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South Asia Chief Editor
Published By

Dr. Bastin Nellissery (INK)

3 May 2026

Dr Fr. Gilbert Choondal, SDB, was honoured by the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) at St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences, Bengaluru, on 3 May. He received the honour from the President of the CCBI, Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, who felicitated him with a shawl and a copy of the updated edition of the National Catechetical Directory, for which Fr. Gilbert served as Chief Coordinator of the drafting committee.

- BIS Correspondent, Bangalore
3 May 2026
Fr. Mathew George marked May Day with the construction of 30 new homes at Kapali Bagan–Narkeldanga, extending a project that has already built 678 shelters for people with low incomes.
 
- Fr C M Paul SDB
1 May 2026

At Don Bosco Anbu Illam, Salem, a significant and hope-filled initiative took shape with the official release of the Children’s Election Manifesto 2026—a document that brings together the voices, dreams, and concerns of children, especially those in vulnerable situations.

- Fr Casimir SDB

Emphasising the spiritual role of sacred spaces—“directed to the infinite and seeking to lead a person’s mind devoutly to God” (cf. Sacrosanctum Concilium, 122)—the renovated façade of St Anne’s Church at Ahilyanagar now stands as a striking symbol of faith, unity, and renewal. More than a structural upgrade, the renovation reflects the parish community’s collective commitment to spiritual growth and shared belonging.

- Fr Nathaneal George

In a major step to promote environmental responsibility within the education sector, the All India Don Bosco Education Society (AIDBES) convened a national online meeting on the UNESCO Green Schools Quality Standard (GSQS) on April 30. The virtual gathering brought together 80 educational leaders, including Province School Coordinators, Commission Members, Principals, and School Coordinators from across the country.

- Fr. John Parankimalil Secretary, All India Don Bosco Education Society (AIDBES)
29 April 2026

Highlighting the Salesian commitment to youth development through sport—fostering discipline, teamwork, and national-level sporting aspirations among young players—the Chennai Province emerged champions of the All India Don Bosco Inter-Province Football Championship 2026 (U-17 Boys), defeating Bangalore Province 2–0 in a spirited final held at Panampilly Nagar Stadium in Kochi.

28 April 2026

The Department of Women and Child Development (WCD) organised a certificate distribution programme for children of Don Bosco Navajeevan (DBNJ) centres, helping them access essential identity documents.

SDG 10 Reduced inequality
South Asia 06 Strengthen Accompaniment of Youth in the Digital Environment

A two-day intensive Salesian Pedagogy Training Programme was conducted at the Don Bosco Provincial House, Hyderabad, on 27th and 28th April, bringing together 57 participants, including School Principals, Vice Principals, and School Coordinators from across the Hyderabad Province. The resource person, Fr. John Parankimalil, Secretary of AIDBES and SPCSA, facilitated the sessions with depth and clarity.

- BIS Corresspondent

On April 22, the campus of Don Bosco School, Kokar at Ranchi was transformed into a vibrant hub of environmental consciousness as students and faculty gathered to celebrate International Earth Day.

- Mr. Preet Prakash

A group of 15 students from Don Bosco School, Kokar, Ranchi, Jharkhand, accompanied by Salesian Co-operators visited two charitable homes, Shanti Sadan and Cheshire Home.

SDG 01 No poverty
- Ms. Julie Shwetambra Tirkey

In the rich yet underexplored biodiversity of Northeast India, a new species of fossorial reed snake has been discovered in the Garo Hills of Meghalaya. The species, named Calamaria garoensis (Garo Hills Reed Snake), has been formally described in the internationally reputed peer-reviewed journal Taprobanica.

SDG 04 Quality education
26 April 2026

The AIDBES organised a two-day training programme at Don Bosco, Manikandam, Trichy, for the Salesians, teachers, and members of the Salesian Family of Trichy Province on April 24 and 25. Fr. John Parankimallil (Fr. P.D. John) served as the resource person. Around 35 participants, comprising 12 Salesians, 21 teachers, 2 past pupils, and one VDB member, attended.

- Fr. Francis Gamaliyel SDB

Kolkata‑based Emporium Skills Training Institute, in collaboration with Salesian College Siliguri, organised a recruitment drive for female cabin crew positions with Air India on April 21, 2026.

- Fr C M Paul SDB

Salesian College Siliguri marked International Earth Day with a student-driven initiative that turned discarded materials into purposeful creations. Organised by the Radio Club under its EcologyFirst program, the “Trash to Treasure Competition cum Exhibition” emphasised participation and creativity over mere presentation.

- Khushi Das

The AIDA–Don Bosco Job Placement Network (Dimapur), in collaboration with Don Bosco College Jollang, organised a Job Fair on 18th April, at Itanagar College campus, Arunachal Pradesh. The initiative created meaningful employment opportunities for youth from diverse educational backgrounds while enabling them to explore sustainable career pathways.

SDG 08 Decent work and economic growth