VicePrincipal Accused of Rape Could be Framed. Role of Police is Suspect

Yerwada school

PUNE, (Joseph Dias) CSF — The Catholic Secular Forum (CSF) condemns the action of the Pune police while dealing with the vice-principal of Don Bosco School in Pune, who was arrested on charges of molesting a Std X student. Investigations by The CSF showed that Father Egidius Falcao was in all likelihood being framed.
To begin with, the Catholic priest was treated very badly and not even allowed to use his mobile phone by the police. Not only was he illegally confined and his version not listened to, but even the protests of several students went unheard.
Our inquiries reveal that on the date girl ‘victim’ was supposed to have been raped, she was marked absent in the school register. Further, the vice-principal’s office is made of glass and any attempt to molest or rape, would be clearly visible.
A supposed witness said she was under pressure by the ‘victim’s’ mother and retracted her statement. Others are afraid to talk,”  said Joseph Dias, The CSF general secretary.

Joseph Dias added “the delay of more than two weeks between the date of the alleged rape and the complaint to the Yerwada police station make the allegations even more suspect. The parent could easily have confided or complained about the priest to the Don Bosco church authorities or confronted the priest and did not have to wait so long to complain.”
The CSF has called for the case to be squashed and in a statement added that the “Church has zero tolerance for crimes against women”and hence, if the same had been brought to light would have acted promptly.

For more info, contact:
Joseph Dias +919769555657

Don Bosco Tech Plants 12,000 trees

Staff and students planting saplings.

KRISHNAGAR, (C.M. Paul) – In a major eco friendly venture Don Bosco Technical School Krishnagar launched an ambitious Go Green project of planting 12,000 (twelve thousand) high yielding timber saplings, for a week from 22 September. The project consists of planting saplings of high quality timber yielding local varieties of trees like Mahagani, Akashmuni, Teak, and Kodam.

While the cost per sapling worked out to Rs. 2 (Rs.24,000 for 12,000 plants) the additional expenses incurred for planting these come to Rs.26,000.

Explaining the urgency of the project Rector of 78 year old Don Bosco Youth Centre Krishnagar Fr Thomas Kayyalackal says, “It is to utilize the land lying fallow, to protect the property from being encroached, and to be part of the go green movement.”

MC nuns at Don Bosco Go Green Campaign

“Besides providing green cover to the barren area in our farm, we hope to provide employment to people as well as set a model for other people to emulate. Eventually we hope to get economic benefit of having timber of our carpentry training school as well as getting financial support for the institution,” said Fr Kayyalackal.

The Superintendent of DB Tech Fr Mani Kariapuram said, “We hope to involve some 80 people (all the formal students, teachers and other collaborators of the Don Bosco Technical School, Krishnagar – in this project.”

The government officials particularly the District Commissioner, the Sub Divisional Officer, as well as officials of the forest department, the police, the schools, religious communities around, the Salesian province of Kolkata have shown considerable interest in the novel project.

Week-long Go Green Campaign

Speaking at the inaugural function, local Member of Legislative Assembly Mr Aboni Joardar (Retd. IPS) said “This is indeed a praiseworthy initiative by Don Bosco Krishnagar and an example to be emulated and it is hoped that more and more people realise the necessity of such initiative and carry such projects forward.”

To ensure that the saplings are not forgotten after the initial hoopla the school authorities have divided the forest into several sections and each section will be entrusted to one class each. A few people are also employed to look after the trees.

With a sturdy wall around the compound, gates with cow traps, guards, regular supply of water and manure, the Go Green campaigners have ensured the plants’ growth and protection from predators.

Third DB Vocational Training Centre Opened in Jail.

Krishnagar District Jail

KRISHNAGAR, (N.T. Scaria) — Don Bosco Prison Ministry (DBPM) opened its third Vocational Training Centre (VTC) inside Krishnanagar District Jail, Nadia, West Bengal, 4 September. Inspector General of Correctional Services (Prisons) Mr. Ramvir Kumar IPS, inaugurated it while Salesian Bishop Joseph Gomes of Krisnagar blessed the center.

A large number of clergy and religious Sisters of Krishnagar diocese participated in the opening ceremony.

