Assam Don Bosco University (ADBU), Azara campus, on 10 June 2025 organized a one-day Faculty Development Programme (FDP) for teachers from Don Bosco Schools across the region. Held in the University’s Conference Hall, the event brought together educators committed to holistic and value-based teaching in the spirit of St. John Bosco.

The keynote address was delivered by Fr. Sebastian Kuricheal SDB, Provincial of the Salesian Province of Guwahati, who applauded the initiative as the first of its kind for Salesian school teachers. “This is a good initiative to train our teachers,” he remarked. “It takes time to bring about change… but we must shift our mentality in teaching. Teachers must deepen their subject knowledge and adapt to the times.”

Fr. Sebastian emphasized that education has evolved, and every individual, including the child, possesses innate capacity. With knowledge readily accessible through media and technology, he urged teachers to keep learning in order to impact lives. Drawing inspiration from Don Bosco, he reminded the audience how the Industrial Revolution prompted the Saint to introduce technical education to empower youth. “Education must be relevant, preparing students to apply what they learn, to become useful members of society. We must accompany the young, guiding them towards a better future,” he said.

The inaugural session also saw the release of departmental newsletters, celebrating the academic vibrancy of ADBU.

The technical sessions began with Prof. Manoranjan Kalita’s presentation on “ADBU, The Preferred University,” followed by an insightful overview of the National Education Policy (NEP) by Dr. Bikramjit Goswami. Dr. Vijay Prasad introduced practical tools under “Digital & AI Tools for Teaching,” and Fr. Joseph Nellanatt explored “Digital Resources for Teachers and Students.”

After a guided campus tour, the sessions resumed with a talk by Fr. Bivan Rodrigues Mukhim on “Educating the Don Bosco Way,” which resonated deeply with the participants. Fr. Lukose Cheruvalel spoke on promoting social involvement through education, while Prof. Vikramjit Kakati and Prof. Bobby Sharma conducted an engaging session on Design Thinking and Innovation. Dr. Bamdeb Dey introduced a new approach to teaching science and mathematics with creative thinking, and Prof. Dinesh Baishya concluded with insights into Indian and Indigenous Knowledge Systems.

The day concluded with a valedictory session marked by the felicitation of speakers, participant feedback, certificate distribution, and a vote of thanks. It was a landmark step in empowering Don Bosco educators with contemporary pedagogical tools while remaining rooted in the foundational charism of Salesian education.