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Eco-Friendly Initiatives at ACS, Dum Dum

On 14th July 2025, a Canvas Painting competition was held in Auxilium Convent School, Dum Dum, showcasing the creativity and imagination of students from Middle and High school. Each group was given a different theme. Middle School students painted on the theme “My Happy Place.” Their canvases came alive with forests, mountains, rivers, flowers, birds, beaches, and seas, reflecting their love for nature and joyful spaces. High School students explored the theme “Monsoon Melody”. Their paintings beautifully capture the magic of the rainy season, with scenes like waterfalls cascading down hills, misty mountains, rainy evenings, and tranquil monsoon landscapes. The event was judged by an art teacher and two special guests. The top three participants from each category were awarded the certificate for their wonderful work.

On 14th July 2025, a glass painting competition was organized at Auxilium Convent School, Dum Dum, for both middle school and high school students. The event aimed to promote creativity, artistic skills, and environmental awareness through the unique medium of glass painting. The competition was conducted in two categories based on the themes, “Underwater Wonder” for middle school students, where young artists brought the hidden world beneath the sea to life with vibrant colors and imaginative scenes. The artworks beautifully captured the colorful marine life, coral reefs, and the mysterious world beneath the sea. Each painting reflected imagination. Deep appreciation for the ocean life and love for nature. “The power of Nature” for the high school students, where participants expressed the majestic and sometimes destructive forces of nature through thoughtful and impactful artwork. The artwork featured images like hands holding Mother Earth, trees with human faces symbolizing nature’s soul, thunderstorms, forests, and greenery growing from mountaintops- all reflecting the deep connection between humans and the environment. The paintings conveyed strong messages of care, protection, and the strength of nature. Students enthusiastically took part in the event, using glass sheets, acrylic paints, and various tools to showcase their talent. The glass paintings were judged by an art teacher along with a guest. The top three participants were awarded certificates of excellence for their outstanding creativity and artistic expression.

The elocution competition for the K.G. students was held on 30 July 2025 with great joy and enthusiasm. The tiny speakers came forward to share their thoughts on meaningful themes like Say No to Plastics, Save Water, and Save Mother Earth, and the importance of Solar Panels. The little ones spoke with confidence and charm. Their short and clear messages reminded everyone about the importance of protecting our environment. Though very young, they expressed big ideas – using less plastic, saving each drop of water, caring for Mother Earth, and making use of the bright energy of the sun. The competition not only boosted the confidence of the children but also spread valuable awareness. The competition concluded with applause for all participants and the reminder that even small voices can make a big difference in shaping a greener tomorrow.

Case Study: School-Based Environmental Stewardship in India and Nepal

English: https://laudatosiactionplatform.org/case-study-school-based-environmental-stewardship-in-india-and-nepal/

Spanish: https://plataformadeaccionlaudatosi.org/estudio-de-caso-gestion-medioambiental-en-escuelas-de-la-india-y-nepal/

Italian: https://piattaformadiiniziativelaudatosi.org/caso-di-studio-tutela-ambientale-in-ambito-scolastico-in-india-e-nepal/

Portuguese: https://plataformadeacaolaudatosi.org/estudo-de-caso-gestao-ambiental-escolar-na-india-e-no-nepal/

French: https://plate-formedactionlaudatosi.org/etude-de-cas-gestion-environnementale-a-lecole-en-inde-et-au-nepal/

Earth Day Winners of the Drawing Competition (FMA INC)