Presently this vocational training centre has 4 trades (Computer, Electrical (House wiring & motor winding) Garment making & Welding. Other suitable trades will be added later.

“This centre is the result of the determination of the staff, Inmates of the jail and staff of Don Bosco Prison Ministry Berhampore. They put extra effort to get the place in shape. Prisoners worked days and nights to make this project a success,” says DBPM founder director of Fr Scaria Nedumattam.

He added, “DBPM is proud to note that the Superintendent of Prisons Mr. Nazurul Islam contributed cash personally when urgent requirements occurred.”

The centre will run in collaboration with Don Bosco Tech. School Krishnagar, supervised by Fr. T.L. Francis and Fr. Mani (Director of DB Tech). Rector of DB Youth Centre Krishnagar Fr. K. T. Thomas has taken a keen interest and has assured the continuity of the project.

DBPM started its first Vocational Training Centre as a pilot project inside Berhampore Central Prison in 1998, which has over 2,000 prisoners. Midnapore Central Prison with 1,300 prisoners, followed and now, a third VTC at Krishnagar District Jail.

West Bengal State Minister in Charge of Prisons Mr. Sankar Chakravorty and Inspector General (Prisons) Mr. Ranvir Kumar IPS, have requested that DDBPM starts a VTC at Jalpaiguri Central Jail in North Bengal. The founder director of DBPM Fr. Scaria is studying its possibility.

Work starts at Don Bosco University’s 500 acre campus

Rogue Jumbo on Don Bosco University campus

With the graduation of the first batch of engineering students this year, Assam Don Bosco University, the first Catholic University in India (estd 2008) will hold its ground breaking ceremony at the site for its permanent campus at Tapesia Gardens some 16 kms away from state capital Dispur, 15 June, 2.00 pm..

The 90 minute programme will start with introductory words “The twists, the turns and the surprises along the way!” by Vice Chancellor Dr Stephen Mavely SDB.

It will be followed by a brief reflection “There is a time and a place… for everything under the sun!” by Dr Joseph Almeida SDB, Immediate Past Provincial Superior.

“I have been to the mountain top… I have seen the Promised Land!” will be an ‘as I see it’ personal monologue by Mr Kashi Nath Hazarika, Member of Governing Body.

Fr Thomas Vattathara SDB, Provincial Superior will sound the clarion call “Get on board… new horizons beckon!”

School Master Mr Ramesh Das, President, Kamarkuchi Gaon Panchayat will share his thoughts on “It takes a village to raise a university!”

Assam Don Bosco University logo

The Bidding-Prayers and the Prayer of Blessing will be led by Dr Cyriac Vettickathadam SDB, Controller of Examinations.

Fr VM Thomas will signal the ground breaking and Fr Joseph Almeida to bless the Stone Tepee.

“Tapesia Gardens – 500 acres of a myriad shades of green, undulating hills and babbling streams, playful elephants and frisky golden langours, shady jungle trails and cosy arbours, manicured tea bushes and leafy nooks that beckon… and swathes of wild flowers… unmatchable home for a University,” says the Vice Chancellor of the University describing the site.

He adds, “among the surprises in store for guests could be a herd of wild elephants who frequent the site…”

The Vice Chancellor Dr Stephen Mavely also noted the fact that it was in northeast India that the worldwide Salesian Congregation started off its first university college – St Anthony’s College Shillong in 1934 under the leadership of then cleric Giuseppe Bachierello. It was indeed a tremendous risk, considering the scarcity of men and resources they had then… just 12 years after their arrival in the region.

He did not hesitate to add, “venturing upon starting a University, 78 years later, is no less a daunting task… however, in view of the commitment of the Salesian world towards this project, and the enthusiastic welcome it has received from the government, civil and ecclesial leaders, and especially the youth of the region, this venture holds promise of blossoming into one of the most significant works of the Church and Don Bosco Society in India.”

