The Province witnessed a grace-filled and intellectually enriching gathering as it hosted the Two-Day Workshop on Salesian Pedagogy titled “Educating with the Heart of Don Bosco: A Journey into Salesian Pedagogy.” Held at the Provincial House, Panbazar, the workshop brought together members of the Salesian Family, clerics, sisters and teachers, eager to rediscover the educational spirit of Don Bosco.

In his inaugural address held on 27 February 2026, the Provincial, Rev. Fr. Sebastian Kuricheal SDB, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Rev. Fr. P.D. Johny SDB, Secretary of SPCSA, for taking forward the vision of SPCSA in organizing Salesian Pedagogy Workshops across the Provinces of South Asia, and in particular in the Province of Guwahati. He acknowledged that such initiatives are timely and necessary to keep alive the charism of Don Bosco in the region.

Fr. Sebastian also warmly appreciated Fr. Patrick Lepcha SDB, Director of DBYA, for his presence and for generously animating the sessions. He noted that the workshop would help every member of the Salesian Family to “inherit from Don Bosco” and renew their passion for the mission entrusted to them.

Quoting Don Bosco, the Provincial reminded participants that education is not merely an intellectual exercise but a transformative encounter. “Don Bosco, when speaking of education, said that it is about educating not only the mind but the heart as well,” he emphasized. He urged the participants to embrace the famous motto of Don Bosco, “Give me souls,” as a guiding principle in their ministry, calling them to look attentively at the children and young people in their presences and faithfully carry out the responsibilities entrusted to them.

Reflecting on the Preventive System, Fr. Sebastian underlined the three foundational pillars reason, religion, and loving-kindness as the essential attitudes for working with the young. “A loving heart is very, very important,” he insisted. “We become other Don Boscos.” He encouraged the educators to cultivate a compassionate presence that listens, accompanies, and empowers.

Highlighting the relevance of Don Bosco’s educational system in the Northeast, the Provincial remarked with conviction: “Don Bosco is a household name in our region; we cannot lose the mission of Don Bosco.” He challenged the participants to safeguard and strengthen this legacy by living the Salesian spirit authentically in schools, parishes, youth centres, and institutions.

Concluding his address, Fr. Sebastian offered a profound insight: “Learning and deepening our understanding of Don Bosco, we become what Don Bosco wants us to be. We encounter the young in encountering Don Bosco.”

The workshop sessions focused on rediscovering Don Bosco’s life and educational vision, understanding the key principles of Salesian pedagogy, creating protective environments for children, and becoming caring, person-oriented educators. Participants engaged in discussions, group activities, and reflective sharing, reaffirming their commitment to be educators with a heart.