Guwahati (India). From 24 to 28 July 2025, the 1st meeting for the leaders of the ISS-FMA India was held at the Campus Auxilium Reach Out in Guwahati, in Mother of the Church Province (ING), which brought together nine Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, heads of the FMA Institutions of Higher Studies from all over India.
“Envisioning the Future of FMA India Higher Education” is the theme chosen to respond to current educational realities and chart a path rooted in the Salesian spirit of reason, religion, and loving- kindness.
The meeting opened with a solemn ceremony. The former Provincial, Sister Elizabeth George, then drew on Church teachings and Indian educational needs in her discourse to outline a bold and hopeful vision. She urged the Coordinators to make the FMA Institutions holistic formation spaces, suggesting initiatives such as: strengthening networks inside and outside the FMA world, facilitating staff sharing and collaborative projects, promoting research, especially in Emerging Institutions, deepen institutional identity with clarity and conviction.
Among the highlights, were the academic in-depth lectures at Assam Don Bosco University (ADBU) by the Salesians of Don Bosco of Mary Help of Christians Province (ING).
- Dr. Bikramjit Goswami offered insights into governance challenges and good practices in Indian higher education, in reference to the National Education Policy (NEP 2020) and highlighting the educational vision of Don Bosco.
- Fr. Joseph Nellanatt, SDB, introduced participants to AI tools for administration, teaching, and learning, encouraging responsible digital integration.
- Dr. Vijay Prasad spoke about cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, providing participants with the tools to recognize and counter digital threats through concrete strategies. A lively quiz animated the presentation and encouraged active participation and integration.
Witness the mission in action
The heads of the FMA institutions also presented their educational initiatives. It was of great mutual encouragement to learn about the many programs and activities carried out on and off university campuses by the FMA in collaboration with lay teachers, students, and others. In addition to the presentations, the leaders had the opportunity to share the “miracles” experienced in their mission field, the good practices followed in their institutions, the challenges they face as educators and leaders, the spiritual values that guide their mission in education. These moments of sharing stimulated each other, reinforcing a greater sense of unity as ISS FMA India.
Cultural immersion at Shillong e Guwahati
There was no shortage of cultural and recreational moments, such as the visit to Don Bosco Center for Indigenous Cultures (DBCIC), in Shillong, where the participants were able to admire the rich ethnic heritage of North-East India exhibited in the museum; the visit to the Community College in Bellefonte, which will soon inaugurate an evening school under the guidance of Sister Helen Puwein; the warm welcome at Auxilium College, Udalguri, with a traditional Bodo dance; a lively cultural evening at the Don Bosco Institute in Guwahati, with a celebration of the diversity and liveliness of tribal youth.
The group also worked on planning the Fourth ISS-FMA World Meeting, scheduled for March 2026 in the Philippines. They also elaborated some concrete projects for the coming years, such as organizing a webinar once a year and an in-person ISS-FMA meeting every two years, with the aim of ensuring continuous formation and collaboration between ISS-FMA India, to strengthen and support networking.
This five-day gathering was more than just a meeting. It was a moment of grace, dialogue, and vision of the future. Rooted in Salesian synodality and values, the FMA renewed their dedication to building spiritually lively, socially responsible, and technologically ready institutions to continue to be generative in the style of Don Bosco and Mother Mazzarello.
