FLASH NEWS:
NEWS
KALIMPONG, August 2
Salesian Parish in Samthar Celebrates First MBBS Graduate
News reported by: Fr C M Paul SDB
The Salesian-run St. Alphonsa Quasi Parish in Samthar celebrated a landmark achievement during its patronal feast on August 1 by honouring Miss Jennifer Lepcha, the first young person from the parish to earn a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree.
Jennifer, who completed her MBBS from Purulia Medical College and Hospital, was felicitated by Bishop Stephen Lepcha of the Diocese of Darjeeling-Sikkim in the presence of clergy, religious and parishioners. He presented the Certificate of Appreciation on behalf of the parish priest, Fr Savio Rai, the parish community, and the Salesian community, in recognition of her academic excellence and as an inspiration to the region's youth.
The citation commended Jennifer's perseverance and dedication in completing the demanding medical programme, and expressed confidence that she would serve society with compassion, integrity, and professional excellence. It described her success as a source of pride for her family, the parish and the wider Salesian family.
The felicitation was one of the highlights of the annual feast of St. Alphonsa, patroness of the quasi-parish, which brought together Catholics from across the region for prayer, thanksgiving, and community celebrations.
Located near the Indo-Bhutan border in the Kalimpong district, Samthar is a remote mountainous village surrounded by forests and terraced hills. Despite limited infrastructure and difficult road access, the Salesians of Don Bosco have played a significant role in expanding educational, pastoral and social opportunities for the local community.
The celebration also reflected on the remarkable progress of the Salesian mission since its establishment in 2017 under the leadership of Fr Savio Rai. Within nine years, it has grown into a vibrant quasi-parish under Suruk Parish, approximately seven kilometres away. Today, it serves 74 Catholic families and manages Don Bosco School, which provides quality education and faith formation for children in the remote hill community up to Class VIII.
Congratulating Jennifer on her achievement, Bishop Stephen Lepcha encouraged young people to pursue higher education while remaining rooted in Christian values and a spirit of service. He described her accomplishment as a beacon of hope for the parish and a testimony to the transformative impact of education in remote communities.
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Publisher: Libreria Editrice Vaticana
Year of publication: 2026
Available from: 4 March 2026
Pages: 928 pp., Paperback
