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SILIGURI:
Salesian College Siliguri Welcomes First ITEP Batch
News reported by: Fr C M Paul sdb
Salesian College (Autonomous), Siliguri, welcomed 18 students, including one from the Philippines, for the first batch of the Department of Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP), which began a five-day induction programme on August 10.
The induction programme opened with a half-hour prayer service at the college chapel, animated by Rector Fr (Dr) Tomy Augustine. Addressing the students, he reminded them, “Wisdom will be given to those who seek it from God with a pure heart.”
Principal Fr (Dr) Babu Joseph described the launch as a significant milestone for the institution and said the pioneering programme goes beyond professional teacher preparation. He said it is not just about preparing teachers, but about shaping educators who will carry forward Don Bosco’s vision of holistic education.
Eminent educationist Prof. Nupur Das, Principal Secretary of Undergraduate Studies at the University of North Bengal, was the chief guest. Recalling her association with Loreto College, Darjeeling, she told the students, “It is a badge I wear with much pride, and I remind you of your privilege to be the first batch of ITEP students in the Salesian legacy.”
Highlighting the significance of the programme under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Prof. Das said, “ITEP is a timely initiative aligned with NEP 2020, ensuring that future teachers are equipped with both professional competence and social responsibility.”
Head of the Department of ITEP Dr Jagadish Samanta introduced the department and outlined its emphasis on combining academic rigour with practical training. He said the focus is to nurture reflective practitioners who can adapt to the evolving needs of classrooms and communities.
The five-day induction featured sessions on Don Bosco’s philosophy of education, the NEP 2020 curriculum framework, mental health awareness, professional ethics and communication skills. Students also participated in ice-breaking activities, group animation and a campus tour.
Practical and experiential sessions included yoga and meditation, arts and crafts and library orientation. The programme also focused on career readiness through interactions with the Training and Placement Office, ERP orientation and peer engagement.
The ITEP is a four-year dual-degree undergraduate programme leading to BA and B.Ed degrees. In West Bengal, Salesian College Siliguri and IIT Kharagpur are among the institutions approved to offer the programme, placing the Salesian institution among the early adopters of the flagship NEP 2020 initiative in integrated teacher education.
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Publisher: Libreria Editrice Vaticana
Year of publication: 2026
Available from: 4 March 2026
Pages: 928 pp., Paperback