Juniors First – Auxilium, Barasat

Juniors, Second – Auxilium, Dum Dum

Arushi Biswas / Class 5 A

Juniors, Second – Shehalaya, Palam Gaon

Archana / Class X

Juniors, Third St. Antony’s, Jaigaon

Khushi Kerketta / Class VII

Juniors, Third – Auxilium, Monsada

Juniors, Third – HC Auxilium, R.K. Puram

Aadishakti / V C

Seniors, First – Auxilium, Dum Dum

Shreya Paul / Class XI

Seniors, Second St. Antony’s, Jaigaon

Keroline Oraon / Class XII

Seniors, Second – St. Mary’s Geyzing

Kripa Rai

Seniors, Third – Auxilium, Barasat

Seniors, Third – Auxilium, Dum Dum

Ashmita Saha

Christian Fellowship Meet 2025

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28

On January 25, 2025, Auxilium Convent School, Dum Dum, hosted a meaningful Christian fellowship meeting with the theme “WE ARE ONE IN CHRIST,” as part of the final day of the Unity Octave. The event was organized by Sr. Stella, the animator of Auxilium Convent Dum Dum, with the consent and support of Fr. Irudaya Raj, the Parish Priest of St. Patrick’s Church, Dum Dum. Sr. Stella expressed her deep gratitude to Mr. Ashok Dolui, whose tireless efforts were instrumental in bringing together pastors from various Christian denominations. This fellowship gathering brought together members from five different denominations who joined hands in prayer, fostering unity in Christ.

The prayer meeting commenced at 6:00 pm in the school hall, and the evening began with Mr. Ashok Dolui introducing the esteemed personalities present. Sr. Stella extended a heartfelt welcome to all attendees, thanking the pastors for accepting the invitation to participate in the prayer meeting. Among the honoured guests was Fr. Irudaya Raj, who took the opportunity to felicitate Pastor Rev. Ritesh Kumar, the Bishop-elect of Believers’ Church, with a bouquet. The presence of other distinguished pastors was also acknowledged with the presentation of utorio Pastor Rev. Gopa Mondol of the Assembly of God’s Church, Pastor Rev. Deben Pramanik of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Pastor Rev. Sukmal Kumar of the Baptist Church, and Pastor Rev. Thatheus Alfred of the Berachah Evangelical Church.

Soon after the welcoming ceremony, the gathering invoked God’s presence through the lighting of the lamp. Sr. Stella, Fr. Irudaya Raj, the five pastors, and their representatives were invited to light the lamp together, the symbol of the shared light of Christ among the diverse Christian communities present. The Auxilium staff further enriched the atmosphere by welcoming the gathering with a melodious song.

Following the lighting of the lamp, the priest and pastors were invited to speak on the theme “We Are One in Christ.” Fr. Irudaya Raj began the address on the theme of creating a new heaven and new earth, followed by a prayer song performed by the Auxilium Sisters and staff. Each of the five pastors then took the opportunity to share their reflections on the theme. After the presentations, the gathering participated in a special moment of sharing their faith in Jesus by exchanging lighted candles accompanied by the song bind us together Lord, symbol of the spreading of Christ’s light to one another.

Fr. Irudaya Raj concluded the prayer moment with a short prayer for unity and the whole assembly prayed for communion in Jesus Christ. The evening was further uplifted by a soulful performance from the Bengali Choir of St. Patrick’s Church, Dum Dum. The event concluded with a Vote of thanks, and the serving of snacks, and the participants had the chance to engage in conversations to know each other to build relationships. The evening concluded with a spirit of friendship and shared faith, as the participants left with a renewed sense of fellowship and hope for greater unity among Christian communities.

FMA Salesian Family Day

AUXILIUM BARASAT: “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much” The prophetic vision, which began as a tiny seed in the heart of little John Bosco through his dream at nine, has grown into a vast and thriving tree, branching out into the great movement we now know as the Salesian Family of Don Bosco.

On 25th August 2024, a new chapter unfolded for FMA INC Salesian Sisters with the celebration of FMA Salesian Family Day at Auxilium Convent Barasat. The theme of the day was “Don Bosco’s Dream at Nine”. The Salesian Sisters, Past Pupils, Co-Operators, ADMA and VDB members of Bandel, Barasat, Dum Dum, Ranchi and Park Circus attended the event. The event was thoughtfully conceptualized and meticulously planned by the Provincial delegate of the Salesian Family INC Sr. Stella Potteparambil which paved the way for an outstanding and brilliant programme.

The Day commenced with the Holy Eucharist celebrated by Fr. Joseph Manipadam the National delegate for the Salesian Family enriched with collaboration with various units of the Salesian family and FMA aspirantate community     

Rev. Fr. Joseph Manipadam presented the programme of the Salesian family with its goals and objectives based on the Salesian family meet held at Dimapur organized by the Salesian family sector from Rome.