Besides the facilities for regular students, the new campus is expected to house some 6,000 staff and students.
Pls chk the link to view the proposed Concourse of Assam Don Bosco University.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Qgp2_ZxNak

Kidnapped Don Bosco Student released

Takhellambam Rahul

KOLKATA, (C.M. Paul) – After eight days of public indignation over the disappearance of Don Bosco School Imphal student, Takhellambam Rahul Singh was found loitering around Chandel Bazar around 2:30pm on 30 April. Rahul had gone missing on April 21 after he left the school campus for the school boarding.

“We are extremely relieved and most delighted to have Rahul back safe and sound,” said the Rector and Principal of the School Fr C.C. Jose, in Kolkata rushing back to Imphal after addressing a national seminar in Bangalore.

“I am personally grateful to God and thank all authorities and people of good will who rallied around showing their support at this hour of tragedy,” said the principal who was greeted with the happy news on landing in Kolkata at 3.00 pm yesterday.

Rally for missing students in Imphal

Meanwhile, the Imphal East SDPO, RK Khomdon reached the Chandel SP office at around 8 pm and took custody of the boy who was found in a traumatised condition and looked drugged.

About the same time family members and school authorities also reached the police station.

The Police could not ascertain whether the boy was released by his captors following public pressure or he escaped on his own.

In the wake of rising child kidnapping cases inthe state, a militant outfit had claimed custody of the class VII student of Don Bosco High School, Chingmeirong T Rahul and demanded Rs 3 lakhs (USD 5,770) as ransom from the school authorities for the safe release of the boy.

Student bodies including the All Manipur Students Union, Democratic Students Alliance of Manipur, Kangleipak Students’ Association, Student Welfare Association of Kangleipak and Student Union of Kangleipak had convened a press conference, 26 April at the AMSU headquarters to condemn the act of terrorism and draw up course of action.

Rahul Singh, is son of T Sunil Singh of Ngaikhong Khullen, Bishnupur district.

Don Bosco Students honour non-teaching staff for Workers’ Day

A section of the non-teaching staff at DBPC event

KOLKATA, (C.M. Paul) – Senior students of Don Bosco School Park Circus organized a three hour programme to honour non-teaching staff of the school to mark Workers’ Day, 30 April. The programme held under the leadership of class XII students included two hour entertainment programme in the school auditorium followed by an hour long fun and frolic in the assembly hall organized by school’s Interact Club and LTS (Leadership Training Service). Besides floral bouquets, snacks, and gift each one of 29 non-teaching staff received cash gift.

The programme started off with a short video interview featuring all the non-teaching staff, most of them appearing on camera and seeing themselves on giant screen for the first time. It was prepared by the students of the Media & Culture Club.

DBPC Band performing for Workers' Day 2012

“Our non-teaching staff are integral and indispensable part of our institution,” said the Vice-principal Fr V.T. Joseph in his speech in Bengali thanking the staff for their unstinted and generous service, day in and day out.

The school Prefect Kastauv Bose echoed similar sentiments in his speech “the name and fame of our institution is to their credit,” he said underscoring their untiring labours to maintain “neat, clean and primly kept school ambiance.”

Besides the speeches, recitations, songs and dance, Class XII choir, school band and a 40-member interclass cast directed by Mr Anupam Banerjee depicted the fate of the labour class since India’s Independence to the present day.

Rajubhai performs for DBPC school community

The teachers representative Mr S.De thanked the non-teaching staff and rendered two fitting Bengali poems.

While two of the non-teaching staff sang songs, a third one (popular Rajubhai) sang and enthralled the audience with his magic skills. Mr.Britius Lakra thanked the students and school authorities on behalf of the non-teaching staff.

School body meets Christian parents

Christian parents meet at Don Bosco Park Circus

KOLKATA, (C.M. Paul) – Don Bosco School Park Circus had the annual start of the academic year meeting with the parents of Catholic and Christian students, on Bengali New Year day14^th April. Some 300 parents turned up to share the concerns of the teachers and management to see how best both the school and family could provide support for students. The meeting which lasted about 90 minutes had the principal, vice principal and teacher representatives of both high school and junior section share their concerns.

Speaking at the event were also neighbouring parish priests namely, Fr Orson Wells of Christ the King Church Park Circus and Fr K.K. Sebastian of Auxilium Church Gobra. (Parish priest of Fatima Church, another parish in the vicinity of the school which has scores of students studying in the school was absent).

