The three-day national seminar, christened “Rejuvenating the Mission - 100 Years of Salesians in Kolkata,” started with the Vicar General of Darjeeling Diocese, Fr Victor George Fernandes, presiding over a solemn Eucharistic celebration in the college chapel. The inaugural session had the presence of Kolkata Salesian Provincial Fr. Dr. Joseph Pauria, the College Principal, the College Rectors of both campuses of Siliguri and Sonada, a bishop and an archbishop, both alumni of Salesian College Sonada, established in 1938.

The Seminar Coordinator and Salesian College Siliguri Rector, Fr. Dr. Tomy Augustine, delivered the introductory words. Meanwhile, the Rector of Sonada, Fr Johny Nedungatt, welcomed the participants. Salesian Provincial of Kolkata Fr. Dr. Joseph Pauria, in his opening remarks, gave a brief history of Kolkata Province, mentioning illustrious pioneers.

Around 120 participants, most of whom are Sonada alumni, including 60 plus Salesian students and resource persons, were present for the seminar. While alumnus (batch of 1976) Bishop George Palliparmbil of Miao gave the keynote address, former Dean of Studies at Salesian College Archbishop Emeritus Thomas Menamparampil of Guwahati gave the presidential address.

The solemn inaugural function ended with concluding remarks by Fr. Dr. Babu Joseph, the principal of both campuses. The college choir rendered the centenary anthem, composed by Salesian Fr Jacob Iruppakattu, an alumnus based in Kolkata.