The seminar, based on "Rejuvenating the mission - 100 years of the Salesians in Calcutta", was opened by the Vicar General of the Diocese of Darjeeling, Fr Victor George Fernandes, who also presided over the solemn Eucharistic Celebration in the chapel of the Institute. The opening session involved Fr Joseph Pauria, Provincial of Calcutta India (INC), the Principal of the Institute, Fr Babu Joseph, the Directors of the Siliguri and Sonada campuses, and illustrious Past Pupils – a Bishop and an Archbishop – of the Salesian Institute in Sonada, founded in 1938.
In total, the seminar brings together about 120 participants, most of whom are Past Pupils of the Sonada Institute, as well as several dozen Salesian students and other interested people.
At the opening of the event, Fr Tomy Augustine, Coordinator of the Seminar and Director of the Siliguri campus, gave his opening address. The Director of Sonada, Fr Johny Nedungatt, welcomed the participants. The word then passed to the Provincial who briefly presented the history of the Salesian Province of Calcutta, recalling its illustrious pioneers.
Bishop George Palliparambil, SDB, Bishop of Miao and Past Pupil of the class of 1976, and Bishop Thomas Menamparampil, SDB, Archbishop Emeritus of Guwahati, former Dean of Studies at the Salesian Institute in Sonada.
The solemn opening function ended with the concluding remarks from Fr Babu Joseph. The college choir finally performed the centenary hymn composed by Salesian Fr Jacob Iruppakattu, Provincial Secretary of INC.
