Seventh National Educational Conference of Don Bosco Schools Inaugurated at Shillong

The Seventh National Educational Conference of Don Bosco Schools (NECDBS) 2025, hosted by the Salesian Province of Shillong (INS) at St. Anthony’s Higher Secondary School, Shillong, began with a spirit of enthusiasm and unity on Thursday 06 November, 2025 drawing together educationists, principals, and delegates from across the Salesian institutions of India. The theme of this year’s conference, “Educational Excellence in the Spirit of Don Bosco,” set the tone for the days ahead, inviting all participants to rediscover and renew their commitment to the Salesian educational mission. Twenty-Eight School Principals of the Province are attending the Conference.

The inaugural ceremony commenced with the Holy Eucharist presided over by Most Rev. Victor Lyngdoh, D.D., Archbishop of Shillong, followed by the formal inauguration of the Conference. The highlight of the morning was the keynote address delivered by Rev. Fr. Sebastian Kuricheal SDB, Provincial and the In-Charge of School Education for the South Asia region.

In his inaugural speech, Rev. Fr. Sebastian Kuricheal extended a warm welcome to all the delegates and participants. He spoke passionately about the strong foundation of Don Bosco schools, built on the enduring spirit and educational vision of St. John Bosco. “The Salesian schools,” he said, “are founded on the strong Spirit of Don Bosco, a spirit that believes in the potential of every young person. We are called not only to prepare our students for a career but to prepare them for life.”

Fr. Sebastian emphasized that education in the Salesian tradition is deeply rooted in a human touch, one that combines knowledge with compassion and discipline with love. He highlighted the importance of balancing academic excellence with moral and emotional growth, urging educators to see each student as a seed of promise. “Don Bosco saw every young person as full of potential,” he noted, “and our mission is to create spaces where that potential can flourish.”

The Provincial further invited participants to reflect on the changing educational landscape shaped by the National Education Policy (NEP) and the digital revolution. He encouraged teachers and administrators to engage with the NEP vision of holistic, inclusive, and skill-based learning, while staying faithful to the Salesian Preventive System rooted in reason, religion, and loving-kindness. “We must explore education as envisaged by the NEP,” he said, “while ensuring that no child is left behind especially those on the margins.”

Fr. Kuricheal also touched upon two key concerns poverty eradication and child protectionas integral to the mission of Salesian education today. He urged every Don Bosco institution to remain vigilant and proactive in creating safe, nurturing environments for children and to use education as a tool for social transformation.

Highlighting the opportunities and challenges of the digital era, he remarked, “The digital changes of our time are not threats but calls for educational growth. They invite us to adapt, to innovate, and to lead.” He concluded with a powerful call to action: “Let this conference be a time of learning and renewal. Learn the maximum you can here, and take back the inspiration to transform your schools into true centers of excellence where every young person can grow and succeed.”

The inaugural session was graced by several distinguished dignitaries, including Shri Lahkmen Rymbui, Education Minister of Meghalaya, Smt. Ampareen Lyngdoh, former Minister in the Meghalaya Government, Smt. Santa Mary Shylla, MLA, and Mr. Adelbert Nongrum, MLA. Later in the day, His Excellency Shri C. H. Vijayashankar, Governor of Meghalaya, also attended the programme and addressed the participants, commending the Salesian network for its transformative role in education across the nation.

The inaugural day thus marked a vibrant beginning to NECDBS 2025, setting a hopeful and visionary tone for the sessions to follow rooted in Don Bosco’s dream of forming “good Christians and honest citizens” for a better world.