Shillong, India - January 2025 - 26 January marked a historic milestone for the Salesian Congregation, as the Salesian Province of India-Shillong (INS) inaugurated the Mary Help of Christians parish-mission station and the Don Bosco Centre in Patharkandi, Sribhumi District (Karimganj), Assam. This represents the first parish and the second Salesian presence in the Barak Valley region. The celebration began with a solemn mass presided by Mgr Stephen Rotluanga CSC, Bishop of the Diocese of Aizawl, concelebrated by Bishop Joachim Walder, Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Aizawl, Fr John Zosiama, SDB, Superior of the INS Province, Fr Genesius Wanñiang, SDB, Provincial Economer, and other priests from the parishes in the Barak Valley region. During the Mass, the decree of Bishop Stephen Rotluanga CSC, declaring the establishment of the new parish of Mary Help of Christians, was read out. Fr Albastar Kharkongor, SDB, was appointed and installed as the first parish priest. After the mass, children and young people enjoyed a rich cultural programme with performances, songs, music and dances. Over 2,000 people attended the event to celebrate the expansion of the Salesian presence in the Barak Valley region.