DBPC Rector & Principal Fr Siby addresses parents

Addressing the parents, senior vice-principal Fr V.T Jose insisted “they must ensure: daily family prayer and a conducive atmosphere for their children.” He insisted that “parents be role models for their children.”

Mr. Barry, a teacher representative of the senior section, underlined the need for children to have normalcy, routine and discipline in their life not only at school but also at home.

Mrs. Chatterton a teacher of the Junior school, encouraged parents to help children ‘to lead from the front’ taking advantage of the many privileges they get in the school.

Fr Orson told parents to encourage their children to take part in the parish activities, like visiting Mother Teresa’s Home for the handicapped which he does every Thursday, or visitingSt Joseph’s Home for senior citizens every Sunday.

Fr K.K. Sebastian who has over 100 students form his parish studying in the school pleaded for greater participation in church attendance and activities.

School Bursar Fr K.A. Raphael talked about several scholarship facilities available for Christian students both from the Government and from School.

Bible Procession Concludes SCC Regional Meet

Bishop Lumen Monteiro of Agartala carrying the Holy Bible to the venue of the celebrations.

KOLKATA, (C.M. Paul) – The Eastern Regional Small Christian Community (SCC) meeting held for 23 dioceses of Northeast India and West Bengal(9-11 March) at Seva Kendra Kolkata concluded with a mega Bible procession and solemn concelebrated Eucharist, 11 March. The procession to honour the Holy Bible commenced from St Xavier’s College after 3 pm on Sunday and wound its way covering a little over one kilometer to Don Bosco School Park Circs Grounds.

Nine Bishops, some 100 priests and about 5,000 faithful took part in the procession with their creative and colourful display of biblical events.

Archbishop Thomas D’Souza of Calcutta presided over the open air Eucharistic celebration flanked by Bishops of Asansol and Bongaigaon. Other prelates participating at the procession and Holy Eucharist included bishops of Salem, Shimla, Agartala, Aizawl, Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri.

Trailer with the Holy Bible and Bishops

Three choirs from Prabhu Jisu Girja, Christ the King parish Park Circus and Loreto School Entally rendered songs in English, Bengali and Hindi.

Young people from city schools and parishes came out on the streets dressed in Biblical period costumes depicting scenes from the Holy Bible, particularly from the life of Jesus.

A large size book of the Holy Bible was mounted on a large trailer truck which also carried nine Bishops as well as the tweleve apostles.

Auxilium Parish Kolkata outshone other parishes by fielding several Biblical pagent groups representing each pastoral zone of the parish.

Open-air altar at Don Bosco Park Circus

The Bible procession followed the annual Corpus Christi route from the grounds of St Xavier’s College through Short Street and passed along Wood Street and spilled out on to the entire stretch of Mother Teresa Sarani (Park Street) on to Park Circus seven point crossing. From there the procession skirted Don Bosco Circle and entered Don Bosco School grounds through the back gate into the grounds.

It is to be noted that the Bible procession did not obstruct the normal flow of vehicular traffic en route as the procession occupied only one third of the road.

The only minor traffic disruptions were at the Park Street and AJC Bose Road crossing near Mullick Bazar and at Don Bosco Circle.

The miracle of 5 loaves and 2 fishes.

The procession was the brain child of SCC national Service Team member and convener Sr Christine Joseph ably assisted by Fr I.P. Sarto. The pair had the backing of the director of the diocesan Bible Commission, Catholic Association of Bengal, Signis, as well as several youth groups and pious associations.

The tangible fruit of the Bible Porcession is the solemn commencement of 5th annual Bible Course held at archbishop’s House, scheduled for 15 March. Professors of Morning Star College and other Bible scholars are facilitating the popular Saturday evening classes.

Cricket Helps Don Bosco Kolkata Educative Community Bond

20th annual Daddy Cricket winners 2k12

KOLKATA, (C.M. Paul) – Bengal’s popular game cricket was instrumental to bring together some 130 families of children studying in a Kolkata school for a day long tournament and fellowship. Running in its 20^th year, this annual event christened Daddy Cricket was the idea of a cricket lover Principal Fr K.T. Thomas (RIP) of Don Bosco School Park Circus, Kolkata.