The cultural fiesta commenced with the melodious welcome song by the candidates and boarders of Auxilium Barasat and an enchanting welcome dance by the aspirants of Bamunmura.  Sr. Stella in her welcome speech reiterated how the impact of this dream of Don Bosco at the age of nine was the genesis of the birth of the Salesian Charism.  She exhorted the assembly to live the common mission and vision and the comradeship among all the various groups with oneness and purpose. She presented to the audience the newly constituted FMA INC Salesian Family Consultative Council (FMA INC SFCC). The members consisted of delegates from Salesian family, representatives from Salesian cooperators, ADMA members and Past Pupils from each unit and past pupil’s federation president.

The theme of the cultural festival was “The Dream of Don Bosco at the age of nine’ to meaningfully celebrate its   bicentenary and it was anchored by the president of the past Pupils unit Ms. Sangamitra B.  The event consisted of the presentations of the comprehensive report of the activities of Past pupils, Salesian cooperators and ADMA of the past years giving a detailed overview of what each unit is accomplishing to carry out Don Bosco’s mission. The Salesian family relived the dream of their founder: The Salesian cooperators through a song Past pupils through a musical and the ADMA members through a tableau

Finally, the members got into groups center-wise to discuss a common project they could carry out as a Salesian family. In the general assembly, the centers presented the following visionary projects.

Bandel:  Planation drive and food supply to the orphanage

Barasat: Holding sports tournaments and distribution of food and clothing for the lower strata of the society.

Dum Dum:  Organizing children’s day, Don Bosco’s feast for the underprivileged children of the locality and health camps for the poor.

The FMA INC Salesian family Consultative council pledged to propagate values through social medium platforms to transform the society bereft of ethics.

The episode came to a close with the vote of thanks of Sr. Stella, the provincial delegate for the Salesian family and song to our Blessed Mother.

The day was a majestic celebration of unity and parity amongst people coming from different walks of life joined by a common cord of Salesian charism is validated by the participants. 

“The Salesian Family Day was truly a day of Thanksgiving to God and our Blessed Mother for the gift of Salesian charism that unites us as members of the same family, living the same dream of Don Bosco his spirit and mission in different walks of life.  Coming together as a salesian family was a great means to strengthen the bonds of communion among ourselves and to live our common vision and mission with renewed vigour and oneness of Purpose. “Sr. Lily Perumpettikunnel  Delegate of ADMA Barasat

“It was a heartwarming, enriching gathering that brought together members of the Salesian family in a spirit of unit, joy to reflect upon Don Bosco’s mission. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Sr. Stella for her exceptional efforts in organizing and coordinating this meaningful event” Diangeli Majumder Bandel  Past Pupil Bandel

“The theme of the day was well chalked out and very meaningful to boost our heart, mind and soul to commit ourselves to dedicate to the dream of Don Bosco. Though it was the first gathering of FMA Salesian Family, I feel it was awesome” Mr. Ashok Dolui Salesian cooperator  Dum Dum

“Yesterday we witnessed the beginning of a new chapter in FMA INC like creation of a beautiful garland, each of us Past Pupils, cooperators, ADMA, and Salesian sisters being different beads strung together perfectly in a single chord to create a stunning success.  Ms. Sangamitra  B.  Past pupil of Dum Dum

 “The Story of a Divine Child” The Footprints of Ishani Das

Ishani Das was a student of Auxilium School, Dum Dum, Kolkata who left this world for eternity on 08 January 2024 leaving her footprints in the family, the school and among her friends at the age of 15. Her legacy of exemplary life remains for others to follow and her suffering life for others to have the courage to emulate.

Ishani was a simple and ordinary girl of our time. She was diagnosed with cancer when she was studying in class IX and she suffered for more than a year with serenity and submission without any lamentation bravely.

She was a wonderful soul who lived heavenward. She is an inspiration to young people and their parents. She was a gift to others in the school and outside during her life journey.

When you read the story of this beautiful soul you will be awe-struck at how passionately she lived her life for others. “How could this young teenager have such faith and courage at a tender age? Let us live our ordinary lives extraordinarily.