Dennis Panipitchai was born on July 27, 1958, in Colachel, in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. After attending the novitiate in Shillong, between 1979 and 1980, he made his perpetual vows on May 24, 1986, in Dimapur, and ordained priest in his hometown on December 27, 1991.
He was economer of the Salesian mission of Tinsukia Hijuguri (1995-98); Director and Parish Priest at Borduria between 2003 and 2009; Director and Rector in the Salesian center of Kohima (2009-2015); until only a few days ago, he was parish priest and Delegate for the Salesian Cooperators at the Salesian house "Chingmeirong" in Imphal.
In early May, he was designated Director and Master of Salesian Novices of Sechii Zubza for a period of three years.
At the Provincial level, he was Delegate for the Salesian Family (2012-16) and Provincial Councilor.
In his episcopal service, Fr Panipitchai will go to help another Son of Don Bosco, mgr. George Palliparambil, appointed in 2005 as the first bishop of the diocese of Miao.