The sponsor of the event was Kolkata’s leading Jewelers, P.C. Chandra Group with CEO Mr. Proshanto Chandra himself present all through the day.

“It is in deed a day long picnic with sports and camaraderie for all of us to interact with Don Bosco Fathers, parents and children,” said founder member of the tournament Mr Tapan Das (1968 batch) who coordinated and supervised the entire event.

Lucky mummy winner at Daddy Cricket 2012

“Most of us are new to each other and the day long tournament helps us bond with each other,” he added introducing friends he made through Daddy Cricket over the last 20 years.

Fr Rector reminded all about the tournament being an occasion to help build the educative community consisting of teachers, parents and children bonding together through sports in the educative atmosphere of the playfield.

The day started at 8 am Sunday 5^th February, with registration of daddies of children studying at DBPC. Rector & Principal Fr Siby helped form the teams through lucky draw. After the inaugural session at 9 am, eight teams started off their tournament playing two sets of matches simultaneously, six overs each inning.

Man of the Tournament with Rector and Sponsor

While daddies were busy playing in the main field, children formed teams and kept themselves occupied playing cricket all over the campus.

Mummies who came along sat under umbrellas and in the two pavilions cheering daddies. During the course of the day, mummies had several competitive events with attractive prizes.

The finals were held in the main pitch, with eight overs each inning. The event concluded by 5 pm with the prize distribution ceremony and principal announcing next year’s Daddy Cricket date, 3^rd February 2013.

The school also has Daddy Football tournament, attracting another set of sport lovers.

Alumni Host Iftar Party in School

Staff and Alumni at Don Bosco Kolkata Iftar 2011

KOLKATA, (C.M. Paul) – The Alumni of Don Bosco School Park Circus held Iftar party for the Salesin staff and past pupils, on Sunday 14th August 2011.

“This is the only school in Kolkata Salesian province where Iftar party is held regularly,” says Rector and Principal Fr Siby Vadakel seated along with Alumni.

The Alumni World Council member Mr Rajesh Gupta adds, “The practice has been going on for the last five years now.”

Local Alumni president Mr T.V. Noman explains that, “on this day when we break the fast, we celebrate our fellowship with the past pupils.”

The local alumni also conduct DB Night School with some 750 boys and girls, mostly Muslims from the neighbourhood.

They study up to class VIII, and hopefully clear class ten exams through the NOS (NationalOpenSchool) scheme.

The Alumni also conduct Adult Literacy programme for some 200 Muslim girls from the Madrassa schools.

For Iftar party in school there were eight tables set with eight chairs each. The Alumni and Salesian staff were seated (all men) and exchanging pleasantries while a variety of seven fresh fruits, dates, juice and five types of fried items were served. At 6.14 pm, Iftar was declared after which all started to eat.

Iftar refers to the evening meal when Muslims break their fast during the Islamic month of Ramadan. Iftar is one of the religious observances of Ramadan and is often done as a community, with people gathering to break their fast together. Iftar is done right after Maghrib (sunset) time. Traditionally, a date is the first thing to be consumed

when the fast is broken. In places like Hyderabadand Kolkata, people break their fast with Haleem (mutton / lamb cooked in daal) because it has a rich taste and is quite filling.

Many Muslims believe that feeding someone Iftar as a form of charity is very rewarding and that it was practiced by Prophet Muhammad.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, which lasts 29 or 30 days. It is the Islamic month of fasting, in which participating Muslims refrain from eating, drinking and sexual intimacy with their partners during daylight hours and is intended to teach Muslims about patience, spirituality, humility and submissiveness to God.

Muslims fast for the sake of Allah and offer more prayer than usual. Compared to the solar calendar, the dates of Ramadan vary, moving backwards by about eleven days each year depending on the moon; thus, a person will have fasted every day of the calendar year in 34 years’ time. Muslims believe Ramadan to be an auspicious month for the revelations of God to humankind, being the month in which the first verses of The Qur’an were revealed to prophet Muhammad.