NEWS

Salesian College Honours 786 Graduates
Salesian College Autonomous, Siliguri, hosted its 14th Graduation Ceremony on May 29, a landmark event that simultaneously honoured the final batch of undergraduate students under the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) and celebrated the first group of postgraduate students to graduate since the college attained autonomous status in 2023.
The grand celebration of academic perseverance and institutional progress saw degrees conferred upon 786 undergraduate and postgraduate students. The undergraduate batch comprised students from the 2022-2025 academic session, while the postgraduate graduates were from the 2023-2025 batch.
The ceremony, notable for its solemnity and scale, commenced with a processional march of the graduating class to St. Kilian Arcade. Chief Guest Fr. Shajumon Chakkalakkal, Jesuit Provincial of the Darjeeling & Nepal Province, based in Siliguri, lauded the graduates' achievements and resilience. "It was truly inspiring to witness the solemnity of the graduation ceremony and the meticulous arrangements to foster an atmosphere of pride and joy for the graduates, their parents, and the college community," Fr. Chakkalakkal remarked. "It speaks volumes about the potential that lies within the college community."
A significant highlight was the graduation of 28 postgraduate scholars, who etched their names in history as the inaugural batch under the college's autonomous status, granted in 2023.
The academic completion of the students was formally declared by Principal Salesian Fr. Dr. Babu Joseph, who administered the graduate's oath, provisionally declaring them graduates before their proud parents and well-wishers. "This graduation ceremony is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our students and the significant strides Salesian College has made since achieving autonomous status," stated Principal Fr. Dr. Babu. "We are particularly proud of our first autonomous postgraduate batch, who are trailblazers in every sense."
Following the meaningful oath-taking ceremony, 66 students from 20 departments (both UG and PG) were awarded gold certificates. These accolades recognized their outstanding academic performance, co-curricular achievements, and exemplary leadership on campus.
The program concluded with an inspiring valedictory speech by Mr. Sreemesh Karkidholi, Student Council President, Deanery of Social Sciences. Opening his address with a triumphant, "Salesians! We did it!" he reminded his cheering batch-mates, "As the last CBCS undergraduates and the first autonomous postgraduates, we are not just receiving degrees; we are stepping into a future shaped by our perseverance and the progressive vision of Salesian College. This is just the beginning."