virtually become a synonym for quality education in India, and as The Assam Tribune wrote, there is an overwhelming zeal in parents to have their wards in Don Bosco schools.

160 |

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The bi-centenary of the birth of Don Bosco is a clarion call to his followers to continue their services to the people of Northeast India – those living in perilous conditions on Assam's border with Bhutan, in the malaria infested countryside of the Garo Hills, in the inaccessible and least developed corners of Karbi Anglong as also in the towns and cities of Assam and the other states of Northeast India – offering them quality education, skil l ing them towards promising employment, empowering them to be builders of their own destiny, preserving their cultural heritage and guiding them to be honest citizens and good human beings. Don Bosco knows no barriers, he knows no boundaries, but only that he can be wherever the young people are; for he is their friend, educator and father.

161 |

BHARAT'S BOSCO

Don Bosco lives in the heart of Indians impacted by his global vision of a better world.

THE aura and influence of great souls know no boundary. They are not confined to the place, region, country, or even the continent of their birth. They belong to the world – like the Indian subcontinent-born Gautama Buddha, Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore, and the Albania-born Mother Teresa who died an Indian.

Born in an Italian village named Becchi, Don Bosco had a global vision of educating the youth in the remotest corners of the earth and moulding them into capable, responsible and compassionate human beings. He motivated a team of Salesians to create an institution that – in an era of communication handicap – touched hearts beyond Italy and Europe. India was one of the major destinations of Don Bosco's missionaries to educate deprived children with care, not with the cane.

The Economic Times said: “Assam, as well as most Indian states, is a beneficiary of his efforts; the Salesian movement for education, which he (Don Bosco) started, has benefited thousands of Indian children through the last 200 years.” Today, Don Bosco has virtually become a synonym for quality education in India, and as The Assam Tribune wrote, there is an overwhelming zeal in parents to have their wards in Don Bosco schools.

160 |

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163 |162 |

HONING SKILLS

Don Bosco Socio-Technical Institute in Tezpur transforms lives through skill development

Don Bosco Socio-Technical Institute (DBSTI) has been established with the objective of imparting value-driven education and skills to the poor, marginalised and underprivileged youth of conflict-scarred Northeast India. It is aimed at helping the youth shape their destinies, promote leadership, competence and collaboration through intercultural exchanges. The short-term courses here include training in entrepreneurship, hospitality, conflict management, documentation and advocacy, legal awareness and empowerment. DBSTI also offers the Sebastian Karotemprel Memorial Scholarship for poor meritorious students. Set against the backdrop of the Brahmaputra, the institute at Mission Chariali in central Assam's Tezpur town is well connected by road and air.

Union Minister of State for Sports and

Youth Affairs (Independent Charge),

Mr Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurating the Don

Bosco Socio-Technical Institute in Tezpur.

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163 |162 |

HONING SKILLS

Don Bosco Socio-Technical Institute in Tezpur transforms lives through skill development

Don Bosco Socio-Technical Institute (DBSTI) has been established with the objective of imparting value-driven education and skills to the poor, marginalised and underprivileged youth of conflict-scarred Northeast India. It is aimed at helping the youth shape their destinies, promote leadership, competence and collaboration through intercultural exchanges. The short-term courses here include training in entrepreneurship, hospitality, conflict management, documentation and advocacy, legal awareness and empowerment. DBSTI also offers the Sebastian Karotemprel Memorial Scholarship for poor meritorious students. Set against the backdrop of the Brahmaputra, the institute at Mission Chariali in central Assam's Tezpur town is well connected by road and air.

Union Minister of State for Sports and

Youth Affairs (Independent Charge),

Mr Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurating the Don

Bosco Socio-Technical Institute in Tezpur.

Page 164: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

DON BOSCO CENTRE, BONGAIGAON provides the young a platform for self discovery, capacity-development, self-enhancement and growth.

While we proceed to establish a college for academic and vocational courses, the centre will provide a broad spectrum of programmes for capacity building and employable skills development with a view to immediate job placement and income generation through creating an environment of Reason, Religion and Loving-Kindness.

165 |164 |

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DON BOSCO CENTRE, BONGAIGAON provides the young a platform for self discovery, capacity-development, self-enhancement and growth.

While we proceed to establish a college for academic and vocational courses, the centre will provide a broad spectrum of programmes for capacity building and employable skills development with a view to immediate job placement and income generation through creating an environment of Reason, Religion and Loving-Kindness.

165 |164 |

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BEYOND GUWAHATI

The provinces of Dimapur and Silchar are serving tough terrains in the Northeast selflessly.

DIMAPUR and Silchar are two of the youngest Salesian provinces bifurcated from Guwahati Provice on 8 December 1981 and 24 May 2012 respectively. They serve India's most geographically challenging swathes across Arunachal Pradesh, eastern Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, southern Assam and Khasi-Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya.

Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Culture, a fascinating and informative seven-storey cultural museum in Shillong opened in 2004, showcases Salesian innovativeness in these provinces. So is the idyllic Siloam beside the picturesque Umiam Lake at Barapani nearby, a centre that focuses on psychological, spiritual and developmental issues of students, youths, couples, families as well as professionals involved in various leadership roles towards reorientation, developing communication skills and boosting self-confidence and self-esteem. But their mission in Shillong had begun in 1909 with the Loreto School and St Anthony's School that was separated in 1928 from an orphanage (1901) established by the Salvatorians. Three of the best known institutes in the Northeast followed – St Anthony's College in 1934, and St Mary's College and St Mary's College of Teacher Education in 1937.

The mission beyond Shillong began with Haflong, now the headquarters of Assam's Dima Hasao district, where the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions started today's St Agnes Higher Secondary School in 1911. The more territorially-disadvantaged areas started being served with three schools in eastern Assam's Dibrugarh town – Don Bosco established in 1931, St Mary's that MSMHC set up as an Assamese medium lower primary in 1949 and Little Flower in 1952 – and a Don Bosco school each at Golaghat (1945), Imphal (1957) and Kohima (1958). A string of schools, colleges and teachers training institutes followed in the areas under the two provinces.

166 | 167 |

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BEYOND GUWAHATI

The provinces of Dimapur and Silchar are serving tough terrains in the Northeast selflessly.

DIMAPUR and Silchar are two of the youngest Salesian provinces bifurcated from Guwahati Provice on 8 December 1981 and 24 May 2012 respectively. They serve India's most geographically challenging swathes across Arunachal Pradesh, eastern Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, southern Assam and Khasi-Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya.

Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Culture, a fascinating and informative seven-storey cultural museum in Shillong opened in 2004, showcases Salesian innovativeness in these provinces. So is the idyllic Siloam beside the picturesque Umiam Lake at Barapani nearby, a centre that focuses on psychological, spiritual and developmental issues of students, youths, couples, families as well as professionals involved in various leadership roles towards reorientation, developing communication skills and boosting self-confidence and self-esteem. But their mission in Shillong had begun in 1909 with the Loreto School and St Anthony's School that was separated in 1928 from an orphanage (1901) established by the Salvatorians. Three of the best known institutes in the Northeast followed – St Anthony's College in 1934, and St Mary's College and St Mary's College of Teacher Education in 1937.

The mission beyond Shillong began with Haflong, now the headquarters of Assam's Dima Hasao district, where the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions started today's St Agnes Higher Secondary School in 1911. The more territorially-disadvantaged areas started being served with three schools in eastern Assam's Dibrugarh town – Don Bosco established in 1931, St Mary's that MSMHC set up as an Assamese medium lower primary in 1949 and Little Flower in 1952 – and a Don Bosco school each at Golaghat (1945), Imphal (1957) and Kohima (1958). A string of schools, colleges and teachers training institutes followed in the areas under the two provinces.

166 | 167 |

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169 |Don Bosco Centre, Bongaigaon

SILOAM is a facilitation centre for psycho-spiritual experience for individuals and groups who want to explore and re-establish the meaning and purpose of their lives

168 |

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169 |Don Bosco Centre, Bongaigaon

SILOAM is a facilitation centre for psycho-spiritual experience for individuals and groups who want to explore and re-establish the meaning and purpose of their lives

168 |

Page 170: BECCHI TO GUWAHATI

Don Bosco College, Maram considered as the premier college of the state of Manipur is permanently affiliated to Manipur University. It was established in 2000. The College is situated in the rural area among the only primitive tribe in Manipur (listed in the schedule of the Government of India). It has its origin from the grand gestures of the visionary zeal of the great educator and friend of youth, Don Bosco. The college has ever since followed a narrative openness, keeping the access to higher education equitable and affordable to the underprivileged, the marginalised and deserving tribal youth of the region. Today, the institution has a much diverse demography with students from 67 tribes of North East India and hailing from 12 states of India. The college has achieved many a milestone in its short span of 14 years of pursuit to excellence more especially after the first cycle of accreditation. The college has been accepted unequivocally as a trend setter and path finder in the sphere of higher education in Manipur. In the first accreditation in 2009 the college was awarded B+ grade with CGPA 2.46. The college is reaccredited in 2015 with A Grade with CGPA 3.35, the First in Manipur and second in North East.

170 | 171 |

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Don Bosco College, Maram considered as the premier college of the state of Manipur is permanently affiliated to Manipur University. It was established in 2000. The College is situated in the rural area among the only primitive tribe in Manipur (listed in the schedule of the Government of India). It has its origin from the grand gestures of the visionary zeal of the great educator and friend of youth, Don Bosco. The college has ever since followed a narrative openness, keeping the access to higher education equitable and affordable to the underprivileged, the marginalised and deserving tribal youth of the region. Today, the institution has a much diverse demography with students from 67 tribes of North East India and hailing from 12 states of India. The college has achieved many a milestone in its short span of 14 years of pursuit to excellence more especially after the first cycle of accreditation. The college has been accepted unequivocally as a trend setter and path finder in the sphere of higher education in Manipur. In the first accreditation in 2009 the college was awarded B+ grade with CGPA 2.46. The college is reaccredited in 2015 with A Grade with CGPA 3.35, the First in Manipur and second in North East.

170 | 171 |

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173 |172 |

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