NECDBS-2022

National Educational Conference 2022 – Don Bosco Schools India

Theme: Enhancing Child-Centered, Participatory, and Experiential Learning Spaces
Venue: Don Bosco Senior Secondary School, Vaduthala, Kochi, Kerala
Dates: 16th – 19th November 2022
Province: Sacred Heart Province of Bangalore (INK)

The National Educational Conference of Don Bosco Schools India (NECDBS 2022) brought together education leaders, principals, and headmasters from across the Indian provinces to deliberate on the evolving educational landscape and the Salesian mission in education.

The four-day event aimed to enhance child-centered, participatory, and experiential learning environments inspired by Don Bosco’s Preventive System — emphasizing reason, religion, and loving-kindness as the foundation of holistic education.

Overview

Hosted at Don Bosco Senior Secondary School, Vaduthala, Kochi, the conference served as a dynamic platform for educators to share insights, experiences, and innovative practices. The sessions focused on socio-emotional learning, digital transformation, vocational education, participatory pedagogy, and the Salesian educational framework.

All Heads and Principals of Don Bosco institutions across India attended the conference and the General Assembly. The Assembly resolved to strengthen the Don Bosco Schools Association India (DBSAI) as a national-level representative body to coordinate and advance Salesian education across the country.

Highlights of the Sessions

Session 1: Socio-Emotional Growth of Children

• Topic: Cognitive Behavioural Approach for the Socio-Emotional Growth of Children

• Speakers:

  • Dr. Fr. Joe Kokkandathil SDB, Principal, Don Bosco Degree College, Chitradurga – International Trainer in Emotional Hygiene

  • Dr. Fr. Binu Scaria, Kerala State Director, Project Dream

• Focus: Understanding the need for emotional hygiene and developing a cognitive-behavioral approach to promote emotional well-being among students.

Session 2: Don Bosco – A Safe, Friendly, and Growth-Enhancing Home

• Speaker: Dr. Fr. John Parankimalil SDB, Executive Director, Don Bosco Institute of Management, Guwahati

• Focus: The role of Salesian institutions as safe and growth-enhancing environments where young people experience faith, friendship, and formation.

Session 3: Moulding Participatory Educational Environments

• Speakers:

  • Mrs. Neethu Krishna, Clinical Research Professional

  • Mr. Joji Paul, CBSE Master Trainer

  • Dr. Anna Neena George, Associate Professor, Goa Vidyaprasarak Mandal

• Moderator: Dr. Dhanya Bhaskaran, Educationalist, Macmillan Education Pvt. Ltd.

• Focus: Encouraging collaboration, experiential methods, and participatory approaches in modern classrooms.

Session 4: Salesian Schools – A Frame of Reference

• Speakers:

  • Dr. Fr. Joseph Manippadeth SDB, South Asian Coordinator for Education & Culture

  • Dr. Fr. Sivy Koroth SDB, South Asian Coordinator for Education to Faith

  • Fr. Robert Simon, Secretary, AIDBES & SA Delegate for Youth Ministry

  • Fr. Gabriel Karunaraj, South Asian Coordinator for Vocation Animation & Guidance

• Focus: Revisiting Don Bosco’s educational philosophy and its relevance in shaping faith, culture, social responsibility, and vocational discernment among students.

Session 5: Experiential Learning – Vocational Training, Challenges & Opportunities

• Speaker: Fr. George Manneduppankuzhiyil SDB, Executive Director, DB Tech

• Focus: The importance of skill-based education and vocational training as a pathway to employability and dignity of labor.

Session 6: Digitalization in Education

• Speakers:

  • Mr. Ketty Cherian, Founder & CEO, d’Katia Software Technologies

  • Mr. Prabhul Anil Narayan, Head of Operations, d’Katia Software Technologies

  • Mr. Sumanth Prabhu, Co-Founder & CEO, Ulipsu Learning

  • Mr. Mahesh A. P., Manager – Digital Banking Ambassador, Federal Bank

• Moderator: Mr. Jose Jacob Kalayil, Founder & CEO, INTEGRO Infotech & Consulting

• Focus: Integrating technology through ERP systems, digital learning, and financial literacy to enhance institutional efficiency and student engagement.

Session 7: Discourse by the Vicar of the Rector Major

• Speaker: Rev. Martoglio Stefano SDB, Vicar of the Rector Major

• Focus: Inspiring the educators with the global Salesian vision and the call to accompany young people with faith and hope.

Session 8 & 9: Innovations in Education – Around the Globe

• Speakers:

  • Dr. George Panicker, Founder & CEO, International STEAM Research

  • Ms. Vibina Patric, Music Educationist

  • Dr. Manu Melwin Joy, Assistant Professor, CUSAT

  • Mr. Sunil Paul, CEO – Srishti Robotics

  • Mr. Athil Krishna, CEO, I Hub Robotics

  • Mr. Sijin B. T., Sports Management Expert

• Focus: Exploring global innovations including STEAM learning, gamification, robotics, music in cognitive development, virtual reality, and integrating sports into education.

Conclusion

The conference reaffirmed Don Bosco’s vision of education as a transformative mission — one that integrates intellectual formation, emotional intelligence, moral grounding, and technological readiness. The collaborative spirit among the participants strengthened the resolve to continue building safe, innovative, and faith-driven educational spaces for the young across India.