Don Bosco Salesians in India

The Salesians of Don Bosco, also known as the Salesian Society, was founded in 1859 by John Bosco, popularly called Don Bosco, in Valdocco. Don Bosco, an Italian priest of the nineteenth century, dedicated his life to the welfare and education of poor and disadvantaged youth.

In 1872, a similar congregation for women known as the Salesian Sisters was established to care for and educate poor girls. Don Bosco also organized his lay collaborators into a wider Salesian family to support the mission of helping young people.

Arrival in India

The first group of Salesians arrived in India on 6 January 1906, reaching Mumbai (then Bombay). From there they travelled to Chennai (then Madras) and finally to Thanjavur, where they established the first Salesian presence in India.

The group was led by George Tomatis. They took charge of an existing orphanage that initially had only six boys, but the number soon increased. The Salesians also started a unit of the Salesian Cooperators. The first Indian to join the Salesians was a boy named Karunal.

Growth and Expansion

In 1925, a novitiate was established at Shillong for both European and Indian novices. Despite limited resources and personnel, the mission expanded rapidly across India.

Trusting in Mary Help of Christians, the patroness of the Salesians, and inspired by Don Bosco’s vision, the congregation established new centres and institutions throughout the country.

In 1934, the Salesian presence in India was reorganized into two provinces:

• North India Province under Vincenzo Scuderi
• South India Province under Eligius Cinato

Salesians in South Asia Today

Today, the Salesians have a strong presence across India and South Asia. The region consists of nine provinces located in:

• Bengaluru
• Mumbai
• Hyderabad
• Kolkata
• Dimapur
• Guwahati
• Chennai
• New Delhi
• Tiruchirappalli

There are also three vice-provinces in Konkan, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka.

In this region, over 2,300 Salesians work in 372 institutions, supported by nine Salesian bishops and several lay organizations such as the Salesian Cooperators and the Volunteers of Don Bosco (VDB).

Mission and Activities

The Salesians dedicate themselves to the education and empowerment of young people, especially those who are poor or marginalized. Their activities include:

• Running orphanages and homes for street children
• Providing rehabilitation and counselling services
• Offering quality education in schools and colleges
• Operating technical and agricultural institutes
• Promoting social communication and youth development

Commemoration

To honour the significant contribution of the Salesians in education and social service, India Post issued a commemorative postage stamp marking 100 years of the Salesians of Don Bosco in India, celebrating their century-long commitment to the welfare and development of young people.