Rev Fr Biju Michael, Regional South Asia along with Rev Fr Sebastian Kuricheal, Provincial and the Project Directors from the different provinces of South Asia.
The Mission Poverty Eradication (MPE) Strategy Workshop II commenced today October 30, 2025 at the Provincial House in Panbazar, Guwahati, bringing together Project Directors from the different provinces of South Asia. The two-day workshop aims to formulate concrete strategies to intensify the Salesian mission of serving the poorest communities in the region.
The inaugural programme, held at the Mario Hall, was marked by addresses from Rev Fr Sebastian Kuricheal, Provincial, Rev Fr Biju Michael, Regional South Asia, who delivered a compelling call to action, urging a renewed and focused effort on the congregation’s foundational goal of working for the poor.
Rev Fr Sebastian Kuricheal SDB, Provincial of Guwahati, set the tone for the workshop by highlighting its timely nature. He reflected on the historic interventions of missionaries in the region, stating, “Northeast have grown through the service we do… we may be complacent of what we have done and take a back seat. So this intervention came in the right time to bring back the priorities of working for the poor.”
He cautioned against the danger of drifting from core goals and emphasized the need for a “reawakening in us the need to work for the greater good of the poor in South Asia.” Concluding with a stirring reminder, he said, “We go out renewed to work for the real goal of the Salesians working for the poor! Never forget the target group that we have in mind. Walk in the footprint of Don Bosco our father.”
Echoing this sentiment, Rev Fr Biju Michael SDB, Regional for South Asia, framed the mission within the broader context of the Church’s calling. He described it as an “Invitation of God who sent his son Jesus to embrace the cross and dying for the poor.” He commended the comprehensive approach of Salesian work, from simple acts of charity to transformative development through higher education.
Reflecting on the congregation’s legacy in the Northeast, Fr. Biju Michael noted, “Reality is that we have live in the northeast mainly through education from going to the rural areas to start primary schools and then upgrade to high school and then colleges and higher education and so transforming them in all aspects.” He stressed the importance of an inclusive approach, urging attendees to “continue to pay attention without excluding anything in working for the poor.”
Linking the workshop’s outcomes to global benchmarks, he expressed confidence, stating, “SDGs plan can be achieved if we are about to put together vision, strategies and action plan.”
The MPE Director Rev Fr Tony Pellissery SDB, extended gratitude to the Guwahati Province for its warm hospitality and for organizing the meeting. He thanked the province for “going out to give the best to the participants.”
The workshop agenda includes multiple strategy sessions spread over two days, along with visits to Don Bosco institutions, including the Assam Don Bosco University (ADBU) campus in Tapesia, Snehalaya and Don Bosco Institute (DBI), to witness the developmental work on the ground.
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